Bound by Blood & Parted by Fate

Chapter 03 – The dream

Chapter 03 – The Dream

Fae's mind wandered back to a memory from her childhood, when she had ventured to the edge of the city, seeking answers to questions that plagued her young mind. She remembered standing on the precipice, staring out into the abyss beyond, feeling both exhilarated and terrified at the same time.

Nae look at the breathtaking view that seems to never end. She turned to her sister and asked “Is there an end to earth? To the land and the sea.”

"Yes, the earth ends where the sky begins.” Fae replied, her voice distant as she recalled the memory.

“There is a beginning to the sky?”

“Yes, it is there to protect us from the dark ocean above."

Nae looked up at Fae, eyes full of wonder. "I wish to see it," she said, her voice full of longing. Fae smiled at her little sister, her mind returning to the present. "I was once there in my dreams," she said softly, "but I could not break through the sky. Though I saw the darkness and the beauty above us and the other worlds lighting the sky."

“There are other worlds?” asked the little girl, surprised.

“Yes”

“And other people? Like us?”

“ Maybe” she smiled.

Nae snuggled closer to Fae, feeling safe and comforted by her sister's words. They sat there in silence for a while, lost in their own thoughts and dreams. Wondering what lays beyond their land.

***

Fae quickly woke up her grandmother and Nae. She explains to them that she had a vision of the king's death, and she fears that the enemies of Bravadis will soon attack the city. She tells them that they have to leave the city immediately to avoid being caught in the middle of the conflict.

Nae looks at Fae with concern and confusion. "But why do we have to leave? Can't we just stay and fight to protect our city?"

Fae shook her head. "I saw the city burning into ashes, the king dead. You must leave. You cannot fight, you are better safe and far from here"

Their grandmother nods in agreement. "She's right, Nae. We have to trust Fae's visions. She has always had a gift of foresight, and we can't ignore her warnings."

Nae sighs, still unsure about leaving their home behind. "But where will we go? And what about our friends and the people of Bravadis?"

Fae had a plan. They had to run to the kingdom of Najariyah. The king saved them once from the Unmar, he would gladly take refugees.

The people in Najariyah have their own beliefs too. Different from the Bravadis and Meyaris. But unlike the latter one, they accept others' beliefs without trying to enforce their own. Najariyah is known for its powerful Ninki Nanka, a race of dragon-like creatures.

Fae takes a deep breath. “We'll head north : to the kingdom of Najariyah. The king will protect us. I have a friend who lives there, and she'll help us find a safe place to stay. Her name is Adisa, find her. As for our friends and the people of Bravadis, I’ll warn the king, and you must warn as many people as you can while leaving.”

Nae looked at Fae with tears in her eyes and begged, "But we can go together."

Fae put a hand on Nae's shoulder and looked at her with a pained expression. "No, Nae, you must leave with Maam right now. I’ll warn the king and the people about the danger that's coming."

Nae's tears turned into sobs as she threw her arms around Fae's neck. "But what if you don't make it? I can't lose you too!"

Fae held her little sister tight, trying to comfort her. "I'll do everything in my power to make it back to you. Please just go with our grandmother to safety."

Nae nodded, still clinging to Fae. "Fine, but please be careful."

Fae gently pried herself away from Nae's embrace and turned to their grandmother. "Pack your things, we're leaving soon."

Their grandmother, confused but trusting, quickly started packing their belongings, only taking what was important. Fae looked at her little sister once more, her heart heavy with worry and fear. She prayed to the Gods to protect her sister from the havoc heading their way.

With her heart racing, Fae sprinted through the streets of Bravadis, her mind filled with urgency. In the streets, some were still celebrating, oblivious to the imminent danger she sensed. The wind whipped her hair as she ran, and the sounds of the night surrounded her. The city that she had always called home felt different to her now. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in her chest, knowing that everything she had ever known was about to change.

Finally, Fae arrived at the palace gates where two guards were standing watch. "Eh! What brings you here at this hour?" one of the guards asked.

"I need to speak with the king immediately! It's a matter of life and death," Fae replied with urgency in her voice.

The guard exchanged a skeptical look with his companion. "And why should we let you in? We have orders to not let anyone in unless it's an emergency," he said.

Fae took a deep breath and locked eyes with the guard, her voice laced with a palpable sense of urgency. "Believe me, it's an emergency," she pleaded, her words carrying the weight of imminent danger. "Lives are at stake, and I need to warn the king of what is coming."

The guards exchanged another hesitant glance, their expressions reflecting a mix of skepticism and caution. The same guard who had spoken earlier furrowed his brow and crossed his arms. "An emergency, you say?" he replied, his tone doubtful. "We can't just open the gates for anyone claiming such things without proper verification. How do we know you're not just trying to deceive us?"

Fae's eyes widened with desperation. "I understand your concerns, but I speak the truth," she implored, her voice unwavering. "I carry vital information about an imminent threat. Time is of the essence, and I fear any delay could cost lives."

The guards exchanged another wary look, their hesitation palpable. After a tense moment, one of them nodded reluctantly. "Fine," he said, his tone still cautious. "We'll escort you to see the king. But be prepared to explain everything to him. If your story doesn't add up, there will be consequences."

Fae nodded gratefully, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with determination. "I will explain everything to the king. Lives depend on it."

Fae breathed a sigh of relief as she followed the guards into the palace. She knew that time was of the essence and that she needed to deliver her warning as soon as possible.

Fae stood nervously in the grand throne room, her eyes darting anxiously over the intricate tapestries and elaborate chandeliers that adorned the opulent space. The high ceilings seemed to stretch endlessly above her, adding to her feeling of unease. The grandeur of the hall made her feel entirely out of place, but the pressing concern for her sister and grandmother fueled her determination, outweighing her discomfort.

Suddenly, the echoing sound of footsteps reverberated through the room, drawing Fae's attention. She turned swiftly, her heart racing, to see a man approaching. He was impeccably dressed in fine silks, and a regal crest adorned his chest, marking his status. With a deep bow, he introduced himself as Amin, the king's right-hand man, his demeanor a blend of authority and curiosity.