“Your Grace, we should consider accepting Morgaine’s proposal,” Lôrît suggested. “Have we not waited long enough to return to our home?”
“I disagree. We compromise everything we stand for if we follow this plan,” Aisling said.
“What if we agree to provide the curse, but refrain from the war itself?” Nuadra offered.
“I agree with Aisling,” Princess Saiorse said. “We are a peaceful people. If war is necessary, then it should be to procure peace in the end. I fear that helping Morgaine would only add further death and destruction to this world. We may not like humans, but I will not purposely seek to destroy them.”
“Firlorne, Teleri, you have both been quiet on the matter thus far. What are your recommendations?” Queen Mysel asked.
“As much as I would like to revive our home so that we may return, I do not believe this is the path we should follow. I have a strong sense that a new path will present itself if we are patient,” Teleri said.
“Have you had a vision, Teleri?” Saiorse asked, shifting off her knees.
“I have, Your Highness, but it is not yet clear.”
“I believe we should avoid any accord with Morgaine. She will lead us down a path of immorality and devastation. That is not our way,” Firlorne stated.
“What say you, General? You are not usually this quiet when it comes to such matters,” the Queen said.
“After considering all options, I would suggest we accept her offer. Should the outcome of the war favor Morgaine, we can return to our forest and withdraw again from the world around as we did before,” General Îarik advised. “Furthermore, refraining will guarantee nothing more than continued existence in the darkness of the caves. Have we not endured this for long enough?”
“To side with evil for personal gain is not our way. Should we go down that path, we can never return... and we will never forgive ourselves,” Aisling argued.
Queen Mysel sat up high on her knees, raising herself above the rest. Everyone quieted and remained silent.
“After careful reflection on the counsel you have all honestly and thoughtfully provided here this day, I have come to a final conclusion on the matter.” Mysel paused. “We will not support Morgaine in her war against the humans. We will remain true to who we are. May the Guardians protect us.”
***
Trystan now understood why Marc had taken a liking to these horses. He had never before experienced such a comfortable ride. The horses glided majestically across the land with incredible speed. The wind caressed his skin and blew wildly through his tousled hair. It was invigorating, and for a short while, Trystan was able to clear his mind and enjoy the simple pleasure it gave him.
At their backs, the setting sun cast shadows over the countryside. Other than a few momentary stops, they’d been riding all day with no rest. Ahead of them, Trystan sighted a dense line of trees. As they approached the edge of the forest, Emrys slowed his horse to a trot. Trystan and Marc did the same. After passing under the canopy of gold and green leaves, Emrys stopped and dismounted.
“I think we can afford a brief rest here for supper,” Emrys said as he inspected the area.
After dismounting, Trystan found a small patch of grass and sat down, expecting it to be soft. Unfortunately, it was entirely opposite. He grimaced as Marc walked toward him. “I think I’d prefer to stay on the horse.”
Marc laughed as he sat down next to him.
Emrys took a seat on the ground facing them. From a knapsack, he pulled out some bread and dried meat and handed them a piece of each. He set the sack down.
“I have some apples too, if you’d like,” Emrys said.
Trystan smirked. “All the power of ancient magic you possess and we get bread and dried venison?”
“Don’t forget the apples,” Marc pointed out as he tore off a bite of meat.
Emrys arched a brow. “Well, next time, you tell me what you want and I’ll be sure to bring it.”
Trystan scrunched his lips to subdue his smile as his heart rate kicked up a notch. It was a glimpse of Emrys he’d rarely seen before. A fun-loving, almost mischievous side. It was good to see that side of him. He’d always been serious—friendly and sweet, but serious. Trystan wondered what else he didn’t know about him. How much of himself had Emrys hidden away to protect him.
The sound of Marc’s voice snapped Trystan out of his trance.
“Do you think we will make it by morning?” Marc asked.
“At this pace, yes, I do believe so,” Emrys answered.
Minutes passed in a comfortable silence. Trystan tore another piece from his small loaf of bread and popped it into his mouth while Emrys and Marc crunched on apples. The sun had finally dipped below the horizon, and the air cooled as a gentle breeze rustled the leaves above them.
