Anya

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

   As soon as Dimitri landed in Daighte, he landed on top of a hill. There was nothing around, no fairies, no people and no guards. He was shaken, he had literally just escaped what he had called home for twenty-six years and now he didn’t even know what to do.

   He could tell they were in the midst of a storm as the wind was whipping at him from all directions atop the hill. He could see a lake and in the distance a palace which Rolchov told him he may be able to see.

   Rolchov. He was dead.

      And as horrible as it was, all Dimitri could think about was that he was glad Clarissa had not turned up unexpectedly, he certainly would not have left if it had been she who died.

   He trusted Rolchov but he did not have much time to think over his death. He probably would never see him again if he lived anyway. He was thankful for his help but all he wanted to do now was go and kill King Brokova, after he had a sleep.

   He was exhausted and as he sat down upon the green, soft stuff that lined the ground, something he had never seen before, he noticed blood dripping down his arm. Carefully, he turned his arm to see he had a nasty gash just above his elbow which was caused by the same stray magic that had killed Rolchov.

   His hands drifted over the small blades and although he was unsure on how to get the palace he saw in the distance, he felt a sense of comfort. Dimitri felt peace for the first time in his life. You could only sleep for about four hours sleep in Anceps in case you were ambushed. Somebody had to look out at all times.

   Living in Anceps was the norm though, he always had to watch his back because if he didn’t the demons would kill him.

   This green ground he was sat upon was the liveliest, natural product he had seen. The ground was that barren in Anceps that nothing ever grew apart from a few trees and they were dead before he was even born.

   Climbing to his feet he placed his wand in his trouser pocket, keeping it hidden like his father advised and scanned his eyes over the land.

   His ultimate destination was the palace but he knew he needed to find a place close by that would allow give him shelter and a decent night’s sleep so he could head out in the morning and start the journey.

   The lake was just huge and beyond that he could see a scattering of houses and as he looked east he could see another scattering of houses although they were much closer.

   There was not any life at all on top of the hill and Dimitri was more than thankful for that. His father did not manage to give him much advice but he told him to keep his wand hidden as much as possible, avoid crowds and just get into the palace as quickly as he could.

   Letting out a sigh and filling his lungs with the fresh air, he started to slowly make his way down the hill, going towards the lake. He had never seen so much water in one place and was fascinated by it.

   As he edged closer to the lake he noticed an entranceway that started on the small beach. Dimitri could not help the huge smile on his face as he almost ran towards the cave. How could his luck have changed like that?

   These past few weeks as he planned and grieved, he truly felt like his luck had finally fallen through. Growing up, despite feeling somewhat left out by his siblings and living in Anceps he had always felt lucky. He had loving parents and it was not until the past year that the demons and goblins knew he had magic and so they did not target his family specifically before then. He was not some lothario but he had a bit of luck with the ladies and he had a great best friend in Clarissa.