The Crown Of Fire

Eddie VII

They walked into the camp. Everyone stopped to watch them.

The rolling hills were no longer white with winter here. They were a luscious green that he'd only seen in Scotland. Come to think of it, the entire realm reminded him of Scotland. Even the people. Aria had spoken like a Scotsman, she had the accent. It was beautiful, winter or not. He didn't know what it meant, now that the winter was gone. He'd always thought that the winter here was forever.

It was like walking in the highlands. It was like being on vacation with his mother again. His heart swelled at the thought of her. He hadn't thought of her much in weeks, and that made him feel guilty. He missed her.

Alex seemed uncomfortable with all the eyes on him. Octavia was in awe of her surroundings. All the centaurs, the dwarves, the giant cats. Eddie wished that they'd been on Seraphina's side.

Maybe then, he'd be able to enjoy the beauty.

They stopped at the front of the camp where a big tent stood. The entirety of the camp's inhabitants swarmed around the land they'd walked on. Whispering already. Plume pulled on Alex's pant leg and motioned for him to speak up.

The black-haired boy cleared his throat. "We're here to see Omdrus."

The whispering got worse, causing Alex to glance around, wondering if he'd said something wrong. Meanwhile, Eddie felt small and vulnerable with all the eyes on him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, he knew they were talking about him.

Out of the tent, a great wolf came. And great he was. He was bigger than any wolf Eddie had heard of, or seen. His fur was so dark that in the shadows, he could well be invisible. And his eyes were red. But not like that of blood. But like rubies on jewelry. He was incredible.

"Welcome, prophesized ones," the wolf spoke. When he spoke, his words sent chills down the spines of all those unfamiliar with him. Not because he was scary. But because his words had power. And his power was of the light, and not of the darkness. He gave a nod to their animal companions. "And welcome, Ripley, daughter of Jinx; Plume, son of Plum; and welcome, Peep, daughter of Reap."

"Your greatness," the animals spoke as they bowed.

"And where is the Earthborn?" the great wolf asked. Alex let out a breath.

"She's been captured by the witch, the one they call Seraphina," he started. "Once we realized that Edward here was cursed, it was too late. The hyenas were already near the home of Plume. She sacrificed herself to ensure our survival."

The whispers filled once again. This time of fear. Seraphina's name terrified them, but Eddie could not understand why. To him, she was pure joy and pure kindness.

The wolf said nothing. He only stared with the unchanging eyes.

"Please, Mr. Omdrus," Octavia spoke up. "Can you help our friend and save Aria?"

"All will be done, dear one," Omdrus spoke. "For now, all I can do is help your Edward. But rest knowing that the one they call Aria will be searched for." his ruby gaze settled on Eddie. "Come here, child, and know that you are safe."

Eddie swallowed the lump in his throat, Octavia gave him an encouraging smile and he stepped forward toward the great wolf. The wolf inhaled in the boy's face.

He inhaled the curse. Freeing Eddie of the evil that had plagued him for so long. And he saw the wrongs in his actions. And no longer did he feel love for Seraphina. But he felt guilt in its stead.

Octavia smiled joyfully at the thought of her friend free. Alex felt some more relief.

"You are free, young Edward," Omdrus spoke. "And what's past is past. You are free of the witch's torture and now, can live without guilt."

Eddie, unsure of what to do next, bowed his head at the great wolf and backed away. Octavia wrapped her arms around him in a hug.

"Oh, it's good to finally meet you without a curse."

But he knew he still had amends to make. He knew that there was still redemption to be had.

~

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