In Shadows of Night

12-December

Theos

"Bring her to me?" Cora asked one of the guards. He looked to me and nodded in confirmation. The young man left the room for a moment, only to bring back a tiny swaddle of white cotton. Cora extended her hands, sitting cross-legged on the couch, and brought the tiny package to her chest, holding the baby softly, pulling down the blankets. "She's not quite human." She smiled.

"How can you tell?" I asked. "What makes you say that?"

"I just, I can sense her. There's something different, here. I can just tell." I watched her inquisitively as she rocked the infant in her arms. She was absolutely a natural.

"Cora, talk to her." I placed my hand around the back of the couch, waiting.

"Hi there, little one." She started. "You're so beau-" I interrupted her.

"Not with your words." She pursed her lips tightly closed.

"I don't know how to do that." She whispered.

"I trust that you'll figure it out." I patted her knee and stood, quickly walking to Birthryn across the room.

"She came with this." She handed me a soft, pink bag loaded with blankets, diapers, formula, and toys. Also in the bag, a note signed from her mother. Birthryn handed me the note before continuing, "Her name is Thedia and she's a refugee. From our own kingdom."

12- December

My king,

Please forgive her cries, she's scared. Her name is Thedia, she's my daughter. We live in the far forest, beyond the great river. Your grace, horrible things are happening here and I beg of you to grant her asylum as a refugee from this horrid place. Give her the life she deserves, away from soul theives and corruption of the forest. The gremlins and goblins are on edge and the demons are creating a militia of sorts, separate from the throne; something isn't right. All of our communicators were rounded up and executed- all but the one you're sheltering. We need help before it's too late. Whoever is doing this is looking for something and he won't stop until it's found. Rumors are spreading, my king. People think it's you. I know you, my king, you've lead with nothing but integrity. I know it's not you. Please, keep Thedia safe and send help when you can. Raise her as your own, if you must, but please don't send her back. Tell only Birthryn of this letter, she is a friend of mine.

Nathadia

P.S. If my visions are true, your charge will be a great benefit for you; perhaps she'll become your half-soul.

"This letter is dated a week ago. How did she get here?" I asked. "Find out and, Birthryn, no one will know about this letter or Thedia's presence in my palace except you and these guards."

"Yes your grace." With a turn of her heel, Birthryn disappeared into the darkness.