The Ride West

Chapter One

Eulanthe blinked, surprised. "Oh! It's you." To her left was her old friend, who at first had been invisible when she was a small child; only now, she could see them clearly, and they seemed to be very much more than a dream. They were very fair, with freckles scattered over their cheeks, their dark hair pulled back in a ponytail.

"How are you feeling?" They asked, concern in their deep brown eyes.

"Very good! Better than ever." Eulanthe said. She looked down at herself, seeing her walnut brown hair had grown long; her chiton was fresh and white, the rope belt having sparkling golden threads woven in. Glancing around, she found the room new but comfortable. There were rich tapestries hung on the stone walls, and tall arching windows, through which bright sunlight came in. "I feel healthy," Said Eulanthe, quieter.

Smiling, Eulanthe's friend took her hand, holding it warm and strong. "I was watching over you while you slept, but there were other people who helped, too. Here..." Eulanthe could see a few people over her friend's shoulder; in a way, it felt to her more than a dream, but less than being awake. There was a blond girl there, serious and kind, and next to her was a boy with jet black hair and twinkling eyes, who was holding a beautiful stone cup. Her friend helped the boy give her a drink from the cup, and she could see color and health returning to her body after she drank.

As fast as the boy and girl had appeared, they were gone. "How can that happen? I don't see them here," said Eulanthe.

"They're here," Said Eulanthe's friend, holding their hands to their heart. "In my karòn. It's not the time around me, but the time inside, with all of my memories and thoughts. You're in there, too," They said, the corners of their eyes crinkling up in a smile.

"Do you still remember the times we talked, and the games we played?"

"Of course!" Said Eulanthe's friend, beaming. "It was so much fun getting to know you." Eulanthe blinked, noticing her friend had feathery wings on their back, black with brown stripes through them. "And my name is Justice."

"Mine is Eulanthe." Still holding her hand, Justice helped Eulanthe sit up in her bed, and then stand, giving her a warm hug. After they separated, Eulanthe asked Justice, "Who were the boy and girl in your karòn?"

"The boy was Urqo, who had come here looking for the King's cup. He was traveling with Vlaire, the girl, who had found the King's sword and was returning it to him."

"There are adventures here?" Eulanthe asked. "This place seems peaceful, like a home."

"Well this tower is a good home! It's in a nice and quiet marsh, and has an amazing library and so many things to do," Justice said. "Mainly I've been spending time with you, fixing your hair and writing poetry. But there are adventures, like Vlaire and Urqo's. Or yours."

"Is it a perilous journey to defeat a dragon and save a princess?"

"No," Justice laughed, "But it's still very important. Here, let's go up to the roof." Taking Eulanthe by the hand, Justice opened up the door and led her out into the hall and to the stairs, which were carved from marble with golden veins. Coming out, there was a slight breeze, and they stepped up to between the tall battlements. "Far away to the East are the Wild Lands," Said Justice, pointing. "The King's Son rode away to reclaim them from The Traitor, and we heard of his victory, but nothing since then."

"He's been lost?" Asked Eulanthe.

"Yes," Answered Justice, nodding. "May I have your hand?" Eulanthe gave it to Justice to hold, and she began to see a Justice talking with a regal and wise and sad man, who she knew at once to be the King. They were on top of the very same tower, and the King spoke to Justice of sending them to watch over Eulanthe, and needing them to find his son once Eulanthe woke up.

"So the King needs me?" Wondered Eulanthe, as they came up from Justice's karòn.

"He does. Do you feel well enough to travel?" Justice asked.

"I'm ready now! I wouldn't miss an adventure with you!"

"Alright! I'll get you some boots and then we'll be on our way." Eulanthe took one last look at the wilderness and marsh landscape, then turned to follow Justice back inside. Her heart was starting to come alive with wonder and excitement for the journey, and she hummed a short tune while she and Justice began to prepare for their trek.