His Queen: Elvendon, #1

Chapter One

Earth, the New World

Kaitlin could feel the warmth of the sun on her face. She squinted as she tried to open her eyes, but it was too bright, and they flickered as she struggled. She tried to move, but Keltor’s arm was draped over her waist, limp and heavy. Laid curled tightly against his body she could feel him breathing against her, and she took in a deep breath of relief that they were both alive.

Keltor, she whispered, as she felt him move.

His arm moved again, and his hand reached for her.

Kaitlin, he replied in an urgent whisper, his heart shaking with relief she was alive, and he grasped hold of her firmly.

Her flickering eyes finally opened a little, and she managed to turn her head back towards him.

His eyes were also having trouble opening.

Kaitlin are you okay? he asked, with concern in his voice, and squinting back at her.

Yes, at least I think so. Oh my god, why aren’t we dead? she asked. Not that she wasn’t grateful, she just didn’t understand how. The last she remembered was holding him and waiting to die, then a force field covered them, and after that, nothing.

He sat himself up.

I don’t know, he replied, forcing open his eyes, and looking around. He could see they were in the middle of a long grassy field, a forest lay ahead of them, and more fields stretched beyond. Keltor took in a deep breath; the air around them smelt earthy and clean. As she sat up, he pulled her into his arms and held her close. His hand rose to her cheek.

We did it, Kitkat, he said with a smile.

Yes, we did, she replied mirroring his smile, and she gazed into his deep blue eyes and leaned into his hand.

He moved closer to her.

I love you so much, Kitkat, he whispered, and then kissed her.

Kaitlin closed her eyes, and her heart trembled at his touch. Her hand lifted and her fingers ran through is hair.

Breaking from their kiss they touched noses briefly, and their gaze then turned outwards to the land around them.  They were no longer on the hill where they had released Star.

Keltor took her hand and they stood. At the same time, they both wobbled unsteadily on their feet.

Are you okay? he asked.

Yeah, I think so, my legs feel a little weak, she complained as she leant over with both hands on her knees.

Me too. How long do you think we’ve been out for, and how did we get down here? he questioned as she stood upright, and he took hold of her hand.

I don’t know, a day or so perhaps. I think it was Star, she put a force field around us and saved us. Maybe she dropped us here.

Maybe, Keltor replied absently and glancing ahead of them. He took a breath and released it. Come on, let’s go for a walk and see if we can figure out where we are.

Do you think everyone is dead? she asked regretfully as they walked.

He shook his head.

No, the prophecy said there would be survivors, he assured her. He pulled her to a sudden halt.

What is it? she asked, as worry flooded her face.

It’s okay, look, over there, he replied smiling at her and pointing with his free hand to the edge of the woodland.

She followed the line of his finger and a smile spread across her lips.

It’s a deer, she said in a whisper as she glanced at him and then back to the deer.

See, we are not alone. Mother nature has still provided for the survivors.

I don’t want to eat it, she said quickly, looking back at him. She couldn’t bear the thought right now of killing anything.

I wasn’t suggesting we did.  Look over there, he said pointing towards the edge of the treeline.

Wild garlic? she said surprised. 

He nodded.

Yes, chickweed as well by the look of it, he added.

But it’s July, why would there be fresh garlic in July? she queried, as it seemed strange. 

Keltor shrugged as they walked towards it.

There’s young nettles as well, she said as they stopped and looked at the foliage around them.  It’s almost like spring.

It’s unusual for sure, but perhaps it has something to do with what happened, he suggested. Like a regrowth of everything or something.

Hmm, maybe, she agreed.

At least it’s something to eat, let’s gather some as we walk, he suggested as he released her hand. Taking off his cloak, he gathered it and twisted it until it resembled a sack.

Clever, she remarked with a smile.

It’s an old woodsman trick, he said, glancing up to her, and together they began to fill the cloak-sack with the leaves and garlic.

How do we get home. I mean what if the portal’s not there anymore? Kaitlin asked.

I don’t see why it wouldn’t be, he replied, and then he remembered.

The map, do you still have it? he asked her.

Her hand flew to her dress, and she delved inside to check.

No, I haven’t got it. Hey, wait a minute, didn’t you have it last, she reminded him.

Did I? he replied, and his hand went to his shirt, oh, yeah, sorry, he said with a grin as he felt it in his pocket. Keltor dropped his cloak to the ground, took out the map and looked at it with her.

They were surprised to find they were at least twenty miles from where they had released Star.

Maybe Star dropped us here, Kaitlin suggested, and her eyes lifted to the blue sky above her. She felt such a loving bond with Star and was sad she would no longer hear her singing voice in her mind.

Keltor’s finger ran through the map. That’s weird, he remarked.

What is? she asked, peering over him to see the map.

The portal we came from in the Eccleston forest it’s gone, I can’t see it.

Oh god, what about the one to Elvendon? she asked in a panic.

He expanded the map, and then let out a breath.

It’s still there, he informed her.

Oh, thank god, she mumbled in relief.

The portal is another twenty miles or so away, we should reach it tomorrow, if we walk quickly.

What about the bodies?

Bodies? he asked.

Yes, Aragon and his men, if we go straight to Elvendon we won’t be able to well, you know, get rid of them.

Damn, I’d forgotten about them. Look, there is no way anyone will be able to find them, for a start no one is out looking for us, they don’t know about the portal from the Eccleston forest. When we get back home, we’ll just have to go back there first before we go back to your father.

What do we tell my father? she asked, worriedly.

He looked at her.

That he didn’t make it, and he died saving you here on Earth.

Do you think he will believe us?

He may, but I don’t know about King Iwein.

That’s what I’m afraid off.

Kaitlin, I hadn’t thought this far ahead, I mean we didn’t exactly plan on killing him and his men, and to be honest I didn’t think we were going to survive this.

I know, she said softly, and her arms reached around his neck, but we did, despite everything, we made it, and I guess whatever is to come we face together.

His lips brushed hers, and he kissed her gently, passionately and with such love that Kaitlin knew they could survive anything.

His hand lifted through her hair, his eyes wandering her face.

We should get going, he said, as his hand moved down her face and then his finger brushed across her lips. She nodded, and then her hand lifted to his hair, and she kissed him.

Keltor’s eyes closed, and his heart fluttered like a thousand butterflies were whirling around inside. She was his world, and he was so grateful that he would be able to spend the rest of his life with her, however short or long that was too be, every day he was with her was just wonderful.

What time do you think it is? she asked as they walked.

He looked back up to the sun.

Around two, I would think, we have a good eight hours of daylight at least, he answered, folding the map up and giving it to her. 

She slipped the map inside her dress, and they continued.

It’s so still and quiet, she remarked as they walked.  There’re no aeroplanes, no traffic noise, it’s so weird, it’s like being in Elvendon.

I know. Earth is now back as it was hundreds of years ago. Let’s hope those who survived have learnt their lesson, he said despondently.

I doubt it. I can guarantee you wherever these settlements are, sooner or later someone will take charge, and want to be more powerful, and take over each other’s lands. It’s part of human nature, she said.

That’s sad, Keltor replied, as he pulled an arm around her shoulder.

I know.

You know Elvendon has stayed the same for centuries. We have modernised a little, you know, with hot water, toilets and so on. He shook his head.  I would hate to see it turn into what Earth used to be, with concrete buildings, cars and motorways.  He glanced all around and then looked at her.  This is beautiful, the humans are so lucky they had you.

And you, she said.  I couldn’t have done it on my own.

He pulled her into his arms.

You know Kaitlin, I can’t tell you in words how much I love you, and how thankful I am that you’re here with me.

Her eyes fluttered as she looked up at him.

Keltor, you have been with me my entire life, and despite having my memory wiped, I still knew I loved you.

Well, apart from when you needed me the most, he said regretfully, and he swept her hair from her eyes.

Yeah, well apart from that, but that was only because you misunderstood the situation. If I had told you how I felt about you, you would never have left me with Aragon.

No, I wouldn’t, and I shouldn’t have then, and I promise it will never happen again. I will always be here for you, and when we get back home, we shall face your father together.

She nodded, and then a cold shudder ran down her body at the thought of telling him.

Come on, let’s go, he said, taking up her hand once more.

They continued to walk for another five hours, following the terrain as it slipped out of the evergreen forest and down into a valley.

Blossoms, why are there blossoms? Kaitlin asked as they approached what looked like an orchard.

It must be something Star did, I don’t understand what else it could be. I’m beginning to think the reset has sent this world into a regrowth of some kind.

It’s beautiful, she added, as magical whisps of pink and white apple blossoms floated down over them like snow as they walked their way through the trees, following the valley down.

It’s getting dark already, Keltor observed, as they reached the bottom.  I would have thought we had at least another three hours, but the sun is low and setting.

What does that mean, do you think something’s wrong? she asked.

I don’t know, maybe. It might have something to do with the sonic boom, or perhaps it’s just later than I thought. This sun sits differently to ours; I may have just misread it. Either way we should look for shelter, preferably near some water.

They walked on a little further, until they reached a steep incline of a narrow gorge.

Look, Keltor said, pointing.

Kaitlin followed the line of his finger, and at the bottom was a pool of water.

Come on, this looks okay for the night. Be careful, it’s quite steep, he warned, and he turned sideways and began to shimmy down the incline. Kaitlin hitched up her dress and followed cautiously behind him.

Wow, it’s beautiful, Kaitlin remarked as they reached the bottom.

In amongst the trees was a small, sheltered pool, being fed from a stream. A waterfall poured gently over the edge of the gorge and splashed on the rocks below. The orange and fiery red of the setting sun filtered through the trees and reflected on the surface of the water.

This will do us, Keltor called to her when he found a sheltered area underneath a tree that was a perfectly suitable place to spend the night.

Kaitlin took off her cloak and dropped it to the floor and Keltor put his down beside it.

Together they walked to the edge of the pool.

It’s like home, Keltor said, glancing at her. Only on a smaller scale, and there’s more nettles.

And junk, she added. He looked at her and she pointed. Obviously, mother nature missed cleaning up this bit, she chuckled.

Or, he began, as he kicked off his boots and socks, rolled up his trousers and began to wade into the water, she left it for us to use. He pulled up his sleeve and retrieved the offending junk. It was a stainless-steel saucepan. He washed it and filled it with fresh water. 

Do you fancy some dinner? he asked.

She gave a nod. Yes, actually I’m quite hungry.

Well, go and gather some wood then, and get a move on, it’ll be dark soon, he teased.

She shoved him playfully, and then began to gather the wood. Stacking it in a pile, she built the fire.

"Ignis," she said, lifting her hand and lighting it.

Keltor walked up to her.

Hey, you did that without using your wand, he said, putting his arm around her.

They both stared at the flames as they licked higher.

She glanced to him, and her eyes smiled.

I didn’t even realise, she told him, I just did it.

Your magic is getting stronger, he replied.

Yes, I think it has something to do with Star. I know she’s gone, but I still feel like I have a connection to her, or to an energy source. And what about you, she said turning to face him. His hand lifted to her shoulder as he gazed at her.

Me?

Yes, Mr Wizard, she said grinning.

Oh, yeah, to be fair it was the same as you, it just kind of happened instinctively.

So, you admit it now, that you’re a wizard?

Yeah, I guess, he replied, lifting his hand to her face. I admit it, I’m a wizard. He leaned into her, closed his eyes, and kissed her. There was nothing in any world that could compare to how wonderful she made him feel, and right now he was the happiest man alive.

I love you, he said.

I love you too, she replied. So, Protector, are you going to cook me something or not? she asked with a grin as she felt her stomach grumble.

Yeah, okay, your highness, he joked back with an exaggerated bow, but it might be a bit of a meagre broth though.

Anything would be fantastic, she said.

Keltor walked to his cloak and took out their foraged goods, he dropped them all into the water and put the pan on the fire.

He settled down next to the fire and watched her as she paddled in the water, and his heart swelled with love. He truly thought he would have to spend the rest of his life heartbroken and watching her from afar as nothing but her protector, and the King’s servant.

I really fancy a cuppa, he yelled at her as she paddled in the stream.

Me too, she called back.

Can’t you magic me one? he asked.

She looked up at him.

Sorry, I’m not that good a witch yet. Can’t you magic one, Mr Wizard? she replied.

Syronic witch, he yelled back. And no, unfortunately.

She laughed.  Spotting movement in the water, she held her long hair back with her hands and leaned to see what it was.

Keltor, she called, glancing up to him and then back to the water.

What? he asked, as he saw her waving her hand at him, he jumped up, grabbed his sword, and came down to her.

You don’t need a sword, she whispered.

Why are you whispering? he asked.

Look, by the rock, what are they? she asked.

Still carrying his sword, he waded carefully in the water until he was next to her.

Crayfish, he said.

You can eat crayfish, can’t you? she asked glancing to him.  He nodded.

You don’t object to eating these? he asked, referring to her earlier reluctance to kill a deer.

As her stomach rumbled, she shook her head.

No, I don’t.  How do we...  His sword pinned the crayfish down to the bottom.

Catch it, she finished, looking at his gloating face as he bent and picked it up.

It’s still snapping, she said warily.

It will, but it’s only its nerves. Here hold it, there’s more over there. With his hand outstretched, he waited for her to take it.

Where am I supposed to put it? she asked.

He shrugged and turned back to the water.

She scooped up some material and placed the crayfish in the folds of her dress and held it like a bowl as he threw in another, and then another. Within minutes, Keltor had caught six large crayfish.

These are going to taste so good, he murmured as they made their way back to the fire.

Kaitlin dropped all six in the saucepan with the garlic and the chickweed, and sitting down next to the fire, they let it simmer for a while.

I’m so hungry, Kaitlin remarked as her stomach grumbled, I feel like I haven’t eaten for months.

Me too, they should be ready, he announced, impatient to wait any longer. Pulling onto his knees he went to take the pan off the fire, and then realised it was too hot.

I’ll do it, she said, and she scooped up her dress and used it to hold the pan handle and take it off the fire.

Thanks. You know I didn’t think as to how we would eat this broth. I mean the crayfish we can eat with our hands.

That’s a point, she replied, and she looked around. She grinned and then gave an impromptu laugh.

What? he asked with a smile.

Look over there, we must have missed them earlier. She stood and walked back to the edge of the water. With her back to him she couldn’t see what she was doing, it looked like she was washing something in the water.

She rose to her feet, turned, and walked back to him.

Look, cups, she said, lifting them out in front of her.

No way, that’s mad, he replied as he took one from her.

They’re a little chipped but they’ll do, she said as she sat back down next to him.

Keltor dipped her cup into the broth and gave it to her.

Practically a feast, she said as she took a crayfish from him.

He was right, they tasted delicious, and they ate every edible piece. By the time they finished it was dark. 

It was a warm evening and as the moon rose, it gave a trickle of light through the trees above.

I’m going for a wash, she announced as she jumped to her feet, this time without any fear of Aragon sneaking up on her.

Great, so I get to do the cooking and the washing up, he moaned, jokingly. Anyone would think you’re a princess or something, he continued to mutter.

Yep, she replied, glancing over her shoulder at him as she walked. One whole dirty pan and two cups.  Not that we are going to actually use them again, she trailed off as she walked away from him and hurried down to the water’s edge.

His eyes followed her, and he smirked before turning about and picking up the two cups. He put them into the pan and hid them underneath a bush.

Kaitlin plunged her hand under the water coming over the edge of the small gorge and she gave a shudder, as it was chillingly cold. She took off her dresses and threw them over a branch and then stepped underneath the water. It was hardly a pounding shower, but it was refreshing.

Opening her mouth, she drank the water. It was hard not to think about what had happened, but in a way, it felt like they were on holiday. It was only a couple of weeks ago when she had been in her shower at home in Surrey, oblivious along with billions of other people as to what was about to descend upon the world.

She knew they were lucky to be alive, and she was convinced Star had saved them. Kaitlin was sad for those who had died, but she was glad they had not, as now she had more time to spend with Keltor, and she gave a hearty sigh.

That was a big sigh, he said.

She glanced over her shoulder, and her eyes widened, as Keltor stood naked behind her.

Don’t you knock? she asked and raising her eyebrow at him.

Keltor shook his head and stepped under the water. He turned her around and pulled her closer to him, his body pressing against hers as he kissed her.

His fingers running down the line of her spine made her quiver with delight.

I feel like Adam and Eve, she whispered, as they broke from the kiss.

Adam and who? he asked, as his eyes wandered all over her.

Adam and – oh never mind, she mumbled, and her hands grasped his back as she pulled him in for another kiss, her heart racing at full speed. 

Breaking from their kiss, she gazed at him, and a worrying thought trickled into her mind.

Keltor, what will we do when we get back to Elvendon? she asked.

What do you mean? he replied, stroking her cheek with the back of his fingers.

Well, us being together.

He pulled her to him, his chest firmly against hers.

I told you, we will tell your father we are together, he whispered, gazing lovingly into her eyes.

I know, but what if my father says no, what will we do?

He shook his head.

He will not forbid us to be together, Keltor insisted.

What if he does? she pushed. You know what he’s like, and he is a powerful man Keltor.

He gave a laugh, hugged her, and kissed the top of her head.

You worry too much. I will tell him, that I, Keltor Dracon am a wizard, and I am going to bond with his daughter whether he likes it or not. If we cannot live at the palace, then I will build you a house deep in the forest where we shall live happily ever after, he promised smiling at her.

Keltor, she whispered as her heart pounded from her chest.  Are you asking me to be your wife? She was hardly able to contain her excitement. 

He stepped back and nodded.

Taking her hand, he kissed it, his eyes lifting to hers.

Kaitlin Elvendon, Ille carnor hel eni herves, he whispered, softly and ever so gently. Her eyes smiled as her heart thumped, as he spoke to her in dragona.

Keltor Dracon, erama eh ille.

His lips were on hers, and his hand grasped the back of her head as he held her. As they separated, she laughed, and threw her head back letting the water pound gently on her face.

He kissed her neck, her throat, and then moved across her shoulders.

She was so glad and thankful to be alive.

He took her hand and led her out of the water, she grabbed her clothes, and they hurried back to the fire. Spreading out their cloaks, they lay down together.

I love you, he whispered, as he stroked his hands through her wet hair.

I love you, Keltor Dracon, she whispered back, and his lips met hers.

Chapter Two

Return to Elvendon

As the sun rose, its warmth trickled across Keltor’s face waking him. He yawned, and then stretched as his eyes began to adjust to the daylight. Above him, sunlight glistened through the gaps in the branches of a tree, rippling over their bodies as they lay beneath it.

The weather was fair and quite warm. Keltor turned onto his side and propped himself up with his elbow. For a while, he just watched her sleep. He was in awe of her, of what she had done, how she a fought to save this Earth from its doom. None of the survivors on Earth would ever know what she had done, who she was, and how close they had come to losing this whole planet to the darkness. He gave a sigh; he was so unbelievably happy they had survived, and that he was going to be able to spend the rest of his life with her.

Morning sleepy, Keltor said, as Kaitlin opened her eyes.

Morning, she replied, smiling back.

As a gentle breeze blew her hair across her face, his hand lifted and swept it away, and then he ran it gently down the side of her soft cheek. He leaned forward.

"Enl boscara Molarnera," he whispered in dragona, and then he leaned forward and kissed her. Kaitlin’s hand lifted, and she held the side of his face, closing her eyes at his kiss and at his words, my beautiful princess. Releasing her, he smiled.

Ready to go home? he asked, and she nodded.

Keltor was eager to get back to Elvendon to see his family, but Kaitlin was less than enthusiastic. She was worried about her father, King Severon of Elvendon, about what he would say or do when they told him they were together. What would King Iwein say, what would he do when he found out his first-born son and the heir to the throne of Aranstream was dead?

Keltor jumped to his feet, he pulled his arms above his head and stretched for a minute or too. Then he started to walk down to the water.

Looks like it’s going to be a nice day, he remarked, turning his head slightly in her direction.

Yes, it does, she agreed, and she stood and began straightening her clothes. She combed her hands through her long blonde hair to tidy it down, but in the end, she decided just to braid it in one long braid to the side. As she fastened her cloak, she glanced across at Keltor; he was crouched down at the water’s edge, and as he gave an over exaggerated shiver when he threw cold water over his face, she grinned. They had been through so much together, and she honestly couldn’t imagine her life without him now, nor did she ever want to.

Keltor could feel her eyes on him, it was like a strange magical tingling sensation that tickled his every nerve. He rose to his feet and walked to her.

Are you ready? he asked, and he picked his cloak up from the ground, gave it a shake, and pulled it around himself.

She gave a nod and took up the hand he was offering.

Kaitlin knew the world had changed dramatically, she had been dreaming about the buildings and roads disappearing, towns and cities being swallowed back into the Earth, and she was sure these images were sent from Star to show her how she had taken back possession of her world.

What’s up? Keltor asked glancing to her, as she had been unnaturally quiet as they walked.

Oh, I don’t know, she said in a despondent sigh. I know Star had to do what she did in order to save the planet, but it just seems weird to think we are on Earth, it’s so quiet and desolate.

Hey, he said, stopping her as he noticed her shed a tear. What’s wrong?

I suppose it’s just kind of hit me; all those billions of people who have died. I mean the chaos, the fear, and the panic they must have all felt. I did send a text message to one of my oldest friends before we left the farm, warning him, whether he listened or not, I don’t know. He lived in Somerset, so I told him to take his family to Wookey Hole, and to get deep into the caves.

Would he be the type to believe? Keltor asked.

Kaitlin nodded.

Yes, I think so, his mum was friends with mine, so, thinking about it now, he was probably the son of a witch.

Then he’s probably okay Kaitlin. If he were from a family of witches, they would have known what was coming, and they would have had a sanctuary somewhere and used their magic for protection.

She took in a deep breath and let it out as she spoke. You’re probably right.

Come here, he said, and he pulled his arm around her shoulder as they continued to walk.

How far do you think it is to the portal? she asked.

We’re actually not that far away now, an hour or so I would say.

It wasn’t long before they came across Esimae’s house, or what was left of it. The roof was gone, straw and broken timbers lay all around, everything inside was torn or shredded, and scattered amongst the trees.

It’s such a shame, Kaitlin said as they stood looking at the mess. It was such a beautiful little house. I’m glad she decided to go back to Elvendon, I don’t think she would have survived this.

No, I don’t think she would have either, come on let’s go, he urged, eager to get back home.

The path back to the portal was covered with fallen trees, and in parts they had to clamber over them to get passed.

A while later they stood in a clearing. Keltor raised his hand and sent out a wave of magical light. He didn’t need the magical sparkling dust anymore. Now he had accepted he was a wizard his power was strong enough to call the portal open without it. He took up her hand.

Home, he said, and she gave a slightly less than enthusiastic smile back.

Hey, it will be alright Kitkat, Keltor said with a smile and a squeeze of her hand, she gave him a nod, and together they stepped into the swirling mist and through the portal to Elvendon.

Opening her eyes, she inhaled deeply; they were home. Elvendon had its own smell, it was the sweetest aroma of the trees and the freshness of the air, and it took her back to the first time she ever came here, when she was just five years old, when life was so much simpler.

We’re going to have to go around the outskirt of Elvendon in order to get back on the trail back to the cave, he said, pulling her into a quickened step, I’m not sure whether to go home first and get some supplies; we haven’t got any food left.

Do you think we can get to yours without being seen, if anyone recognises me, we’ll never get back to clear up the mess.

That’s what worries me. I’ll be okay, I’m used to foraging for food, but what about you? I can catch a rabbit or something, if you’d eat it.

Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine, we managed last night didn’t we.

He slung his arm around her shoulder, and she leaned into him.

What’s that saying the humans have, you can take the princess out of the castle, but you can’t take the girl out the forest. No, wait that’s not right. You can take the girl out the forest, but you can’t take the princess out the castle, no wait, that’s.

Keltor, you’re a nut, she laughed interrupting him, and she slapped his chest with her hand.

Ouch, he complained, pulling his hand to his chest and pretending to be hurt.

She laughed and shook her head at him.

Yeah, well, you know what I mean, he said grinning back at her, you’re no ordinary princess Kaitlin.

I should hope not, I’d hate to be ordinary.

No chance of that, he said under his breath.

Hey, she retorted, giving him a playful shove, and he laughed back at her.

So, seriously now, we’ve decided then, we go around the city, and straight to the cave, Keltor confirmed.

Yes, I think so, besides, she added, it means we get a few more days to ourselves before the shit hits the fan so to speak.

Keltor stopped her, and she immediately thought he was about to reprimand her for swearing, but instead he kissed her.

What was that for? She asked, as he released her, and she looked up at him.

You know, I would leave everything to be with you, if that’s what it takes for us to be together.

Keltor, I didn’t mean I wouldn’t go back. I’m scared of what my father and King Iwein will do when they find out Aragon is dead, but I would never expect you to leave your family, I know how much they mean to you.

Yes, he agreed, I love my family, but they’d be okay without me around. Kitkat, you are my world, and I couldn’t exist in it without you.

His arms enveloped her, and she buried her face into his chest as he hugged her.

Nor I you, she said in a whisper, as her arms wrapped around him tightly.

He pulled back from her so he could see her face.

Whatever happens next, we stay together okay, we won’t allow anyone to separate us.

Agreed, she replied with a nod, and he kissed her again.

Right, let’s go, we should get to the brow of the valley in about half an hour, and from there we can wait it out until dark, and then follow the valley around the village, and pick up the trail to the Forest of Time. He took up her hand and they continued making their way through the forest of oak and ash.

As they reached a brow of a hill, they stopped and looked down into the valley of Elvendon, just as the shadows of evening were descending, and although nearly twilight, they both froze in horror at what they saw. Kaitlin’s hands flew to her mouth in shock, and at the same time, Keltor grabbed her, pulled her into his arms and held her tightly while shaking his head in disbelief.

Kaitlin looked at him and his bottom lip was quivering, he was clearly trying to hold back his tears.

Kaitlin, what the hell has happened to my village? he finally said, the shock of it almost rendering him speechless.

It looks like it’s been attacked. she replied in a whisper. The village was decimated.  Houses were burnt, gardens torn apart, and the whole place lay in partial ruin.

My family, he cried anxiously, and removing his arms from around her, he grabbed her hand.

Come on, he urged pulling her, he was desperate to get down to find out what had happened to his family.

A bad, bad feeling suddenly ripped through Kaitlin at a rate of knots. Her eyes darting frantically, she looked to the shadows and then pulled him to a hard stop.

Kaitlin what is it? Come on, I want to get home, we can sort out Aragon later, he urged pulling away from her.

She shook her head, grabbing urgently at him.

No, it’s not that, we can’t go down there, not yet. Someone’s coming, we need to hide, now! she insisted.

Hide, why? he asked frowning at her.

I’ve got a really bad vibe, she barked, yanking him hard, and practically dragging him back into the cover of the trees.

Get down! she urged in a frantic whisper, pulling him down and hiding them within the depth of the shrubbery.

Ten men emerged from the trees and walked past just a few feet from where they were hiding.

Aranstream, Keltor whispered under his breath, his brow furrowing as he recognised their dark blue and red uniforms. He turned to her and whispered. Why are there soldiers from Aranstream, here in Elvendon?

Keltor, I’ve got a bad feeling about this. Do you think they’ve found Aragon? she said, her eyes catching his and holding them for a moment.

But how, it’s only been a couple of days or so, he whispered.

Placing his arm around her and holding her close to him, they watched the soldiers head down the hill towards the village. How could they have found him and attacked Elvendon in just two days. Where is our army?

When they were sure it was safe, they stood and moved outside the cover of the trees.

Her fingers gently entwined with his, he glanced at her, and then squeezed them tightly. 

You don’t think Aragon could have survived, she said worriedly, remembering his threat to Elvendon.

He shook his head.

No, he was definitely dead, I’m sure he was.

What about his brother, Keion, she suggested.  Both brothers were in on the plan to take over Elvendon.

Keltor thought for a while.

Kaitlin, we have to go down, I have to know if my family are safe.

Okay, but I think we should wait until it is completely dark, she suggested. It will not do us or them any favours if we get caught.

Agreed, he said with a firm nod of his head, and he led her back to the cover of the trees.  They sat down underneath a large oak and leaned against the wide trunk as they waited until the sun set.

Keltor, what if they attacked Elvendon, while we were gone, Kaitlin said with concern while looking at him.

We’ve only been on Earth a few days. I don’t understand how he would know Aragon was dead already, he replied meeting her gaze.

No, I mean as soon as we left for Star. Remember what Aragon said, King Iwein was in on the plan too and he was already at the Palace for my birthday.  She held onto his arm.  I am really worried about my father, and my sister.

Keltor replied with a sigh. Come on let’s go, it’s dark enough, I can’t wait any longer, he urged, jumping to his feet and reaching down for her.

Taking his hand, he pulled her to her feet, and the pair made their way cautiously down the hill and into the village. Slipping through the shadows they didn’t come across any more soldiers; in fact, the whole village was deadly quiet.

Where is everyone? Keltor whispered, as the entire village was silent and dark.

It’s like there’s a curfew or something, Kaitlin whispered in reply.  

Slipping down the narrow winding streets through the village, keeping tight against the shadows of the buildings, and out of the flickering light the moon was creating as it dipped in and out from behind the clouds, they made their way towards Keltor’s home.

Oh my god, she said as they approached his house, as like the rest in the village it was in a ram-shackled state.  The once beautiful garden was trampled, the front door re-hinged in a ‘make do’ manner, after having clearly been forced open.

The muscles in Keltor’s neck tightened in fear and anxiety as they edged closer.

We’ll go around the back, he said, in a cautious whisper.

Holding her hand firmly he led her to the back door; that too had been repaired and re-hinged.  He turned the handle, but it was locked.

Let me try, Kaitlin offered, and Keltor moved out of her way.

Lifting her hand, she pointed it at the lock. Like Keltor, her ability to perform magic had increased and she no longer relied on her wand.

"Aperta ianua," she chanted in a quiet whisper, and the locked clicked open.

Taking the handle urgently, Keltor opened the door and they both walked into the dark kitchen.

Sharelle Dracon rose from her chair by the fire as she heard someone open the back door. Picking up a small lantern, and grabbing a fire poker from the hearth, which she held defensively in front of her, she moved out of the living room and made her way to the kitchen.

Mum, Keltor said in relief at seeing her.

Keltor! she cried in obvious shock, quickly dowsing the lantern and plunging them back into darkness.

Mum, what’s going on, what’s happened to the village? he begged.

Clearly shocked, his mother whizzed right past him, dropping the poker and lantern onto the kitchen table, she hurriedly re-locked the back door.

She spun back to him.

Keltor, by the stars, is that really you? she said again, relief clearly in her voice, and she rushed to him, flung her arms around her son, and hugged him so tightly Keltor thought he would stop breathing.

Mum, please..., he begged again, pulling her off him.  What’s happened?

Keltor, my darling son, I thought you were dead, where have you been? she wept. Reaching a hand to Kaitlin, who took hold of it, she pulled her to them and swept her into her embrace. I thought you were both dead, she said fighting back another sob.

Dead, why would you think that, and what’s happened to the house, and to the village? he asked urgently.

Come into the living room, she urged.  There are too many eyes that may see you in here.

They followed her through the darkness and into the living room.  Immediately in front of them a fire crackled warmly, and a few candles were dotted here and there. His mother hurried to the window and drew the curtains. Although the light was dim, Keltor could see enough to notice his mother, whose beauty usually radiated from her, looked tired and haggard.

She grabbed hold of him again and pulled