Dane ensured that Xylara was out of ear shot before he ordered the guard at the door to summon Avra, one of Aldor l'thia most powerful sorceress.
The guard hasten to obey, disappearing into the labyrinthine of the palace. Dane's impatience was palpable,his fingers drumming a staccato beat on the armrest of his throne. Moments later, the guard returned with Avra,a statuesque sorceress with piercing emerald eyes and raven- black hair that cascaded like a waterfall of night down her back.
Avra's presence was commanding,her very aura exuding power and mastery of the dark arts,even Dane knows he stands no chance against her when it comes to matters relating to dark magic.
She bowed low,her voice like a gentle breeze in summer's day.
" Your majesty,I am at your service".
"Avra". He began, his eyes gleaming with an unholy light.
"I require your expertise. Xylara has found the child with the gift of the stars and the moon and she promised to bring her to me,so I want you to prepare the binding ritual to ensure that her magic is mine to command ".
Avra's gaze narrowed, she became curious. She had no idea that Dane has been looking for a gifted child.
"I thought you and Xylara had other business,I didn't know you were looking for a gifted child ". Avra didn't hide the disappointment in her voice.
"Ah! I didn't tell you because I wanted to be sure of what am dealing with". Dane replied nonchalantly.
"And what are you giving in exchange for this girl in question, you and I know how greedy Xylara is, you must have promised her something far more greater than silver or gold".
"The Alyris pendant ". Dane said shortly.
" But you don't have it or do you?". Avra said squinting her eyes.
" Yes I don't have it in my possession now but I know who does ".
" Who?".
"That's not why I called you here Avra,stop questioning me ".
Dane voice echoed through the walls of the throne room. Avra composed herself, she rested her gaze on the king's face, she was the only one who's not afraid to look him in the eye.
"Forgive my inquisitive tone your majesty,I was only being curious".
Dane smiled.
"Prepare the binding ritual, that's all I ask".
"Incase you have forgotten your majesty,Fildor Nathano was the only man that ever performed the binding ritual and just as we know it,he failed woefully, the spell is dangerous and requires great care and precision ".
" And that's why we have been studying about it for a decade now, Fildor wasn't prepared that's why he failed but I trust you Avra, you are the most powerful sorceress I know, aside my mother of course,you can do it ".
Avra realized that Dane had already made up his mind, even before he requested her audience and it will be useless trying to dissuade him.
If anything should go wrong with this ritual, she will become a history full of mockrey and shame just like Fildor Nathano. Dane himself wasn't exempted from the repercussions if the ritual should fail,he could die or vanish from the surface of the earth, never to be seen again. But then again that's a risk he's willing to take.
"As you wish your majesty,I will start preparing the ritual as we await the girl's arrival".
*********
Thrain opened his eyes suddenly,he was sweating profusely and his heart was thumping loudly against his chest. For days he hasn't slept peacefully. He had yet another nightmare. A bony hand of a terrifying looking woman,wrapped around his neck threatening to strangle him to death. He had to leave valtoria sooner than later.
Just then,he heard loud screams from a distance,it seemed to be coming from the lower town. He grabbed his shirt and dashed out to see what was going on. When he stepped outside the room,he stopped a passing maid to inquire about the chaos.
"A horse escaped from its barn and it's causing trouble for everyone in the village". She curtsied and left hurriedly.
Thrain rushed out of the palace and headed towards the commotion. As he turned a corner,he saw shadow galloping wildly through the village square but to his surprise,Lythari was already present,her calm but authoritative voice soothing the frantic villagers.
"Easy everyone,I have this under control". She said her hand extended in a gentle gesture.
Shadow, seemingly recognizing the queen's voice, began to slow his pace, his eyes wild but his breathing steady. Thrain smiled in amazement as Lythari approached shadow, speaking softly and stroking his mane.
"He still recognizes you even after all the years that has gone by,I am truly amazed". Thrain said, walking up to Lythari from behind. Lythari turned around, the expression on her face changed.
"Thrain,you shouldn't be here, your body still needs time to heal, you ought to be resting ".
"I think I've rested enough ".
Shadow still agitated was pawing at the ground, his eyes fixed on his owner with a desperate intensity.
Thrain's heart swelled with emotion, understanding that shadow was only frantic with worry, having been separated from him for so long.
" I know boy ". He said,his voice soft and soothing as he approached shadow slowly.
"I'm here now, you are safe alright".
The horse whinned and nuzzled Thrain's chest, nearly knocking him off balance. Lythari chuckled.
"I think shadow just made it clear that he won't let you out of his sight again'. She said, her voice gentle.
Thrain stopped and looked around,if shadow is here then mala should be around too.
"Where's Mala?"
"I believe you are referring to the white horse, right?".
"Yes, where is she,I need to make sure she's okay ".
"She's okay Thrain,I made sure of that already, but I still do not understand why you have another horse ".
Thrain ignored her and made his way to the barn, shadow following closely behind. As he entered the barn, he saw her happily eating some dry grass,rushing to her side,he embraced her neck tightly.
"Mala,am so glad you're safe". He examined her carefully, looking for any signs of harm or distress.
Mala nuzzled him gently, seeming to sense his worry.
"Am so sorry Mala,I couldn't protect Aries but I promise to find her okay". He felt a momentary relief knowing that Mala was okay but his heart still raced with unanswered questions. Where could Aries possibly be at the moment?
Who was that mysterious old woman? And where did she take Aries to?.
He came to a conclusion that he must seek answers for these questions but he has to leave valtoria first.
"This horse actually belongs to Aries".
He said to Lythari,who has been standing just outside the barn, observing.
"Who is this Aries you've been singing about since you woke up ?". Lythari asked,her gaze piercing.
Thrain ran his hand through his hair,he was feeling frustrated.
"Um... she... she's a friend,no, not just a friend, she's not ordinary, she has a gift,a great gift, and I...I swore to protect her. I have a to go Lythari please let me go ".
That last statement was the only thing that made sense to her.
"You just came to valtoria,no no no, you were brought back to valtoria but you already want to leave, what exactly are you trying to run away from?". She asked,anger gradually creeping into her voice.
"I'm not running away,I have a duty,I swore to protect this girl and I must leave soon". Thrain said defensively.
Lythari lost it.
"So all you care about is your duty to protect this person, what about your duty as the only son of the house of Aldrid, that position has been neglected for far too long Thrain and you do not seem to care ".
Her gaze turned cold, she just couldn't understand why he have to be this difficult.
Few days after his arrival, she held a meeting with the elders and Lords. They discussed crucial matters concerning the house of Aldrid, Lythari had asked them to be patient with her as she finds a way to convince Thrain to take up the position.
"I don't know how else to say this,I don't know how am supposed to make you understand,I...
Thrain began but Lythari cut him short with the wave of her hand.
"Enough!, Incase you have forgotten, I'm not just your sister but your queen and as your queen, you will adhere to my commands, you are not leaving valtoria and that is final!". Lythari left immediately and from her hurried steps, one could tell she was feeling very angry and agitated.