Chapter 4

Being tired and drained from the long nights walk, I did not notice approaching a huge stone wall with a big wooden door. Without realizing, I find myself gaping at the sight. It looked like it had been here for ages as it was covered with moss and vines.

    Merilla stood in front of the door as if waiting for someone to open it. I was just about to reach for the door when it opened, revealing two guards dressed in full armor, looking like something out of an old medieval book or movie.

    Without any questions, they let us in. Merilla simply nod her head and walked past them like they knew her for ages.

    The two guards closed the door once we entered and stood guard in front of the door again. Peering my gaze away from the guards, I now realize the magnificent place we are at. It was like we traveled back in time centuries ago when there was no cars and phones.

   Some people have wooden wagons for transporting items through the small farmers-market, and others carry items by hand or carriage. I can’t believe a place like this was hidden right under our noses in the forest and we never realized it.

     For a place that looked like it traveled back in time, it did have miner things I spotted that looked like they came from my world – the human world I mean. Everyone here had an animal by their side, which I could only assume was their spirit animals, like Merilla was mine, except, their animals were all strange looking. Some looked like cats, but with a head of a bird of some sort, and others had the body of a bird with the head of a cat.

    I still had to find out more about how this spirit animal thing worked.

    As we walked through the village, I took in everything from the little cottage houses covered with moss on the roof, to the people with their strange clothes, some with vintage clothes, and others with somewhat modern looking clothes that resembled the human world’s, but with a different type of material that had more texture.

     The markets were like treasure hunts, stalls over filled with the lands bounty. Jewel-like barriers, honey glowing like the morning sun, roots with spiced scent of rich soil. It is so peaceful and joyful here as the children are laughing and chasing each other through the well-manicured pathways.

    The one thing that stood out from the rest, was how much the people’s spirit animal somewhat resembled their human. I looked down on Merilla and noticed the resemblance as well. The snow-white hair and piercing blue eyes.

     The spirit animal should be somewhat of an extension of ourselves I guess. Why else would they look like us, but in animal form?

    I continue following Merilla through the little village until we reached another big gate, except, this one was made of metal and covered in gold, it was the entrance to what looked like a big white marble castle.

   “ Behold the great castle of Valtor.” Merilla said proudly.

 It was unlike anything I have ever seen. Lush, terraced gardens explode in a riot of colors. Blood-red roses, vibrant purples, yellow so bright that they hurt my eyes.

     Fountains dance and shimmer in the morning sunrays as the water trails down in a steady stream. I have to steady myself to paint an everlasting picture in my head, I might not see anything as beautiful as this again and breathe in the intoxicating scent of the blooming jasmine.                                               

     “ Where are you taking me?” I asked confused.

Why would she be taking me towards a castle? Was my parent’s servant’s to the king of this magnificent castle?

     “ I live here with my Mate. He Is the kings spirit animal. Once spirit animals are mated, they can’t be separated from one another for too long.”                                                                                                     

     “ Your Mate? So...You are married?” She nods and I take that as a yes.

   In front of the metal gate, was two more guards, and just like the previous guards, they opened the gate for Merilla.

   I guess she is royalty if she is Mated to the kings fox. What would that make me if she is my spirit animal. Would that entail that I would have to bow down to her.

     Lost in thought, I did not realize that we were already at the entrance of the castle.

    “ Wait here. I will be right back.” She ordered and I did as she said.

   Minutes have passed, and Merilla still haven’t returned. I don’t know what is keeping her, but if I wait any longer, I will fall asleep while standing. Scanning my surroundings, I notice a quaint water fountain in the garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Beside the fountain, there’s an inviting wooden bench, partially shaded by a large tree whose branches sway gently in the breeze.

   Without hesitation, I walk over to the fountain, the sound of trickling water growing louder with each step. I can feel the cool mist on my face, and it was refreshing. The bench creaks slightly as I sit down. I lean back, letting the soothing sounds of the garden wash over me.

   If Merilla does return, she would most likely spot me here and fetch me. The gentle murmur of water, combined with the sweet scent of jasmine and roses, creates a serene atmosphere that lulls my weary mind.