What Lies Beyond the Ocean

Chapter 13

Alyard and I slept in the same bed for the first time. It was comforting having him next to me instead of away from me. I heard him breathing calmly as I heard the night's wind hit against the window. I, however, could not sleep. So many thoughts were recapping of our journey thus far. From the moment I escaped, met Alyard, encountering that crazy old hag in Geafra and Prince Scott, Casa elucidating the truth of my parents and herself, so much has happened in a few months. It's quite crazy how it's only been a few months as it seemed like an eternity. An eternity ago is when I was living the outskirts of Allience, with Casa. That Erline would've never have set foot on a journey like this. She wouldn't have left home. She wouldn't have met her true love. An amazing 13-year-old boy who would've left an impact on her heart. She wouldn't have been here in Zalfa with her true love and an angel gazing over them, finding her father and mother. I processed all of this into my mind. I wasn't the same. I wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. I figured I would have to put on a finger on that after this journey. I inhaled air which still lingered of fresh bread and drinks. I smiled as I closed my exhausted eyes and fell asleep into a dreamless yet peaceful sleep.

Someone shook me awake as I fluttered open my eyes. Alyard was awake, looking ecstatic, but about what? I rubbed my still tired eyes and sat up. Alyard smiled, bigger than any other time I've seen him smile.
"What're you excited about?" I laughed as I got out of bed to make my way to the mirror. I brushed my hair into a braid.
He didn't respond as he just took my arm, with me still in my nightgown, out into the lobby/kitchen of the inn. There was scarcely anyone here besides a man whom I couldn't recall seeing nor met before.
The mysterious man had a very sturdy build. He had stone grey eyes that pierced in my soul. He had greying black hair of which had a copper hue when it shone in the light. He had naturally furrowed eyebrows, giving him a natural look of imitation. The uniform he wore was of a Zalfa general- I instantly indicated him as the general for the High King's army. I respectfully gave him my fullest attention. The General scrutinized me from head to toe. He cleared his throat and held his head high.

"Hello m,' lady," he said in a surprisingly soothing, deep voice. "I am General Uli, General of the Zalfan Army."

I curtsy awkwardly in my teal nightgown made of silk. "It's a pleasure to meet you, General Uli," I said in a polite tone. "I am Erline, and this is Alyard."

Alyard shook Uli's hand and nodded affirmingly.

He adjusted his posture to stand quite straight.

"If you two could follow me, that would be ideal."

I glanced over at Alyard, who was looking quite discombobulated. He looked back and nodded slowly. I returned my eyes to Uli.

"We will abide by whatever you demand."

He took both Alyard and me by the arm and guided us to a carriage. Not just any ordinary carriage, a palatial carriage.

He slid us into the back of the carriage as he went to sit in the box seat to take control of the carriage. I sat next to Alyard, so close that we were touching arm by the arm.

"Do you think they found out that we're Nilopoian?" Alyard susurrated.

"Possibly," I whispered back.

"Remain silent," Uli asserted.

Alyard and I exchanged glances and remained silent as we rode down to the castle of High King Dasniz.