Adventures of a Little Sister

Part Sixteen

The two of them followed the queen deep into the forest. Soon, it was too thick for anyone to walk through, but Learorneth waved her hand then. The trees shook and seemed to move out of the way, creating a pathway for the three of them to travel through safely. Ivaylo didn't look surprised in the least, he had seen this many times. He was one of the few that were allowed into the queens personal quarters. Little Sister, though, had never seen this happen, and was amazed by what she saw. Maimu was still in her pocket, but had started to move about, coming to his senses as to where he was.

Little Sister glanced up to Ivaylo, wondering what they were going to talk about. He wasn't paying attention though, just looking straight ahead while they walked. What were they going to talk about? 

Soon, they came to a clearing. They were surrounded by trees, letting in no light. The only light came from the green flames on the candles. Laerorneth walked over to a chair, made of plants, and sat down. 

"Please, put Little Sister down so she can walk." She spoke softly.

Ivaylo put the girl down and she took a few steps closer before stopping. She wasn't sure what to say, so she waited for the queen to speak. Ivaylo knelt down to one knee and waited as well.

"Ivaylo, please, relax yourself." She said softly.

He did as she said and waited.

"Now, Little Sister," The queen started. "I know you left the forest, but don't think I'm angry with you. I put up that spell for a reason. How it weakened though, I'm not sure, but I do have a thought. However, that is not of your concern right now. Ivaylo, please, tell me what happened."

Ivaylo nodded and repeated what he told Little Sister about seeing the smoke on the way back and going to check. Little Sister continued to look around, her curiosity still picking at her. She was in a new place, and she wanted to know how those lights were green. But she knew she shouldn't mess with anything in here, so she stayed quiet. Once Ivaylo had finished his report, Laerorneth nodded.

"Thank you Ivaylo. Now, Little Sister."

The girl looked at the queen, jumping back into reality after her mind had started to wonder. The woman smiled and chuckled some before reaching out a hand for her to take. Little Sister walked over and held her hand, feeling a comfort swarming through her.

"My dear, you must've been scared to see someone else in your home. I'm sorry you had to see that. But now that you have, tell me, what are you thinking now?"

She was a little hesitant to say it, but she couldn't keep it to herself. "I want to go find my brothers."

Ivaylo quickly stood. "That's not a good idea Little Sister. There is a war going on out there. It's the very reason your brothers wanted you here. They wanted to keep you safe."

Laerorneth held up a hand to Ivaylo, the man quickly stopping. He obviously didn't like this or where it was going, but he never went against the queen's orders.

"Now, Little Sister, you know this is a dangerous thing right?"

The girl nodded, "Yes, but I want to find my brothers. I think something's wrong."

"And why do you think that? My dear, war is never a small thing. It doesn't end within minutes. It could be years before there's an end in sight. Ivaylo was right when he said your brothers brought you here to keep you safe. They didn't want you to see war and the horrors it brings."

"I know..." She muttered, looking down. "But something is wrong."

"Please, child, tell me why you think that."

"I don't know, but I feel something wrong." The girl didn't know how to explain it. How could she when she had never experienced it before? "I...I think they're trapped...trapped somewhere...cold..."

Ivaylo reached for the girl but Laerorneth raised her hand up to him again, causing him to stop. The little girl's eyes seemed to stare into the distance, like they weren't looking at anything that was actually around them. Her breathing was speeding up as she paced around a bit.

"They can't see...they can't move their hands..." 

"Little Sister? Little Sister, are you there? Are you with them?"

The girl nodded, rubbing her arms, like she was cold. "Hunger...sadness...pain...Ugh" She doubled over in pain, her head hurting like it had never hurt before. 

Ivaylo rushed over to the child, holding her. "Shhh, it's okay Little Sister, it's okay," He comforted. "Just breathe, come back."

After a minute or two, the girl had started to clam herself, blinking a bit and looking confused. "Ivaylo? Are we still in the room?"

He nodded. "Of course, why would we have left? Are you alright?"

"I...I think so...I just remember a cold place..."

"You saw a vision." Laerorneth spoke, standing from her chair. "You're a special child, I knew you were. You have special abilities you don't even know about yet. It was you that broke my spell, not on purpose, of course, but you were able to take down my spell. My child, you have to go rescue your brothers. I fear the worst for them."

"My lady," Ivaylo replied, still holding onto the girl. "It's still dangerous."

"I know, that's why she's not going alone."

"Pardon? Who else is going with her?"

"You are. And Énna. And Xylia."