Chapter 126: A Message from the Past

Time was really slipping away, soft and trickling, like the small current of a brook within that coven. A place that for Reika and Kael was an odd kind of home. It wasn't like the desert wolves's village. She was already getting used to their company so too she learned to live with them as family. Amidst their brewing potions, ancient tongues and runes, and their dances in the full moon. Kael had adapted rather fast, too. His strategic mind and instincts of a warrior made the witches hold him in high esteem; now they rely on him to reinforce their magical defenses. He had even grown pretty close to some of the younger ones, to whom he taught basic ways of combat should there be in any situations. Yet amidst all this peace surrounding her, Reika's heart was heavy. The morning sun filtered through the high trees to caste dappled light over the coven's grounds. Reika stood among a group of witches, her hands deftly weaving herbs into bundles. Lira, a young apprentice that she had taken to be like a sister, worked beside her. "Your touch is so delicate," Lira said, eyeing Reika's work. "You're really good at that." Reika forced a weak smile. "I have just had practice taking care of plants. Soothing to do, I suppose." El'gorath, high witch, arrived-a commanding presence really not to be ignored. "Reika, Kael, might I have a word with you two? Reika and Kael exchanged a quick glance before following after Elira into her low-lying stone hut. Elara turned to them, her face grave. "We have had a message," she said. "It came from an ally with the nearby coven. A witch named Daisy. She brought it with a seal of urgency upon it." Kael scowled, his hand instinctively straying to the hilt of his dagger. "What kind of message? She reached into her robes and pulled out a rolled parchment. The paper was worn, its edges frayed, to show that it had traveled far. She handed the parchment to Reika, who unrolled the parchment with shaking fingers. The message was in hurried, jagged script: "Your Majesty, I have the body of Alpha Lleus. Viktor and Alfonso haven't returned with the Spider Rose Flower. You must act quick. Time is not your friend." Reika's breath caught, and her heart did a quick speed-up in her chest. She read the words once more, almost desperately hoping the meaning would fall upon her that way. "Lleus." she muttered quietly. Kael leaned over her shoulder, looking down at the message. "Daisy is witch? And Viktor and Alfonso—are they alright? Elira watched Reika's face, her eyes narrowing with fear. "It would seem your journey is not at an end," she said quietly. Reika slumped on a stool. "It changes everything," she breathed. "Daisy has Lleus. If Viktor and Alfonso are not back yet, does that mean our efforts are a waste? Kael laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's possible but it won't be easy. We don't know what condition Lleus' body is in, or what it will take to revive him." Reika looked to Elira, her eyes welling with concern. "What am I supposed to do? I'm being pulled a thousand directions. Lleus needs me, but I cannot risk endangering my child." Elira knelt before her, taking her hands in hers. "Reika, you are stronger than you think. The path before you isn't going to be easy, but it doesn't have to be taken alone; the coven will support whatever path you choose for yourself." "But what if I fail?" Reika asked tearfully. "What if I lose Lleus forever? El'gor's hold on her hands tightened: "You won't fail. I see it within you-the strength of a Luna, the heart that leads. And you've come so very far. Just have faith in yourself and trust those that will be beside you." Kael hunched down beside Reika, his features was set ." This is an Impossible odds Reika, and we saw ourselves through it every time. So we'll be doing this the same as those other times-just maybe differently this time. Lleus wouldn't want you second guessing now." she smiled weakly and said. "Thanks, you both. I don't know what would have been happening if it wasn't for your supports there." Kael nodded. "You're not alone in this. Whatever happens, I'm with you." The day wore on, the witches congregating about Reika with advice and offers. Lira brought her a bundle of protective charms, while others shared spells of shielding. "We will brew a potion for your journey," said one of the older witches. "It will sustain your strength and sharpen your senses." She was grateful for the gifts, for her resolve was growing more with every minute passing. Through the coven, their belief in her gave her the courage to press onward into the trials of tomorrow. Much later that night, Reika sat before the fire, Elira opposite her, dancing shadows on the walls from the crackling, spitting flames. "Tell me about Daisy, I had no idea my young maid was a witch." Reika said, curiosity growing in her tone. Elira smiled weakly. "Daisy is one of the most resourceful witches I have ever known, and for that, she has Lleus' body-that she has gone through great efforts in keeping him safe. You can trust her." Reika nodded slowly. "And the Spider Rose Flower? Do you think we can track Viktor and Alfonso? El'gyn's face turned grave. "The Spider Rose Flower is an artifact of danger: it is able to give life to the places of death, yet very dangerous. It shall be used with utmost care and precision." "Then we'll do it right," Reika replied with firmly. As the fire burned low, Reika felt purpose very strong in her. She didn't have all the answers, but she knew what she had to do. Lleus' life—and the future of their pack—depended on her. Kael approached, his expression determined. 'Are you sure of this," he said. Reika nodded, her gaze steady. 'Yes Let's bring him back."