Legerdemain

CHAPTER-7

The bronze gate snapped open with a creak as if it hadn't been opened in a while. Vines covered our path; overgrown from the amount of secrecy they were given in the last few years or so. I took a few steps ahead until I couldn't hear another pair of boots scrunching the leaves beneath us.

I turned around to see Rnyx staring at the path past me. I didn't need his company, but it felt right to ask him. "Are you not coming?"

"No." He leaned against the gate, hands in his pockets as a sigh escaped his lips. "My job is done. You are on your own, Alexedreina."

"Okay." I looked at Reyne who stared at the prince.

For one last time, he smiled at her and then turned away from us. So, did I.

I would get to the Tree of Immortals, get my tasks done, and be gone. But for now, it was just me, Reyne, and my thoughts.

I thought of the people back at the court of Astramaix who were generous enough to bring me food in my room, but that made me wonder why the king didn't host feasts as my mother did. Didn't the king think of boasting his wealth and glory, especially if there were a guest? Was something not right in the kingdom of Astramaix that required more attention from the king rather than hosting feasts?

The narrower path from before led me to a more scenic one. While that one smelled of copper, this smelled divine. Wet tree trunks and damp moss filled the space, with flowers that covered the whole forest floor, and fruits that bore from the branches. I moved forward onto the only path made of dirt and gravel; the rest was covered with grass. Reyne flew close behind me. Where earlier I didn't want her accompanying me here, now I was grateful for that. The crunching noise from my boots was the only sound that traveled through the area.

I didn't make it far away when I heard a cry.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...*... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

My body froze.

I had never been taught about the Ring of Iris. So, I didn't know what to expect from it. As the future crown heir, I thought I was well educated, until now. I couldn't contemplate whether to turn in the direction of the voice or to keep straight ahead.

It wouldn't be wise to leave if a person was truly hurt. And if something were to happen because I decided to help someone, then so be it. The depths of my magic couldn't be truly tapped into until I turned 20 and completed the three tasks, but I could protect myself and Reyne.

The cry was heard again. I rushed in its direction.

The person wailed; a voice I thought I had heard before. The crying didn't stop this time. I ran as fast as my legs would carry me.

A stream of stardust in water separated me and the woman on the other side of it. She looked at the stars above as she cried. Her voice hoarse as she continued her wailing. Then she was on her knees as she sobbed, her body shivering.

Her state of hopelessness, her despair reflected in her small prayers. I tried to make out her words, but the sound of the stream made it impossible for me to recognize her words.

"Excuse me!" I shouted enough so the words would travel to her.

Before a response could reach me, Reyne leaped on the other side of the stream.

"REYNE, NO!"

But Reyne didn't listen to me and went straight to the crying woman. My magic surged, urging me to bring back Reyne.

Suddenly, my vision became hazy as I expended too much energy to stop her. Through my blurred sight, I saw Reyne run through the woman as she vanished in thin air, taking her sobs and prayers with her. My knees buckled underneath my weight. I shook my head to clarify my vision.

I had been warned to not test the limits of my power before the right age. I didn't remember, I didn't care. The last ounce of my energy kept me from falling to the ground. Reyne came back as she stood there, her paw on my hand that supported my weight on the forest floor, her eyes glistened almost as if she too was crying.

"I'm not dying, Reyne. My energy is gone," I tried explaining to her.

Tears fell on the grass. Tears fell on me. The Ring of Iris was crying.

"Reyne, go take shelter," I urged her. But how a creature would understand me? Rain started getting heavier and heavier. Small puddles formed around us. I couldn't stand even if I tried.

The grey shirt was now soaked wet and clung to my body.

Whatever energy that was left in me, I used to create a protective shield around us to spare us from the rain.

The last thing I remembered before I fell was Reyne's eyes and the smell of mint with vanilla.