Tiden woke with a start.
“Trix?” His eyes fought to focus on the tiny fairy.
She flew over and landed in front of him. “Right here, big guy.”
He sighed in relief. Tiden pulled himself up into a seated position. For someone so large, he was surprisingly graceful.
“I found some breakfast. Nothing big…it’s no flostrich egg omelet.” She placed the berries in front of him. They were wrapped in a large palm leaf. Next to it, she placed his filled cold canteen.
Tiden looked down, eyeing her sheepishly. He had wanted to protect her, and here she was taking care of him, while he slept. For the first time since they left the meeting with Cassius, he felt his age.
“Thanks, Trix.” He started to eat, and then realized she wasn’t following suit. “Aren’t you going to eat?”
“I already did while you were sleeping.” It was only a small fib. She had drunk deeply from the cool brook, but didn’t want to take food from him. The berries were just starting to ripen. In a few weeks, there would be an abundance of berries. Enough to keep Tiden full for weeks, but they weren’t going to be here for weeks. It was time they didn’t have, and every second they wasted was time Paradan would never get back.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice childlike and quiet.
Trix knew he was hungry. She could see it echoing in his brilliant blue eyes. It hurt her to know she couldn’t do more to take that look out of his eyes. Trix hoped the risks they were all taking would forever do away with the hunger residing in his baby blue eyes. He ate quickly and ravenously.
Trix could tell he was still hungry when he was finished. Tiden had learned the hard way, when it came to water, so he only drank half of his container–leaving more for later. There was no telling what they were going to find when they entered the capital of Fara. Would there be friends willing to help them? Or would they be in worse trouble than before?
*
In less than two hours they had made it over the Arit Mountain.
It was the last hurdle before coming down into the valley of the capital of Fara. It was apparent no one had taken this trail in some time. The vines had overgrown, blocking the path up. Thankfully, Tiden’s large feet made easy work of the thorn infested trail. Trix was tired but still insisted on flying most of the way. Only after Tiden offered for the fourth time to carry her, and she declined, did she catch a glimpse of pain in his eyes. She quickly decided she was too tired. His step quickened, and his smile grew.
Tiden didn’t want to admit to Trix he was scared. They were clueless as to what awaited them at the end of the serpentine road. Would it be friend or foe?
Stepping off the trail, they were surprised at how similar Fara was to Paradan.
It looked as if they had been built by the same hands.
Cobblestone roads connected the busy shops. Trix expected stares and gasps of shock when then marched through the town square. The opposite happened. It was as if they belonged there. Fairies flew from one shop to the next. Giants of all ages walked the roads, some hand in hand. Humans and trolls laughed together, encircled in conversation. There were even some dwarves playing some sort of dice game with a group of humans. It brought a lump to both of their throats. It was Paradan, before Tommit had taken over. Trix’s eyes watered as she tried to fight back the spilling of the salty tears. This was unlike anything they could have imagined.
Trix and Tiden looked at each other.
So many thoughts and emotions passed through them in a single glance. Tiden walked toward another giant. He looked like he could have been Tiden’s brother. Only, he was twice Tiden’s size. It was scary approaching him. Would he reject them?
“Hi.” Tiden’s voice was quiet and fought to stay strong.
“Good morning,” was followed by an open smile. Tiden wasn’t expecting such a warm reply. He was frozen. Trix looked over at him and could see that she needed to take control of things.
“My name is Trix and this is my friend, Tiden.” It felt good calling someone her friend. “Could you point us to where we would find King Calas?”
The other giant’s eyes shaded with confusion for a moment.
“King Calas? Why do you ask?” Concern took over his features and the friendly smile was waning.
“We are from Paradan.” Trix announced. The Giant’s eyes widened. “We have come because we need help.”The Giant looked at them and then relaxed. Trix was happy he could see they weren’t a threat.
“I’m Galen. Pleased to meet you.” His larger than life smile returned. “What can I do to help?”
Chapter 20
Waking up the next morning, I was excited.
Today, I would get to spend all day with Cassius. The best part was that I didn’t have to sneak around in darkened shadows to do it. I knew I couldn’t show my emotions on the outside, as there was always a chance someone could be watching us. Evver helped me dress. I was in a dark brown dress today. It would hide the dirt. I was certain I would spend more time on the ground than in the saddle. Thinking of climbing on a large animal had me scared, but if there was anyone I could trust with my safety— it would be Cassius.
My hair was braided in double braids; for the first time, my hair was far from my face.
I looked at my reflection and I realized I was glowing. Evver noticed too, but she was kind enough not to tease me about it. I know she still was hopeful Cassius would come through at the last moment and save the day. Secretly, I wished for the same, but I would have never voiced it out loud.
“Better hurry. We don’t want to keep Cassius waiting.” Her smile had a hint of glee to it. Evver was probably happier about us spending time together than either of us. She took my hand and started pulling me toward the door.
“Wait!” She stopped dead in her tracks. She ran into my closet, pulling out the emerald green cape she had made for me. “It’s going to be cold later.”
“Thank you Evver.” I leaned down and kissed her cheek. She blushed.
“Alright, let’s get moving.” I followed her willingly.
We made our way down the winding corridors. I felt like a small child rushing downstairs on Christmas morning. Our only stop was in the kitchen to pick up our packed lunch, and for me to have a large slice of fresh baked bread. It did little to settle my nervous stomach, but I knew from experience I would regret not eating if I waited to eat until lunch. Normally Evver would have made sure I had eaten more, but she was anxious to get me to Cassius.
Heading down the never-ending labyrinth of hallways that I have started to become familiar with, I could see we were nearing a hallway I had never entered. Evver knew exactly where we were heading and I trusted her. She opened the door at the end of the hallway. My eyes were blinded by the light.
We stepped out into a large meadow.
Not far from the exit, there was a walkway leading up a small hill. At the top of the hill was a large barn. It was enormous. We must have been on the other side of the castle, because I was certain I would have noticed this before. Heading down the hill was the most beautiful sight. Cassius. He looked amazing in his riding gear.
His smile was contagious and I couldn’t help but match it. My heart flew when I saw the approval in his brilliant eyes. The way he looked at me made me blush. Walking toward him I focused on the floor. Not trusting myself to look in his eyes. Evver squeezed my hand and pulled me along. I followed, matching her steps with mine. She stopped suddenly, surprising me. I looked up. Cassius was only a couple of feet away from us. He must have run down the hill.
“Good morning.” His eyes stayed with me.
“Morning.”
“Cassius, I packed all of your favorites. Don’t worry, Aurora, I packed some for you too.” She smiled at me, but the wide grin was saved for her brother. I couldn’t help but feel like there were eyes on us.
“Well, shouldn’t we get started? I’m going to need all the help I can get.” I said, groaning. I had never been very graceful, and putting
me on a large horse in a ball gown was just asking for an embarrassing accident to happen. I turned and hugged Evver. “Wish me luck. I know I’m going to need it.”
“Don’t worry, Aurora. Cassius can teach anyone to ride. He’s the best.” Her eyes were glowing with pride.
“I will see you later tonight. Try not to get into any trouble while I’m away, today.” My words had Cassius laughing loudly. It echoed in the open space.
“You’re joking…right? Evver and trouble are best friends.”
She glowered at him and playfully swat at his arm. Then, putting her hands on her hips, she turned and marched off in the opposite direction.
“Come on Ev, I was only kidding.”
Not looking back, she made her way into the castle and slammed the door shut behind her.
“Do you think she’s really mad?” I asked, worried I had offended my friend. Cassius was laughing again. It sounded like the most beautiful melody to me. If it was the only sound I could hear for the rest of my life, then I would be happy.
“No. I think if anything, she is upset about not tagging along with us, today. Don’t worry. By the time you will return tonight, it will be like it never happened.” His eyes were smiling and I believed it. How could anyone stay upset with him? “Good. I am glad you brought your cape. It’s going to cool off this afternoon.”
I looked at the sky. It was clear and bright. I wondered how they determined the weather forecast without satellites.
“I hope you’re ready. I wasn’t joking earlier.”
Cassius could sense my fear. He reached his hand out to touch my arm for a split second. Electricity shot straight to my heart. I pulled back from his touch. I saw a touch of pain reach his eyes and then it was quickly replaced with the smile I always loved.
“Come along then, it sounds like I have my work cut out for me.”
I followed him up the path toward the expanse of the colossal barn. It looked like it could have held at least ten large homes, which currently resided on my neighborhood street, inside of it. One thing saddened me–I could see Tommit took better care of his animals than he did his own people. I was grateful his animals had Cassius to take care of them, but where was the same level of care and compassion for the people he was meant to care for?
I included all of the mythical creatures in my definition of people.
From what I had observed, most of them had more humanity in them than most people would ever experience. We passed beautiful mares in every size and shade of color. I kept waiting for him to say this is the one, but no, he continued walking. Cassius led me to the end stall. The door to the last stall was shut.
“I want you to meet someone.” He said with a glint in his eye.
There were iron locks on the door. At least five of them blocked access to anyone who dared try to enter. Cassius pulled out a ring of keys. In a quick motion, he had all of the locks undone and was opening the door. Whatever needed so many locks to hold it in had me nervous. I gripped onto Cassius’ arm without realizing it. He turned back and smiled at me. Leading me further into the sinister doorway, my fingers dug deeper into his skin.
“Don’t worry, Aurora.”
His calm words did little to assuage my nerves, when I saw a second massive roughly hewn wooden door. It appeared much thicker than the first. A massive plank of wood kept the door closed off to prying eyes. There was no way Cassius was going to be able to lift the plank up for us to enter into the mysterious room. I was certain most of the giants I had come to know would be able to pry it from its grasp.
This was just another time I was learning not to discount what Cassius could accomplish. His strong hands gripped the plank tightly, and with what seemed like little effort, the plank was resting in his capable hands. Setting it down gently next to the side wall of the door frame with ease, he turned back and smiled his wonderful crooked smile.
“Ready?”
My eyes grew wide and my heart seemed to stutter to a stop. I bit hard on my lower lip to keep it from trembling. Fear of the unknown was taunting me. Cassius seemed annoyed. He turned so we were facing each other. He was standing only inches from my face. I could feel his breath on my lips. His brow was furrowed in the fiercest way possible. Both of his hands reached up and cupped one of my arms. I could almost feel his pulse on my skin.
“Aurora. Do you not know me by now? Do you really believe for a moment I would lead you into danger? How could you?”
Before I could respond he pulled me to him. It was our second kiss and it was just as powerful as our first. This time there was an underlying anger behind his lips. I could feel it in his arms as they pulled me to him. My body and mind were fighting. My body was responding to his touch and my mind kept telling me to STOP! It flashed images of Drayben threatening me, threatening Evver, and threatening Cassius. The thought and his lips produced a groan from my mouth.
I pushed him away.
“Stop! This can’t happen!” I tried to untangle myself from his sturdy arms. He fought me. There was no way he was giving up so easily this time. Cassius pulled me back into another kiss. This time, he wasn’t going to let me give up. His arm wrapped me even closer than before. I felt his left hand move up to my head. His lips did things to me I never thought possible. For a moment I forgot about Tommit, my wedding, everyone and everything.
The only thing that existed in this moment was Cassius and I.
I felt the relief in his body when I gave in and surrendered myself to him.
*
It was silent.
All I could hear was my breath and the beat of my heartbeat next to Cassius’. His was racing. I could feel it pumping through his shirt. My heart had soared when I gave in and finally let myself feel the power of his feelings, but I also knew it would hit a brick wall when I stepped back into reality. For the moment, I wanted to savor it.
Cassius was the first one to break the silence.
“So, are you ready to meet my friend now?” I looked up into his eyes. They were shining in the low light and it made it hard to say anything but yes.
“Sure.”
“You’re going to enjoy this, I promise.” Still holding on to my hand, he pushed open the door with his free hand and led the way. We entered a large area. It was empty with the exception of some hay on the floor. In the corner of the room was something that took my breath away.
It was something I only had seen in books or badly portrayed in the movies.
A unicorn!
It was more than a unicorn. It had wings, a Pegasus? It was snow white and the most exquisite creature I had ever laid eyes on— which said a lot because I had seen fairies, and Cassius. Cassius pulled me forward, toward the striking animal.
It moved toward us at the same pace.
“Good morning, boy. I have someone who I would like you to meet. This is…Aurora.” The Pegasus responded by looking at me and then to Cassius, then raised its head and neighed.
Cassius laughed. “Yes, it’s really her. I told you she was beautiful.”
I felt the familiar heat flood my face. It occurred to me that Cassius had been talking about me to his “friend.” He turned to me and motioned forward toward the Pegasus.
“Aurora, I want you to meet Darant. Darant, meet the lovely Aurora.”
As I tried to think of something appropriate to say to this majestic animal before me, he beat me to the punch.
“Nice to finally meet you.”
My mouth dropped in shock.
He could talk? I turned to Cassius, who had a mischievous grin on his face. One look at my face and he broke into laughter.
“Yes, he talks—but only to me.” I turned back to Darant, realizing I was being rude.
“I’m sorry. It was just such a shock to hear you speak. It’s nice to meet you, too.” I tried to smile but my mouth wasn’t cooperating.
“Don’t worry. You should have seen the look on Cassius’ face the first time I spoke to him. He was certain he was losing his mind
. I laughed all day.”
Cassius’ laughter stopped. I guess he didn’t like it when the laughter was at his expense.
“I didn’t bring her here for you to mock me.” His tone was harsh, but his eyes couldn’t betray the warmth that he felt for his friend.
“Sorry. It’s just nice to speak to someone else for a change. I can see why you’re always talking about her. Aurora, if I may, you are beautiful.”
“Th…thank you.” It came out in an embarrassing stutter.
“She has a terrible time accepting compliments. Someday she will get used to it.”
I glowered at him, but his dazzling eyes made it hard to hold my hard glare.
“Actually, I brought her here today hoping you would help me teach her how to ride. What do you think?”
I turned and looked at Darant. I was certain he would run in the opposite direction.
“It would be my honor.”
“Are you sure? It could end badly.” I said, grimacing, thinking of me trying to be elegant in my oversized gown.
“Badly? Why would you say that?”
I looked from Darant to Cassius and prepared to embarrass myself further.
“I am not the most graceful person, and now I have this huge gown on and it feels impossible.”
Now, not only was Cassius laughing but Darant had joined in. I felt my face burning with humiliation. My gaze found its way to the floor. I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole. In my life I had never been the one that people had picked first for the team. Even though I had been athletic most of my life, for some reason I couldn’t gain the confidence I needed to make my body work.
“Don’t fret, Aurora. I promise by the time we are done today, you will be riding like you have done so since before you could walk.” I looked at Cassius skeptically. But I was learning that I had to put my trust in someone. Why couldn’t it be in the boy I believed I loved?
“I promise to go easy.” If it was even possible, it looked like Darant was smiling at me. It was almost creepy.
“Alright.”
Cassius reached out his hand to me and pulled me toward the waiting Pegasus.
I tried to control my trembling by reminding myself that Cassius would never put me in danger. Darant kneeled down, making it easier for me to climb on him. I was sitting side saddle, only there was no saddle. It was the strangest feeling.