Throne of Leaves

Chapter 2

I lead my brothers in arms through the familiar branches in the high dense canopy of leaves. I smiled softly as I breathed in the fresh sent of the Forest, now knowing a bit what Gwindor felt when he came home to the sea. I beam as we walk directly into the heart of the Silver Forest where the great city and homes once stood tall and proud. I take a glance around getting a feeling of being watched. The Forest was silent and the homes clean. No death, no stench, no heavy air. It was clean and fresh full of strength. The destruction that had seethed and boiled through the people and trees has been wiped away to restore the woodland to a ghostly monument of what it once was. I look around again my gaze swept the trees and the houses and the many plazas that were dotted among the canopy of the sterling leaves. My drifting stare pauses at the humble and elegant wood carvings of my childhood home. There was a woman in the window of the twisted branches of the bright wood. The alluring woman was surveying us with a soft warm smile. The lady closed her eyes and let the soft breeze float through her hair as she rested, her face showed no blemish save her manner gave signs of weary work. As her eyes opened once again our eyes met and I instantly recognized her from a life long past. How could I forget the eyes of the caring person who raised me, who pushed me, who taught me so much in the aftermath of the poison.

Without a word to either of my companions I take off at a brisk pace to the lady in the window with a determined expression trying to hold back my mix of emotions and questions. Malki and Aaron looked at each other as I passed them and shrugged but followed me anyways. I could hear Aaron's heavy footsteps on the tree branches as silence overtook the forest. The lady in the window stood up never breaking eye contact and watched us. I could not smile, for if I did I might let all of my fear, and sorrow will show. I stopped at the open door and took a deep breath. I barely felt Malki's hand on my shoulder. The grim faced warrior nodded giving me a soft shove as I stepped over the threshold into the house

"You look well Lord Akon Silverleaf" The woman spoke.

It was clear now that she was in a long white dress with silver embroidery. The material looked like velvet of sorts, and the style was that of a mourning dress for she also had a veil pulled back off of her white hair. Even though I knew she was a pale person, seeing her like this in the light made me see her like a spirit of the Forest, still mourning the grave and perilous deaths that occurred. I gave in and smile softly.

"My lady, you are mistaken. I can not enter here as a Silverleaf. My name was stripped from me at the first thought of leaving" I said solemnly, as I sadly accepted the fact that I could bear no true allegiance with my traitorous deeds.

"Oh child, your name was never gone. You have done much to help, you have solidified you name in stone and in the memory of this Forest" The lady said with a sad smile as she knelt down next to me.

"If by your word, then I shall stay true to my name. Thank you, my lady" I said and slowly stood with her by my side.

"Come, sit. I have prepared a meal and drink for you and your companions. We shall talk more later" She said moving into the small clean kitchen.

I looked at Aaron and beckoned for him and I walked to the round table and pulled out a chair and sat down politely. She came back gracefully and set the food down gently before pouring us each a cup of mead. Aaron looked at the meat laden dishes laid before us with a blank stare and before he could politely reach for the meat she laid a plate of fresh vegetables and grain in front of him with a smile.

"I would be a disrespectful host if I did not accommodate to our Forest Healer" She said with a tender smile before sitting down.

As as we finished the meal set before us Aaon stood up and took the dishes before the lady could move. With a low bow Aaron gave the lady the same tender smile she gave him.