Caspa and I trail Lady Isla, and the wolf she is with, past the crowd whose eyes are glued on the center stage. As we walk onward, some people pat me on the shoulder like a job well done. What a prize I have received…
As we near the end of the crowd, a lavish carriage that is a soft teal and swarmed with white vines and lush green leaves waits for us. It is pulled by two brown wolves that have white lace wrapped around their paws and white arrows that lays between their eyes. They both look over at us as Lady Isla motions for the wolf with the umbrella to open the carriage doors. As she walks inside, the wolf picks up the end of her long dress and places it gently on the seat on which she sits.
"The two of you will sit in the back. We will be going to the castle so you can get acquainted with your new roles," she says, motioning for the carriage door to be shut.
The wolf nods, putting his umbrella down, bowing, and closing the carriage door. He then turns to us, smiling. "This way please."
Caspa and I follow him behind the elegant carriage to see a rickety wooden box with four worn wheels attached by a rope. I had to roll my eyes. I would rather walk.
The wolf motions for us to get inside as Caspa sits down, covering himself with his blanket as I follow. The wolf squishes in with us as the carriage lurches forward through the streets of Illandra.
"I cannot say I was surprised to see the black mist," the wolf says.
I do nothing but look at him in response. What did he want from me? An autograph?
He turns to look out at the empires walls. "You are quite a talk amongst the Government. They fear the likes of you."
I perk up at that, not being able to hold back my smile. "Yet they choose me to be in their quarters. Quite ironic I'd say."
The wolf smirks, hearing the other wolves bark at my comment. "There is a reason Lady Isla chose you. It is so you can wipe out our race."
I feel Caspa's eyes fall upon me then, but he turns his gaze to the wolf. "Kaesar has saved one of us already. Yes, his debt has yet to be repaid, but I believe…"
The wolf puts up his hand, stopping Caspa and looking deep into my eyes. "I do agree that you are a wretch. Don't get me wrong, but, I also believe with training, you can be the key that ends our struggles. I can help tame the your beast."
Tame the beast? It was almost too good to believe...my father was the only one who knew how to handle the mist. Or so I assumed, but this wolves solemn green eyes showed a spark of hope: that which I've been searching long and hard for.
"I'll take you up on that."
The wolf nods, pleased, as he sits back in the box, relaxing. A shiver crosses over me as I look up, noticing we have entering the helm of the royal court as a colossal doorway shade us. The giant cobblestone walls tower miles above our heads as the rolling wheels echo throughout the passage way. I peek my head around the carriage to see an entryway lined with guards. The wolves, all in their human forms, stand by awaiting their orders.
Our carriage is brought to a halt, pulling up a few inches away from a large wooden door which is guarded by several of our kind. The wolf before us stretches his muscles and grabs his umbrella as he hops out of the box.
"Oh, my where are my manners," he says, bowing a little. "My name is Brucian. Nice to meet you."
I tip my head to Brucian as my eyes leave him. Caspa gently touches me on the shoulder as I hear Lady Isla step out of the carriage.
"Do you think what he said is true about the Government? Seems a bit odd for them to come to these lengths after so many years."
I shrug, as Lady Isla exhales and come around to meet us. "I guess we'll have to find out."
Caspa nods, as we both get out to meet the Lady Isla. Brucian comes to her side as she places her hair behind her left ear. "Come along dogs."
Caspa and I follow her orders and walk behind her and Brucian. We pass our carriage and the wolves, heading towards the large pine door which the guards open for us. I have a sudden urge to squint as a golden courtroom shines before us. There are a line of wolves, all guards, that trickle down the royal hallway. Behind them are family portraits of the royal courts from previous years.
The cool brilliant floor was refreshing beneath my feet as I notice it illuminate whenever I take a step. What is this place?
"Emoclew!" I hear a deep yet mesmerizing voice call from afar.
I begin to notice that the chamber has widened, looking up to see a brilliant forest where birds flutter and sing. I feel as if I have been transported to a different dimension, placing my eyes forward once again to see them…those which I have hated for years. Illandra's royal court. Several Government's royals chat at the base of the throne, turning towards us as we step into their view.
Even in my distaste, the king is a beautiful creature. His sky blue eyes enlighten his pale features, as his long blond hair falls down past his shoulders. He wears a vibrant silver robe with a white dragon embroidered on it. To his right is his queen, a woman also matching the king's features, yet her hair is pulled behind her ears. She wears a bright green dress that matches the live-in forest above, with golden lace that cataracts upon its form. Lastly, to the King's left, is a being who left me paralyzed with lust. A girl, which I presume to be his daughter, sits steadfast. Her features match her parents and her long hair falls over her left shoulder. She wears a white fitting dress with off-pink sparrows lining her form.
However, as her eyes lay on mine, I felt a sudden pang at my heart.
For she is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.