“Where does the food come from?”
“Most is home-grown from the farms or the gardens, but what we can’t produce ourselves, we obtain through a local village across the lake every month or so.”
Ideas run through my head, what are the chances I could slip aboard one of the boats when they come by for their monthly drop off? Nodding, I feign interest in the goings on of the village so as not to indicate my escape plan.
“You have another month before they come back. In case you’re planning a swift getaway.” Shit, there goes that idea.
Arel points out a huge cabin beside the river, the schoolhouse. Many children rush from all directions carrying large, heavysatchels as a bell chimes, readying for another day of school after morning chores or training, it looks like.
Next to the schoolhouse is a small hut, the door is open; inside I spy bottles and ointment tubs, and a table with a white cotton sheet spread over the top. Medical tools are set up on a tabletop with a young woman pottering around within.
“Seema is our local healer. If you’re ever injured, there is no one better.”
Arel’s words fade as the woman steps out of the door and heads to a little garden, snipping herbs and such for her remedies, her gaze meets ours with the glimpse of a smile.
She is beautiful, tall, and slender, with silver hair braided down her back. Similar to Arel, except her skin has a greyish tinge to it. My eyes shoot open, realising she is a dark elf.
Arel grabs my arms and drags me away, his cheeks flush a rose pink as he tirelessly looks over his shoulder.
“See something you like, do you?”
Fumbling over his words, he splutters, “What—I—Don’t.”
“She’s a dark elf, right?” He nods, and I steal another glance over my shoulder, smirking at him. She is beautiful, in a mysterious sort of way. Dark elves were often thought of as evil, but the fact that she is a healer to everyone within this community shows that it was fabricated to make the light elves appear to be the good guys.
This place is one of a kind. I don’t think there is anywhere else on this land where different species co-exist so harmoniously.
Everyone we pass watches me cautiously. I wave, showing I’m not a threat, some wave back and give me a welcoming smile, others look at me in distrust.
Finally, we arrive at the cave entrance where we came through yesterday, one of my exits, although it seems there is always a lookout. Disheartened, I look out at the village. It’s beautiful and peaceful, I can see why so many have settled here.
Caelan steps out of his hut with a few followers, waving us down.
“Alright, Wyatt. Ready for your first trial?” Everyone looks at me with a mischievous grin.
I have no idea what to expect, but I know failing is not an option.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Andi
I don’t understand what’s going on until Myles runs up to us, staring daggers at the governor. Only then do I see the abundance of guards from the red-armoured army, stomping up the road in the centre of town.
“Was this you’re doing?” Myles spits at the governor, pulling me into him, shielding me beside his chest. “So much for loyalty.” Myles looks down at me. “I told you we shouldn’t trust him. We should have left as soon as he found out the truth.”
“I assure you, I had nothing to do with this.” Thran squeezes my arm tightly, saying to me, “I am, and always will be, loyal to the Tanith’s. To you. Princess, please. You have to go. Now.”
Myles grunts at the governor while yanking me back to the inn with such force I trip up over my own feet. Kali follows us, concern over her face as she registers the impending army.
“What’s going on? You’re leaving?” she asks with a pained expression on her face. Myles' thundering footsteps boom upstairs.
I’ll be sad to leave her, the first new friend I have had in a while, and the only one who understands the burden of having magic. I pull her in, squeezing tight.
“We have to, they’ve found us. I’m sorry, I couldn’t shield my magic.”
“Don’t be stupid, it’s new to you. Where will you go?” Her voice breaks.
“I don’t know, we need to get out of Cyvail. Somewhere safe.”
