"we really have to figure out a way out of here". Thrain said looking at shadow, the horse neighed softly.
His eyes narrowed, he thought of possible ways of escape. Lythari's words weren't just empty words, she meant what she said, that he knew. But...Aries, Aries was all he could think about all day and night.
As he pondered his next move,a soft voice whispered in his ears."I can help you escape but you must trust me".
He spun around, but there was no one in sight. The voice seemed to come from all round him.
" Who are you?". He demanded.
"Help". The voice replied. " Meet me in the old windmill at midnight, come alone". The voice vanished as suddenly as it came, leaving Thrain with more questions than answers, but he knew he had to take the chance, matter of fact, that's the only chance.
"I'll be there". He whispered to the air, hoping the mysterious voice would hear.
He took shadow back to it barn and decided to take a stroll round town and then to the marketplace,he saw so many familiar happy faces. Some people stopped to greet him, while some just stared, others confirmed the rumors flying around that the queen's brother has finally returned.
He watched children run around excitedly without any care in the world, some of them inadvertently bumped into him, but they quickly muttered "sorry sire" before rushing off to join their friends,he didn't mind them at all, actually it felt good,he really missed this feeling,home... everything...
"Thrain,is that you?". A voice startled him. He turned towards the direction, searching for the owner. Then he saw her standing amongst the crowd,her long curly hair moving gracefully with the wind. Nola.
"Nola?". His voice trailed off,a smile spreading across his face. Seeing her like this after a long time brought a tingling sensation to his heart. "It's really you!".
Nola's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled her lips curling upward, she had the sweetest smile...
"In the flesh". She said moving closer to him her voice husky.
"How long has it been Thrain,I mean my lord". She curtsied
"It's 'Thrain' to you ". He said laughing.
The next few minutes that came crawling by,they stood there, just staring and reminiscing about the old times.
"You know when I heard the rumor that you were back in town,I actually didn't believe it up until now ". She began.
''And...you look different". She added.
Thrain's chuckle was low and rough,he knew exactly where she was driving at.
"I've urm... been through a lot Nola. But you... you've grown into a really beautiful lady". Nola's cheeks flushed pink, her eyes dropping to the ground.
"Thanks ". Was all she managed to say.
"I've missed you so much". He pulled her into a warm embrace.
But she pulled away from him almost immediately, even though she really wanted the hug to last a little longer, people were watching and she felt a bit uncomfortable under their gaze.
"I've missed you as well". She said with an awkward smile.
"Come with me,I need to show you something".
She pulled him away from the crowd,all the way to a small cave beneath the castle.
"Look". She said pointing at an apple tree in the middle of the cave. "I was actually on my way to collect the fruits" she added with a smile.
Thrain's eyes widened as he carefully studied the tree. He now understood why everyone kept emphasizing on how long he's been away.
"I guess it's been too long,I can't believe it". He was elated, lacking the right words to say,he only stared in awe,Nola observed him, she felt very satisfied with his reaction.
"I've been taking care of it Thrain, just like we used to, remember?. We'd sneak away from the castle and tend to it together". Her eyes sparkled with nostalgia.
"It's incredible,I can't believe it's still thriving ". He said while reaching out to touch the trunk.
" Just like our friendship , it's still strong, still alive. No matter how much time passes,no matter where life takes us, right?". Nola said,her voice soft and soothing, she sat down on a rock beside the tree, Thrain too sat next to her. His eyes met hers,his gaze warm.
"You're right, somethings never fade".
As they sat there, surrounded by the memories of their childhood, the mischiefs and dangerous adventures of their teenage. Thrain for the first time since he came into valtoria, felt peace,it was as if the world outside the cave didn't exist and all that mattered was the bond they shared.
He was particularly awed by how much Nola has changed, his eyes roamed all over her face, taking in the subtle changes that had occurred since they last saw each other.
Her features had refined,her beauty blossoming like the apple tree infront of them,her hair more longer and her smile, radiant as always.
This made him realize that she had turned into a young woman,a beautiful young woman to be precised.
"I hope you've finally come to stay,no more adventures". Nola said, breaking the cave's silence.
Thrain smiled.
"No more adventures but I have to leave soon".
Nola twisted her brows. " Why, do you hate valtoria that much?".
"No!". He replied sharply.
"No, please don't say that, this kingdom is my home and will always be, it's just that I had a very important duty to protect someone and...and I failed to do that". He said slowly this time.
"And who is this person,a king? queen?wizard? princess?or is it a priestess, cause if it disturbs you this much, that means, that person must be very important". Nola was really curious.
"She's not really a princess,a queen or a priestess ". His eyes lit up as soon as he began to talk, Nola noticed.
" Oh it's a she". She mumbled.
"Her name is Aries,I swore to protect her because she's not just any ordinary being, she's literally the savior of the world,our world".
"I have to go,I must find her ". He said looking at Nola intently.
"So, this person is not a witch, neither is she a priestess but she has a gift?". She tried to understand him.
"Yes,very gifted ".
"But anyone who has a gift, clearly as the one you speak of,is a witch".
"You don't understand Nola,no one does. I just have to find a way to leave ". He said clearly frustrated
Nola's shoulders stiffened, she has never seen Thrain this restless just about anyone,who was this person?.
Was it an old woman? Young? Middle-aged?.
She was beginning to get a weird feeling,a feeling she couldn't quite shake off.
"I will find a way to help you leave". She said slowly.
"There's no need for that Nola,I know the queen has stationed guards on every exit by now, plus I don't want you to get into any kind of trouble because of me, don't worry I'll figure it out myself " He said standing up about to leave.
" So you are just going to leave?. Without even considering my willingness to help?". She was really annoyed.
"Nola,I didn't mean to..., listen I just want to keep you safe alright,i really appreciate your help but I don't want to drag you into this ".
"Alright fine,if you won't let me help you,at least tell me about your plan to leave ". She said standing up as well.
Thrain hesitated then said. "I'll be meeting someone tonight at the old windmill,I don't really have a solid plan yet but maybe just maybe after my meeting with this person,I might be able to find a way".
"Do you know this person?". She asked.
"Umm...no, but I believe that person would be able to know his way around ".
"Alright then,I hope everything works out for you ". She said moving closer to him.
" I...l hope so too ".
"Where do you think you are going?". She asked grabbing his arm, Thrain was about to go.
"Collect the apples with me, please?". She added before he could say anything.
"Of course". He said with a generous smile on his face.
"I usually sell them in the market". Nola began,her voice echoing through the cave.