Maldows Isles

Chapter Eleven

Amaria’s Pov

I wake up before the sun is shining. As I lay there, next to a sleeping Ash, I think about the future, my future. One day I will rule this realm. One day my kids will rule, so on and so forth. I feel like it is time for us to make contact with the other villages. They need to know I'm here, that I will never let Sariyah’s rule last longer than necessary.

I'm so lost I thought that I didn't notice the sprites leave. A branch snaps and that gets my attention. I scan my surroundings discreetly, to not let the intruder know I'm aware of their presence. There's a flash of light on the other side of our clearing, that's our drill signal.

I tap Ash’s shoulder twice, “Don't make any sudden movements, Ash. Dad is running a drill.” I tell him, pausing in between to make it look like I'm admiring him.

Ash returns the gesture, by tapping the underside of my wrist, in understanding. I hear footsteps coming near, as I look towards the sound I go ridged. I lightly tap Ash’s shoulders four times, letting him know it's neither my father nor his mother, but an actual intruder. He stiffens after the fourth tap, as I concentrate on the earth, trying to feel how many people are near. I count a total of ten before a sharp stinging comes from my thigh. I look down in shock when I look upwards just in time to see a man, who I've never seen before, reach towards me. I send a panic surge of air towards our parents before my eyelids get heavy, and everything goes dark.

When I wake, it's still dark outside. I'm not sure how long I've been out, but I'm sure that I do not know where I am. I am in a cage, tents flanking both sides of the cage. Right in the center of the tents is a big fire. I don't see any other cages, where's Ash?

“Ah, sleeping beauty is finally awake,” a voice calls out from my right side. Turning, I see the man who grabbed me. He's tall and muscular, his blonde hair falls to his shoulders in curls. His ice-blue eyes are taunting me.

“How long have I been out? Where's Ash? Who are you?” I spit out the questions quickly.

“This makes day three that you've been out. Oh and don't worry about the vessel, we left him there, “ he says. I continue eyeing him as I try to summon the earth to free me from this cage. He starts to circle me, chuckling to himself, “Don't you enjoy enchantments, your highness?”

“You had to enchant this cage to keep me in here? Wait until I get free! You're going to wish you never crossed me!”

I stop my rant when he laughs again, louder this time. “Oh princess, if you do it just like that to Sariyah I’m sure she would get a kick out of it. I’m Colton, by the way,” he reaches his hands in between the bars.

I take this opportunity to yank him forward, putting his face closer to mine, “Are you working with my aunt?”

He shrugs out of my grasps, dusting himself off he says, “Take the time to think on your questions. I’ll be back to answer them all soon.” He strides away, not glancing back.

I sit there in silence, not moving from my spot unless it was to talk to the little girl who bought my food. The child wouldn’t reply to me though, she would slide my food into the slot and walk away. I watched the sun come up and fade into the dark. No one came close to my face at all, not even Colton.

I fall asleep waiting, then the cage rattles, causing me to wake. My eyes lock to Colton's, “What the hell is wrong with you? A simple greeting would have worked!”

“You're a funny one, princess. I will only answer four of your questions. Do you want to waste your time on that answer?” He says, sitting on a stool in front of me.

“No, I do not,” I say, he raises his eyebrows then, “Are you working for my aunt?”

He smirks, leaning closer, “If I was would that upset your little one?” I nod my head, he sighs, “No, I am not working with your aunt. I simply want what's best for my village.”

“If you want what's best for your village why place me in a cage?” I am so confused by this. Why wouldn't he introduce himself properly?

“That's question number two, little one. That answer is simple, we are running out of supplies here. We cannot move as nomads any longer.”

I ponder that for a few moments, “If I know a place, where all of you can settle will you let me free?”

He studies me, “Your aunt has made us the same proposition a year ago. How do I know I can trust you?”

“I have not been in this realm long to call any shots, but when I take my place as the Queen you and your people will always be safe. I still have one more question.”

“You’re right, little one. Ask away” he sweeps his arms out.

“How did you know I was the princess?” he motions to the man who hands them a paper.

Putting it in the tray he says, “Take a look for yourself.”

Picking it up I see a drawn-out picture of myself. I lift my head then, “Let me out and I will take you to your new home.”

He locks eyes with me for a few moments. His gaze burns into me, and he nods sharply. He stands, waving his hand in front of the cage, opening it.

“Lead the way, little one.” I climb out, stretching my limbs.

“There’s one problem with that,” he pauses then, “I was passed out when you took me here.”

He chuckles, “That is right. I will take you back to where we found that you.”