by Lara Ann
“Ugh it’s freezing,” I complained.
“Unfortunately it’s too dangerous to light a fire here. We’re still too close to the Castle. The best we can do is get dressed in our dry clothes and keep moving.”
Wyn handed me my mostly dry dress and shoes and I quickly removed my shift and donned the dress. It was hard getting it on over my wet skin, but I finally managed. I was glad there wasn’t a mirror or camera handy. This was one moment I didn’t want a record of. I turned around. Wyn was already dressed but still had his back to me.
“Can you help me with my dress again?”
“Of course.”
Wyn, of course, managed to look completely hot after his dunking in the river, his dark shirt and pants only moulded to his body even more than normal. My long hair fell in a wet ropy mess around me. I twisted it between my hands in an effort to wring out some of the water, what I wouldn’t give for a hairbrush. I sighed as Wyn finished doing up my dress. I twisted my hair into a quick knot, hopefully that would keep it out of the way while we were walking.
“So, are we safe now?” I asked hopefully as we trudged through the trees.
“I believe so, but we can’t relax just yet.”
“How far is it to the base camp?”
“We’ll probably get there mid-morning tomorrow, quicker if we ride.”
“Is Thunder alright to ride?”
“Yes, just a few minor strains and some light bruising, so if nothing happens, I’ll leave riding till tomorrow.”
Thunder snorted and stamped his hoof.
“I think he disagrees with you,” I laughed.
“Yes he does, crazy horse,” Wyn said joining in the laughter.
We continued walking until it started to get dark. We stopped in a small grassy clearing, Thun-der immediately set about cropping at the grass.
“If only we could do the same,” Wyn joked.
“What – no room service here?”
“The best I can do is an apple for the lady,” Wyn said removing a small fruit from his pocket.
“Mmm anything looks good right now,” I said taking a bite of the apple and returning it to Wyn for a bite.
“Tell me more about Elven gifts Wyn.”
“Well your gift of swiftness means you can outrun any runner on foot. You can run without feeling tired, but you will pay the price for that when you stop running. Did you feel a wave of exhaustion?”
“Yes, it hit me really quickly. I nearly fell asleep actually, then I panicked about returning home without you and Dad. I feel okay now though.”
“If you had run for longer, the feelings would have been more intense and you would have succumbed to the urge to sleep.”
“Speaking of sleeping, what should we do with the Jaega while we sleep?”
“I can keep it in my pocket. It will not affect me that way. I’ll return it to you in the morning.”
I removed the locket and handed it to Wyn. He slipped it into the pocket of his pants.
“We should sleep now sweet Ashlee. You’ve had a long and arduous day.” Wyn lay down on the grass and beckoned me over. “It will be too cold to sleep apart.”
I scooted over and snuggled up beside Wyn. He put his arm around me and held me close. Wyn sang softly as we watched the stars come out, against my will, my eyes closed all too soon.
We approached the Elven camp shortly after sunrise. Thunder had taken us the rest of the way quickly, eager to prove he was fully recovered. Finnan came out to meet us; Wyn helped me down from Thunder.
“Finnan,” said Wyn clasping hands with his Watcher. “Has everyone returned safely?”
“The Queen arrived late in the night with Ava. Two of the groups are still missing. Argus and Tomman are among those who have yet to return. Don’t be overly concerned Ashlee, Argus will take good care of your father and Tomman is not without his own resources.”
Not worry, ha! Of course I was worried about the safe return of my Dad. It was strange to hear the Elves calling him by a different name. I really wanted some answers about my Father’s past. I would rather he told me, but I really couldn’t wait any longer at least for some basic information about his past.
“I need to know what happened Finnan. Was my Dad banished from Alora?”
“Come inside and eat, I will answer as many of your questions as I am able Ashlee.”
Wyn took my hand, it was comforting to feel his reassuring presence beside me. I was afraid to hear the reasons for my Father’s exile and what it might mean for our future. Finnan led us to a set of stairs that wound around the trunk of a large tree. I looked up as we ascended, the building was partially hidden by the tree. We stepped out onto a wooden platform. There was no railing so I stayed close to Wyn. I looked around. Sanctuary seemed to be made up of interconnecting round wooden buildings joined by suspension bridges. I was glad to see these connecting bridges had rope handholds. Further in some of the connecting bridges seemed to be fully enclosed. It was in-credibly beautiful; the whole structure was graceful somehow, like the Elves themselves. Last time we’d been here, I hadn’t seen these buildings, we must have been further out in the forest. Perhaps there wasn’t enough room for all the rebel Elves to sleep inside.
We entered through an intricately carved wooden door. The building was one big open room, with curved tables and benches taking up most of the available space. Definitely not much room for sleeping. There was a door at the far end of the room, hopefully leading to a bathroom. I could re-ally use somewhere to clean up. What I wouldn’t give for a long hot shower and some clean clothes, I thought wistfully.
Vashti and Ava entered the room through the far door and I smiled widely to see them safe. The young Elf was staying close to Vashti’s side; she had been through a terrible ordeal. Firstly losing both her parents and then being held captive and used by Rothlyn.
“Mother!” Wyn said, relief evident in his voice. They embraced tightly, both showing their emotions in this informal setting.
I was glad they’d been able to have their reunion in private, where they didn’t have to worry about correct protocol. I knelt down to give Ava a warm hug, I had grown to care for the young girl in the short time we’d spent together.
“You both must be hungry,” Vashti said, looking at us in concern.
“Starving,” I agreed heartily.
Vashti whispered something to Ava and the girl ran off back through the far door. We all sat down at one of the empty tables, Wyn sat beside me again and took my hand.
“Will you answer my questions now?” I asked Finnan, who sat across the table from me beside Vashti.
“I will answer what I’m permitted,” Finnan replied, with a quick glance towards the Queen. Vashti’s face betrayed no emotion now, of course if my father had been banished, she must know all about it.
“Was my Dad exiled from Alora?”
“Yes he was,” Finnan said gravely. “His powers were bound and he was sent to Earth with the knowledge that he was never to return.”
“But he’s here now, what’s going to happen to him?” I asked, suddenly worried what he risked in returning here with Wyn to find me. Wyn squeezed my hand reassuringly.
“That will be decided later,” Vashti answered. “We still have to defeat Rothlyn, anything else is secondary.”
“Can you at least tell me why he was sent away?”
“The simple story is that he fell in love with a woman from Earth – your mother Ashlee. He knew it was forbidden, but he did it anyway. This is against our laws and for this, he was banished.”
“No one knew your mother was pregnant with you,” Vashti said.
“Why didn’t my parents stay together?”
“That is a question only your father can answer Ashlee.”
“What about me, if I’m half Elf – will I have the choice of staying in Alora?”
“According to our current laws, part Elves are encouraged to live on Earth, each case is different though.”
“Are ther
e many part Elves in Alora?” I asked hopefully.
“At the present time, no part Elves reside in Alora,” Vashti answered.
I felt my hope die. Part of me had hoped I could maybe stay in Alora and at least maintain a friendship with Wyn, even if we could never have a relationship. To be denied even that small hope was heartbreaking. I felt my eyes begin to tear up and I blinked furiously, not wanting to cry in front of everyone.
“She has gifts,” Wyn said quietly.
“What gifts?” Finnan asked, suddenly interested in the conversation again.
“She has the gift of swiftness, she out ran me wearing a dress and no shoes. It was amazing, I think she could even outrun a horse with proper training,” Wyn said earnestly.
“Impressive,” Finnan replied. “Do you have any other gifts Ashlee?”
“Um, I don’t really know. I didn’t even realise I had this one until Wyn told me. Why? Does it make a difference if I have powers?”
“It does,” Vashti replied. “If you have Elven powers, sending you back to Earth to live permanently, means we have to bind those powers, as they do not belong in your world. Something we are loath to do.”
“Does that mean Ash can stay?” Wyn asked seriously.
“It makes it more likely, again it is not something that will be decided until Rothlyn is deposed,” Vashti answered.
I felt my heart swell with hope again, I hadn’t really thought much about the Elves gifts before, but if having gifts helped my chances of staying, I hoped I would have more than just one. I was suddenly excited again at the possibility of staying with Wyn.
A few Elves entered, carrying trays of food. The smell of cooked food made my stomach spasm, I hadn’t eaten anything except half an apple in the past twenty-four hours and I was starving. As soon as the food was placed on the table, I grabbed a seeded roll, still warm from the oven. I hoped I wasn’t being rude, just helping myself. Heck, I could always apologise later, I thought taking a huge bite. I noticed Wyn had also started eating and Vashti was just smiling at him. She must be thrilled to be here safe with her son. I was trying not to think too much about Dad not being back yet. I knew there were a thousand reasons why he might not have returned yet, after all we’d only just made it here ourselves. It was reassuring to know he was with Argus, it was hard to imagine anyone overcoming him, especially with his gift of inflicting pain with his touch.
After the meal, Vashti took Wyn to another table to talk to him privately. I really wished I knew what she was talking to him about. Hopefully it was about the future of Alora and not about our relationship. Not that we really had a relationship at the moment, I knew Wyn had strong feelings for me, but I also knew he would choose what was best for Alora over what was best for himself. I sighed; I really admired Wyn’s strong ethics and integrity, even if they were keeping us apart.
I looked across at Wyn and Vashti as I nibbled a piece of cheese. It looked like they were arguing now, or at least Wyn was arguing, Vashti still looked cool and composed. Wyn was much more animated making wild gestures with his arms. He was still keeping his voice hushed, so I couldn’t hear what he was arguing so passionately about.
“How do you feel about Wyndelleu?” Finnan asked me suddenly.
I nearly choked on my cheese, I coughed and spluttered until I spat the offending item into my hand.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” I asked when I had regained some composure.
“Are you in love with Wyndelleu Silverthorn Riverstar?”
Huh, so that was Wyn’s full name. No wonder he’d just gone with Wyn Rivers at school. It suddenly made Ashlee Somers seem rather boring, I didn’t even have a middle name! As to how to answer Finnan’s question, should I try to lie? No – Finnan would see right through that, actually I wasn’t sure why he was even asking. I was almost positive he already knew my feelings for Wyn.
“Yes, I love Wyn. Which you probably already know. Why are you asking me this now? Going to give me a lecture about what a mistake I’ve made?”
Finnan actually smiled. “I wanted to hear if you have true feeling for Wyndelleu, when this is all over, you are going to need people on your side. You and Wyndelleu are going to have to fight to be together. Are you strong enough to fight for Wyndelleu, Ashlee Somers?”
“Yes,” I said fiercely. “I will do whatever it takes.”
“Many will be against you. It is a hard road you have chosen, you need to be certain or you will be crushed under the opposition you will face.”
“Why have you changed your mind about us?” I asked curiously.
“I am Wyndelleu’s mentor and friend, I will do what I feel is best for Wyndelleu and right for Alora. I believe Wyndelleu is a better man since he met you. You challenge him Ashlee, you make him question things he has never had to think about before. I believe he will be a better ruler with you by his side. And you have proven yourself to be loyal and brave. I think you would be a worthy bride.”
“Thank you Finnan, I don’t really know what to say, but I’m very grateful for your support.” I looked over at Vashti and Wyn still arguing.
“I take it Queen Vashti is not in agreement with you?”
“You are correct, it is not that she does not like you – for I can see that she does. It goes deeper than that. She knew your father before he left Alora.”
My head was spinning, she knew Dad? What did this mean for Wyn and I? I needed to know more, I opened my mouth to speak, but Finnan answered before I could.
“I will tell you no more Ashlee, you need to speak with your Father.”
Wyn came back to our table. “Ash, can I speak to you outside?”
“Of course,” I said getting up from the table. I followed Wyn outside and back down the curved staircase; he led me through the trees, to a quiet ferny glade. We sat down on a mossy log and faced each other.
“Your Mother doesn’t want us to be together, does she?” I said bluntly.
“Not my mother Ash, the Queen doesn’t want us to be together. There is a difference. My Mother likes you. If she were not the Queen, she would probably approve of our union.”
“Maybe you should forget the throne then,” I said jokingly.
“I have thought about it,” Wyn said sombrely.
“What! No, you can’t do that. Who will defeat Rothlyn?”
“I did not say I wouldn’t fight, of course I will fight. I just may not contend for the throne when this is all over.”
“Is that what you and Vashti were fighting about?”
“Pretty much, among other things...”
“You wouldn’t really consider giving up the throne for me would you? Alora needs you; every-one agrees you’d be the best contender for the throne.”
Wyn took my small hands in his much larger ones. “Are you saying you would rather I became King than that I married you Ashlee?”
“Well no, not really...married wow, I hadn’t really thought it through that far... I want what’s best for Alora, but I also want to be with you. It’s so confusing. I never thought I’d have to be involved in such an important decision.”
“Do you love me Ashlee?”
“Yes,” I breathed.
“That’s all I need to know for now,” Wyn smiled, and leaned forward to kiss me.
His lips melted into mine, it was slow and sweet and I wished we could stay here forever...
“Ashlee, Pyjama Girl! Come here, your Father is eager to see you!” Argus’s familiar voice came booming through the trees. We broke apart and I scrambled up.
“Dad’s back!” I yelled excitedly. I tore through the trees, the trees blurred around me as I sped towards the sound of excited voices. I came to an abrupt stop in front of the returning party. Dad was there leaning heavily against Argus, looking very tired and dirty but otherwise unharmed. The bandage was gone from around his head and even though I was expecting his pointed ears, it was still shocking.
“Dad!” I said rushing forward to envelope him in a huge hug.
> “Ashlee, I’m so relieved to see you safe, I owe Wyn a debt of thanks,” he said nodding at Wyn over my shoulder.
“Yes, thank you too Argus, for looking after my Dad for me.”
“Anytime Ashlee,” Argus replied.
“After you get cleaned up and eat, we need to have a long talk,” I said seriously.
“That we do Ash…that we do.”
My Dad was safe; I could relax for a while. He had some serious explaining to do and I had a lot of questions to ask. I hoped that the answers to those questions would not be too hard to hear. One thing was certain; my life was never going to be the same.
END OF BOOK ONE
If you made it this far, thank you!
I hope you enjoyed Ash’s journey as much as I loved writing about it.
The story continues in Within the Dream.
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Dedication
This book is dedicated to anyone who still believes in fairy-tales.
To my amazing family: Brad, Tad and Zed.
My early readers: Lyn, Elgar, Claire, Alana, Zali, Wyn and Zanthia. My amazing teen readers: Jessica, Tirzah, Eden and Nim, thank you for all your kind words and help. Kal thank you for all the advice and help with design. There are many others who have also helped me along the way, I am grate-ful to you all for your help and encouragement.