Aelethia's Hope. Leandra Martin
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is important in order to make decisions that will win this battle. If you were not scared, you would not care.”
“I think I understand what you’re trying to say. I’ll do my best to stay strong and have faith, but I may need a push in the right direction occasionally,” he said smiling at Tallyn.
Tallyn bowed his head. “I am here for many reasons, and if that is one of them, so be it.”
“I think we’d better turn in. I figure we’re approximately a day and half out of Salador. Does that estimate seem right to you?”
“It does.”
“It doesn’t seem like we’re getting any closer though. There’s been nothing so far, no signs of life whatsoever. If that estimate is wrong, we may run out of food and water before we get across this bloody desert.”
“Agreed. The horses will be fine, but the men may start to have problems soon if we do not get to our destination on time.”
“Aye. Well, let’s get to bed then. We have another long day ahead of us.”
Tallyn and Alek stood. Alek went to his bedroll to get some sleep. The monotonous walk through endless tracks of sand, the heat beating down on him, and the constant glare of the sun on the sand was starting to take its toll. He was sure the men were feeling the same. The elves, on the other hand, seemed fine, and it was irritating to say the least. Nothing seemed to phase them: heat, sun, cold, boredom. They seemed to be able to adapt no matter where they were or what was going on. He guessed that was why they were chosen to teach Melenthia whatever it was she needed to know. Melenthia. How he thought about her often, especially in the last week. His visit to Vallis and seeing her again, so different, so mature and strong. He hoped that Dain would still feel the same about the new Melenthia as he had about the old. She would need his love even more now, and he hoped Dain had matured enough himself to understand her change and love her in spite of it. They would need each other more now, and it would take both of them to fight this war. Side by side they would have to stand, to the end. Alek hoped the end didn’t come too soon for any of them.
CHAPTER 3
Melenthia rode along side Tomaz and Sol as they plodded down the dusty back roads towards Azlyn. She was anxious, jumpy and nervous all day, and it was starting to show. Sol noticed the mood she had been in and decided to ask her what was bothering her.
"What’s troubling you, Melenthia?"
"I'm nervous about getting back to the castle."
"Why?"
"I’ve changed and don't know what kind of reception I’ll get from Dain."
"You don't think he’ll be relieved to see you and know that you’re really safe?"
"I suppose, but..."
"But what?"
"I'm different. I feel different, and I look different. I’m part elf. What if he doesn't feel the same way about me when he sees me again? Or what if he has found another while I've been gone?"
"You mean you don't have faith that he loves you?"
"I do, I mean, I did.. I just don't know."
"I could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He loves you, and he is true. I don't think you have need to worry. And as far as you looking different. You only look different to yourself. You are still the exotic beauty you were when you left. You have only become stronger."
"Yes, well, I was no demure lady before, but now I know I have become something different."
"There is only improvement. He’ll see the difference, but I know that he’ll see something even better than what he had when you left. It’ll be okay, Melenthia; you’ll see."
She sighed. "I hope you're right, Sol. I can’t live without him in my life. I need him."
"And he needs you."
Tomaz had said nothing the entire conversation, only looked ahead and kept watch on the road. They had had no incidences since leaving Vallis, but Tomaz knew that Fallon knew they were out in the open again and unprotected by the spell which kept her safe in the ancient city. He had seen the rider in town when they got into Mercer. He would be inconspicuous to most, but Tomaz knew a spy when he saw one. The man was cautious but not covert, curious but not too open. He saw him asking questions and knew what he was up to. He caught the man looking in their direction once, and that's all it took. He would have reported to Fallon by now that the princess was on the move. He was not trying to avoid talking to his traveling companions but had to keep wary for anything amiss. The princess’ life depended on it. He knew Fallon had already taken his seat on Aaralyn's throne but knew that his real campaign would not start until he had Melenthia in his possession. He could not protect Melenthia from his mind probing. She would have to be strong on her own against that. She would also have to stay strong enough to keep Fallon at bay, then go into war with her kingdom. Tomaz would fight beside her, as would Sol, but his teaching her what she needed was finished. He had faith that she was capable and knew what she needed for when the time came. She would have to survive until she was face to face with Fallon, and that part was something Tomaz or Sol could not interfere in.
Sol looked over to Tomaz deep in thought beside them and smiled. "You seem awfully quiet over there, my friend. Are you still with us?"
"Yes. I am keeping alert for trouble and am trying to keep my mind clear."
"Ever vigilant, valiant warrior?"
Tomaz smiled at the friendly jest. "Something like that."
"Is there something you know that we should be concerned with?"
He answered Sol but was looking at Melenthia when he spoke. "There was a man in town asking questions and trying to be covert about it. Fallon still has spies about, and I would bet my life that he was asking questions about her. I have a feeling Fallon knows she is out of the safety of Vallis' walls now and I am keeping vigilant of trouble. It would be easy for him to try to get to us out here."
She frowned. "Maybe we should not stop tonight then. Maybe we should keep going until we reach the safety of the keep’s walls."
"We are still too far from the castle to keep going without rest. We still have a way to go. Wearing the horses and ourselves down will not keep you any safer. We just have to keep watch in shifts and do not let our guard down for a moment."
"I will take the first one tonight."
"No, you will meditate and practice your exercises. You must remain focused at all times. He will attempt to get to you. Even the walls of the keep will not keep you safe from him. Remember the invasion of your mind before we left for Vallis?” She shivered at the memory. “He will try again. That you can be sure.”
“How will I fight him off?”
“You have the training now to keep your mind free of doubt and fear. Without those weaknesses, you can fight him off.”
She inhaled deeply and let out a breath. They continued on for a few more hours before the sun started to make its way toward the horizon. The pre-autumn air was cool, but refreshing, and Melenthia was glad for the freshness of it. The nights were getting cold, however, and a fire was required. She was quite adept at starting one now, and she enjoyed showing off as Sol had done on their trip to Vallis all those months ago. The fire helped keep away some of the creatures that hunted at night, but the hunters formed from Fallon’s hands would not be skittish of the dancing flames. They had been formed from it, therefore would be drawn to it instead of running from it. She hoped they stayed hidden tonight.
The fire was going, and the food was cooking. Since being in Vallis and not eating meat, Melenthia had grown accustomed to eating only what nature could provide. Fruits, berries, nuts and greens. She didn’t dislike meat, even after abstaining from it for so long, but she felt that she didn’t need it. The other foods satisfied her, and she could get her fill on them. She could also feel the connection with the animals of the land now, like the elves could do, and she felt