“Artemis!” Vida yelled into her personal chambers. She had been ordered to bed rest by her personal physician after her last exertion of energy. Her body was weakening, and she knew it. But she couldn’t just sit by and watch as her daughter was hurt, or worst. She’d already watched death once. She wasn’t going to do it again.
“Artemis!” she called again. And this time, her little friend came bursting through her doors in the middle of the call. All of her four feet and ten inches came rushing through the double doors that towered over her. Panting, she ran to stand beside Vida’s bed.
“Yes! Yes my queen?”
“A vision. She’s going back to the forest. Have you seen it?” she asked, slowly trying to sit up on her bed. Artemis’ hand rushed to Vida’s side.
“Yes … Yes, I have,” she admitted. Vida froze, looking at Artemis.
“What did you see? He lives?” she asked, taking hold of Artemis’ frail shoulder. Artemis flinched at the pressure that was applied to it. “Tebias. Is he alive? Will he meet them in the forest?”
Artemis shook her head.
“No, but he will come after her again later on ...”
“Bring me my books,” she said, struggling to sit up the remainder of the way.
“No,” Artemis pleaded. “You cannot keep exerting yourself like this, Vida. It could mean-“
“I know what it could mean, Artemis. And I am more than willing to give my life for my child – for this kingdom.”
“But we need you, Vida. Please, consider sending someone instead. They could help her master her power,” Artemis pleaded with Vida. She hummed at the idea.
“Yes … I had been considering that for some time. I suppose now is best,” she said with a bit of remorse. Artemis nodded, keeping Vida balanced.
“Who?”
Vida was silent as she thought. She had taken some time to think about that decision. She knew that the person would have to be able to defend themselves against Tebias’ fire. And be agile enough to keep up with his speed. She had been carefully looking over the traits of everyone in the kingdom, and every ally outside it in order to come up with a worthy individual to send to Saphora’s aid. And after some careful consideration, she had made her decision.