The Gods

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

The beat of the drums were perfectly in sync with Celia's heart, the loud thundering sound echoed around them as they were coming closer to the gates.

People's cheers were almost as defining as the drums and they lined the streets as the open carriage road past, raising their hands and chanting Rhale's name.

Celia held on to Rhale's hand hard, her knuckles turning white. Rhale was moving his thumb over her hand in a comforting gesture and Celia nervously copied the way he sat, straight back, head forward.

As they came closer to the big, double gate she could see that it was lined with gold and behind it was a building so huge that Amos' estate could fit in it ten times over.
Celia's other hand was in a fist and she dug her nails in as she saw the big open platform. If she thought that many people had lined the streets then this was beyond her comprehension of the word many.

A sea of people stood in front of the platform and on it two golden thrones stood, the backs of them rising high above the head of the people sitting on them.
At least she would not need to go up there, she thought and as the carriage came to a stop at the side of the platform, away from people's eyes, Celia finally relaxed a little.

Rhale said nothing as they walked off the carriage but he still held her hand firmly as he walked towards the stairs that led up to the platform.
When they reached the stairs Celia tried to let go of his hand but he still held on.

Panic was rising within her and she tried to pull her hand away, still he did not let go but Rhale did look down on her small hand in surprise.
Celia looked at him with wide eyes, her heart beating faster than the drums now.
She could not go up there.

"My son, your prince has come home!" A booming voice not very unlike Rhale's echoed all around them.
"And his soon to be joined one!"
Rhale brought Celia's hand up and kissed it gently before he put his hand behind her back and pushed her forward. She could see him clenched his jaws and she had no other choice but to walk with him and the crowd's cheers grew insanely loud as they made it up to the elevated floor.

Celia's legs were still unsteady from the short boat journey from the shore to the unfamiliar land, the weather here was warm, a stark contrast from the cold that had been on their journey here and they had taken off their thick winter coats.

Celia glanced down on her dress, the shifters had done a nice job of making it but it was still a winter dress that she had traveled in ever since they left the village.

The woman and man that stood before them now had elaborate, colorful clothes in fabric that seemed to float around them as they walked. They had no crowns on their heads as her own King probably would have had, instead their hair was braided back before it fell loosely down their shoulders. The man's hair was the same color as Rhale's, the only difference being that it was long.
The woman's hair was close in color to Celia's but Celia's was several shades lighter.

The woman stepped forward and took Celia's hand gently while Rhale and the man she presumed was his father, went to stand closer to the crowd.

The man held Rhale's arm up into the air "Feast and drink and celebrate!"

Celia did not hear the rest as the woman pulled her away from the crowd and through the gate. The room they entered was as big as one would expect but the woman did not stop, she pulled Celia through a door and when the door closed behind them Celia felt as though she could breathe for the first time since they got here.

This room was more normal in size and though the decor was no less splendid then everything else Celia had so far seen here it felt more intimate.

"I am sorry that you had to go through that unprepared. Next time I will make sure you are well prepared." The woman said kindly, holding Celia's arms gently.
"Thank you" The words fell automatically from her lips.
"I can see what he sees in you, you are quite the beauty. I am Idun, come and I will show you to your room."