Chapter Twenty
Garrik was gone when I awoke. Echo was sitting at my tiny breakfast table looking like a giant eating a muffin. “What's up buttercup?” I asked as I sat myself up in bed. Echo gave me a sly sideways grin. I didn't even bother asking him what happened between him and Garrik last night. I have too much on my mind. “Where is Garrik and Tom?”
“They are seeing the scouts out explaining to them where to stop and wait for us in a few days.”
That was Echo. Short and to the point. I really didn't know much about him because of that. “Are you busy today?” Echo shook his head, “Not particularly. What do you have in mind?” Echo raised an eyebrow and ran a hand through his slicked back hair. He has no clue how sexy it is, I thought, as his eyes flashed. I guess he knows now.
“Thought lurker!" I shouted. He smiled and then I continued, “Nothing in particular , I just haven't spent much time with you. Can you toss me one of those muffins?”
“Chocolate or Blueberry?”
“Blueberry. When it comes to muffins always blueberry, everything else always chocolate.” I caught the muffin before it hit me in the face.
“We spent a lot of time together when you were in your coma. Garrik fell apart for a couple weeks. It was between Tomilson and I to take turns training and watching you. Garrik worried you would never wake or come back to us. I always knew you would and I wanted to be there when you awoke.”
“Thank you for that. To be honest if it wasn't for the coma and unlocking my memories, I still wouldn't have accepted you. It shocked me quite literally when we first me. I didn't expect to have that connection to anyone except Garrik.”
“It did the same to me. I saw you laying in bed. I sensed you were awake and said those hurtful things to spite Garrik. I knew it would set him off.” Echo shrugged. I get it. I would have done the same thing or even worse if I was in Echo's shoes. It must feel pretty shitty being bound to a kingdom for twenty-five years.
“I know about you and Taryn. She was angry at me when she helped me get ready that night. Ultimately she said she would serve me but she wouldn't like it.”
“She is a silly girl. She knew we could never spark being Dark and Light. I did end it abruptly which might have been why she took it poorly.”
“Any woman would take you leaving them poorly, Echo.” I sent him a look hoping he knew how much I meant those words. I still had a lot to learn about Echo, but he seemed to be more like me then the other two Elf-men. I needed to use the privy and get dressed. I pushed back the covers and climbed out of the bed. “Do you think we can teleport somewhere today?”
“Not likely if it is any place new. Garrik said it was no longer safe unless you go with Tomilson first.”
“Oh, well he sent me a summer picture of a big tree that exists in both realms and so I took us to Faerie. It was dark and no big deal but it scared the crap out of him. As long as you send a picture of how someplace looks right now, I will be okay.”
“You went to Faerie? Did anyone see you?” Echo had leaned forward in his chair resting his elbows on his knees.
“It was dark and right before we realm walked to Elmora I saw a figure in robes in the distance. I am not certain he saw us and if he did I am sure they would have had no idea who we were.”
“Be careful little Vera, the Fae are not ones to mess with and they will know more than you think. Garrik has good reason to be nervous. Get dressed I know a place we can go that is right here on palace grounds and private.”
I liked the thought of that. I reached into my chest and pulled out pants and a plain dark brown tunic. I liked simple things. There are times when I want to look spectacular, but they are less often now that my body looks amazing all the time. I still scare myself sometimes when I look into the mirror. I look more like the old before dying me now than the human I was. I still have the same shape of face with my wide mouth, the same height, and my crazy wavy hair. My eyes are bigger now like an elves.
I exited the bathroom dressed and ready to go. I grabbed my cloak. “So, where are we going? Somewhere other than your bedroom I hope?” Echo chuckled his deep manly laugh.
“Oh come on now, you know you liked my bedroom." Echo smiled, "You will like This. Trust me.”
“I do.” I grabbed a bunch of food off the table and folded it into a little knapsack. Echo was staring at me, “What? I am still hungry.”
I walked over to Echo entwined my arm into his and waited for the images to come to me from Echo. I saw a circular wooden room with a wood stove in the middle. It was simple. I closed my eyes for the briefest of moments. When I opened them I could smell cedar. This entire circular room is made of cedar. The woodstove was warm, so I know this space is being used often.
“Where are we? Are we in a treehouse?” I felt my excitement rising. Echo nodded.
“This isn't like the ones people live in. The main purpose is to offer shelter to those working the lookout shifts. We have roughly an hour before the next shift arrives.” Echo walked over and opened the only door there. We walked out onto a balcony. The cold air hit my face. I put up a little protection ward to keep the wind off and extended it to Echo as well. The air smelled of smoke from the woodstove. The sky is the kind of gray that indicated that snow was on the way. A heavy snow. I walked out to the edge and saw how high we were. We are in the training tree!
“Yes, do you like it?” Like Echo even needed to ask that.
“I love it! I have wanted to come up here since I first saw the training facilities.” I know he knew that. He probably heard my thoughts once when I was staring up at the massive tree. I looked out to take in the scenery. There was a long open field that had rolling hills. There were random spots of giant piles of hay with horses standing around eating. We must be looking out over the area with the stables. It felt like home. I missed the smell of hay and the horses. I even missed my mom. Although we were not on best terms I know she must have noticed I was missing by now. I have missed Thanksgiving and Christmas is any day now.
My heart broke at my selfishness for choosing Elmora. I didn't really have a choice, deep down I knew I had to come here. It is where I am meant to be, but it still isn't fair to the woman who raised me to be strong, independent, and resourceful.
“It is okay, Vera. Garrik visited her while you were in your coma.”
I snapped my head around to look at Echo,“What do you mean?”
“Garrik said he went to the Human Realm to clear his head and saw a missing person poster of you. He knew you couldn't return with your new looks. He sent scouts in to track all those who knew you and wiped their memories of you. Then he sent your mother a large sum of money. He told us it will be enough to never have to work another day in her life. I am surprised he hadn't told you.”
I took in Echo's words and processed them. Garrik would have worried that it would anger me, but I know he did the right thing. I couldn't have gone back as I am, and I couldn't have had them worry over me never knowing what had happened. She may think I was crazy but she loved me as any mother loves their child. It is no fault of her own that she didn't understand how to be a loving mom. I do not blame her for that. I still loved her even if she no longer remembers me. I remember her.
“He did the right thing. It wouldn't have been fair to leave her there worrying herself sick over me.” I knew he was right, but the pain of it still hurt. I was staring out across the cold fields with tears creeping from my eyes. I shook my head and wiped my tears away. I didn't want Echo to see me as a silly weak girl with tears.
“I would never think of you as weak, your soul has been through more than anyone. Death would have been a blessing to you at one point.” Echo paused a moment, “This is not the best time to say it, but I don't trust the High Councilman Fin. Something doesn't feel right.”
I brushed off Echo's concerns. “I remember he is the one who saved me. Why don't we talk about something else while we have the time? Tell me about your Kingdom and your Father.” I sat down outside on a balcony in a giant magical tree that overlooked a horse field. I opened up the food I brought with us wishing I had the foresight to have brought elf wine as well.
“I don't talk about home often and I don't even know where to begin. I am the only Prince of Solas. My Father as you know is King Talon. My Mother is Queen of Ter which is another Dark Elf kingdom that bordered my Father's original lands. So, now Ter and Solas are one, but separate. My father bonded with my mother when he was still a Prince.” Echo paused again, “He is a harsh man. Very ambitious and my Mother is much the same as was my Grandfather, King Ramsey. He played a big part in the Elf and Fae War. He had this goal of his kingdom stretching throughout the realms. It was a foolish dream. The most dangerous men are the ones with big dreams. I never knew King Ramsey, rumor has it after so many of his people died he became soft, so my Father took over the throne.”
King Ramsey, that name seemed to speak to me. It is like a piece of the big puzzle I just do not know where exactly it fits, “Where is Solas?”
“South America in the Human Realm. King Talon now has control over the continent and a small area of Mexico. When a neighboring kingdom didn't have an heir he annexed it into Solas as well. The Elven Council did nothing to stop it. Now the balance of the world is shifting to my Father. He has the largest army, the most land, and arguably the most power. He has set back and waited to find a reason to take one of the power kingdoms to the north. You and I were the perfect excuse. He isn't coming to just kill you, he is coming to take Median for himself.”
I felt sick to my stomach. Echo had hit me with some brutal honesty and then he hit me with more, “I told Garrik that you need to be apart of the war. You are not some flower to be protected. You need to know the ramifications of what King Talon is trying to do. Garrik and I are at odds over your involvement. He is desperate to keep you safe. Which I respect, but you are a warrior and will want a part and a say in how things unfold, because I know I would.” Goddess bless Echo knows me as well as Garrik, but in a different way.
“You are absolutely fucking right I do, but I am fine to sit back a little bit longer until I get more answers in a few days.”
The door behind us opened. I jumped to my feet faster then I knew I could and knocking my stash of food over the edge.
“Found you, this is some useful magic!” Tomilson said with a grin.
“Did I interrupt something?” My violet eyed man looked from Echo to me and back again.
“No, we were having a serious talk about King Talon and the war that is brewing. You know super fun stuff like that. Wait. Did you teleport here?”
Tomilson's face lit up into a huge grin that showed off his perfect white teeth. “Yes, I did. I thought of my Princess Vera and poof here I am.”
“Brilliant! See I am now only a thought away from everyone at any given time. How much safer could I get?” I smiled at them both. “Now how do we get down from a giant training tree without magic?”
“Allow us to show you,” Echo said as he began walking around the side of the tree house. We came upon a few stairs that stepped down to a rope bridge. We were so high up yet I felt safe. If my big man can walk over these bridges without them breaking then I should be able to do the same. The bridge crossed to another tree house and more steps down to another bridge. We descended gradually as we wove our way in and out of the branches on the tree. Finally we came to an area where every free branch had a house in it.
“Barracks,” Echo said. I peeked in an open window. I could see that there were small beds along the wall and another bed mounted to the wall above it. Optimizing space. “What about bathrooms?” It is a legit question.
“The community bathing houses are on ground floor. Up above there are compost toilets that break down the waste instead of washing it away.” Made sense. We were closing in on the main hall in the training tree. We entered it through a door at the very top and then wound our way down the spiral balcony. I worked my shadow magic to blend back into the shadows. I didn't want the recruits that were currently training to see me. It helped that I had a massive Echo and an almost as massive Tomilson to block their view as well. We made it to the door and back outside heading up to the palace. In three days I am going to magic us to the outside of Castle Bluff. I have no idea how long I will be there, what I do know is how much I am going to miss Tindril.
Over the next few days I avoided the war room completely. Instead I spent time being given the wisdom of Queen Lyra and wandering the halls of Tindril. Parsley made me a ham and macaroni and cheese as my last meal. It was not the same, but it was close and still divine. I was also informed that Rose will be traveling with us to Castle Bluff which made me happy. It will be nice to have another familiar face in a new place.
When the day of our departure rolled around, I didn't want to go. I knew I needed to meet Finley, but I had the gnawing feeling that I wouldn't see Tindril again anytime soon and that broke my heart. I couldn't even explain the feeling of dread that I had, but I knew we needed to get on with it.
That morning I packed all my things away. Garrik, Echo, Tomilson, Rose, and the King and Queen met us in the war room for our goodbyes. Garrik explained to me that we will be going to a hill outside of Castle Bluff. We will then ride in so only our chosen scouts would see that we didn't make the full journey. Sure they will talk and word will get out, but it will be less startling to find out about it after the fact. We gave each other hugs and prayed it would work as well as we thought it would.
“Okay Tomilson, you have seen the hill during winter. Please make sure you send her a winter image,” Garrik said. I know he hadn't told any one about our brief run into Faerie, so the only ones who knew were Garrik, Echo, and myself.
Tomilson nodded and I felt the gentle push of images into my head. I could see it clearly, the road was loose colored pebbles instead of paving stones. When I looked out I could see a formidable castle perched upon a large steep hill, or small mountain. When I had the image I nodded holding on to Tomilson and Garrik. We knew I could travel two at a time. Once there I was going to return for Rose and Echo. Garrik said I would have clothing and everything there so I didn't need to pack a bag. I closed my eyes tight and willed us to the location Tomilson had sent me. It was minutes before I felt I could open my eyes again. I felt as if were pressed into a dark tuna can. My body felt pressure from all sides. Part of me started to panic. At that moment the pressure lessened and we arrived. It must have been due to the distance we had to travel.
Upon opening my eyes I saw all of the scouts jump in surprise. I laughed knowing they knew we were coming, but they still were not prepared for what they had witnessed. I took a moment to look around to make sure I could find this spot again on my own. The trees were thick on each side of the road. They were bare of leaves, and the wind was cold, but there was no snow. I took in the image of Castle Bluff and how the road went down into a valley disappearing into the trees before emerging up a steep hill to the castle. Garrik gave me a deep hug.
“Do you think you can make it here on your own now?” Tomilson asked as I pulled myself free of Garrik. I nodded and replied, “See you in a few minutes!”
Closed my eyes and instantly felt the same pressure for what seemed like several minutes before it lessened and I was back in the war room. “How long did that take?”
“Roughly thirty minutes. We were beginning to get worried” Echo said.
“Okay, that means it takes about fifteen minutes to get there, and It isn't very comfortable. It must be how the magic works when traveling a great distance.”
I hugged the King and Queen again and told them, “Thank you for everything, I am going to miss you in Castle Bluff”
“Oh, daughter we will be joining you there before you know it.” Queen Lyra said as she released me from my big hug.
“Okay, Rose. Echo. Are you ready?” They both reached out and grabbed my hand in answer. Rose was stunning as usual. Today she was dressed in all white with white hair. Closing my eyes I felt the pressure again. This time I had no nerves about it. I knew where we were going. When the pressure lessened we were all standing on the hill.
“It worked!” I was almost jumping in glee. We all made it to Castle Bluff without the long ride in the cold.
One by one each of my men pulled me into a big hug. I ignored the looks on the scouts around us. They had not seen a relationship like ours before. Elves were only meant to have one flame. I had two flames and Tomilson breaking all the rules.
“Before we head to the castle we would like to give you a gift.” Garrik said gesturing to Echo and Tomilson.
“Oh no is it Christmas? I don't have anything to give you all.” How selfish could I be that I forgot to get my men a gift?
“It is the eve of the Winter Solstice and you do not have to get any of us a gift. This is something we wanted you to have regardless.” Garrik motioned a raven haired scout, Sarah, I think is her name, to step forward holding a blanket. She handed it to Garrik who in turn handed it to me.
“Go on open it.” Tomilson pitched in.
I pulled back the blankets to find a perfect silver sword. It was simple, unlike the sword in my memories. I loved it so much. I couldn't even find words. I hope my face was able to convey my feelings. I felt tears at the edge of my eyes as I picked up the sword that was made for me. It had good weight, but was still lighter than one that Garrik or Echo would use. It was shorter as well. The balance was perfect. I gave it a good swing and felt my body purr in delight. Echo stepped forward with a dark brown simple belt and scabbard. Once I had it on I couldn't imagine how I went my entire life without a sword at my side. It felt right. This is where a sword belongs.
“I can't even express how much I love it and how much I love all of you! Thank you!”
After another round of hugs and kisses scouts stepped forward and gave us each a horse. Rose climbed up into the wagon with the now horseless scouts and we started off down into the valley.
“We have about an hour ride before we are at the gates,” Tomilson answered my next thought. I looked up at Castle Bluff looming before me. It was a marbled color like a mountain that had been cut into. It was tan with black and red streaks. Truly beautiful. The trees we rode through were full of tree houses. This had to be the closest thing the elves had to a city. A thousand elves had to live within the valley of Castle Bluff. It was a sight to behold. My eyes were constantly wondering. I saw elves lining their rope bridges and peaking out side their houses to have a look at us as we passed.
It was obvious who I was. I am honey gold colored and darker than everyone except Echo. I was traveling with Prince Garrik, Tomilson, Prince Echo, and a Councilwoman. There was no way anyone would not know I was their new Princess Vera. Some people bowed to us as we passed them by. It was fascinating. There was no big celebration or parade, yet everyone was coming out to watch us pass. The air smelled fresh of evergreens that were speckled through out the trees and smoke from the wood stoves. Each evergreen tree I saw was decorated with little colorful balls and ribbon. Christmas. Although they call it Winter Solstice I will always refer to it as Christmas in my head. Thirty years in the Human Realm has it set as my favorite holiday ever.