The fire crackled on the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the rustic room. Lane, propped up by a mound of cushions, listened intently as Serenya and Rowan recounted their harrowing journey. Hugo and Lucius sat nearby, their expressions shifting from curiosity to concern as the tale unfolded.
Serenya's voice was gentle, her words weaving a vivid tapestry of their trials and tribulations. She spoke of their unexpected separation from Casey and Aricen, the perilous trek through treacherous terrain, and the desperate hope that had led them to the Snow Witch's sanctuary.
Rowan interjected with a mischievous grin, recounting their encounters with the hatchlings and the exhilarating race through the skies. His storytelling was punctuated by dramatic gestures and animated expressions, eliciting laughter from Lane.
Hugo, the grizzled old seer, regarded them with a knowing glint in his eyes. He had seen much in his years, and the twists and turns of fate held no surprises for him. Lucius, the ever-stoic elf, listened in silence, absorbing every detail with a keen intellect.
"And here we are now!" Serenya concluded.
Lane's eyes once filled with gratitude, now shimmered with worry as he turned his gaze towards Serenya and Rowan. His voice quivered with concern. "I appreciate everything you've done for me, but I can't help but worry about Casey and Aricen. They've been missing for months, and we have no way of knowing if they're safe."
As Lane lay in his makeshift bed, surrounded by the concerned faces of Serenya, Rowan, Hugo, Lucius, and the weight of his own thoughts, a profound sense of helplessness washed over him. His inner turmoil was a tempest of emotions, each one darker and more painful than the last.
Useless, he thought bitterly, his mind echoing with self-recrimination. All I've done is get injured and put everyone in danger. Casey... I put her in danger, and now she's missing. She's my only family member, my sister, and I couldn't even protect her.
Guilt gnawed at his heart like a relentless beast. He felt like a burden, a liability to those who had shown him kindness and compassion. Lane's eyes, usually filled with determination and hope, now held shadows of doubt and despair.
How did I let this happen? How could I have allowed Casey and Aricen to be taken from us? His thoughts spiralled into a vortex of self-blame. I promised to protect her, and I failed.
His chest tightened with a profound sense of loss and inadequacy. Lane longed to be out there, actively searching for Casey and Aricen, but his body was still frail, his strength diminished from his ordeal. He felt like a caged bird, yearning to soar but held back by invisible chains.
He sighed. I will do whatever it takes to bring them back, he vowed silently, his resolve rekindled. I may be injured, but I won't let that define me. Casey needs me now more than ever, and I won't rest until she's safe.
"Like-sister, like-brother," Rowan commented as he observed Lane.
"Of course NOT, we are nothing alike."
"You are!" Serenya pressed the words.
"Both reckless and well..." Rowan trailed off.
"No," Lane continued in a low voice, looking at his toes as he tried to move them. "I don't really act carelessly. This one was a pure accident."
"The way you said, I almost believed you" Serenya commented.
Lane argued back, "I am hella dead serious!"
"Sureeee!"
"We need a plan since there are possibilities that the Mistress of whatsoever is making both of them work for them or they have been held as prisoners"
"How may they benefit her?" Serenya asked.
"Aricen is an elf, there's probably no benefit in keeping him." Rowan tried to give a logic, "Since Elves served the previous king and queen of Rothania, they are receiving hatred."
"Uh-huh" Lane snapped his fingers twice before he answered, "that leaves us with just one guess- They found out that Casey is the Princess."
"How is that possible?" Lucius' brows came together as he pressed on to that thought.
Hugo added on with his shaky voice, "Whoever saw Ysabel, can know immediately that Casey is the princess- they look so identical after all."
"Though, I am worried about something else." Lane dug his face into his palms.
"What is it?" Rowan interjected.
"I hope they are working for the mistress rather than being held as prisoners."
"Why? Why would you say that?"
"Because," he looked at him, "it would be much easier to get a hold of them if they were working since they would be roaming around. But if they are held as prisoners- Rothania is so big, who knows in which corner of this damn land they are?"
The Snow Witch sat silently in the shadows, her presence concealed, listening intently to every word. She had been a mere observer, her heart heavy with the knowledge of Casey and Aricen's fate until Lane's final comment caught her by surprise. Snow Witch couldn't help but be taken aback by Lane's quick wit. Surely reminds her of a certain someone.
In the dim light, her icy blue eyes flickered with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. She had underestimated Lane, thinking of him as a helpless prince in need of protection. Yet, here he was, declaring his unwavering commitment to rescuing his sister, no matter the odds.
Impressive, she thought to herself, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. He's not just a prince; mortals surely surprise me.
Lane, his mind racing with thoughts and strategies, took charge of the conversation. "We can't afford to sit idly by and wait for clues. We need a plan, and we need it now."
Rowan, recognizing Lane's determination, leaned forward. "Where should we start from?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Lane.
Lane began to lay out his ideas with the precision of a seasoned strategist. "First, let's gather all the information we have about Casey and Aricen. Any details, no matter how small, could be significant. Serenya, you mentioned that they were taken by the Mistress's people. We should dig deeper into her operations, find out who she is, and what her goals might be. Maybe even discover her weaknesses."
Serenya nodded in agreement. "Agreed. We should also reach out to our network of contacts throughout the kingdom discreetly. Ask if anyone has seen or heard anything unusual. We can't overlook potential leads."
Lane continued, "Second, let's consider what Casey and Aricen might have left behind. They're smart, and they would know that we'd come looking for them. They could have left clues, messages, or hidden information somewhere."
Hugo chimed in, "We should also explore the possibility of allies. People who might have crossed paths with the Mistress or who share our goal of finding Casey and Aricen. Strength in numbers could be our advantage."
Lane's determination fueled the conversation as they hadhed out the details of their plan. "Additionally," he continued, "we should leverage our own strengths and skills. Rowan, from what I heard you are "Mr. Every mission successful elf". Don't you think it's time to catch up with your connections? Your expertise could be invaluable.
Rowan nodded, "I am grateful that Your Highness noticed my ability."
"You address me that way again and you are out of this mission!" Lane scrunched his nose.
Rowan let out a low giggle. "I still feel you and Casey are similar."
Lucius, who had been listening intently to the discussion, spoke up. "We shouldn't underestimate the Mistress of Shadows. She's a formidable adversary. We need a backup plan in case things go south. A way to protect ourselves and those close to us."
Lane nodded in agreement. "You're right, Lucius. We shouldn't be too impulsive. We should also consider a code of communication so we can stay in touch securely."
Three claps. That's all it took to divert everyone's attention. The room fell silent, all eyes on her.
"Very well," the Snow Witch rose gracefully from her seat, her silky hair cascading around her like a shimmering waterfall. She descended to one knee, a gesture both respectful and symbolic. "I am prepared to offer my assistance in any way you require, Your Highness," she declared, her voice carrying the weight of her commitment. "Isadora Le Doux is at your service."