Page 15 of Song of the Shadow Prince
Rich auburn hair cascaded down her back in a thick braid. She wore a simple gown made of light blue linen, which complemented her fair complexion. The dress had a modest neckline and long sleeves that ended in delicate lace cuffs. Around her waist was a thin, braided belt that accentuated her slender figure. She wore practical yet dainty leather shoes, suitable for her role and the long hours she spent following me around and trying to keep me out of trouble.
It appeared that Maeve was the only person I could count on while I was in Elaria. Her earnest concern and the way she watched over me suggested she truly cared. The question nowwas how to convince her that I wasn’t her beloved Lady Arya. Gaining her trust was the only way. But first, I had to figure out how to get back home, and the only logical place to start was where it all began – the river.
Maeve stood near the bed, her green eyes filled with worry and curiosity. Her auburn hair caught the sunlight, revealing subtle highlights that shimmered with a warm glow. “Maeve?” I called out, trying to sound casual. “What was the name of the river we were on last night?”
“River Elara,” she answered promptly, her voice soft yet clear.
I walked toward her, the silk of my nightgown whispering against the wooden floor. “Can we go on another boat ride out there, or maybe walk along the shoreline? I found it so beautiful, I’d like to see it again.” I hoped my words were sly enough that she wouldn’t catch on to my ulterior motive. If the portal back to my world lay in the depths of that river, then all I had to do was jump back in.
Maeve’s eyes widened in horrified shock. “What? Oh no, my lady, I would never take you back there after what happened last night! I think your father Lord Zacharia would flog me to death if I did.”
Her reaction was immediate and genuine, her small hands wringing together as she spoke. The fear in her eyes was palpable, and the idea of returning to the river seemed to terrify her. I heard the sincerity in her voice, along with a wavering tremble that suggested she was genuinely concerned for my safety.
I took a deep breath, the fresh air filling my lungs and steadying my resolve. The room around me felt both alien and familiar, the ornate furniture and heavy drapes a stark contrast to my usual surroundings. “Maeve, I appreciate your concern,” I said gently, trying to convey my desperation without scaringher further, “but I need to understand what happened last night. If I can return to the river, maybe something will click and I’ll remember.”
Maeve bit her lip, her green eyes flickering with indecision. She stood from the chair and stepped closer, her delicate fingers brushing against my arm. The touch was light, almost hesitant, but it was enough to make me feel a connection to her. “My lady,” she whispered, her voice trembling, “I don’t want to see you hurt. Last night was so frightening. I thought we’d lost you.”
The raw emotion in her voice made my heart ache. I could see how deeply she cared for Lady Arya, and it was that level of affection I needed to tap into. “Maeve?” I placed my hand over hers. “I need your help. I feel lost and confused, and you’re the only one I trust. Please, help me understand what’s happening. Just one visit to the river. I promise to be careful. But just know I’m going back to that river… with or without you.”
She looked into my eyes, searching for something. After a long, tense moment, she slowly nodded, her resolve wavering but still present. “Alright, my lady,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “But we must be cautious. I’ll arrange it, but please promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I promise.” I felt the first flicker of hope. “Thank you, Maeve.”
As she turned to make the arrangements, I scanned the room once more and tried to manage the weight of the situation pressing down on me. The scents, sounds, and sights of this world were vivid and real, but I was determined to find my way back home, no matter what it took.
After changinginto a dress that looked like it came straight out of a historical drama, I felt a bit more comfortable—just a bit. The silk, sapphire blue dress shimmered in the afternoon sunlight, featuring intricate needlework along the neckline and sleeves. Its hemline fell gracefully to mid-calf, edged with delicate gold thread. A high collar framed my neck, while the fitted bodice cinched at the waist with a wide, embroidered belt, making me look like a medieval fashionista.
Maeve had carefully chosen a dress with long sleeves that covered my tatted arm. When she first noticed my tattoos she frowned and asked where they came from, but she didn’t believe me when I told her they were from my buddy Mel at Atomic Tattoo. The ink puzzled her, but she didn’t bring it up again.
Maeve led me through the winding corridors of the Ryder residence’s outdoor courtyard with practiced stealth. The polished wooden floors creaked softly underfoot, and the walls were lined with rich tapestries. Beeswax and lavender seemed to permeate all the rooms and hallways, and faint, murmuring voices could be heard from behind closed doors. Every now and then we paused at a corner while Maeve peeked around to ensure the coast was clear before signaling me to follow.
Finally, we reached a side entrance and Maeve gently pushed open the heavy oak door. A carriage waited just beyond the gate, its dark wooden frame gleaming in the sunlight. The driver, an older man with a weathered face and kind eyes, nodded curtly as Maeve helped me into the carriage. The leather seats were cool and smooth, the faint scent of horse and hay mingling with the musty odor of the carriage’s interior.
As we set off to the rhythmic clatter of hooves on cobblestones, I peered out the window, my eyes wide with wonder as we passed through the Northern District.
Imagine Disneyland’s Fantasyland on steroids. The buildings were grand and imposing, their stone facades adorned withintricate carvings and colorful banners fluttering in the breeze. I half-expected to see Belle twirling in a yellow dress, singing about her provincial life. Elegant shops lined the streets, their windows displaying an array of fine goods: shimmering silks, glittering jewelry, and beautifully crafted furniture. It was like someone had taken a Renaissance fair, mixed it with a high-end mall, and then sprinkled it with a dash of medieval magic.
People bustled about, their clothing a mix of practical garments and elaborate attire, reflecting the district's wealth. I spotted a woman in a gown that looked like it had more fabric than my entire wardrobe back home. Children played in the streets, their laughter ringing out like bells, while merchants hawked their wares to passersby. The air hummed with activity, and mingling scents of fresh bread from a nearby bakery and the rich aroma of roasting meat from a street vendor wafted through the carriage window. My stomach growled. Apparently, time travel didn’t come with a meal plan.
A man in a floppy hat was juggling fire and no one seemed particularly concerned. Meanwhile, a few feet away, a woman haggled over the price of what looked like a real-life unicorn horn. I blinked and rubbed my eyes, but the horn was still there, glinting in the sunlight. I had to admit, as far as fever dreams went, this one was pretty spectacular.
When we reached the outskirts of town, the landscape began to change. The buildings grew sparser, giving way to lush fields and dense forests. The air was fresher, tinged with the scent of pine and wildflowers. Birds sang in the trees, their melodies harmonizing with the gentle rustle of leaves stirred by a mild breeze.
As we neared the shores of River Elara, the sound of rushing water grew louder until it was a steady, soothing roar. The river was wide and fast-flowing, its surface shimmering like a ribbon of silver under the late afternoon sun. The tang of fresh waterand damp earth filled the air, mingling with the fragrance of nearby wildflowers.
The carriage stopped and Maeve helped me down before paying the driver and telling him to wait for us. I almost wanted to laugh. He wouldn’t be waiting forme. I was going home.
Maeve led me to a small, weathered boat moored at the edge of the river. She helped me in, her hands steady and reassuring, before untying the rope and pushing us away from shore. The boat rocked gently as we drifted downstream, the water lapping against the wooden hull providing a soothing backdrop to our journey.
“This was the best I could secure on short notice, my lady,” Maeve said as she began to row. “The other boats were already rented out, and well… you might not remember, but right now your family’s finances aren’t the best.”
That made me quirk a brow. I snorted. “You mean to tell me I’m from a noble family that’s broke?”
Maeve bit her lower lip and nodded sheepishly.
“Wow… life definitely can’t get more interesting than that,” I murmured. “Have no fear, Maeve. This little… dinghy will do just fine.” I smiled at her.
The riverbanks were lined with tall, swaying reeds and vibrant flowers. Wiry trees leaned over the water, their branches forming a canopy of green that dappled the sunlight. A cool, refreshing breeze tickled my cheeks, redolent of fresh water and the earthy aroma of the forest.
