The Easel Chronicles; The Burning Hands

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

Leonora stood in the field looking east. The enormous and glorious gates of Elvhelm stood at her back, like a mighty shield. The early morning breeze swept through her hair making it form a cascade of midnight black round her face. Her thoughts were far off and not on the impending confrontation with Taradin.

At the least, she thought calmly, I have some time before all and sundry come to see this foolish confrontation. Leonora was angry with herself for letting the general's son coax her anger. There were only two possible outcomes. Lose or win, but one stopped her from lying.

Aren't I already living a lie. Leonora knew she was lying to the whole of Elasia. Only three people knew what she had done. Leo, Captain Maxine and that spirit that somehow formed near the great tree.

She knew he was coming before he set foot on the vast field. Atmasar you fool, she thought sullen. Why dint he listen to her and get out of Elvhelm before she had to fight Taradin.

"Leonora child," he said behind her.

She turned to him and looked at him sadly. "You know book keeper, this will only end badly for us. If I lose, as I fear I might, I'm not sure my tales will fall on willing ears."

"Now there is our problem child," Atmasar moved closer. He looked at her with understanding in his eyes. "I know you've not held a blade since you spurred with your brother, but your power is not asleep as you fear."

"What do you mean Atmasar?"

"Fight with your magic as well," Atmasar smiled. "Simple as that. Taradin can't withstand you if you decide to let Cadrim whistle with magic at her back. But be merciful. With magic you can be and I fear if you fight without it, you'll make the general a very sad man."

"I won't use such an undershot, even if I would gladly love to see that fool on his bottom."

"Then don't fight him," Atmasar said desperately. "Your pride will not be hurt one bit by not fighting him."

"My father's pride will."

"Stareonor has always been proud and foolish."

"You say that like you know my father."

"I know a lot of things princess."

"So you know that I cannot pull out of this. I wish I dint have to involve you."

"You already did child," the older elf touched the princess' face. "Take heart, I might be far from where you'll be fighting this general's son. After, you might find me in my dingy hole."

"Why dint you leave as I asked?" Leonora asked suddenly.

"Same reasons that you fight dear child," Atmasar turned from her. "Look at what gives you strength, maybe then you will fight him well."

"I won't fight well book keeper, I know that book keeper," Leonora looked east again, "my mind worries too much and far ahead of my own self."

"Think of Aravoen then," Atmasar left her with those words.

Aravoen, she cried in her mind's eye.

Not so loud princess, Aravoen was somehow aware of her. No worries Leonora, I am in no trouble as yet.

Good to know.

I thought that would make you smile, Aravoen was confused. What troubles you Leonora?