The Shadows of Erisdar (ON HOLD)

Chapter 3

Spring 1642, Boronduin Territory, Ardaman

The sun's first rays crested the cliffs behind the citadel, chasing away the final shadows of night. Salty mist sprayed up from the waves beating against the ship's hull. Alexandra stood at the helm with a contented smile, relishing the cold, fresh air as the ship pulled into harbour.

It's been a little over thirteen years since she lost her family. Her memories never resurfaced, and neither did her wolf. And, strangely, without a wolf, she also had no scent. But, she has made peace with her past, known and unknown. Despite her losses, she was not alone. She had a family bound not by blood, but by choice and something even deeper.

After six long years of study at the prestigious Eldara Academy, she was finally going home, not just for a visit, but permanently. She would be returning as a distinguished academic in various fields, and hopefully, she would be more worthy.

The pack may have accepted and respected her, but her glaring differences from her packmates made her feel like an outsider to all but her family and friends. She has no werewolf traits, and although she has trained extremely hard to be capable in a fight, she is nothing more than a mere human now.

Even though those close to her never made her feel anything less than she was, she always wanted to prove her worth, not to be a burden.

Her differences led to her building a keen bond with animals from all walks of life. That was where she felt most at peace, aside from when she was in the depths of Erisdar. Which is where her passion for nature studies and healing stemmed from.

After six years of study on the Isle of Eldara, just off the Citadel's coast, Alexandra raced through the city's busy streets with a single goal-to surprise her father in time for his sixtieth birthday.

The sword she'd chosen for him was no ordinary blade: crafted by an elven smith and enchanted by the academy sorcerer, it was a gift worthy of an alpha.

She pushed her way through the droves of beings in the portal square, pulling a trolley stacked with her trunks. She paid her fare and stepped into the cool mist of departure- her heart full.

On the other side in Kessanar, the scent of pine and rain welcomed her like an old friend. She loaded her belongings onto a steam engine bound for the valley and settled into her seat, the rhythmic clunk of the pistons soothing her nerves.

"Look here, Lexi," Seamus said with excitement, "You see those stones? They heat the water to make steam, which makes the pistons turn the wheels. They are eternal fire bricks. They're magic and very rare. Legends say they were created from the last breaths of a fire-breathing dragon."

Little Alex giggled, "That's just silly, there are no dragons."

"No, but it's still cool, though," he said, giving her a dashing smile.

Alex smiled fondly at the memory as she drifted to sleep.

A few days later, the sharp whistle of the conductor announced the approach of Brimhold - a town that straddles a cliff ridge, known for rare root vegetables and iron tools.

After departing from the engine, she quickly made her way through the village to where she knew the trader would be preparing his wagon, the hood of her travel cloak pulled up to protect against the soft drizzle.

"Room for one more, Mr. Morley?" she asked when she was near enough.

The middle-aged man looked up from his packing and organising in surprise. When he recognised who it was, the scowl dropped from his face and was replaced with a toothy grin. "Well, blimey me. Who'd thought I'd be seein you today?" he exclaimed before coming closer for a hug. "You've grown up from the sprite you were, little miss. Come home for a visit again, have ya?"