Odette

Twenty Nine

Odette

Two hours after walking we finally made it to the edge of the forest, Elida began to rally horses for everyone and conversation with the giants. I didn't realize how many people they had gathered, it was over 1,000 soldiers at least 

Waling around the small camp, I found the fairies tent and went inside to get some warmth. Elida was inside and gestured for me to follow her outside, I already knew what was coming as I followed her away from the tent outside 

"Odette... you are so lucky you're pregnant" she stressed walking back and forth 

"Elida, I had to come! Please understand" I cried 

"This is beyond your pride Odette! I can't lose you like I lost her" she shouted as tears were falling from her eyes

I didn't realize that Elida was actually scared... this entire time she had acted so strong but now, she seemed frightened. I stepped closer and pulled her into a hug as I could tell this was weighing on her a lot. My mother and Elida grew up together and were basically sisters... when she lost her parents granny took her in like she was her own. I couldn't imagine what it was like losing everyone you loved so young...

"I have to protect you Odette, I promised her that I would" she sobbed in my arms 

"You won't lose me, I'm stronger than you think auntie" I laughed pushing the hair out of her face 

Though she was usually strict with me I knew it came from love, my mom's last dying wish was for Elida to raise me like her own and make sure I was loved. For most of my childhood I stayed with her and granny but once I got older I wanted to move away from the village. It broke their hearts but they understood my discomfort with the townsfolk 

I never wanted any of this happen but we can't escape reality and must fight for my life and Eric's, "you have to trust me" I simply said walking her back to the tent 

Poppy had been standing guard as we got back, I could tell everyone was high alert as we would be moving into the town soon. Benedict said he knew a safe route for us to use, most didn't trust the human but he was also the only one who knew the terrioty

We created a solid plan for reaching the kingdom before sunrise, Eric's coronation was at 8am sharp and we had to be there before they killed him. Elida insisted that I had the least stressful part of the mission and that I stay close to Benedict at all times, I agreed on that part as long as I get to Eric first 

I finished packing up my bag and stuffing my dress with knifes, once Benedict and I got inside nobody could really help us after that. It was risky to get everyone inside but our plan was to use magic portal in case of an emergency 

"Are you ready?" Poppy asked from the door

I nodded my head and followed her out, the group began to leave the forest it felt weird leaving the only home I've ever known. The outside felt lifeless and I could feel our connection with our ancestors drifting 

"It feels dead" Poppy announced to the group as he rode on the horses down the path Benedict advised 

"Thats because the humans have killed every ounce of magic on this land" Elida emotionlessly said 

I always wondered what it was like before the war... the only people who have enough memory of it are the elders but they rarely talk about their lives. Its been an on going secret in the village and something we never bring up 

We rode fast through the night as the forest was empty, Benedict said we would reach the castle quickly with this path. Everyone seemed passionate about this mission Poppy had informed me earlier that some think Eric and I will change history and bring harmony back. They see this as some type of prophecy 

It made laugh a bit as I didn't see us having that much of an impact on humanity, she then added that my once word got out about our hybrid babies it would cause an uproar. Thinking about the lives my children would live scared me a bit... I still was wondering why this had to happen to me and if I was ready to battle the unknown but the spirt of my grandmother kept me going 

"We're getting close, everyone break off into your groups. Odette come to me side" Benedict shouted to the group 

We all moved into formation, Elida gave me a stern look before she ran off to the right disappearing into the darkness with the rest. It was now Benedict and five other humans with us as we rode towards the castle. I could see ahead of us and couldn't believe the plan was happening, in a few hours I would see Eric