Chapter 42

I turn over for the 100th time tonight, trying to get comfortable. I roll to my back and stare at the ceiling, a soft sigh escapes my lips. Ever since Auroriel left me this afternoon, I can't stop thinking about her. It opened wounds I thought were healing, but apparently not. Axe has been sleeping soundly for hours now.  I look over at him and brush my fingertips across his face before gently rolling out of bed. I grab my robe, tying it around my waist, and pad silently over to the terrace doors. I shut it behind me and picked a comfortable-looking chair to lay on. I draw my legs up and put the robe over them. The whole kingdom is eerily silent. Except for the patrol of guards and the enchanted lanterns, there's nothing else. My thoughts turn back to how I can help these kids. Maybe I can talk to Axe tomorrow about making a trip there. If I can't offer anything else, maybe I can offer myself. I could even implement a big sister or brother program. 

I casually lookout over the mountain range when I see it again. Far out on the mountain, towards the top, is the bright green light; it's beautiful like an emerald, swaying as if it's beckoning me forth. It waves and moves,climbing higher and higher up the side. My eyes follow the pattern before they begin to droop. I blink several times to clear my vision, but sleepiness is quickly taking over, turning my body to sand. I slump further into the chair.

*I awaken on the mountain, I turn around in circles, taking in the castle in the distance and the forest around me. The same black haired woman with her fathomless black eyes is staring down at me.

*"Eirawen, heed my word, you are running out of time. You must find the Orb of Truth."

*Bewildered, I ask her "Who is Eirawen? More importantly, what is the Orb of Truth?"

*'You are running out of time. Come, you must climb the mountain" She turns away from me and starts to walk*

*Like my last dream, I start the hike up with her, following the billowing train of her black dress. Dense fog creeps its way through the treeline. It's become so thick, I can't see her anymore, but I can still make out the green light. "Faster, he is coming" she whispers  urgently. Chills race down my spine. The next step I take is hindered, the fog is moving like a tentacle up my leg, holding me in place. I try with all my might to rip it away, I lean forward trying to grasp something, anything. "Wait!" I yelled, the sound was lost in the void of fog. "Wait!" I yell again. "I don't understand, help me understand." I reach out my hand one more time. The dark ooze of evil is pouring in around me. Cutting off my breath. I desperatly scratch at my throat , trying and failing to bring air into my lungs. I can feel my vision fading further as the seconds tick by. I make one last attempt to breathe before everything fades.

I violently open my eyes, and I realize I'm back in my bed. Axe is still sleeping beside me, and the sun is just coming up. How did I get back here? Was everything a dream? Jinx pads over to the bed and jumps up, laying down right on my stomach. My heart is hammering in my chest.

*Good you're awake, I was worried about you* 

"You were?" I say petting her. My panic starts to ease. I focused on the feel of her silky fur. 

*Yes, you were muttering in your sleep. A cat can always pick up on distress* She purrs. Nudging me with her nose. Axe sleepily opens his eyes and reaches over to scratch the top of her head. 

*My purrs are so good that I even wake up the Fae* she twitches her ears. 

"How long have you been awake?" He leans down to kiss my forehead.

"Not long. I had another dream, or maybe it was a nightmare. It was almost the same as the last; the only difference is that we didn't make it up the mountain. The same woman kept beckoning me up the mountain, spouting about the orb of truth. Half way through our climb, something I couldn't see started choking me" I bring my hand up to touch my throat, absently stroking it.

"But, it gets stranger. I went out to the terrace after you fell asleep to get some fresh air, and after I saw the green light, I slipped into the dream. When I woke up, I was back in bed. How did I get back in bed?"

Axe sits up against the headboard, alarmed; he reaches out and pulls me against him, checking my throat and my body for signs of bruising. "If you would like fresh air, wake me next time. Even though you should be safe in the castle, we need to take extra precautions. I am concerned about your dream, magic must have been conjured." He runs his hands over my temples, checking for something.

"There is no magic scent or fingermark left on you, though. When a seer is channeling, their eyes go completely black. Is that what you encountered?"

"Actually, yes, every time she's appeared, her eyes have always been black, and she's always wearing black clothing. She obviously really wants me to climb this mountain" I look out the window, studying it from my position on the bed. The mountain stands out sharpley against the blue sky, beckoning me to come to it.

"It might be too dangerous to take you up the mountain" Axe says, running his hands over his jaw. "Do not even ask me to do this alone, your face is very transparent. This is not how I wanted to tell you this, but if a seer is involved, that usually means destiny. That is out of my control, and that is what really worries me. "

"I wasn't planning on it" I say, slapping his chest. 

He takes my hand in his and says, "I'll contact Ingrid."I do not want to waste any time on this. She should be able to pull lore on their kind. Pull old prophecies" 

"I'm curious; these dreams are causing me frustration. Plus, we don't know 100% yet if this is a seer or someone playing a trick on us"

"When I figure out the safest way, we will discuss it. Until then, it is time to get up. You have another lesson today"

"Thanks for lighting a fire under my ass" I say as I jump out of bed to prepare myself for my next lesson. 

Axe escorts me to the tent, introduces me to Master Arcturius, and kisses me bye. 

Arcturius bows "I have heard from the other masters that you are quite the student"

I blush " You all are great teachers"

He waves his hand dismissively "Regardless, a student must be apt at the arts to learn, and you, my queen, are quite capable. Come, I will teach you a few incantations and summoning spells, and we will practice" 

An hour later, I stand before the towering rock formation, my hands trembling with excitement and nerves. This was the first time I had attempted to use my earth magic to control the elements, and I knew that the task would be challenging.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and focused my mind on the rock, just like master Arcturius had taught me. I visualized the earth beneath my feet, and felt the power of the earth flowing through my veins.

As I chanted a spell, the rock began to shake and tremble. I opened my eyes and watched as the boulders began to move, shifting and tumbling down the slope. With a wave of my hand, I directed the rocks to move in a particular direction, forming a path in the rugged terrain. It was hard work, but I was determined to master this aspect of earth magic.

I practiced, molding the earth to my will, until I was exhausted and covered in sweat. But I knew that this was only the beginning. With each passing day, I would become stronger, more adept at using my powers to shape the world around me.

I paused to catch my breath, looking out at the vast expanse of earth before me. I felt a sense of wonder and awe, realizing that I had tapped into a power that was far greater than myself. 

With a smile on my face, I head back towards Master Arcturius' tent. 

"You did well today Velvet" he says, smiling at me. "You have a natural talent for earth" 

"Manipulating earth felt the most natural of the elements I've used so far. I felt to most connection"

"That is because we are one with the earth. The earth gives to us, and we give back to it" 

I pause my steps when Axe summons me *Velvet, come, Ingrid is waiting for you. She notified me she found something of interest*

I turn with an apologetic look on my face Sorry, master Arcturius, I have to leave. The King is requesting my presence"

Arcturius bows down to me "Of course, my queen, please let me know when you would like to continue your training" 

"Thank you" I say quickly, leaving the training area. I start walking faster *Did she say what it was about?*

I hear a chuckle.* Unfortunately, no, she just sent word that she had information that you may want to know. I am hoping it is pertaining to the dreams you have been having*

I rub my palms against my leggings, trying and failing to rid myself of the nerves swirling in my stomach. I gaze back over the mountain. Whatever it is, I know it has to do with me climbing that mountain.