The Prince's Sacrifice

Chapter 12: Ryder's Nightmare

 Images flashed in Ryder's dreams; he woke with a start his flesh burning as the sweat gathered. Fear consumed him, something was about to happen. Sensing his distress, Tanis knelt by her uncle, "What's wrong," she asked. He shook his head, unsure how to answer.  Truth was he had been waking like this for the past month, and she was worried.  She was less concerned with her cousin, but that seemed to be the source of Ryder's panic. Something bad was going to happen.

*** 

Ann breathed in the fresh scent of her favorite meadow; a sense of trepidation filled the air as if nature was warning her of something. This was her place of peace, but lately, it had turned into a place of being watched. She looked around but saw nothing. Still feeling on edge, she fled back to her family's farm, she had chores to do, and Papa would not be happy if she skipped out on them again. Papa was always hard on her, but she knew that she was his favorite of all of his children, though he tried to hide it. Smiling to herself, she thought of her parents. They were both good people. Her mother was caring and doting, especially to her sister. Papa was caring, even through his rough demeanor, and he was well liked by many in the village. His strength of character spoke volumes to those around him, and people often flocked to him, especially the women. Papa never paid attention to those women, only having eyes for his wife. 

"Where have you been, Ann?" a small voice called from the chicken house. Mia peeked through the side of one of the nest boxes. By Mia's stance, she tried to look like Ann was in trouble but failed at her attempt, making Ann laugh. "Papa knows that I was in the meadow. Besides, I am here to help now," Ann stated unconcerned. She was likely to be in trouble, but Papa knew that the forest was her safe place.  

***

Tanis watched from afar the movements of her cousin and everyone who came into contact with her. She wasn't sure what had brought her here, still holding resentment towards Anisa, but she knew that Ryder was worried about her, so Tanis had stepped up and went to check on her. In her reverie, she stared off after her happy cousin. She felt a twang of jealousy, wishing that she could have the freedom to be happy. Turning to leave, she heard voices coming near. Tanis crept quietly through the forest until she saw the source of the voices. A stranger walked tensely through the forest. A shriek sounded, making Tanis and the stranger jump. Drawing his sword, the stranger stepped forward cautiously. Spotting Ryder hidden in the trees, she noticed how uncomfortable this stranger made him. She wondered but kept quiet, knowing that giving away their position might mean death. This stranger had strong magic, but Tanis knew that Ryder's magic was far more than even he led on.

"Listen, you Imp. I have done more for the kingdom of Ithuania than you could ever dream," Ryder said, holding the stranger by the shirt against a tree. The stranger dropped his sword, fear showing in his eyes. Ryder dropped the stranger to his knees. Tanis, having missed the first part of the conversation that had led to her uncle's temper showing, kept still. She was not to be known about by anyone. Was this stranger dangerous? The forest seemed to think so, and so did Ryder, apparently.

The stranger gasped for air, "W-what have you done that is so important," he looked up fear still showing in his eyes. "I saved your princess and have watched over her as her protector for all of these years. I have done this in service of my King and have been marked as a traitor. I am nothing to be afraid of. I am merely a broken man, a scary looking fairy that has been through too much in his lifetime." The sadness that Ryder showed the stranger broke Tanis's heart. She knew that part of that sadness was the grief of losing all his family except Tanis. That was why she was so protected by him, but he had also provided her with a way to protect herself if need be. The stranger showed pity but still held caution in his stance. "Where is Anisa," he simply asked. Stepping into the light more, Tanis gasped as she took in this stranger's features. He was beautiful! Her heart fluttered uncontrollably. Who was this man?