“Move!” ordered Casimir.
With swift feet, Ava followed the group out. Within a few seconds, they were freed, and their refuge collapsed in a heap once they released their magic.
“Well, who knew they had earthquakes out here?” Ava muttered. “Is that normal for Eorhan?”
“Only in Igneothenia,” said Maeryn. “Because of the volcanoes.”
“How often does that happen there?” Raine asked.
“I am not quite sure. Seeing as I did not grow up there…or have you forgotten, captain?”
“Right,” he smiled, giving Maeryn a wink.
“It’s time to keep going,” Casimir said.
Their party resumed the trek through the canyon. The sun was now beginning its descent below the tops of the cliffs as the day prepared to shift to night, a cool breeze winding through the ravine.
“May I ask you a question?” Ava asked, as she walked alongside Maeryn.
“Of course, Your Highness,” said Maeryn.
“Please. You don’t have to call me that.”
“Why not? It is the proper term. And as royalty, I should respect your title.”
Ava stepped over a rock, Luna trotting next to Aro at her side. “I appreciate that. And though I know it’s what’s expected, I prefer my friends don’t call me that. It feels strange.”
“Friends?” Maeryn gave her a puzzled look. “Do you mean to say you consider me your friend?”
Ava suppressed a smile at Maeryn’s surprise. “I would like to, yes.”
“Alright. I think I can accept that.”
Ava wiped her brow with the back of her hand. “You don’t sound very enthusiastic.”
“My apologies, Your?—”
“Ava.”
“Ava. My apologies. I’ve never had much in the way of friends.”
Ava tilted her head. “Why not?”
“I grew up in isolation with our citizens who escaped. I was born there. We didn’t have much time for fun or friendship. Everything was about work and ensuring our survival. Then, when I was old enough to hold a weapon, I began to train to join our forces.”
“Why didn’t your people ask for help from the other kingdoms?”
“That, I do not know. I believe it was because they feared leaving the safety of the cave system. Afraid of being sucked back into another war or battle.”
“But when Percy finally found you?”
“Percy?”
“Jorrar’s owl. That’s who found you all.”
“Yes. Right. I think Our Majesties were finally ready to leave and re-join the cause.”
Ava nodded. “I didn’t really have a lot of friends either. Until I came here.”
