Memory of You

Chapter Fifty Six: The Plains of Ryden

Chapter Fifty Six: The Plains of Ryden

The ride to the plains of Ryden was daunting, Alexandra hated to admit. Since leaving the castle at dawn on her horse Europa, she had felt her stomach tie itself into tighter and tighter knots. Making her feel more nauseous than ever. Looking up at the sky once more, she sighed. Each time she thought that this could be the last time she saw such beautiful colours racing across the early morning sky, her heart dropped.

Having left a note on his desk before leaving the castle, Alexandra had made sure to leave Nicholas a clue as to where she had gone. Thinking that if perchance she were not to comeback before he did, at least he would know what had happened. The thought of never seeing Nicholas again, weighed heavily on her mind. Remembering the last time she saw him - that brief moment in the King's Quarters, his face, that voice, and his sweet kiss – it was all she could do to remain calm. At least she had seen him once before riding into this mess, she thought. It was as though somewhere in her mind, she had decided that in order to get through this ordeal and see Nicholas in the end, she needed to be strong and keep herself together.

Trying to shake away the feelings of despair, Alexandra tried thinking about what she had been reading. The last several nights she had gone through books taken from the Royal Archive in the castle library, trying to find some spell that might be helpful in battle. Freezing a person on the spot, momentary blindness, and shielding herself from any illusions, were all theoretically useful, the only thing that she questioned was would she be given so much as a breath to use them? If it's a sword fight, then would it be fair to use them? She wondered. Thinking about who exactly she was facing, Alexandra knew that if David was in need of the upper hand he wouldn't hesitate to use whatever resources he had.

Deep in thought about her meeting with David, Alexandra didn't hear Mark calling her.

"Alright there, Alex?"

"Alex?"

The words didn't even register, as she continued to mull over the situation.

"ALEXANDRA?"

Startled, she jumped in her seat, causing Europa to stumble a little as he trotted forward.

"Sorry...what was it you were saying?" She asked, apologetically, looking over to find both Mark and Valek watching her carefully.

"I was asking if you were okay? You seem to be lost in another world." Mark asked once more.

"I'm fine." She said, feeling her stomach clench.

"You look as though you'll be sick." Valek observed.

"I'm okay." Alexandra insisted, not willing to admit that she really did feel queasy.

Looking around, she saw the other members of the guard Mark and Valek had brought with them. The two had divided their best men into two groups. One was accompanying them to fight David, while the other was staying behind with Aram and Elijah to protect the castle. Sophia and Samuel had returned from Rosslyn as well, to take care of things while they were away. It was slightly comforting knowing that her best friend was there to watch over her country.

Having already contacted the Oracle, she felt a sense of ease. If anything were to get out of hand, the Oracle would deal with it. Ixia had promised her as much. Alexandra knew she would not let Seraphine fall in to David's hands.

Noticing the others start to steer towards a tree, Alexandra followed, only to find that they were stopping to eat.

"Here." Mark offered a helping hand, as she dismounted Europa.