Aboard the Atlas

Ayla looked to Ren and gave a nod, “Yes…this is him..” She spoke as she glanced back to the shore as the guards rushed the port. She steadied herself as the ship began to move quickly with Ren’s aid.

Nym grinned as he watched Ren work. He’d always missed her when she came to town, when he recruited he always seemed to be too far away. “This ship is incredible.” Nym spoke as he looked around at the crew. They all worked together so seamlessly.

Ayla gave a nod. “Yeah, it is something isn’t it?” She looked to the sails that held strong against the power that Ren pushed into them. Ayla slid the heavy bag of items from her shoulders and leaned against the railing. She thought of the vision of Elanor she’d seen. She looked out over the waters, back toward the city that became smaller and smaller in the distance. Her expression was full of determination. She was lost in thought when Ren approached.

Nym crossed his arms as he looked to the lieutenant. He looked to Ren and gave a slight smile. “She is hard to get through to sometimes.” He chuckled. He moved over and leaned against the railing next to her. “Hey, Ayla.” He spoke, his arms still crossed. “Lieutenant Sarálonde.” His voice was a little louder this time.

Ayla perked up and took in a quick breath. Her eyes had been glazed over. She looked to Nym and then to Ren. “Oh…” She shuffled and lifted the bag back onto her back. “I...”

“The captain here asked if you have any idea where the princess might be.” Nym spoke, “You know her better than anyone.” He watched her.

Ayla took in a breath and gave a slow nod. “Yes, I have an idea.” She looked to Ren. “This is going to sound insane but the queen contacted me.” She bit her lip slightly. “She didn’t offer much information, she stated that Amalliey is safe for now, she’s traveling with a mage…and from the way that Elanor spoke of this mage she is the mage that was used to perform the blood magic, the mage that killed Elanor…” She shifted her weight, her brows furrowed. “The king….” She shook her head. “He hasn’t been the same since the dark elves attacked one of our caravans a few months ago. We lost good soldiers.” She spoke and sighed softly. She shook her head. “My apologies, I digress. Elanor told me that Amalliey and this mage went to the west.” She thought for a moment. “West of Askabar.”

“The Magi Tower?” Nym asked.

Ayla looked to him and then gave a nod. “If the mage is an ally as Elanor stated…the Magi Tower would make sense.” She crossed her arms. “I don’t know much of the Magi Circle, my life has been spent within the castle walls for most of it, until 5 years ago when the queen placed me into the Royal Guard.” She looked to Ren, her eyes tired. “I would like to rest, if I could, at least until dinner…” She glanced to Lando as he approached.

“I can show you to the guest room, Lieutenant.” He gave a gentle smile and nodded to Ren as he led her off.

Nym looked to Ren and then after the Lieutenant. “I used to believe in the royal family like she does.” He spoke and let out a soft laugh. “I was a servant to the king as well. Until I saw what happened to Nouvis, her mother and then…when I saw what they did to Ayla… If the king knew I saw I would have been dead years ago.” He leaned against the railing. “I’m not even sure Ayla remembers. I was a young lad then, maybe my eyes deceived me.” He let out a soft laugh. “Her ears are much shorter than they should be, don’t you think?” He asked and searched Ren’s eyes. “Even for a half-elf…have you even noticed her ears?” Nym reached up and touched the long tips of his ears. It was easy to tell his race from several feet away, the ears gave him away easily.

Nym took in a breath. “Ayla was given the life of a princess, yet treated like a lowly servant at the same time. The queen took special interest in her, for some strange reason.” He shook his head. “But the king….he has always been harsh. It was his decision to cut her ears.” He was still angry that they did it. “Ayla was 5…I remember it clear as day. I watched from the shadows in the servants quarters. I couldn’t look away as she screamed, yet I also couldn’t help her.” He frowned. “I stayed and protected Ayla until she was old enough to fend for herself and then I fled to Ashville and opened my shop…” He shook his head. “I wish I could have taken her with me, she was like my little sister, you know? But…the queen loved her, she kept her close. It was the king that put her to work as a servant scrubbing the floors.” He scoffed. “That bastard has pinned the murder of the woman that acted like a mother to Ayla on her…” He grit his teeth. “It was the king that ended Nouvis’ life too. He told everyone, including young Ayla that her mother died during her birth.” Nym shook his head. “That bastard slit Nouvis’ throat….and I’m sure he would have just as heartlessly killed Ayla if it hadn’t been for the queen.” He then sighed. “I’m sorry, I’m sure you didn’t wish for all of that information.” He let out a laugh. “I’m Nym, at your service Captain.”

“Elanor you cannot give her the same attention as a royal, she isn’t our child.” Jonathan spoke, his arms crossed, his brows tucked together.

Ayla was about 4 years old at this point. She sat in the other room, looking to them.

Elanor held a toddler in her arms, Amalliey. She was almost 2. “She doesn’t have anyone Jonathan, how could you be so heartless? Nouvis spent years here and for her to die like that…” She let out a soft sigh. “It doesn’t feel right to throw her into the streets, it will surely be throwing her to her death, she can’t fend for herself, Jonathan.”

The king turned and stared to Ayla whom held a small wooden block in her hands. She was putting a wooden block puzzle together. “She is not our responsibility.” He spoke as he looked to her ocean blue eyes.

“Jonathan, as queen over this kingdom I made a vow to protect those within it. Is this not protecting someone in need? She can grow with Amalliey, be a playmate to her. This is a good thing…stop trying to throw her out like garbage.” She set Amalliey in her cradle, the young child cooed happily.

Ayla looked away from Jonathan, she had bruising on her wrist from where he’d grabbed her and pulled her through the castle roughly. Jonathan grit his teeth. “Can we not just turn her over to the orphanage?” He crossed his arms tightly over his chest now. “Why do you insist on keeping her?”

Elanor shook her head. “No, there is something to her that is special…besides and elf in the orphanage? She would be killed. You know how everyone feels about elves especially after the attacks we have had recently. I’ve been combating our citizens throwing rotten food at elves that live in the city, blaming them for the times that we are in. Jonathan why do you despise her so much? She’s just a child…”

Jonathan scoffed and looked to the queen. “She is not MY responsibility, nor should she be yours. She is an orphan and an elf, she does not belong in the castle.” He then walked off.

Elanor sighed slowly and came to Ayla’s side. “Don’t worry dear.” She reached down and picked her up, holding her on her hip. “He will come around.” She smiled. “You’ll see. I’ll keep you safe Ayla.”

The king and queen fought over Ayla constantly. Elanor battled with him, she caught him beating her and would swoop in and stop him. Elanor would heal Ayla of her injuries. As Ayla grew older, so did Amalliey. She went to the balls with Amalliey as her best friend. They played together, learned together. Elanor would set aside time for Ayla and teach her, she even taught her how to tap into her elven magic. It took time, but she learned it and she became skilled in it. Elanor had always kept an eye on her, as if she was her own daughter.

Though, Elanor felt a strong sense of responsibility to care for Ayla as she was quite close to Nouvis. She’d known Nouvis since she had been young. She was the one that invited the elf to the castle for safety and to be a servant to Elanor and her future child. Though Nouvis seemed off after being in the castle awhile. She was a bit distant with Elanor, sad even. Something happened to her. She was uncomfortable around the king even more so. When Elanor learned of Nouvis’ death she was heartbroken, Nouvis had been a close friend. She gave her a funeral and mourned her death. She fought with Jonathan to keep Ayla and to care for her, and she never backed down from this fight…

Ayla tossed and turned through the night, her mind bringing her memories of Elanor as she was a child. Memories of sitting in the library with Amalliey learning. Laughter. Though, not all of the memories were happy. She remembered being beaten by Jonathan for not cleaning the floor well enough. Or, how he would purposely spill red wine onto the white tiling. It would take her hours of scrubbing to get it up. She remembered a time when Amalliey had helped her. She was beaten twice as hard after that for allowing the princess to perform such a lowly task as a peasant. Her time spent in the Royal Guard, even though it was only for the past 5 years, was the best of her life. She finally had freedom from the king, he couldn’t touch her like he did before. The Commander of the guard backed her and protected her like his own daughter. He had been her mentor. He taught her everything she knew, he gave her the foundations that she needed to become a skilled fighter, from a young age she’d worked at it. She carved up wooden swords from sticks and practiced every moment she had. She had a spirit of a warrior, she refused to give up and she refused to back down. Never once had she run from the king when he came to beat her or sent a knight to beat her for him. She would stand and wait for it to happen, she didn’t cry, though sometimes the beating resulted in broken bones.

Ayla woke in the early hours of the morning. She stood before a mirror. Looking to herself. She had a long scar that raced down her side, it was raised and easy to see. She ran her fingertips over it as she thought about the scar. She had gained the attention of a prince that was supposed to be courting Amalliey. She was at a masquerade ball for a celebration of Amalliey’s 16th birthday. She could still hear the sounds of the whip as it clashed against her bare skin. Her back had a few of the lines as well. She took in a slow breath. She hadn’t thought of these things in a long time, she’d blocked them out even. She reached her fingertips up to her ears and sighed softly. Nym thought she’d forgotten. But she remembered the feeling of the blade as it cut through her skin. The blade had been warmed in the fire and was glowing hot. She shivered slightly as she turned away from the mirror and dug through the bag that Nym packed. She pulled a set of black skin tight pants from the bag and slipped them on as she searched for a top. Nym knew her size well, he’d made her armor as well as several of her ball gowns. The queen preferred his work and would send a carrier Pidgeon to him in Ashville with her requests.

Ayla grabbed a top from the bag and pulled it over her head. She looked into the mirror, it was a beautiful tunic that had a lot of detail put into it. White cloth sat beneath a light blue that was outlined in a golden material. Swirls of stitched in art ran along the tunic a golden stitching that went well with the material. It even had a leather belt to match with a beautiful blue jewel in the center of it. The belt sat upon her hips and cut out into two belts on each side. She pulled a short sword from the bag and smiled, it was her sword from when she was younger. It was gifted to her by the Commander of the guard when he was teaching her. She’d given it to Nym when she visited, she told him to keep it safe for an emergency. The hilt of the blade was made of a beautiful white bone like material with golden inlay. The sheath was made from leather and attached perfectly into her belt. Upon her shoulders the white cloth material was opened up and buttoned allowing the material to flow and reveal a dark grey undershirt that would keep her warm on cool days and help keep her cool on the hottest day. Ayla looked into the mirror and smiled slightly, she looked to fit the part of a swashbuckler. She didn’t look like the Lieutenant of the Royal Guard anymore. She pulled her dagger from her thigh and bit her lip slightly as she looked to her long flowing hair. She took in a breath as she pulled her hair back and with her other hand she took the dagger to her hair. It hung to shoulder length now as she took the dagger along the front creating flowing bangs.

It was then that there was a knock on her door. “Ayla?” Nym asked. “Are you alright? We are almost to port.”

“Yes, yes.” Ayla spoke. “I’m coming.” She turned just as he opened the door.

Nym looked her over in awe for a moment a smirk on his lips. “A good change.” He chuckled. “And a nice top too.” He winked then. “You’ll have to give the tailor my compliments.”

Ayla blushed slightly and then chuckled, “I’ll be sure to tell him it fits perfectly.” She turned her head, her elven ears poked through her shorter hair now that it was lighter. “Let’s go huh?” She stepped from the room and followed him up to the main deck where she was greeted by Lando with a bowl for breakfast. “Th-thanks.” She smiled. She shoveled the food into her mouth as she watched the men run around and adjust the sails.

Ayla followed the group from the ship and gave a nod. “I hope that we can catch up to them before it’s too late…” She glanced to the east, the direction of Askabar. “I can only imagine what that demon is capable of, if he is the cause of the fall of dragons, he could cause destruction that this world is not prepared for.” She stared to the tower in the distance. “I’ve read of the tower, Elanor spoke of it a lot when she was teaching Amalliey and I. But, I’ve never been. Should we expect a warm welcome? Do you know anyone at the tower Ren?”

Ayla chuckled when Ren mentioned her appearance. She blushed slightly and shook her head. “Just trying to blend in better, my compliments to the tailor.” She winked to Nym and then laughed once more. Ayla looked to Ren as she spoke of the tower. She looked to the building off in the distance. She remained fairly quiet for the trek in, thinking. She was forming a plan, deciding what to do. Trying to figure out what could be done. Her mind was constantly solving puzzles. That was something that she was good at, problem solving was her forte.

Nym looked over Ayla and pat her on the back. “Don’t overthink it, you’ll burn a fuse.” He winked at her. He always joked that she was some form of machine. Constantly thinking. Always looking for a new way to conquer something. Even when she was a child.

Ayla chuckled and smiled to him. “At least I have more than old dusty cobwebs for a brain.” She playfully knocked against his head and then giggled.

“Ah I’m just a brute eh?” He smirked. “Well…” He moved swiftly and tossed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“Put me down!” Ayla punched his back.

Nym chuckled, “Not until you apologize.” He smirked and looked to Ren then. He was a playful guy, though he knew when to be serious.

Ayla grumbled a bit and sighed. “Please put me down Nym, I apologize for calling you a brute.” She said, her voice soft.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” He adjusted her and continued to let her hang over his shoulder.

“Nym…I’m going to hurt you.” Ayla grumbled, her voice stern with a touch of a royal tone.

“Oooo I better put you down then.” Nym quickly set her to the ground. “I wouldn’t want to make you mad.” He smirked and continued on.

Ayla rolled her eyes and caught back up easily. It wasn’t long after that, that they ended up in front of the scar. “Woah…” Ayla leaned against the railing next to Ren, looking down to the bubbling lava. “He…did this?” She gasped slightly. She shook her head. “I can’t believe the king did this…” She whispered as they headed toward the tower for the last stretch.

Nym watched her, he could see her frustration, feel it even. He glanced to Lando then as they came to the tower gate and were ordered to stop. They fell in behind Ren and let her do the talking and in no time they were inside. Ayla watched as Ren stepped onto the glass and disappeared, her eyes widened. “Just get in there, it doesn’t hurt.” Nym pushed her forward playfully.

Ayla stumbled through on the top floor, her stomach did a few flips. “Crazy…yes…” Ayla let out a laugh as she regained her bearings.

Nym stood with his arms crossed as he watched Ren and the Grand Master speak. “Archmage…” He tilted his head slightly. “Lynn, right?”

The Grand Master gave a nod, he smirked then. “It’s good to see you Nym, it’s been a long time.”

The elf chuckled, “Ah yes, a good 15 years hasn’t it?” He asked.

“Yes, something of the sort.” He chuckled.

Ayla looked to Ren when the Grand Master spoke of another half elf. She searched over Ren’s features a moment thinking. She took in a breath as she looked back to the Grand Master. “What do you mean striking features?” She asked. “Did you know my mother?” She searched his eyes. She always yearned for more information on Nouvis, but no one knew anything. It was as if her death wiped her off of the map. Only the queen ever spoke of her, and it was little as the memory of Nouvis pained her.

“Hm…no I wasn’t speaking of that, I may have known your mother. You look strikingly familiar, is all.” He smiled. “You should get moving though if you want to catch the princess.”

Ayla drew her brows together. She glanced to Nym whom nodded. “Come on, Ayla.” Nym headed into the glass elevator.

Ayla took in a breath and stepped onto the device. She stumbled out the other side and gulped. “Oh…how do you do that?” She held her stomach.

Nym chuckled. “Ah it is the same as learning to fight.” He pat her back. “Did he say Briar?” He asked. “The city of rivers?”

Ayla nodded, “Yes. I’ve been there.” She glanced around a bit. “But, what could be in Briar that would interest them?” She questioned as they got on the move again. The sun was beginning to head toward the tree tops of the foothills by this point.

“Well, Lynn is a very wise Archmage, I’m sure she has them on the right track to try and put Trichondris back in hell. Maybe a relic? A book?”

“Lendon!” Ayla exclaimed. “His books. He had a home in Briar. I bet they are looking for his journals.” Ayla thought for a moment as they continued on the path, she yawned slightly and then shook her head. “We have to catch up to them.” She spoke.

They moved on as the sunlight faded into a pinkish orange, and then it began to blend into a purple before the stars and the moon poked up. Ayla was starving by this point. Nym placed his hand on her shoulder. “We have to rest, Ayla.” He spoke. “They will be resting too.”

“We can’t stop, Nym…” She paused, and sighed. She looked to Lando and then to Ren.

Nym nodded, “Rest will be good.” He spoke. “We are coming up on a small town, we should rest there, get some food, start off early, we will catch them. Especially at the pace you’ve been moving.” He chuckled. Ayla gave a nod as they headed into the small little town. They arrived in the small town. Most of the homes were dark for the evening, the townspeople were asleep. Though at the end of the path lanterns flickered outside, burley men chuckled and clinked beer mugs together. It was a tavern and inn. The only on in the small town. Nym walked into the loud tavern and ducked as a mug flew across the bar. He looked to the man who threw it and chuckled. He stepped up to the desk and smirked to the tavern keep. “Buy that man another drink on me and get us a set of rooms.” He set a handful of coins on the desk.

The man behind the counter grinned to him, “Of course.” He poured up another mug and slid it down the bar to the man.

“That’s a good man there!” The burley man called out before he chugged down the beer. Others clinked their glasses and drank them down as well.

The tavern keep held out two keys. His eyes moved to Ayla, and then to Ren for a moment before he looked to Lando. “Go up those stairs there and follow the railing to the next set. You’ll be at the top of the Inn, two rooms one of the right on the left, both have two beds.” He nodded and looked to Ayla once more.

Ayla was looking around the tavern to all the patriots that drank their beers and hollered loudly to each other. She felt a tap on her should and turned. A drunken man grinned to her. He slipped his arm around her waist. “Could I have this dance pretty lady?” He asked and grinned. Ayla looked back to Nym and the others as she was pulled away.

Nym chuckled as he watched the man drunkenly pulled her around. “This ought to be interesting. Ayla usually has her guard armor on, so usually no one messes with her.” He grinned and waited a few moments as the band played on with the lively tavern music. “Alright, alright, I’ll save her.”

Ayla was spun around by the drunken man. He spun her in and held her in close to him. “You’re not too bad at dancing are ye?” He asked and grinned to her.

“Could I interrupt?” Nym asked as the song began to slow.

The man looked to him and chuckled. “This is yer girl eh?” He asked and then sighed.

“Yes, she’s taken I’m afraid, sorry lad.” Nym wrapped his arm around Ayla and pulled her to him.

“Ahh a good pick that one.” The drunken man grabbed a mug and took a drink. “I’m jealous of ye.”

Nym chuckled and nodded as he pulled her off and to the stairs. He led her up and then smirked to her. “You’ll have to get used to that.” He smirked. “You don’t have that scary armor to protect you anymore. I’ll get us some dinner and deliver it to you.” He winked.


Ayla brushed him off of her and shivered, “That man reeked.” She complained and then shook her head as he opened the door to her room. “Thank you Nym.” She looked to him a moment before she stepped into the room with Ren. She sat down on her bed and let out a heavy sigh. Her body was tired. Her stomach growled and she held her hand to it, it felt like it echoed through the room. She leaned against the wall and looked to Ren. “So, tell me Ren, you’re half elf, right?” She asked. “And what else?” She looked to Ren. “If…you don’t mind me asking…” She then sighed slightly. “I wish I knew who my father was, or at least that my mother was still alive to tell me who he is…or was.”

Ayla listened to Ren as she spoke, her eyes looked over the wings when they appeared. “Oh…” She looked over the beautiful colors. “I…I’ve never met a fairy, I honestly thought they were all extinct, at least in Algut.”

She gave a nod, “I won’t tell anyone, Ren. You can trust me.” She spoke softly. She relaxed more and yawned slightly as she watched Ren slip into sleep. It was moments later that a soft tap came from the door. Ayla stood slowly and stepped outside. “Thank you Nym.” She smiled as he held a plate of food toward her. A ruben sandwich with a side of potato wedges. She took the second plate that he handed her. “Oh…Ren fell asleep…” She looked to the closed door.

Nym let out a soft chuckle. “I thought so, that sea lover.” He winked. “Walking is a lot of work for her.” He grinned and sat down next to her on the couch in the hall. The patrons could be heard yelling and carrying on downstairs.

Ayla munched on her food and hummed happily. “Thank you, Nym.” She spoke between bites.

Nym only nodded in response. “Of course, Ayla.” He spoke and stood. “I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning, huh?” He asked and then headed into the bedroom where he promptly fell asleep.

Ayla finished her sandwich and took the other plate inside the room where she set it on the nightstand next to Ren’s bed, it was covered to hold in the heat, at least a bit. Ayla pulled off her belt and set her sword leaning against the nightstand. Soon enough Ayla fell asleep. She curled beneath the blankets and tossed a bit in her sleep.

At one point her brows furrowed and her breathing became quick. Her hands curled into fists as she clenched her jaw.


Ayla stood in a cloud of darkness. She spun around and was knocked back by something. Her back hit a wall and the world around her came into view.

“Let me go!” Amalliey’s voice cried.

Ayla looked around the small room as she watched someone set her down and exit. Her wrists were bound. She could hear the kidnappers talking outside that the job was finished, that the boss would arrive soon. “Amalliey?” Ayla asked softly, she stepped forward, though the world around her became rippled like water that a rock was tossed into. She froze and glanced around. “Where are you…?” She whispered.

Amalliey’s fists filled with flames and she tossed a ball of fire at the door exploding it. She managed to punch on of her kidnappers and then another rushed forward and hugged her from behind.

Ayla rushed forward and the world disappeared.

Ayla sat up quickly, she took in a gasp of air and looked around the dim room. The sun was still hiding beneath the horizon. She held her hand to her head and stood. She slipped on her belt carefully and slipped from the room. “Fresh air…” She spoke to herself. Elanor was guiding her again, maybe. She’d never had such vivid dreams. She carefully stepped downstairs where she looked around the tavern, it was empty with the exception of a man in the corner passed out from having one too many drinks.

“Up early huh?” The tavern keep asked. He was wiping down the countertops.

Ayla gave a gentle smile. “Yeah, just need some fresh air.” She let out a soft laugh and stepped outside. Ayla took in a deep breath of the cool air. She looked up to the twinkling sky and let out a long sigh. She stood there for ten minutes or so before her eyes began to become heavy again. She stepped back into the tavern and climbed the stairs to the bed where she curled up and fell back into a deep sleep.

It felt like seconds later that she was shaken awake. “Get up.” It was Nym. “Come on Ayla, the demons are here.”

Ayla sat up quickly, “What?” She gasped as she was pulled from the room. She heard screams of the townspeople, and yells. She also heard the clatter of swords and the crackle of fire. “How….?”

“Trichondris doesn’t care about life, he only cares about his power.” Nym responded, “Come on, we need to keep these people safe.” He drew his cutlass and ran forward.

Ayla pulled her sword from her hip and in her other hand she pulled her dagger. She rushed forward and went to work, her years of training shined on the battlefield. She spun around, slicing and dicing through the demons. Ayla glanced to the hill they had come from to get down into the village, it looked like hundreds of the demons were headed toward the city. “How do we stop them?” She questioned.

“We fight.” Nym responded and blocked an attack from one of the demons.

Ayla grit her teeth as her sword clattered with one. She shoved him back and kicked him in his chest. The demon snarled and rushed her again. She was surrounded. She moved swiftly, kicking them and stabbing through their chest plates. She even lobbed off a few heads here and there. Ayla was shoved forward, her body slammed into the side of a building. “Looking for the princess?” The demon asked, his voice low. “We are already on the way to grab her.” He chuckled. “Alexandria will burn to the ground and who will be to blame? The knight who kidnapped the princess of course.” He shifted his weight. Ayla took in a sharp breath as she felt a pain in her side, she squeezed her eyes shut as she felt him pull the blade from her skin. “I’ll let you bleed out slowly, Lieutenant.” He spoke and snickered, “Trichondris will be most pleased as will your king.”

Ayla felt his grip loosen. In that moment she spun around her elbow collided with the side of his helmet, knocking it from his head. She then rushed forward, her dagger slipped into an opening between his chest plate. The two toppled to the ground as she pulled her dagger from him and stared to his gaunt face. “You won’t lay a hand on the princess.” She spoke before she stabbed again, the life began to fade from his eyes. Ayla stood and spun around just as she heard a cry of pain. She looked to see a demon that had pinned Nym against a wall, the broadsword was stabbed through his chest. Ayla rushed forward and tackled the demon, she quickly stabbed between the helmet and the chest plate, slicing through the throat of the creature. “Nym!” She cried as she spun around. She fought through another several demons, it was as if they had no end. She shoved through them, throwing kicks and slicing through them with her short sword.

When the battle had finally ended Ayla rushed forward to Nym. His body hung, stuck to the building like a coat hung during winter. “Nym?” She asked softly. Her eyes looked over his body, he had several cuts from the demons. His tunic was soaked in his blood around the insertion of the blade. “Nym?” She placed her hand on his cheek. Ayla moved and pulled at the broadsword, it was stuck into the wood of the building, and it wouldn’t budge. She tugged and groaned, “Come on!” She cried, tears began to well in her eyes. She punched the side of the building in desperation. “Come on Nym…” She whispered. She took in a breath and gave the sword one more try. Ayla fell back as it gave away. She fell into the dirt of the street and watched as Nym crumpled in a heap to the ground.

Ayla moved to his side and pulled is head into her lap. “Come on Nym, don’t do this.” She spoke softly. A blue glow began to cover her hands, her eyes began to glow blue as well. Lines of swirls began to crawl over her skin as her magic began to work. The blue glow slowly began to move over Nym’s body, rushing to his injuries. Slowly his skin began to mend, the blood began to stop. Ayla stayed like this for several long moments. The people of the city began to crowd around, to see what was happening.

“She’s an elf…” One man spoke, “Look at those ears.”

“Do elves even have that capability?” Another asked.

“She’s healing him…is he dead?”

Ayla took in a breath as a wave of power came from her body, rushing through the small town. The blue light faded from her eyes as well as her hands. “Nym?” She asked softly and searched over his face.

“They’re going to have to try harder than that, to kill me…with you around.” Nym chuckled then as his eyes fluttered open. “Thank you, Ayla.”

Ayla grinned and hugged his shoulders, she let out a soft laugh. “I’d like it if you avoided those injuries. Hm?” She chuckled and stood. She looked around the circle of people as Nym stood next to her. They all stared to her.

“Uh…nothing to see here.” Nym gave a smile. “Though, we did just save your town.” He chuckled.

“Where’s Ren?” Ayla asked. “And Lando?” She made her way through the crowd looking for them. “We need to get to Alexandria, that is where the princess is headed.”

“How do you know?” Nym questioned.

“One of the demons stupidly told me.” She smirked to him.

“Unless it’s a trap…” Nym warned.

Ayla took in a breath and gave a slight nod. “Yes, but he thought he’d killed me.” She moved her hand from where her shirt was soaked in her own blood.

“Ayla…” Nym looked to the bloody stain.

“I’m alright.” She spoke and gave a nod. “Nothing to be concerned about.”

“I’m more worried about getting that stain out.” Nym winked to her, “I knew you were alright.” He chuckled.

Ayla stopped and spun around, looking for Ren. “Where did they end up?” She muttered.

Ayla looked to the bodies as they pulled them out into the field. She had a pit in her stomach as she thought of what Trichondris would do to the world, how destructive he truly was. She gave a nod to Ren when she stated that they should leave town. She glanced to Nym, whom stared at the bodies that lay in the field. “That could have been me.” He spoke, his voice grave.

“It’ll take a lot more than what happened to you to end your life, Nym.” Ayla looked to him, she gave a soft smile, trying to cheer him up.

“We should have been more alert.” Nym spoke, “These people didn’t deserve this.”

“Neither did the people of Askabar, I don’t even want to think of the destruction that has fallen upon my home…” She sighed softly.

It was then that she felt a small tug at her tunic. “Miss…elf…lady…” A small voice spoke.

Ayla looked down to the young girl who stared up to her with tear brimmed eyes. “My name is Ayla.” She gave a gentle smile. “What is it?”

The little girl looked to the bodies and then took Ayla’s hand. “My mommy…” the little girl whimpered slightly. “She got hurt really bad…” She pulled on Ayla. “You have to help her…I saw you help him…” She looked to Nym.

Ayla bit her lip slightly as she was pulled forward toward the pile of bodies. “I will try.” She spoke softly.

The little girl pulled her forward to a woman who lay on the ground, her neck had been sliced deep, blood ran down the front of her body, her skin was paper white. “Please…” The little girl whimpered.

“I saw you heal the other elf, you brought him back…can you bring them back?” A man approached her. He had a limp, he wrapped a cloth around his leg where he had been stabbed.

Ayla looked to the bodies and bit her lip. “I…I’m not sure.” She spoke softly. “I can try.” She gave a nod. Ayla turned then to the little girl whom held the hand of her deceased mother. She sat down and placed her hand on the woman’s forehead. Ayla closed her eyes, her breathing quickened slightly. She began to speak in the Elvish tongue, her voice soft. She opened her eyes and the ocean blue had melted into the beautiful evergreen color, a green glow covered her hand.

The little girl stared at her, her eyes hopeful. Nym stood, his arms crossed he watched Ayla closely as she continued to recite the ancient spell. She’d studied books in the locked library beneath the castle. “Her mother was a strong elf.” He spoke and looked to Ren. He rose his brow slightly. “I’ve always wondered what the queen saw in Ayla that was so special, maybe it is her power?” He asked out loud. He turned his eyes back to the lieutenant.

Ayla’s eyes were glowing now, lines of swirls ran over her skin, the green glow covered the body of the woman. Her voice had become quiet, her breathing quickened. Her head tilted back slightly and she was lifted into the air. Ayla floated just a few inches above the ground, her arms out from her body. She grit her teeth as pulses of magic came from her body. Slowly but surely those that were dead began to rise. A green aura surrounded all of the bodies. Mending them and seemingly turning back time, taking back the injuries that the demons dealt. It took several moments of Ayla suspended in the air before finally once last wave of power raced from her body and through the city streets. Her toes touched the ground and she stumbled back. Nym rushed forward and pulled her into his arms, her body trembled. He glanced to the villagers that looked around confused, they felt the places where the final blow had sliced through their bodies. Ayla leaned heavily against Nym, her breathing quick. “Did…it work?” She whispered, her eyes fluttered slightly.

Nym grinned and looked down to her, “Would you expect it to go another way?” He questioned and chuckled slightly.

The villagers stepped forward and thanked her. Even the little girl gave her a hug. Ayla gripped onto Nym’s arms, holding herself up. She had a soft smile on her lips as she looked around the city.

Nym pulled her up into his arms. “Come on then, we should get moving so we can catch Amalliey huh?” He smiled to her. He then looked to Ren and Lando. “Hey Ren, one of the demons mentioned Alexandria to Ayla, said the princess was headed there. Any reason you could think of? Or does it sound like a trap to you?”

Ayla glanced around and fought her way out of his arms. “I can stand.” She spoke and stood, she waivered slightly but otherwise she was just fine. “Alexandria is where Lendon is from. His home is there, most of his journals are most likely there.” She crossed her arms. “Though I did have another dream, that Amalliey had been captured by someone. I’m not sure who though…” She muttered as they began out of the city. “Is there a quick way to Alexandria, Ren?” She questioned. “We need to catch them, the demon said that they were on the way to attack them and the city…we need to get there before the demons.”

Ayla followed Ren to the tavern where she watched her slip into the phase. It wasn’t long that she heard a wind in the distance. She looked outside to see the Atlas flying through the air toward the river. “Oh…how…?” She looked to Ren and watched as Lando brushed blood from her nose.

“Wow…” She spoke as they headed toward the ship. She watched as Ren floated off toward the ship, leaving the trio behind. She chuckled as Ren yelled to them. “She doesn’t take into consideration that the rest of us can’t fly hm?” She smirked.

Nym chuckled and shook his head. “Of all the stories, nothing compares to the real thing.” He climbed aboard the ship.

Ayla went to a railing and glanced at the edges of the river as they began to move quickly. She looked to the sails and smiled. It was an incredible sight. The Atlas was really the fastest ship around. She’d never felt the wind like this. She looked up to Ren as she stood with the candy bar sticking from her mouth and chuckled.

Nym laughed as Ren gave a forcast and shook his head. “How are you feeling, Ayla?” He asked. “That was…something else….back there.”

Ayla bit her lip slightly and shook her head. “I’m fine.” She gave a gentle smile. “I don’t know.” She shook her head once more, “It just happened, I’ve healed before, I’ve done it a lot actually, Elanor taught me to harness my powers…but I’ve never done something quite like that. It was exhilarating…I could really feel my magic, you know?”

Nym gave a nod and leaned against the railing near her. “You need to be careful.” He spoke and glanced to her with worried eyes. “I have heard legends of those with power like you, but…I’ve never seen it. I’ve heard how dangerous it can become.”

“Don’t worry, Nym.” She gave a soft smile. “I won’t abuse it. I’m just trying to help…you know? So many lives would have been lost…that little girl didn’t deserve to lose her mother like that.” Ayla turned and looked ahead of them. “Now she gets to grow up with a mother, she gets to experience that…you know?” Her voice was soft.

Nym gave a nod and sighed softly. “I know.” He spoke before he stepped away.

Ayla blinked a few times, she took in a shaken breath. She brushed a tear away and shook her head as she turned her world began to spin. “N-Nym…” She managed to choke out.

Nym spun around and rushed to her side as she toppled to the side. “Ayla!” He exclaimed. “Hey…”


“There has to be something here.” Amalliey’s voice spoke.

Ayla spun around in the darkness, searching. “Amalliey…” She spoke and glanced around. The world suddenly appeared and she found herself staring into Amalliey’s eyes. She took a few steps back and glanced around the room. She saw the Archmage rummaging through books. They were in Lendon’s home. She then saw another figure a man that she’d never seen before.

“Xavier, look. What do you make of this?” Amalliey asked. Her pendant pulsed upon her neck. “We have to find the chest…is this what Lendon is talking about here?”

The man walked over to her and flipped through the pages, “Lendon had lost his mind from replicating himself.” He shook his head. “I’m not sure what he was looking for.”

“Here.” Lynn spoke she slid a book across the desk to the princess. “It’s something, not much, but something to go off of.”

Amalliey took the book into her hands a soft smile on her lips curved upward. “Where do we go?” She asked softly. “Everything is pointing to the northern mountains…but that isn’t survivable….it’s a glacier.”

The world faded out and Ayla took in a quick breath. She woke in the cabin. Her body shuddered. “Good morning sleeping beauty.” Nym spoke. “You have a nice nap there?” He chuckled softly. “What happened?”

“I…I don’t know what keeps happening, I keep seeing Amalliey, seeing what they’ve done…” She stood up to be caught by Nym’s arms as she stumbled. Ayla leaned against him for a long moment. “Are we to Alexandria?” She asked as she pulled away and stepped from the cabin. She glanced around the deck and looked to the bow. She could see Alexandria appearing in the distance.

Ayla walked across the ship and up to the wheel where she found Ren. “Ren…” She spoke and looked to her. “Do you know a mage named Xavier? Does it ring a bell at all? He’s with Amalliey and the Archmage.”

Ayla then crossed her arms as she glanced forward, she fell quiet. Soon they were to the port where they stepped from the ship. She walked into the huge city. “Lendon’s…” She spoke and headed toward the right, following the signs to the magic district. They trekked through the city, weaving in and out of the crowd. “This place is bigger than Askabar…” She looked up to the tall buildings. She glanced to a sign, ‘Elven District’. She paused a moment before continuing on. They eventually made it to the magic district where they walked through the streets. “It’s gotta be here…” Ayla spoke as they walked on. “I’ve been to Lendon’s twice in my lifetime.” She spoke, thinking. Soon enough she stopped outside of an old home, it was beautifully done though the inside was dark, no one home. “This is it, I remember.” She gave a grin.

Ayla rushed forward toward the home and rushed inside. She moved around through it, climbing the stairs. “Amalliey?” She called into the quiet empty home. As she rounded a corner she was caught by a harsh blow to her gut and then she was slammed against the wall. Ayla let out a yelp.

“Ayla!” Nym called and came running up the stairs. He rounded the corner to be met with an elbow to the head he toppled over, his body limp as a rag doll.

Ayla squirmed in the man’s grip. He chuckled. “This is the easiest bounty I’ve ever acquired. You didn’t even pose a threat.” He smirked.

Ayla fought against him as he slapped cuffs onto her wrists, her eyes faded into the emerald color and her breaths became labored. She fell to her knees before him as the cuffs began to glow a bright blue. “What…is…” She tried to speak though her body became heavy.

The man chuckled. “Ah just a little something I designed, don’t worry Lieutenant, I’ll return you to your beloved king and he can deal with you accordingly after I’ve received my bounty.” He snickered then and grabbed her roughly by her cuffed wrists. “The princess is as good as dead, you know?” He chuckled. “The demons are coming, the king sent them. They’ll be here any minute to wipe the princess out.”

Ayla pulled from him and elbowed him in the side of the head harshly.

The man grabbed her and slammed her against the wall, he pressed his body weight against her. “You will listen and do as I say, or I will make this extremely uncomfortable for you.” He whispered into her ear, his weight was crushing her. “Don’t try and test me either.” He licked his lips and then chuckled. “I could start by killing your friend here, hm?” He wrapped his fingers around her jaw, forcing her to look at him. “That would be a fun start.” He smirked. “You know the money I get from killing an Elf?” He paused a moment. “More than the king even offered for me to retrieve you.” He slipped his dagger from his belt and held it against her neck as he stared into her eyes. “How does it feel to be powerless?” He sneered and sliced a small cut in her neck, blood trickled down from the break in her skin. Ayla took in a shaken breath, though she didn’t cry, not even a whimper came over her lips.