REALMWALKERS

5: Assignments

~ Ferelith Rosewood ~

The room is dim, and I know I am not alone. Figures move about in the dark, their steps light and nearly silent, save for the scuff of their shoes on marble.

My training session is about to begin. And as I stand, silent and still, my fae hearing picks up the sounds of footsteps hurrying in the hall.

A voice calls out my name in the hall, echoing off the tall walls. I glance back to the door, then sigh. "Training's off, everyone. I'm needed elsewhere."

The door opens then, and light floods the room. Alberich Alston bows low, his short brown hair falling briefly in his calculating green eyes. He rises slowly, then pulls free a rolled up sheaf of parchment.

"I am indeed sorry to disturb you in your training, Princess Ferelith. But you've been summoned. The Queen requests your presence in the throne room, and I am to guide you there as an escort. Will you follow me?"

I nod and we leave the training hall.

Neither of us speaks as we head up to the throne room, up winding ramps and to the top floor of the palace. As Captain of the Royal Guard, Alberich Alston is very strong and very agile, and his presence, while typically comforting, is a bit disconcerting today.

He guides me to the throne room, and the guards at the big, intricately painted doors open them for us.

The throne room is made of black stone, and the throne upon which my adoptive mother, Queen Enyo Wildweaver sits is tall and made of the same black stone. Shapes of various beasts are carved into the throne, their eyes glittering with gemstones of varying types.

Enyo's long, green hair is pristine, coiled like a snake up around the crown of her head, then sweeps down around her neck and down the front of her shoulder. Her pale skin, which is covered in beautiful makeup, seems more pale than usual in comparison to the throne. Her pink eyes gleam as we approach, and Alberich bows before her.

Enyo waves a dismissive hand at him, and the Captain nods and leaves. But the doors don't close, because as he walks out, Talora, my sister, walks in. Her leathery wings flutter as she walks into the room, the magenta and pale pink silk dress she wears swaying as she walks in on bare feet. She adjusts the skirts a bit, hiding that she's not wearing her shoes. If Enyo saw, she'd likely reprimand my sister.

Yes, it has happened before.

Talora steps up beside me, nudging my own leathery wings with hers in greeting. Talora's red eyes, lined with dark purple makeup, seem more prominent and bright than she usually wears, long black hair tied in an intricate knot, kept together by a golden dragon pin.

I look vastly different, and decidedly un-royal‐like compared to her and Enyo. I wear no makeup on my pale face, or under my golden eyes. My hair is long and pink, but it's down and slightly messy. My scars are visible, especially the ones on my wings. I am the warrior princess, and Talora is the regular, scholarly princess.

Enyo calls to the guards to leave, but remain outside. They obey without a word.

"Well, my daughters, I have an important pair of missions for you two," she says. My mother leans forward, her elbows on her knees. "For Talora, I need you to investigate the truth of the thieves calling themselves the Ryto Order. They are found in our city, and there are dozens of them. But we are looking at one man in particular, who you, Ferelith, will be meeting up with, as well as with some backup. Hie name is Salvatore Poe, and he is one of the three leaders of the Ryto Order. He will be found at the tavern closest to the southern edge of this city. I forget its name. But for now, Ferelith, go find Bren and Ofelia Alston, the son and daughter of that same fae who brought you here."

"I assume he will provide me with details as to why he wants our help? Or whatever he wants?" I ask.

Enyo nods. "Indeed. While you and your guards are there, with them, Talora will be here with me, working.  Please, make haste, my daughter. The guards can be found outside your rooms."

I nod. "Alright, Mother. I will not let you down."

She smiles. "I know that you won't, my love. Now, come here, Talora. I will assist you in your efforts."

Talora nods and faces me. "Good luck, be safe, my sister. I love you."

I hug Talora. "I love you, too. Good luck, Talora."

Then, I nod to my mother, and leave.