Crown of Silver Leaves

PROLOGUE

    Dear Willow,
    Krekona and its leader awaits my arrival.
    Please understand that there is no use chasing after me. I shall avenge my parents and bring them justice. But I don't want you getting harmed along the way.
    I am sorry I never told you, of all my ridiculous thoughts, that I have been planning this departure for so long.
   Forgive me for this.
   C.A.

   She pinned the small note onto the wall next to her bed with a small dagger, despising the guilt stabbing her repeatedly for having been so secretive behind Willow's back. What would her only friend think of her? Maybe Willow would completely understand why Cristella had suddenly set off for a dangerous continent in order to wreak havoc on the people who had mercilessly tortured her parents so long ago. Or maybe Cristella was just a mindless seventeen-year-old wanting to get under Willow's skin by running away.

   But Cristella shook her head as if it would clear away the distracting thoughts, taking a deep breath and leaning down to grab her leather satchel. It had taken her days packing and unpacking food, water and blankets, making sure the bag wasn't too heavy but not too empty at the same time. She doubted the resources would last long enough though.

   She slung it over her shoulder and reached for the cloak sitting on her unmade bed. It was of a fine black material, smooth and strong and probably cost more than her life was worth - considering the fact she had once stolen it from someone whilst casually strolling through the large city of Farynnia. And most of the richest wolves lived in that city.

   Glancing out of the square window opposite her bed, Cristella saw the waxing moon beginning to descend into the blanket of darkness outside, its moonlight spilling into her room. A chilling breeze whipped through the small side window. Perfect for the sea journey.

   Cristella pulled up her hood, hiding her brown eyes in shadow. She climbed out of the small side window, crouching on the ledge. And then she jumped.

   With light ease she landed on the gnarled branch, black gloved hands gripping the thick oak to steady herself, not a thought unsettled by the branch wobbling slightly.

   Her whole body was hugged by a black leather jumpsuit, Willow's present for her fifthteenth birthday as her old one had been too small for her. The daggers and blades sheathed around her waist reassured her that anyone who dared touch her would lose a finger or two.

   Cristella's gaze flicked to the right, where more branches lay and then to her left, where down below was a patch of grass surrounded by growing flowers and herbs.

   Again, she leapt into the air, her cloak billowing out, a shade darker than the sky. She landed in a crouch on the grass with no more than the softest thud.

   And then she ran.

   Cristella flung her legs over the metal gate and sprinted down the stone road into the village town. Trees lined one side of the path and more cottages on the other as the path started sloping downhill. Her legs were almost running with the wind. Her lips tugged at the corners as her body thrummed with the wild energy within her. She felt so high on her energy. As silent as her feet were, her heart was beating wildly in her ears and her mind was shouting with such joy.

   Her cloak rippled behind her, catching the moonlight as the first buildings came into view. She wound through narrow allies and slowed to turn hairpin corners. The roads soon widened out, empty save for the usual wolf drunkards howling their heads off outside a closed pub. They did not notice her pass them; she was a mere shadow darting below the tightly packed wooden buildings.

    Every step she ran took her closer to the West Coast of Farynnia. She chased the shadows, her satchel bobbing against her hip, hoping she would be at the port in time. The journey to Krekona, Land of Fae had cost her half the bronze coins she had earned over the past years from card games and temporary jobs. Money left over was used to stock up on food and water - clothes weren't necessary. Cristella would only wear her one suit and cloak anyway.