Elderflower, The Last Halfbreed

Chapter 17 Alyania

We were nearing the city. I could tell by the trees. They were getting taller and taller. It amazed me how much the elves loved the trees. Alagos told me that before they go to bed they sing to at least one tree before going to sleep. 600 years later and the trees have grown considerably. Then I thought how old father was.

“Abraxas, do the Halfbreeds live longer than normal humans?”

“Why yes. They live to be much much older than even the elves themselves. Once you turn the age of 20 as a human you look the same even if you are 80. Its wonderful actually.”

“So my father was old when he died is that correct?”

“Yes. Your father was special. He had the capability to look older if he chose too. Thats why he looked old to you while you were younger. He wanted to have a more fatherly look to himself.”

“I wonder why he never told me about his past.”

“He wanted to protect you. That was his only duty. Your mother was pregnant the time that Tel died right?”

“Yes. I still don't know if she's alive. Everyday I wonder. Everyday I think. Not a day has passed when I think of my mother. Do you know if I have a sister or a brother?”

“Most of us don't know, Rose. Many do. Saul is one of them. I have a worry that your sibling is now under the power of Saul. If they escaped they would've died. Saul has probably used your siblings Halfbreed powers to do his biding. If any doubts are in your mind know this, you must kill your sibling, no matter what.”

“What if they are good inside? What if Saul never got to them?”

“They still can't be trusted. I'm sorry, Rose.”

“Will people come to realize that they don't want change? Will they rebel?”

“Some might. Maybe the young ones. They were brought up the way their parents taught them. Some may rebel and some might not. Time will only tell, child.”

“Sorry to stop the conversation but we have arrived. Rose, welcome to the city of Alyania, the City of the Dark Elves.” Sad Alagos as I looked amazed. I stared down into the city.

Wooden houses sprouted around a giant clearing in the forest. They were little shacks with smoke coming out of the chimneys. My eyes widened as I stared upon the beauty of Alyania. A giant tree grew out of the center. It was an Elderflower tree. White blossoms pulsed as we flew by them. I felt powerful. Something different inside me came to life. This was the power that the Elderflowers had on the Halfbreeds. I knew that this was the biggest source of energy. Alagos looked solemn as we passed by the giant tree. People started to file out of the shacks and stare into the sky. I waved at the families. Their skin was like Alagos's but their hair was different. Females had their hair twisted into intricate braids and men had their hair up into ponytails. The children screamed with delight as they saw the teal dragon.

Out of the tree came a cloaked figure. He bore a long olive green cloak and a golden crown upon his head. Large emerald green eyes twinkled up at me as we settled on the ground. I knew that this was Alagos's older brother, Ten.

Abraxas floated to the ground. We were immediately surrounded with the blue faces of the Dark Elves. Happiness soared through them as they saw my face. I was happy to see them too. Alagos still looked sad. All at once the crowd chanted,

“Halfbreed. Halfbreed. Halfbreed!” Hope soared through me like a tidal wave. Alagos grabbed my hand and helped me down the dragon. I couldn't stop smiling. Ten strode through the crowd with arms open. Alagos ran to his brother and hugged him.

“Good to see you brother. Its been many a long day since I gazed upon your face. This most be Rosemary Elderflower, the last Halfbreed in all of Authuway. Its a pleasure.” Ten bowed as he acknowledged me. “Its been a while since we've had a Halfbreed among our people. I'm sure Alagos has explained what will be going on in the next couple of days?”

“I think so. When will we meet Lance?”

“In a week or so. We didn't know when to expect you. Now that you are here we can send word to our cousin immediately. Come, you must be tired from your journey.” Ten led us to a great oaken door set in the Tree of Alyania. Two wooden people were carved into the ancient wood. A man with long hair who looked like Alagos but older. Another figure was carved next to it. This man had two black horns twisting around his head. His face resembled that of a tree trunk, wrinkled with age. A long scar scratched its way across his face. That was Lance, the King of the Wood Elves. Alagos's father was next to him. He was the King during the Great War. This door had to be very old.

I felt the smooth wood under my fingers. Ten smiled. “You must have recognized the two figures immediately. My father and Lance.”

“I'm sure your father was a great man.”

“There are many regrets that I wish never happened. One of them being that Halfbreeds never existed in this world. My father now lies in Edineth, waiting for me. He was killed by your father. I'm surprised that the elves here have respected you. Most of their families were killed by Tel.”

“They've come to realize to forgive.” I looked at Alagos. His gaze fell when he looked away. Ten saw the look I gave Alagos and decided to change the subject.

“Well. I'll show you around.” With a shove, he pushed the two doors. Light erupted out of the large room.

I stepped into an open chamber. A large circle room was carved out from the tree. I looked up and I gazed into the branches of the Alyania tree. This fortress was part of the tree. Something glowed in the center of the room. A rose bloomed on a pedestal. Thorny vines grew out of the rose and into the walls of the tree. Its petals white but in the center it was blood red. I knew what it was. It was the life source of the whole city, it was Alyania's heart.

“This is her isn't it? This is Alyania. She is the protecter of this kingdom. Even after death she still protects you. Some things never cease to amaze me.”

“She predicted that one day the women who bore the first Halfbreed would come back to save what she couldn't. She sang her life into this rose. She knew you would come to save us. She knew that.” Alagos said.

Tears ran down my face. I couldn't bear it. I felt responsible. Sickness made me quaky as I fell to the ground. The world started to spin in all directions. I clutched my arm as I fell to my knees. I couldn't have someone dying for my sake.

“Why!? YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO DO THIS! I NEVER SHOULD'VE BEEN BORN! ALL THESE RESPONSIBILITIES! SOMEO-” I clutched over my stomach and vomited. Nothing felt right anymore. Everyone hated me, someone died for me to save the Halfbreed race, my father was an avenger, I had an evil sibling, I was in love with two people, I was Queen of some city. I suddenly felt the whole world tumbling down on me. For the first time I wished Arthur was there. I wish he was there to tell me that I was never alone.

Instead I heard another voice through all the muffled noise. It was Alagos's. My eyes popped open to be staring in his. He was whispering something in my face. I couldn't quite make it out. I blacked out as the voices tumbled away.