The Avallon Chronicles (BOOK I)

15 | The Half-Blood Elizell

"It's the questions we can't answer that teach us the most. They teach us how to think. If you give a man an answer, all he gains is a little fact. But give him a question and he'll look for his own answers."

Patrick Rothfuss

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CITHARA was a silent observer to all the peculiar occurrences of the day. She and her aunt, their silhouettes merging with the setting sun, journeyed back to their kingdom, a place of familiarity amidst the day's oddities. Her mind was a whirlpool of questions, each one more puzzling than the last.

As they returned to their abode, the familiar scent of home filled her nostrils, bringing a sense of comfort. Cithara nestled her weary head onto the soft pillow, her eyes heavy with the day's adventures. She lay there, in the quiet stillness of her room, as the world outside her window transformed under the moonlight.

After hours of peaceful slumber, the distant echoes of laughter and exuberant shouts stirred Cithara's spirit from its restful sleep. With a yawn and a stretch, she made her way towards the grand window of the palace, eager to witness the transformation unfolding before her eyes.

As the heavy curtains were drawn aside, a vibrant scene greeted her gaze. The kingdom, once shrouded in quietude, now burst forth with life and energy. The streets were abuzz with activity, like a colorful tapestry woven with the threads of bustling merchants, jovial townsfolk, and children chasing each other in playful abandon.

Cithara's heart swelled with delight as she watched the kingdom awaken from its slumber. The two moons' majestic rays danced upon the rooftops, casting a cold glow that seemed to breathe life into every nook and cranny. It was a sight that filled her with a sense of belonging, a reminder of the vibrant community that thrived within the palace walls.

"I'm home," she whispered with a smile, the words carrying a sense of comfort and belonging. Eager to embrace the familiarity of her surroundings, Cithara swiftly changed into a fresh set of garments before draping a cloak around her shoulders.

As she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, the reflection stirred a vivid recollection of the enigmatic encounter earlier that day. The memory of the mysterious man, his eyes gleaming with an air of intrigue, flooded her thoughts once more. She recalled the way his words hung in the air, leaving a lingering sense of mystery and wonder.

Hoping against all odds that the encounter with the man was nothing more than a chance encounter with a traveler from a distant kingdom, Cithara's heart pounded with a mix of apprehension and excitement. Without a moment's hesitation, she dashed towards the sprawling castle grounds, her footsteps echoing through the corridors.

Before venturing out, a glimmer of determination flashed in her eyes as she reached into the drawer of her bedroom. Her fingers closed around a small, weathered blue book, its pages filled with tales of adventure and enchantment. It was her trusted companion, a source of solace and inspiration in times of uncertainty.

With the book firmly in her grasp, Cithara stepped into the moonlight. A radiant smile spread across her face, a beacon of hope and anticipation. "It's time!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and resolve.

As the night air enveloped her, Cithara was greeted by the sight of the castle doors swinging open, revealing the stalwart knights standing guard. The chill in the air seemed to mirror the apprehension that fluttered within her.

"Where are you going, my lady?" inquired Sir Clevor, the head of the knights, his curiosity evident in his gaze.

Caught off guard, Cithara hesitated, her eyes darting to the small blue book she held tightly in her hands. She attempted to conceal it from Sir Clevor's watchful eyes, not wanting to reveal her true intentions.

"I... I'm just..." she stammered, her voice trailing off as she searched for an explanation that would satisfy his curiosity.

Sir Clevor's gaze remained fixed upon her, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and suspicion. "You are going to the competition in the city, aren't you?" he pressed, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and intuition. "Where are you really going, my lady?"

Feeling the weight of his scrutiny, Cithara's heart raced, her mind scrambling for a plausible response. She took a deep breath, summoning her wits. "Clevor, please understand," she pleaded, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation. "I'm simply taking myself for a walk downtown, to clear my mind and enjoy the night."

Clevor, a trusted friend who had become like an older brother to Cithara, couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he pondered over her peculiar behavior. The bond between them was strong, and he genuinely cared for her well-being.

"Wait, aren't you... aren't you going?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. "Wasn't your new discovery amazing? Your aunt said that your little experiment worked," he added.

Cithara let out a weary sigh, her eyes reflecting a mix of confusion and inner turmoil. She turned to face her friend, grateful for his presence but unsure of how much she should reveal.

"Clevor, it's complicated," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "Yes, my new discovery was amazing, but it was also an accident. And because of that accident, someone was harmed."

Her words hung heavy in the air, the weight of the consequences weighing upon her. Cithara's heart ached with guilt, knowing that her actions had caused unintended harm to another. She had embarked on a journey of curiosity and exploration, never anticipating the repercussions that would follow.