The Early Years

Realm of the Spirit King

The Year 13007

"Everest."

I jolt awake and lurch up grasping at the air. I blink, looking for Gale.

Beside me, Gale is deep asleep. His chest rises and falls as he breathes deeply. He chuckles telling me he's dreaming. I softly smile at my husband. His blonde locks have gotten longer over the past three years. Once they rested barely below his shoulders. Now they are below his shoulder blades. It's longer than my own.

My belly rumbles. I chuckle and uncover my legs. Swinging them over the side of the bed my feet dangle. Not even remotely close to the floor. I slide off and adjust Gale's red shirt. The one I stole before bed. It just reaches my knees. It shows how tiny I am. Funny enough I barely reach Gale's shoulder when standing next to him.

With one last look at my husband, I begin the walk to the kitchens. 

Along the way, I never see a soul. Down the hall, two knights patrol the halls. They nod to me when they get close enough to see my face. I return the nod with a smile. 

It must be close to two in the morning. That's the only time the halls are remotely deserted. When I reach the kitchens I quickly draw an unlocking rune on the door. With an audible click, the door opens.

The kitchens are still warm. Esmerelda must have left a short while ago. I scan the main kitchen in search of something that resembles food. On a counter near one of the ovens is a bowl of apples. I smile and grab one.

Behind me the door creaks. I freeze the apple halfway to my mouth. Slowly I turn around to face my drowsy husband. "Spirits Gale. I thought you were Esmerelda,"

"Sorry. Pass me an apple?"

I grab a bright red one and lob it at my Husband's head. Gale manages to grab it before it clocks him in the face. As I take a bite of my apple the voice calls out again. Oh for the love of the spirits. Who wants my attention this early?

"Did you just say my name?" I ask between chewing my bite.

Gale's eyes widen. "I was going to ask you the same thing..."

Oh...that is something. Can anyone hear this voice? What if someone can't? Gale looks at me with a puzzled expression. I wonder..."Holly."

I take off. If anything my theory will be proved or will fail with Holly.

"What?"

Gale takes off after me. We run until we arrive at Holly's room. I casually open the door as I call out her name. Holly rolls over and wearily opens her eyes. Something is amiss here. She never rolls over unless getting settled.

"Eve? Gale?" Holly sits up. She blinks for a few seconds and looks past us to the window. "It's not even dawn,"

"No, but–" The voice cuts me off. Gale folds his hand into mine, as the only indication he heard the voice. Holly looks at us strangely. "Did you hear that voice?"

Holly gives a puzzled look. I smile knowing this proves my theory. "I knew it,"

"Knew what love?" Gale asks. 

I softly pat Holly on her shoulder with my free hand. "That the voice can only be heard by those who have connections to spirits." 

Gale makes an o with his mouth. I thought you were smarter than that dear husband. I smile at Gale. 

"Well we best leave you to sleep, you have a busy morning." I smile at Holly. 

With a squeeze of Gale's hand, we turn to leave.