Chapter Three

As the three left the protection of the castle walls of Savine, each of them felt a different emotion at leaving behind their home. Kaleb felt excitement; he was finally free of servitude. Miguel felt remorse at leaving behind his family friends, and the only life he had ever known. Michaain felt as if he were forever leaving one world and entering the next, and that there was now no turning back.

They traveled for three hours before stopping for the night. Kaleb thought of abandoning Miguel, Michaain, and the journey there, but then realized how close they still were to Savine, and his certain capture should he forsake the mission now. They each fell into slumber without a single word to each other since four hours before. The air was still to heavy for talk.

The next morning, Michaain rose with the sun and took a loaf of bread out of his saddlebag, which was draped over a nearby apple tree’s lowest branch. He silently ate the loaf and a ripe apple, which he had picked from the tree. Kaleb and Miguel awoke just as he finished the apple. They stretched, not being used to sleeping on the ground, whereas, Michaain would frequently sneak out of his room at night to sleep outdoors. After stretching, they each got a small loaf of bread out of their saddlebags and ate. The silence continued on.

Finally, as Miguel finished his breakfast, he spoke, “We have about a day and a half’s ride until we reach Tsmarnia. If we make good time, we might be able to eliminate the half day.”

“Well, then,” said Kaleb, “Let’s get going.”

They all stood up and Michaain started putting a few apples into each of their saddlebags.

“What are these for?” Miguel asked, holding one up. “They aren’t even ripe.”

“Extra rations.” answered Michaain, “They will ripen a little as we go along.”

“Right.” said Kaleb, as he hoisted the saddles onto the horses. Miguel walked over to his horse, placed the apple back into the bag, and mounted. The other two followed him and they started off in the direction of the city of Tsmarnia.

Tsmarnia was a city much like Savine, only slightly smaller and set off of a river and not the sea. Like Savine, though, it had a Baron in charge of it, but the Baroness had died giving birth to her second child, a girl by the name of Adelei.

After ten hours of hard riding, the three, Kaleb, Miguel, and Michaain arrived at the city gates of Tsmarnia. They asked the guards if they might pass. “No,” replied one guard. “No one is allowed in or out of Tsmarnia after sundown.”

“What?” Asked an astonished Kaleb. “What are we supposed to do?- Sleep on the ground again?”

Adelei, who happened to be passing by the gates, stopped to make an inquiry as to what was causing the commotion.

“Nothing, M’Lady.” the other guard replied to her. “Just a few peasants asking to be let in after hours.”

“Peasant!” exclaimed Michaain

“Peasants! My brother and I are no peasants! We are of noble blood, and refuse the degradation that that title puts upon us!” Exclaimed Miguel, loudly.

“Then who are you, my dear sir?” inquired Adelei, sweetly.

“We are Miguel and Michaain, the sons of Michael and Mary, Baron and Baroness of Savine.” answered Michaain, “And this is our companion, Kaleb.” He added as Adelei turned her questioning eyes upon Kaleb.

“Ah, I see.” Adelei answered in surprise.

“The two guards looked aghast. Then the first guard said, “I extend my deepest regrets, M’Lord, but we cannot open the gate without orders after sundown.” Then both of the guards turned to Adelei, whose arms were crossed and whose weight was balanced chiefly on one foot.

“Well, don’t just stand there gaping! Open the gate; they are nobility.” She ordered the guards.

“Yes, M’Lady!” They answered in unison and quickly turned to operate the mechanism to open the gate. After the gates were open and Kaleb, Miguel, and Michaain were inside the city walls, Adelei introduced herself to them.

“Enough of this formality,” she said, “You must be hungry.”

“Indeed, we are, M’Lady.” said Miguel, smiling at her commanding presence.

“Well, then” she returned his smile. “We must first get your horses taken care of, and then take care of you. Follow me.” She led them on, silently thinking of how handsome the two brothers were. She had been told that the nobility of Savine were the ugliest of all in Haberuuth. They were soon treading on hay covered cobblestone. She led them to a closed door, on which she loudly knocked. A tall, lanky boy of about 18 years old, with curly blonde hair, long enough to rival Michaain’s, dressed in peasants garb opened the door. He smiled broadly upon seeing her face, which was lit up by firelight from inside.

He grabbed her arm and pulled her inside. “Come and see what Dae is teaching me!”

“Hello to you, too, Jesse.” she said, when the boy stopped. She beckoned to Miguel, Michaain, and Kaleb to follow them inside.

“Hey, Adelei!” said a girl sitting on a stool, who stood up to greed her. The girl was also about 18 years of age and had beautiful, curly, dark auburn hair that reached far below her waist. She was also dressed in a peasant’s garb, but the burgundy tunic, rich brown skirt, and belt had a sense of majesty about it. It seemed almost as if this girl, in this simple attire was royalty.

“Hello, Dae!” Adelei went over and hugged the girl. Adelei then turned to the boy, “Jesse, will you do me a favor?”

“Of course, M’Lady.” He bowed deeply, “What is it that you wish?”

“Will you please take these horses and see to it that they are set up?”

The boy politely grabbed the reignsand ran off, deeper into the building with them.

“Now then,” said Adelei excitedly, “Dae these are the sons of Michael and Mary, The Baron and Baroness of Savine,”

“Miguel and Michaain.” interrupted Dae, curtsying.

“Oh, and Kaleb is their companion” Adelei said turning back to Dae. “Miguel, Michaain, Kaleb, this is Daedrianna, who is better known as Dae. And this is Jesse,” She indicated the boy who had run back up to them. “Jesse, this is Miguel, Michaain, and Kaleb.”

“Dae told me we would be having visitors tonight,” The boy said, bowing to Miguel and Michaain. “But, as always, I doubted her.”

“You should know better by now, Jesse” Adelei spoke to him, “She is always right. Oh and what did you want to show me?”

“Dae is teaching me to make swords!” Jesse exclaimed.

“I made a sheath from father’s leftover metal, now Jesse is learning how to make a sword for it.” Dae explained.

“A woman smith?” Michaain asked, looking at Dae.

“Yes.” she responded. “In return, Jesse is teaching me to make a bow and arrows for it.”

“You’ll never be able to beat him at archery.” Adelei told her.

“Oh, yes, I know; but that’s only because he cheats.” Dae returned.

“I do not!” Jesse exclaimed

“You do so.” said a girl walking in from the back of the stables, her left arm wrapped in bandages.

“This is Liza,” Adelei said to Miguel, Michaain, and Kaleb, who she had almost forgotten were there. “She broke her arm two days ago, trying to tame a wild horse.”

“And I succeeded.” The tall girl lifted her head up proudly.

“Yeah,” said Jesse, “succeeded in getting your arm broken.”

“That horse is now as tame as any newborn kitten you will find in these stables.” Liza said again.

“That’s why he bucks me off every time I try to mount him.” Jesse said sarcastically.

“He just doesn’t like you.” Dae spoke up.

Jesse glared at Dae for a moment before turning to Adelei. “You better get going; these three gentlemen look tired, hungry, and anxious to bathe.”

“Well, actually,” Adelei responded, “ I was rather hoping that Dae cooked dinner tonight. I’m rather hungry myself, and no one can best her cooking.”

“I wish.” Dae smiled at the compliment. “But, yes, I did cook, and there’s plenty for everyone.”

“Great!” Adelei started towards the kitchen.

“No.” Jesse stopped her. “I’ll serve you.” He grinned at her.

“No, thank you Jesse, but I’ll get theirs, and my own.” She stepped around him.

His clueless expression earned rolled eyes from Dae and Liza.

“When will you understand that Adelei doesn’t feel that way about you, Jesse?” Liza asked, her eyes full of compassion.

“When I absolutely have no other choice but to.” Jesse replied. “I am in love with her and nothing can change that.”

“Not even the news of my betrothal?” Adelei asked, walking back in carrying a tray with 4 plates piled high with food.

“What do you mean?” Liza asked, “Those are just rumors.”

“I mean that the rumors are true. I have been promised to Damian, Prince of Haberuuth.” Adelei responded, setting down the tray on the table. Kaleb grabbed his food at once, but Michaain and Miguel held off, staring at Adelei, astonished at this news. Michaain finally shrugged and grabbed a plate, but Miguel just sat there, his face downcast. “Father made the final arrangements this morning.” Adelei continued looking at Miguel. “There will be a betrothal banquet tomorrow evening, in honor of our union. I will leave the following day to meet Queen Karuanna and the rest of the Royal Court.”

“I can’t believe that your father is selling you off!” Dae exclaimed. “If I weren’t a smith’s daughter, I’d give him a piece of my mind! It is unethical that he’s just going to send you away like this!”

“It is unfair.” Jesse added quietly. “We’ll never see you again.”

“Yes you will.” Adelei told them. “After I leave, I’ll send a summons for you three. Dae and Liza will be part of my group of attendants, and you will be appointed as my personal guard. I’ve never seen a better fighter than you, with the exception of Dae.”

“A woman?” Kaleb asked incredulously.

“Yep.” Jesse turned to him. “She’s a better fighter than any soldier you will ever find. But I can beat her at archery!”

“Only because you cheat.” said Liza and Adelei together.

Michaain chuckled loudly, gazing at Dae. When she saw this, he said, “Not only that, She is the best cook I’ve ever seen.”

“Thank you very much, M’Lord.” Dae curtsied.

“Does there happen to be anymore?”

“Yes, indeed, but you might want to save room for dessert, which is almost done.”

“Dessert?” Michaain, Miguel, and Kaleb all asked, smiles playing over their faces.

“What are we having for dessert?” Michaain asked Dae eagerly.

“I’m afraid that that is a surprise.” she replied.

He stood up and went over to her. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. She whispered back to him in reply, “ I am too stubborn.”

“I like women who are stubborn.” He pressed his lips close to her face.

She backed away, then turned and went into the kitchen. Michaain sat down, smiling. Dae’s voice came from the kitchen, calling Adelei to come and help.

When Adelei went into the kitchen, she found Dae sitting in a chair, in what seemed to be a reverie. “What is going on in Daedrianna’s head, I wonder.” Adelei spoke, startling Dae back to reality. “Is it me, or could it be that she is in love?”

“I don’t know” Dae replied, looking down at the floor, a small smile on her face. “How am I supposed to know?” She looked up at Adelei.

Adelei shrugged. “I am about as clueless as you are. I may be engaged, but I have no experience.”

“I had this warm feeling when he whispered in my ear, and now I can’t help but smile.” Dae said. Her expression suddenly changed from happiness to disappointment. “But he is the son of a Baron! I’d never have a chance; I’m a smith’s daughter.”

“You can’t see what is going to happen?” Adelei asked her.

“I don’t use my foresight willingly. Only when I have premonitions do I know what will happen.” Dae replied. “And I only have premonitions before a major event.”

“Then how did you know about Michaain, Miguel, and Kaleb?”

“I had a premonition. Their arrival here must have some important outcome that will affect my future.”

“Hmm,” Adelei sighed. “Lucky, my future consists of being stuck in a castle quilting, knitting, and doing all that other fun stuff for the rest of my life.” Adelei said sarcastically, making Dae laugh.

In the middle of her laughter, Dae fell out of her chair and passed out on the floor. Adelei shrieked and Jesse and Liza ran into the room.

“What happened?” Liza asked frantically.

“She just fainted!” Adelei answered, crying.

“Again?” Jesse exclaimed.

“What do you mean, again?” Adelei asked, tears falling down her face?

“She fainted earlier today and awoke not long after.” Jesse answered.

“What do we do?” Liza asked.

“Let’s get her to the doctor.” Adelei said, standing up and drying her eyes.

“Ok.” Jesse said, bending over to pick her up.

“No,” Dae said opening her eyes, and sitting up slowly. “I’m fine, and we can’t let anyone find out our secret, Jesse.”

“Are you okay?” Adelei kneeled down next to her. “What happened?”

“A Premonition.” Dae answered. “About them.” She nodded her head towards the door that led to the main room. “Michaain has the power of commanding fire. The three of them are on a journey that will take them through the forest and into the Land of Fire, Wind, and Water.”

“Are they crazy?” Jesse asked. “What about Jasper?”

“They know very little of him, just the classic fairy tales they heard as children.

“I say we confront them on this subject.” Jesse said.

“Yes, otherwise our destinies will go unfulfilled, and our lives will be pointless.”

“All that in one premonition?” Adelei asked.

“This one explained most of my last premonition.” Dae said. “Jesse, can you help me up. I’m very weak.”

Jesse pulled her up and helped her walk out of the kitchen into the front room.

“Michaain, Miguel, Kaleb, we have to talk to you.” Adelei said.

“Yes?” Miguel asked.

“It’s about Michaain’s power of commanding fire.” Dae said.

“How……how……how do you know?” Michaain stuttered.

Miguel quickly drew a dagger from his boot and pointed it at Dae.

“Relax, We’re on your side.” Dae calmly told him. “I’ll keep it secret, as long as you take me with you, to the Land of Fire, Wind, and Water.” Everyone in the room turned their heads to look at Dae.

“That is our destiny?” Jesse asked her. “And if we’re caught? Our parents are known as traitors in the Mystic Lands. We’d be killed, Daedrianna.”

“It’s a risk we have to take.” She said. “Let me explain to you, as my premonitions did to me. The journey will, no doubt, be more dangerous than we could imagine. Jasper, those from the Mystic Lands, and the wild animals of the forest all pose threats to us, but we have to go, or the powers will overcome us.”

“You have powers?” Michaain asked astonished to meet others like him.

“Yes, well, Jesse, Adelei, and I do.” Dae told them. “Adelei commands water, I can control both wind and water, and Jesse can control wind, that’s how he cheats at archery. That’s why we need to go with you, to get rid of our powers. Liza won’t be able to come, though.” She said looking at Liza’s broken arm.

“Whoa! Wait!” Kaleb exclaimed. “No one said that you can go with us anyway. It is a dark and dangerous journey, one that a woman wouldn’t be able to handle.”

“We aren’t ordinary women.” Adelei said, straightening up to her full height.

“How so?” Miguel asked.

“RUN!” Michaain yelled, creating a huge wall of fire between the trio and four friends.

Immediately, Dae, Jesse and Adelei started using their powers as a counteraction against the wall. Jesse, close the doors instantly, with his power of wind, and as he kept them closed, started extinguishing the fire with Dae and Adelei. It took their combined efforts to defeat Michaain, his power much greater than theirs. The fire was slowly extinguished. Without notice, Michaain lost his concentration, and the fire burned out. He raised his arms in surrender to the three.

“You wish to come with us to be rid of your powers?” Michaain asked, “Is that the only reason?”

“Yes.” Dae answered him.

“No!” Kaleb said. “This road is no place for a woman, and we know nothing at all about you.”

“Yet, I know you. I know your families, friends, and your deepest desires. My premonitions are strong. You know plenty about us, enough to have us executed. Isn’t that enough for you to let us come along? And, besides, you need protection against Jasper that we can give. I know how to evade him.”

“Alright.” Michaain nodded. “When will you be ready to leave?”

“Tomorrow morning,” Jesse said. “After we have all rested.”

“No,” Adelei said. “If I do not appear at the betrothal banquet tomorrow, we will be caught, and you will all be tried for kidnapping. My father is overly protective and wouldn’t listen, even if I tried to explain it to him.”

“So how and when do we leave?” Miguel asked.

“The day after tomorrow, Adelei will be leaving for Andian. We will have to go then.” Dae answered.

“How will I escape the guards?” Adelei asked.

“Maybe we could kidnap you.” Jesse said, a grin spreading across his face.

“Of course!” Adelei exclaimed.

Dae smiled. “We could kidnap you when we get closer to Andian. Word won’t reach your father in time. By the time he has found our, we will be far out of reach.”

“And you?” Adelei asked

“Yes, and what about me?” Jesse asked

“No one cares about you, Jesse.” Adelei said. “What about Liza?”

“I can fake illness and stay here.” Liza said. “My life is here, not on a journey to a foreign land.”

“Dae could accompany you, and we will kidnap her as well.” Michaain grinned.

“What about me?” Jesse exclaimed.

“Relax.” Miguel told him, formulating a plan in his mind. “You will play the role of the brave soldier who follows the kidnappers and then disappears.”

“Brilliant!” Jesse said. “But why wouldn’t the other soldiers follow, too?”

“Because of the rumors of caravan raids of which there have been no survivors.” Miguel answered

“Caravan raids? Why haven’t we heard of these?” Adelei asked.”

“Because they haven’t happened.” Michaain smiled. He explained how when he and Miguel were younger, they would scare servants, soldiers, and maids by spreading rumors around the castle that weren’t true. Of ghosts, ghouls, and evil spirits dwelling in the upper rooms of the castle that carried axes and swords that would kill soldier and servants and abduct maids, who would never be seen again.

“If we can convince people that that which is impossible happens, we can make them believe in caravan raids.”

“Then my father won’t allow me to leave at all.” Adelei objected

“You must convince him that you are well guarded and wish to leave.” Miguel told her. “Kaleb, what do you think?”

“This idea is insane! Like I said before, the wilderness is no place for women! How do you expect to get past the guards? You will be well guarded, especially if the rumors work.”

“I will be bathing in the river with my attendant. No guards would watch us bathe.”

“And your betrothed? Will he just sit and mourn over the loss of you? No prince would leave his bride in the clutches of kidnappers.” Kaleb argued on. “He will follow us; through the Forest of Mystery, wherever we go!”

“Not if he believes the kidnappers are of a celestial nature.”

Kaleb shook his head. “He’ll follow us, no matter what. He wants the queen’s approval, and she wants him wed to you.”

“We shall see.” Adelei replied.

“We are going by a fortune teller’s dream!” Kaleb stormed.

“Her ‘dreams’ have always been right in the past!” Jesse defended Dae, who grew silently grim; her eyes say nothing but the stable floor.

Adelei noticed this, and asked her if she was alright.

“Who cares?” Dae said quietly. “I’m nothing but a fortune teller.” She ran out of the room, tears stinging her eyes. Adelei slapped Kaleb so hard it left an imprint of her hand on his cheek. She followed her action with the words, “Well done!” and then ran after Dae.

“Kaleb!” Michaain exclaimed.

“I merely spoke my thoughts.” Kaleb answered.

“Watch your tongue!” Michaain rolled his eyes in anger. Silence followed. After sometime, Adelei came back in.

“How is she?” Michaain asked, his face and heart full of concern for Dae.

“She’ll be fine,” Adelei answered. “I’ve informed my father of your arrival. We’ve had rooms prepared. I will show you to them.”

Adelei bid Jesse and Liza goodnight, then led Miguel, Michaain, and Kaleb out of the stables. “As you probably already discovered, Liza is the stableman’s daughter, Dae, the smith’s daughter, and Jesse is the fletcher’s son. They all live around this area.” Adelei said, but her attempt to make conversation was futile. She took them all to their rooms, Kaleb’s in the servant’s barracks, and Miguel and Michaain’s in the castle.

“Thank you very much.” Miguel said to her as she showed him to his room.

“You are welcome.” she returned politely.

“For everything.”

“The fact that an enraged prince is going to be following us doesn’t upset you?”

“I’d do anything for you.”

“You would?” Adelei smiled.

“Yes,” he said, moving closer to her. “Anything.”

“Kiss me.”

“Yes, M’Lady.” Miguel said as he grabbed her in his arms and brushed his lips against Adelei’s. A strange feeling surged through them both. The feeling didn’t pass, even after their lips parted. Miguel held her close to him, breathing in the scent of fresh lavender.

“Goodnight, M’Lord.” Adelei looked up at him.

“Goodnight, M’Lady.” Miguel kissed her again, before releasing her and retreating to his room.

As Adelei started walking to her room, a broad smile crossed her face.

Reviews

[Ufi Auttorri ~ Amy C. T..]

Well written. Thank you! :)

[Servant Ties]

I want more of it!!! oh and do you have to go to school tomorrow cause if you don't I want to reread the story again. pwease?? oh and I had loads of fun hanging with you today ^-^