Whispers of a Legend, Part One-Shadows of the Past (15 page)

I stayed within the spot Cono had kissed me
eying the sky before I turned to greet my visitors. My face, no
doubt, beamed my happiness. It could not fail to do so, but
immediately I saw within Gunilda they brought news, news that had
upset her and in turn I comprehended would myself.

"I thought I was to see the King," I said
feebly, trying desperately to come up with some reasoning to stay.
"Would he not want to see me?"

"I'm certain that he will see you, but
he sent word that this is to be immediate. Only for a short time,
Kela, to go to the safety that the Forbidden Forest offers," Twiten
offered, but the words did nothing to soften the blow.

"In all why is Gunilda returning with
me. If only for a short time, I can fend for myself," I said. My
eyes lay upon a desolate Gunilda to once more be ripped from her
ward. My arms rounded my old nurse for the news seemed to have
greatly aged her. Her wrinkled face whitened; her eyes yellowed;
her body sagged. "There is no need for her to be swept away once
more. She should stay..."

"It is not for me to say, Kela," Twiten
lowered his head. "The King has ordered. The orders were
specific."

Hopelessness encompassed me for no argument
would rescind the King's orders. I saw in Twiten's eyes his own
doubt with the action. The only comfort I took was in being able to
say goodbye to my siblings and Cono. Falco in his manner assured me
all was for the best. His loyal belief in our grandfather remained
steadfast.

Sareta cried and clung to Gunilda in which
my heart broke, more so for Gunilda. For although, I was certain,
Sareta was saddened by Gunilda's departure, the separation tore
through Gunilda. Sareta, though herself, seemed distraught.

"I want not to be parted from you again,"
she wailed. Her arms wrapped firmly around me. I hugged her
tightly.

"It is not for long," I assured her in my
confidence.

"It is such a shame. For I
wanted you to be able to share in all the celebrations. Why Prince
de Folur arrived last night quite unexpected! Belasquita was beside
herself. She told Amicia her announcement would be made soon for
all to see! Belasquita says it will be the largest celebration that
Scarladin has ever seen! Amicia says it makes sense because
Belasquita will be soon with her eighteen year," Sareta carried on
to the point where I half listened. She leaned into me.
"
Wymarcha
and I
foresee Amicia will not be far behind even though she has a year to
announce the attachment."

I looked at Sareta strangely. I worried
about my sister. Her focus seemed not upon the problems we faced, I
faced, but with the incidentals around her. But a brief moment of
envy surfaced within me. She was young, carefree in her thoughts,
waited upon her every want. She had not the worries of the world
weighing down upon her. She had only the issues in front of a
Princess. Wrapped in the security of protection around her, I
found all ironic that her own magic far exceed those that protected
her. Then all faded when Cono flew into the room.

The speed of his landing had him almost
stumbling. Regaining his balance, his face betrayed his emotions,
but before he could utter a word. Twiten stopped him.

"It is not my decision. King Edulf gave the
orders early this morning. I would assume it will only be
temporary," Twiten's hand fixed upon Cono's massive shoulders,
pausing him in the path to my side. "Do not act irrationally. This
means little. All has been proven, Cono. It should not be a worry
on your mind. I will transport both back within the portal,
but if you want a moment, I will wait."

Cono didn't hesitate. My heart beat soundly.
Cono took my hand. From the corner of my eye I caught an
astonished look on Sareta's face at Cono's bold move in front of
all, but with all I gave it little thought.

Cono led me out to the balcony, pushing me
gently back against the stone wall. Immediately, his wings expanded
to give us a semblance of privacy. His hand cupped my face. "This
makes no sense. Give me the word and I will fly you out of here at
this moment. I will..."

My hand touched his. I shook my head. "I too
was taken back by Twiten's words, but in all the thought occurred
to me. My eighteenth year is fast approaching. The King must have
plans for us then. Is it not the perfect time to announce my
reappearance? It has to be!"

My eyes searched his, hoping I was right that
in all it was not a punishment but only biding time until the King
would announce it to the world. Cono's eyes softened on me and
nodded.

"Of course, it has to be," his arms pulled
me to him. Never had I needed anyone to give to me hope as I did at
that moment. His hand caressed the top of my head. "The day the
moon sits on the blue centar. I will give all until then.
If the King doesn't recall you by your day, I will come and
recall you myself."

My head turned upward to his. He knew which
day was my date. I smiled. "I will be waiting."

Then to my surprise, he leaned down and
kissed me, a long yearning kiss. I wanted nothing more to stay in
his arms, but in the next breath I heard Twiten in the doorway
calling to us.

With reluctance, Cono let go of me. I turned
and walked back within the room. Before I could glance back over my
shoulder, my surroundings swirled in front of me. The fog
dissipated to the view I had long grown accustomed…the Forbidden
Forest. There I waited...

###

L
The Legend has only just begun
…

Coming Soon

Whispers of a Legend, Part
Two-
The Path Now Turned

Her bond with Cono confirmed. Kela believes
she’s ready to take her side beside her warrior, but fate has
another path for her. A fear grows that Asmeodai, an evil as no
other before, is emerging. All is not what it seems. Betrayal,
distrust, treachery leaves Kela torn by her desire for Cono and the
path she has been given to follow. When another emerges within her
world, one who seemingly wants only to help her along her path, she
is pulled further away from her Sordarin…

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