“Phillip…” she whispered, “come back to me.”
He heaved an eager breath.
She fell upon him, giggling madly as she embraced him like a child’s toy.
Gasping and choking, he sat up, clearly bewildered. Even so, his arms went around her. “Did I just… die?”
She sat back and merely laughed, aware of how senseless she must seem to him. Some in the crowd laughed with her and helped the two to their feet. All seemed to have the unnerving desire to touch them: their champion, who had given his life and their prophet, who had raised the dead. Shrugging them off, she scanned the field to discover most of the daemons had fled while the remainder were being dispelled by the creatures of Paradise. The former apprentice was duly satisfied. With the malevolent sprites eradicated, Lord Valdren and his people might just be able to settle their dispute without further warfare. In fact, they must or she would have to step in… and she had just discovered precisely what she was capable of.
Startled, her eyes fell upon a small man with one of the remaining daemons on his back. He ran after Lord Valdren, dagger in hand. “That man—” she murmured, as if to gain someone’s attention that they might do something. Stopping herself, she pointed her sword. “That is enough!”
A blast of nearly visual power escaped her, hurling the assailant to the ground. From there, an angelic warrior peeled the wretched sprite from him. Stealing a great sigh, she felt certain that, at last, all would be well. The bedlam was concluded.
The act was not, however, for in a large, glorious school of light, the green orbs of the Enchanted Wood swirled over the field, caressing her face. Grinning, she bid them do as they were meant and, in another swirl, they danced around the people, this way and that, at last landing upon the entirety of the golden field to conceal it under their glimmering light. The music-winged creatures followed suit, flying overhead with an intricate song of triumph that produced atmospheric alteration, healing every soul from the trauma of the day. The beautiful ethereal creatures upon the plain danced a wild, triumphant jig, ringing an anthem of admiration to the king of all things.
It was not until the glowing orbs rose as one that the real gasping and astonished laughter sounded, for the grass upon the golden expanse had been restored to the emerald green it had been before the Champion’s Tournament. But far more significantly, the formerly fallen and wounded now stood, completely whole once more.
The people upon the field gasped and cheered along with the curious beings from another world, but Wynn understood this comradery between realms would not last long. The tear in the barrier gleamed as, ever so slowly, it mended itself and the other-worldly cast of light began to diminish.
Unexpectedly, Phillip took hold of her arms to search her eyes.
“For heavens, Phillip, what is it?” She rubbed at her face, certain it must be smudged with dirt.
“It is only… your eyes are green—the fiery shade they were meant to have been when we met… the very hue of this field.”
She raised her brows and wished she had a looking glass, but the change mattered not. Though it certainly obliterated past doubts as to her identity, those fears had already been more than vanquished this day. Indeed, she knew no one—not a single daemon sprite nor condescending villager—could ever make her question who she was again.
“I, uh... ha, I think I’m ready to accept this Great One now,” Terrance said as he drew up behind them.
Yet, when Wynn turned, it was not Terrance at all, but a true giant of a man, taller even than Phillip. “Who—”
He sighed and threw his hands into his pockets, tripping over his feet as he took a step forward. “It is I, Terrance…”
Squinting, she studied him... It was true.
“What happened?” Phillip asked.
The former dwarf shrugged. “Wynn broke all Maera’s curses, so… I’m this now.”
She raised her brows. “Your mother’s tale was true, then…”
He nodded and took another step, but it was clear he found it difficult to maneuver in this new gangly body. Wynn and Phillip bent over with laughter.
“I know it, I know it!” he shouted. “I’m Phillip now, and how I used to tease you! Well, if the two of you could manage not to make fun, I might just manage an apology…”
But the two continued mercilessly, Phillip patting him on the back. “We’ll work on it, my friend.”
“Oooh, you laugh, but how am I ever to find a woman to care for me now?! Who would have this gawky tree-man rather than the adorable little dwarf that I was? And here, I’d been thinking it might be nice to marry and settle down, after all!”
- T H I R T Y -
A Proposal of Sorts
“I SUPPOSE YOU ARE wondering why I have come,” Lord Valdren said as he sat in one of the chairs within the cabin, warming himself before the fireplace.
Wynn’s eyes darted to the blue woolen blanket and she nearly laughed when she imagined herself placing it over him for additional warmth. “Of course,” she said instead, taking her seat across from him.
“I… know it has been some time since that day on the field. I ought to have come far sooner, but I have been busy mending bridges with the people of this region… as well as with my cousin, King Curiel.” He paused a moment, then smiled. “He wasn’t altogether pleased I ‘lost my grip’ on the people to such a degree. We have fairly differing concepts of governing.”
She felt certain she understood to what he alluded. King Curiel would see the people punished for their treason. But Lord Valdren was a man of understanding. And after all, the villagers had a right to be distraught over the abuse from his son.
“At any rate, I’ve been meaning to come here and thank you for the incredible… shall we say ‘work’ you did on behalf of all present that day. I must say, it was like a nightmare playing out before my eyes.” Shifting in his seat, he appeared mildly uncomfortable. “I… had not realized how bad Rupert had gotten. Rather, I would not and I have no excuse for that. I regret matters escalated to such a degree. Of course, as everyone there witnessed, much was stirred by that spiritual world you revealed. That is, of course, not a thing any of us very readily understands…”
She cleared her throat. “You are right. And I am certain all beheld what became of the sorceress, Maera. I am not certain anyone noticed her ring of sorcerers chanting curses over the battle, but it was they who had been working for this confrontation since before Rupert’s birth. They selected your son as the tool for your destruction. Rupert didn’t stand much chance of becoming a decent man.”
The expression on Lord Valdren’s face altered with every revelation. He was angered by what had been done to his son and he pitied him. At the same time, they both knew it did not change the way things had played out. Whether or not Rupert had been cursed… he had committed the crimes. Unfortunately, it would not be forgotten, whether or not it was forgiven.
With the regretful nod of his head, he said, “And yet… he has been sent to prison beneath the capitol fortress of Kierelia to serve sentence for his wrongdoings.” Looking into her eyes, he searched them and at last confessed, “As his father… I ought to have seen it. That is, I ought to have known when he was turning out so differently from his elder brother…”
She shook her head. “Rupert was predisposed to weakness. I understand as a parent, you had a responsibility. Had you been aware such a thing could occur, you might have done something… but you were not.”
He raised a brow. “I wonder if this is a thing that might not be taught.”
She contemplated the suggestion, wondering why the prophet had not thought to do it. But perhaps it had not been his calling. She began to feel it might be hers. “Perhaps.”
“Well, as it stands, I have begun to see the light of day with my people,” he said. “Sending Rupert away has demonstrated that I have taken responsibility. I think it may do some good to give him time to think over all he has done.” He looked to her with hesitation. “I wonder
if you might be willing…”
She nodded. “I will visit him.”
Releasing a satisfied breath, he appeared hopeful. “Now, the reason I came was not merely to thank you. It was to apologize. You see, when the former prophet passed and you were to replace him… I did not believe you could fill his shoes. Not that I did not like you as a person, mind! I only… well, you are awfully young, you know.”
She nodded her understanding.
“But seeing what you accomplished was a wonder unlike I had ever witnessed the former prophet perform. So, I wanted to express my regret and to profess that I believe in you. And… I would like your help. It would be an honor if you would join my personal council, to help me see nothing like this ever occurs again.”
She was dumbstruck. After all, she had not believed in herself. No one could blame him for feeling the same. That he should esteem her enough to give her leave to offer counsel was a lofty privilege.
She nodded. “I cannot promise my experience will aid you in many ways, but… where I can be of service, I would be greatly honored.”
He nodded and sat back in his chair, appearing satisfied. “Well, that is settled.”
A knock sounded at the door.
“Yes, yes, on my way, Laveen,” he called with the roll of his eyes. “My sentinels do so loathe when I am afforded a moment off my feet,” he said with a wink. “But it is they, you see, who keep me accountable.”
Her eyes sparkled in reply. She could not help being fond of this man and was more than grateful the sorcerers had failed in their mission to ruin him.
He took a step for the door but turned to her once more. “I wonder if you would not come by some time for an evening meal. I would very much like you to meet my eldest son.” With a raised brow, he said, “I think the two of you would… get on very well.”
She blushed, certain she must be incorrect as to his inference. He was not really hoping to match her with his heir. “I am certain he would make a fine friend, from what I’ve heard,” she said.
He grinned largely, clearly charmed she had actually attempted to thwart his matchmaking. But after all, she knew she was but a drifter turned prophet.
“I understand,” he replied. “Still, you ought to join us some evening when he is about.”
She merely stood frozen as he departed. The lord of the region had all but offered her a chance at his son. That was an honor beyond even his former offer. She raced to the door, realizing she ought to have seen him out. But as his steed cantered away, Phillip rode up upon Peggity.
With an impressed whistle, he dismounted and met her at the door. “Since when do you entertain such noble company within this humble cabin?”
She grinned. “Careful what you say about the cabin. It is ever so slightly alive, you know.”
Nodding, he showed himself in. “I do love this pile of logs,” he assured, patting the wall. “It is my favorite place in the world.”
She was pleased to see him so carefree. Upon realizing Elizabeth was missing, he’d searched far and wide, anywhere he could imagine the sorcerers might have been sent. As it happened, she turned up of her own accord, explaining they’d ended up in the kingdom of Bashtii. She’d had but to gain funds to sail across the water and she had made her way home.
The moment she was able, she had visited Wynn. After confessing her hidden life to her family, she wished to be free of that existence and the things she had allowed into her soul. She entrusted Wynn with the task. Therefore, she did what she could to provide deliverance to the girl. It was up to the Great One to do the rest.
And after all, the Great One had been doing more than well enough thus far. Poor Joselyn had at last found the true love of her life… as had Terrance, despite his exaggerated height and clumsiness. It seemed the two had long shared private feelings for one another, but Terrance had always thought her too proud and she had always thought him too small, contrary to the previous feelings of almost every other woman in the region. Now, Joselyn had been humbled by the incident with Sir Rupert and Terrance was no longer a dwarf. Wynn could not help feeling the girl’s reasons a little shallow, but now the two were wed, they were quite happy in their small but comfortable home on the outskirts of the Enchanted Wood.
Terrance had been knighted shortly before the marriage as thanks for his defense of Lord Valdren. For, not only had he fought on the lord’s behalf, but he had been the one to see the castle defenders were warned. Else, Lord Valdren would have found himself almost utterly defenseless. Consequently, Joselyn’s parents eventually gave the marriage their blessing. After all, who would not wish their daughter married to a man now considered a hero?
“Phillip,” Wynn said as she sat across from him, “it seems nearly all your family is settled but yourself. I wonder what the Champion of the Southern Region has planned for his future. That knighthood perhaps?”
He shook his head. “I declined it. That life isn’t for me.” Looking down at his fidgeting feet, he continued, “I have other hopes.”
She crossed her arms, awaiting clarification.
Quite suddenly, he stood and began preparations for their meal. Peeling a potato, he said at last, “I was thinking… of moving into this cabin.”
She swiftly turned to him. “That wouldn’t be considered entirely appropriate, would it?”
“Mmmm… it would… if I married its owner.”
Her mouth dropped open as he paused his peeling.
He turned then and with a sheepish smirk, added, “I do love this cabin after all… Been plotting this all along.”
She raised a brow. “Well, you’ll have to confer with the owner one of these days and see if you cannot convince her to concede.”
“Hm...” He offered a childish half-smile. “How high would you say my chances are?”
She dearly longed to reply with some snarky remark, but the old prophet's mercy and that bright smile tugged at her heart strings. “Quite high enough.”
Learn more about Iviana and her friends, along with her great-grandfather, Latos, in the Seeker’s Trilogy…
SEEKER'S CALL
Book One of the Seeker’s Trilogy
Alone and searching for a place to call home, Iviana stumbles upon Tragor, the Great Dragon of the Ages, and Flynn, a strange young man determined to slay the dragon and steal its heart. Captivated by its beauty, she intervenes on behalf of the beast.
Having earned the friendship of the dragon, Tragor flies Iviana to his home-world, the Greater Archipelagos, a planet set in another universe. Populated by a people who are born with what they call the Great Gifts, the islanders prove to possess supernatural powers bestowed by their god, the Great One. It is there she must press beyond the rejection of the people to make discoveries not only about her own lineage but of her destiny: a call that could save the Greater Archipelagos from its demise.
Available in ebook and paperback
SEEKER’S QUEST
SEEKER’S REVOLUTION
A B O U T T H E A U T H O R
Based out of the Houston, Texas area, Cassandra Boyson is author of Amazon bestselling Christian Fantasy series, The Seeker's Trilogy. She plans to release several more books in the Christian Fantasy genre, revisiting the worlds previously introduced: Kaern and the Greater Archipelagos. Her books focus not only on inspiring the supernatural walk every Christian is destined to live out as Jesus did, but on salvation and the matchless, intimate love of the Great One.
CassandraBoyson.com
The Prophet's Apprentice (Chronicles of the Chosen) Page 38