Xavion Silverfate

Chapter 11 | Ghost Orchids

I stared at the map, my mother's handwriting became a stark reminder of my duty, it was a promise I made to her. Akolyn's words echoed in my mind, and a spark of determination ignited within me for the first time.

"Please get there safely, Xavion. They are waiting for you." It was a promise I made to her, one I had almost forgotten amidst my despair.

Akolyn's words echoed alongside hers, his enigmatic smile lingering in my thoughts. "Either you disappear into the shadows, forfeiting them to fate, or embrace your destiny and alter their course." For now, I said to myself. I'd choose this glowing bottle.

I can always return to you the vast blue sky.

Rising from the bed, wincing as pain shot through my torso. The herbs and bandages did their best, but the wounds ran deep.

It's not too late to go back yet.

My mind flew back to the comforting bed. But my buttocks have already been lifted from the soft mattress.

Forget it.

Putting my foot down on the wooden floors, it felt somehow amazing. I remembered, back in the castle, after attending my princely training, I'd walk on the castle corridors and watch the sky, the little birds flying and the children playing.

The golden hours seemed to pass by faster than I was watching it.

"Ow, aphòdeuma!" I whispered and screamed, as my ankle made contact with the floor, I was losing control, as I tried to slowly put myself up.

Sweat poured down my back. My brown pants have highlights of blood.

Why does this sweat run down my spine so quickly that it becomes itchy? I asked myself, trying to slowly touch it with my left arm, afraid to open my wounds.

"Oh, kèpfos! It wasn't sweat! It's blood!" Grabbing the nearest towel from the chair that was holding me upright, I dried the wound with it and tossed it on the table.

"Now, where were we?" I almost cried when I saw the glowing bottle.

"Why did he put it up there?"

I took the chair with me, making it my cane. At least, let's try to not burst the stitches to keep myself going.

With a few more steps, I reached the shelf, and putting the chain near it, I tried to give myself a boost.

"Please get there safely, Xavion. They are waiting for you."

Yes mother, for you. I would do this for you.

Grabbing the edge of the shelf, hoping it won't fall on me, I extended my arm, feeling the tight stitches of Akolyn in my torso, and my bloodies back. Comforting myself, that once I get this healing potion, the pain will subside.

Reaching for the healing potion on the highest shelf, its golden glow promising strength and recovery. With a deep breath, I uncorked the bottle and drank. The liquid was warm, spreading through my body like fire and light. I felt my wounds begin to mend, the pain dulling as the potion worked its magic.

Clutching the map from the bed, trying the potion's effectivity, I jumped out of the window.

"Ow!" I whimpered, I guess that wound is deep, I must not force myself yet.

Akolyn was nowhere to be found, the vast blue of the sky turned to a darker shade, and the sea stretched out before me. Akolyn's cottage was perched on the edge of the world, a place of refuge and contemplation. But I could not stay here. My grandparents needed me, and I had a duty to fulfill.