The Dragon Bond: Heirs of Lyra

Chapter 25

The air in Ledeberg was cooling quickly as the moon took over the sun. Shade's irritation grew with each passing minute and he was constantly asking Elysia why they were still in Ledegberg, wandering around aimlessly.

Truthfully, Elysia herself wasn't quite sure why she was still there either. Part of her ached to see her friend Phillip again but the other part knew she needed to get back home before it became darker.

As well as the fading light, another reason Elysia needed to get going back to the castle was because of the growing unease between herself and the villagers. They looked at her like she was an enemy, someone whose presence was causing them pain. She knew it was because of the new decree about the wall, but she had hoped they would realize this was not her doing. Even if she had been responsible, the people of Lyra should know by now that everything done for the kingdom is done with the best intentions.

While Elysia's thoughts faded, she accidentally bumped into someone, causing her to stumble. "Watch where you're going!" they shouted. When the older man realized he had bumped into royalty and shouted at the Princess, his eyes got wide. Then, just as sudden, his face grew cold. "I won't apologize for nothin'." The old man mumbled.

Then, as if encouraged by this man's rudeness, others joined in. "Why don't you go back to your castle where you belong?" someone shouted.

Another person, "If ye ain't gonna help us, why are ye still here?"

"You have no business here, Princess!"

Elysia's heart rate was increasing with each passing threat. She could not believe how quick her own people were turning on her because of a stupid wall. A wall that was meant to protect them from the Nieblans. But instead it was only causing trouble and ruining people's livelihood by way of trade.

The Princess felt a hand on her arm. She instantly jerked away from the touch, then realized it was her guardian.

He leaned in closely, still maintaining contact with her arm. "I think it would be best if we got out of here," he whispered.

Unable to do anything else, Elysia nodded, allowing Shade to escort her to a safer area.

The space he had taken her to was quiet and serene and, ironically, just a stone's throw from Phillip's tiny little shack.

Instinctively her feet wandered toward the little run down building. There was a small light escaping the window, indicating that the family was huddled around the fireplace inside.

"Where do you think you're going?" Shade hissed. "We need to head back right now."

When she didn't listen, he caught up to her and grabbed her arm.

"Let go of me!" she shouted, turning sharply to face him.

"As soon as you tell me what you're doing. Why are we still here? Who is it you want to speak with and why?"

"That's none of your business," she glared at him.

Shade practically towered over her in height and she suddenly felt very small.

"Your business is my business, Princess. King Alan hired me to protect you by any means and I can't do that if I don't know what you're trying to accomplish here."

The sound of approaching footsteps ended their argument quickly. Elysia let out a gasp when she recognized Phillip's blond hair and dirt covered face. He carried his axe low to the ground, as if it weighed as much as his regrets. As he walked, his steps were weary from the hard day's work of chopping down trees. He made a meager pay, but it was the only work he could find with his complete lack of education and inability to afford an apprenticeship.