From the teachings of The Radiant Path, the Book of Ancestors, written in the Pure Tongue
Ohtarellon, na silmë sívë i lómë, ar i nai cenedril nai tirion
My Friends, the starlight will guide us in the darkness, and the faithful will guard us in our journey.
Eira took one last look around her chambers, not knowing when she would be back again. The castle had become a home of sorts after months of training both for her courtly duties and for battle within its confines.
The first thing she had done when she made it back to her room was to tidy up and make it look presentable. She didn't want any clues to be left behind as to her whereabouts. She wasn't sure which one of her friends would be the most upset at her sudden disappearance, but she wouldn't dare to endanger them by telling her of her plan.
She refused to hurt them again, by whatever means possible.
After the room was presentable, she turned her attention to packing her belongings. She rifled through her wardrobe, pulling out a few select pieces of clothing that she hoped would help her blend in with the court. She paused on a shimmering black gown, before packing that as well for the competition.
Eira then changed into a deep blue silk dress that complemented her eyes and hugged her curves in all the right places. It was a simple yet elegant design. As she slipped the dress on, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Eira couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort at how different she looked from her usual self.
She had pulled back her now gold blonde hair in a neat bun, and her complexion had a warm, almost ethereal quality to it, thanks to the glamour spell. The elegant dress of deep blue silk flowed smoothly over her curves, and she had chosen a pair of matching flats that made her feel as if she was walking on air.
It didn't compare to her true form, but she supposed this more subdued version of herself would still be able to charm others if she needed to.
With a deep breath, she grabbed her bags and slung her violin case over her shoulder as she headed towards the door. As she stepped out into the hallway, she was greeted by the sight of the other ladies-in-waiting scurrying about their business. Eira kept her head down, not wanting to draw attention to herself.
She had to make it to the stables unnoticed if she wanted any chance of success.
As she made her way through the palace, she couldn't help but notice the subtle changes that had taken place since her plan to leave had become a mission. The tapestries on the walls seemed more vibrant and the floors seemed to gleam in the light of the chandeliers. Even the air seemed different somehow, charged with the energy of the impending political turmoil.
Eira pushed these thoughts aside, knowing that she had to stay focused on the task at hand. She quickened her pace, rounding the last corner before she saw the door to the stables up ahead.
When she reached the stables, she saw Lynden waiting for her.
"Good evening, Lady Eira," he said with a bow. "Are you ready to begin your journey?"
Eira hoisted her bags in response. "Yes, I'm ready. Where is the carriage?"
Lynden gestured towards a discrete enough carriage that was waiting just outside the stables. A horse was already hooked into the reigns, and a man awaited her entrance into the carriage.
"There it is. Inside, you'll find everything you'll need for your journey. Supplies, food, water, and some books to keep you entertained."
Eira was surprised by his response. "Books? I didn't expect that. What kind of books?"
Lynden smiled. "All kinds. Histories of the kingdoms you'll be traveling through, maps, tales of adventure, and romance. You'll have plenty to keep you occupied on the long journey."
Eira was impressed, despite all that he had done already. "Thank you, Lynden. You think of everything, don't you?"
The elf shrugged. "It's my job to make sure you're prepared. Now, I have one more thing for you." He handed her a small pouch. "Inside, you'll find some herbs and remedies to keep you healthy and ward off any illnesses or injuries. Use them sparingly, and only when you need to."
Eira took the pouch and stowed it away in her pack. "Thank you, Lynden. I appreciate everything you've done for me."
Lynden bowed, then rose, regarding her. "I must ask you one more question before you leave, Eira."
Eira paused before the carriage. "What is it?"
His smile was lazy. "Who else knows? Aside from the twins, of course?"
Her heart stopped. Not now, not now, not now. Not ever. She never wanted to deal with this.
Eira schooled her features into confusion, trying for a confused laugh. "Lynden, I have no idea what you're talking about. I have so many secrets to keep track of, it's ridiculous. You said yourself how complex court is."
"You know exactly what I mean," Lynden's gaze bore into her, before he dropped into a kneel before her, two fingers raising to his forehead. "Crown Princess."
The tension in the air was so thick that Eira could almost feel it clinging to her skin. She took a step back from Lynden as she felt the weight of his suspicions bearing down on her. Her hand instinctively reached for her pack, ready to flee at a moment's notice if necessary.
The wind picked up suddenly, sending a flurry of leaves swirling around them. Eira took a moment to consider her options and her best move forward. She knew that Lynden was not a man to be trifled with and that he would not let this matter drop easily.
As she spoke, she could feel the weight of Lynden's gaze on her, like a physical pressure bearing down on her shoulders. She tried again for deflection: "Lynden, surely you must be mistaken. The Crown Princess died over 10 years ago, along with the Queen. Everyone knows that."
But Lynden was not so easily deterred. His head rose, and Eira could see the glint of determination in his eyes. "And yet, the corpse of the child was never verified by the mortician. They had claimed it had been unrecognizable, the only sign left behind her tiara. Do not think I missed that detail, princess. I never understood why the princess had fled the palace, though I suppose I always assumed fear drove her away. I almost did not recognize you with your white hair. But you look just like her."
Eira's gaze turned icy, and she clenched her fists at her sides. After a moment, she growled, "It was not fear that drove me from this country. I had no other choice."
As she spoke, she could feel the wind picking up around them, as if in response to the intensity of their conversation. The leaves rustled and danced at their feet, and Eira could feel her hair whipping across her face. She raised her chin defiantly, staring down Lynden even as she fought to control the tremble in her limbs.
For a long moment, the two of them simply stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills.
"I'm sure you can enlighten me when you return, Princess."
Eira glanced at the carriage, at everything Lynden had done for her. "Why help me? There is a chance I will be caught, killed, or used as a bargaining chip against Caladrielle."
When she met his eyes again, respect showed in his features. "I spoke true earlier. You are the only one who can complete this mission. Tárieldor. There is no one else but you, Princess."
Finally, she spoke quietly. "I won't forget what you've done for me."
Lynden dipped his head, his expression unreadable. "Just be careful," he said, his voice low. "And remember, if you need anything, anything at all, do not hesitate to contact me."
Eira smiled a small, almost sad smile. "I won't."
She glanced at him once more before climbing into the carriage, taking one last deep breath before the door closed. The carriage began to pull away her gaze fixed on the disappearing landscape. She watched the familiar buildings and streets slip by, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
For a moment, she forgot about Lynden, about the tension that had filled the air only moments before.
But as the carriage turned a corner, Eira caught sight of him again. Lynden was still there, kneeling on the ground, his eyes following her as she disappeared from view. She felt a pang of sadness in her chest. Lynden had known who she was and he still had sent her away.
Just like her father. No, that wasn't fair. This was their only option. But wasn't that what he had said that day, so many years ago?
Eira turned to face forward again, taking another deep breath to steady herself. She knew what was at stake, and she was determined to see it through. As the carriage continued down the road, she heard the wind pick up around the carriage once more, as if reminding her of all the risks she was taking and all the promises she had to keep.
***
** Vote, comment, and follow!**
Well, well. Seems like Eira has some secrets she's been keeping! I was toying with the idea of keeping it a secret the entire book, but I thought it would be more fun as a reader to follow along with Eira as she tries to hide her lineage. Let me know what you think of this chapter!