The Land of the Lost

Chapter 14 - Odette

As the first light of dawn gently kissed the horizon, Louis and I began our walk towards the village hall. The early morning air was crisp and invigorating, carrying with it a promise of renewal, but the weight of the previous night's conversation loomed over us like a heavy shroud. The tranquility of our surroundings contrasted sharply with the turmoil that churned within me, making each step feel heavier than the last.

"How does your leg feel?" Louis's voice broke the silence, filled with genuine concern.

"It's alright," I responded, attempting to sound more composed than I felt. "A little sore, but the swelling has gone down." I glanced at him, offering a small, appreciative smile. His presence was a source of comfort, a steady anchor amid the storm of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

"I'm glad to hear that," he said, his eyes meeting mine with a soft, reassuring smile. "I was worried that I might not have done enough."

"It's not your fault," I assured him, though the memory of the incident still lingered. "You did everything you could. I'm just grateful for your help."

As we approached the village hall, its golden brick facade stood out magnificently against the backdrop of the surrounding buildings. The architecture of the hall was both grand and welcoming, a testament to the village's rich history and tradition. The village, usually so lively and vibrant, now seemed subdued under the weight of our impending task.

The small gnome at the reception desk recognized Louis immediately, greeting him with a nod and a smile. "Ah, Louis! It's good to see you. And you must be Princess Odette," he said, his eyes widening with a mix of curiosity and respect. "The Elders are expecting you."

We were ushered through the intricately carved wooden doors and guided down a series of dimly lit corridors. The walls were adorned with ancient tapestries and relics, each telling its own story of the village's past. The flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows on the walls, adding to the sense of anticipation that hung in the air.

Finally, we reached the Elders' meeting chamber. The room was expansive, its high ceilings supported by ornate wooden beams. The walls were lined with shelves filled with ancient tomes and artifacts, their presence a silent testament to the knowledge and wisdom that the Elders possessed. The air was filled with the faint scent of aged parchment and beeswax, mingling with the fragrance of blooming flowers from the garden outside.

At the center of the room was a large oval table, around which the Elders were seated. Their faces were etched with lines of age and experience, their eyes reflecting a deep reservoir of wisdom. Elder Bramblefoot, the eldest among them, rose from his seat as we entered. His long, white beard and regal bearing gave him an air of authority and reverence.

"Welcome, Louis," he said, acknowledging my companion with a nod. "And you must be Princess Odette. We've been expecting you."

I stepped forward, my heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and hope. "I am," I confirmed, my voice steady but tinged with emotion. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us."

Elder Bramblefoot gestured for us to take a seat. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. We have much to discuss."

As we settled into our chairs, I couldn't help but notice the gravity of the situation reflected in the Elders' expressions. The room, while richly adorned, seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for the weighty matters to be addressed.

Elder Bramblefoot cleared his throat, his gaze shifting to me with a serious intensity. "Princess Odette, we have received troubling news from Oryn. I regret to inform you that your parents... they were murdered in their own chamber of the palace."