Arwick (A Light Of Roria Sequel)

Chapter Forty-Eight

I wasn't sure how long I'd slept, but when my eyes finally moved across the entirety of our place, I stretched, feeling fully restored. Elijah was still asleep, his bare back pressed against my shoulder. Stealthily, I rose to my feet, making certain to place the blanket over him before changing into a clean set of clothes.

My eyes hovered over Elijah's peaceful form, smiling as his snores suddenly grew louder, before I stepped beyond the drape.

Pleasant faces greeted me in passing, including the young girl I had met from before. "Did you sleep well, Princess Addisyn?" Dorcas asked, skipping by.

"I did, thanks," I answered, my attention suddenly drawn to cheers coming from beyond the cavern to my left. Several centaurs and fairies excitedly ran through the archway, waving for others to follow. I made my way toward the commotion, the sound of clashing swords reaching my ears.

When I stepped beyond the archway, I saw a large circle of fairies, centaurs, elves and humans had all surrounded Jake and Emunah, their eyes wild with gaiety as iron met iron.

Pushing forward, Emunah forced Jake back, who twisted sideways, his sword over his head to block her attack from behind. With Jake now facing her at an angle, a mischievous spark crossed over Emunah's face. She faked a downward strike, drawing his front leg forward to deflect her attack, only to shift to Jake's side before sweeping his leg out from under him.

When Jake was lying on his back, Emunah held the tip of her sword to his face. "Do you yield?" she asked rascally.

Jake accepted her offered hand. There was no frustration in his face from the loss but rather a deeper wonderment. She was incredibly fierce, and Jake applauded her victory along with everyone else. "That last move was insane!" he declared.

"I assume by your enthusiasm that insane means something different in your world than it does my own?" she asked, silently thanking those who congratulated her in passing.

Jake lightly chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, I meant it as a compliment."

With the crowd finally dispersed, I walked toward them both. "Nicely done," I told Emunah. "I see why you're a guard here."

"Thank you, Princess Addisyn." She curtsied. "It is amazing what divinity can do with each of us, if only we are willing to be disciplined."

"I've got plenty of that," Jake boasted. "Comes from years of football and ranch work." He raised a finger at Emunah with a flirtatious grin. "Which means next time I won't go down so easily."

"We shall see," she taunted, the pair of them drawing closer and playfully sizing each other up. Their chemistry was so electric I half expected to see sparks at any moment.

"Addisyn," John said, making his way to me. "Queen Priscilla and King Moses have asked me to find you and Elijah. There are soldiers already making preparations to leave for Odmos." He looked to Emunah and Jake before finishing. "Be ready. We leave at the sound of the third trumpet blast."

"Okay, I'll head there right away," I told John, who quickly departed.

"I must find my brother," Emunah started to say. "If I do not see you before we make for Odmos, then I ask divinity to protect and guard your every step."

She reached out her hand, which I gladly accepted. "I ask the same for all of you," I began just as she turned to Jake.

"Thank you, Jake of the New World. A sparring practice was an excellent idea." She smiled. "All things considering, I suppose I will see you soon."