Life's Pursuit {Book 2}

Chapter 18: Impending Fear

Three months passed on Alfheim since the departure of Loki and Oveaus. Jennica wondered if such time went by for them on the other worlds, if they felt their leave lasting as long as it had been. Their names were chanted in her thoughts, not once missing a day. No word had been sent but they were alive. They had to be, she wouldn't believe otherwise. It was her glimmer of hope in the increasingly darkened days that were upon them.

She sat in the council room, Even's urgent voice filling its dim interior. It was a battle to listen to what he said in its entirety. The reports of the growing dark magic in the outskirts that had not dissipated, the men who had died trying to voyage near it, only added to her increasing worry. Yet, she kept herself as present as she could. The past months had been spent learning more of the elvish culture, learning more on how to be a princess, to be more diplomatic. Showing her face was considered a grace and even more so with their lack of council members. Kvasir had not begun a process in council restoration just yet.

"What must I tell the others?!" Even's voice raised, not having allowed his frustration to reveal so much until now. "The light magic you have given us is now barely making a dent. The darkness is growing! Are we supposed to watch as it devours our realm?"

Kvasir visibly stiffened. The words were hard to hear and Even was overstepping his bounds to raise his voice at the king, although Kvasir paid no mind. "We will put an end to the voyages. There is no use in throwing lives away to this evil magic."

"But my Lord, I beg of you to realize that we have no other plan in stopping this darkness. Our magic is no good for fighting something to this scale. Not without the artifacts I know we once had."

"The princess' magic is almost ready." Kvasir tried not to notice Jennica, dreading the thought of sending his daughter to the darkness. "She has been training and her power is soon unmatchable."

Jennica wasn't so sure of her father's last choice of words, although her commitment to the training was indeed truthful. Along with her diplomatic studies, growing in the art of mastering the Fractals took much time and energy during her days. She desired to play a role in seeing to the destruction of the dark magic plaguing their world. These thoughts brought her hand up to clasp the locket's charm.

"Our only hope is the one remaining heir to the throne?" Even's obvious distaste was disheartening, as it was clear the risk their only plan was. Losing the battle and losing Jennica would be the end of their royal bloodline.

Kvasir understood, but his firm countenance would not budge. Even knew his heart and the opposite was true, but times like these threatened to bring out the worst. "If our magic is doing nothing more as you have claimed, then Princess Alfva is our only hope. You will see to it that the rest of our people stay away from the sea and the outskirts, even moving away from the village if you deem it necessary. I place their lives in your care."

Even was relieved of any duties that required battling the darkness, yet he still felt the weight of his responsibility lying heavier than ever. He was to personally oversee the wellbeing of the villagers. An honor and a burden.

His frustration softened. Even bowed, clasping a fist to his chest. "I will honor thee with my actions, dear king."

Kvasir said no more, only raising his hand to give the young elf permission to leave. The pressing matters at hand were a clear strain on the king and his exhaustion was evident.

At this clear dismissal, Jennica quietly left before other words could be shared. Her mother went to the comfort of her husband and Jennica knew it would be an appropriate time to leave without announcing so. The realization of the matters at hand began to flush the blood from her face and her heart raced in her chest until it shortened her breath. The need for her fractals was soon. They had no more options, she was the only one.