Essentia (24 page)

    Aiden returned to the fire, joining in on our conversation. I look at him and say "If we have a grand celebration when this is over would you be the cook" Terra really does like his cooking.

    She slaps me on the arm saying "Aiden cannot be the cook, he has to join the party, you will have to find someone else."

    "I do not mind My lady, it would be my pleasure to cook for you, I know how you enjoy my food, so it would be an honor," Aiden says. his cheeks turning a light pink.

    "if you insist, but you have to be there," she says to him pointing a finger at me with a smirk.

    He bows a little and says "I would not miss it for the world, My lady." I am glad she is accepted by them; I am sure the rest of the Aelmereian’s will be just as welcoming to her.

     Thegan stood up and says "I think we should all get some sleep, it would probably be best if we left before sunrise" I look over at Terra, and she was trying to hide a yawn.

    I ask her "can you ask saber to keep watch over us tonight, we will all need sleep for tomorrows journey" she nods her head and gets up, walking over to Saber. She is talking to him in a quiet voice.

    Thegan walks by and pats me on the shoulder "good night, Brother."

    "good night," I say back to him. Then he walks over to the tent that he and Aiden are sharing. Aiden following behind him. I do wish he could find a woman to keep his bed warm and his heart. I think to myself.

    Terra walks back over and puts her hand on my shoulder. "Saber said that they all would keep watch over us," she says. I glance behind her, and I see the horses all going different directions. Saber stood in between our tents. The others posted at the entrance to the cave and the passageway out of the meadow.

    We go to the tent and lay down on our bedrolls right beside each other. I would love to have some time alone with her, without having others within earshot. I pull her close and tell her "Sleep well My love" she smiles at me and snuggles up to my chest sighing as she does so. I reach down and pull the covers up and fall fast asleep with my beautiful wife in my arms.

       Chapter Thirty

          Terra

              Stirring awake slowly I can tell that it is still dark outside. I don’t know how they tell time here. It is kind of frustrating. I am laying on Enre's chest listening to his heart beat when he says "You should have woken me My love" my face turns red. I wonder how long he has been watching me listening to his heart beat.

              "I was letting you get more rest" I say, trying to cover up the fact that I was caught starring at him.

              he lets out a chuckle and says "is my heart beating well?" laughing some more. Now he is just picking on me. he squeezes me tightly and kisses the top of my head. "I guess we should get up and pack everything my dear. The sooner we get to the palace the better" he says to me. I nod my head and we get up and put our shoes on. 

              Heading out of the tent I notice that Thegan and Aiden has already taken theirs down and has it packed up and ready to go. Man we are slacking this morning. I didn’t even hear them moving around. Aiden walks over and says "I have a little breakfast left for you My lady, go ahead and eat and I will help Enre with the tent." At least I am fed good. I laugh to myself.

              "Thank you Aiden" I say as I go over to the small fire. There is a plate with eggs and a slice of meat and bread on it. I eat quickly and go to help them but they are already done. They are fast. Since I cannot help, I go and get Enre's plate and take it to him.

              "thank you My dear" he says, Taking the plate and scarfing down the meal. Did he even taste it?

              I giggle and take his empty plate when he gets done but Aiden says "allow me" grabbing the plate from my hand and smiling.

              I look at Enre and say "why won’t he let me do anything?"               he laughs and says "Because you are the princess My love, He does that to show Honor" oh. so that’s why.

              "This is going to take some getting use to" I say. it is almost like having a butler. Not that I have ever had one.

              "yes it will My dear. You have not met the servants at the palace yet" he says with a hearty laugh. Oh boy. I can only imagine how that’s going to be. I mean I have read books about castles, handmaidens and Handsome princes, quests and adventures. I just never thought that I would be living that kind of life. It is very exciting.

              After everything is packed up and strapped on the horses we all get on and head out. Saber tells me 'we will take you the safest route'. "thank you" I say to him patting him on the neck. I am glad that the guardians are here to help us, it gives me more hope of our success. just as the horses start walking I feel really sick to my stomach. Saber bends down letting me off. I run over to a bush and throw up everything that I had ate earlier. I wonder what wrong, I feel fine. the food must not have agreed with me.

              when I stand back up wiping my mouth Enre is right there behind me. "are you ok?" he asks. Always worrying

              "yes I’m fine, breakfast didn’t agree with me".

              he feels my head to be sure I wasn’t running a fever, then says "if you start feeling bad tell me ok" I nod my head and we walk back to our horses.

              Thegan and Aiden both looking at me sympathetically. I say to them "I’m fine I promise" they smile at me.  after getting back on our horses we are off again. When we get out from behind the falls, the horses speed up their pace. eventually we are at a full run. I am holding on as tight as I can, as to not get thrown. the ride is smooth though, as if Saber is trying to be more gentle in his steps. it is very much appreciated. I think to myself. as we race through the forest I see a few little animals that look like squirrels scurrying through the tree branches. They are similar to them but they are white and black like skunks. I will have to ask Enre what they are when we stop.

              It feels like we have been riding for a very long time. I ask saber "is there a safe place we can stop for a minute,” ‘yes just up ahead' he replies. soon They slow to a walk and then stop just shy of a small stream. Saber bent down so I could climb off of him. I pet him on the side of his head and tell him "Thank you". he Whinnied and walk off to the stream.

              Enre makes his way over to me after speaking to Thegan. he looks at me and says "are you alright My love". I sit down on the ground, stretching my legs all the way out.

              I say to him "I am alright, I just needed to stretch my legs". he goes to the stream and fills a container with cool water and brings it to me. "thank you" I say, drinking deeply, cooling my throat and wetting my lips. This is the best tasting water I believe I have ever had. I guess it would be considering it is not full of chemicals like back home.

              a few moments pass and saber comes running up, bending down he says to me 'we need to leave now'. I jump up and climb on his back. enre and the other doing the same. 'hold on' saber says to me. I tighten my grip and he was off like a rocket. We are running much faster than we was before. I didn’t even know horses could run this fast. I know there are race horses but this surpasses them by a mile. It has to be because they are guardians. Enre and Thegan are on each side of me riding as fast as they can as well. Aiden is behind us leading the other horses. We ride like that for a bit, on the horizon I can see the top of a huge castle.

              When we get over the next hill I can see the entire castle. it almost takes my breath. it is magnificent. And huge, don’t forget huge. It is by far the biggest structure I have ever seen. Enre yells to me saying "that is Rosewyvrn" grinning from ear to ear. it is very clear on his face that he is happy to be home. The horses run as fast as they can towards the castle. Seeing the surrounding buildings, you can tell that the people here have taken inspiration from many cultures. I wish I had more time to look around but our safety comes first. I glace over my shoulder, seeing Aiden and the other horses being trailed by men on painted up horses. They are shooting arrows at us.

              When we get close to the gate Thegan Yells up at the guards "I am Thegan Erinhall Arthfael, Open the gates". The gates open quickly and we all rush inside. as soon as the last of our horses have cleared the gate Thegan says "close them quickly, we are under attack". The guards shut the gates and bar them.

              Another rings a bell and a horde of Guards appear n the top wall of the castle. Bow and arrows in hand. "Fire" the head guard says. and hundreds of sharp arrows fly through the air. again and again the arrows soar through the air, Aimed at our enemy. Soon the head guard comes down and bows at Thegan and Enre. "Your highness's welcome back, only a few of the rebels escaped" he says.

              "very well, make sure that they stay away from this castle and send someone to clean the bodies off the street when you are sure it is safe" Thegan ordered. "one more thing, this young woman is Enre's wife, she is to be protected at all cost. Make sure the rest of the guard are aware of this"

              The guard smiles and says "congratulations Your highness. My lady" bowing deeply.

              "dismissed" Thegan says in an authoritive voice. The guard turns on his heels, rushing back up to the top of the wall.

              Now that I have a chance to breath. I try to calm myself down. If we would have been a second slower then we would not have made it. I hear a loud thud, spinning around I see Aiden laying on the ground. He has an arrow sticking out of the back of his shoulder. Blood pooling on the ground. "Enre!" I yell. he jumps off of his horse and rushes over to him.

              Thegan yells "Take him inside and get the doctor". Four guards rush over and they pick him up and carry him inside.  "He will be fine Sister. it is just in his shoulder". How can he be so calm about this? one of us just got shot. By a freaking arrow.               Enre comes over to me and puts his arm around me. "We have a good doctor here My love, so do not worried ok". I nod my head. still shaking from what I just seen.

              a few men come over and bow to us and one of them say "we will take the horses to the stable for you Your highness's"

              Enre tells them "feed them well but do not lock them in the stable. They can come and go as they please and have someone bring all of our thing inside" the man nods his head. Enre's attitude has changed, More authoritive. It’s kinda sexy, I think to myself.

              The guards start grabbing the horses but Before they can take Saber, I walk over to him "Thank you for saving us again Saber" patting him on the neck. 'It is an honor Daughter of Tarna'. Dipping his head low. He walks over in the direction of the stables on his own. I bet he is wearing out from our journey here. He deserves a good meal and rest.

              "Come My Dear, I have much to show you and we need to get cleaned up" Enre says to me.

              I look down at myself. I am filthy, dust and mud from the swift ride here. "That would be nice" I say to him with a laugh. He snickers a little and grabs my hand, leading me towards the massive wooden and steel doors front doors. just before the threshold he swoops me up in his arms and carries me through the door. "How traditional of you my prince" I say with a giggle.

              He gives me a peck on the cheek and says "Aelmere carries many traditions that are similar to your world. We have adapted many of earths cultures into our daily life. You will see when we head into town" Hmm. I wonder how long they have been coming to my realm. Listen to me, now I am talking like him. I almost giggle out loud but I managed to keep it in.

              "I can’t wait to see all of this realm" I say to him with excitement in my voice. I wasn’t lying, I really do want to see all that this place offers. Its people, animals, lands, I want to see everything and learn as much as I can about this once beautiful realm.

              "for now though let’s just get cleaned up and get some food in us, then I will sow you around". I nod my head and follow My handsome prince through the hallways of the castle.

           
 
Chapter Thirty-One

          Enre

              The feeling of being home is almost overwhelming. We have been away from here for far too long. Only coming back on occasion, just for a few hours for supplies. I know we will not be here but for a few days while we prepare for the battle that is to come, But I pray that it is a swift victory so we can finally be at peace in Aelmere once again. Walking these halls brings back memories of when I was small. running away from the nurse maids because I didn’t want to bathe. I hated baths when I was little. I would have rather rolled in the mud. But being a prince I had to be clean and presentable all the time. I laugh at the thought.

              We make it to my chambers. I open the door and step inside. My beautiful wife instep behind me. "this room is huge" she says looking around. she notices the balcony and runs over to it, opening the big glass doors. I walk up behind her wrapping my arms around her.