The Prophetess Ectilea was explaining that she herself must return Nereus' lost staff, and droned on about other businesses, that Netis ignored. Where is Arriway? she kept thinking.
It was as if her thoughts had summoned him.
Arriway came hurtling at full speed through the doorway, a broadsword strapped to his back. Prophetess Ectilea turned her head slowly and raised her eyebrows at Arriway.
"What is it now? Has someone infiltrated the defences?"
"No, absolutely not. Nothing of the sort."
"Then what are you doing here?" the Prophetess enquired politely.
"My Liege, Netis- the Princess Netis- and I should leave for the quest to return Nereus' staff. The King and Queen of Idia are anxious, they are sending out search parties."
Netis turned to him.
"Arriway, the Prophetess tells me that she must take the staff."
Netis turned to look at Arriway, who looked truly bewildered.
"My Liege, I insist it must be the Princess. That is the only way Lord Nereus can be appeased."
Ectilea gave Arriway a long stare, as if she was deeply considering it. She sighed inwardly, and said,
"Very well. That will be so. You will protect the Princess. You must go now."
Arriway smiled weakly at Netis, who returned it generously. Dhase started to protest.
"But- My Liege- what about me? Mustn't I go with them? Three people is the ideal number for a quest."
"Dhase, you will stay. You will see."
Arriway gestured to Netis to follow, and they turned to leave. Ectilea clapped her hands, and Netis turned to look at her. Without a word, Ectilea waved a hand at her, and her ragged nightdress was replaced with a marine blue travelling dress, and a sea-green cloak; and on her feet were her favourite leather hunting boots. Netis smiled at Ectilea and thanked her, and she and Arriway set off.
As they walked through the winding tunnels of the cave, Netis told Arriway everything that had happened since she woke up in the cavern, despite Ectilea telling her not to.
"Arri, [at that, Arriway raised his eyebrows] where is Netia?" she glanced sideways at him. His face was a beautiful mask of concentration and determination.
"It is under the sea, Your Highness."
"Arriway. Don't call me 'Your Highness'. It makes me feel uncomfortable."
"As you wish."
"Arriway, stop being so formal with me. You don't need to."
"As you wish."
Netis just sighed.
YOU ARE READING
Heart of Netis
FantasyNetis is a Princess, of the great kingdom of Idia. On the morning of her sixteenth birthday, lights begin to dance around her, and her head is wreathed in a crown of flames; signs of possessing maegia start to show. Arriway, a maegiling, is a servan...
