The War Begins

Chapter 21 - Hidden

Aleda caught Breena as they landed near the edge of the forest on the Queen's meadow. Breena had momentarily lost consciousness and Aleda slowly lowered her to the ground. The girl instantly began shivering as her naked back touched the dewy, destroyed grass. The harsh pull of magic had forced the exhausted Breena back into her human shape and Aleda hoped that she would wake up before anyone came to investigate the strange weather.

While Breena recovered, Aleda drew still more power to her and rearranged the destroyed ground. The earth had been torn up by the microburst of wind and the grass had been blasted away. She slowly smoothed the rumpled ground and coaxed the plants back into the good soil. In a small part of her mind she had lifted Breena slightly off the ground so her work would be unimpeded. When she lowered her back down, Breena stirred awake.

What greeted her was stinging skin circling her neck and wrists, brining tears to her eyes. Cool air wafted all around her and Breena realized that she was not wearing any clothes, her dress had been destroyed when she shifted and when she had turned back she had not had time to summon clothing.

She tried to scramble up, only to feel all her strength leave her as she crashed back to the ground. Her legs and arms shook violently. Suddenly, a cool hand gripped her forearm. A soothing wave wrapped around her and magic began to flow through her.

She closed her eyes and let the sensations relax her taut body and cool her aching scars. The hand eventually released her and smoothed back the mass of tangled hair from her eyes. Breena pried her eyes open to look up into a friendly face. She smiled at her mentor, healer, and savior twice over.

Aleda offered her a hand which she gladly accepted. The world swayed and twisted, forcing her to wobble and reach for help. Aleda stepped close and drew Breena's arm around her shoulders. Breena leaned in, thankful for the offered support. The magic fixed her outer injuries and transitioned to a warm energy which slowly seeped into Breena and she soon found herself standing easily. With a grateful look to Aleda, she pushed away and stood staring into the forest.

Cloth covered her bare shoulders and she jumped before drawing the rough material around her body. She gathered the cloak around her with her hands and the material pooled and twisted until she was completely covered. Once she was mentally prepared, she turned to face Aleda and was awed by the sight before her.

Aleda stood in a simple black dress and wild hair that had been whipped by the wind. Her twin swords were strapped on her hips and the castle stood like a sprawling giant on a hill behind her. The lights from the castle backlit her so Breena couldn't make out too much definition.

The moon, high in the sky, cast its dewy rays down to surround Aleda and illuminated the night world. Turrets seemed to glow with light from candles and torches that lined the high walls and windows sparkled with life from the occupants. Breena knew that Aleda was not a transporter, so she was not sure how they had managed to end up at the Light elf palace within moments. Perhaps it had been an entire day since she had been freed, but she didn't think Aleda would put up with that sort of long delay or would have waited that long to heal her.

Aleda watched Breena's face contort in a confused frown. It was an expression Aleda was intimately familiar with. She smiled slightly before answering the unasked question.

"I used a transport spell. It is a way around having to teleport, but it still requires a large amount of magic. Because I used it to get to and from the other side of the elven kingdom twice in a day, I am very nearly drained. I siphoned a little of what you had so I'm sure you are exhausted and drained as well. It is clear we both need sleep, but unfortunately, we are also both needed early tomorrow. I will escort you to your room and I recommend that you tidy up and get some sleep immediately." Breena found herself nodding. It felt good to have someone else make decisions for a few moments.