IV
Her mind felt cloudy as her eyes opened.
Anemone awoke slowly, blinking away the foggy feeling inside her head. It was hard to breathe, almost as though something heavy was lying upon her chest.
She sat up carefully, panting as she did so. The air around her felt thick, and it took a lot of effort for her lungs to try and take in good quantity of air.
Well, at least she was right about one thing. The air around her was filled with morning mist, just like one would see upon entering the woods.
She motioned to get on her feet, her knees wobbling as she did so. Her dry dress fell down to the ground normally, and Anemone turned in several directions to see where she was at.
?Hello?? she stated, and the word echoed into the emptiness around her.
She took a few cautious step forward, her feet landing in soft, moist ground. She could not see the ground, but could tell as her thin shoes began to wet slightly.
?Hello?? she repeated, ?Adam? Papa? Anyone??
Her words were lost in the mists, and an unnerved feeling crept into her heart.
Then she heard it.
It was almost too quiet for her to hear, but it aroused her suspicions as the sound continued. It was the sound of dripping water.
It came from her left, so she headed that way, small steps becoming strides as she hurried to the source.
The mists seemed to dissipate as she went farther, until her feet splashed in something wet.
Holding her hands out in front of her, she felt around her until her fingers brushed across a familiar woody surface.
She held on to the tree as the mist surrounding her swirled away into nothingness, giving her a clear view of the forest she was in.
She stood in front of a large, green, murky lake. Reeds and aqueous plants sprouted proudly, transluscent fish swam freely in its inky depths as she looked on. The part that she stepped in was not particularly pleasant, the ground holding the lake had given way to mud and slime.
Anemone was not familiar with the stench the lake carried, and her nose scrunched in scrutiny. Trees outlined the edge of the lake, giving it a more serene, peaceful feeling.
Soft ground crunched from the opposite side of the lake, and Anemone?s heart raced at the sight of several woodland animals emerging from behind the trees, staring at her in silent contemplation.
However, once she reached forward to offer her hand out to them, they scurried away as quickly as they had came.
Anemone pouted, ?Where are you going?? she cringed at the sound of her voice, she sounded childish.
A low chuckle was heard behind her.
Her figure turned around sharply, ?Who?s there??
She walked around the tree she was standing next to so she could get a good view of the rest of the lake.
An old man sat on a large rock next to the water. A long pipe stuck out of his mouth, and although she couldn?t tell, his thick white eyebrows gave the impression that he was smiling.
?They will run away if you startle them too fast like that,? he said, referring to the animals.
?Who are you?? she asked
?Who is it that wants to know??
?I asked you first.?
The older man shrugged, ?My name is not important.?
He got up off of the rock to sit on a hollow log. He struck stones together repeatedly on a pile of dry brush until a small fire had formed in front of him.
?Sit,? he commanded softly, his hands sweeping over the ground in front of the fire.
Anemone did so, her eyes never leaving him in curiosity. He examined his profile as he absently smoked his pipe.
He had long white hair on his head and his chin. His voice was deep, and sounded wise, giving no evidence of his age. The brown tunic he wore seemed faded, and it made it seem like he was a hermit who made the forest his home.
?Find something you like, dearie??
She blinked, realizing that she had been caught staring. A pretty blush spread over her face in embarrassment.
?I?m sorry,? she started, ?It?s just that the last thing I remember is being carried in the sky by some monstrous red beast??
?A dragon.? He said nonchalantly.
Her blue eyes widened, ?You saw it??
?No, but I know what happened.?
?How??
A silly grin came over his features, ?Would you like some tea? I don?t get many visitors, although I don?t actually welcome them??
She looked around hesitantly, ?Where would we drink it??
?I have a small cottage here in the woods. You are welcome to stay there until you find what you were looking for.?
?Tea would be nice, thank you.?
The old man got up off his perch and began walking into the woods. He turned slightly to face her, ?Follow me.?
She did so, admiring the skill he had in navigating through the trees. She hadn?t been in a forest in a long while, not since she was very young. Adam used to say?
She paused in her thoughts.
Adam?
Tears welled in her eyes. Where was her family? Would she ever see them again? What of her brother?
The old man looked back at the muffled sound of her crying, ?What?s wrong??
Blinking, Anemone used the sleeve of her dress to wipe the tears away, ?N-nothing.?
?Oh, come now. I can spot a teary eye a mile away. What are you crying over? Your family??
?How did you know?? she did not hide the surprise in her voice.
?The look in your eyes says it all. You miss someone, and although I wouldn't doubt it, you do not seem the kind of girl to mourn over a suitor.?
A red tint covered her cheeks before she turned sober again, ?I may never see them again.?
?You ran away??
?No!? she snapped, ?I was taken away??
?By the dragon??
She nodded, ?Yes. Sir? what?s a dragon??
?My, my. Where are you from??
?Eber Village.?
?Ah! That explains it. You live in Rem. The Queen hasn?t allowed anyone in that region to ever leave. You?ve been sheltered from the outside world all your life. Don?t worry. I?m sure that you will meet nothing more terrifying than a dragon.?
?More terrifying?? She thought back to the sky-high ride she'd endured.
He waved his hands, ?Pay no mind.?
?I only wish I could see my family again,? she stated wistfully, ?I have so much to apologize for??
?Past mistakes cannot be changed. You should concentrate on never making those mistakes again.?
?But I blamed them for hating me! And they were right after all? maybe if that heg-? she paused, and shut her mouth abruptly.
?You say something, dearie??
?I?m not sure if I can tell you this or not??
?Give it a try. Who?s going to hurt you?? He motioned around and shook his head, "Look around, if you'd like. It's only you and me here, that I guarantee."
She took in a deep breath, ?A hegling told me that I was in danger, and I had to leave Rem immediately.?
?A hegling in Rem? Highly unlikely. They don?t live in that region. They actually prefer to stay away from it.?
?You know about them??
A long chuckle came out of him, ?Know about them? Heglings are the most cunning animals around here. That is why Titania uses them in her service.?
?Who is Titania??
Another wave of the hand, ?You will meet her soon enough.?
Anemone stomped her foot impatiently, ?Why don?t you answer me directly??
The man stopped and turned to her, his eyes devoid of the playful manner they once held. Whatever else she wanted to say died down at the serious look he gave her. At the moment, he no longer seemed like a hermit, but a wise man who held knowledge beyond what was imaginable. Anemone grasped the fabric of her dress nervously at the intense fire in his blue eyes.
?Perhaps, it would be wise of you to think of the fact that some things are not within your reach to know about.?
He turned back around and resumed his walk. Anemone waited ten paces before following him again.
?I?m sorry.? She said after a long while, the familiar words seeming foreign on her tongue.
He glanced at her with a soft smile, ?Don?t be. You have far too much innocence to keep your mouth shut.?
Wisely, she didn?t react to his statement, instead focusing on the scenery around her, ?Where are we??
?In a forest.?
?Is it near Rem?? she asked excitedly. Perhaps she could return home!
?Nope.?
His answer shattered her dream, and she sighed in the silence. She hated silence, ?How far along is your cabin??
?Not far. We?re almost there.?
A bright light focused on them through the top of the trees. Anemone held a hand up to shade her eyes, against the unfamiliar yellow light.
?What?s that?? she questioned.
The old man looked up and frowned, ?Not yet??
He grabbed her hand and began to drag her the rest of the way, ignoring her frequent questions, as the light grew brighter around them.
?You need to memorize this route!? she heard him call out.
She looked around them, and soon they entered a clearing with a small, but quaint, cottage in the middle.
?Memorize what??
He let go of her as he walked to the door of the cottage, ?Your way here for when you return.?
?Return?? the light grew even brighter, and she squinted to catch a glimpse of the old man, ?Where am I going??
He smiled at her before he closed the door behind him, ?Where you were before.?
Home!
The brief burst of hope that she felt lasted until the yellow light completely engulfed her.
Adam did not hold back the tears that welled in his eyes as he picked through the debris of their cottage. He did not cry out when sharp splinters embedded themselves in his skin. His thoughts were all focused on his younger sister that he saw being taken into the sky and away from them.
?Adam??
He did not turn around.
?Adam??
John grasped his youngest son by the shoulders and pulled him into an awkward embrace, ?Are you all right??
Letting the wood fall from his hands, he turned in his father?s arms to hug him fully.
?She?s gone, father!?
?I know, but?? John?s own voice began to crack at the thought, and the tears that hadn?t fallen when Anna dies poured over his cheeks, ?I can?t help but feel guilty myself.?
?Don?t be. Anney was coming back to apologize to you both, but she told me she had to leave? why did it have to take her??
Tobijah and Judas appeared next to their family, Jeremiah and Seth walked towards them with their own families following.
?If you have any faith in Anney at all,? Tobijah said slowly, ?Then you?ll believe she?s still alive. She's far too stubborn to let anything happen to herself.?
Adam nodded- a memory coming to him of Anemone when he ran to far ahead of her- then looked around, ?Where?s Jane??
John turned to look at the sullen woman who was sitting by the village well, her headdress covering up her face.
He walked away from his sons to head towards her, but she did not look up at he sat down next to her.
?Jane?? he questioned softly.
A tiny hiccup escaped her mouth, and he could see wet droplets fall onto the burned ground below her face.
?You shouldn?t torture yourself like this, Jane. None of us could have prevented what happened.?
Brown eyes looked at him sorrowfully, ?But? we had so many misunderstandings? she thought I hated her, John!?
?I know? Adam said she no longer thought that, and was coming back to apologize??
?I promised you I would take care of her? I?ve failed both you and Anna.?
John grabbed her arms forcefully, shaking her slightly, ?Don?t you say that, Jane! You?ve been with us for twenty-three years, ever since Adam was born. Anney loves you, you are the only mother she?s ever known-?
?But I am not her mother, John! I was only supposed to raise in her in the way that would make Anna proud, and now?? she burst into tears again, falling into John?s open arms.
John soothed her by rubbing his hands against her back, and trying to shush her as much as possible.
His sons watched the display with open mouths. Never before in the many years that they?ve known their nursemaid, had their father ever offered a public display of affection towards her.
Jeremiah cleared his throat loudly, obviously disturbed by the display, ?How long will it take to rebuild, Father??
John pulled away from Jane hesitantly so focus on his oldest son, ?I do not know, but we should begin as soon as possible.?
The boys nodded, and at once began to continue their work of picking through the debris. Seth frowned as he picked up an unfamiliar object.
?Hey, boys? what is ?is?? he inspected it carefully.
They huddled around him, each expressing their own versions of curiosity. It was a strange bow-like weapon, but how did it get in their house?
?Oh thank goodness!? a sultry voice cried out behind them.
They turned to see a cloaked figure head towards them, bright green eyes shining at them in relief.
?Is it yours?? Judas questioned, holding it out.
?Yes, it is.? The stranger replied, long, pale fingers reaching out to grasp it.
A violent wind swept over them, and the stranger?s hood was blown backwards to reveal long dark red hair that curled beautifully around a pale face.
They watched her, mouths slightly agape again in the woman?s beauty. Only Jeremiah and Seth got pinched by their wives as silent reminders of their manners.
?Are you new, here?? Seth asked, rubbing his bruising arm.
The stranger nodded, ?Yes, in fact I?ve just arrived. What village is this??
?Eber Village.?
?Really?? she placed a finger under her chin, ?I do believe I?m headed in the right direction.?
Adam moved forward to get a better look at her, ?What is your name??
If it were possible, the smile she gave made her seem even more beautiful than before.
?Morgaine. My name is Lady Morgaine.?
?Wake up, silly girl.?
Laughter rung in her ears as she blinked hesitantly. Her vision was blurred as she took in her surroundings once more, and found herself on grass instead of a forest floor.
As her eyes adjusted, she was able to see clearly, and right into someone?s face.
Stifling a scream, she sat up abruptly and moved back, ?Who are you??
The young man looked at her oddly, ?You?re the one who fell from the sky, so I believe I should ask the questions.?
Anemone looked around wildly, ?Where am I??
?The Living Meadows.?
?Where is that??
He clucked his tongue warily, ?So full of questions today, aren?t we??
She motioned to frown, but a stinging pain in her cheek caused her hand to reach up impulsively and hold it. It felt swollen and bruised.
?You weren?t waking up easily,? he said, ?Not even when I slapped you.?
?You slapped me??
He shrugged, ?It?s not everyday someone falls from the sky and faints in my arms. You were out for a long while.?
?I was?? she paused, ?Asleep? But, I was just in a forest, and this old hermit??
?A mere dream.? The man gave her that disconcerting look again, ?Are you well??
She nodded, ?I believe so.?
?Good.? He got up without offering more help to her. He walked over to a small group of men on horseback.
?Wait!? Anemone stood shakily, rushing over to him, ?Where are you going??
The man who she was talking to seemed the youngest out of group. He addressed her as he mounted a white horse and grabbed the reins.
?My men and I have a job to do. I?m sure you can find your way back to whatever trading village you came from.?
?But-?
?Good day!?
Without a further word, the young man urged his horse into a run, and raced past her, the men following him.
Anemone shivered as several men sent her lust filled glances as they rode away. Soon she was left with the cool breeze and swaying long green grass.
This has to be a dream too? right? Any moment, I?ll be back with papa and momma Jane and Adam? any moment now.
Her inner reasoning did nothing to help her current situation. She was stuck here, in the middle of a meadow, with no idea as to what direction she should head.
Sighing, she placed one foot in front of the other, and tried to follow the hoof imprints in the grass in the direction her ?rescuer? had headed.
?Are you a ?dragon? hunter??
Morgaine laughed charmingly, ?Oh no! It?s just a hobby of mine. Sometimes the dreadful creatures make loyal pets if you raise them from hatchlings. But they are fearsome beasts.?
Adam nodded, taking in the information. Morgaine and his family had gathered in a small room that was not burned down in the blaze.
?What are you doing so far from your home??
?Thank you,? Morgaine said to Jane as she offered her seat, ?Well, this one dragon has been interesting me for a while, and I tracked him all the way here. I?m so sorry that your family had to go through so much??
She blinked as their eyes lowered.
?Yes,? John, ?My daughter? that dragon, as you so call it, took her.?
They missed the interested gleam in the newcomer?s eyes.
?That is? too bad.? Morgaine said, ?What was her name??
?Anemone.? Jane stated, coming out of her silent rut.
?I can feel your pain, John.? She inclined her head towards Jane, ?I?m sure you and your wife are grieving the loss of your only daughter.?
At this Jane reddened slightly, and Adam coughed.
?They?re not married,? he stated, ?Our mother died when Anney was born.?
?Oh, my mistake.? A triumphant glitter entered her eyes, ?Well, I can assure you all of one thing.
?That dragon I was following has taken maidens before from their homes. But they were found several days later safe and sound.?
She inwardly smirked at the brightened looks on their faces.
?You could find her?? Adam asked.
?If I assembled a group together??
?I?ll join it!? he stood immediately.
?No, he won?t? John commanded, ?I?m sure they can find Anney, but we need your help here to build the village back.?
?I?m sure you can spare one man, father.? His voice rose indignantly, and Tobijah reached out to pull his brother back.
John turned towards Morgaine, ?I hope you understand. I miss my daughter, more than anyone, but she will need a home to return to if she is found. We can offer assistance to this ?search party? in manpower as soon as we help the rest of the villagers with their homes.?
Morgaine pouted slightly, ?Pity. It would have been helpful to have more assistance, but I know and respect your decision, John.?
Unnoticed by her hosts, Morgaine flicked her wrist in a circle and moved to get up.
?I?m sorry to have wasted so much of your time. I believe I should be taking my leave now.?
?No!? Adam once again stood, ?We can compromise somehow, can?t we??
Her red head shook gently, ?You wouldn?t want to go against your father?s word would you??
A rebellious spark entered Adam?s eyes, but he said nothing.
?Are you in a rush to get somewhere, Lady Morgaine?? Jane questioned softly.
?Actually??
?Lady Morgaine?? a panicked voice called from outside.
The door to the room burst open and an armored guard walked through.
?Lady Morgaine,? He bowed respectfully, ?We?ve been looking everywhere for you! You mustn?t run off like that, it isn?t safe.?
Morgaine nodded, ?I believe now that we have to go back to Eldermyre.?
?Yes, milady.?
She turned towards the family, ?Thank you all so much for your hospitality. I promise that my men will find your daughter soon enough. Perhaps later I will call for you all to contribute in the search.?
Curtsying gratefully, she donned her hooded cloak once more and accepted her escort?s proffered hand out the door.
?What was that about, Milady?? he asked as the door closed behind them.
?I received just about all the information I needed.? She answered.
He shivered at the cunning and wicked smile that suddenly appeared on her pale face.
Outskirts of Avis Town
?This is it, men. Our informant is in the town over there.?
There was a unanimous sound of cheering behind him as they gazed into the horizon glowing in Diana?s rising light.
?Zander!? one of the men called out to their leader.
The young man replied without turning his head, ?What is it??
?There?s someone walking over here. Looks like that girl from earlier.?
Zander frowned, ?What girl??
?That girl!?
Getting off his horse, he ran back towards the direction they came. Sure enough, in the far distance, someone was walking to their camp. He frowned once more, as the figure seemed to collapse.
Rushing back towards his horse, he hopped on the saddle with practiced ease, ?I want a fire started by the time I return here.? He directed the orders to his men as his horse headed in the direction of the fallen person.
It indeed was the girl from before, he noticed as he dismounted next to her.
Her blue eyes were staring up into the sky, and flickered over to him momentarily.
?Lost?? he asked bending next to her.
Huffing quietly, Anemone sat up as best she could, ?I?ve only been following you all day.?
?I told you to go to the nearest trading village.?
She glared at him, ?I do not know where that is. I don?t even know where I am. I haven?t eaten anything since yesterday afternoon, I?m tired and sore.? Tears trekked down her cheeks, ?And I want to go home!?
Zander blinked at her attitude, ?Where are you from, girl??
She wiped her tears away with her hand, ?Eber Village.?
?In Rem? Your not far off from there.?
?Really?? she sounded hopeful once more.
He stood up again, and offered her his hand, ?But as you said, you haven?t eaten, so I believe that you should. Come, my men should have started a campfire by now.?
?She sure was nice,? Judas commented as they returned to work.
?Pretty too,? Seth added, and was promptly slapped on the back of his head by his wife.
"You're stuck 'ith me, so deal 'ith it!"
John came out of the small cottage, ?Well I have Jane settled so she can rest. What else do we need to do here??
?Just sorting out what wood can be reused for building again.? Tobijah answer, grimacing as a he got a splinter.
?Good. Where is Adam? He can help me with the bread maker?s cottage now. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can go out to look for your sister.?
?Where is Adam?? Judas echoed, ?I haven?t seen him since Lady Morgaine left.?
?Neither have I,? the rest of them chorused.
John clenched his fist, ?Where could that boy have gone??
Tobijah looked at the path to the Jaunting River and frowned, ?You don?t think??
They all followed his line of vision, and a rage overcame their father. His face turned an angry red as he muttered to himself. Without saying a word, he stormed off back into the cottage.
?You think Adam went to go find Anney?? Judas asked aloud.
?What do you think?? Tobijah replied, picking through the wood.
?I believe he will bring her home.? Seth said.
Judas shook her head, ?After openly defying father like that, I doubt he?ll have a home to come back to.?
?Milady, I hate to bother you, but that boy has been following us since we left the village.?
Morgaine turned around as they walked up the path. Behind them was a dusty boy, Adam, if she remembered correctly.
?Can I help you?? she asked, stopping and allowing the young boy to catch up with them.
?I want to help,? he stated simply.
?Help??? she trailed off, allowing him to finish.
?I believe that I would be best suited for helping you find my sister. I know her better than anybody else, better than our father, or Jane.?
?You?d be going against your father?s orders??
He kneeled before her, ?Please? I was supposed to protect her, if I had just gone back to help her than wallow in my own fears? she may not have been taken away.?
?I still do not think it would be wise.?
His head bent until his chin hit his chest, and his interlaced fingers were above him in a begging manner.
A gentle breeze blew across the riverbed and over them. A single uprooted Emerald Lily floated towards them, and landed at Adam?s feet.
?This is?? he stuttered slightly, and picked the flower up, holding it firmly in his grasp as stared at it.
An unfamiliar confused look came over Morgaine?s face, ?Do you know what that is??
?An Emerald Lily.? Adam replied, ?Anney? had to look for these because?.?
?Because??
He looked towards the river water forlornly, ?She had to get something from the river? some creature had told her to.?
Green eyes flashed a bright jade, ?I?ve changed my mind.?
?Milady? I don?t think it would be wise to-? the escort stopped at the look in her eyes. It was apparent that she had not planned this, but was going to go along with it.
?I can arrange for it that you can assist??
Adam looked at her, his eyes twinkling in gratitude.
?But you will have to work for me in exchange.?
He leapt up from his position, ?Anything! Thank you, thank you so much!?
Nodding in approval, she turned once more and continued to walk towards the boat that was stationed at the river?s edge.
They climbed in it, and it rocked unsteadily. The escort began to row the boat downstream as soon as the boat was pushed off the soft mud.
?Now, Adam,? Morgaine began slowly, looking in his eyes, ?Tell me more about this ?something? your sister had to get.?
Adam began retelling everything Anemone had told him and unknown to him, he was betraying his sister with each word.
It was a nasty looking piece of meat. Surely, they didn't have to eat it!
She had been eying it for twenty minutes, trying to determine off of which poor animal it had come off.
Zander looked at her curiously, ?Enjoying it??
?What is it?? she replied in question.
?One who hasn?t eaten in a day should be thankful for any food they receive.?
?I?m grateful,? she paused, and slowly picked a piece of the meat off the bone and brought it to her mouth. Placing it between her teeth, she closed her mouth, and chewed.
And chewed.
And chewed.
Swallowing, a bright smile appeared on her face, ?It?s good!?
?You get used to it after a while,? one of Zander?s men, Garrick, said.
?Yes,? Zander added, ?It took me a long time to get used to the taste of field rat.?
Whatever food was in her mouth, Anemone spit out onto the ground.
?F-field rat?? she sputtered.
Zander blinked, ?Is there a problem??
?I don?t eat field rat!?
At this the men around her burst into laughter.
Her brow furrowed, ?What??
Zander shook his head, ?You are an unappreciative spoiled girl, aren?t you? Your father must have had to deal with a lot raising you. Your mother must have lost it.?
Her eyes flashed dangerously, ?My mother is dead.?
At once the talk around her quieted.
?She died giving birth to me.?
Sympathy filled Zander?s eyes, ?I?m sorry.?
She glared at him, but did not answer. His other comments had stung her as well, but she did not have the energy to dispute with some stranger.
Clearing his throat, Zander brought attention back to him, ?We can take you home, miss??
?Anemone.? She filled in.
He paused in his words, ?What kind of a name is that??
She sighed, aggravated, if all men were like this... she would hate getting married,?You can take me home??
?Yes, but you will have to accompany us with our business in Avis. It will only be for a short time, and then we can escort you back home.?
Anemone nodded her head, ?Thank you.?
Zander turned to address his men, ?Garrick, tell everyone to set up for bed. I?ll find a place for our guest to sleep. Make sure you are well rested for tomorrow.?
Garrick nodded, and proceeded to bark out orders to the men behind him.
Anemone tried to smooth down the torn fabric of her dress, at once aware of her unkempt state in front of dozens of older men. She gratefully handed over her full plate to a hungrier person in the group, and tried to keep her attention on anything but the man in front of her.
The way Zander looked at her across the fire made Anemone feel highly uncomfortable.
?Does it bother you to sleep on the ground?? he questioned softly.
She shook her head, but still did not meet his eyes. The coolness in the air caused her to shiver unconsciously, and she at once missed her shawl she had left behind.
Getting up, Zander pulled the cape he wore off and draped it around her shoulders.
?My name is Zander.? He stated simply, ?It would be best for you to sleep by the fire to keep warm.?
He walked away from her then, but she did not see where he went.
It felt strange to lay on rocky ground instead of a bed or soft grass. But her mind could not focus correctly as fatigue finally caused her to give in to the blissful darkness of sleep.
At the Sun's Golden Light 4/?
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