And...that’s the extent of her knowledge. She can only hope he’s a kind man. Or, at the very least, that he’s not cruel. The elves of Lostariel are not known for cruelty. Neither is King Lorial. Hopefully, his son takes after him.
Arisanna’s maid helps her to bed, and she lies awake for a while, thinking of how much her life is about to change. As the fire crackles in the hearth, her eyelids grow heavy, and soon images of dark hair and pointed ears fill her dreams.
Elowynpusheshermare,Starlight, to the front of the caravan of horses, and her father—her pera—glances at her as she approaches.
“Tharios said we’re almost there.” Elowyn peers along the path through the Wildthorne Woods ahead.
“Soon, my elfling.” The hint of a smile teases Pera’s face, but sadness lingers behind his eyes as well. “Where is your brother?”
“Which one? Tharios is with Mother and Viala near the back of the caravan. I don’t know where Cerian is.”
Pera sighs. “I hope he hasn’t fled.”
“He’ll be there when we reach the border. I’m sure of it.”
Cerian wouldn’t run on today of all days, would he? What would such a betrayal do to Mother?
“Tell Tharios I require his presence,” Pera says. “And your mother if she feels up to it. Her heart seems stronger today, and it would be best if we present a unified front as we enter Nunia.”
Elowyn nods and turns Starlight to make her way back to the rear.
“And if you see Cerian, tell him his place is here as well. I have no desire to track him down before we cross the barrier.”
“Understood.”
As their entourage of nobles and guards rides past Elowyn, she offers each one a smile. Most smile in return, but she can’t miss the pity in their eyes. Many disapproved of the treaty her parents negotiated with the human King of Nunia so many years ago. It seems they would have preferred to make war until both their peoples weredecimated rather than lower themselves to bind with the humans through marriage.
Elowyn, for one, is excited at the prospect. To learn more about these people who are so different from their own. Their technology and their customs.
Tharios claims they have machines that run along rails at high speed to transport goods and people great distances in short times. She doesn’t dare tell Cerian this, but she thrills at the thought that she might get to ride on such a thing soon herself.
From the corner of her eye, she spots her brother’s dappled gray horse through the trees, and she pulls up on her reins.
Cerian.
With a glance back at their caravan, Elowyn nudges Starlight toward Lightshorn. As she approaches the gelding, she frowns at the empty saddle and looks up.
“Cerian?”
He doesn’t respond, but he must be nearby.
“Pera desires your presence before we pass the barrier,” she says. “I know you’re there.”
Without warning, her dark-haired younger brother drops to the ground in front of her, landing in a crouch before straightening. “I’m aware of what’s expected of me.” His green eyes narrow, and Elowyn sighs.
“I understand that this is a struggle for you, but it’s the destiny of our family to join with the humans. Think of it as an adventure. A chance to learn.”
Cerian scoffs.
“At least try not to scare the princess off. We want their family to like us.” Elowyn’s mouth tilts up in a grin, and Cerian shakes his head.
“I don’t know how you can be so happy about this.”
“It’s a grand adventure! So much to see and learn and experience. How could I be anything but excited?”
“You and I obviously value different things.” The corner of his mouth ticks up as he looks at her.
“Perhaps. Now try to be polite. You owe that much to Pera.”
