Saelyna and her twin brother, Cyran, are among the last, few elves in Halden that are still healing from the wounds of the rebellion. They both work in the King's Glade, growing the magical kingpeas for His Grace's use. One day, Saelyna steals some of the peas in a bid to sell them and repay her brother for the loss of his sheep. That same evening, a werewolf attacks Cyran while hunting, injuring him severely. He escapes and makes it home, but is dying from the wound. A mysterious stranger stops by to help, and uses the peas to heal him. The king's mages, however, have detected the use of magic and send their scouts to apprehend the culprit. Saelyna and Cyran prepare to flee, but are kidnapped, along with other elves. They are taken to a land called Eldad, and their captors turned out to be the werewolves, who wants them to work on their lands and grow more kingpeas to aid their second attempt at a rebellion. Saelyna is placed under the claws of Caivan, who turns out to be the mysterious stranger who saved Cyran's life. And Cyran is forced to work for Gylen, the werewolf who had attacked him. Saelyna finds out that he's not the helping kind though. Caivan is the pack's beta, and next in line to be the alpha, which requires him to be brutal, sharp at will and self-centered. Over time, though, Saelyna and Caivan grow closer, bonding over their affinity for magic, their plans to escape the world and their love for books.
View More'Elf'.
The hissed words jolt me out of my reverie, and I look up at the contemptuous face of the line man. He's tall, heavily bearded and his nose is scrunched up as he examines me. No surprises there. I'm used to it.
I step forward and raise my arms as usual. He starts from my neck, then down my back, down my sides, across my legs. I recall the first time I was to out up with that. The lineman on duty that day got a bit excited, and I reacted quickly. And painfully too. My knuckles hurt for days, but I don't compare it with the broken nose he had to deal with.
I feel that queasiness return, as the man doubles back, and his arms rove up my side again. I try to be still, and hope he doesn't notice my beating heart or my droopy eyelids.
He doesn't. He steps back with a grunt. 'Go on, elf'. For some stupid reason, I blurt, 'It's Saelyna'. He turns sharply at that. 'What did you say, elf?' he snarls, eyes glinting. Right. He's a moose-genn. I definitely should have kept shut. 'A slip, that's all. I apologize', I say quickly and take steps backward. He grinds his jaws and gets back to searching the workers.
My heart is literally pounding in my chest as I make my way to the food stand, the small pouch rubbing against my hip. Aranon and the Six must be alive, then. I mutter silent prayer of thanks when I get to the stands.
Camille looks up as I get close, and her green eyes brighten. Sometimes, I wonder if she's really human; that kind of beauty is usually an elf's attribute. I've known her since our third moonclick though, and she's just the most graceful person I know.
'Hey', she says, 'What's up?' 'The usual, Cam. The usual'. And I just stole a couple of kingpeas, so okay, that's not usual. She grins at me. 'We talked. Today. Cyran and I', she says. 'Wow. What about? He mentioned a date yet?' She chuckles, a soft, enchanting sound that just eases me. 'No, Gazelles, no. We just…you know, got to another level'. She lowers her voice to a whisper. 'I think he was flirting'. I try to envision Cyran flirting. The image doesn't stick. 'Well, keep up at this rate and you might invite me to your wedding…in a decade'. Camille opens her mouth in mock shock and punches me in the arm. 'I'm just saying, Cam, you've been crushing on him for a year now. Or more. I mean, you have to tell him'. 'No. No, the thought terrifies me. What if he's not interested?' I clear my throat.
Cyran approaches us. He looks different when he's without the apron and his hair is tied back into a ponytail. I'm still trying to align the image with the scrawny nine-year old who used to hide behind his sister. I can't.
He grins at us. 'Hey', he says, 'What are you two talking about?' I reply before Camille, 'Oh nothing much, just you'. He raises his brow and stares at Camille. Her neck and cheeks are beet red, so she busies herself with taking down the stands. 'Huh', he says, 'Ok…um..I'm about to hit the road. I'm tired'. 'Yeah, me too', I tell him, 'Camille, you coming?' She doesn't turn when she replies. 'Uh, no. I got a..a thing with Garrick, so um…later?' 'Sure', Cyran says, 'Take care!'
Usually, we wait up for the rest of the our peers, but I just want to get home early. I can't stand one more minute in this place, with stolen stuff in my side pocket.
We both head down the path that leads away from The King's Glade, and into the forest. I love it here. The tall trees that barely sway in the spring wind, the quiet chirps and whistles of birds and squirads, the sweet, fresh smell of nature.
Cyran and I used to come here when we were little. Just the edge of the woods, though. The older kids poisoned our minds with tales of spindars and giant lizards, the mad croc-genns and shadow walkers. Granted, they were not wrong. But those creatures live on the other side of Quindar, in the forsaken Leftydes. I just wish I had known that years earlier, before the times Cyran and I would bolt from the place at the slightest uncanny sound.
I look at him now. He walks with an easy stride, whistling softly and staring ahead. He has the godsight, (something we do our best to keep to ourselves), so I know he's scanning the path yards ahead of us, inspecting the trees, the animals and the guards. He's so gifted, but he doesn't realize it. Or doesn't care. He stopped doing so since the Rebellion.
I think he's mad at me. He doesn't need to speak for me to know. I can feel it. But it's been so for a very long while now, so I've gotten used to it. Kind of.
We reach the edge of the forest without ado, and the village stretches out ahead of us. Sometimes, I forget what it is, who are we are. In those moments, I make hurried decisions and uncalculated moves. Like snapping at a king's guard. Getting drunk and neglecting my duties. And/or sneaking out magic plants.
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I drop down on the couch once we're inside the cottage. It groans and sinks as it always does, but it's never really bothered us. Not if we had the money for a new one.
A low growl comes from my right, and I'm staring into our panther's purple eyes. 'Sweet Ima', I say and rub her neck. The great cat purrs and rubs against me, threatening what's left of the cushion's springs. I chuckle and relax in her thick fur.
I feel his eyes on me before I even see him. 'What?' I ask. He shrugs off his coat and loosens his hair before settling into the only other furniture in the living room, the armchair. 'What's going on?' he asks quietly. 'What?' I repeat. 'You're great at lying, I'll give you that, but I'm better at it. And I've caught you every single time you did…' 'Few times', I interrupt. 'What're you hiding?' His face is blank, a rare expression, and definitely my least favorite.
I sigh. 'I took some'. He raises a brow. 'Some what?' I shouldn't say anything. At all. But I can't bear lying to him, not after what I did to the farm.
I sit up and Ima settles in a corner, opposite Cyran. She doesn't really like him. Not since the day he blasted her halfway across the yard. 'Some opine. What do you think, twat?' His blue eyes widen. 'You stole peas?' 'Yell out loud for all of Quindar to hear', I snap. He purses his lips but lowers his voice as he goes on. 'What are you, stupid? Aranon, but that's the most…I don't know, foolish and suicidal thing rolled into one!' 'Yeah, well, Aranon and the Six abandoned us. I've got to make ends meet'. I stand up and head for the kitchen.
Cyran follows. 'Sae, we need to get rid of those'. He sounds genuinely scared, and I instantly regret telling him. And stealing the peas. 'We're gonna be fine. As long as you keep shut, and let me handle my business'. I fill my cup with water from the tap and gulp it down in one go. I miss the days when that could be done while sitting on the couch, and not moving a muscle. 'Look, Sae, we don't need that. Look, the hunt is three days. If I win, and I will, we'll get enough to bring back the farm and return to our old lives'. He notices the expression on my face and adds, 'Or what was left of it'. I toss my cup into the sink. 'I need a drink', I mutter and head out of the house before Cyran can say anything.
Reflections Their progress was slow, and the constant motion did little to lessen the stress that weighed heavily on their hearts. Each minute brought them closer to the witch, closer to the woman who threatened the safety of the people of Eriu and their future. Every inch took them further away from home, further away from their families and their friends. Time was running short, and soon enough they would be forced to make a choice. Either they could save their Kingdom or die trying. They had lost track of the number of times they had narrowly escaped the clutches of the witches; yet, none of them gave up hope. A feeling of uneasiness settled inside of them, an uncertainty that they were approaching the center of the witch’s domain. Finally, the group reached an intersection, and all eyes turned in unison towards the hallway that split down the middle, one path leading to freedom and the other to destruction. The Queen raised a trembling hand towards the rightmost passage, ta
Their progress was slow, and the constant motion did little to lessen the stress that weighed heavily on their hearts. Each minute brought them closer to the witch, closer to the woman who threatened the safety of the people of Eriu and their future. Every inch took them further away from home, further away from their families and their friends. Time was running short, and soon enough they would be forced to make a choice. Either they could save their Kingdom or die trying.They had lost track of the number of times they had narrowly escaped the clutches of the witches; yet, none of them gave up hope. A feeling of uneasiness settled inside of them, an uncertainty that they were approaching the center of the witch’s domain.Finally, the group reached an intersection, and all eyes turned in unison towards the hallway that split down the middle, one path leading to freedom and the other to destruction. The Queen raised a trembling hand towards the rightmost passage, taking a deep breath,
With the amulet clutched tightly in his hand, Caivan rejoined Saelyna and Gylen, his expression determined. “I’ve found it,” he declared, his voice filled with a mix of hope and determination.As Cyran continued to engage the witch in a fierce battle, Saelyna stepped forward, her eyes meeting Caivan’s. “Give me the amulet, Caivan. It will amplify my magic and weaken her grip on the Queen.”Caivan nodded, passing the amulet to Saelyna with care. “Use it well, Saelyna. We’re counting on you.”Saelyna held the amulet close to her chest, feeling its power resonate within her. She took a deep breath, channeling her courage, her determination, and the collective strength of her friends.In that moment, time seemed to stand still. The air crackled with anticipation as Saelyna prepared to confront the witch head-on, armed with the ancient incantation and the newfound power of the amulet. The final battle was about to begin, and Saelyna was ready to seize their chance at victory.The room puls
Caught in the crossfire SAELYNAQuain let out a long sigh, he was very curious, but, seeing how I answered, he thought he didn't want to disturb my concentration. I tried to concentrate as I thought about the sentences I had read from Gylen's writing.The sound of the door opening made Quain and I turn our heads. Caivan had just come out in the clothes he had changed into."Quain," Caivan called, causing Quain to raise half an eyebrow in surprise. "Me, Saelyna, Cryan, and Gylen are leaving. I trust you to take care of the others. Stay alert and keep an eye on the surroundings. Don't trust anyone except Prince Charles. I'll be back in a little over an hour, but if we're not back in an hour, I authorize you to take the others with you. Caivan gave Quain a message, then reached for me. "Leave the stone the queen gave to Quain, so he can access it if anything happens to us."I immediately nodded in understanding, it was only fitting that Caivan became an Alpha, famous for his ruthless wa
Walking togetherCAIVANThe one I've been waiting for has finally arrived. Saelyna and Cryan came into my room."There's Gylen too," Cryan said to himself, then Gylen told him to sit by his side while Saelyna sat next to me."Why are you all here? Are you having a little meeting?" Saelyna asked with a half-raised eyebrow in surprise."No, we're just having a little discussion," I replied, standing in for Gylen.While Saelyna just nodded in understanding. "What about when you met Prince Charles? What did you talk about?" Saelyna suddenly remembered and asked me and Gylen."I'll explain it to you, but first I have to ask you," I grumbled as I looked at Saelyna from the side, then I picked up a map and some notes we had made because it would be useful for Saelyna and we didn't have to go too far in explaining it. It was all done by Gylen before the two of them came to my room."Everything is summarised here. I'll explain later. But where are you going?" I said, wondering when I saw that
An unsolved mysterySAELYNA"Are you called the Queen?"I nodded my head as Caivan asked. "I will see her now." I quickly closed the door to the room as Caivan made way for me. Maybe Cryan had told him. "When I get back, tell me what happened while you were talking to the prince."Caivan followed my footsteps towards the room where the Queen was. "Of course, you must be careful. I will be waiting for you in the room." When we reached the centre room, with the Queen's room in front of it, guarded by several soldiers, Caivan told me to leave and that he would return to his room.Feeling my heart pounding, I steadied myself before walking over. The soldiers made way for me to pass, apparently they had been informed by the Queen that I was her guest."Excuse me Queen, it's a pleasure to be here and thank you for inviting me." I bowed slightly and waved my hands in front of my stomach.The Queen, who was in her seat, smiled at me and then told me to sit down in one of the empty chairs she
An unsolved mysterySAELYNA"Are you called the Queen?"I nodded my head as Caivan asked. "I will see her now." I quickly closed the door to the room as Caivan made way for me. Maybe Cryan had told him. "When I get back, tell me what happened while you were talking to the prince."Caivan followed my footsteps towards the room where the Queen was. "Of course, you must be careful. I will be waiting for you in the room." When we reached the centre room, with the Queen's room in front of it, guarded by several soldiers, Caivan told me to leave and that he would return to his room.Feeling my heart pounding, I steadied myself before walking over. The soldiers made way for me to pass, apparently they had been informed by the Queen that I was her guest."Excuse me Queen, it's a pleasure to be here and thank you for inviting me." I bowed slightly and waved my hands in front of my stomach.The Queen, who was in her seat, smiled at me and then told me to sit down in one of the empty chairs she
First mission CAIVANI saw the Prince's legs move, he was about to turn and face us. This was the first time we had met, and I had sent the Prince a letter before we had spoken by telephone."Yes, you are my people. And we should protect you if you need our help." The Prince smiled broadly, he was quite handsome and authoritative. He shook his robes back, then walked over to me. I sat up and looked at him seriously. "Have you looked around your room?" he asked again as we faced each other."I have, Your Honour." I wasn't the only one who answered him, my friends in the back also replied."All right, just call me Charles. Are you the leader of them? Is your name Caivan? It's good to see you here, I hear you're a great fighter. If you are not tired from travelling and have more time, perhaps we can have a chat first. Or if you want to bring your deputy with you, that's fine too.I smiled broadly at that, then nodded briefly. "At your service, Your Honour." Then I turned to look at Gyle
Prince's welcome SAELYNAI don't want to, he must be very tired. And who really needs to be carried by Caivan? We decided to walk together. Five minutes was not too far and long, we could observe each other's surroundings and make small talk."Later we will come to a village where people live a simple life and we have to be friendly, don't make any noise. Be polite if you want to pass through their area, when we walk again we will meet the market before entering the city park and there we can see the huge city of Lexington. Then our goal is to find one of the kingdoms there, the kingdom of Brahzeil is the largest and has a lot of knowledge we can seek. There is a prince there who will help us, I hope you don't make a fuss. This prince is called Charles". Gylen explained to the others as Caivan's representative, while they all nodded in agreement. There are ten of us on this journey. We had a well thought out plan and had made sure that we would not betray each other.After about five
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