The General's Daughter

Chapter 9

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          We made our way deeper into the enchanting forest, I led Snow by the reigns taking in the beauty but on alert for another test. As I was admiring an Unicorn a face appeared on a big oak tree. "Hello Ryul." It spoke, it's voice booming. "Hello." I said and bowed. "A question with only one answer. Who was she truly trying to protect?" The Oak tree asked. "While Lucille was protecting you, was it truly you she was trying protect?" Astral clarified. I thought. 'She was trying to ensure my safety so she was truly trying to protect me wasn't she?' I thought. 'No, if she loved me, and I know she did, by ensuring I was safe and happy she could make sure she saved herself from heartache. So she was really protecting herself by protecting me.' I thought. "She was protecting herself." I said. The Oak tree smiled and then went back to its original state. 

           We made our way to a river and decided to rest there for a moment. A Siren came up to my feet and rested her delicate hand on my calf. "Hello Ryul." She said. Her voice was melodic and hypnotizing. "H-hello." I said back and she smiled. She pushed herself up beside me and wrapped her arms around me. "Why don't you stay here with me?" She whispered in my ear. "Stay here?" I asked. "Mhmm. We could be together. All you have to do is forget about her and tell me you'll stay here with me." She said and her hands came up to my shoulders. I shook her off as Lucille came to mind. "No. I am here to reach the Garden and bring the woman I love back. Leave me." I said and pushed her back into the water. I grabbed Snow's reigns and we continued. "You just passed a test of your faithfulness." Astral said. 

             We came to a door again, this time it was a part of a giant tree. A face appeared on it and looked me in the eyes. "Ryul was it?" It asked. "Yes." I answered. "I am your final test. Behind me is the Garden you seek. In this garden is the soul you came to find. Are you sure you wish to answer my question?" It asked me. "I am." I said, determination coursed through me. "What was the one thing she wished for the most?" He asked. "What was one thing she most wished for?" I asked myself. "You can do this, all you have to do is remember." Astral said, standing on my shoulder. 

        "Lucille, if you could wish for one thing and one thing only and you knew it would come true, what would it be?" I asked her. "Peace among everyone and every race. With peace there would be no need for an Army who kills. Everyone would be able to do with their lives as they pleased." She said. "And you Ryul? What would you wish for?" She asked. "For your dream to come true." I had said. 

       I looked at the face in the door. "She only wanted peace among everyone and every race." I said and the face smiled as the doors opened.