Inhaling the crisp forest air, my thoughts drifted back to the warmth and comfort of the inn we left behind that morning. My body ached for the soft embrace of a bed and the promise of a hot meal. I knew we couldn't linger there, but I longed for more rest.
In the darkness of the forest, where even the moon struggled to pierce the thick canopy ahead, I couldn't ignore the eerie feeling. The absence of lights suffocated me, as if the shadows were closing in on us.
How I wish the lights would appear again. But since that night in the forest, they were nowhere to be seen.
The memory weighed heavily in my mind. I have yet to confide to mother about what happened. Perhaps I should tell her n—
"Let's sleep here for the night. It will be miles away to the next town." mother's voice broke through my thoughts.
Nodding silently, I sank to the forest floor, my limbs shattering slightly.
"Where's your cloak?" mother asked, retrieving the last match stick from her pack. She struck it against a rock, and a small flame flickered to life. It illuminated her face; every line and curve spoke of her exhaustion.
"I don't know..."
"You must sleep now, Lira." she whispered. "We'll set forth at dawn."
"How long until we reach Heatherglenn?" I murmured with weariness.
"Soon," mother replied softly, her gaze fixed on the flames.
I could briefly recall the map in Mother's study. Beyond the domain of Sileron, nestled on the fringes of the Golden Sands, lies Heatherglenn. It had earned a reputation as a haven for those who are fleeing the king's tyranny. It was said that the king himself hesitated to venture there, for it lay perilously close to the border of the enemy kingdom of Vattoria.
It offered the best chance at sanctuary. Mother and I could disappear there and live in peace away from the watchful eyes of the king's silver guards.
The warmth of the fire chased away the chill of the night air. I huddled close to it, and before I surrendered to sleep, I made a silent promise to myself: tomorrow morning, I would tell mother the truth.
***
In the heart of the raging inferno that consumed the village, amidst the chorus of agony and despair, I stood motionless, paralyzed by the devastation unfolding around me. My eyes darted frantically, searching for a familiar face amid the chaos, but found only the relentless advance of the flames.
As the heat licked at my skin and smoke filled my lungs, I glimpsed a distant glimmer of light, beckoning like a beacon of hope amid the darkness.
Lights are good, my father told me so.
With trembling steps, I approached, tears mingling with ash on my cheeks as I called out in desperation, "Father?"
But as the figure drew closer, the illusion shattered, revealing not the comforting embrace of a loved one, but the cold, metallic gleam of armored soldiers. My father's aura seemed to emanate from within his armor, a cruel mockery of the warmth and protection I had once known.
A sob escaped my lips as realization dawned, but before I could retreat, the soldier bearing my father's likeness raised their weapon, the blade shimmering in the fiery glow.
***
With a jolt, I snapped awake, gasping for air as my heart pounded in my chest. Blinking away the remnants of the nightmare that still lingered in my mind, I scanned my surroundings, the dying embers of the campfire casting eerie shadows in the predawn light.
My gaze fell upon my mother, bound and gagged on the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks at the sight of my clueless form.
What's happening?
Before I could rush to her side, a chilling voice sliced through the silence, freezing me in my tracks.
"Good morning, little one."
A cold shiver ran down my spine as I turned to face the menacing figure looming over me, a sword held threateningly at my throat. Fear clenched my heart as I struggled to find my voice, my mind reeling with questions and dread.
Trembling, I met the gaze of a Silver Guard. Frightening visions clouded in my mind: of Silver Guards dragging mother away in chains, and her dead body disposed for all to see after they have taken everything from her. I gagged, something unpleasant rising in my throat.
"There was a surge of lights through the forest..." the guard's voice trailed off.
Realization hit me then. Could it be the lights that I touched? Did I alert them here? A burning regret tightened in my chest.
Mother looked up, eyes sharp, "My powers were taken from me. There's no reason—"
"Silence, witch!" the guard snapped. His eyes bore anger that I couldn't describe, almost as if there was a deeper reason behind them. He continued, "The king has granted you a life of isolation, sparing you from punishment while it was your people who suffered from your deceit."
I knew little about mother because she always evaded questions about her past. What did she have to do with the king?
I have to save her.
In that instant, mother's eyes locked with mine. Her gaze conveyed a message, stay where you are.
"That's enough!" Another voice barked. "She will be questioned in the capital, not here, Lieutenant."
"Raise your head." a voice commanded.
The first thing I saw was the intricate patterns adorning his armor, depicting celestial constellations. He was no ordinary soldier. The way he carried himself suggested he had higher authority than the rest.
I backed away, thinking foolishly that I could escape him.
The guard who caught me, held me down, "What do we do with the girl, Commander?"
He aimed the sword at my heart. The scar that marred his face, I would never forget it. At that moment, I didn't allow myself to be scared.
I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the feel of hard steel.
It didn't come.
Instead, a protective aura enveloped me, so warm that it was akin to the soothing rays of the afternoon sun.
When I opened my eyes, mother lunged forward to strike the commander.
"Lira!" she cried out. "Run!"
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