Elayne's ordinary life takes a drastic turn when she discovers she is part of an ancient prophecy tied to the mythical kingdom of Elyssanar. Guided by Solaris, a unique companion with secrets of his own, Elayne embarks on a journey fraught with chal...
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The car hummed as it wound its way through the backroads leading towards the National Forest. I gripped the wheel tightly; fear of an animal jumping across the road had me focused way too hard on the road to the point my knuckles were turning white. The trees on either side blurred into a dark green wall although the random break in them revealed the setting sun.
Solaris had rested with his head against the window, probably watching the trees rush by. After getting over the shock that the GPS actually talked, he had grown accustomed to its voice every so often. Despite his calmness, it contrasted with the rushing thoughts that raced in my mind.
I glanced at him briefly, even turning the radio down which had shifted to country music, "So, what was Elyssanar like before the whole darkness thing?"
Solaris held his head up from the window and looked over to me, "I was wondering when you were going to finally ask," I rolled my eyes but he continued as if he didn't notice my irritation. "Ellyssanar used to be a place of unparalleled beauty and harmony. While it was thriving under its ruler's reign, it was filled with lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and vibrant wildlife. After the darkness and the disappearance of the King and death of the Queen however, it became a shadow of its former self."
I imagined the beauty of the kingdom as he spoke of it, absorbed in such a wonderful place. "So did all the survivors just become Gainaists?" Solaris sighed, "As I told you, a few of them and their descendants did," his voice held a tingle of sadness. "Others went into hiding or fell captive to the dark forces that roam the land. Reclaiming it won't be easy, I hope you know that."
I didn't respond after that. The weight of his words put more on my shoulders.
As we continued, the landscape became more rugged and wild. Towns passed as well as winding roads that really could have made me throw up had I had anything to throw up.
The sun had almost set and I could feel my eyelids growing heavy. Stifling a yawn, I kept my eyes focused, just in case the night owls decided to pay my headlights a visit. I found myself drifting slightly out of my lane multiple times but it wasn't until I felt a hand on mine that I snapped out of it.
Solaris sighed, "My Elayne, rest. I can take over for a bit." I didn't even argue and pulled over. Solaris got out while I unbuckled myself but before I could open my door, it was opened for me.
His hand stretched out for mine and I attempted to hide the warmth creeping up my face as I took it. The night was heavy with heat and the insects seemed to be out. Wide awake once again, I rounded Solaris and bolted for the passenger door, quickly getting in and shutting it.
Solaris still had the driver door open as he sat and I looked at him with fear. "I wish not to get bitten by the mosquito's that are roaming about." I crossed my arms and he chuckled, shutting the door as he got comfortable.
