Bound by Blood & Parted by Fate

Chapter 17 : Searching for a solution

Chapter 17 : Searching for a solution

"We'll have to think of another plan," Adisa said, her voice soft.

Adisa led Nae to her room, closing and locking the door behind them. She lit a few candles and placed them around the room, illuminating the space with a soft glow. "The first thing we need to do is prepare ourselves for the dreamwalk," Adisa said, her voice hushed as though they were in a sacred space.

Nae nodded in agreement, eager to see her sister. Adisa began by pouring some water into a bowl and adding some herbs that she had gathered earlier that day. She then instructed Nae to wash her hands and face in the water, which was meant to cleanse them of any negative energies.

After they had washed, Adisa handed Nae a small pouch filled with dried herbs. "Burn these and inhale the smoke," Adisa said. "It will help clear your mind and allow you to focus on reaching the dreamworld."

Nae did as she was told, inhaling the smoke from the herbs. As she did, she felt a sense of calm and peace wash over her. Adisa then took out a drum and began to play a rhythmic beat. "This will help us connect with the spirit world," Adisa explained.

“The spirit world ?”

“Yes the spirit world and the dream world are in some ways the same” Adina explained with a soothing voice “Close your eyes”

Nae closed her eyes and allowed herself to be carried away by the beat of the drum. She felt as though she were being transported to another realm, a place where anything was possible.

Once Adisa felt that they were ready, she led Nae to a small altar in the corner of the room. There, they placed a few offerings for the spirits, including some food and flowers. Adisa then called upon the spirits of the ancestors to guide them on their journey and protect them from any harm.

With their preparations complete, Adisa and Nae lay down on the floor, facing each other. Adisa instructed Nae to close her eyes and focus on her breathing. "When you feel ready, imagine yourself standing in a field of tall grass," Adisa said. "And call out to Fae."

Nae took a deep breath and pictured herself in a field of tall grass. She called out to her sister, her voice echoing across the field. She then waited, her heart pounding with anticipation, hoping that Fae would hear her call.

Adisa and Nae closed their eyes and focused on the ritual. Slowly, they drifted into the dreamworld. The world around them was hazy and blurred, and it took a moment for them to find their bearings.

As they wandered through the dreamworld, they called out to Fae. They searched for what felt like hours, but they couldn't find her. Just as they were about to give up hope, Fae appeared before them.

But something was wrong. Fae looked different. Her eyes were empty and lifeless, and her once vibrant spirit seemed to have left her body.

Adisa gasped at the sight of her friend. "Fae, what happened to you?" she asked.

Fae barely registered her sister's voice, and her gaze remained vacant. Adisa took a step forward and placed her hand on Fae's shoulder.

"Fae," Nae said softly.

At the sound of Nae’s voice, Fae's eyes flickered, and a glimmer of recognition crossed her face. For a brief moment, it was as if her old self had returned.

But then, just as suddenly, the light vanished from her eyes, and she once again became vacant and lifeless.

As Fae hugged her little sister tightly, tears streamed down her face. "Adisa," she said, her voice shaking, "please take care of Nae for me. I don't want her to suffer because of me."

Adisa held Nae's hand tightly as Fae began to speak. She told them everything, how she had revealed her gift to the Basharite in exchange for the group's freedom, how she had tried to escape but was caught and locked in a cave, and how they were now bound by blood.

"I can't escape from him," Fae said, her voice heavy with resignation. "He won't let me go, Nae. You have to start a new life and forget about me."

Nae shook her head, tears streaming down her face as well. "I won't forget about you, Fae," she said firmly. "I'll find a way to get you out of there."

Fae smiled sadly. "You always were stubborn, little sister," she said. "But I've made peace with my new life. I don't want you to suffer because of me."

And with that, Fae disappeared from their sight, leaving Nae and Adisa alone in the dreamworld.

Adisa gently placed her hand on Nae's shoulder, signaling that it was time to go back. "We have to go now," she said softly, "but we'll come back and try again. We'll find a way to help Fae." Nae nodded, tears still streaming down her face. She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes.

Adisa closed her eyes and took a deep breath, focusing on the ritual once again. She began to chant softly, her voice growing louder and more confident with each passing moment. As she chanted, the room around them began to shimmer and dissolve, until they were standing in the same dimly lit room, but with a sense of clarity and purpose.

Nae looked around, her eyes wide with wonder. "We're back," she said with tears starting to stream down her eyes.

Adisa held Nae tightly, letting her cry out her pain and sorrow. She knew how much Fae meant to her, and it broke her heart to see her in such anguish. "Shh, it's okay," she whispered soothingly. "We'll find a way to help her. We'll figure something out."

Nae looked up at Adisa with tears streaming down her face. "But how?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Fae said there's no way to escape from the Basharite. He has her bound by blood."

Adisa shook her head. "We'll find a way," she repeated. "We just need to think of something. We can't give up on her."

Nae nodded, still sniffling. "Okay," she said, her voice hoarse. "We won't give up. But what can we do? The king won't go to war with Meyaris, and Fae said she's made peace with her new life. How can we save her?"

Adisa took a deep breath, trying to think. "We need to come up with a plan," she said finally. "Something that will catch the Basharite off guard, something that he won't be expecting. And we need to act quickly, before it's too late."

Nae wiped away her tears, determination shining in her eyes. "Okay," she said. "Let's start planning."