The Source (Chronicles of the Elements #1)

Chapter 15

"Taranis? What are you doing out here?"

"I wanted to meet you here myself as I heard you and the Elemental Queen would be headed to my kingdom first thing this morning. We have much to discuss since I was surprised by a visitor several days ago."

Out from behind Taranis came someone that had Aiden bursting into tears as she exclaimed, "Fiadh! You're here! How did you get here?" She ran to her beloved friend before she could answer while Liam clasped forearms with Taranis in the greeting of warriors.

"I was sent to find you, Ai. The barrier around the kingdom has weakened because the human life-force from your parents is running out quickly. The others have returned to Siog Riocht along with the trainers who were temporarily allowed to come through a hole in the veil and assist in protecting the kingdom in case the barrier falls before you get back."

Aiden felt panic barrel through her as those words processed. "We have to go! How do we get back? What do we do?"

"It is not that easy, Ai. There are traps that have been set for you the second you step back through into our realm. Taranis sent warriors who are assisting the Valkyries in disabling the them. Real Valkyries, Aiden! Can you believe it?"

"I can. I trained with them in Sky Kingdom. They are wonderful and even made me an honorary Valkyrie!" she told her turning and pulling down the neck of her tunic so Fiadh could see the tops of the gold wings.

"I've missed you so much, Ai!" Fiadh cried as she threw her arms around her best friend once more.

Aiden heard Liam and Taranis clear their throats but held onto Fiadh afraid she would disappear if she let go. "Apologies. I'm just so glad to see my dearest friend."

"None necessary. Your bond is strong. Welcome to Earth Kingdom. Let us go to my palace so we can discuss matters in more detail."

Taranis created a portal that took them all right to his stunning throne room with floors in a marble of moss green and wide open archways leading out to gardens and enchanted forests. Taranis had a throne made of intertwined branches covered in flowers and climbing greenery that sat atop a dais made of intricately woven tree roots. The whole room smelled of freshly tilled earth and rainfall making it appear the definition of what most pictured a fairy kingdom to be which fit its ruler with his long hair the color of the rich soil and his kind eyes of Spring green.

"Queen Aiden, I know you worry for your people, but I assure you my troops, along with the clever Valkyries, are doing all they can to ensure you can get back as quickly as possible. However, it will take time for the forbidden magic to be broken as the Valkyries are the ones best equipped to deal with such illusion, and we are having to work around the veil using only the thinned holes Olc has already made. Nuada is to meet with me tomorrow morning for an update. For now, try not to fret. I assure you that everything possible is being done to protect your lands and your people. I will meet you all in the dining hall for dinner this evening. I must go now to get a report."

Taranis portaled out leaving Fiadh and Aiden to hug again in their excitement of being reunited. "Fi, I still cannot believe you're here! How long have you been in Earth Kingdom?"

"I got here four days ago. Danu brought me here herself after allowing me to set foot in the land of the shifter. You should see it, Ai! I have run through the jungle as a panther, roamed the plains as a gazelle, and flown through the bright blue sky as a falcon. I feel as if I have never belonged more in my life than I do here with these kind people."

"Fi, you look strong, beautiful, and full of life! I did not think it possible for anyone to ever look more amazing than you, but here you are upping the standards being even more perfect."