Thrain's eyes fluttered open, grogginess slowly giving way to clarity. He found himself in a grand ornate chamber, surrounded by familiar tapestries and furnishings. The plush velvet bed beneath him felt like a cloud and the morning light streaming through the windows illuminated the room with a warm glow.
As he sat up, rubbing his temples,his mind raced to piece together the events that had led him here. The memories of his journey with Aries,the encounter with that strange old lady and his subsequent unconsciousness all came flooding back. He was very sure that old woman had taken Aries.
He tossed off the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed,his feet dangling in the air. He recognized the room as his chambers, the very one he occupied before his self-imposed exile.
Where was Aries at the moment, and how in the world did he end up back in valtoria, the kingdom he had left behind few years ago.
A soft knock at the door broke the silence. A gentle-faced maid came through the entrance, carrying a bowl, containing warm water and a white towel. Her eyes widen in surprise as she took in the sight of Thrain, awake and alert.
"Oh thank the light!". She exclaimed,her voice trembling with excitement, she carefully set aside the bowl of water on a stool and without hesitation, she curtsied hastily and said
"Good morning my lord". Before fleeing the room.
"I must inform her majesty at once!".
Her footsteps echoed down the corridor, growing fainter as she hurried to report the news to the queen. Thrain's gaze followed the sound,his thoughts consumed by the impending encounter with his sister.
The maid burst into the court room,her breathlessness and urgency evident in her hurried steps. Queen Lythari, seated at the head of the grand oak table, looked up from the documents spread before her,her expression stern and disapproving.
"What is the meaning of this interruption Elara?". Lythari's voice was sharp,her eyes flashing with annoyance.
Elara curtsied deeply,her hand trembling.
"Forgive me your majesty but lord Thrain has awoken,I thought it crucial to inform you immediately".
Lythari's expression transformed from irritation to surprise then relief.
"Thrain? Awake?. Oh thank the light!".
Her gaze snapped to the guards stationed at the door.
"Summon the royal physician at once!".
As one of the guards hastened to carry out lythari's orders,Elara remained frozen in place,her eyes fixed on the Queen's face.
"Shall l...shall I prepare Lord Thrain for an audience your majesty?". She ventured.
Lythari's gaze narrowed." No Elara, I'll go and see him personally,see that he is prepared for my arrival instead ".
With a nod, Elara began to back out of the room but as she turned to leave, lythari's voice halted her.
"Wait, there's no need for that,I want to see him before the royal physician gets there". Her expression softened,warmth creeping into her eyes. She rose from her seat,her golden gown rustling as she moved.
"I will not have anyone disturb him until I've have spoken to him first,see that no one enters his chambers until I have given my leave".
Elara nodded, understanding in her eyes . "As you wish, your majesty".
Lythari's gaze lingered on Elara for a moment before she turned and swept out of the court room,her regal presence commanding attention. The guards at the door sprang to life, falling into step behind her as she made her way to Thrain's room.
As the queen disappeared from view, Elara let out a quiet sign. She knew that lythari's concern for her brother was genuine, but she also sensed a deep motive at play. The queen's action were always calculated, always with the interest of valtoria at heart.
Thrain's rushing thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door,a gentle rap of fingers against wood. He turned his head,his eyes fixed on the door as if willing it to open. The knock came again,a little louder this time, Thrain's heart beat quickened in anticipation.
"Enter". He called out his voice firm but laced with uncertainty.
The door creaked open and lythari walked into the room. Her eyes locked onto Thrain's face,her gaze searching and intense. Thrain wanted to get up to his feet but couldn't,his body felt weaker than he expected it to be.
"Thrain". Lythari began,her voice low and husky, not concealing the emotion that came with it. She moved closer to the bedside and took his hand in her's.
"Thank the light,you are finally awake,I was beginning to fear the worse, you were out for five days".
Thrain only stared,he just couldn't believe it,his mind was racing with questions.
Lythari waited for him to say something but he didn't, which only made her wonder what kind of ordeal he went through. She tightened her grip around his hand and said. "Am really glad you are back and safe".
"No...no...no this is not happening". Thrain said suddenly,taking back his hand. Lythari brow furrowed, she looked at him intently.
"What's wrong Thrain?".
"How did I get here,am supposed to be at the temple of Tamra not here".
Lythari's gaze softened. "Well I know that you are confused and bothered but not to worry Thrain, we'll discuss about that later, first let me make sure you are well. The physician will be here soon to examine you".
Thrain was not having it ,he needed answers immediately.
"Please Lythari tell me everything that happened now,I need to know, please...".
Lythari sighed deeply and said."You were found unconscious in the forest near the old ruins,you were brought here by a group of travelers who stumbled upon you".
"What travelers? And why would they bring me here, how did they know that am supposed to be brought here,it doesn't even make any sense ". Thrain said running his fingers through his black shinny hair,he was feeling frustrated.
"Remember the old ruins is close to Herthstone, according to the traveler's story,they took you into the village and some of the villagers recognized you". Lythari took a deep breath then continued,her tone softer.
"Honestly speaking Thrain,I and the members of the council were so surprised but on the other hand grateful,they brought you back home safely, everyone in the palace is so happy to have you back ". She said smiling with her eyes.
Thrain's frustration mounted,his thoughts consumed by the mystery of his return.
Suddenly a soft knock at the door interrupted the tense atmosphere.
"Yes?". Lythari answered,her voice a little too bright.
"The royal physician is here your majesty". Elara's voice could be heard clearly from outside.
"Let him in".
The door opened,an elderly man with a long white beard walked in carrying a box and a little bag that hung loosely over his shoulder.
"I've come to examine Lord Thrain, your majesty". He said bowing slightly.
"Go ahead ". Lythari gestured towards Thrain.
The physician nodded and approached Thrain,he set the wooden box aside and began by checking his pulse.Thrain submitted to the examination, his eyes never leaving Lythari's face.
Lythari turned away,her gaze wandering to the window,her thoughts seemingly elsewhere.
"I'll leave you to your work physician". She said,her voice distant. "I have matters to attend to".
With that she swept out of the room leaving Thrain to the physician's ministrations.
The physician's gentle probing and questions only added to Thrain's growing unease. He knew he had to get to the bottom of this mystery, but for now, he's practically trapped in this room.
*****************
"What do you see?". Lyrien asked pacing up and down.
"Well, Thrain is okay for now". Tyrone answered, moving away from the glowing crystal.
"Am more concerned about Aries". Lyrien said twisting his eyebrows.
" Aries is far beyond our reach but not beyond the reach of the ancient ones, she's fulfilling her destiny". Tyrone said picking up a book from it shelf, dusting it vigorously,he opened it and flipped through the pages. Lyrien studied him for a while.
"Do you think she will be alright? " Lyrien asked but got no answer.
"Ah ha!, I knew it, something was definitely fishy". Tyrone exclaimed abruptly. Lyrien moved closer to him.
"What is it?".
"Look". He said pointing at the open book.
"That witch used a spell forged and practiced only in Aldor'il thia,her sole intention was to kill Thrain,if i had arrived a second late,the poor lad would've left our world by now ".
Lyrien's gaze snapped. "A spell from Aldor'il thia you say?".
"Yes look at it, it's written here amongst the forbidden spells".
Tyrone handed the book over to Lyrien,who snatched it to have a better look.
"I had a hard time performing the healing spell on Thrain,I blamed it on my deteriorating age,not knowing that it was the spell. A spell as powerful as that can only come from Aldor'il thia ". He added.
Lyrien hissed,he was getting agitated.
"Are you sure Aries is going to be safe?".
"Aries is the child of prophecy, the one foretold centuries ago to restore balance to the whole universe,the ancient ones will keep her safe. She already claimed Kamaita's power which is a good thing ". Tyrone said,a dry grin escaping his lips.
Lyrien signed.