Behind the Umbra

The Murky Land

I gather my cloak and arrow and handed Celina a dagger. She would need it anytime. Her arm is getting worst. We will go back home to the land of Avalon, the land of my parents where I grew up and learned everything.

After I prepare some food for the trip, I talk to her intently while putting some potions on her wound. It won't last long but atleast it can ease the pain.

"Honey do you remember the stories I've been telling you? The Becephalus? White fangs? Nymphs? All creatures we were talking about?" I kneel and asked her with seriousness.

"Yes, mom." she replied with her little voice.

"Listen to me. Tonight we were going to Avalon. You know that place, right? I need you to be brave. Trust mommy, okay? Always remember never be afraid. Be strong for yourself." My voice was shaking. Tears are triggered. I can't hold myself anymore. She just give me a quiet nod with a sweet little weak smile.

Little droplets began to stream down my cheeks. I can't help but cry. How ironic life is. I've been imposing my child to be strong yet I can't contain my own emotions.

Yes. I am afraid. What would I do if she turns into an accurst? What if we were discovered by scrumptious? They would do everything just to bring us back to their kingdom. Knowing that I am their former queen, they would need my presense. My aura will give the kingdom absolute protection. I can't take protecting the kingdom who vanish half my kin. I am not born scrumptious I just become their queen the moment I married their prince, Azarelle.

After our wedding we move to their kingdom and began to rule. The bonding of a mystic and scrumptious is something in history. This two clans are said to be associated with Sol and Luna, the origin of all energy and aura. If they were bonded to each other, then they could control the power in the entire realm.

I stood up, do some enchantments which will screen the aura emitting from Celina. It can take our enemies away for a while. I start to murmur some spells.

Oh! Lunan ferti
Filia meum mecum
obscura, omni industria
Nostrum donec perveniamus

Et formare sui cura vi qny

We began to float. A huge transparent orb is slowly enveloping us. Wind is howling wildly. Our surrounding is filled with purple, blue and white glimmering crystals that seems to be snowflake falling from the sky. Strong energy is in the air.

The incantation was done. We are now standing in the entrance of Murky land, me still holding Celina like before but now, I will let her explore the forest. I won't keep her slept. She has the right to learn everything, all the creature I kept hidden, all the creature she should enjoy. She has the right to feel magic even if it is against my will.

Under the white moon who doesn't have it's full size, I summoned a becephalus, a black winged horse with white diamond markings on the forehead. In an instant, it set foot in front of me, decending from above with gentleness.

Celina clasps her hand at the sight. She was very amused and excited like she wasn't enduring any pain. Looking at my daughter, I can't help to feel guilty keeping her away from this fascinating things.

With all the the excitement running through her veins, I let her board the becephalus. It lift its front feet like a joyful horse getting ready for a ride. Smile is plastered in her lips.

We rode the becephalus. It was half a day when we decided to have a snack. The vicinity was as quiet as before. Tall trees around. Crickets noisily wheezing. No other noise than the sounds of leaves swaying. Supposedly, in human's time it is already the middle of the day but since the Sol is taken from Luna, there are no brighter days. It was always dark.

I stop the becephalus behind. We reach for a safer spot and avoid the pathway. We have to get away from any trouble.

Celina climbed down. I started to prepare the food. The blanket that I brought had been laid. She began to eat. With all the worry I've been carrying, I watched our surrounding thoroughly. After she finish her food, she doze off beside me. I watched her with full amazement. She was really tough as her father. I see a kind of dominion resembling to his. It was a few moments before my eyes felt heavy and closed deliberately.

When I open my eyes, there are no clues of Celina. I hurriedly got up and look for her. My daughter! Where did she go. Did a lost soul took her? No! Not my daughter please. Minutes of walk, I found the dagger I give her. My heart is racing. The sight of the dagger laying down the ground cause me to catch my breath.

I took another walk. Little by little I sensed power. Too many spirits around. They are hiding. I hold myself . There are undistinguished aura but one thing I know, my daughter is around. I am getting cautious in every move I take.

After I took another step, I found Celina. My heart beats faster. I was grasping for air. It was a total surprise. What happend to her? How did she get into here? I was so bewildered.

Celina is now floating above. She was unconscious. There's a flame covering her. The wind fights, trying to get inside. The moon is watching her. My poor Celina. Murpy Land was always a crafty place.