“Auferetur !” He commanded, and they were back in the air, flying across the desert.
****
She enjoyed the feeling of freedom she was experiencing as they flew over the beautiful scenery. She realized she had missed quite a lot before. She hadn’t noticed how lush and tucked away the place Marlon had taken her after escaping castle Meadowbrooke until they had landed. She marveled at how green and full and magical it felt. She wanted to ask him how he had come to find this place but she didn't.
He had called the place "The Grove" and she understood why now. It was tucked away far back into the forest hidden behind a small wall of rocks. They had landed beside it. When t
“I see. Please, ah forgive our intrusion.” She stood then making sure to grab her cloak. “Thank you for the meal.” She quickly left the cottage.Flossina felt tears stinging her eyes as she walked down the dirt path.The old woman seemed so angry at her mother and the chaos that was ensuing because of her murder. It wasn’t her fault, she thought as she strode onward. Marlon had looked shocked at the old woman’s speech, but for some reason, Flossina wasn’t. She couldn’t blame the old woman for not wanting to help. It was not her fight. It was Flossina’s.She stopped and surveyed her surroundings. She stood by a babbling brook. The water was crystal clear. She could see the mo
It would seem that this was destiny stepping in and making sure things were righted. Blaze lowered his head and Marlon patted him.Flossina stood there quietly.“I’m sorry.” Marlon apologized.“It’s fine, I should be used to it.”“No, no you shouldn’t. Mila is my grandmother. She is being overprotective and overly cautious.” He took her hand and pulled her to him.Blaze no longer was interested in the two and walked off once more disappearing into the thick botanical beauty.“She is your grandmother? Why didn’t you tell me? She must hate me-”&ldq
Thank you, Marlon. I will repay you.”“Restoring my mens honor is all the repayment I seek , Your Highness.”“Then you shall have it. Hopefully, we will have more answers, soon.” She said, referring to their trip tomorrow.Marlon couldn't agree more with that statement. He did need answers, more than the afterlife mumbo jumbo Flossina kept trying to feed him. He kept hearing about this 'Jewel of Humanity'. More than thrice it had come up. The first time had been when speaking with his second in command, Deleav. The second and third time had been when he’d been in disguise as a soldier at Flossina's home. From what he had overheard from the soldiers it seemed to be a mix of folklore and legend. Some believed it to b
Fate seemed to be keeping them together. This little cottage was where he had grown up. No one knew it existed, except his father.“You bring danger to my home.” His grandmother said to him as he crossed the room towards the only door in the cottage.He stopped when she blocked his path. She was a short, pixie of an old woman who never spoke unless she had to, and even then her words seemed to sear you from their bluntness and truth. He knew she had the gift of second sight. He had never wanted to hear his fate,but felt like maybe God wanted him to change it by listening to what it was.“So much danger.” She continued.“I will fight and win. As I always do.” He said. His words filled with arrogance.
The next day was long and arduous for Flossina. Marlon had them both dress up in disguises and ride a horse instead of Blaze. They left him behind. Flossina noticed he was quite alright with the arrangement and happily got into the nearby pond. He blended in with the jagged and green scenery as he curled himself up and only his back appeared out of the water,looking like a large boulder. Flossina was once again amazed at the marvelous creature.The nice old woman had packed them a satchel with wheat cakes, cheese, fruits, dates and flagons of water. Flossina thought the woman was sweet and delightful, before they had left she had sat her down and put salve on her scrapes and wounds. She noticed she had put a jar of it inside of the satchel. She wished she could repay the woman’s kindness. After the three hour horse ride they were finally on the Ferry Boat, almost on the opposite side of the riv
“How do we get across?” She asked quietly. “We can’t see a foot in front of our faces.”“They should see our light.” He explained. Then stretched his arm over his head waving the torch back and forth slowly.Flossina screamed at the sudden sight of an old man appearing. He wore a monk’s robes. His eyes were sewn shut and his gaunt face made him look more ghost than man.The horse jumped at her reaction and Marlon held the reins tight enough to reassure the animal.“We seek passage to Holy Sancti Viri.” He informed the monk.“Follow me.” He said as he turned.Marlon followed closely.
The doors slowly opened and they both gathered what little composure they could muster, and braced themselves for what was to come. Marlon put his hand on the hilt of his sword underneath the cloak he wore.Two holy men stood in the entryway. One immediately stepped forward and walked in their direction and handed them wooden bowls filled with honeysuckle water.Flossina quickly drank hers while Marlon held his as he stared blankly at the monks.“Welcome to Sancti Viri. May the God of all gods bless you and be among you. Please enter our court with happiness and our Sanctuary in praise.”Flossina smiled, stepped forward and spoke. “We have-”“Questions.” The other monk supplied.
“Please,Valda, we mean you no harm. I am Flossina Raelia. Heir and future ruler of these lands. My mother, Queen Bihadlly has been murdered by my stepfather, the King. He is after me and I need to know why. A few days ago I was held prisoner in my own home. While I was captive I met a holy man from your order. He told me of my mother and a stone. The Jewel of Humanity.” She felt the air in the room change and move and turn warm once again. Listening to her speak she saw Valda seemed no longer guarded. She continued,“He was very kind to me. He died trying to protect me. Please, I beg of you. Help us!”Marlon was taken aback at her ability to move a crowd. Her words were genuine and she didn’t sound like a Queen in that moment, only a girl who needed help. He admired that she was always genuine, kind, intelligent and beautiful. When he had rescued her from the tower he had