Take Me Away

Chapter 8

  There's no way I'm letting that happen to her.  It only took one glance to realize that she was my everything, my one reason to continue living.  After all the time I've spent without her in my life, there's no way I could ever go back to the way things were before her.

  "You need to be smart about this, lad.  You can't just go plucking her from her home and expect her to not resent you for that."

  Of course Hane is right.  She just looks so helpless.  "How long do I have?"

  "There's no way of knowing.  It is up to her body how long she can last."

  Aurick started whimpering, grimacing like she is in pain.  My mind was made in a split second.  Unlocking the door I was at her side, kneeling to brush her wet hair from her face.  She turned her face towards my hand, sighing in relief. 

  Quietly I spoke to Hane, I could feel him behind me.  "I cannot leave her here when my presence gives her so much relief.  If she's not long for this world I need to bring her with me."

  "It's your decision.  Don't say I didn't warn ya though.  Humans have rejected their partners though.  It doesn't happen often, but it's not unheard of when bringing them to another world."

  "I stand by my decision.  I need to save her.  Hopefully in time she'll realize that."  Swiftly, but gently, I scoop her frail form up in my arms.  Even now she doesn't stir.  That just re-affirms my decision to bring her with us.  

  "Once she is well I'll bring her back for her things.  Would you lock her door behind you, Hane?"

  "Already taken care of."

  I stopped in my tracks.  "She livers with someone, her Grandmother.  I don't wish to cause her unnecessary worry.  You'll take care if this?"

  Hane was suspiciously quick to answer.  "I'll take care of it."  I stared at him a moment before continuing walking once more. 

  We were back in my land before nightfall.  Sneaking in the back I didn't come across anyone luckily.  Pulling back the furs on my bed I lay her down and cover her up.  With a sigh she snuggles right in, a smile plays at my mouth.  She looks like she's always belonged here.  Already her color has improved, the bruises have already started fading.  With a heavy heart I know I must inform my parents.  Hopefully she'll still be asleep when I return.

                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  "There's no point in hiding.  I can sense you from a mile away."  I knew one of the far was outside my house as I walked up the path.  Before I left his morning I knew they'd be along to get her.

  As soon as we had arrived here, the change had started.  If the bruises and flu like symptoms were anything to go by, I knew it wouldn't be long before she would be taken.  Just like her mother, my daughter.  The stranger Aurick had seen a few days ago must have been her intended. 

  "Aedyt, is that you?"

  Well this was a surprise.  A welcome one, but nevertheless a surprise.   "Hane, what are you doing here?  Don't tell me it's you..."

  "A! Woman you know I be too old for that.  She is intended for the Prince."

  "Moleyn?"

  "No, his Highness was killed years ago.  She is destined for the younger, Prince Austeyn."

  Hmm.  I don't recall hearing much about the younger son.  Only that he was quiet and thoughtful, well liked by his people, and a good fighter.  He'll make a good King one day.  I smile sadly, Aurick is very fortunate. 

  "You know, more than anyone, the way of our laws.  Having lost two now to the marriage rights.  They would have died had they not been taken."

  "It doesn't make it hurt any less.  My time with them was too short, and I am alone once more."  Agar whined at this.  "I'm sorry Agar, it'll be a while before she comes back to us."

  "As soon as she is well enough, we'll bring her back for her things.  Does she know anything of us?"

  "She's always known there was something more, even when she was little.  Nature just gravitated to her."  I chuckled.  "No, she wont be scared.  But your Prince had better watch himself when she first wakes up.  She won't take kindly to being taken away without her consent."

  "Heh, if they're to spend eternity together they'll need to overcome their past to head towards the future."