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I MADE IT TO THE SOUTHERN Forest in no time at all with how fast I had been flying. It was more beautiful than I had expected. Completely unlike our own forest, here the trees were towering beasts that created their own canopy high above the forest floor, while other trees, more normal in their size, were spread throughout. Ferns covered the ground, all different shapes and sizes, and vines climbed the trunks of the massive trees.
Wandering along, trying to tread carefully, I stopped by a stream I came across to get a drink. It wasn’t big, but it would serve my purpose. Kneeling down on a patch of clover, I cupped the fresh, clear water into my hands and drank my fill. It was blessedly cool and tasted divine. I hadn’t realized how thirsty I was until I had my first sip. I splashed handfuls over my face and neck and over onto my aching wings. It felt amazing and soothed my muscles.
When I was done, I stood to find my bearings, which was difficult to do in such a dense place. It seemed that I wouldn’t have to figure it all out, though, for the Thalasian guards that patrolled the outer rim of their land found me and escorted me to Yna Thalas, their stronghold where The Council sat.
I introduced myself and quickly explained all that had transpired to lead up to my arrival on their land. They were such a secluded people that they were unaware of the goings on in the outside world. Usually, they were only concerned with what happened inside their land, but after telling them that Gwadei would eventually come for them, as well, if he had the Stones, they agreed to hide the Emerald in the sacred tree that their ancestors had created as a representation of their gods. It was hidden deep inside the Southern Forest and surrounded by the dragonfly fields. They told me that no one went into the fields except the head council leader, so I felt assured that it would remain safe.
Bidding them farewell and apologizing for my hasty retreat, I set off once again. I was glad that hardly anyone knew I had even stepped into the forest, and those who did were sworn to secrecy on the threat of banishment. I hoped that no one would see me as I left and desperately prayed that Gwadei would leave them at peace. I hated that I had to involve them, but it was their duty to protect the stone their ancestors had forged as allegiance to the past ruler of magick.
I left the southern forest in a different direction than I had entered. This time I was heading to the west. If I kept the sun at my back, then I knew Gwadei was also behind me. I didn’t know if my Shadow Hounds had succeeded or failed, but I had to continue on, just in case it was the latter.
Making a fire was too risky when I didn’t know who or what could be out there. No one was here to help me or watch over me. I was truly on my own now. It was strange to be alone. I was so used to having Bythane and Moirae at my side; they have been with me from the beginning; not to mention all the people that had helped me along the way. I didn’t realize how much I appreciated having the Cyscáth Bytheiad around until they were no longer here.
“Hello.” Someone spoke from behind the bushes, but I couldn’t see who.
Jumping up and preparing to flee yet again, I called out to them. “Who goes there?”
A man, a human, stepped out from the brush with his hands raised in peace. “I mean you no harm. I only wish to invite you to our camp just beyond this small hill for some food and warmth around a fire.”
“How did you know I was here? Who are you? I’ve never met a human, much less heard of a friendly one,” I said suspiciously and approached him with caution. I may not be able to defeat Gwadei with my magick alone, but I could surely beat a human man that would wish me harm.
“My people and I are not like most humans. We are a nomadic tribe that sticks to our own and travels the world. We live here or there until we wish to move on. Then we do. My name is Eublepharis Macularius, and I am the leader of our tribe. I was out enjoying the sunset when I saw you take shelter here for the night. Come meet everyone. I promise you; we are not like most humans. Come, you will see.” Eublepharis beckoned me to follow him as he walked back towards his camp and people.
I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea. However, what did I have to lose? I had nothing left of value, except the crown and the ruby it held. If they took it, the better. If it was a trick, and they killed me, I wouldn’t mind, for I would be with the goddess and my Thane in the Otherworld. He had kind eyes, though, and I believed him, so I followed him.
The camp was a lively bunch of humans: men, women and children, playing instruments and dancing around the fire in merriment like they hadn’t a care in the world. They must not have had any. I quickly found myself longing for their life as I sat and talked with them about their ways. It was so simple: find a place you liked and stay awhile. If they tired of it, they moved on.
After several hours of talking, dancing, and filling our bellies, I excused myself to rest. I had had an awfully long day and desperately needed some sleep if I was to continue on. I took a few moments before laying down to pray for the soul of my elven friend, Trina, and her family. It was my fault that their village was decimated and their people destroyed. I didn’t even know what had become of Sari. I had promised Trina that I would get her to safety, but I hadn’t even been able to hold to that promise.
As I lay there waiting for sleep to take me, I realized something. The vision I had of the next queen of magick talking to that creature, that was Eublepharis. It had the same kind eyes as he does. These people, these Macularians, as I called them in honor of their leader, were the nomads the vision spoke of joining me.
A tear slipped down my cheek at the thought of what these wonderful people will suffer through just for helping me. In the vision, they seemed happy with their decision, but I couldn’t hold back the sorrow I felt knowing that they would be forever altered because of my need of them. Fate was a cruel and greedy mistress; she had already taken so much from me, but still, she demanded more.
The dawn of a new day had me up and ready to move. I had tossed and turned most the night, too vexed to actually sleep, though I tried. I found Eublepharis and asked to speak with him in private. We sat inside his tent where he had several pillows strewn about for times such as this.
“I have some things I need to tell you, and as difficult as they may be to believe, I need you to do just that, believe me,” I said.
“Alright, then, I shall do my best. Please tell me what troubles you?” He looks genuinely concerned, and I felt terrible for what I was about to ask.
“Eublepharis, I have not been completely honest with you about who I am. I am Emalia, queen consort to Gwadei, king of all that is magick. He has gone mad, and I am on a mission to divide the Stones, and in so doing, remove him from his state of power. I have two Stones left, including one that must be delivered and kept in the sands of the west. However, I need the help of you and your people. No one lives in this place, and I need guardians to protect this sacred Stone. I was wondering- nay, praying- that you would honor me by accepting this daunting task as keepers of the ruby.”
He sat there quietly, looking at me with a passive expression on his face, taking in all I had just divulged. I waited and hoped that he would be willing, so that the vision I had would truly come to pass.
“Queen Emalia,” he says and adjusts himself on the pillow. “I believe you, for I have no reason not to. It is a lot you ask of us.”
“Yes, I understand.” I started to say more to try and convince him, but he held up his hand, asking for silence.
“You didn’t let me finish, my dear. It is a lot you ask of us, but I understand how much of a sacrifice it has been for you, as well. I have not seen any fae in all my travels, as I know you generally remain hidden, so I know you travelling out here is quite a feat in itself. You are far from home, and your eyes are haunted with all you have had to endure in your trials. We have been here longer than we usually stay in one place, so I suppose it is time for us to move on, and for what greater purpose could there be than this? We would be honored to help ease your burdens, Queen of Magick.”
My spirits lifted, and I couldn’t help but sigh in relief. I could feel my smile spread across my face and into my eyes as I thanked him for his sacrifice. I was beyond grateful that these wonderful humans were willing to help in my endeavor. A flash of what he shall look like in the future crossed before my eyes, and my smile faltered.
“What is it, my dear?” he asked, noting my change.
“There is more. I am afraid I must tell you all that will be required of you and your people.” I go on to explain that I had a vision of the next queen of magick, and that she would be coming to visit them long in the future. How, in order to survive the sands of the west and live long enough to meet her, I would have to bestow upon them some of my magick, which in turn would irrevocably change them. I didn’t go into detail on exactly how it would affect them, but I didn’t need to.
He agreed to the terms wholeheartedly, knowing that even though they shall be forever changed, it would be a great honor in their culture. He said their spirits would be pleased to know that they would help ease my burden, and it was not in his people’s nature to turn away someone in need, no matter how great a cost. I was speechless at the willingness of these humans to sacrifice so much when they could choose not to get involved.
We stepped outside, and he gathered his people up to tell them of our agreement. Eublepharis explained everything to them just as I had to him. I sat quietly, waiting patiently for any questions, or rather the outburst I expected to come from at least one person, but there was none. Not one person, young or old, spoke against it. Everyone agreed to help me and went to pack up their belongings. I was so overwhelmed by their selflessness that I started crying again. The goddess was still looking out for me, sending me all the support I needed to make it through.