Midnights: The Valley of Ogressia

Chapter 9

Leaving the Valley of Ogressia, we set out to the west in search of Queen Saradia. Nathanial explained to me that the west was full of several different tribes, and Queen Saradia and her temple were in the heart of what was The Great Pogrator Divide. Queen Saradia was a very powerful being, and like his mother, ruled here realm with courage, and integrity. Nathanial had never met her before, but he assured me that she would help us in rescuing his brother.

Over the first two days of travel I reveled in all the sights I took in. The trees were blooming with all different types of flowers, and the colors were absolutely breathtaking. They were all different shades of pinks,blues, and pale yellows. The trees and bushes reminded me of cotton candy, and I felt like a little girl pretending to live in a fairy tale kingdom. Nathanial and I rode side by side throughout the days, and at night I slept in his arms next to a roaring fire.

There were creatures that I never dreamed could have possibly existed, I am pretty sure I saw a pink pastel rabbit hopping about in the underbrush. Nathanial and I spent most of our days in silence, and I was just enjoying spending time with the man I love. Just seeing the look in his eyes every time he glanced my way was enough to keep me going, although I was very tired, and incredibly scared.

The morning of the third day started out as the previous two had, Nathanial and I awoke to the beautiful song of a bird singing, and then Nathanial cooked breakfast. We had just finished packing up, when I heard some movement in a bush right behind Nathanial. I had just started to open my mouth, when I saw a man emerge brandishing a small dagger.

" Halt! In the name of Queen Nadia of Ogressia! You will surrender yourselves, and come freely to my village to be questions as to your intentions!" The man walked closer to  us, making me nervous. He spoke with a passion and fire, however the mention of Nadia's name made Nathanial stiffen. Nathanial looked over the man quickley, his eyes brightening.

" Thadeus? Thadeus McGreggor? It is I Natahnial Utlern, brother of Samuel, son of Nadia." Nathanial bowed down to the man he referred to as Thadeus. He was smiling as he walked forward and grabbed the man and pulled him into an embrace. " I thought you had been taking by the Diamtri, How ever did you escape from them?"

" My lord, it is wonderful to see you home! We thought you were lost to us, then after you brother took his leave of us, we thought all hope was lost." Thadeus had placed his large hand on Nathanial's shoulder. " When do you come back to the realms, and, what are you doing out this far?"

" I was just about to ask you the same question! Howhave you been my friend? What has you out here, are there others? " I was getting completly confused at this point. I also think Nathanial forgot that I was standing there. I cleared my throat, and shifted my body weight in a manner of annoyance.

" Cameron, my love, come here. I would like for you to meet Thadeus. He was my mothers head guard, and one of our finest warriors." Nathanial grabbed me around the waist and I curtsied to Thadeus. I figured the best thing to do was show the man with the dagger respect. " This, dear Thadeus is Cameron. She is actually the great great granddaughter of Sirus McEllers. She is my soul mate, and I hope one day soon she will accept me as her groom." These words shocked me, I knew we were something more than I had ever felt, but until this moment it had not occurred to me that he would want to be my husband. I smiled at Thadeus, and Nathanial, not sure of what had just happened.

" Come my Lord, you must come with me to our make shift village. I will explain everything about my escape from the Diamtri then, and you can get reacquainted with a few more old friends." Thadeus motioned that we follow him through a near by thicket of brush. Nathanial and I grabbed our horses reins and followed behind him.

We began to walk down a path that led us down by a small stream. There were so many trees, there was hardly any daylight peaking through. We were completely in closed by leaves, and I felt incredibly safe. Nathanial and Thadeus continued to reminisce about the things they had done together in their youth. Nathanial was laughing and smiling, it was such a beautiful sight to behold. We had had such a hard past few days, it was so great to see him smile.