As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the fields, I finally arrived at the outskirts of the village where I and younger sister, Willow, lived alone since our parents' untimely death. My heart pounded as I dismounted and hurried toward the small cottage nestled among the trees. I felt so stupid as I considered how much I'd risked, not just for myself but for her as well.
Pushing open the creaking door, I found Willow bent over a table covered with her study books and scrolls, there were flower petals stuck in her hair evidence that he had visited the fields again. Her violet eyes widened in surprise as she looked up and saw me, taking in my disheveled appearance and the tension etched into my expression.
"Brother, you're back!" she exclaimed, rushing to embrace me. "What happened? Why do you look so urgent?"
I held her close, my emotions threatening to spill over. "Willow, listen carefully. I've uncovered something... something that could change everything. But it's dangerous, and we're in danger too."
I recounted the events that had transpired at the Grand Building, the revelation of the prophecy, and the subsequent confrontation with the council. Willow's eyes widened as she absorbed the weight of the situation, her expression shifting from concern to determination.
"We can't just stand by," she declared, her voice firm even for a young girl. "If this prophecy is real, if there's a chance to make a difference, then we have to act?" I faint smile nestled on my lips, that's my sister always trying to do something, no matter how little she was.
I ruffled her hair and began pacing the room, my mind was racing. "We can't stay here. The council will surely send the watch men after me, And I have oo to leave you with." Suddenly, an idea came into form, The Mixies, I've encountered a group traveling by before, they have knowledge of the Dead Lands. They were leaving Welberdy to reach Kornicus, and from there, they plan to journey to the Dead Lands.
"The Dead Lands!"
Willow's brow furrowed. "The Dead Lands? Isn't that a place of desolation and danger?"
I nodded. "Yes, but it's also a place where the council's influence is non existence. If we leave now we can catch the Mixies at the border and join them, they might be our only way out of here safely. We have to leave Welberdy before they reach Kornicus."
The urgency of our situation weighed heavily upon us, but I was determined to keep us safe. And I can't let fear dictate my actions. If there is a chance to change the future, then I must find and protect the child of the prophecy, I have to.
Gathering what supplies we could in haste, we left the cottage and ventured into the dawning night, our path illuminated only by the pale light of the moon. The fields stretched out before us, and the distant lights of of the city were quickly swallowed by the darkness. The road ahead was uncertain, dangerous, but it was also filled with the potential to shape destiny.
As we traveled it took us two day and a half to catch up to the Mixies. We encountered challenges along the way, from treacherous landscapes to encounters with curious creatures and the occasional patrol sent by the council. But each trial only fueled our determination to press on, to reach safety.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of traveling, we saw a gathering of colorful tents and heard the hum of voices. We had reached Lila, a bustling tent town station at the boarder. The Mixies, a group of unique individuals from various races and backgrounds, were preparing to depart for the Dead Lands.
It took a while before we got information on the Mixie. Approaching their camp, we were met with cautious looks and questioning eyes and I pulled Willow closer to myside. A little girl with feathers woven into her hair stepped forward with a kind smile, her gaze sharp but not unkind.
"What brings you here?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the journey in my bones. "We've come seeking to join you on your travels to the Dead Lands. My sister and I."
The girl, who's name I later found out to be Lucy, eyed us for a moment before nodding. "Come with me, I'll take you too meet my mother".
We followed her to a tent and met her mother a beautiful woman with a kind heart. I explained our situation only twisting to story a bit and she thankfully believed, allowing us to join them in their travels. "If you're willing to face the challenges of the journey, then you can travel with us. But know this: the Dead Lands are not always forgiving, and your presence will be tested."
With a sense of both trepidation and excitement, we joined the Mixies' ranks, preparing to embark on a new chapter of our journey. The days ahead promised danger, discovery, and the opportunity to shape the fate of our world. As we left Kornicus behind and ventured toward the Dead Lands, I couldn't help but wonder what lay in store for us and how the choices we made would influence the prophecy that had set our lives in motion.
* * * * *
Katrin wakes from her sleep, the early sunlight gently bathed her room in a warm glow. She stretched, letting out a soft yawn as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She wasn't sure when she dosed off and as her surroundings came into focus, she heard a soft knock on her bed frame. Startled, she looked towards the source of the sound.
A young maid stood there, her eyes downcast as she spoke softly, "My lady, lunch is served. The Duke has requested your presence."
Katrin nodded, momentarily surprised by the formality. She slid out of her bed, smoothing her attire as she followed the maid through the corridors of the castle. The air was filled with a sense of serenity and elegance, and the enchanting beauty of the elven realm was even more apparent in the daylight.
They arrived at a grand balcony that overlooked a breathtaking view of the realm. A table laden with a sumptuous array of dishes awaited her, and there, seated at the table, was Duke Ethan. His emerald eyes sparkled as he looked up, a charming smile curving his lips.
"Good afternoon, Katrin," he greeted, his voice carrying a warmth that was both disarming and captivating.
Katrin inclined her head, acknowledging him with a polite smile. "Good afternoon, Duke Ethan."
Ethan gestured for her to join him, and the maid discreetly stepped away, leaving them alone on the balcony. Katrin took a seat, feeling the weight of Ethan's gaze on her as he poured her a glass of sparkling elven water.
"Please, help yourself to the feast," Ethan said, his voice carrying a playful undertone. "I've taken the liberty of selecting some of our finest dishes for your enjoyment."
As they began to eat, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Ethan's questions were laced with genuine curiosity, and Katrin found herself opening up to him, despite her initial reservations.
"And tell me, Katrin," Ethan asked with a smile, "do you have any family, I'm curious as of how you got into the Slave house?"
Katrin's gaze softened, and for a moment, a wistful expression crossed her features. "My memories of my childhood are fragmented, like pieces of a shattered mirror. I don't know who my biological parents were, and I was adopted by a family of Specials."
Ethan leaned back, his eyes attentive as he listened. "A family of Specials? That must have been an interesting upbringing."
Katrin nodded, a bittersweet smile touching her lips. "Yes, it was. They had an eldest son, well-versed in magic, and two witches,"
Ethan's brow furrowed slightly, curiosity evident in his eyes. "And what got you into the slave house?"
Katrin's expression darkened, he shifted in her seat and looked down at her plate. "The eldest witch... tricked me, they deceived me into believing I could become a witch, just like them. But instead, I was sold to-to the slave house." At the end end she coughed feeling weird about how open she was being.
Ethan's eyes softened, his demeanor showing a rare moment of genuine sympathy. "I'm sorry to hear that, Katrin. Betrayal by one's own family is a heavy burden to bear," But a small smirked came to play o his, "Then again, you should ever trust witches."
Katrin's gaze met He's, and she nodded slowly. Not knowing what to say next.
Ethan's lips curled into a playful grin, his eyes locking hers with a mischievous glint. "I assure you, Katrin, there's no betrayal awaiting you here. In fact, I intend for your stay to be nothing but enjoyable."
Katrin couldn't help but chuckle softly, a mixture of amusement and wariness in her expression. "You do have a way with words, Sir."
Ethan's grin widened, his charm undeniable. "Ah, but words are one of my many talents. Now, tell me, have you ever encountered anyone quite like me?"
Katrin raised an eyebrow, a hint of playfulness entering her own gaze. "An enigmatic duke with an affinity for charm and mystery? Can't say that I have."
Their conversation continued, a dance of words and glances, each testing the other's boundaries. Ethan's playful advances were met with Katrin's deft dodges, creating a dynamic that was both alluring and entertaining.
Eventually, as the meal drew to a close, Ethan leaned back in his chair, a sigh of feigned boredom escaping his lips. "You know, Katrin, I find myself growing rather tired of this one-sided banter."
Katrin arched an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Oh? And what would you suggest we do about that?"
Ethan's gaze intensified, his voice lowering to a husky whisper. "How about we make a deal? I'll cease my playful advances, and you allow me to get to know the real Katrin."
Katrin's heart raced, a swirl of conflicting emotions filling her chest. She held Ethan's gaze, her own eyes reflecting a blend of curiosity and wariness. "Very well, Duke Ethan. You have a deal."
Ethan's lips curled into a triumphant smile, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Wonderful. I look forward to every moment of discovery."
As they finished their conversation, Ethan gestured for a maid to join them. With a simple command, he directed the maid to lead Katrin back to her room.
Alone once more, Ethan's expression shifted. The playful glint in his eyes gave way to a more sinister look, and a malicious smile played on his lips. The façade of charm and curiosity had served its purpose, and now, he had what he needed - a glimpse into Katrin's past, her vulnerabilities, and the secrets she held.
A figure emerged from the shadow a hood cover the face, "It seems your Verita Potion was working well Sir, why did you ask what was needed of?"
"I want to give it a little more time, lets see what she is capable of." Ethan watched Katrin's retreating figure, his thoughts turned to the next phase of his plans. The elven realm had granted him power, knowledge, and influence, and Katrin's presence added an intriguing twist to his ambitions. He knew there was a potential of her abilities, He just needed to find it.