A LAND OF FIRE AND DARKNESS

Chapter 3

The clear skies and sunlight shone down on us as we sat against the river back. The sound of the trickling stream and birds filled the air. The smell of grass and new blossoms danced across my nose.

I focused on wrapping the vines around the stick, ensuring the knots were tired correctly.

I looked up into the brilliant light blue eyes of Lewis. He crouched next to me and watched as I continued to try and construct the bow. The wind whipped his dark hair around his face as he smiled at my work.

"Like that?" My younger voice spoke with a shy tone.

"Yes," He spoke with pride, "Well done."

I lifted my makeshift bow and admired my work. Was not my best bow, but Lewis seemed pleased, which made me feel delighted.

"But Remember Al." He stated with a soft tone as he called me by my nickname, "A weapon is helpful, but what is the most important part of survival?" He asked as his dazzling blue eyes as light as the stream in front of us, beamed down at me.

I pursed my lips and thought about it, "Water and Food." I nodded with a proud smile towards the Knight.

He chuckled out, "Well, yes, that is important too." He sat down on the grass and I crossed my legs to sit comfortably next to him. "But, the most important part is a positive outlook."

I creased my eyebrows up at him, "That is stupid." I decided as I began testing the string of my bow.

"Is it?" He asked with an arched eyebrow. "Your ability to bounce back from an injury is directly linked to your survival." His lips curved up in a soft smile that warmed my heart.

"So," He bobbed my chin with his fist, "Always remember Al," He smiled, "No matter how hard the blow is, get up, shake it off, and never give up."

I looked into his eyes nodded firmly. My lips curved into a soft smile.

He pulled out a knife and handed me some of the sticks we had gathered to practice making arrows.

My eyes wondered across the stream where I saw a silver-haired man sitting across the stream. He sat on a rock watching us. His crystal-clear eyes beamed as I met his eyes.

He gave me a soft smile that exposed dimples. I knew who he was.

Delcallon.

I was dreaming. And he was astral projecting into my mind.

I clenched my jaw in anger. I did not want him in my mind. Lewis continued to tell me how to make arrows, unaware of the man trespassing in my mind.

Delcallon's face creased in concern as he stared at me, which only infuriated me further.

I grabbed an arrow on the ground and stabbed it into my leg.

My eyes snapped open.

I was back in the chambers and away from the trickling stream that had been a dream.

I climbed out of the bed and stepped towards the sitting room again. My emotions felt numb again as I sat in front of the flames. I traced my fingers over my bear arms as I thought about the dream.

On the bright side, I managed to sleep, on the down side, Delcallon was able to astral project into my mind again.

He was going to heal, and he was going to try and claim me as his Intwined again.

I needed to get of this place.

Nineteen days after Assassination attempt.

I sat on the couch waiting patiently for whoever would bring my food today. I stared at the flames as I had every day. My face remained as placid as it had every day too.