Falsified (Tarnished Book 2)

15 Spelled Slumber

I wandered in the birch forests of the outskirts of the Capital city of Erstonia. I was back there in memory. I could feel the sun overhead and relish in the light it left. The home I always loved was around me again.

"A wonderful dream you have," a voice entered the meadow. "It could be real someday,"

"Who?" I began to ask and then I saw a man standing by the trees. "How did you get here?"

The man glanced at me with sullen eyes. "I know who and what you are Prince of Wolves. The maidens have given you their blessing as you have mine as well. Jaiden, you must find it in your heart to forgive me for forcing this upon you." Dressed like a rogue in leather boots and trousers he smiled. "This was the only way I could speak to you since you denied my friend to bring you to me."

I furrowed my brow. "Why me?"

The man did not move and only glanced at the scenery. "You believe I wish harm upon you, but I am afraid that is far from my thoughts. You, child of destiny has come into being." He turned his neck to gaze at me. "Jaiden Romero, I must warn you there is a mystery in these isles lost to Terra as a whole. Uncover that and you will know why he brought you here."

I stared at him with parted lips. "Who are you? I do not recall ever meeting you before."

He scoffed. "Of course, we never knew each other. I have been trapped here to keep you from me. If you must have my name, then many call me the King of the Grove." He eyed me for my reaction.

Stricken, I could form no words. Could...my thoughts of this person be muddled. I stared at him with narrowed eyes. "So, are you a villain or a creator?"

He withdrew his gaze and pulled away from the tree line. He strolled up to me. "What do you sense about me, Jaiden? You only know the answer to my innocence or guilt. I promise we will meet again, but for now, you must take care within the palace. It is not as what it appears,"

A moment after he spoke, he vanished. I shot up awake. Surrounding by Mesmer and everyone else, I could not feel the eyes of the intruder any longer. I recoiled from where I laid on the ground. Upon my feet, I could not explain this with logic. I felt all my energy restored. I stared at my surroundings.

Hands cupped my shoulders, but I shrugged out of them. "Dane, are you alright?"

I did not feel an ounce of exhaustion. "It doesn't make sense," I uttered. I backed away from them. "It is not as what it appears...then what is it I should be afraid of?"

"You have gone mad," Zazi spoke as my head turned to glance at him.

"Kid, you were out, and your pulse was almost too faint to sense. A spell was cast meaning someone with great skill in magic knew what they were doing." Mesmer was frowning. "They must have transmitted the spell from nearby, but I don't know a single person capable of using such magic. I was not able to break it, you were." His eyes were the first to peer into mine.

Everyone else then followed suit. I did not reveal my power. I know I did not. "That wasn't me," I claimed. "I swear I did not break any spell."

"Kid, he's right. None of us could break the hold it had over you. Too much longer and it would have killed you," Zazi added to Mesmer's worry. "Who in Terra are you?"

I could not summon my power in my sleep. It was impossible. I gripped my sword hilt just in case they knew who I really was. "The caster is gone, so it just weakened."

"No, that one should have lasted much longer than it did." Issara joined the other Talons in this debate. "It is called Soul Snatch."

I glanced down to see nothing wrong except my shirt torn open to reveal my chest. "What did you do while I was out?"