The Power Within (On hold)

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Jake blinked and realized he was standing right where the floor had given way. He hurridly stepped away from the area. Jake’s head came up at the sound of Elenora crying out. He crossed the room in a few strides, his heart dropping into his chest as he saw the princess.

Jake ran a hand through his hair, kneeling down beside Medens. “How is she?” He asked, his voice tight and tense with worry.

Medens spared him a glance, her eyes wide and slightly frantic; she was afraid, he realized with shock. Jake gave up trying to stay optimistic.

“Not good. Took you long enough!” She said.

Jake gaped at her. “Are you saying this is my fault?! You were the one who dropped me through a hole in your cave and pitted me against a witch, of all things!” He cried.

“Well, if you had just tried harder, maybe-“ A cry of pain from Elenora shut them both up.

She was writhing in her bed, the sheets covered in sweat. Elenora’s face was pasty white, face twisted in distress. Jake took a hand in his own, holding her as much for her as for himself.

Medens felt her forehead, then leaned close and seemed to inhale Elenora’s scent.

Meden’s eyes were stormy gray as she grasped his hand. “I need your assistance in this spell. Quickly now, just let the magic guide you.” She said, closing her eyes. He did the same.

She began to chant in the Ancient Language, power building with every word. Jake felt the magic course through him from Meden’s hand, and the enchantment took hold of his mind. His mouth opened of its own accord, and the same words she was intoning spilled out. His skill joined hers, and soon the magic doubled in strength.

The chanted for ages, they chanted for mere minutes. Jake was no longer aware of his surroundings. Finally they were upon the last word, and they shouted it as the magic that had been building, swirling around them, was released into Elenora.

Elenora screamed, the sound of agony bringing Jake out of his trance faster then anything. Jake grabbed Meden’s arm. “What are we doing wrong?” He cried.

“Nothing! The spell just needs assistance, that’s all.” Meden’s spoke calmly to him, perhaps sensing how close he was to completely losing it.

She quickly got up, and Jake turned to watch in horror as she began pulling herbs from the ceiling. “What are you doing now?!”

“I am making an antidote, now calm down!” Medens finished plucking herbs from her ceiling and took them over to a work table. She threw them into a bowl and started crushing the herbs.

Jake turned back to Elenora, squeezing her hand and muttering to himself, “Got to stay calm, got to stay calm…” over and over again. He held her tighter as she sobbed and moaned in agony.

Medens flew over to the bed and put the bowl into his hands. “Give it to her.” She commanded.

Jake put the bowl to Elenora’s lips, one hand raising her head. He tipped it, watching her mouth taking it in, tilting the bowl until the last drop had spilled into her mouth. He set the bowl down and gently held her mouth closed, waiting for her to swallow. At last she did.

Jake leaned toward her as he lay her down, watching intently for signs of recovery or…

She cannot die, she cannot die. If she dies, I’ll, I’ll…

Elenora gasped once, then her eyes flew open. Her gaze locked onto Jake’s, and suddenly he was pulling her into a fierce embrace, hugging her to him as if he was drowning.

“Elenora…” He cried into her hair. A weak hand comfortingly patted his back.

Finally he pulled away, holding her face in his hands and gazing into those purple eyes he had feared he would never see again. She looked tired, but her eyes twinkled with joy.

“Jake…” She whispered, one shaking finger caressing his cheek.

Jake embraced her again, wanting nothing more then to hold her, and reassure himself she was alive. He was never going to let her go again.

            Jake sat against a tree on the grass outside of Meden’s cave, Elenora in his arms. She was still weak, but recovering everyday. They often rested outside, enjoying the fresh air and each other’s company.

            “How are you feeling today princess?” Jake murmured.

            Elenora sighed contendedly in his arms, her head resting against his chest. “Better and better. Thank you Jake for saving me. Without you I would not be here.” Her voice was a balm to all of the harrowing experiances he had endured the past few days.

            Jake chuckled, “Elenora, that’s like the tenth time you’ve thanked me!”

            She laughed, turning her head to look at him. Her eyes twinkled in the warm sunlight. “I know, but it will never be enough.”

            Jake bent down and kissed her forehead. “Seeing you alive and holding you again was enough for me.” He said.

            She smiled, then her face turned more serious. “Why did they want to kill me so badly?”

            Jake’s expression was thoughtful. “I don’t know, I think it might have to do with the way it burned the Niger’s skin that night we were fleeing. As long as the amulet has an owner, an owner that it chooses, and as long as that owner is alive, the amulet will not go easily into other’s hands.”

            Elenora played with the amulet that rested against her pale skin. “The amulet really is powerful, isn’t it?”

            “Yes. More powerful then any spell. You must guard it with your life, princess. And I will guard you.” Jake said, watching a bird hop across the grass.

            “Is that the only reason you stay with me? Because of the amulet?” She asked suddenly.

            Jake frowned, looking at her. “Of course not. It’s because… it’s because I care for you.”

            She sighed. “I know that. It’s just that… sometimes I feel like the only reason you all are helping me is because I have the amulet. And I am the one it chose.”

            “Elenora, it is so much more then that. You, are so much more then that. The fact that the amulet comes with you is just an added bonus. I am much more focused on the fact that we have you, a talented, brave, and kind princess. And not too shabby with the sword, thanks to a devilishly handsome elf I happen to know.” Jake said the end part teasingly.

            Elenora giggled. “Oh sure!” They laughed. “But really Jake… sometimes the future frightens me. I’m not sure I can be everything you need.”

            Jake pulled her closer. “Well, whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together.”

            Elenora nodded, her face determined, the light casting streaks of gold in her hair.        

“Together.”

*Ah, they are finally reunited! Things could get complicated pretty soon. I mean, did you really expect a forbidden love between a princess and a common elf to be easy? No, although I'm tempted to make it so! What did you think? Comment!