Page 78 of Whispers of the Elderoak

Raine was silent, tension thick as they all listened to Ava’s words.

“These torture sessions. What did they do?” he asked after a moment.

She sighed. “The Scourge did most of the torturing while Deidamia and Andras watched,” she answered, noticing Casimir tense in front of her at the mention of The Scourge. “Deidamia gave him free reign to do what he wanted. I’m sure you can use your imagination.”

Raine tilted his head and looked at her reverently. “Yet you got through it.”

She turned and looked at him, sitting up straighter. “Yes.”

“How?”

“I thought about home,” she said, not telling them her true home.

They looked at each other for a moment before Raine grinned. “Impressive.”

Ava smiled back.

“Speaking of home,” Jorrar interrupted from behind them. “We’re here.”

They had walked over fields and through copses of trees until they were stopped at the base of the mountains. They were so tall, it hurt Ava’s neck as she tried to find their peaks. Covered in the greenery of a dense forest, their very tops reached to the sky and were sprinkled with a light snow at the highest altitude. The jagged stone wall before her wasshrouded by thick vines, woven together so tightly you could barely see the rock they covered.

Facing the wall, Casimir walked forward with his hands extended and placed them against the vines, mumbling something inaudible. Light flared from him, and the vines began snaking through themselves. When they finished their movement, a tunnel was revealed.

A tunnel leading through the mountain.

Ava inhaled a sharp breath at the magic; the enchanting way Casimir controlled the vines as they parted wide enough to allow their party through. She looked at Raine and he winked at her, amused by her awe.

They continued into the tunnel illuminated by glowing fungus along the rough stone walls and ceiling, like the cave she had stayed on her first night of freedom. The vines closed behind them, concealing the entrance and they continued on, walking along the stone walkway leading to the capital city.

The tunnel stretched on for miles, their party silent except for the clopping of the horse’s hooves echoing behind her. The passage was otherworldly, covered in moss with glowing insects and butterflies flitting around them, providing even more light. Smaller channels branched out at different angles. It was a road system under the mountains. A way to keep the center of their kingdom safe from their enemies.

They emerged from the tunnel into a town, surrounded by immense mountains all around as if it was protected by the tree-covered giants. The city was built into and around the terrain, blending in with the trees, rocks and moss seamlessly. Homes were built into the enormous tree trunks with bridges connecting them above and below. A sense of peace radiated throughout the city, the citizens going about their daily business without a care in the world.

She marveled at the beauty as Raine leaned in. “Welcometo Mosshaven, Ava.” She smiled, despite herself, and took in the city around her.

Casimir led their party through cobblestone streets, surrounded by businesses built among towering and moss-covered trees. They passed by a potions shop, a bookstore and a tailor. The other side of the street housed a charming looking teahouse, the smells of herbs escaping as patrons entered and exited. Slivers of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy hundreds of feet above them, protecting the city from watchful eyes in the sky. The city would be too dark were it not for the lights and oil lanterns strung along the roads and through the town, lit by small flames and casting a warm glow.

Ava was captivated as diverse creatures milled about. Small fairies flew by with iridescent shimmery wings, and short goblin-like creatures reminding her of Remy wandered in and out of the vine covered shops. Bright yellow and blue flowers grew among the grass that lined the streets, framing the buildings with their blooms.

It wasn’t long before citizens spotted them in the streets and shouted their praise, cheering with joy. They appeared to revere Casimir and were excited he had returned after what she assumed had been a lengthy journey, whispering among themselves. “He’s back. The Bear is back!”

Then, they began to notice her. “Who is that woman?” “She isn’t fae.” “Look at that. Who is that?”

Ava fidgeted under their scrutiny, wishing she was more presentable than her current appearance as they continued along the main road. Their party wove in and out of shops and bypassed side streets that led to small neighborhoods built into the giant trees.

They stopped in front of a vast castle made of white stone covered in moss and vines. The tops of the towers were rounded, and bridges connected the different wings, suspended above crystal clear brooks and streams. Animals wereeverywhere. Birds flew among the trees, their feathers full of bright pinks, purples and greens. Several of those glowing foxes she had seen in the woods were darting along one of the streams, chasing each other like they were in a game of tag.

Everything in this town, including the castle, seemed to be built with the utmost of respect to the landscape, using the trees and rocks when they could and disturbing as little as possible. Flowers and plants grew on almost every surface, vines climbed buildings and trees provided the shade.

She couldn’t help the tears welling in her eyes as she took in the beauty. Prisoner or not, she had never seen anything so moving in her entire life and she could feel it. Feel the sense of belonging the moment she entered the city. It was as if the seed that had been planted upon her arrival at the farm was now being watered and ached to bloom.

She leaned in toward Raine. “Do you have any advice?”

He tilted his head. “Thorne is a fair ruler. I doubt he will order your execution.” She exhaled at his statement. “He’s going to want information. My advice would be to trade something for it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Tell him what he wants to know, but only if he agrees to do something for you. Ask for food or a healer or something you need first. It will earn some respect from him too if you state your needs.”

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