Esveldza: 'The Lonely Child of Fire'

Chapter XIV- Return

Chapter XIX

Return

The morning was warm and welcoming; the plants had a fresh aroma around them from the rain the night before. We had spent the last three days recovering as well as preparing for our long journey south- to Tivess.

Lianra had cried, kissing and hugging us hundreds of times that morning as we left. We did not know when we would see Lianra again but we promised that one of the first things we would do as we reached Tivess would be to send her a letter. Sarben teared up too but when Daarken said he could cry it only seemed to make him more determined not to.

We barely spoke about what Offikrin had said, “I think it is best if we just let it happen. Take his advice but do not worry about what hardships may be coming. Offikrin warned us about the bad but there will surely be good.” Sarben said to us, as I stared at him with surprise at his sudden wise words.

“Well, it seems you are already becoming that wise person… I still think you are an idiot though.” Daarken laughed as Sarben tried to hit him.

We walked along the rocky path to Tivess. The journey was estimated to be around a month on foot. Walking along the same road I had travelled along all those months ago brought back bitter memories. I walked ahead of Sarben and Daarken, eager to reach the great city of Tivess.

We talked a bit on the first few days but we often ran out of things to talk about. Daarken would get us to play a game and that would keep us entertained for a while until the sun went down and we were too sore and tired to continue. I looked forward to the nights as they meant sleep, another day over and closer to Tivess.

+++

Once we awoke on the 30th day we could see the walls of Tivess stretching for miles around the city. Some buildings managed to be as high as the walls and we could just make them out from where we stood. Tivess castle stood a little off centre to the city but corridors connected it to the other buildings, which connect it to the walls. The castle was taller than the walls, around one third bigger.

We could not see the city the night before because we slept at the bottom of the hill, as we climbed it the next morning we were excited to see just how close we were.

“Wow, it really is beautiful.” Sarben commented, “I cannot wait to sleep in a proper bed tonight.”

We ran down the hill, feeling renewed with energy. I turned to look at Sarben and Daarken when I realized Daarken wasn’t with us. I turned around to see him still on the hill; I stopped and waited for him. He reluctantly ran down the hill and stopped next to me.

“Is everything ok?” I asked as he caught up to me.

Daarken’s grey eye was fixed on the city nervously, he pulled his cloak further over his face, “I am fine.” He muttered and ran down the rest of the hill.

I followed him and ran in front of him so he had to face me. “No you are not.” I insisted.

He sighed, folding his arms, “Truthfully, Akaiya, I am worried about what your parents will say… or the King and Queen for that matter. I am not exactly welcomed there.”

I grabbed his shoulders with my hands, “I am seeing the King and Queen because Offikrin said I should do so. If something or someone were to threaten you, you know that I would defend you with my life.”

Daarken’s eyes studied mine as I studied his. “Are you coming? Hurry up, I am sick of eating old bread and terrible soups that Akaiya failed to cook, I want some real food!” Sarben called from further down the path.

I jumped around to face Sarben, waving my fist angrily at him, “You are lucky that I even cooked for you! You were too weak and tired to do anything! Next time I will give you a cold, uncooked soup that will make your stomach churn!” I screamed out towards him.