The Heiress of the Lake (9)

A dark romantic fantasy serial

If you are new to this story… Chapter 1

Chapter 9: Burn the witch!

The column of Autumnian soldiers rode back on the frozen path. They had seen a strange flame rising from the land they had just left behind yesterday. The soldiers were not pleased to leave the warm fires of the newly set campsite. They saw smoke rising in the air, and though it dissolved, the soldiers kept their course steady. 

“What in the bloody horsedung?!” their Commander shouted as their horses stopped at the edge of a black lake of mud. The air was polluted with a strong stench of sulphur. The muddy lowland was too vast for horses to swim through.

“We ain’t stepping one foot in that dung hole!” the soldiers objected.

They saw an island amidst the muddy lake; it’s centre was covered with a thick patch of bushes. Little did they know; three pairs of keen eyes observed the soldiers hiding in the bushes, and three hands held their swords at ready. 

The soldiers wandered around the lake; there was no way of getting onto the island, and there was no sign of life on it.

The Commander shouted his order; and the whole column rode away. 

“My clever little Frogling!” Marcian picked Auri up in his strong arms, when the three entered the shack. Old Autumn was sleeping, exhausted from melting all the ice on the muddy lake with the dragon’s flame. Of course, he could become dragon at will, although he preferred to do it by night. 

“You were the one commanding the dragon,” Auri smiled at her friend. The dragon indeed obeyed only Marcian. 

“The stench we will have to endure, but it’s a small price to pay for our safety,” Magnush added coldly. He and Auri were not on friendly terms. 

And so they were for the next weeks to come. The weather was freezing cold, but the dragon kept melting the ice around the shack every night - the muddy lake would keep away soldiers if they might wander into this part of the Damned land, and the stench protected Auri from the Wolfling’s keen sense of smell.

Magnush treated her with cold contempt, Auri replied with proud indifference, and Marcian seemed pleased with the shift in their behaviour toward each other. Old Autumn got better every day. His dragon’s nature was tamed by the old man’s deep attachment to Marcian. 

“You youngsters should be thinking of the journey,” the old man said one evening after dinner, “you cannot hide in here for the rest of your lives, as much as I’d wished you to stay,”

“Can’t we?” Marci joked.

“You’ll be discovered here sooner or later and they will find a way to cross the mud,”

“You must be right. There’s a long way ahead of us…” Auri sighed. 

“Not necessarily,” Old Autumn smiled, “since the dragon’ s nature seems to submit to my dear boy Marci, I might give you a lift to Hebeny.”

All three exchanged surprised looks, until Auri and Magnush remembered they were supposed to be in a feud, and turned away from each other.

“That would be simply brilliant, dear Old Autumn!” Marci exclaimed. 

They went to sleep soon after dinner. Old Autumn was well enough to resume his solitary ventures; he didn’t fly far, just wanted to stretch his wings, as the old man said.

Soon both men were asleep. Auri took a bath, and she could swear, she felt Magnush’s eyes on her. He may deny his blood, but not his urges, Auri thought and sat naked in the tub until the water got cold. That was the best revenge, to show the bastard what he’s missing out on. 

When she went to bed, Auri lingered sitting and watching the two men sleep. She smiled at Marcian, her soul brother; he would’ve been the next High King if it wasn’t for Auri. She sighed, her friend had lost his home and a bright future, all to keep her safe.

Auri’s eyes glanced over Magnush’s face. Whether asleep or not, he was fiercely handsome. Auri couldn’t despise him. She wished to kiss every inch of his velvet-smooth skin, but it wouldn’t be wise and… the Snakelings deem wisdom above anything. The heiress gave a heartfelt sigh, laid down and closed her eyes. She did not see Magnush opening his green eyes and siting up to look at her sleeping. 

They prepared for the journey. Marci made leather straps to hold them on the Dragonling’ s back, and reigns to direct him. The frosts changed to rains again, the days passed in preparations and boredom. Auri found herself secretly watching Magnush again and again. The men also bathed every few days. Magnush washed himself as quick as only a soldier could. Oh, how Auri wished he would linger in the tub just a bit more. His wet, masculine back moving quickly illuminated by the dying firelight. The girl could hardly contain herself. A moment longer, and she’d go to him shamelessly. But Magnush wrapped in a towel, the moment never came, Auri remembered her pride and closed her eyes to give into a sweet dream of Magnush’s nearness. 

The four of them decided to leave for Hebeny an hour before dawn break - it wouldn’t be wise to fly both in brought daylight or in the black of the night. 

Old Autumn woke them some hours after midnight. The three had their last meal with him.

“Will it be safe for you? The last time you flew to Hebeny, you turned up half-dead,” said Auri.

“Do not fear for me, golden one. This time I will not fly anywhere near the Hebenian settlements,” the old man consoled her.

“Now, it’s time for farewell gifts,” he said, handing Magnush a neatly folded travelling cloak. Old Autumn had been working on it for the last couple of days. The cloak was made of thick fabric and lined with the wolverine’s fur. 

“I cannot except this,” Magnush stammered, “I… I think princess Auriani should have it, to protect her from the cold,” Magnush shoved the cloak into Auri’s hands without looking at her. 

“I do not need it. My stupid Autumnian blood shall keep me warm. I’m not a cold-blooded creature, unlike some,” Auri retorted, but regretted it the very next moment; Magnush was only trying to be kind.

“Then I’m taking my offer back,” he grabbed the cloak.

Old Autumn grinned at the two.

“No need for that, Magnush. This is for Auri,” he handed the girl another cloak - it did smell of mould, but otherwise Auri gasped amazed - the sapphire-blue velvet cloak was lined and trimmed with squirrel and otter fur, Auri looked truly regal in it. Her worn out clothes appeared like rags in comparison. 

“It’s wonderful, Old Autumn, thank you!” Auri exclaimed.

“The one who wore it was equal to you both in beauty and kindness, though she was not a princess,” Old Autumn paused, “but this will not do! Your old clothes…” 

Old Autumn dug in the darkness of the shack.

“This is fit for a princess.”

He pulled out a magnificent blue silk gown, heavy and bleak from old age, embroidered with thousands of tiny pearls. The threads had dissolved over time, and the pearls bounced across the floor.

“Don’t say anything, dear Auri. The one who wore this bridal dress is long gone. The fabric has lost her scent…” Old Autumn sighed heavily, “but it is fit for a princess to visit a foreign kingdom.” 

When Auri had put on both the dress and the cloak, the man gazed at her astonished.

“You can close your mouth now, snake,” Marci ridiculed him.

“And to my dear Marci - a gift that will surely warm your heart.” 

The old man handed him a beautiful pipe and a whole bag of dried Snakegrass.

“You truly know me well,” Marci embraced him. 

Outside a read dawn was glaring in the East, but here, above the Damned land of Autumna a grey annoying rain sprinkled their faces. The three were dressed in travelling cloaks, the load of their belongings was fastened to the dragons back. Old Autumn snorted and shook his head, but it did let Marci prepare him for the flight. They sat closely together on the dragon’s back - Marci in front holding the reigns, Auri between him and Magnush. Though both were still in a feud, Auri’s heart trembled feeling Magnush sitting so close behind her and locking her waist in his embrace. She held onto Marci.

“Are we ready? Go on, Old Autumn, fly! Take us to Hebeny!”

The bleak-red beast flapped its large wings and ascended. Was it the fright of the new experience or maybe something else, but Magnush held Auri tighter than ever. She enjoyed it immensely. Wind blew their hoods off, they soared high above the land, Marci exulted, and Auri wished the flight would never end. 

She gave Magnush a quick look. Whether frightened or overwhelmed, he sat with his eyes closed.

“Don’t be afraid!” Auri shouted. Magnush nodded with his eyes still shut, held her even tighter, leaned in and pressed his face against her neck. If flying on a dragon was what it took for Magnush to overcome his pride and be this close to her, Auri wholeheartedly wanted to fly every day. Ever more so, when she felt Magnush kiss her neck; the little snake! He was not afraid, he used the chance to be near her to the fullest! He kept on kissing her neck up and down, and Auri was so distracted, she nearly let go of Marcian. 

Old Autumn flew down, the mist uncovered the sea of leafless tree tops, as far as the eye could see. The dragon was aiming to land in a clearing. Auri could see settlements in the distance - lights and smoke rising from the chimneys. Magnush’s lips were still pressing to her neck, sending pleasant shivers down her spine. 

But the dragon landed and they had to get off it quickly; such a large beast would not go unnoticed for long. 

Auri looked into Magnush’s eyes - she saw nothing but fire. If it wasn’t for Marci’s presence, Magnush would surely push her against the nearest tree trunk and take her virtue. And Auri would gladly give it. 

The trees! Never had she seen such magnificent plants - rows and rows of giant black trunks, with bare branches clutching into the steel-grey dawning skies like black fingers. The air was fresh, unlike in the Damned land, and here the spring had begun; tiny little green leaves and grass stems glared from every corner of the forest. Blue and white spring flowers bloomed among the deep-green moss. 

“Farewell, dear friend!” Marci shouted and waved at the ascending dragon.

“Farewell!” a distorted roaring voice replied from the clouds. 

“Where to now?” Marci pondered, “I have no idea where in the bloody horsedung is Thilia valley! Sir guide?”

Marcian’s question woke Magnush from his lustful daydream.

“Where to? I think we should head to the nearest settlement and ask,” he waved at the forest. All three went down a small path leading from the clearing. They did see a village not too far away, when flying above the land. 

“I hope we will not be in danger there. I don’t know much about Hebenians,” Auri whispered. The waking forest was silent and foggy, only the birds dared to disturb its peace. 

“We’ll keep our eyes open and protect each other,” said Magnush.

“I think we should leave our differences behind. Friends again?” Auri reached out her hand and looked into Magnush’s eyes.

“Friends,” his lips replied, but his eyes said something else; their hands burned like fire in the handshake and Auri knew - tonight they shall become husband and wife. 

After some hours of walking the birds sang melodiously, sunlight broke through the clouds and illuminated the springtime forest. Auri’s heart pounded with happiness; the forest was a beautiful place to be. 

They could sense smoke in the air, and the closer they got to the settlement, the thicker it was. Something wasn’t right - an eerie feeling of danger rose in the air. Both men held to the hilts of their swords. All three saw the light of a large fire between the dark tree trunks. The path was small, they moved closer to the edge of the forest, a peeked at the settlement, hiding behind tree trunks. 

It was the oddest sight - overwhelming and frightening. A crown of fair-skinned men and women, stood around a pyre, holding torches in their hands. 

“Burn the witch! Burn the witch!” they shouted. 

Auri nearly shrieked; amidst the pile of burning wood a girl stood tied to a large pole. Flames were nearing her, but she did nothing but laugh as if it were a joke! 

“Look at her…” Marcian whispered terrified. 

The girl’s long, black hear fell loosely on her shoulders, her cheeks burned red from the heat of the pyre. She was wearing men’s clothes. 

“Look at her…” Marci repeated, “it’s you!”

Indeed, the girl bore a striking resemblance to Auri. She still stood among the flames, laughing.

“She must be insane!” Auri said.

“No matter who she is and if she’s sane, we must save her!” Marci exclaimed, and before anybody had stopped him, Marcian ran out of their hiding, he drew his sword and moved to the fire with the surprised villagers giving him way.

“Let go of her, you monsters!” he yelled at the crowd, standing in front of the pyre. The girl laughed even harder; though it was not the laugh of insanity, but more the one of ridicule. 

“I have no need for your sword, kind sir!” she shouted. Suddenly a large patch of water flew above her from the nearby pond. It fell both on the fire, extinguishing it, and on Marci, soaking him wet through. The shocked man stared at the girl. The villagers shrieked and ran in all directions, frightened by the apparition. 

She cut herself free from the ropes with a small knife she held hidden in her sleeve.

The girl jumped down from the pyre near Marci.

“Though I wouldn’t mind taking a closer look at it!” she replied smiling blatantly and stared into Marcians eyes. He gasped - the girl stood too close, the wet men’s shirt she wore displayed her feminine curves quite openly and those were the bluest eyes Marcian had ever seen.  

***

Lord Lukean paced restlessly around the hall of his castle. He shook his head, murmuring angrily to himself, his wheat coloured hair and beard shone golden in the sunlight coming from the large windows. A servant approached him.

“Where is she?!” Lord Lukean shouted.

“We searched the valley, sir, no sign of young Lady Uliani.”

“Where is that girl?! I swear, if I’ll turn grey soon, it’ll be Uli’s fault!”

“And I am sure silver shall become you as much as gold does, dear father!” a cheerful girl’s voice resounded across the hall behind him. The Lord swiftly turned around.

“I’m glad to see you safe and sound, and wearing a dress for a change? Oh, it’s not you… who is this?” Lord Lukean stood astonished; he saw a girl with his step-daughter’s face, but with shoulder-length wavy hair wearing a regal blue dress and a velvet cloak. The real Uli stepped from behind her smirking. Of course, she was wearing men’s clothes, the stubborn girl wore them when horseback-riding, or whenever she felt like going on an adventure. And she felt like having one every day, to her father’s great distress. 

“What a great joke, is it not? Look at her! It’s me! Except the hair and the eyes,” Uli said through laughter. Lord Lukean noticed the two men accompanying the girl. The Lord’s eyes widened in surprise. 

“You! You are an Autumnian! And the green eyed one looks at lot like… like…”

“Like Mama! Yes, he claims to be a Snakeling!” the girl confirmed. 

The three strangers bowed to Lord Lukean. The tall broad-shouldered Autumnian stepped forward and stated,

“We are honoured to enter the beautiful Thilia valley, and this magnificent castle. May I present princess Auriani, the heiress of Autumna and the daughter of High King Morten. I am her loyal protector, Lord Marcian and this is our guide, the heir of Snakelings, Lord Magnush,” the three bowed again. Lord Lukean’s swift gaze turned from one face to another.

“I am truly amazed by such unexpected guests! What brings the heiress to my humble valley?”

“The desire to visit her mother’s kin,” Auri replied, “you are my mother’s brother, therefore my uncle.”

“Indeed, I am!” Lord Lukean paced to them.

“I have not seen an Autumnian in many years. And the one I knew was as dear to my heart as a brother,” he shook Marcian’s hand heartily. Though Marci had cut his long black hair, his dark skin, dark eyes and stately figure gave him out - he was undoubtedly an Autumnian.

“Are you Lord Merush’s and Lady Mari’s son?” Lord Lukean addressed Magnush.

“I am, sir.”

“I knew them well! I was at their wedding on the Snakeling island, when… it was still an island,” a shadow of sorrow glared upon the Lord’s face. 

“What an amazing likeness!” he stared at Auri and Uli standing near each other, “the same face!”

Both could be sisters. 

“Your beautiful daughter was kind enough to lead us to the valley. She has been most welcoming to us,” Marcian smiled at Uli. The latter winked at him secretly.

 “My daughter is keen on getting into the strangest adventures, but today I am truly happy of the outcome! Please, be our guests! Lunch will be served soon and I hope you shall join me and my family by the table.”

“We would be honoured, but… I’m afraid after some inconveniences of travelling through Autumna, we have lost all attire suitable for a festive meal,” Marcian explained. 

“You shall be provided with clothes, don’t worry,” Uli responded looking at Marci up and down. She had been giving him unambiguous hints and blatant remarks all the way to Thilia valley. He was astonished by the girl’s blue eyes and her daring nature. She looked and acted like an Autumnian girl, and even her appearance was more Autumnian than Auri’s. While the girl, Uli, led them to Thilia valley, they discovered the reason for the two girls’ astonishing likeness; Uli was the daughter of Lord Herkian, Morten’s bastard son. That made Auri her aunt.

“Auntie Auri, how amusing!” Uli had said and laughed. 

“Why did you let those people do that? You almost burned,” Auri asked her.

“Oh, those stupid Hebenians are afraid of everything magic. I like to tease them just for fun. Water obeys my will,” Uli explained casually, “but please don’t tell my father about my encounter with the Hebenians, he doesn’t approve my little pranks,” Uli winked at Marcian. 

He couldn’t help but smile - Marci had never met a girl like her.

Lord Lukean ordered a servant to show the guests to their chambers and help them freshen-up before the meal. 

For some reason Uli tagged along the company. Marcian was the last one to reach his chamber.

“Go and fetch some fresh wildflowers for our guests’ chambers,” Uli waved at the servant.

“Wildflowers, my Lady? At this time of the year?” 

“You heard me! You dare to disobey?!” she yelled.

“Not at all, my Lady! Wildflowers!” the servant ran off.

“Wildflowers?” Marcian pondered smirking.

But he received no answer, as Uli pushed him inside the chamber, slammed the door shut with her foot and jumped on Marci, kissing him like there’s no tomorrow! 

The tall Autumnian nearly fell down from the impact of their bodies clashing. Nevertheless, he answered her kiss with equal passion, both were at it for a while, when she finally released Marci from her grip and said,

“It’s true what they say about Autumnians! You are the best kisser I’ve ever had!”

“Oh? How many have you had?”

Wham!

Uli slapped Marcian’ s cheek with all her might.

“How dare you?! I’m a virtuous maiden! Mostly!” she cried and marched out of the chamber, leaving poor Marci completely bewildered. 

Auri found him sitting on the side of the bed, holding on to his cheek, still thinking.

“You have not changed clothes yet? Hurry up, Marci!”

“Alright alright, I’ll be quick.” 

While Auri waited for him in the hallway, Magnush went out of his chamber. Auri stood staring at him - the fine new attire made Magnush look more handsome than ever. Auri herself was still wearing the same dress Old Autumn gave her, honouring the old man’s gift. 

“You look… very… good!” Auri stammered as he approached. 

“Shall we?” Magnush offered Auri his hand, and she held to him with her cheeks burning. Tonight, will be the night! Marcian followed the two to the dining hall. 

The mood at the table was most welcoming. Auri felt like a member of Lord Lukean’s family the very moment she sat by the table. She was introduced to the Lord’s wife, Lady Anaish, a Snakeling woman. Although she was blind, kindness and warmth radiated from her green eyes. Magnush was seated next to her and she spent a long while talking to him about the Snakelings. The Lord’s younger children were a fair young girl of fourteen and a boy of twelve years, both lively and curious. Marcian joked and laughed with them through the whole meal - he was always kind to children. Uli gave him the dirtiest looks and even managed to kick his shin under the table, just to make him look at her. She was wearing a dress - most unusual, as Lord Lukean noted. Nevertheless, she did look beautiful in the red dress she wore, and only the respect to Lord Lukean stopped Marci from staring at her cleavage all the time. 

A mysterious guest joined them by the table - the handsome woman was presented as Crane, the Birdling Healer and she happened to be Uli’s Godmother, visiting her Goddauther. She mostly sat silent, observing Auri with her black bird-like eyes. 

“I must admit - your arrival is puzzling me,” Lord Lukean said straightforwardly, “tell us the truth - why are you really here?”

Auri exchanged frightened glances with Marci and Magnush.

“I must confess - visiting my mother’s relatives wasn’t the only reason we left Autumna castle,” she began. Marci grabbed her hand.

“We are fugitives. My father wished me to marry Marcian, but I could not… Marci is like a brother to me. We grew up together. We ran away from our wedding,” Auri said, but could not go on. The main reason was despicable - they wanted a replacement to her blood. A sacrifice to Morten’s obsession with his dead wife. Crane squinted her black eyes, the piercing look burned Auri’s soul. 

“You ran away from your wedding?! That’s the best joke I’ve ever heard! How exciting it must’ve been! When my wedding day comes, I’ll run away too, just for the thrill of it!” Uli jumped up from her chair.

“Sit down, Uli!” Lord Lukean scolded her.

“Would you really leave your beloved heartbroken on the wedding day?” Marci asked smiling.

“If he would truly be my beloved, he’d run away with me!” Uli flashed her sweetest smile at him. 

“Dear daughter, I believe a decent maiden does not discuss such nonsense by the lunch table, especially in front of the guests,” Lady Anaish said calmly.

“Yes, Mama, I’m sorry,” Uli sat down, but still gave Marcian a tiny little kick under the table. The poor man chocked on his wine; Uli was pure fire! 

She and her step-siblings showed their guests around the castle and the valley. The tall, white castle was covered in scaffolding - it was still under construction. The spring came to the warm valley earlier than anywhere else; it appeared Thilia valley collected the warm sunlight for all wildlife to grow and prosper. The tiny spring flowers were in full bloom, the emerald-green grass laid on the hillsides like a soft rug and even the tall, young linden trees growing all around the castle had begun to blood in gold-and-white. Their scent was wonderfully sweet. A clear blue lake glittered in the sunlight, the company stopped on its shore. 

“You are truly lucky to have grown up in Thilia valley,” said Auri.

“I was truly bored growing up here, I still am,” Uli replied, “Thilians are the most prudish people you could imagine! The sun shines every day. There’s hardly ever a storm. Oh, how I wish for a proper thunderstorm!” Uli exclaimed. 

Then she gave Marcian the most daring look and stepped closer.

“I wish to lose my virtue on a stormy night. What a thrill it would be!”

“No doubt about it, my Lady,” Marci replied kissing her hand courteously, with a burning stare in his eyes. 

“Marci, may I have a word with you? Please!” Auri pulled him aside.

“Stob slobbering all over our host’s daughter! It’s pathetic!”

“First of all - she started it. Second - she’s his stepdaughter, and thirdly… I think I’m in love…”

“Oh, Marci… you fall in love easily! You cannot be serious, considering…” Auri’s face turned grim, “we’re planning to do something vile. What shall we do, Marci?”

“I… well… the youngest siblings seem gullible enough to follow me to Autumna. Since Uli does not carry your mother’s blood, she’s out of the question…” Marci pondered.

“Dark are these thoughts, Marci, we cannot do it. Look at them!” Auri glanced at the youngsters on the lake shore. Uli and her young step-siblings were competing, who would throw the pebble further into the lake. Their laughter resounded across the lake like cheerful silver bells. 

“Not fair, Uli! You made your magic carry the pebble further!” the boy cried. 

“I can’t help it!” she laughed. 

“She has inherited the gift of magic,” Marci whispered to Auri.

“I’ve heard, her father was the true Lord of the Lake, before Morten killed him.”

Auri noticed Magnush standing and staring at the lake. He looked back and joined the two.

“Thilia valley is the most amazing place I’ve ever seen. I could never imagine such beauty existed,” he said.

“Yes, yes, snake, very nice, but we must decide what shall we do to save Frogling. I’m afraid…” Marci lowered his voice, “our deeds will not be honourable. If you don’t want to take part in it, now would be the best time for you to go home,” Marci observed the children and Uli with his brows furrowed like dark clouds. Magnush stood silent, he looked into Auri’s eyes.

“I will do anything to save Auri,” his quiet voice was determined. The two nearly melted from tenderness staring into each other’s eyes. Marci arched his eyebrow.

“Well, in that case, we discussed - the youngsters could be the ones we take to Autumna. The Lord himself would not be easy to kidnap…”

“What are you three whispering? I simply must know!” Uli shouted and approached them.

“We shall talk later. After all, there’s no sign of the Wolfling here and we can stay for some days,” Marcian whispered hurriedly.

“We were just admiring the beautiful scenery,” Marcian replied to Uli, when she came nearer. 

“Just the scenery?”

“Your beauty shines brighter than the sunlit lake, my Lady,” Marci kissed Uli’s hand once again.

“With that quick tongue of yours, you must be adored by all the ladies in the Autumnian court!” Uli gave him the most unambiguous look. 

“I think you can guess yourself, since…” Marci leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “you got the chance to know my tongue closer, up there in my chamber.” 

Uli blushed and smiled. Auri rolled her eyes and went closer to the waters’ edge; Marci was playing a dangerous game. They were planning to kidnap Lord Lukean’s young children, seducing his step-daughter wouldn’t be wise!

“Do you enjoy swimming, Lord Marcian?” Uli asked.

“I am an excellent, swimmer. And, please, call me Marci.”

Now Uli was the one whispering in his ear.

“Can I tempt you with a nice swim in the lake, right after nightfall, Marci?”

“I cannot wait,” he whispered back.

Auri went for a walk in the castle’s garden, accompanied by Magnush. The others followed a bit further.

The silence lingered, Auri wished to express her feelings, but could not. 

“This valley is amazing! If I were to choose a place to spend the rest of my days…” Magnush began.

“I would wish to stay here forever too,” Auri continued. Both gazed into each other’s eyes, their hands wrapping together, their lips nearing closer and closer…

“My I have a word with young Lady Auriani?” a voice interrupted them. 

“Of course,” Auri turned to Crane, standing in front of them. It seemed she appeared out of nowhere. Magnush gave a short nod and walked away.

“As Lord Lukean said earlier - your arrival is puzzling him. It is a mystery to me as well.”

“I explained our reasons,” Auri replied evasively. She wished to end the conversation with this strange woman, who appeared to see much more than meets the eye. 

“You did,” Crane paused, “have you ever met Heron, the Birdling sorcerer? I cannot call him a Healer, because he has lost his face after meddling with dark magic for gold. He serves your father.”

“I have met him. He has been kind to me.”

“He has returned to these lands for some months now. Is it not a strange coincidence that you happen to arrive here?” Crane squinted her eyes.

“I did not know about him being nearby. It does not concern me.”

“Your thoughts are dark and clouded, Lady Auriani, but your heart is pure. I can see it. Do not give into darkness!”

Suddenly Auri remembered something - Cranes voice. She had heard it before. 

“Do you have a question for me?” Crane asked after Auri stood silent thinking.

“I think I’ve heard your voice in a dream.”

“What did the voice say?”

“The Golden shall fall from the skies,

To meet the one with lake-blue eyes,

With wrath of Autumn they’ll be scorn,

Untill the last of heirs is born,” Auri recited, and she remembered, “and I saw the valley in my dream, and Uli.”

“The Foreverold has brought you here for a reason. It is a prophecy I received some time ago, but I did not know it’s meaning.”

“What does it mean?” Auri asked. 

“Your and Uli’s fate is connected, though I don’t know how the meaning shall unfold. Meanwhile I must beg you - whatever reason you came here, do not hurt Lord Lukean or his family. They are dear to me, and I suspect your arrival has something to do with your despicable father.”

“I do not serve my father! And if such is your judgement, I don’t wish to continue this conversation,” Auri retorted and marched away. She knew that their intentions were sinister, but she didn’t want to die either. But what else could be done? Auri turned back to the sound of Lord Lukean’s children laughing; they were fighting Marcian with pretend-swords made of sticks. Suddenly it was all clear - she knew what had to be done.