Chapter Eight

I am amazed looking across the river to see a large boat. I start scanning the area for signs of lifeforms near or on the boat. Thankfully I do not pick up anything. It seems the boat is free for the taking. It has one sail that is larger than the boat itself on a very wide and tall mast. The boat at first glance seems to be a faded brown but when you look at it more in depth you see that is camouflages with the forest background.

“Well, what should we do now? We won’t be able to check that boat out until the morning, and I’m starving.” Rafe says, snapping me out of my astonishment.

“I do not see anyone or sense any presence. I thought that phantom voice was supposed to meet us here?” Declan ads. I stare at the boat a moment longer, looking for any sign of life or some kind of direction.

I shrug. “I don’t sense anything either. Maybe he decided to come back tomorrow when there is daylight. I’m hungry too, so I vote we make camp and get some food.”

Rafe shrugs and looks out at the boat again.

“It could be a trap set by Merikh and his men.” Declan thinks out loud.

“But, what if it isn’t? This could be exactly what we need to get to the mountain base.” I question with some urgency. They both have annoyed looks on their faces.

“You know, you never did explain any of that vision to us.” Declan points out.

“Well, why don’t we make camp here for now, and then we can discuss a plan of action for tomorrow?” Rafe suggests. We both agree.

“Elysia, you need to tell us what you’ve been hiding, so we can make an informed decision for tomorrow.” Declan says.

“Fine.” I sigh.

We walk down to the edge of the river, staying away from the boat. Declan starts setting up camp, while I make secure boundaries to keep the enemies away, and Rafe gets some fish for dinner. I’m not sure I want to eat something that’s been in a wolf’s mouth, but my stomach growls in disagreement.

Just when camp is ready, and we have the fire going, Rafe returns with several strings of fish.

“This river is great for catching fish!” Rafe says with almost boyish enthusiasm. “I forgot to ask before I left, but do we all eat fish?”

“Yes, I do anyway. I used to go fishing with my brothers when I was younger. Whatever we caught, big or small, Mother would cook up for dinner.” I respond.

Declan just nods silently as Rafe starts to cook. Declan seems to be brooding about something. My stomach growls again. While we’re waiting on the fish to finish cooking, I decide it’s as good a time as any to tell them about the vision I had last night.

“Alright, listen up. I do not have all the answers. If anything, I only have enough information to make us ask more questions. I also do not like to be interrupted nor do I care to repeat things. So, listen very closely.” I use my princess tone of voice.

“Yes Ma’am, Queen Elysia!” Rafe says half seriously, which makes the brooding elf smirk slightly.

“Well, I only saw flashes of pictures, like a grey swamp surrounding a giant mountain base with a semi-giant opening. I moved forward like I was going into the opening, but it went black. The next thing I saw was what I guessed to be the top of the mountain, so close to ominous black clouds, I could almost touch them. Under those clouds, a bright light flashed, and I saw an ancient temple that gave me this strange feeling of being very well guarded. That is when I was woken up.” I stare at Declan, but he is expressionless. They remain silent for a while. Rafe serves us our meal, and we begin to eat. Suddenly, Declan breaks the silence.

“What about this bodiless voice we have been hearing today?”

“I don’t know anything about the voice. I have only heard him a couple of times, but I have not felt any ill will. All he has told me is we will meet soon, and everything will be okay.”

“So, you don’t have any ideas?” Rafe joins in the conversation.

“The only thoughts I have about it make no sense at all. I thought it could be who I have prayed and talked to for all of these years, but I don’t think he would meet us in person when he’s never needed to before. So, the answer is no.”

We finish our meal in silence and immediately go to bed. We agreed that we would have fresh ideas and energy in the morning. We sleep peacefully for a few hours when that same bodiless voice wakes us.

“Awaken now! You must get on that boat immediately. You will be found and taken shortly if you do not do as I say. Leave your steeds behind, as they will not be able to accompany you on your mission.”

I sit up in a flurry of excitement. Declan is already making packs for us to carry, while Rafe puts all the leftover fish in his magic wolf bag. I roll up my blankets and untie Ahmik. I give him one last hug and hope with all of my heart that I will see him.

“Be free, my sweetling. I hope we meet again.” I whisper to him, and he nuzzles me in response. The tears I have been holding back start to spill over. As if he understood me, he turns and runs off through the woods away from camp. Declan puts his hand on my shoulder for a few moments, as I watch Ahmik leave us.

“It’s time for us to go now. He will be okay, I’m sure of it. You will see him again.” Declan squeezes my shoulder in support. I nod and turn to go to the river’s edge. Rafe bounds up and shifts back to human form.

“There is officially no bridge to get over this river, so we are going to have to swim. I can carry Elysia, if you want that is.” I look at the river then back at Rafe and nod. I don’t like the idea of being swept away by the current. Rafe shifts back into wolf form and bows down for me to climb onto his back. Declan wades into the river; at first, the water only goes up to his knees, but it drops off the closer he gets to the middle.

He is almost completely submerged when Rafe starts to swim. Everything is going smoothly when the water starts to get stronger and faster, as if a storm is coming. I feel a strong evil presence and turn to see one of Merikh’s men standing where we had been just moments before. He is cloaked in total blackness with a wicked smile on his face. I guess he must’ve been the one making the water rough. It starts to swirl around us like a whirlpool.

“Hurry, Rafe! They found us early; we have to get out of the water now!”

Declan looks back, barely dodging one of the man’s black electric pulsating orbs. I try to shield us, but it’s difficult to do considering our current situation.

“We need to reach safety now! My shields won’t last too much longer. I’m not strong enough!”

Rafe swims as hard and fast as he can, with Declan attempting to help. Suddenly, I feel my shields break, and we start dodging attacks around us. We are almost completely to the other side when Declan is wounded in the leg by an arrow. He roars in agony, as his leg gives out.

“Hurry, get her to safety! I’ll be right behind you!” Declan shouts in rage.

Rafe runs towards the boat, up the river’s edge, which is shrouded behind trees and bushes. Once we arrive, I look around for Declan, but I don’t see any sign of him. I hop off Rafe and head straight for the boat.

“You must go back for Declan now!” Rafe nods at my command and runs back as fast as his four legs can carry him.

“Get on the boat now. You will be safe.” That familiar bodiless voice says to me.

I run up the ramp to board the boat. I feel the evil presence again just as orbs start to attack the boat. Luckily, there’s an invisible barrier blocking them from actually hitting my sanctuary. I sigh in relief that I am safe from these magic attacks and start to look around to see where the boat is tied to shore.

I can’t find any rope attached to the boat or land, and I don’t see any anchors keeping it in place. There’s also no captain or crew. I look over the edge of the boat to see if I can find Rafe or Declan. I finally notice some movement in the bushes, coming towards the boat at an extremely fast pace. It has to be Rafe, as I never saw the enemy cross the river.

Before he presents himself, the sail suddenly fills with wind, and the boat starts down the river on its own, the ropes and wheel moving without assistance. I shout, trying to get the boat to wait for Rafe, since he is so close. Suddenly, one of Merikh’s men jumps out of the bushes and runs down the edge of the river, trying to catch me. This can’t be a good sign, and I throw out another prayer for my friends.

“Please, whoever is listening, please spare them! We need each other!” That strong familiar peace comes over me, as the boat starts to slow down. I try to focus on my breathing, and I have an overwhelming sense of calm that everything will be okay. I hear a howl just as the boat picks up speed, and I know its Rafe.

“Now Elysia! Dig deep inside yourself and clear the way for your friends!” The voice sounds urgent. I put my hands out on either side of me, close my eyes, and take a deep breath. When I let it out, streams of electricity flow into the river and hit Merikh’s man. He drops to the ground, writhing in agony. I see a rock cliff in a clearing of trees. Just when we are about to pass it, a giant wolf jumps onto the boat with Declan on his back, clinging for life. I chuckle at the look on Declan’s face, as I help him down off Rafe’s back.

The boat slows to a calm pace. Rafe shifts back into human form and collapses on some sacks near the side of the deck.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I am wiped! Can we sleep now? Please?”

Declan and I laugh and shake our heads.

“What?! It was a lot of energy going back to save him!” Declan sits down next to Rafe.

“Thank you for that; I’m not sure what I would have done had you not returned for me.” I kneel next to Declan.

“Now, straighten out your leg, so I can heal it. Hopefully, it is just a flesh wound.” Declan straightens out his leg with a slight groan.

I hold my hands just slightly above his wound and begin to heal him. He’s lucky it wasn’t any deeper. Declan jerks his leg slightly as the flesh begins to thread back together. After I’m finished, he falls asleep almost immediately. Rafe passed out a few moments before. I’m not sure I’m comfortable enough to sleep yet, considering we’re running for our lives.

I lean against the rails on the upper part of the deck near the wheel. I stare out at the surrounding forest as we calmly drift down the river. Maybe it’s up the river, but I’m not exactly sure.

As I observe the forest around us, I can feel all of its life and activity. I can sense that they are all preparing for something, but I don’t feel fear or any real urgency. But, I’m still a little curious. A gentle breeze plays with my hair, and the sky is blue and calm. The entire atmosphere is relaxing. It makes it hard to believe such evil threatens to take over our precious world.

“Elysia, this boat will take you to the base of the mountain you saw in your vision. It will take an estimated week to arrive if nothing goes awry. If, however, unforeseen events occur, you may get there in two weeks or longer. So, be prepared.” The bodiless voice explains.

“Okay, but what about the nymphs we read about?”

“You will deal with them when the time comes. I should also be with you all. So, do not fret.”

I sigh, as I’m not sure I’m ready for any of the responsibilities that are being thrust upon me.

“What about my lightning magic? How will I learn to control it?”

“You will learn soon enough; but, do not push that door until you know you can control it.” He cautions me.

“When will I know if I can control it?”

“You will feel it in your very soul ready to burst forth. There is still much you must learn about it before you will be able to harness your magic at its full strength.”

That doesn’t sound very reassuring. “How long will that take?”

“The time is drawing closer than you believe. Just remember that it has the ability to purify darkness so you will have to face the darkness within your own heart before you can truly use lightning magic.”

Silence fills the air as I think about what he means by darkness within my own heart. I am not sure I understand the depth of his meaning but I trust I will be okay. At least I figure I will live anyway even if I became a cooked vegetable.

“Why didn’t you meet us here, like you said you would?”

“Things will go badly if the enemy saw me now. We have the advantage as they know nothing of my existence. I will introduce myself soon. You can count on it.” His voice is so deep and almost rumbling I am not sure I am ready to meet him.

I notice the sun is high in the sky and no food has entered my stomach. I begin to look around the ship for food and supplies. I make a full circle on the deck of the boat. I stop by the boys and scan the deck with my eyes until I land on two barrels by the giant mast. I walk over to them then lift the lids to see what they hold. They both have liquid in them but it seems to be two different kinds. I scan the deck again but the only sacks I see are the two with grain in them the boys are sleeping on.

I wander over to the wheel of the boat, pretending for a moment I am the captain. I realize then that this boat is so big; it has to have a lower deck. I scan the floor of the deck for a hatch of some kind but no such luck. I close my eyes to think for a second of possible options of finding the hatch. I shake my head slightly when I notice I skipped the most obvious way; finding it with magic.

I focus on my breathing for a few moments, letting myself become one with the boat. I begin to see the boat in my magic sense. The boat looks the same structurally; however I can see the magic imbued in each plank and board. I see it flowing in greens and purples all around the boat. I take some steps forward around the wheel when I notice a strong power pulsing together mixing green and purple right around an area of square wood that I notice has been cut an odd way. Because of the magic they used to seal that hatch shut, I will have to use magic to open it.

I open my eyes and walk over to where I saw the magic coming from. I notice the way the wood is cut in such an odd angle that it must be part of opening it. I kneel down running my hand along the edges feeling no indent at all. It’s unnaturally smooth. I stand up position my body in the same angle the wood is placed, aim my hands towards the hatch, and command it to unseal and open. I feel a slight release of power flow from me into the hatch, with a little pop it opens straight up with a ladder to climb down.

I look over at Rafe and Declan to make sure they are still sleeping. I laugh to myself as they are cuddling together in a deep slumber. I climb down the ladder and turn around when I reach the bottom expecting to see darkness, yet the whole area around me lit up on its own.

As I walk around the ladder more of the area lit up showing the hammocks hanging from the ‘under decking’ with one directly above another. There are enough of them for a whole crew, yet where are they? At least we have better places to sleep instead of the grain sacks above.

I decide to look on the other side of the ladder in search of supplies. As I walk forward in between the support beams I notice the light seems to be coming from both sides, yet there are not any torches. I walk toward the right and found a big pile of rope. I walk around the parts that remain of the right side and can only find emptiness, which seems odd for a boat of any kind, crossing over to the other side I find some jelly sealant that is probably for cracks and holes.

There were also some crates stacked in a triangular fashion that I hope contains food. All I saw are clothes. I open the one next to it and find a massive variety of clothes; but nothing to eat or drink. This boat has me so tired and confused I decide not to explore further and just go back up on deck.

Rafe is sprawled out as if it is the best bed he has ever slept on and Declan is leaning on the rails watching the trees go by. I walk up beside him and watch the water flowing around the boat for a few moments.

“Rafe is sleeping on the only food we have and those two barrels are the only drinks we have. Down below I found some rope, jelly sealant, and several crates filled with clothes. I also found some hammocks for us to sleep in.”

“I’d say some of my people used this boat to trade cargo on. We should actually get to the trading harbor soon. I’d say within a day or two at least.”

“Will we need to disguise ourselves?”

“No, there will be enough people for us to blend in easily. My people will protect us. The few people who are Merikh’s pawns, would not dare stand against the Elves as a whole.”

“Okay, I trust your judgment. We should still probably swap out our clothes for when we pass through places that don’t have allies.”

Declan nodded in agreement.

"What will we do for food and water until we can get to the harbor to trade?"

“Well, we will just have to make some grain cakes and hope that the drinks in the barrels are not wine.”

“I am not sure I like that idea better than I do eating nothing but fish.”

Declan chuckled a little. “I’m sure the mighty hunter, Rafe, can get a foul of some kind, if fish gets to be too much for you.”

“I guess we will stick with fish.”

Declan mock bowed “As you command, Your Majesty, so shall it be.” He said, looking at me with a very mischievous glimmer in his eyes.

“Keep talking like that, Sir, and you will surely sleep with the fish tonight.”

I pushed him slightly towards the water to emphasize my meaning. I then decide to go below deck to find a new outfit. Declan followed close behind me with a huge grin that I just want to smack off his smug face.

“You know, for a princess you aren’t always lady-like. You’re a violent person, miss.” I can hear the teasing in his voice.

“Well, sir, you make me want to hit something. My mother has been trying to make a proper young woman out of me since I was old enough to walk. As you can tell, I do not always see the point when I have been raised with my wild rambunctious brothers. I never understand why my brothers are allowed to be wild and I am not. I was always lectured about being on my best behavior and how I had to remember who I was when in public.”

I pause as I realize I may never again hear my mother prodding me to always be a princess in every way. I realize I still have much to learn, especially from my mother. As a tear slid down my cheek, I feel Declan’s hand on my shoulder. I turn and just let him hold me as more tears start to fall. Declan leans down to my ear and whispers.

“Do not cry, Dear One. I will protect you and you will see your family again. I promise you that.” I nod as I try to stop my tears.

I cannot help but wish for my Father, or to hear more stories from my brothers. Then I remember I can write to them by using one of those clumsy tellabirds. As soon as we get to the trade harbor I will send word to my parents that we are safe and I miss them. I inhale deeply a couple times, dry my tears and walk over to the crates of clothes I had found earlier.

We start digging through all the different styles of elvish clothing. The variety is incredible so I start searching for the perfect dress. Boredom is beginning to set in when I my eyes caught it. I pick it up and stare for a few seconds as it is so beautiful.

The dress is a forest green made from a flowy material. The top hugs your body with a dark purple leather tunic that goes over the softer material. The long sleeves are covered by leather arm bracers. It is perfect.

I gather it up in my arms and ran through the first door I came across to change. I am surprised to see what seems to be a captain’s room. It is bigger than I imagined it would be on a boat. I walk over to a corner that had a folded Coromandel Screen, pull it out and change.

Magic makes it form snugly to my body and slightly harden providing protection. Even though it feels hard I am oddly able to move with ease in it. I put the leather arm bracers on over the silk material and pull the laces tight. I slide the leather tunic over my arms taking time to make sure my fingers do not get caught in the side laces. After adjusting it until it is comfortable, I pull the laces on both sides before tying them in a bow. I step out from behind the screen and look into the body length mirror and smile at my reflection as it is better than I imagined.

I run back across the room and open the door. I open my mouth to call Declan, figuring Rafe is still asleep, but they both appear in front of me before I can say anything. They both changed and are so handsome that my tongue will not work. As I keep staring at them my smile grows and speaks for me.

Declan has changed into black leather pants along with a long sleeved white shirt. He has black leather wrist bracers over the white samin material. Over his shirt he has a longer black leather tunic. It is sleeveless, tapered to a point in the front and the back just below the hips. It has three dark green leather straps that run across his chest keeping it together. His golden skin looks lighter now; there is no doubt of his Elvish blood.

Rafe has dark gray leather pants on with only a silver tunic. His sun darkened arms are extremely muscular. His dark hair that is usually spikey now looks shaggy. His dazzling smile and dark blue eyes glowing with energy make his crescents stand out. I can get lost in them they are so mysterious.

Declan gives me a once over with his eyes and his lips turn slightly upwards into a smirk. I can’t stop the heat rising to my cheeks.

“Wow, Elysia! You look gorgeous!” Rafe exclaimed. I drop my eyes in embarrassment as I give a small curtsey with a soft “thank you.”

“You would look real fancy if you had your hair up. I like it down as well though makes you look tenacious.” Rafe observed with a wink.

Declan is so quiet I almost did not hear him when he said “You look good, Elysia.” As he walks away, I pretend not to notice and change the subject.

“So, Rafe, did you sleep well?” I am greatly amused at the pure energy radiating off of him.

“Oh yeah! I slept really great! I’m all pumped up now I feel like I can take the whole enemy on at once!” He laughed.

I can almost see the energy seeping from his pores. I am quite sure Declan would have rolled his eyes. I laughed at his exaggeration.

“Let us go find Declan and decide on dinner since we did not eat since this morning.” I suggest.

“Sure!” He gave me a wicked grin then continued “You know that we can ‘discuss’ dinner plans all you want but it will still be fish regardless.” I punch him and open my mouth to respond when I was interrupted.

“Hey guys, I found something over here!” Declan called to us. We walk over to where we hear his voice coming from. “Check this out. It appears we have a kitchen after all. This boat is bigger than it seems. It’s also very mysterious; we have to remember to stay alert at all times. That being said this kitchen is big enough for a few chefs to cook fine feasts for a large crew.” Declan explained. I really was beginning to wonder if trusting this boat was such a smart move.

We start to search the cabinets and pantry for food with no luck. How can a ship like this not have a crew or anything? The ship suddenly gained speed making us stagger. I run to the back and look over the rails but I do not see anything. I yell to the others that nothing is following us, they both respond from either side that there seems to be no enemy. After a few more moments of observation we met at the sail post and I notice the sun is setting just as my stomach roars of hunger.

“Well, since we’re up here I guess I will grab us a few more fish to add to our leftovers.” Rafe said, walking to the edge of the boat.

“How do you plan to do that? The ship is gliding through the water faster than before, so your wolf will not be able to catch the fish and swim fast enough to climb back on board.”

“Listen here, Elf, I saved your behind and got us on the boat when it was going faster than this. Do not doubt me.” Rafe gave him a low growl.

“Look, Rafe, I understand you have amazing powers; I just think it is more practical to let Elysia get the fish. Then no one has to get in the water nor do we have to worry about rescuing you if we get ambushed.” Declan responded with complete calm authority, yet I sense an undercurrent. Rafe glared at Declan for a few moments. I can almost envision the snarl he is trying not to show.

“Fine. I will just go downstairs and try to prepare the kitchen for the fresh fish.” Rafe said, finally surrendering.

I use my magic to engulf the fish, dropping them in a small pile by Declan for him to kill and ready them for cooking. I stop with a decent amount of fish just as the moon finishes rising. It is a full moon, giving the river a pretty glow as it reflects off the water. We both grab the fish to take below deck and drop them in the sink. I offer to help Rafe with the cooking but he shows me out of the kitchen saying, “A master chef needs no help.” I giggle and go find Declan who is sitting at a nearby table.

“I just got booted out of the kitchen.” I shake my head, amused. Declan smiles but it seems fake somehow. We are both silent for a moment when he finally speaks.

“Elysia, why do you trust I will not try to kill you again?” He asks so quietly I almost did not catch it. I stare into his face with a serious expression; trying to figure out where the question came from. I contemplate for just a moment before answering.

“Well, we are matched. I have been taught that once matched your destinies are connected; that you cannot think ill or act violently against your partners in any way.” I respond with confidence.

I pause before continuing, looking into his eyes trying to see beyond the brown and green colors; almost like the mysteries of his very soul can be found there. I see the same hope in light and mystery cloaked in darkness I had found before. It is swirling around like yin and yang. Yet, what is he hoping for?

“Why did you try to kill me anyway? Why did not you just go to an Elder that Merikh told you to kill me?”

“No, to be honest he never came to me. I overheard him discussing who he was going to get to kill you and I offered to do the job.” He looks away, probably afraid of what I am going to say or what he will see in my face. I wait for him to continue.

“At first I was going to go to an Elder but I decided that Merikh would just send someone else, so I figured if I acted like I was going to kill you then you wouldn’t die. I would be able to protect you.” Remembering the night again, I became confused.

“Please explain to me how throwing a dagger at my head is not trying to kill me?” He gives me a wicked grin.

“Well, you are not dead are you?” I glare at him, remembering just how close it had been.

“You came pretty darn close to taking me out! Are you trying to tell me that you missed by that slight amount on purpose?”

He just gave me a smug smile and nodded. That smile sparks my frustration into me imagining punching his smug face.

“Look, Elysia… Truth is…”He begins when Rage walks over with a tray full of food.

“Dinner is served.” Rafe proclaimed with a bow after setting the tray in front of us.

He gives us each a plate with fish cooked a couple different ways and some grain cakes. I stare at Declan a couple minutes trying to portray this conversation is not over. We eat silently. I wonder what tomorrow will hold and if I will be able to sleep on a boat I am not so sure I can trust.

After we finish eating, I go back up above deck to stargaze before trying to sleep. Rafe takes the dishes back to the kitchen for washing while Declan follows me and leans on the rail next to me.

“Declan, do you think we will really complete our quest? Alive?” I ask quietly. He sighs.

“Yes. I think we will finish alive, but, I am not sure if we will come back in one piece. There is a lot of death and mystery surrounding the ancient relics. Yet when I look into your eyes I can fight all of my doubt with hope. Hope that we can win this fight and return in one piece.” Declan tells me with the hope he speaks of swelling in his voice. I guess it truly is hope I see when I look into his eyes.

I look up into the stars, trying to picture myself at home in my quiet place listening to the secrets of the universe. I close my eyes and feel the wind through my hair. I open my soul and let my mind wander. I hear a small voice as peace washes over my soul, settling it at ease.

“Elysia, your time is coming. Trust your heart. Trust me and you’ll be ready. I will strengthen and lift you up. You will never be alone.” I soak the statements in as my soul yearns to trust and rely on this inner voice. I cannot stop the smile that spreads across my face as sheer ecstasy comes over me. At this moment I feel I can do anything and nothing in this world or the next can stop me. I can feel love rush into and consume me until I feel I will burst, giving me renewed strength and energy.

“If we continue at this speed all night we will reach the Harbor Trading Market tomorrow evening.” Declan comments, oblivious to my renewal of hope and strength.

“Will they help us, do you think?” I ask. He only nods.

“Elysia, I have not seen this many of my people at one time in many years. Please do not judge me for how I may react to them. Time does little to alter the thoughts and hearts of my kind. We are so deeply steeped in our superstitions that when a prophecy was spoken and foretold doom if not prevented, they became fearful in their hearts. It is my belief that where fear is, hatred is not far behind.” He pauses for a moment looking at the stars above.

“So what does this prophecy have to do with you?” I ask very curious.

“Long ago a prophecy was spoken telling of an Elven woman that had a baby. Not just any baby. He would be born with all the dark arts deep inside of his soul. If left to his own ways he would fall into darkness and the hatred of his very kind would consume the Elven people. Doom and chaos would be all that’s left of the Elven race. However, if this child was raised in light and love, he would surely be one of the key components in saving the world.” He stops again. I just stand there silently trying to comprehend it all.

“Here you guys are!” Rafe exclaimed as he comes up from below deck. “I figured you two had already gone to bed.”

“Not yet.” Declan responds.

“This night is the perfect night for a run. Let my wolf free for a while…” Rafe said with longing in his voice. He was just itching to get out there and run as fast and hard as he could.

“Sorry Rafe. We’re almost to the Harbor Trading Market. I’m sure the Elves will have a place for you to run hard and fast there.” I say to him. He nods. We all look at the stars.

“We should probably go to sleep now. We have a big day tomorrow.” Declan suggests.

“May I walk Milady to her room?” Rafe asks with a bow. I laugh.

“Please do, kind sir.” I curtsey and put my hand on his forearm.

“Come along, Elf.” Rafe told Declan giving him a big smile. I look back and see a brief dark glare but it is gone so fast I am not sure if I really saw it. I decide not to think about it and smile at him instead. He smiles back and comes along on the other side of me.

“Rafe, you do realize that she will be sleeping in the same room with the hammocks as we are right?” Declan pointed out.

“That doesn’t mean I cannot escort our Princess to her hammock.” Rafe retorted.

“Now boys, don’t make me separate you.” I give them my mock mother voice.

“HA! I would so love to see you try.” Rafe exclaims laughing. I punch him, half seriously.

“Just because I am a girl doesn’t mean I don’t know how to use brute force thank you.” I give him my best glare. He just gives me that disarming smile again. I can’t help but smile back; So much for my resolve.

“I’m sure you can just push Rafe over the edge… Yet, it will feel more satisfying if I do it…” Declan chimed in.

“Hey! I don’t recall anyone suggesting throwing me over board.” Rafe exclaims.

“Yeah, I just did. Were you not listening, Young Wolf?” Declan responded with just enough humor to know he was kidding.

Rafe is about to respond when the boat picks up more speed. Again, we run to each side of the boat trying to find the reason yet there isn’t one. I sense no magic power, no life force with a dark motive, and the boys don’t call out either. Yet, I have a bad feeling that the calm exterior is just a cover. I shudder and run over to the boys who are at the ladder to go below deck.

“I don’t like how this ship continues to pick up speed. Something seems off but I can’t place it.” Declan states.

“I have a bad feeling the calm world we keep seeing isn’t so calm underneath it all.” I told them. Rafe makes a grave face then adds “I can’t smell or hear anything but the usual wildlife out there. So if something is following us it must be unusually powerful.”

We went below deck to sleep but preparing for anything. We walk into the room where all the hammocks are. To my surprise they have pillows and blankets already prepared for sleep. Just like the crew is still here. It strikes me as odd and a little creepy. We each choose a hammock settle in to sleep. I finally doze off into a peaceful sleep dreaming of all the things I hope to see at the market tomorrow.

I am awakened to the boat coming to a complete stop. I immediately think we must have made it to the Elven market. So I jump up and am about to run up above deck when Rafe grabs my arm. I turn to look at him, wondering what the deal is, when I see him with his finger over his mouth to be quiet. I nod then look around the room for Declan. He isn’t here. I look back at Rafe; he points up above. I gesture that we go up. Rafe stares at me for a moment then nods. I take a step to go but he stops me, moves me behind him and gestures for me to stay close.

We get above deck and find Declan staring over the rail intently at something. We quietly run over to him.

“Hey, this is not good.” He whispers to us then points down. My jaw drops and knees begin to shake at what I see. I can’t believe my eyes. I rub at them and blink them hoping this is all a bad dream. The image didn’t go away; this is not a dream. I look away but Rafe and Declan are watching it like they are about to take down their favorite prey. Great, I have a couple of hunters with me. That means they are going to want to hunt the thing rather than escape. I decide I should probably take a better look at it. I still can’t believe what I see.

At first all I see is how blue it is. The light shimmers off of its scales. Yes, scales as it winds back and forth in the water around our boat. I’m not sure what it wants but it is gigantic. I really only see its body for a few moments when I finally see it taper off into a scaly point with a very large spike at the end. I cringed imagining what that might be for. That’s when its head came around. It is the correct giant proportions for its body it has two pure white horns twisting back behind its skull. Its eyes are silver with snake like pupils. The head reminds me of a mix between a dragon and a snake. It has all the teeth like a crocodile yet the head has more of an arrow shape to it. Then I see it. Right in the middle of its forehead, blazing so bright, is what looks like a diamond filled with pure golden flames.

We lock eyes for a moment. I can’t look away, I can’t blink; it is like I am stuck in a trance. I feel someone pulling me away from the side of the boat as the horned serpent rises up out of the water. It starts coming right at me. Rafe tries to get in between us but it breathes on him and he freezes. Its eyes are completely focused on me then we stop moving. I feel heat surge through my body and then I am in another world. Almost like a spiritual plane.

“You… You are the chosen one I see.” I hear a raspy voice from behind me say.

I spin around to see a young man. He has on white scaled pants, no shirt but his muscular body is covered in aquamarine scales. They look like the water. He has pure white hair that is spiked all over his head. His eyes are blazing like the diamond I had seen on his forehead. He really is a very gorgeous and attractive man.

“What have you done to my friends?” I ask him.

He gives me a crooked smile that shows one of his fangs. His teeth are just as pure white as his horns had been.

“Me? I have done nothing to them. This meeting was destined to take place long before you were chosen.” he answers with such calmness it is scary.

I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Freaking out won’t help anyone. I feel a warmth rush over me and I am peaceful once more.

“Why do you keep calling me chosen?” I ask slightly confused.

“You are the Lightning Queen, are you not? You cannot escape your destiny.” he answers as his voice starts to change becoming deeper and slightly gravelly. I stare for a few more moments.

“A queen I am not. I am only a princess.” I answer. He smirks at me.

“A queen you will soon be. I have waited for this era a very long time. You are destined to defeat the Dark Lord and bring a new era of peace to this land.” He tells me. I laugh. Defeat Merikh sure; be the one queen over this land? I do not think so.

“Do not mock your fate, Young Mage! This has been the fate of the Chosen one for centuries. You are the Chosen Lightning Wielder.” His deep voice booms all around me making me cringe.

“But how do I use my Lightning magic? When will I be ready?”

“A test is coming. You will have to choose who to trust. When you make that decision and believe in it with all of your being, the rest will follow.”

“What does that even mean? How are we here right now?”

“I cannot reveal answers that are not yet ready to be given. Also, you can speak to all magical beings who are connected to lightning.”

“You mean you can control lightning as well? Why can’t you just teach me?”

“Things are not that simple. This magic is a strong one that you cannot just simply learn from a master. It is a magic that you must figure out on your own and create your own technique. The path you choose when you get there decides whether you will live or die.”

“What do you mean live or die? If I’m the chosen one how can I die?”

“You are not invincible nor is the entire world set in stone. You will know when the time has come. For now, our time is up. We will meet again, Young Mage.”

I am back in my body in the real world. He also is there but in his human form.

“Wait! What is your name?” I call as he turns to leave.

“Beriadan.” he says as he jumps into the water and disappears.

Declan and Rafe run over to me.

“What happened? Are you okay?” Rafe asks. I nod.

“Yes, I’m okay. He said that this meeting was fated to happen long before I was chosen.”

“Well, I guess that is why he didn’t harm us.” Declan states.

We look ahead to see we are coming up on the Harbor. I feel so relieved.