The Sweet Series Box Set: Books 1-4

by Bailey Ardisone

  Remycah let out a deep exhale before speaking, “My brother is so very stubborn. Even after all these years he has not changed a bit. I warned him not to come back without me, but he refused to listen. I will find him soon enough. I have been tracking him.”

  He glanced away. I watched in astonishment as he picked a flower bud from among the bush and cradled it very delicately in his hands. It hadn’t opened fully yet, but as he gently stroked the small bud, slowly it opened to become a beautiful yellow elanor.

  He twirled it in his fingers as he continued speaking, “Sadly, he refuses to acknowledge his heritage and his part in what must be done. He stupidly left without even a hint of regard for anyone else but himself, much to our dismay.”

  As I watched him sit, still gingerly stroking the elanor, I sensed his discomfort at his last words. I was not sure whom he was referring to when he said “our dismay.” Perhaps his Guardian?

  “He did seem quite sullen last we spoke,” I agreed.

  “I will find him—” he hesitated, looking my way in question.

  “Naminé,” I finished for him. Seeing him in pain and apparent agony—over what, I did not know— caused me great sorrow. He looked to be aching over something or…someone. Was he truly that troubled over Rydan?

  “Thank you, Naminé, for your help in bringing us home,” he said. He stood up and furrowed his brow as he looked my way. “How did you know about us, may I ask?”

  How could I describe to him that a betraying prisoner and I, a dejected slave, concocted this plan to bring them home? I tried to think of another way.

  “An old companion of mine,” I started, not sure how to finish. “He...exposed to me the true events of what happened that day. I know not how he got his information, but I trusted him, and he led me to you.”

  “I’m glad. I have been looking for the Lassaira Ëlemmiire practically all my life. I’ll be forever grateful to you for showing me the way,” he spoke assuredly. He lifted the delicate elanor to his nose.

  “It was my great honor, My Lord,” I responded, with a bout of joy filling my heart. “What of your Guardians, Remycah? Are they not with you?”

  “Ender had eventually left to find Rydan. He had felt something was wrong shortly after we had escaped Luïnil. He had waited a few years before leaving me of course, but it was killing him the longer he waited. He was supposed to bring Rydan back if needed. I hadn't seen him since and had assumed he’d been caught and killed for betrayal,” he responded sullenly. “Rydan did not know who Xavier was when I asked, so I can only conclude he died as well.”

  “I am deeply sorry,” I said, regretting my question. I had figured they had not known the way home. Their Guardians would have told them and kept them safe. He gave me a reassuring smile, and I felt myself smile in return, despite the gloom of our troubled kingdom. “Remycah, I believe it imperative that you and Rydan go on your Maranwe journey to find your Fëa. That can be the only way to defeat Ohtar. I fear he has many snares that are hidden to us. You must do this before returning to Aselaira.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. I am nothing without my Fëa, as is Rydan. Let’s keep this plan a secret between us. Do not share it with anyone,” he responded adamantly.

  “Of course, My Lord,” I wholeheartedly agreed. I would keep this secret to my death. Ohtar would not hear it from me, come whatever torture he brought forth.

  “I must leave now, Naminé. I am very close to catching up to Rydan. If you dream with him again, maybe you could try sending him images of Aselaira in its distressed state. He might need to see for himself the doom we must overcome,” he said, while handing me the yellow elanor. "Perhaps we may speak again

  I took it gingerly and smiled. “Perhaps,” was all I replied.

  As he started to fade away, leaving the dream, I sighed heavily. I prayed dearly that he find Rydan soon and could bring him to safety. It was heartbreaking to know they were both out there unprotected, but if they could find each other, that would make them stronger. They could protect one another.

  Gently stirring, I opened my eyes to find myself nestled in Calen’s feathers, softly stroking a beautiful yellow elanor.

  Chapter Seven

  ~Nari~

  I lay mesmerized from the position on my back, staring up at the cloudless sky. It was as blue as a robin’s egg—if not more blue. The sun shone extremely bright, but the rays did not scorch my skin. The air was comfortable. Very comfortable. It was the perfect temperature. Warm, without being too warm, and no humidity.

  I did not move.

  I was afraid to move in case this was all just a dream and any slight stir would make it vanish, throwing me back into tormented reality. It must be a dream, right? Clearly, I had busted my head against the tree trunk and knocked myself out...And I was only imagining this while Zaylie, I was sure, was worried and trying to wake me up.

  Right?

  I could feel the grass beneath me. Soft, lush, exquisite. As if I lay against the perfect bed made just for me. I was Goldilocks, and it was just right.

  A colorful bird soared above me. But as it descended closer, obscuring my view of the sky, I realized it was not actually a bird at all. It was the strangest butterfly I had ever seen. Its wings were a rainbow of colors—and it was huge. Bird-like huge.

  But I didn’t feel frightened or grossed out like I usually did by insects. This was different. It felt different here. The butterfly flapped its wings so gently and effortlessly. I numbly reached up while it landed weightlessly on my fingers.

  The moment it touched me and started cleaning its antennae, even though I could barely feel it on me, I got the striking feeling that this was real. Very real. I quickly sat up, causing the vivid butterfly to take flight again, and gazed around the beauteous expanse encircling me.

  Trees. Huge giant trees were everywhere. Their trunks had to be as wide as a small car. Their canopies from above were like giant umbrellas, stretching their protective arms out as far as they could go.

  Did I really go through the Weeping Willow?

  I hesitantly looked back at the tree.

  I sucked in a breath of crystal clean oxygen the second my eyes took it in.

  It was even more stunning here than it was in Kennebunkport. It really did glow in the sunrays. It resembled a waterfall, the way the tree’s arms flowed down, cascading to the ground. Each leaf that claimed its spot on the long, slender branches practically glistened and danced. The wind would catch those arms, and I swear it was with the intent of caressing and embracing the tree. As if they were intimate, lifelong friends.

  I had never smelled anything so enticing and luscious. The air was so pure and crisp it made my mouth water. The sweet oxygen would settle in my lungs, and I could literally feel the cleansing power it had on my polluted body.

  This was impossible. Mycah had said only royalty or ordained individuals could go through the tree. How was I able to come through?

  And if I always had the ability to—why didn’t I do it sooner??

  I could have saved myself so much heartache and tears. But how could I have known? Nobody tells me anything! I audibly sighed and ran two hands over my face. There was no time for this. I was here now; I needed to think about what to do next.

  I suddenly thought of Zaylie again and how she must be so worried for me. I stood up and tentatively walked back to the tree. I went to reach up to touch it­–curiosity getting the best of me.

  But I quickly pulled my hand back before making contact. I wanted to tell her that I was fine and not to worry about me. That this was something I had to do. But—what if this was a fluke somehow and I wouldn’t be able to come back again? It would kill me to be this close and then to lose it all in a second. No—I couldn’t take that risk. I unbuttoned my coat and took off my scarf and gloves and set them on the ground next to the tree. I didn’t need my winter gear anymore.

  At the sound of a deep melodic horn blowing through the wind, I snapped my head in its direction and quickly forgot
about Zaylie and Kennebunkport, Maine.

  I started to walk in the direction I had heard the alarming sound come from. I couldn’t even hear my footfalls. It was like I walked silently on the grass, not even disturbing a single blade.

  And this distraction was stupid of me. While I focused all my attention on the amazement of ‘silent walking’ for who knows how long, I suddenly found myself surrounded by a dozen males.

  A dozen males who all had sharp, menacing bow and arrows pointed at me from every side. I stood frozen in place, gaping like a fish. Not once had I heard them moving around me or setting up their weapons for a kill. How in the world did I miss that?

  What I didn’t miss though, was how strange they looked. Every one of them had long, light colored hair, ranging from white, the brightest blond, to a golden-brown. They were cloaked in neutral colors: forest green and earthy brown.

  The weirdest thing of all was their eyes. Despite them being a range of different colors, they all had one thing in common. They all glowed in a frightening, eerie deep green.

  They were all beautiful.

  Every single one of them was good-looking, attractive, and each had an air of elegance mixed with authority.

  Nowhere near as good-looking as Mycah, of course. But I couldn’t help feeling the pull of appeal and attraction. Something felt completely different than when I was around Mycah. It felt...well, they felt like—

  Home.

  I recalled Rydan saying the same thing about Mycah. A shiver ran down my spine, and I swallowed the urge to demand who they were and to remove the arrows from my face, since I was in no position to be bossing anyone around.

  “State your purpose here or surrender to a swift death,” a melodic voice quietly stated to me, confirming my thought. His accent was strange. Actually, it was extremely similar to Mycah’s, but not quite as British sounding. His voice was calm, calculated, but did not lack fierceness. I didn’t know how he did it. At the same time as he spoke, all twelve of them tightened their deathly weapons.

  “I...I uh...well it was an accident really. I didn’t mean to come through the tree; it just sort of happened. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I am completely thrilled to be here—”

  “Enough!”

  The same voice cut my nervous rambling off, and I stopped myself from thanking him. I was able to distinguish that time who had been speaking and drew my eyes toward him. He was breathtaking. Young. Just a boy—around my age, perhaps. His pale green eyes shone bright with anticipation and duty. His long, blond hair was intricately braided around his head, but it didn’t look feminine at all—quite the contrary. It gave him an ethereal look and made him appear more dangerous. But he didn’t frighten me, for some reason.

  “I’m sorry. I’m just nervous. My name is Nariella Woodlinn. I don’t mean you any harm. I—” At the sound of gasps and head turns, another voice cut me off.

  “Arwenamin Nariella...Woodlinn?”

  I couldn’t make out who spoke this time, or even what they said, but I heard my name, so I answered without turning to the individual.

  “Yes?” Then immediately in the exact same swift movement, they all dropped their readied bows. Except for the original young male who spoke the first time. He did not drop his arrow from his direct line to my head. He was the only one.

  “Lower your arrow at once!” The second voice was just as melodic as the first guy, but deeper, more authoritative. The young male obeyed immediately.

  “Ya naa re?” He then replied in such a strange, foreign language, I could hardly comprehend the sound. I finally figured out who had commanded him, and looked at the tall, long-haired male. His hair was a golden-brown. He seemed older than the rest.

  “Lle quena i'lambe tel' Eldalie?” the older, commanding male ignored the younger guy and said whatever that was to me. Huh? Was he really speaking to me?

  “Excuse me? I don’t understand what you’re saying. I’m sorry,” I responded regretfully.

  “You have answered my question, nonetheless. There is something very strange about you. Come, we have much to discern,” he spoke, with the same accent as the boy. At that, the brown-haired male turned and began walking away. All eleven others formed a battle line and followed along, including the boy who took his position at the brown-haired male’s right side.

  Two other males gestured for me to go ahead of them. So I did. They must have been my guards. Normally I’d feel afraid in this kind of situation, but for the life of me I could not feel a single sliver of fear. I felt safe. Protected. Like I belonged.

  As we walked quietly through the magical verdant forest, I remembered what Mycah had revealed to me before he left, the information hitting me like a big cup of water thrown in my face to wake me up. How could I have forgotten? I felt so ridiculous.

  These men—I mean, were they called men? Because they were Wood Elves. Like...me. The realization washed over me with 100% clarity. I knew it was true to my core.

  Then despite the newfound clarity, I felt my heart quicken up a notch and anxiety build in my chest.

  Crap.

  Was I ready for this? Was I ready for my life to be turned upside down again? I couldn’t say for sure I was—but then, did I really have a choice?

  After a while of walking, I began to notice something else that was strange.

  The entire forest, even down to the tiniest of insects, all seemed to pay homage and reverence to this group I was in. With each step we took in passing, I could have sworn the leaves of the vegetation, the flowers, the branches, the animals, all stopped to slightly bow in our direction.

  I didn’t know—it seemed ridiculous. It must have just been my overactive imagination. I shook my head and drew in a large breath of perfect air before exhaling. Could my life get any crazier?

  We continued to walk silently for what felt like forever. Once we reached our destination, a whole new wave of awe crashed into me. I was halted in my tracks upon the beauty and grace bestowed before me. The alabaster city we arrived at literally shone amongst the twinkling trees. There were dozens of arched towers and hallways, circular structures and gorgeous woodwork. Intricate carvings ran up and down every tall beam and wall. I stood paralyzed and humbled by the majestic art. My lungs burned from lack of oxygen, signaling that I needed to get a grip and begin breathing again.

  The guards gently pushed me forward, forcing me to continue walking. We entered the ivy-clad archway that led into the magical forest city, and I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by all the things to look at.

  The vividly colorful stained glass windows glistened in the light like a flickering candle. I wanted to reach out and touch every single thing I passed.

  We were greeted with kind smiles and head nods from anyone who was out and about. No one said a word to each other, but the respect was still given.

  The giant castle-like structure that sat in the center of everything didn’t look like a normal castle I was used to seeing in fairy tales. This one was different. It was more humble and not-so-obvious looking. But I could still tell it held more importance than the other buildings and was treated with the highest of respect. It was clearly special. Maybe because it was the most gorgeous structure I’d seen in the entire lot. The level of detail and carvings was practically unfathomable. My breath was stolen away from my very lungs for the second time that day.

  I was surprised when the brown-haired leader suddenly stopped at a nearby door that sat at the foot of the castle. I had expected him to take me straight up to the throne room to meet ‘The King’ or something. The rounded arched door was made of beautiful red oak with a leaf shaped knocker. Carved into the wood was a large emblem, similar to the one on Mycah’s neck. Only, instead of a Weeping Willow growing out of the hilt of a sword, it was just a giant Weeping Willow with an intricate leafy crown circling the trunk. The elf leader knocked and stood stoic in wait.

  A beautiful servant girl with long, wavy blonde hair opened the door.

  “Mani naa ta?” the g
irl chimed the foreign words in a bell-like voice.

  “We wish to have a word with Lord Döron,” the leader said to her. She simply nodded her head and curtsied before opening the door wider for us to enter. The leader looked to me before inclining his head toward the entrance, wanting me to follow him. We were the only two who passed through. The other eleven stayed behind.

  “I shall get him for you. Please, make yourselves comfortable,” the girl offered by waving a hand toward a beautiful wooden table and chair set. Even they had detailed carvings in them. She left the room with grace and elegance.

  I sat fidgeting with my hands, constantly looking around the small room. It was filled with all sorts of mysterious things and items. Dusty old books cluttered the surfaces, and candlesticks and maps took up the other spaces. A lot of wood carved ornaments and statues sat in the circular windows and ledges. A moment later, a tall robust man entered the arched doorway. He suddenly stopped once his eyes reached mine. My heart clenched in anticipation. The brown-haired leader instantly rose and bowed in respect.

  “My Lord Döron, this girl claims the name of Nariella Woodlinn. How is this possible, My Lord?” his voice came out breathy and unsure—almost frightened.

  “You do not say?” Döron replied with a bit of amusement to his deep voice. The man was good-looking, tall and sturdy, and short white hair lay in a perfect mess atop his head. He was the first I had seen here without long hair. I wondered if he did it like that just to be different. I smiled at the thought, liking him already. “Nariella Ashwyn Woodlinn, I presume, yes?”

  He smiled at me. Kindness, gentleness, and warmth—all those things flooded his deep, dark purple eyes that almost looked as black as his pupils. He seemed older than the rest of everyone I had seen so far, but still youthful nonetheless. Could he possibly be in his late-forties maybe?

  I nodded yes in response. How did he know that?