Anomaly

Liliana was led forward by the captain whom held her arm. As the dome appeared around her he too was thrown to the side. He’d let out a growl of frustration as he spun and fought against the villagers. As the villagers fought against the dark soldiers they each fell one by one. Easily defeated by the villagers and their skilled fighting. Soon enough the Captain fought against the chains that barred him. “Perhaps I should have.” He spat blood from his mouth at Freya to her comment about the ship.

The dark mage snickered as he gazed to Freya. “Your magic is quite impressive. You’ve really taken to the darkness.” He didn’t seem bothered by her cutting into his arm at all. He glanced to Liliana whom was revealed when the dome disappeared. A smirk curved up his lips. “You sure that you want to kill me?” He asked and chuckled.

Liliana had collapsed to her knees, her head leaned back, dark shadows seemed to envelope where her eyes were. The tribal woman walked up to Liliana with worried hues as the last of the dark soldiers fell. “Freya do not kill the dark one.” She touched Liliana’s cheek. “Light one. Liliana.” She spoke and shook her slightly.

“She can’t hear you woman.” The dark mage snickered. Slowly the bodies of the fallen soldiers began to melt into ashes and drift into the air. A wind kicked up seemingly to push the ashes toward the huge ship that they rode in on.

Darmita stepped swiftly to the dark mage. “Let her go.” She spoke as she pulled a bone that was carved into a knife from her hip. She drew it back and stabbed into his abdomen. “Do you want to die? Let her go.” She ripped the blade from his abdomen harshly causing blood to splatter across the sand of the beach.

This action seemed to break the trance that Liliana had been placed in. She took in a gasping breath and as she did fire began to swirl around the group. She let out a cry as a tornado of fire spun up with force. The walls of the tornado blocked Freya, Darmita, and the two strangers within its walls. The heat built as Liliana staggered to her feet. Fire burned into the ground as Liliana walked forward. She reached forward for the dark mage but as her fingertips touched his skin he snickered and disappeared into a puff of ashes. The fiery tornado collapsed inward then, the fire drew into Liliana. It would have felt like it was a 1,000 degrees around her. Luckily for Freya and Darmita somehow a white magic surrounded their bodies. Unlucky for the captain whom screamed in agony as he was burned to a crisp. Even the metal of his armor melted into a pool of molten metal upon the ground. Liliana collapsed back as the fire finished swarming into her. Darmita rushed forward and caught the young elf, her eyes wide.

The ship upon the sea began to retreat quickly, soldiers stood upon the deck, moving the masts swiftly for their escape. The mage stood at the railing staring to the shoreline. After a few moments Darmita nodded to a few of her villagers whom moved swiftly to lift Liliana into their arms. The wounded…were healed by Liliana’s magic. Not a mark was left on the villagers, those near death had come back in the blink of an eye as Liliana’s magic had burst from her. The villagers carried Liliana to the cabin and carefully placed her within the bed. Darmita looked to Freya and drew in a breath. “You both are touched by the Gods…even if she does not believe it…her power saved my people…” She looked to the villagers then whom were gathering outside of the cabin and kneeling to bow in the direction of Liliana. “I fear that the mage may have corrupted her magic. You must watch her closely.” Darmita walked forward and stepped inside. She pulled herbs from her bag at her hip and began making fresh tea. “Her eyes were full of darkness…a darkness that I have not seen.”


It took several hours, it was nearly noon before Liliana’s eyes fluttered open. “Freya…?” She questioned, her head was pounding. She sat slowly and was greeted with a steaming mug of tea from Darmita. She looked to the woman for a long moment, her brows rose slightly. She drew in a breath to smell the steam before she took a long drink from it. “We must get to Kellet.” Liliana spoke, her voice was small. “That mage….” Her brows furrowed slightly and she shook her head.

Darmita looked to Freya a moment before she looked back to Liliana. “Child, you must speak…for us to help.” She nodded.

Liliana gazed to Darmita a long moment. She sipped upon the tea and drew in a deep breath before she let it out slowly. “I don’t know what to say…I am not sure what happened…” She whispered the last part and lowered her eyes. Flashes of the firestorm that she’d created singed into her mind. “How many did I kill?” She questioned after a long moment her voice shook slightly. "I fought so hard to break free from the darkness...and when I finally did I had no control...I...didn't mean to..."

Liliana drew in a breath as she looked to Freya. She shook her head slightly. “Episodes?” She questioned, her brows furrowed. “I’m not certain that I understand what you mean…” Her eyes fell to the mug of tea in her hands and she stared to the steam as it rose from it. “When the wizard looked into my eyes I lost all control. The world around me seemed to melt away. I could hear his voice. But…I think I could only hear him when he deemed that I should hear him…I fell into a world of darkness…it…felt so strange. I was weightless, and yet I was falling. I was freezing…it was colder than anything I have ever felt.” She continued to stare as she recounted her memory. “I fought against it. I screamed, and yet my screams were but a whisper…then I saw a light in the darkness and I managed to break free.”

Liliana drew in a breath. “When I broke from the shadows the cold rushed away and I could feel the heat of fire. I could see the swirling fires before me…” She bit her lip slightly. “I have never felt so out of control…he tried to make me use my magic…he beckoned me to use it to kill you Freya…” She turned her gaze to Freya finally again. “I fought against him, but how long would I be able to fight against his tricks before my own mind were to give away…?” She drew in a long breath. “His power was overwhelming…”

Darmita looked to the girl with soft eyes. She looked to Freya and gave a gentle smile. “Child.” She knelt before Liliana and placed her hands over Liliana’s upon the mug. “You are more powerful than that wizard…and you.” She looked to Freya and grinned. “You are ten times more powerful. He was but a trickster. So what if he has his illusions? Hm?” She grinned to the two. “You are the child of light. You are destined for greatness at the side of the dark one.” She nodded as she slipped her hands away from Liliana.

Liliana gave a soft nod and glanced to Freya as she asked for provisions. She gazed to the young men and women whom approached, a smile curved up her lips. “Of course. Though, your island is beautiful.” She smirked slightly. She stood, “Thank you…Freya…Darmita…” She looked to the two and bit her lip slightly as she thought for a moment. “When we speak to Kellet…he will help…he knows much more than I do. I’m but a young mage.” She gave a laugh before she started gathering her things.

Liliana made her way to the ship and climbed aboard. She stepped beneath the deck and found a room for herself. She made the bed and then stepped upon the deck as the last of the provisions were loaded up. She grinned as she looked to the warm sun in the sky. It was a beautiful clear day. She walked up to the wheel of the ship and glanced to Freya. “I think that wizard was from the tower.” She spoke. “We were supposed to be at the tower yesterday. It would make sense for them to send someone to try to collect us…” She leaned against the railing. “But you beat him hm?” She smiled. “If not I would still be lost in the void.” She grinned and let out a laugh. “I don’t recommend it. I’ll have to speak to Master Kellet about it…such a strange thing…I’ve never heard of anything like it…sure there is the spirit realm…but this…this was not it…not even close.”

Liliana drew in a long breath and shook her head. “Apologies. I’m rambling.” She smiled to Freya. “Shall we get on with our adventure?” She paused a moment. “Captain Freya.” She grinned then after she spoke the words she looked down to the deck where the assembled crew of villagers were looked to the two for direction.

Liliana drew in a breath as she watched Freya go to work. She told the men exactly what to do, like a true captain. She watched the woman as the giggle came over her lips. Liliana grinned as she looked to the sea as the boat cut through it quickly. “You are a true captain. One of the best, indeed.” She spoke as she brought her eyes back to Freya. Her brows rose. “Me? Steer a ship? Um…” But Freya had run to the front of the ship. Liliana gripped the wheel quite nervously, she didn’t know what to do with a ship. She’d only ever been on the other ship that they rode upon that ended up being sunk.

She watched as the woman created the magnificent statue upon the bow of the ship. Then soon enough she had to fight the wave that the whale created that pushed the ship slightly. Her eyes were wide. But the laughter and the cheering upon the boat caused a smile to curve up her own lips. She watched in awe as the creature swam next to the ship and splashed the water. A bit sprayed her and she let out a giggle. The sea truly was a magical place. She’d heard the stories, the songs that bards sang within the taverns. But she never imagined it to be as wonderful as it truly was. The bards tend to add extra flourish to everything. But this, being at sea…it was more than she could have ever imagined.

As Freya rushed up to her Liliana grinned and nodded, “I saw!” She exclaimed as she handed the wheel back over to Freya. “How amazing. Your god must truly believe in you, Freya. Njord…” She spoke the word. She was very unfamiliar with the Viking gods. She moved and gripped the railing on the side of the ship as she peered to the sea once again, looking down as the waves moved quickly beneath them. “Where will we go? We cannot dock in Presttria…the guard is looking for me…but that is the nearest dock to Aradon which is where Kellet is.” Her brows scrunched together. She drew in a breath in thought, “You said this island is to the west? We could…dock to the south and head in through the forest of Denhead…you’ve been there before…it would be dangerous…but it would be the swiftest way. Unless you wish to dock in Crona…it would be a bit of a trek to get inland…but I’m certain a merchant or two would be headed toward Coteairne and we would be able to catch a ride…or we could go over the mountain…it would cut time…but the drow that live in Dogdiff aren’t…well…they aren’t known to be very friendly…” Liliana seemed deep in thought as she seemed to map out the continent in her head.

Liliana smiled as she listened to Freya speak of her people. “Well…I think you’ve outdone your dream. You’re a captain. Not just a shield maiden upon a ship.” She grinned to her as she turned and leaned against the railing of the ship. She crossed her arms over her chest as she looked to the woman. “I am not much of a cartographer. So my aid in what direction we go…well…” She gazed up to the sun and then gave a laugh after a long moment. “Perhaps we see where we land.” She nodded. “If anything Kellet will reappear if we do not show up after sometime.” She smirked, “He’s a bit protective of me, I suppose.”

The young elf turned and looked to the sea once again. Not even a sliver of land in sight. “We will hit land eventually…I hope.” She gave a bit of a smile.

Liliana found herself teaching the villagers many different ways of the people of Oclera. She sat and spoke of the light god in the evenings with them. She helped with the preparations of food and she tended to any scrapes and cuts that the villagers would sustain. One night Liliana stood upon the deck of the ship up by the wheel. She was drinking ale and laughing away with one of the villagers that had taken over the wheel for the evening for Freya. She laughed and drank and smiled. Her eyes looked to the full moon that lit their path ahead of them. It had been nearly a week without seeing land. A yell came from the crow’s nest up above. Liliana peered ahead, at last in the distance the lights of a city could be seen. She grinned.

Liliana ran down the stairs swiftly and burst through Freya’s door. “Freya! Land!” She called out happily as she pulled the sleeping viking from her bed. She giggled as she tugged her along. “Look! A port!” She grinned as her ale sloshed around.

Soon enough the ship came to the beautiful docks of the port. Liliana’s hues gazed over the city that was nearly asleep, only a few candles still burned within the windows of homes. Off in the distance she could see towers push up into the night skies. She glanced to Freya happily. “We did it.” She giggled as she rushed to the side of the ship.

A guard clad in armor approached the ship. “State your business.” He spoke, his accent was different. Unlike anything Lilian had heard before.

Liliana walked down the ramp and stood before the man. Long elven ears poked out from the sides of his helmet. She smiled to him. “We’ve been out at sea for sometime.” She spoke, “Where are we?” She asked then.

The guard looked to her from the shadows of his helmet. “You are at the port of Fearntry.” He seemed to study her a moment and then he looked to the ship. “What is an elf doing traveling with humans?” He questioned then.

Liliana glanced to the ship and to the villagers. “These are my friends…apologies…did you say Fearntry? I’m not familiar with it.”

The guard once again looked to Liliana. “Friends?” He questioned before he scoffed. “You and your friends will be coming with me. You’ve no paperwork to dock at our port I imagine. That is a class II fine. Now will you be coming without any trouble?” He questioned.

Liliana bit her lip slightly. She glanced to Freya. “Yes. We do not want to cause any trouble. I am from Presttria…could you tell me how far this port is from there?” She asked.

The guard nearly laughed. He looked her up and down. “That explains everything. Oclera. Of course.” He scoffed. “You’re in Onya. The king and queen of Haran will deal with you…and your…friends…” He looked to the ship once again.

Liliana glanced to Freya with worried eyes. “Onya…” She spoke as she drew in a breath. They had traveled across the great sea. She bit her lip slightly. “We…could leave…”

“You’ve already committed your crimes. You’re coming with me.” He gripped her arm. “I don’t want any issues. Got it?” He had his hand upon his sword that rest upon his hip. Other guards ventured forward to lead the group into the city. Liliana didn’t put up a fight against this guard. She knew how aggressive those from Onya could be. At least…that is what her father told her. Onya was a dangerous continent. She gazed up as they walked toward the high towers. Even in the night she could tell it was a beautiful sight to see. The architecture was unlike anything on Oclera. It took nearly 30 minutes of travel before they reached a metal gate that was unlocked. The group was walked into a damp dark corridor that led to another and another. Doors and hallways one after another. Soon enough the guard shoved Liliana forward into a cell. She stumbled and turned as the others were filed into the cell behind her. “Wait…” She stepped to the door the bars were slammed shut.

“They aren’t going to listen to you lass.” A dwarf spoke from the floor. He looked up to the group and drew in a breath. “The elves may have signed a treaty with my people….” He paused a he looked up to her. His thick fiery beard was braided intricately “Bloody hell you’re one of em!” He spat in her direction. “Why are you traveling with this pointy eared liar?” He held his hand up. “She get you lot into this mess?”

Liliana’s brows rose and she drew in a breath. “I…no…um…” She looked to Freya with a confused gaze. “This isn’t…good…” She whispered.

Liliana winced as Freya poked at her shoulder. “I…I um I’m sorry…the guard…I…” She looked rather flustered, her eyes looked away from Freya. “I got us into this mess…I’ll fix it.” She stepped to the cell door then.

The dwarf chuckled, “Well if she in’nt an interesting lass.” He looked to Freya. “The king and queen of Haran hate outsiders. It would be in your best interest to high tail it and run. If you could get passed those bars.”

“Get back from the door.” A guard shoved a stick of lightening into Liliana’s chest. Her body jolted and she fell back, a groan came from her. The guard hesitated a moment, his brows pulled together. He looked to the group in the room and then to Liliana once again. The jingling of keys was then heard. “You don’t belong in this cell…what are you doing in here hm?” The guard unlocked the cell door. He held the boom stick up and eyed the villagers and then Freya and finally the dwarf whom spit in his direction. He grasped onto Liliana and lifted her to her feet before he ushered her from the cell by backing up slowly.

“Yeah that’s right get that pointy eared scum out of here. We don’t want er.” He spoke as he puffed up his chest. The cell door closed and locked back into place. “Don’t you worry lass. They won’t hurt her. She’s one of them.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “With any luck she’ll come back for us.” He sighed.

“The light one saved us…she wouldn’t abandon us now…” A young woman spoke her voice soft. “Not like this…right Freya?”

**

“Let me go.” Liliana pushed against the guard.

“I’m getting you to safety.” The guard spat back. “Your father has been worried sick about you. For you to end up in the dungeon. Don’t tell him you were in the dungeons…it’ll be my head. You hear me?” He walked her along swiftly through the corridors. Soon enough they walked along marbled floors that nearly showed her reflection.

“I believe you have me confused with someone else.” Liliana pulled her arm from his grasp.

“Oh yeah, of course. You’re not going to trick me again, princess.” He rolled his eyes and placed his hand upon her back. Liliana looked to him in disbelief. This guard was surely an idiot. “You know. Last I heard you were quite ill.” He spoke as he stopped before two double doors. He looked her over for a moment. “What sort of clothing is this?” He raised a brow and then shook his head. “Come.” He turned and ushered her forward into a gorgeous throne room. Braziers lit the sides. Stained glass gave way to the night skies. He stopped in the middle of the room. “Stay here.” He ordered. Knights stood along the sides of the room. Whispers ran along the knights as they gazed to the woman in the middle of the room.

Several long moments passed before footsteps returned from the hallway behind the thrones. A tall slender elven woman walked around the throne with the guard in tow. Her eyes looked to Liliana in disbelief. She rushed forward and cupped both sides of her cheeks. “Estel.” She whispered and then pulled her into her grasp. “I thought you were dead…” She hugged her tightly. “Oh my sweet girl.” She kissed the side of her head and then let out a content sigh. “Don’t…ever do that again, hm?”

“I’m…not…” Liliana furrowed her brows.

The woman grasped Liliana’s hand and gave a gentle smile. “It’s okay.” She spoke and nodded. “Come. Let’s get you ready for bed, hm? The guards have been searching for you for two days….” She towed her along. “You look…well…are you feeling better dear?”

Liliana gave a short nod and then bit at her lower lip. She glanced to the guards and drew in a long breath as she was led from the throne room and deeper into the castle. She tried to remember each turn. She had to get back to Freya.

**

“You know….come to think of it…your lass…the pointy eared one…I know why that guard took ‘er.” The dwarf spoke up. “She looks an awful lot like the princess.” He chuckled. “Oh I wish I could see the Queen’s face. That poor girl has been ill for ages…and to see a young elf that is nearly the spitting image…” He pondered the thought. “Where’d you say you were from again?”

“How did she do that?!” One of the guards questioned swiftly.

“She’s touched.” Another spoke.

“Get the captain.”

The guards rushed into the cell and pulled Freya from it. They heaved her down the hall and into a separate cell where they strapped her into a chair, her arms to the arm rests, her legs snapped into metal shackles. “We have to tell the king.” One of the guards spoke.

“In the morning. Don’t wake him for a touched human.” Another guard scoffed.

With that Freya was left alone in the room. In silence. Only a single brazier burned upon the wall. It illuminated a wooden table that seemed to be filled with instruments. Chains hung from the ceiling. This room was used for torturing those that broke the laws of Haran. Or went against the king and queen….

**

Liliana paused as she entered the pristine room, her eyes looked about over the plush bed and the view of the city. It was absolutely stunning. She had been helped by a maiden into more suitable clothing as the sun began to peak up over the horizon. She stood before the mirror and gazed to herself. She looked nothing like a baker’s daughter. She’d tried to tell the queen she wasn’t the princess, but the queen merely brushed her off just as the captain had. She bit at her lip as she searched through the items within the princess’ closet. “Come on…” She spoke as she found a cloak. “Ah here…”

The door pushed open just as she had her fingertips on the silky material. She turned to see the woman from before walk in. She walked forward and pulled Liliana into a hug. “Estel, dear, are you certain that you feel alright?” She questioned. Her eyes searched Liliana’s carefully. She narrowed her brows slightly, “Come, sit.” She walked over to the table that sat near the balcony. Liliana followed obediently. “A cup of tea?” The woman asked as she snapped her fingers. A servant rushed into the room with a steaming hot kettle and poured two glasses. The queen watched Liliana as she lifted the mug, her fingers wrapped around it. “What are you doing?” She asked as Liliana took a long drink.

Liliana looked to the mug and then to the woman before her. She set the mug down. “I…”

“You’re not my daughter. I know.” The queen spoke a sad look came over her expression. “You tried to tell me. I wouldn’t listen. Estel wouldn’t hold a mug like that. Not at all. She’s been so ill she can’t wear a corset like that. It…is a strange illness…takes her breath away…she coughs up blood…” The illness that the queen spoke of sounded exactly like the illness that Liliana’s mother had died from.

“Gods…” Liliana spoke, her crystal hues gazed to the woman. “I…I’m sorry…” She managed to speak.

“It’s a terrible thing.” The queen spoke softly. “I’ve hidden my daughter away in a tower of the castle. So that she can rest in peace…I’ve told my guard and my people that she ran away…and here our captain finds you. A girl that looks nearly the same as my daughter, just with blue eyes instead of green…” The queen sipped from her tea mug elegantly. “I’ve only seen blue eyes like yours once in my life and it was quite a long time ago.” She sipped once again. “My sister, had blue eyes just like you. Where are you from dear?”

“Oclera…Presttria…” Liliana spoke she felt a horrible pit in her stomach, as if she had once again ended up in a bad situation. This time though, Freya would not be able to save her. She needed to save Freya.

The queen drew in a breath and gave a nod. “Her name? Your mother.” She had her eyes glued upon Liliana.

“Asli.” Liliana replied, “She um…she died when I was a little girl.”

The queen closed her eyes then and her lips pressed into a thin line. “You’re her daughter, there’s no mistaking it. The more I look at you, the more I see her. She ran away when we were young. She was my older sister…she left this war ridden continent for Oclera…to be free from it all…how did she die dear?”

“She was very sick…she had nearly the same thing as it sounds as if your daughter has…” Liliana spoke carefully. “I um…” She bit her lip. She couldn’t save her mother. Why would she be able to save this princess?

The queen let out a long breath, “Our mother died of the same horrible death…it…is a terrible way to go…”

“My friends.” Liliana spoke up. “I sailed here with them…they are in the dungeons…I…” She sucked in a breath. “I will heal your daughter. I can save her. If you set my friends free.”

The queen paused a long moment. She set her mug down. “Did the anomaly gift you?” She questioned after a long moment of silence.

“I had the gift all along…but the anomaly only made it stronger…I couldn’t save my mother…I was just a child…and she passed before the anomaly…but I can save your daughter.” Liliana spoke confidently. She had to save Freya and the villagers. “Please. Set my friends free.”

The queen straightened slightly. “You’ll come with me to heal her. I’ll send for my guard to release your friends.” She stood. “Come.” She walked out into the hall. “The travelers from Presttria that came last night. Release them. Send them to the throne room at once.” The queen ordered a guard whom bowed his head and walked off swiftly. “This way.” The queen walked to a spiraling set of stairs. “She’s up here.”

The queen led Liliana through the halls of the castle. The morning sunlight peeked through the windows and cast an orange hue over the stone and marble. “I fear that she does not have much time left. I helped stage her disappearance because she begged me for silence. The constant visits from the priests and priestesses.” The queen shook her head. “She’s exhausted as it is and to have to uphold herself as a princess...well...Estel is exhausted.” She spoke as she climbed the spiral staircase. Liliana merely nodded, she had no words. She knew exactly how the princess would look. She remembered her mother’s final moments as if it were just yesterday that she sat at her mother’s bedside and watched the woman’s life wither away.

The queen paused and turned to look to Liliana, “I didn’t get your name child.” She spoke and gave a soft smile.

“Liliana Morgenson.” She spoke as she looked to the queen.

“A beautiful name. Asli was always quite creative with names.” The woman chuckled lightly. “You may call me Jeslia, no need to call me queen, hm?” She turned and pushed the door open.

The room was beautifully kept. In a bundle of blankets lay the princess. Her eyes cracked open and the emerald hues gazed across the room, the color that Liliana imagined was once vibrant and full of life seemed dull and mute in this moment. Jeslia walked across the room to the bedside and gave a gentle smile. “Estel, my dear.” She brushed the princess’ hair from her eyes and leaned down to place a gentle kiss upon her forehead. “I’ve brought someone who is going to help you feel better.”

“Mother...” The princess’ voice was weak. “I am tired...so tired of these remedies.” She coughed and the queen dabbed blood from the princess’ lips. “No...I don’t want anything else...I’m sorry...” She winced as she wheezed and coughed again.

“Estel, this is not a remedy.” Liliana spoke as she stepped forward. She moved around to the other side of the bed and sat next to the princess. She looked to the queen whom gazed to her with hopeful eyes. “Fate has brought me here. Just as fate gave me these powers.” Liliana placed her hand upon Estel’s shoulder. Her eyes swirled with the flickering flames of her magic. Slowly a glow came to her palm and the warmth of the light spread over the princess’ body. The queen took a step back as she watched, the woman held her breath in anticipation. Liliana grit her teeth as she drew upon the illness. She leaned forward slightly as her eyes fluttered. Her hand held onto the princess’ hands as her power swarmed around the woman. Blood began to drip from Liliana’s nose as she fought to pull the illness from Estel’s body. She’d repaired the broken. She’d saved a dragon. But this illness. It was strong and it was rooted deep within the princess.

Her breathing quickened as a burst of power came from her. Liliana collapsed to her side upon the bed next to the princess, her chest heaved quickly. Blood leaked freely from her nose as her eyes fluttered. “Liliana?” Jeslia stepped forward and touched the shoulder of the young elf.

“Mother?” The princess spoke as she slowly sat up. She looked to her skin that had been pale as snow. Color had returned. Her chest was not tight, she could take a deep breath. A laugh came over her lips. “This must be a dream.” She looked to her mother and then to the strange elf next to her. “Where did you find her?” She questioned.

The queen looked to her daughter and grinned. She rushed around the bed and pulled her into a tight embrace. “Ah Estel I cannot remember the last time I heard you laugh.” She kissed the side of her head.

The queen turned her gaze to Liliana as the woman’s eyes finally slipped shut. “She found us, actually….” She spoke as she moved around the bed and brushed Liliana’s hair from her eyes. She looked her over for a long moment. “Must have taken quite a bit out of her to do such a thing...she may have even risked her life to save you, Estel.” She spoke as she walked toward the door. “We will get her downstairs to the guest chambers hm?” Jeslia smiled, “Come dear, let us get you cleaned up darling.” She pulled Estel into a tight hug and chuckled as she led her from the room.

**

The man stood with a bewildered look on his face as he stared to Freya. How was this woman laughing? Most were writhing in pain, begging for mercy. He stepped over to the table and grasped a longer prod stick, one that could be used for many different things. He spun and slammed it against Freya’s chest. “I’ll get you to understand the gravity of this situation soon enough. If I have to beat it into you. I’ll enjoy it.” He shoved the end of the pole into her ribcage harshly. “Our king will gladly see you hang before the people, but not before I am finished with you.” He slammed the pole against her rib cage on the other side of her body. There was a nice crack that echoed through the room. “Ohhh that sounded quite nice.” He spoke and chuckled.

The door swung open then, “Leon is this one of the members of the ship that the princess was upon?” A guard questioned quickly as he looked to Freya.

“Yes of course. What’s it look like?” The greasy man looked to the guard. “What’s it to you cap?”

“All crew members of that ship are to be released and escorted to the throne room. By order of the queen.” The Captain spoke as he looked to Freya and then back to Leon.

The man groaned and looked to Freya. “The queen wants her released?” He questioned as he stepped closer. “A savage? Released?” He chuckled. “And doubly a savage with magic from the anomaly.” He scoffed. “She’s a human. What does our queen want with her?” He spun and brought the pole against the side of Freya’s head then harshly. Hard enough to knock her out.

**

Liliana woke hours later. Her eyes cracked open. She lay within a soft feathered bed. Silky sheets were pulled up over her body. She groaned slightly as she moved to sit up. Though as she did this her eyes fell upon a body in a bed across the room. She drew her brows together as she stood and stumbled forward. Liliana nearly fell as she made it to the bedside. “Freya...” She breathed as she looked over the battered body of the woman. Liliana placed her hand over Freya’s forehead and the warmth of her magic swiftly enveloped Freya. She took in quick breaths as she mended broken bones, cuts and bruises. Liliana collapsed to her knees at the side of the bed. Her body shuddered. “Freya...are you alright?” She asked her voice soft. "I'm sorry for this...this is entirely my fault..."