Sallitia: Age of War

14

The tension in the clearing was palpable as Faelyn stood her ground, her arms spread wide in front of Sebastian, shielding him from her brother’s wrath. Alvanar’s bowstring was taut, his gaze unwavering, and his anger radiated like the heat of a forge. 

“Alvanar, stop!” Faelyn shouted, her voice shaking but firm. 

“Faelyn, move away. Now!” Alvanar’s tone was sharp, almost pleading, though his hands remained steady on his bow. 

“No! I won’t let you kill Sebastian. Put down your bow, and I’ll explain everything.” Faelyn said, her voice rising with desperation. 

Sebastian, ever calm in the face of danger, stepped forward. He drew his sword from its sheath, its silver blade gleaming faintly in the moonlight. Without hesitation, he lowered it to the ground and thrust it toward Alvanar. 

“Here.” he said solemnly. “You’re armed, and I’m not. Do whatever you wish to me.” 

Alvanar’s grip faltered. Slowly, he lowered his bow, his green eyes searching Sebastian’s face for any sign of deceit. 

“How did you know I was here?” Faelyn asked, her voice softer now but still guarded. 

Alvanar sighed, a mixture of frustration and concern evident in his expression. “I’ve been following you. I’ve noticed you sneaking out of the palace every day. I wanted to know why.” 

Faelyn hesitated but then stepped closer to her brother. “Yes, I’ve been sneaking out. I’ve been meeting Sebastian because… because he is the one my heart beats for.” 

“You really love him?” Alvanar asked, his voice quieter now, his anger melting into curiosity. 

“With all my heart.” Faelyn answered firmly, her gaze unwavering. 

Alvanar turned to Sebastian, his towering presence intimidating as he stepped closer. “If you hurt her in any way, you will answer to me. Believe me, I will have no mercy.” 

Sebastian met his gaze with equal intensity. “I have no intention of hurting Faelyn. She is the love of my life. I would give everything to protect her.” 

Before any more could be said, the sound of hooves crashing through the underbrush broke the moment. The three turned to see a figure riding out of the shadows on a sleek female unicorn. Valter, the old wizard, dismounted gracefully, his flowing robes shimmering faintly in the starlight. 

“Prince Sebastian, you must return to Rohan quickly!” Valter said, urgency evident in his voice. 

Sebastian’s expression darkened as he stepped forward. “What happened, Valter?” 

The old wizard wasted no time. “An army of orcs is marching toward Rohan as we speak. If the city falls, Sallitia will follow. We need your leadership, your strength.” 

Sebastian’s jaw clenched. Without hesitation, he moved to his horse, gripping the reins tightly. 

“We will try to persuade our ada to come to your aid with our army.” Faelyn said, her voice filled with resolve. 

Sebastian nodded, his eyes meeting hers one last time. “Thank you, Faelyn. Be safe.” 

As Sebastian and Valter rode off into the night, Faelyn and Alvanar returned to Hisidore, the weight of their mission heavy upon them. 

The grand halls of the palace were eerily quiet as they entered, the remnants of Mereth Nuin Giliath scattered in the courtyard. Eburon stood in the throne room, his expression stern as he turned to face his children. 

“Where have you two been?” he demanded, his tone edged with suspicion. 

Faelyn stepped forward, her voice trembling with urgency. “That doesn’t matter, ada. The people of Rohan need our help. An army of orcs is about to attack their city.” 

Eburon’s expression darkened. “They betrayed our goodwill and hospitality when they demanded rule over Sallitia. Why should we help them now?” 

“But they need us! It is dishonorable to turn our backs on those who cry for aid.” Alvanar argued, his voice tinged with anger. 

“I have spoken.” Eburon replied coldly. “Those that cross our borders should not return, not even in death.” 

Faelyn’s eyes filled with tears as she stepped closer to her father. “If we don’t help them, they will all die!” 

“Yes.” Eburon said, his voice devoid of emotion. “They will die. They are mostal.” 

Faelyn’s hands trembled as her tears fell freely. “Do you truly think your life is worth more than theirs when there is no love in it? There is no love in you!” Her voice cracked, her words cutting through the heavy silence of the hall. 

For a moment, Eburon’s mask of coldness slipped. But he quickly turned away, his face hardening. 

Unable to bear his cruelty, Faelyn fled the hall, her sobs echoing down the corridor. She ran to her chamber, her heart pounding with grief and fury. She grabbed her bow and quiver, slung them over her shoulder, and wrapped herself in a black cloak. 

In the stillness of the night, she made her way to the stables. Her horse, Tauriel, whinnied softly as she approached. Faelyn saddled the mare swiftly and mounted her, determination etched across her tear-streaked face. 

From the window above, Alvanar and Eburon watched in silence as she rode off into the night. 

“Do you want me to follow her?” Alvanar asked, his voice hesitant. 

Eburon remained silent for a moment before turning his back to the window. “No. She is no longer my daughter. She has made her choice.” 

As Eburon strode away, a single tear slipped down his cheek, betraying the pain he tried so hard to hide. Alvanar lingered at the window, watching until Faelyn disappeared into the horizon, a shadow swallowed by the darkness.