“You don’t really think you are a burden to me, do you?” asked Jarethtenderly.Clara Turned her head quickly to Ansel.“I don’t know, maybe. I feel like I was the little sister forced on you when you were almost a man. Then you felt you had to take care of me after your father died.”Clarapaused and closed her eyes. She knew she shouldn’t say what she was thinking, but she couldn’t stop herself. “Then last spring, when, well you know, at the festival, I was afraid I ruined things between us forever,” said Clarasadly. “I never meant to put you in that position.”Jareth Was silent as he turned his eyes from Claraand looked at the fire. Claracould feel her face go warm, and she knew her cheeks were red. She felt like such a fool.“See, I knew it. I knew that is why you stopped coming to see me. I knew that’s why you were gone for so long.” “Griffa,” started Ansel, but she interrupted him.“Oh, if I could just go back and stop myself from drinking too much, or thinking that you could ev
“Oh, Griffa, it’s you! Oh, thank goodness. I was so worried about you.” squealed a little, older woman who had just run into the room. She had a white hair pulled up into a messy bun. She had her arms around Clarabefore Kyle knew what happened. She gave Claraa long hug before letting go and looking at her. “Oh, you are such a mess. We must get you cleaned up. I’m guessing you are hungry as well, all of you. Ansel! My dear boy, you are here as well. Come here and give me a kiss.” Jarethwalked over and bent down and kissed the old woman on the cheek. “It is good to see you, Maybell. Might I introduce Kyle to you?”Maybelle went still, her light gray eyes huge. “You were successful then? Is this him, the king? Oh, how good it is to meet you, your majesty.” She dropped a deep curtsey.“Uh, thank you?” faltered Kyle, not sure what to do.“Now, now Maybell, he likes to be called Kyle and doesn’t want to be made a fuss over,” said Clarataking Maybell’s hand and bringing her back up to a
On a throne, a young woman held her head in her hands.How did this come about?As expected, everything was in order.Over a thousand years had passed since the kingdom first took on its current form.What had gone wrong while she was in charge?She had carried out all of her instructions.She had done everything that had been asked of her, but it wasn't enough.She was now surrounded by complete chaos, destruction, and rage.A soft, low voice said, "My queen, I think it's time," quietly.The young queen raised her head.She had been so preoccupied with her own thoughts that she had not even heard or felt her protector enter the room.She choked out, "My son."Jonathan..." "The young prince is prepared to depart, and the king is seated in his chambers."It might take some convincing for the king."The reality the kingdom was facing was still a mystery to Queen Sophie.There must be another option.Things couldn't have been that bad after all.Daisy, are you positive?Is there really no way out?Da
The majority of the kingdom of Regventus's cities and villages were constructed of rings.The size of the town determined the number of rings.Typically, the rings varied in class and function.Clarton, Kyle's home village, had three rings.The Viceroy and other extremely wealthy families resided in the inner ring.Shops, workhouses, and a few places to live for the poor made up the middle ring.Most people who worked at the edge of the forest lived in the outer ring, where the main stables were and Kyle lived.Apothecaries, farmers, and others who preferred to live outside the town's main hub were among these individuals.The majority of people would not live in the third ring because they were afraid of the open forest at night. However, there was ample space and decent housing there.Kyle didn't know why individuals in Clarton dreaded the woods.He had spent many summer evenings at the forest's edge and many happy days riding horses in the trees.He liked to watch the fireflies blink as the
Taking a sip from his canteen, Jareth felt the liquid warm him as he sat by a tree at the forest's edge.Was this temperature typical for this time of year?Non-magical people don't seem to notice the onset of the cold season, but magic people could feel it in their bones.Jareth considered starting a small fire, but he was too close to the town.He didn't need to draw attention to himself at all.He had observed the child.He was aware of what he needed to do and say, but how would it be received?Would the boy work with you?Would he attempt to comprehend?Jareth didn't want to kidnap the boy.In order for him to develop into the person he needed to be, he wanted this boy to join him.Jareth got up, dusted his pants, and got dressed.He decided that talking to the boy's caregivers would be the best course of action.For all they had done, they had the right to hear what planned to occur.He had first met them at night.At the time, Jareth had just turned his own age of maturity.Jareth had been s
Okay, but we want to be with you there.When you speak with Kyle, we want to be present in the room.Jane added, "We want to help him understand and be able to say goodbye."Jareth paused.He wasn't sure how much the boy would want to know for him to come.If she had truly grown up with the stories, he was aware that this woman knew some things.It was one thing to hear the stories, but it was quite another to actually hear them confirmed."First, let me meet the boy.We will not leave until he meets with you both, I promise you.If he doesn't listen, what happens?What if he refuses to go?What if he flees?Danin asked in a slightly enraged tone.Jareth demanded, his eyes narrowing, "He will come with me tonight in some way or another.""What's the point of that?"Danin jumped out of his chair to ask.Although you may believe you own the boy, we have always been his closest parents.He won't be hurt by you.Jareth made an effort to regain his composure.That boy would never hurt me.He is essenti
Who exactly is it?Kyle heard Katniss whispering.Kyle couldn't speak out of shock.The man said, “Hello,” turning his head so Kyle could see his face.Jareth is my name, and I need to talk to you."Why are you required to speak with Kyle?"stepping in front of Kyle, Katniss asked.What goals do you have for him?Jareth grinned half-heartedly.And so are you?"I am Isolde Finn, and I'm Kyle's companion.What topic would you like to discuss with Kyle?Although it is a private matter, I can assure you that I intend no harm to him.Why don't you visit the cabin?Jareth said, pointing toward the house, "You can see for yourself that the young man is well once we are finished."Danin made his way toward Katniss.Katniss, why don't you go see Jane with me?She probably could use your company.Soon, Kyle will join us.Before finding his voice, Kyle gave the stranger who went by the name Jareth a brief stare.Please, Katniss.It’s ok.”Katniss gave the impression of being unsure, but she let Danin lead he
"Why are you explaining this to me?What are you and I involved in this?inquired Kyle."Everyone is involved in this.I'm Jareth, a Raya descendant.I am the greatest defender of the kingdom of this generation.I have studied, trained, and lived this all my life, and I have always known this."What am I supposed to do with this, if all of this is true?Even my real parents are unknown to me.I'm a healthy young man who lives as far away from Aurumist as possible.What contribution can I make to this?Kyle couldn't quite make out the look Jareth gave him when he looked at him.Was it irritation, pity, outrage, or something different?"You are everything, Kyle.I was brought into this world by you.I received my education because of you.You are Kylewell, a member of the Adalwen family.Both of your parents are members of the Adalwen family, and you come from a long line of kings and queens.You were created for this moment.Kyle assumed the man was making fun of him as he stared at him.This individ
“Oh, Griffa, it’s you! Oh, thank goodness. I was so worried about you.” squealed a little, older woman who had just run into the room. She had a white hair pulled up into a messy bun. She had her arms around Clarabefore Kyle knew what happened. She gave Claraa long hug before letting go and looking at her. “Oh, you are such a mess. We must get you cleaned up. I’m guessing you are hungry as well, all of you. Ansel! My dear boy, you are here as well. Come here and give me a kiss.” Jarethwalked over and bent down and kissed the old woman on the cheek. “It is good to see you, Maybell. Might I introduce Kyle to you?”Maybelle went still, her light gray eyes huge. “You were successful then? Is this him, the king? Oh, how good it is to meet you, your majesty.” She dropped a deep curtsey.“Uh, thank you?” faltered Kyle, not sure what to do.“Now, now Maybell, he likes to be called Kyle and doesn’t want to be made a fuss over,” said Clarataking Maybell’s hand and bringing her back up to a
“You don’t really think you are a burden to me, do you?” asked Jarethtenderly.Clara Turned her head quickly to Ansel.“I don’t know, maybe. I feel like I was the little sister forced on you when you were almost a man. Then you felt you had to take care of me after your father died.”Clarapaused and closed her eyes. She knew she shouldn’t say what she was thinking, but she couldn’t stop herself. “Then last spring, when, well you know, at the festival, I was afraid I ruined things between us forever,” said Clarasadly. “I never meant to put you in that position.”Jareth Was silent as he turned his eyes from Claraand looked at the fire. Claracould feel her face go warm, and she knew her cheeks were red. She felt like such a fool.“See, I knew it. I knew that is why you stopped coming to see me. I knew that’s why you were gone for so long.” “Griffa,” started Ansel, but she interrupted him.“Oh, if I could just go back and stop myself from drinking too much, or thinking that you could ev
“Hello, my lord. It is nice to see you this evening.” She came over and put her arms around Kedan and he smiled at her. He took her hands and brought her in front of him. “You are very beautiful, Teryn. You are one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, even simply dressed as you are.”“You are too kind.”“It’s true. Come here and look out the window with me.”He led her to the small window. “It’s a wonderful view. The city is so beautiful at night,” said Teryn with a sigh. “It is. Do you see that large house with every window lit up? That is where I grew up. My father and mother are there now with many important guests I suspect. And that house there, that is the Fawner family. They are extraordinarily rich and very influential. They have a pretty daughter about our age. She plays the harp and sings like an angel. And there is that large house to the left; the Quillen’s live there. They actually have the most exquisite twin girls who came of age last year. I went to their
Kedan nodded and continued to make notes. “What should I say to him, Golnar?” asked Kedan. He still wasn’t sure of what to make of this man, but Kedan knew he needed help.“Ask him to tell you again why you need to take action in The Great Surrounding. Let him tell you the complete story. Then you can let him know that you know what he is leaving out. Let’s see his reaction to that and go from there.”Kedan nodded, thinking this was good advice. They waited in silence for a bit with the scratching of Kedan’s quill being the only sound in the room. When he was done making notes, he took out a small piece of paper and scratched down one more thing. Then he nodded at Golnar. Williams went to the door and let the guards know that Till could enter. Till entered the room in an agitated state. He looked around and saw Williams and Teryn in the room. “What’s this, my lord? I thought you and I were meeting alone?” asked Till briskly.“Williams is my trusted advisor, and Teryn is my trusted
Jareth pushed Claraback lightly with her staff behind his back. She took it from his hands and stepped back. “Back off, or you will find yourself in trouble as well. We have direct orders to take these children. This woman is impeding these orders. She’ll need to come with us too,” ordered the head soldier.“If I back off, I think it’s you who will find trouble. Take my advice and let her be,” said Jarethnot, taking his hand off the soldier. The soldier wrenched his hand free. “We don’t have time for this. Leave or we will have to use force.”“We will not leave until these children are free,” fumed Clarastepping to Ansel’s side. “Let them go now.”“Griffa,” whispered Jarethunder his breath. “Don’t do this; think about kyle. We have to keep him safe.” Kyle was right behind Griffa. He had a hard look on his face, and his eyes were narrowed. “Don’t worry, he will be safe,” said Claracalmly, raising the hood on her cloak. “Ansel, raise your hood and grab kyle; meet me at the entrance
“Talk to me about something else, kyle, anything. Tell me about your young woman back home.”“Katniss,” Kyle said automatically.“Oh, so there is a young woman. Good. Tell me about her.”“We’re just friends. Have been almost all our lives”“Friends, huh? Well that’s how things usually start. Go on.”“She is very clever, and she loves to read. She can keep more facts in her head than anyone I know. Her father says she is too smart for her own good. She is kind, but she does have a temper. You do not want to get on her bad sad,” smiled kyle. “She can make you feel like you are the only person that matters when she talks to you, and she is very pretty.“She has really nice blonde hair and light blue eyes. She has the best smile. Her father is the blacksmith, so she was always at the stables with him. We are the same age, so we’ve always been just thrown together.”“She sounds like an interesting young lady, and I like her already. I hope I get to meet her someday.” Clarawas smiling now,
Kyle sat up in bed and ran his fingers through his hair. He wondered what time it was as it was hard to tell with no windows. He pondered if he should go back to sleep, but he figured they would be leaving early to get on the road. He decided he would go check and see if anyone was up. Kyle stood up and stretched. He went to his basin and splashed some of the cold water on his face, reviving him. Feeling hungry he made his way into the main room of the dwelling. In the room he found Clara Stirring her potion over a low fire. She had changed her clothes since the evening before, and was now in a simple dark blue dress. She had pulled her hair back in a braid in an attempt to tame it, but a few curls had come loose around her temples. She turned when she heard Kyle enter the room.“Ah, good morning. I didn’t expect you to rise so soon. I hope you weren’t too uncomfortable there. I haven’t stuffed that mattress in a while as I don’t have many guests here in the forest.”“The bed was goo
Kedan knew there was one person in the palace who would know what was going on. Williams would know if the trouble in The Great Surrounding was real. His spies would have heard something if what Till said was true. The problem was Williams and Kedan had never really gotten on. Williams thought a lot of himself. He certainly didn’t see himself as below the Lord of the kingdom, and Kedan didn’t like that. He was always taught from a young age that he had to be strong; he had to be the leader. Williams seemed to challenge him as lord daily with his decisions to ignore every command Kedan sent. Kedan knew he could call for Williams to come down this instant and nothing would happen. He could send every servant in the castle, and it would do no good. He could order his guards to drag Williams down, and it wouldn’t happen. Everyone, it seemed, feared or respected Golnar, perhaps both. Kedan knew there was one way to talk to Golnar. There was one way Williams would see him. Kedan could go
If only she had kept her original plans. She had been perfectly content with her plan to go to the Valley. Talon had been pestering her for months to come see him, but instead Jared Had shown up for her birthday the first day of spring. He had said he planned to stay through the spring at her home, Keene Manor. He had practically grown up there, so she could not deny him. Besides, she likes spending time with Ansel. They spent the early weeks of spring, riding horses through the fields, and staying up late talking.Clarahad known for a while she had feelings for Jarethbeyond the usual fondness of long-time friendship. She found him very handsome. Physical attraction was always the easy part. There were others she could be with if physical attraction was all that mattered. What she felt for Brethren was deeper than physical attraction. She was drawn to him. He was kind, clever, and a powerful magic user. He was usually quiet in large groups, but when they were alone, he was open with G