Just like the statue her beauty mesmerised her. Her stance radiated power, she stood tall and serious. Her hair was of a bright white colour that would make even fresh snow look grey, the kind of white that sears into your retinas and makes you temporarily blind. She had little flowers braided into her hair and butterflies flew everywhere around her. Her eyes were like two freshly spilled droplets of blood. Scorching red like flames ablaze, they held a gread deal of power within.. Those were eyes that had seen and experienced things far beyond what Gwen could imagine. She didn't wear a crown, but she didn't need one, everyone could feel it in their bones that she was Amaryllis the Fair. Other than her white hair there were no other signs showing her true age. She was dressed in the finest burgundy silk, that made her stand out even more. Gwen felt in her heart just by looking at her a sense of calm inside and perhaps it was the destiny they both shared.. She bowed courteously and smiled at the queen.
"Stand my child, I certainly don't want you to bow to me when I should be doing that for you.. I know your thoughts, I know you are very confused right now but your journey is only now beginning. I promise I will explain everything when calmer days come, when the war will end. The future is still uncertain but I do have faith in you. I know you will restore peace in this land." As she was saying those words she came towards Gwen and put a hand on her cheek. Instantly peace and warmth engulfed Gwen, it was just like a hug from someone familiar. She slowly allowed herself to relax and relish in that moment. The queen then made two couches appear and a table between them filled with sweets and tea. She sat on one of couches and pointed to the other one for Gwen to sit.
"Thank you, your highness.
Your words mean so much to me. I am honored for the opportunity you have given me but I need to ask of you one thing.." she said and closed her eyes waiting for an answer.
"Ask away Gwendolyn" the queen said quietly. The girl tried to muster all the courage she had in her body before saying her next words.
"Do you know who my parents are or were? Where do I come from?" she asked hoping to get the answer that would finally fill the void inside her.
"You, my dear come from one of the oldest and more powerful families in our history. Your parents had to give you up, they knew about your destiny and they had to protect you till that day came to be.. Your parents love you so much but its best for your protection that you mustn't yet know everything about them. I have to give you something that will help you along the way.." she said and stood up abruptly. Her eyes were glossy just like Gwen's were at such a confession. She made a ring appear and walked to Gwen, she kneeled in front of her and put the ring on one of her fingers. The ring had a ruby stone on it. It was bright and had gold specks swirling in it.
"This will protect you, whenever you will be close to danger it will pulse and give off a dim red light. I will be able to see through it and accompany you on your journey. If anything happens help will be on your way. Wear it at all times, understood?" the queen asked seriously.
"Yes, thank you so much, your highness" Gwen nodded. As she looked into the queens eyes she wondered how could it be that she had a red eye colour? In all her life she had never once seen such a strange colour..
"Ahh child, the red eye colour is just for the royal family. We all had a different colour before becoming royals. We can of course hide it for our protection." The queen explained reading her mind. Then she put her hand on her eyes and pronounced "conceal my eyes", when she took her hand off, her eyes had turned vibrant blue.
"Wow, your eyes are beautiful either way." said Gwen smiling.
"Thank you very much darling, now I am sorry to say that, but we must depart. Be brave and be strong. The journey will be dangerous, trust only yourself and your friends.."she caressed the girls cheek once more and before Gwendolyn could thank her she made her return to the institute. Gwen stood up and realised she was back at the gardens, her school uniform was back but the necklace was still on her neck. From afar she heard the queens voice say goodbye one last time.
"Thank you" she said, hoping the queen could hear her. She looked up towards the institute and saw the grand clock of one of the towers that showed her it was now 6:00 in the afternoon. She took a deep breath trying to absorbe everything that had happened. The sun had since then set and she could begin to see multiple stars up in the sky. She left the gardens and started walking towards the principal's office to tell him what had happened and to start making plans for what was to come. She found herself in front of those doors for the second time that day, she knocked and waited patiently for an answer.
"Come in Gwendolyn" she heard the principal say and the doors opened by themselves.
"Mr. Greenwood I just came back from a meeting with the queen." Gwen said not wasting any time. She saw her principal's eyes widen. He then started pacing nervously around the room.
"I thought we had more time! Now we need to hurry. The enemy already knows of our plans. We must not lose a moment of our time." the principal said quickly. He then came towards Gwen and put his hands on her shoulders and smiled sadly.
"I know you are scared, I know you still have so many questions and I am sorry we ever put you into this position, I would do it if I could but I am too old for such a journey. Your adventure starts now, I believe in you, you're so brave, loyal and strong and I know you can do it." he says and a tear falls down from his eyes.
"Don't worry mr. Greenwood, I have accepted my destiny, I know this is something that I have to do and I will be proud to help you and the queen with this mission. Let's figure out were we go from here. We have the diamond now we have to plan our escape." Gwen says seriously. The principal nodded and asked her to accompany him on the upper part of his office. He pointed to the oval table at the centre of the room. Upon it was a big map of the kingdom with all its forest and mountains.
"This is a map of the kingdom, this is where we are, next to the sea of Forlondor, where the magic barrier between our world and the human world lies. East of the institute is the forest of Lacrimand, that speads out for thousands of acres reaching the place where the enemy's land and forces are. The forests are dangerous, there are many enemy spies patrolling and surrounding it. South is a mountain range by the name of Morbondul. The mountains have many tunnels and caves that run beneath but they are a faster way of crossing the mountains. They are of course filled with dangers and obstacles, I am sure Henry has stationed some of his best men there to make sure no one passes though." Gwen tried to keep up with all this new information, nodding every once in a while to show she was still listening. The principal then pointed to a river.
"This is the Aetherial river, when you get through the mountains you will find this river blocking you from the road to the capital. The waters there are very strong and the currents can carry you off your path and take you right into the hands of beasts you dont want to cross paths with. Cyclopes, chimeras, giants and many more live in those lands. Some as you may know love human flesh, others want people for slavery but they are all equally dangerous and now many of them abide only to Henry. After that you will find yourselves in front of the gates to the Enchanted Eden. It's a magical forest that shelters the capital, surrounding it completely. In the Enchanted Eden things you never thought possible will inevitably happen. You will see and experience things. You will find yourself fighting some of your biggest fears. Truths will also be unveiled. It will be a difficult and dangerous journey but you already know that. Keep your eyes open for enemies lurking close by. Whatever the reason might be always continue on your mission. It is of outmost importance that you do so. The kingdoms future is in your hands. I will give you something that will help with your journey, it will guide you and show you the safest and quickest way to the capital." he then took a folded piece of parchment and gave it to Gwen.
"It's an enchanted map, it will help you on your mission. Now I have to call a meeting with the professors and I have to ask them to bring the children in the main hall so we can get on with the soul ritual." He said while trying to find some parchment paper to write messages upon. Gwendolyn put the map in her pocket and started playing with the ring the queen had given her.
"Do you want me to go? Leave you alone?" She said unsure of what to do.
"Oh no, Gwen, you are now very important, I can't let you out of my sight and you will be from now on guarded at all times. Go over to the couch I will get you some food to eat, you seem like you need it." At the sound of food being mentioned Gwens stomach started grumbling.
"Thank you mr. Greenwood, I appreciate it." She then went down and sat in one of the couches. The fire was still going, it's warmth reached her and calmed her down. She felt secure in those walls and that's why slowly she found herself falling asleep, the weight of the day finally catching up with her.
-----
She woke up to Izzy pushing slightly her shoulder. Her eyes fluttered open multiple times as she slowly adjusted to the light.
"Gwenny, I brought you some food, the principal told me what happened. I am happy you got the necklace. The boys will be here in a bit and then we will have to go to the main hall." Isabel said slowly and sat next to her. Gwen nodded and thanked her and then looked at the food in front of her. They had brought her some chicken soup and a few slices of bread to eat. Her hunger came back so she started eating quickly.
"The principal told every older student about what is going on, and said that we have to leave the institute and take refuge in the forest before the sun comes up. I am worried Gwen. " Izzy said.
"I know. I feel it too but I don't let it take over. Remember that we will stay together for the whole way. We are doing this to save everyone not just ourselves, the whole kingdom depends on us and the success of this mission." Gwen said and took Izzy's hand in hers.
"I dont know how you handle all the pressure. You are so mature, I hate it!" Izzy said laughing and Gwen quickly joined her. They joked and laughed a bit more and then Seb and Alex came through the door.
"Hey Gwen, how are you?" Alex said and rushed over to Gwen.
"We heard what happened, you met the Queen?" Seb said excitedly.
"Yes I am fine Alex, thanks for your concern." Gwen said looking at Alex and smiled.
"Yes I did, she was very kind and told me that I come from a great and powerful family and that my parents are alive, but it would put me in danger to know who they truly are." She then said looking at Seb who sat down on the other couch.
"These are great news Gwenny." Izzy said happily and hugged her tightly. They heard a knock on the door, which then opened revealing the principal's assistant Rowan.
"Gwendolyn, everyone is waiting for you in the main hall." He said seriously.
"Okay, thanks Rowan, we will be there in 2 minutes." Gwen said and smiled to him, which he returned before leaving the room. She got up, composed herself and then walked towards the door.
"Let's go guys." She said, trying to look calm. They walked towards the main hall and as they took the last turn, the two twins stopped them on their tracks.
"So, little Gwendolyn, how do you feel that you are finally noticed, does it feel good to be important for once in your life?" Olivia said smirking maliciously while Amelia just laughed out loud. Alex's hands turned into fists and Seb looked disappointed at the girls.
"Sure, it does feel good to be important, but I find that its more important to be good. Now if you will excuse me." Gwen said. Her voice steady, unwavering. The two boys looked at Gwen with respect, she was for both of them an inspiration unlike any other. They entered the hall and everyone rose to their feet. Students and professors alike. She walked with her friends and stood at Greenwood's side and then the soul ritual begun.