CH196 As others start to move part 2

To be in the world again after so long. This really was the right choice. The elderly being thought to himself as he limped through the gate and entered Anailia, feeling a smile touch his lips as he did.

He’d spent so long simply sitting and waiting, hoping to slow the decay that had been consuming his magic that he’d forgotten how beautiful the world could be, even if it wasn’t the one his heart longed for, but had gained the chance to see it all over again at the end of his life. Making his way from his home to the closest gate had taken ages, but it had been the most alive he’d felt in centuries, actually doing something and getting to experience just a little bit of the world as he did. He only wished the last of his brothers could have held out just slightly longer to go on this journey with him. If he was to die, then this was the way to do it.

But I can’t be so negative yet. He thought with a small shake of his head. I swore to them that I would try. I can’t simply accept my fate until after I beg a meeting with the enchanter and learn once again that nothing can be done. Only then can I return to the Meliae, tell them I love them, and finally give in to the inevitable.

Even as he was telling himself not to be negative he was doing it without a hint of hope for his circumstances. His body had only gotten worse during the journey, leaving one leg barely functional, and as he made his way to the home of the queen, trying to take a shortcut to save what little time he had left in the world the other gave out as well, leaving him to collapse on the ground.

All he could do was let out a small laugh. Even if it was pointless, to fall this close to his goal was too much, and as he looked at the back alley he found himself in, not having the strength to drag his body, he gave in and closed his eyes, waiting for the end.

He’slatehe’slatehe’slate. She thought to herself, getting antsy as her elven companion never returned.

A series of minor mistakes and assumptions on both their parts had led to her current situation. Potential starvation and the slipping of her mind.

When they’d arrived in Anailia and they’d found a room, she’d let her companion rest before feeding, and the exhaustion of the trip led her to falling asleep before he’d woken up. As potentially bad as that would have been, it would have been fine if she’d been able to drink from him as soon as she woke up, but he had left, assuming she’d had her fill as he rested to go observe as they had planned.

Even that wouldn’t have been disastrous. It was far from good, sure, but she could hold on a little while as long as he came back, but as the hours passed and he never arrived, the sun falling low in the sky, she felt her hold slipping as her reasoning grew worse.

IneedtowaitIneedtowaitIneedtowait. But what if he doesn’t come back? Why did I only bring one? No, there isn’t enough to go around, could only bring one. Whereishewhereishewhereishe?

What would she do if he didn’t come back though? She could already tell things were looking bad for her, waiting any longer would be a disaster, leaving her with a single option.

She put on a long cloak to protect her from the final rays of the day’s light and hurried out, not even locking up as she rushed to where her companion would be, somewhere in the area of the queen’s home. She hadn’t been there herself yet and ended up lost on the way more than once, the gnawing hunger and growing pain making it hard for her to keep her thoughts straight as she tried to avoid drawing more attention than she had to until she was finally in the area of her destination.

Love what you’re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

Not here not here not here!