The Valley of Mysteries | Book 1: The Beginning

Chapter 13 - THE JOURNEY

*FLASHBACK*

Natalie, Caitlyn and Garrett stepped out of the car, outside a B&B. Caitlyn pointed towards the other end of the road.
"We have to start walking as soon as we're done with breakfast!" she said.

After an hour, they started walking down the road. Soon the town was left behind and forest cover began. Walking for what looked like an hour, they reached a narrow opening. It was where the dense forest appeared to start. Caitlyn walked in through a door-like archway. It was covered with wild creepers and flowers. It was beautiful. Natalie and Garry entered after her. Natalie frowned as all she could see was mist. Caitlyn held out her hands for Garrett and Natalie. Holding hands they walked through the mist. Natalie could have sworn to have seen some figures in it like other people passing.
"Pateficio!" Caitlyn muttered. The mist cleared in a few seconds.

They were standing at the edge of an otherwise well-hidden valley that was bisected by a river. On the right side was what looked like a small town and on the left was a magnificent castle with HALE flashing in bold and capital in the front. It was massive, probably larger than the entire town. Soon, she realized it was the University. She glanced at her mother from the side of her eye. This place was weird in some way. Despite the cold weather, the waterbody wasn't frozen. She turned her head towards the left side and saw a dead volcano at the very end. The way towards the town was a tricky path. She looked at Garrett now, who was tying his laces to be prepared for a long walk, towards the town.
"Ready when you are!" he said to Natalie.
"Have you been here before?" she asked.
"Naah, I'm going to follow your mother." he winked and clapped on her shoulder. Caitlyn stepped ahead to lead their way. She walked down easily as if it was nothing at all. Garry was a trained and experienced officer, so it wasn't difficult for him. But Natalie kept skidding.
"Careful, kiddo!" Garry said, catching her.
"Sorry!" she said.
"Don't worry, it's easier from there!" Caitlyn pointed at a path with stone stairs. Natalie nodded in response.

They reached the stairs. Natalie ran past Caitlyn and Garrett.
"Slow down!!" Garry called out after her.
"I'm okay!" Natalie giggled as she glided. Suddenly, she was full of joy and excitement. Caitlyn and Garry shared a relieved smile as they watched her step down. Natalie turned back to look at her parents and smiled. As she turned back, she bumped into someone and they tumbled down for the rest of the flight.
"Ow!" Natalie groaned.
"YOU BLIND OR WHAT?" a thunderous voice rang in her ears.
"I'm sorry! I just..."
"KEEP YOUR SORRIES FOR SOMEONE WHO CARES. NOW GET OUT OF MY FACE!!" the man scowled. He stood up and crossed his arms. Natalie helped herself up as her parents jogged up to her.
"I didn't mean to..."
"I SAID... I... DON'T CARE!!!" he yelled again.
"Easy there!" Garry glared at him.
"Who the hell are you?" the man pointed a finger at Natalie and Garry. Caitlyn was standing behind him.
"That's no way to talk!" Natalie said.
"Ohho! Now I'll have to take lectures from..." before he could finish, Natalie punched him. "What the..."
"SHUT UP!!!" her voice roared.
"Nat!" Garry held her back as she charged again.
"Stop it!" Caitlyn walked in front of the man. "Who are you? And why are you yelling at my daughter? Didn't you see her walking down?" she kept a flat face but her voice gave away.
"She just punched me... why don't you..." he stopped talking as he looked at Caitlyn's face. Natalie stifled a laugh as she saw his face turning white.
"Yes, it's me. I'm back." she crossed her arms.
"I'm so sorry, your grace." the man bowed. Natalie raised her eyebrows.
"Oh, my God! I'm so sorry for what this buffoon did." a young girl in a silvery-white dress rushed up to Caitlyn and curtsied. Caitlyn answered with a nod.
"I'm no buffoon... but I am sorry. I was in a hurry and lost control over that... er... I mean I'm really sorry." he narrowed his eyes at Natalie who answered with a glare.
"This is Sean Mitchell. And I... am Alyssia Star."
"You know me, please call me Caitlyn or Mrs Watson. This is my husband, Garrett Watson and my daughter..."
"Natalie Brown!" Alyssia completed her sentence and walked closer. She embraced Natalie and parted. Natalie took her appearance in. She was extremely beautiful. Her eyes lingered on her ears. "Elf! I'm an elf... if that's what you're wondering." Alyssia put a lock of her hair behind her ear to reveal it fully. It was elongated and sharper at the tip.
"Woah!" Natalie blinked her eyes foolishly as Alyssia laughed.
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to..."
"Nah, it's okay. Welcome to the valley. Trust me, I'm not the most amusing thing here!" she winked.
"I'm okay, by the way. Thanks for asking." Sean scowled.
"You're welcome." Alyssia tried not to laugh.
"Your Grace, I really am sorry! I didn't mean to..."
"It's okay. Just be careful. Do I know you?" she noticed the spark in Sean's eyes.
"Yes, yes! Oh, my God!!" he turned towards Alyssia, a grin covered his face but not a single word escaped his mouth.
"You're his hero! He..."
"I owe you my life!!" he bowed again.
"Easy there!" Caitlyn lifted him by his shoulders and smiled.
"Seriously!! You saved my life, remember?"
"Huh?"
"When I was 5, my parents were... killed. And I was running towards the woods when some creatures attacked me. You jumped in like a hero and beheaded them all!!" he said cheerfully, swinging his hands in the air with an imaginary sword.
"Yeah, she's good at beheading!" Natalie looked away.
"I... I remember now. The little brave boy said: I can fight if you let me!!" she ignored Natalie and smiled brightly.
"Yes!!"
"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Sean! You too, Alyssia!" she smiled.
"Would you mind if we keep Natalie? We'll give her a tour around the town and drop her off by the evening. If you don't mind!" she looked at Caitlyn hopefully. Caitlyn smiled.
"Natalie?" she asked her.
"I... Yes. I'd love to!" Natalie smiled at Alyssia then furrowed her brows as she looked at Sean.
"I promise, he won't bite." Alyssia nudged him and he gave a fake smile.
"Bye!" Garry gave her a quick hug before walking away with Caitlyn.