CACKLE- Book 1

Chapter Thirty-Four

"That's too soon!" Remi exclaimed.

Huxley rubbed the back of his neck, delivering bad news to Remi seemed to stress him out rather severely.

"We're only days away from traveling? I'm not strong enough yet..." Remi bit her nails, a habit she was developing from the stress this quest was putting her though.

"I don't think we can postpone it, I tried to convince Ryker it would be better to wait but it's out of his hands. King Valarian has made an arrangement with King Athemus and the date is set." Huxley gave Remi's arm a pat.

They walked together down the hallway, the first time Remi had left her rooms for months now. It was becoming easier to walk, but her balance was still not what it used to be. She held onto Huxleys arm for support.

A small, high pitch scream came from the hallway behind the pair. They whipped around, Remi almost tripping over her own feet.

There she was, standing outside of her bedroom, door ajar as though she was just exiting when she spotted then. Her once limp blonde hair was now bouncy and lush. Her cheeks were rosey and her fluffed out green dress made her blue eyes pop. Her teeth glimmered as she smiled, beaming at Remi.

Remi was in shock, her eyes threatening tears at the sight of her. She looked so healthy, so like a child her age should.

"Theo?" Remi breathed.

The girl barroled towards her, arms outstretched. Remi released Huxley and knelt on the floor, bracing herself for impact. Theo collided into Remi, wrapping her arms around her neck and squeezing her tightly. Remi buried her face in the girls curls and squeezed her back just as tightly. She smelled like the end of summer. Cool and fresh, flowery and warm. Remi pulled back, taking in Theo's face.

"Mama said I couldn't see you yet, but you're here! You're walking!" Theo's smile was contagious. Remi shook her head in disbelief. This was the girl she had saved? She was strong and bright now. A ray of sunshine in the darkness of stoney castle walls.

"I'm... speechless." Remi said. "You look perfectly healthy!"

"I haven't had another episode, I don't feel sick at all. No more nightmares. I'm all better! Anna said it was because of you. You took away the illness and saved my life. Thank you, mama thanks you too." Theo said, running her small fingers through the ends of Remi's red hair. It was like the girl was seeing her for the first time.

"You're welcome." Was all Remi could think to say. She smiled and squeezed Theo tight again. The girl made a squeak of excitement.

"Are you going to come outside today?" Theo asked as the trio walked down the hallway. Remi holding Hux's arm for support, and Theo holding Remi's other hand.

Remi looked to Hux who shook his head. "Best not to try the stairs just yet." He warned.

Remi sighed in frustration. If this world wasn't afraid of Elementals she could use her magic to conjure air and take herself down the stairs.

"Maybe later." Remi said.

Theo just smiled, humming to herself. "Okay. Can I walk with you?"

"Sure!" Remi said.

Theo looked up and down the hall. "When you can take the stairs, I have a special place to show you." She said. "It's my secret place." Theo gave Remi a wink.

"I won't tell a soul... except for maybe Hux." Remi said, nodding in Hux's direction. He laughed and gave Remi's forearm a squeeze.

Anna whipped around the corner, a pile of books in her arms, blocking her vision. At her height, that wasn't a difficult task to accomplish. "Oh!" She exclaimed by way of greeting the three of them.