The Dragon Prince - Marked

Part 41

"Callum's.....alive?" Rayla's broken voice was barely a whisper, yet Ezran was overjoyed to hear it again. Smiling, the young king began.

"Yes. He's gone through a lot since he disappeared, but he's alive and well. Turns out he's been recovering in a hidden village. I'll skip the details for now but there is a good reason for why he didn't come back." Rayla's ears perked up as she listened intently. Ezran briefly explained the whole situation and Callum's condition. Once he finished, Ezran watched Rayla. Expecting either a sigh of relief or an angered look, he was surprised when she tossed the covers off and quickly moved around the room. "Uh Rayla? What're you doing?"

"I'm packin clothes."

"I see that, but why?"

"I'm leavin to go to Callum."

"Rayla, I don't think that's the bes..." Astoria tried to speak but was cut off by Rayla.

"No! You don't talk to me. I understand why Callum agreed to stay away, but you knew the whole time and even lied to me. All I need you to do is fly me to that village." Rayla snapped angrily.

"Rayla, that may not be the best idea." Ezran interrupted. "You if someone follows you then.."

"I know the risks, but I also know why Callum is so weak. It's our bond. It links us together magically. Think of it as if he cut himself off from half his powers. That's why I need to find him so he can undo this stupid suppression spell." Rayla quickly finished packing and changed into her battle gear. When she walked out of the bathroom, she found Amaya waiting for her.

{Are you sure you're up to this? You haven't had time to process everything, not to mention how you've been out of it for weeks.} Amaya signed. After years of living with Callum, he taught Rayla how to sign so that she could have conversations with Amaya without a translator. Rayla smiled lightly.

"Don't worry. I know I haven't been pretty useless, but it was because of everythin Ezran told me that I can do this. Without Callum, I guess I just lost my hope. But now I have to find him." Amaya smiled at the young girl's determination.

{Good. Just take it easy. You're weak after little movement for a few weeks. I want to go, but they need me here. Promise you'll bring him home.}

"Of course." Rayla replied happily. As the two walked outside, they were greeted by Astoria and Ghia waiting for them.

"Rayla, this is Ghia. The elf that cared for Callum." Astoria spoke. There was silence.

"Umm... Are you two..." Rayla began.

"Sisters? Unfortunately." Ghia spoke, confirming Rayla's suspicion. "We just don't get along that well."

"Anyway. Are you ready to go Rayla?" Astoria asked.

"I am." Rayla stated, walking past Astoria without looking at her. Sighing, Astoria waved to Ghia and Amaya as she climbed onto Skyhawk and took off. The flight was silent except for the flapping wings and wind. Astoria wanted to speak but knew that now wouldn't be the best time. Fortunately for the pair, the village quickly came into view. Once they landed, Rayla wasted no time. The village council was fairly shocked to see the two but told Rayla how to get to Callum. Before anyone could try to stop her, Rayla took off down the forest path. What was normally a half hour walk lasted all of 5 minutes for the elf. Finally seeing the clearing ahead as well as the sounds of fighting, Rayla slowed herself down, feeling the weight of what she's about to do. Callum stood just beyond the trees and she was about to see him for the first time in weeks after believing he had died. She didn't know what she would do. Unable to handle the waiting any longer, Rayla stepped into the clearing. Paying no mind to Seri and Soren, she gazed awestruck at what was in front of her. Rayla found Callum.