There was no way that I wasn’t going to fall. I was going to be the running joke of Paradan. Biting my bottom lip, I could feel the familiar burn returning to my eyes. I hated feeling so weak.
“Now, I am going to stand up. You may hold on to my mane to steady yourself.”
My breath again was caught in my chest. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I didn’t want to fall either. So I reached out and gripped his mane with all of my might. He stood in one fluid motion and I didn’t feel a thing. I couldn’t believe it. My body was still in the same position it had been when he was on the ground.
“Aurora, I am going to take a few steps now. Are you ready?”
I looked to Cassius and he motioned encouragingly.
“Ok.”
Holding my breath, I was waiting for the steps to come. It was the strangest feeling. I could see us moving toward the door but it was as if we stood still, and the door moved to us. There wasn’t the fear I expected. I suppressed a giggle.
“By the look in your eyes it wasn’t so bad. Now, was it?” Cassius asked with a grin.
“No. It felt like we weren’t even moving.”
“Thank you, Aurora, your kind words are quite a compliment.” Darant threw back his head so he could rub his mane against my hand. His locks were incredibly soft and I found myself running my fingers through his mane over and over. Curiosity got the better of my judgment and I reached over to rub his horn.
“Oh, that tickles,” his body shuddered with the chills that racked his body from my unexpected touch.
“Sorry.”
Cassius was doubled over laughing. I hated to be laughed at and my bottom lip jutted out in a large pout.
“I’m not laughing at you. It’s just Darant’s face. Not to mention that I am guilty of doing the same thing the first time I got close enough to try.”
I didn’t feel so bad after his confession.
“Don’t worry, Aurora.”
“I promise not to do it again,” I felt guilty for already upsetting my new friend.
“Just warn me next time.”
“Deal.”
*
“I hate to have to leave, but Aurora and I have somewhere we need to be. I promise I will bring her back to visit again.”
Darant and I both looked at Cassius; we had both been enjoying the company so much, that neither of us even thought about the rest of the day’s activities.
“We have to go?” I asked sadly.
“Yes, but I promise we will return in the morning.”
I turned back to Darant. “I enjoyed our time together. Thank you for helping me today.”
“My pleasure, I will look forward to tomorrow. Perhaps you could bring me a bunch of apples? Cassius has been stingy as of late.” The Pegasus half-heartedly growled at the beautiful boy beside me.
“Now, Darant, I told you I would try, didn’t I? It’s not my fault buddy.”
“Why can’t he have apples?” I asked, feeling like I would climb a tree if I had to, just to bring my new friend the apples he craved. Cassius looked at me as if I should have already known the answer to my question.
Once again, I stood there bewildered.
“It’s not that he can’t have apples. I used to bring them to him all the time. It’s just…” He trailed off. “See Aurora, since King Tommit has taken over, less and less of the food supply is getting to the people in the kingdom. It’s strange because, if anything, our crops have increased. I’m not really sure where all of the food is going. There is just not enough to go around. It’s been months since I was able to bring anything but Oats to Darant.”
“Ah don’t worry about it Cassius. I know it’s not you.”
I don’t know what troubled me more, the fact that food was going missing or that Tommit always had an overabundance. I would have to figure it out, and soon. The last thing I wanted was for the people and animals of Paradan going hungry.
“I promise I will get you some apples.” I leaned over and hugged my new friend. It seemed strange to be hugging an animal who seemed more human than most of the human’s that I had met during my time here.
“Have fun.”
Cassius waved at his friend and started opening the doors. Locking the locks took longer than unlocking had. While he did, I took advantage and looked around. I could feel eyes on me and I didn’t like that feeling. I worried Lote or Drayben had someone following along, making sure I played nicely. There was a real resolve to keep a safe distance from myself and the warmth of Cassius’ touch. Yet, there was a growing feeling in the pit of my stomach that longed to feel his lips again.
Cassius led the way.
I forced my hands to stay at my side. They were both clenched in steel tight fists. I fought the need to reach out and take his hand. We made our way out of the barn and headed down a new path. It led to the forested area. I bit my lip to stop myself from asking where we were heading. The bushes formed an archway that we had to duck under to miss taking a bunch of thorns to our faces. We walked and walked; my feet were starting to swell. It felt like we had been walking for hours. I wondered how far this path went. As the walkway narrowed, I was concerned with my large dress making it through the small opening. Just as I was about to reach out for Cassius to stop him, the area opened. We were welcomed by a large meadow.
It was breathtaking.
For a minute, it was as if the revolving of the earth had slowed down. I was able to take in every inch of the stunning space. The grass was rich and green as if it had just had a fresh rain shower, there were wildflowers scattered throughout the meadow. A large tree was centered in the middle of the field. The gargantuan oak would have taken at least thirty people going hand in hand to reach around the trunk. Never had I imagined there could be a tree this immense. The roots were starting to grow out of the ground and they were in a tangled mess. Gnarled bark dressed the old Oak.
It had dozens of branches jutting out of the top, bending and twisting in every imaginable direction.
Hanging on each branch were different shades of ribbon. The effect it had on the leaves was an astonishing rainbow. Some of the ribbons were glittery and shimmered in the light of the sun. Walking toward it, I was touched by the feeling the ground held. I wanted to turn and catch a glimpse of Cassius, but I couldn’t pull my eyes from the incredible sight. Feeling his eyes on me I reluctantly turned in his direction.
“It’s beautiful.”
His eyes never left mine. “Yes it is.”
I blushed, knowing he was talking about me.
“What is it?” I turned back to focus on the tree. It was much safer than looking into his frosty blue eye. They never left me feeling anything other than fevered.
“We are in the center of the Echo forest, also known as the fairy forest. This is the wishing tree. When a couple starts their life together they come tie a ribbon to a branch and leave a wish. It is said that this tree has the power to bind their love for all eternity.” I looked at the thousands of ribbons that each represented a couple promising their eternal love to one another. Tears started to glisten on my cheeks. My heart swelled and ached at the same time. It was just another reminder of how I was going to live my life without eternal love. It pained me but I couldn’t bear to tear my focus from it.
I felt strong arms winding their way around my waist.
“One of ours could be hanging there someday.” His warm breath tickled my ear.
A million feelings passed through me with his touch and his warming words. I could see it. In my vision I saw us standing before the wishing tree surrounded by our friends and family. I longed for that moment. As much as I needed air on a daily basis I needed to believe what I was seeing was possible. Looking around the circle my eyes lingered on Evver. Seeing her snapped me out of my reverie. I pushed at his tensing arms. He protested.
“No!” I pushed harder, and this time he caved to my objection. Released, I turned out of his embrace and faced him. His eyes were no longer dry and I could see
his pain.
“Cassius, this can never happen. Can’t you see that it’s impossible?” I was so frustrated with the entire situation. “I’m going to marry Tommit. Then Evver will be safe, you will be safe….” My words were cut off by a sob escaping my throat. He took steps toward me, but I stopped him by pushing my hands out at him.
The closer I became to him, the more my fate hurt.
“Why do you think marrying that monster will keep us safe?”
I realized my mistake. The secret I had been carrying around had been released, and to the one person I knew wouldn’t let my slip go unchallenged.
“Never mind.” I tried to turn away from him. His eyes would pry the information out of me quicker than I was prepared to divulge it. Cassius raced up and turned me around.
“Aurora, tell me.” His voice was forceful and full of fire. Icy blue eyes were burning. I wondered how they withstood the flames. Fear continued to run cold through my blue blood. I knew that I would willingly die, if my actions were to lead to the death of this phenomenon of a man who stood before me.
“Since I arrived in Paradan, so much of it has made zero sense to me. There are only two things here that have made me believe any of this is real—Evver, and you. The two of you are the only things that make the rest of this madness manageable. My world is so different from here. There is so much I could live without, but losing you and Evver—to a decision I made—is nothing I could survive.” I bit my lip from revealing any more. “Please don’t push. Can’t we just enjoy the time we have together this week?”
He looked from me to the ribbons dancing in the wishing tree.
Then he turned back to me. His eyes were burning with desire. I felt like I would spontaneously combust, just from the way his eyes gazed upon me.
“Eternity is the only amount of time I will accept.”
Chapter 21
Trix and Tiden were led toward the center of the city.
Galen was listening to their story as they passed questioning eyes. Galen was seventeen years old. He was considered an adult in the giant world. All giant’s had a tendency to be compassionate to those around them. They could also be fiercely violent if they were pushed. His eyes clouded over, hearing what had befallen his young friends.
Galen couldn’t believe that kind of brutality existed so close to Fara. Hearing about how Tiden had lost his parents had pained him deeply. His resolve to help the travelers deepened. He knew the King would know what to do.
They passed many with curious looks— it was expected. Most everyone in the kingdom knew each other and to see two outsiders was incredibly rare. Each raised eyebrow, each widened eye, asked the same question. “What’s going on? Are you ok?”
Galen’s smile was all he needed to assuage those fears. Relief flashed in the onlookers eyes when they saw his sincere smile.
*
When they arrived at the castle, Tiden and Trix looked at each other in surprise. Fara’s castle was nearly identical to Paradan’s. This unnerved them. Would the king be the same tyrant that held their throne? With great trepidation, they followed the looming Giant. Galen seemed to be truthfully willing and able to help them. Concern filled his features as they told him the story of life with King Tommit in charge. But was it an act? They were unsure, but willing to take the risk.
*
Kerit informed the King that there were visitors wishing to have an audience with him. Galen was with them, so he agreed. Tiden, with Trix perched on his shoulder, followed behind their new friend. He stood protectively in front of both of them.
“Your highness,” he bowed deeply.
“Galen, it is good to see you.” The loud voice slipped past Galen’s huge form. “I hear you have some visitors who seek my audience.”
“Yes, your majesty. I would like you to meet Tiden and Trix, both from Paradan.” At the mention of Paradan, there were several gasps in the room. Tiden wasn’t sure where it originated. Galen stepped to the side, allowing them to have their first glance at the king.
He was much younger than they expected. The king seemed to be in his late twenties. He had dark walnut hair and striking blue eyes. There was something familiar about him.
Tiden was relieved to see the kindness in his eyes, and concern when he looked at them. There was none of the rage, no fury they had been expecting.
“Thank you, your majesty. King Calas, we have come because we are in need of assistance from you and your country.” Tiden words caused uplifted eyes and looks of surprise.
“My young friend, I am willing to hear your story, but I am King Calan. My father, King Calas, passed away just short of a rime ago.”
Tiden’s eyes widened. This explained the youth of the king.
“I can assure you, I do not share my father’s paranoia when it comes to your land. I believe it is far better to have our lands be allies, instead of enemies.”
Tiden wondered how he would feel after he learned about King Tommit. He was certain the possibility of war would weigh heavy on his mind. There was a fine line they were going to have to walk.
“King Calan, my friend Trix and I have come in search of help for our kingdom.” Tiden paused wondering how much information he should share.
“What assistance does Paradan need? Has King Windom sent you?” Now it was their turn to look confused.
“Sire, King Windom has been dead about four kelmes now. His replacement is what has brought us here. King Tommit appeared and promised peace. There has been nothing close to peace since King Tommit seized the throne. All of the giants over the age of nine have been killed. Anyone who has stood against him has either been killed or enslaved. We are desperate.” A look of terror had swept over King Calan’s face. Any noise in the room had quieted. Galen was in tears. His enormous tear drops were quickly building a puddle in the middle of the room.
“I find it hard to imagine the barbarity a person would have to have within them to treat the people he was entrusted with like this. My heart is truly saddened. But why do you come here now? Why did you not come earlier? I know my father was harsh, but I also know he would have done all in his power to help.” King Calan was wringing his hands in frustration and fury.
“We are entering a far more scary possibility. King Tommit has been searching for Ecracaia’s wishing well. If he finds it, then we are in all danger. He is scheduled to wed in less than two weeks. There has been word that he has found one of the Para’s already, and this was before we left. I can only imagine what has happened since we started our journey here.”
King Calan was standing up and pacing now. It was one thing to hear about the atrocities his neighboring kingdom was suffering, but realizing that King Tommit was searching for the wishing well. If the well was found, then his kingdom was in danger, too. The thought terrified him. He wished that his father was still here. He would have known what to do.
“Tiden, I promise that I will do all in my power to help Paradan. You have to understand, your news of Tommit’s search affects my kingdom, as well. I must call a meeting with my council. I hope you would join us.” He turned to a troll that stood less than ten feet from them. “Raket, I want you to sound the horn. I want others gathered here before the sun rises.”
The large troll nodded and turned and ran toward the door.
“Galen, if you can, gain control of your emotions please. I am sure our guests are hungry and tired from their journey here. Why don’t you take them to the kitchen and then find them a room. If there is anything else they need, please fulfill their needs and then bring them to my office in the morning.”
Tiden was touched by the generosity of King Calan. It was the right decision coming here for help. Cassius would be thrilled when they returned with the Fara army in tow.
“Of course, sire.” Galen reached out and motioned for them to follow him. Tiden froze in his tracks.
“Thank you.” His words were fervent and full of gratitude.
They followed him to the kitchen and were
surprised at the bounty of food. Tiden ate until he was stuffed. He bellowed in pain from his stomach being stretched beyond its capacity.
It thrilled Trix to watch him gorge on food.
It had been such a worry to her, seeing him going to bed hungry at night. Listening to him whimper during his sleep had been more pain than she thought manageable. She had come to love him like a brother.
Trix was so proud, watching him speak to King Calan.
Part of her wanted to speak out and have her voice heard, but she also wanted to allow him his voice. Tiden was growing into his skin every day. She ate some berries and some vegetables. It was surprising to see just how much her stomach had shrunk in the past few days.
Tiden was alive and talking to everyone in the room. He had found his stride and she was thrilled to see it. Trix was so caught up in watching Tiden, that she didn’t notice a young fairy watching her.
“Do you want one?”
Trix looked down and saw a young fairy child. He looked up at her with large caramel colored eyes. His skin was the color of rich hot chocolate. A halo of ebony curls encircled his tiny head. In his hand he held what looked like a purple peach. Trix had never seen anything like it. She reached out to take the foreign fruit.
“Thank you,” he waited for her to take a bite.
She took a tentative bite, unsure as to what flavor to expect. It was delicious, sweet, juicy, soft and tangy at the same time. Trix had never eaten anything like it. She smiled and a quiet giggle escaped her lips.
“I love it. What’s your name?”
He smiled shyly.
“Lilet.”
“My name is Trix.” She smiled warmly at the timid boy. He reminded her of what her little brother would have been like if he would have lived. She guessed that he was near the age of five or six.
“Hi. Can I take you to your room?” his voice was quiet and Trix had to strain to hear him.
“Yes, please.” Lilet reached up with his hand and offered it to Trix. Looking toward Tiden, she could see he was in the middle of arm wrestling another giant. His laughter shook the table. She was certain he would be alright for a few minutes on his own. Lilet guided her through the maze of hallways. It wasn’t long before his gossamer wings fluttered to a complete stop. Trix followed him and set down behind him. He reached from around his neck and pulled out a purple ribbon with a silver key at the end.