Ayla had known she was too weak to use her magic. Everything that Galian did to her and the little food she was given daily had taken a toll on her body, but she did it anyway because she couldn’t let Galian kill those she cared about. It was enough that he killed her mother and grandmother. While Ayla was still in the Black Tower, she had promised herself she would use her magic to protect innocents from Galian. She had felt a dark presence inside him and spent a lot of time thinking about what Beliar offered Galian in exchange for his soul. There was so much the Dark God could give someone—power, magic, money, a long life. What could a man like Galian, who had money and power, want? Magic? Long life? Or something else entirely? After healing Godefray, Ayla closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, she was in Sarya’s room. It was not the first time Sarya summoned Ayla’s presence with the help of the Crystal Mirror. Sarya had told Ayla that the crystal used to make the mirr
Ayla lifted her hands and put them around his neck. Her fingers kept twitching, but she ignored them as she started telling Rhobart a story.“Lifetimes ago, in a faraway land, lived a princess,” Ayla said. Rhobart stopped breathing as he listened to Ayla’s gentle voice. “The princess lived with her three older brothers in a big castle. She loved the castle and spending time with her brothers. The oldest brother loved to explore and learn new things and was often gone. The second one loved to forge and make all kinds of things. Sometimes he would make things for the princess of the other brothers. The last brother was quick to anger and often sought to fight with his brothers, but the older brothers mostly ignored him.The castle was built in a magical garden her older brother made for her, and the princess loved spending as much time as she could tending to her flowers. She loved creating new ones and showing them to her brothers. Of all her brothers, only the oldest seemed to enjoy f
‘Rhobart had been a God in another world,’ Ayla thought. “Your world, what was it like?” she asked. Rhobart said it was a violent world, but even chaos could be beautiful. “Do you miss it?”There had been many scholars, mages, and astronomers who claimed the possibility of other universes. Books had been written about parallel worlds and how one could travel between universes with the help of powerful spells or magical objects. Ayla had read some of those books, but she never thought much about other worlds. Not until Rhobart. Could more Gods come to her world? And if that happened, would her world be in danger?Outside the cabin, some of the Paladins were talking and laughing.Rhobart frowned. “I remember only bits and pieces. Many wars and death everywhere.” He kissed her. “When I gave up on my immortal body to be with you, Ayla, I did it because I love you. I don’t regret it, not one bit. My existence as a God—I remember everyone fearing me. I was lonely until you. If this mortal l
Someone knocked on the door before entering. Rhobart and Ayla turned their heads to look at who it was.“Milton asked me to bring some food,” Godefray said as he entered. Two bowls of food were in his hands, and he put them on the table together with two spoons. He trimmed his hair and beard and was wearing clean clothes.Ayla was glad to see Godefray. Despite everything that had happened to them, they became not only close friends, but how they understood each other without the need to use words intrigued Ayla.Godefray looked at Ayla, and a silent conversation took place between them. ‘You look better, my Queen.’Ayla blinked. ‘You too, my Paladin. Thank you for everything you did for me.’‘Always.’Droyn entered the cabin. “Rhobart, there're Orcs and mercenaries on the main road. They seem to search for tracks. The Mages are setting some shields, but I wanted to let you know in case we need to rush out of here.”Ayla found it difficult to breathe. “They are looking for us!”Rhobart
Around a year had passed since Ayla last saw Drax. Ever since Drax became Saturas’ apprentice and came to live at the Royal Palace, he and Ayla have been friends. Even if Drax had not been the only child living in the Palace, he was the only one allowed to talk with Ayla. When Saturas sent Drax to the Water Monastery to have the Water Test, Ayla had never felt more alone. Drax closed the door and laughed bitterly. “Each time I see you, you either get into trouble or need healing.” He sighed. “You look terrible.” Ayla’s lips curved up. “I haven’t seen you in almost a year, and this is the first thing you say to me? That I look terrible?” Drax went to her, sat on the bed, and pulled Ayla in for a hug. Kerra hissed at him before moving to sit on Ayla’s lap. “I was having my last test when word came that King Rhobart claimed he would destroy all Myrthana and kill all the Water Mages unless you went with him to be his personal slave,” Drax said and looked into her eyes. “I feared the wo
Drax looked at Rhobart. “You might be a king, but Ayla is my friend, and I will not let her alone with you until you are calmer.”Rhobart clenched his jaw. “Drax, Rho won’t hurt me. I think it is time for me to have this conversation with him,” Ayla said softly, but Drax kept staring at Rhobart. “Drax!” Ayla hissed, and finally, the Water Mage left.Rhobart paced around the little cabin while Ayla and Kerra looked at him. His anger felt like torment in the middle of the sea. From time to time, he would stop and look at her, only to walk again.Rhobart stopped in front of the window, his back to Ayla. “I have been in battle with men and women for many years, and sometimes things have been kept away from me, but no one has disappointed me more than you did.”“Rho—” Ayla said softly.“I am not done talking!” Rhobart said, his voice harsh. “When you said that my plan would have not worked and that you knew you had to come to Myrthana, I thought that Sarya only warned you about it.” He tur
Ayla inhaled sharply. She thought of Nixx, and how Scar used to control him because of a blood oath. When Nixx disobeyed Scar’s orders, he died. What if she asked Godefray to do something, and he would not listen? “No, Godefray! I can’t accept your oath!” Even if a lot of time had passed, Nixx’s death still hurt.Godefray looked as if someone had slapped him. His throat quivered. “I promised you I would always be your Paladin!” His sword trembled in his hand. ‘Let me pay you back for everything I did to you!’ his eyes begged her.‘They forced you to do it! You don’t owe me anything!’‘And before Eluvene and Galian?’ Godefray asked. ‘Let me be your Paladin!’ he said when Ayla hesitated to reply.“You are my Paladin, and I don’t need a blood oath from you!” Ayla protested. She hoped he understood. “You are more than a Paladin to me, Godefray. You are my friend.” Ayla looked at the other Paladins. She knew some more personally because she had spent a long time with them, traveling. “You
Rhobart scratched his beard. “I think those two will end up killing each other. At least I am not the only one to dislike the Dark Mage. I don’t want her near you, and I mean it!” he said to Ayla. She decided not to argue with him. Not yet, at least. “We should leave! The longer we stay here, the bigger the chances of being found by the Orcs! We should have brought our armor with us! Damn!” Rhobart whistled a low tune, and his black horse rushed to him. “You are riding with me, t’xoria!” he said while helping Ayla get on top of Runner. He looked at Godefray. “Take Ayla’s horse!” he said before entering the cabin to grab Ayla’s messenger bag.Tizgar, Gorn, and Hewe started gathering their belongings and packing them in satchels while Milton, Drax, and Droyn checked the potions and magical plants’ supplies.Godefray went to where the horses were tied. Eluvene followed him.“What about the blood oath?” the twins asked.Ayla grabbed the reins. “While I grew up with Galian as my brother, y
Hi everyoneThe book is not abandoned, neither is the story, but some things are happening with the story, the world.There is another story that comes before Frozen Heart - no need to read, but I am focusing to finish that one first, before I go back to Frozen Heart. Once Wolf Heart is done, I will finish this story as well.I just ask all of you to be a bit patient until I finish what I have planned.I also want to wish everyone a happy new year.you can find me on FB as well - Amy T Stories is my group and I will post news there pretty soon
His long hair was braided, and he wore not only a cloak identical to that of Rhobart—mottled grey, green and brown but also his tunic and trousers had the same colors, making him hard to be seen in the forest.“Who are you, female?” he asked.Rhobart took out his sword and put the tip against the Elf’s neck. “Put the bow down, or else I will remove your head!” Rhobart growled.But the Elf’s eyes were still fixed on Ayla, and he did not appear to have heard Rhobart. Rhobart nicked his skin, a few drops of blood ran down his neck.“Don’t release more arrows!” the Elf yelled, lowering his bow.Two more Elves jumped from the trees—a female and a male, both blondes—landing close to Kerra before moving closer to Rhobart and Ayla. The male had a sword in his right hand, while the female had a whip on her left hip and a short sword on the right one.“She looks identical to you, Taeral,” the female said. “Except for her ears, which are human.” She sniffed the air. “But she is only part human.”
The forest felt so silent Ayla could hear her heart pounding against her ribcage. Rhobart straightened himself in the saddle, his fingers brushing the pommel of his dagger. Ayla reached inside her to that strong spring of magic—her gift from her mother or father, or perhaps both.Kerra sniffed the air, her two tails whipping violently.“We mean you no harm,” Rhobart said, his voice strong. “We are just passing by!”“Where to?” the man asked from a different tree.Ayla wondered when he moved so fast. Or so silently.“Far away from Myrthana. I advise you to do the same!” Rhobart replied.“You lie! I see you wear the cloak of a hunter while the female has a black one, like those used by mercenaries. You had your chance to leave, but I am afraid your time is up,” said the man. Ayla tried to say something, but he went on, “Release the arrows!”Kerra growled and got in an attack position.A few leaves rustled, Ayla put her right hand in the air, and a magic shield appeared around Runner and
“Runner knows you. Trust him and me. Grab the reins,” Rhobart said before handing the reins to Ayla.Rhobart put his left hand under her tunic, his thumb brushed over her peak, while his right hand drew circles on her stomach. “Rho!” Ayla moaned when his hand went down, two fingers slowly circling and pressing her throbbing core. She felt as if she would melt. Pleasure started building in her lower stomach.“Are you wet and ready for me, Ayla?” asked Rho, his voice coated with desire.Oh, she was. Rhobart’s fingers kept moving, and his lips went up and down her neck. Tension kept building inside her body.“Yes,” Ayla forced the word out of her mouth.“Had you been wearing a dress, I would have ripped your undergarments, spun you around, and have you sit on my cock. I would have Runner gallop fast, and I would fuck you until we reached the rebel camp,” Rhobart said into her ear as his fingers moved faster. Rougher.‘Oh, Gods!’ Ayla thought.“Would you like that, t’xoria? To be fucked o
Rhobart looked at Eluvene, his eyes turning cold as the stark winter. “He will never lay another finger on her again! But I need to know everything about King Amul. He is more cunning than I thought.”Eluvene’s green eyes went to Ayla. “King Amul accepted what Ayla refused,” said the Dark Mage, winking at Ayla. “I don’t know much about King Amul. He mostly spoke with King Galian and with my former Master. But since he accepted the Crown of Darkness, he stopped being a normal human.”Rhobart frowned. “What did Ayla refuse and when?”Eluvene shrugged.Between the prophecy, the Seeker, the forgotten book, and the attack on the Fire Monastery, Ayla had forgotten about her vision with Beliar. When she saw that crown on her father’s head, she hadn’t made the connection with the one she was wearing in her vision. “Nothing important,” said Ayla. And it wasn’t. “I chose you back then, and I will choose you always!”Rhobart’s gaze lingered on Ayla for a heartbeat before turning his attention to
Milton returned from the river and grabbed a bowl of porridge. “Rania is a Fire Mage novice, and Sylvar is a Snow Elf. They are n’alxaes, but the twins fucked Rania. I am still wondering how Sylvar permitted you two to live after touching what is his.”“We did not fuck her!” Eude protested.Rhobart snorted. “You only deflowered Rania... as you did with Skurja! Don’t think I forgot about my cousin!”Ayla had missed the bickering between Rhobart and the twins. When she heard the twins and Rhobart fighting for the first time, she was afraid for the twins, but as time passed, she came to understand the brotherly affection Rhobart, Milton, and the Paladins had for each other.“We might have plucked a petal or two, but nothing more!” Hudde said. “And Skurja had many petals gone by the time she was on top of me!”Rhobart folded his arms. “You mean you ripped all of Rania’s petals! And talk about Sjurka like that, and Ayla won’t stop me again from challenging you to a duel!” He looked at the
After Ayla and Rhobart completed their alxa-lotx, when she remembered the prophecy, Milton had been the first to suggest that Fire, Water, and Darkness could refer to mages. Ayla and Rhobart had spent many hours discussing it, trying to understand everything. In the Fire Monastery, when Ayla found the forgotten book, they searched for clues about Uzriel and the prophecy, but the book had yet to reveal all its secrets to her. The forgotten tome was still in her bag, together with Eude’s sketchbook, which she would burn, sketch by sketch, so that Rhobart wouldn’t get any new ideas from it. Or embarrass her with it.In the Black Tower, when Ayla and Godefray gradually started to become friends, they talked about the prophecy. Ayla had hoped the dragons would appear again in her dreams, but the last time she spoke to them had been before the fight with the Seeker. There were many things Ayla still didn’t know and wanted to learn before sailing to Korinus Island.Milton picked up a flat pe
Hudde pointed at the burning tent. “I was in the tent, sleeping with Eude, Hewe, Tizgar, and Gorn. The tent was not big enough for all five of us, and my ass was almost sticking out of it. I could have slept better, but someone refused to let me use his tent. Anyway, I was dreaming about… never mind that, when Milton set it on fire and burned my ass in the process,” he complained while turning around to show Rhobart and Ayla his burned trousers. Ayla covered her mouth and hid a smile while trying to look shocked. “This was my last clean pair too!” Thick smoke was coming from the burned tent, making Ayla’s eyes fill with tears. She flicked her index and middle finger, and a soft breeze swept through the forest, rustling the leaves of the trees, carrying the smell of smoke away from the camp. Ashes jumped on the two remaining tents, and they caught fire. Kerra came out of Rhobart’s tent with a big bone in her mouth. Drax took out a magic rune, and small grey clouds appeared above them,
Rhobart kept walking, and Ayla looked around the forest. While in Nordmar lived many dangerous beasts, Myrthana’s woods were quieter, and the animals were smaller. Even the shadowbeasts were not as aggressive as those that lived in the cold forests of the Northern part of the continent.“Earlier, when I was hunting with Kerra and Gorn, we stumbled upon a small cave. It hasn’t been used by wild creatures for some time, and furs and blankets are inside. Even some wine. I think the lumberjacks used the cave to wash because there’s a small pool inside. Would you want to go there? And while we wash away the dust from our bodies, we can also spend a few quiet moments.”It did not matter if it was only a lonely rock, as long as she was with Rhobart. Ayla nodded against his chest, his scent soothing her. “I don’t know if I told you, but I’ve missed you terribly,” she said as the sun began to set. Rhobart tightened his arms around her. “I was afraid I would never see you again.”“I will never