Saving Maltira

Chapter Six

As Hilda walked to inform her parents of her trip, her mind wandered around the events of the past few days. There was something between her and Layla. Then there was also the matter of mind reading. She had never mind spoken with anyone before. Why could she hear Layla's thoughts? Even more confusing, why did it seem to be selective? She knew Layla was on a mission. She had spent her entire life in training not to know a spy when she saw one. But she didn't know the details. She had to know the details in other to know if Layla was a threat or not. The mind reading could come in handy for that purpose.

"Hilda.

"Hello Mother.

"How is your friend?

"I wanted to talk to you and Father about her.

"Is something wrong?

"No. "

Queen Petiba walked steadily towards her daughter.

Hilda squirmed a bit and stood her ground.

Her mother reached her and hooked a finger to raise her chin. "Keeping secrets, are we?

"No Mother. I just want to break the news to you and Father together. "

Her mother straightened. "Very well then. Suit yourself. I'll see you in your Father's chambers. "

The young Halfling stood and watched her mother leave. But she didn't see the smile on the nymph queen's face as she walked away.

"What did they say?

Hilda walked in to find their bags already packed. "You sure travel light, don't you?"

"It makes it easier. It's not like we'd be using a coach or anything like that. "

Hilda leaned across a table casually. "No coach? Why? "

"So as not to draw unwanted attention to ourselves.

"OK. I'm taking my weapons though. I never go anywhere unarmed. "

"Just make them inconspicuous. I don't think anyone would take lightly to an armed woman. "

"When do we leave?"

"Tonight.”

Hilda had a maid braid her long hair in ten strands. At the tip of each strand, she inserted a small spike. She had seen Layla's hair form spikes when she assumed combat mode. Too bad she didn't have that ability. But she was never one to envy others. She had abilities that no one else had and more. She could "borrow" another's ability albeit for a short time.

She went over her plans in her head. Earlier she had spoken to her mother about what was happening between her and Layla. Her mother had told her to figure it out by herself. She didn't need the extra load. But the sooner she uncovered whatever mystery there was, the sooner she could be free of her.

A drawer made of the finest wood stood at a corner of the room. Its carvings and design seemed ethereal. In reality, no one could open the drawer except the half nymph herself. The older Hilda had given it her as a gift at her birth. Then it was a tiny little box that fit into her palm. But as she grew the box grew with her. Now the drawer occupied a good space in the corner and it contained her most prized possessions. At five she had formed the combination that opened the box. A strand of her hair bathed in her saliva.

The first level of the drawer contained maps. Hilda picked a few. From the second drawer she picked a locket which effectively hid a compass. She didn't need a compass to navigate the sea. But on land, she knew she would get lost without it.