Guarded by the Animals

Chapter 3

After arriving home, shedding her winter coat, brewing a cup and taking it over to the kitchen table where she then sat, did Hazel finally speak. "The rumors are true," she whispered in her cup.
Cordelia rushed over to Hazel and immediately sat next to her at the table. "What rumors? What exactly are you talking about?"
Hazel quickly looked up, "You aren't safe here any more."
Cordelia stared at Hazel. "Mom, you aren't making any sense."
After taking a large breath which filled her whole lungs, Hazel replied. "For the past several weeks there have been rumors running through town regarding the Shadow Army of Cavendalan. I have just heard from Ole Ma'am Ingrid, the army is not far from our village. In fact, the army is one village over."
"This isn't new." Cordelia leaned back in her chair. "They've been raiding and trolling villages for the past several years."
"Aye but this time is different. This time they are under direct orders to find anyone who has two guardian animals and take them back to Cavendalan for questioning by the Queen."
Cordelia stood in outrage. "Cavendalan can't forcefully take prisoners. We are the people of Asphendel. The King and Queen of Asphendel wouldn't allow for this."
"Yes they would. They stopped caring 'bout us years ago. We live in an area that neither kingdom stakes claim to until it becomes convenient for them.'' She paused to take a sip of her tea. "I've got it. The only way for you to remain safe and far from Cavendalan's grasp is if you truly are protected by Asphendel. You need to move to Asphendel. Better yet," Hazel stood from the table, "you'll go live with that boy from the forest. This way you'll be fully protected."
Cordelia sat in her seat working through what her mother suggested. "You want me to go live with Aodhan because you think he'll be able to provide me protection?"
"Well we don't exactly have friends or family in Asphendel for you to stay with and you need to be far from here as possible."
"And why can I not stay here and send one of the animals off to the woods to live for a couple of days?"
"Cause I know this village and it is full of a bunch of gossips. One of them is bound to tell the army about you."
"And what will you do when they come knocking and I am no longer here?"
"I will figure that out later. For now," Hazel walked over to Cordelia and pulled her up out of the chair and began pushing her toward her room. "You need to write to that boy immediately."
When Cordelia arrived in her room, she sat at her desk and grabbed a quill, dipped it in ink, and began to write.
Aodhan,
The Queen of Cavendalan is searching for anyone who has two guardian animals. According to my mother, the Queen has her army take the people back to her castle and they are never heard from again. Would you and your father be willing to let me stay with you until the army passes through and my mother thinks it's safe to return?
Sincerely,
Cordelia
Cordelia whistled and Athonia came swooping in from the open window.
"Hurry, give this to Aodhan and don't leave until he gives you a reply," Cordelia told the bird while rolling up the letter, slipping it into a tiny leather canister, and attaching that to Athonia's ankle.
The bird nodded and flew through the window and high into the sky. Cordelia said a small prayer for Athonia's safety before she began packing her most precious belongings.
~***~
After receiving the letter, Aodhan bound into his father's study where he found the man speaking with a merchant. Athonia flew in after him.
"Father, this is urgent. Can we speak in private?"
One look at the owl who swooped into the room and perched herself on a stack of books in the corner and Bearnard knew whatever his son had to say was indeed urgent.
Bearnard gestured his son forward. "Come in son. If you would excuse us Mariano. I will send for you when my son and I finish conversing."
The merchant bowed to Bearnard saying, "As you wish," then exited the room while Aodhan walked in, shutting the door behind him.
"Father, I have received a letter from my friend. She's in danger and asks if she can stay with us for some time" Aodhan walked over to Bearnard and handed him the letter.
"Is this the girl you ran off to see yesterday when I specifically told you not to leave Asphendel?" Bearnard stared at his son.
Aodhan's eyes met the floor. "Yes father," he whispered.
Bearnard read through the letter and paused when he reached the bottom. Glancing quizzically at the letter he then looked up at Aodhan and said, "You must write her back and tell her she will come straight away. We will provide protection." Bearnard handed the letter back to Aodhan.
Aodhan's smile grew gradually upon hearing this. "Shall I take Isra to go and get her?"
"No. It is too dangerous. If the Shadow Army is within our borders then Isra would be a beacon in the dark."
"What if I rode on horseback?"
"No. You will stay here. I can't risk your safety for you are my heir. I will send my men to the edge of the forest where she will meet them. You must tell her they will be positioned there at sundown tomorrow, and together, they will travel here in the cover of night." Bearnard put a hand on Aodhan's shoulder. "I will send my best men. She will be safe."
"Yes father. I will write to her at once." Aodhan left his father's study and proceeded to his chambers.
Athonia looked toward Bearnard, bowed her head slightly, then left the room after Aodhan. Once he was in his chambers, he sat at his desk and began to write.
Cordelia,
My father has granted you his protection. He will send a few of his men to meet you at the edge of the forest at sundown tomorrow. Together you will make your way to Asphendel.
Stay safe,
Aodhan
Aodhan slipped the rolled-up parchment into Athonia's carrier and once the letter was secured, she flew off.
"Please let her be safe," Aodhan whispered to himself.
~***~
Bearnard was pacing in his study when his wife appeared at the door.
"You sent for me," she announced.
"Yes. Please come in."
Elena approached her husband and sat at the seat across from the desk he was sitting at.
Bearnard began to say, "The Shadow Army has started creeping into our borders. My son has received word from his friend in the woods that they are seeking out anyone who has two guardian animals and taking them to Cavendalan."
"Why would the Queen in Cavendalan be interested in," Elena paused as she came to the conclusion of her question. "Are you bringing the girl here?" Elena questioned with a look of desperation and panic on her face.
"I have sent some of my men to retrieve her and tomorrow I will send out another ban of men to the neighboring towns, offering protection to any other person in need." Bearnard looked down at his hands that were folded and placed on his desk. "This wasn't the only reason I have called to confide in you." Bearnard looked into Elena's sapphire blue eyes. "The owl that sent the message to my son looked much like the guardian animal of Devlyn and Eileen's daughter."
Elena went still. Her face paled and her body went numb.
"I think we have found her."
~***~
Athonia flew through the window of the small cottage to find a frazzled Cordelia and Hazel sitting on top of Cordelia's bed. Seeing the bird, Cordelia quickly jumped up and grabbed the letter from her grasp.
After having read it, she placed her hands on her chest, letter in hand. "Oh thank the gods! Aodhan's father will provide protection. He is sending men to meet me at the edge of the forest tomorrow at sundown."
"Then tomorrow morning, you will head to the forest and stay hidden until it is time." Hazel rose from the bed and walked over to Cordelia. "Who knows where the Shadow Army is lurking. The further away you are from this house, the better."
"Aren't you coming with me?"
"No my sweet girl," Hazel said while pushing back a strand of Cordelia's long brown hair away from her face. "I must remain here to ward off any unwanted visitors and to make sure no one follows you.
"Hopefully this will be over soon. You will only have to stay away for a few moon phases. And please do not write. Athonia is too recognizable. If I need to get in contact with you, I will send Debelo." At the mention of his name, the raven, who was perched on a rack of unfinished dresses in the corner of the room, croaked, acknowledging he had been called.
Hazel kissed the top of Cordelia's head before leaving the room. Cordelia sat on her bed motionless, staring at the flame flickering in her candle that sat on her bedside table. Arian approached her and placed her head in Cordelia's lap. Cordelia began stroking her soft ears mindlessly. Eventually, Cordelia drifted off to sleep and dreamt of a darkness plaguing a once green and fertile land she could only remember in her dreams. There was no fire, no screaming people, no sound; just empty space and darkness enveloping a once beautiful and prosperous kingdom.