Princess of Pandoria (Editing)

Chapter 4

Recap::

Carefully putting down the finished page on my desk, I picked up the next one and continued reading, not even bothering to check how late it was.

Chapter 4

By the time we caught up with the rest of our people, Aerin had regained her composure. Samuel had passed out again and Aerin said it was because he had used too much energy on the barrier. She then led the people in her father’s place; as was her right and responsibility.

When we were almost to the edge of the forest, Sivlen, the leader of the elfin defenses, rode up to us. From the worried look on his face, there was obviously something wrong.

“M’Lady, there has been no sign of the human forces.”

“Then what is the problem Commander?” Rania asked, “Surely that’s a good sign?”

“Not really sister. The humans are probably in pursuit as we speak, we just don’t know where they are.” Aerin paused, her expression thoughtful. “Unless…”She turned to me, “Can you give me your memories of the dome around the city? Your memories are probably a lot clearer than mine.”

“Of course M’Lady.” I maneuvered my horse directly beside hers. I put two fingers on her temples and concentrated on the memories I had of the dome Sebastian had made. It was a technique for sharing memories and thoughts that Sebastian had taught us. When Aerin said she got the memories, I respectfully moved back and let her think about it.

After a few moments, Aerin nodded and gave a small smile.

“Well I should have seen that! But it would take so much power!”

“M’Lady?” Sivlen asked. He glanced around. “Where’s Sebastian? Wasn’t he with you earlier? Usually he would be right with you.”

I saw Aerin stiffen. “Sebastian had something he had to take care of so he left.”

“But M’Lady! This is the worst crisis our people have ever experienced and he says he has more important things to do?! Who does he—“

“Don’t talk about Sebastian that way!” Aerin said, eyes flashing. “He has done more for this people than you ever will! Do you even know what he did?”

“Well…no,” Sivlen seemed equal parts embarrassed, outraged, and suspicious.

“He gave us the chance to escape. The humans would have caught us by now if he hadn’t done what he did. Don’t you get it? Sebastian slowed down the time within the barrier, maybe even stopped it all together!”

Now Sivlen was downright disbelieving. “That’s not possible! A little girl like you will never understand how much power it takes to affect time even a moment! There is no way that boy could change time! Let alone for hours over an entire city!

Aerin gave him the sly, sarcastic smile she had picked up from Sebastian. “If you don’t believe me, why don’t you just go to the other side of the barrier and see for yourself?”

“I would, but someone has to lead our people while Samuel is unwell.” Sivlen had such a haughty, annoying voice it was clear he had an exaggerated idea of his own importance.

Aerin visibly bristled, like an angry cat, and seemed to grow two of three times larger. “Are you daring to suggest that I am unable to lead our people?”

With that haughty look on his face Sivlen replied, “I am. You have neither the experience nor the ability. You are unworthy and should pass the power to your brother Xander. He is the rightful leader. Women are too weak and fragile for such a position.”