Page 67 of Lost Heir
“Stop wondering,” Ronan interrupted. “Living life filled with what-ifs will never bring you peace. Live in the moment, Leila, and live for the future.Ourfuture. The one where we’re together. Safe, healthy, and happy.”
A smile stretched across my face at his words. He always knew the right thing to say. He was right. I needed to stop worrying so much. I wouldn’t accomplish a single thing if I continued to second-guess everything that led to this moment.
Eventually, the narrow passage gave way to a wider cavern and fresh air heralded the exit. The old oak tree Marcellus mentioned loomed ahead, its gnarled roots encircling the hidden door that would lead to freedom.
Ronan pushed the door open and we stepped out into the cool air, the sun beaming down on us and over the landscape. The palace was behind us now, both a part of us and a world away.
“We did it!” I said, my voice a whisper.
Ronan squeezed my hand. “Do you know how far away Keldara’s border is from here?”
“Not far,” I answered. “That’s why they were able to attack us so easily. The palace is close to the border.”
He nodded, then took a moment to survey the palace behind us with a thoughtful expression. “Then we must be cautious. Keldara still poses a threat – both to youandme.”
Concern etched deeper lines on Ronan's face. The weight of responsibility and the burden of keeping us both safe visibly wore on him. Yet, his grip on my hand was firm, a silent promise that he wouldn't let anything happen to me.
“We'll stick to the shadows,” he said, scanning the horizon as if already mapping our path. “Avoid main roads and use the forest for cover. We can't afford to be spotted.”
21
Ronan and I began our clandestine journey away from the palace and toward Keldara. Valoria’s vast, open landscape unfurled before us, a mix of verdant fields and rolling hills, the boundary between the two lands marked by a dense forest that stretched as far as the eye could see. The lands were deceptively peaceful under the bright sun, but every leaf rustle and distant birdcall seemed to carry a warning. We were exposed, vulnerable. The urgency to put distance between us and any potential pursuers pushed us to move faster.
The sun’s position declared it was no later than three in the afternoon, although it seemed a world of time had passed since the stillness was severed by poison and pursuing guards. Its warmth was a stark contrast to the coolness of the hidden cavern from which we had just emerged. We walked in silence with our hands clasped firmly in the other’s, each lost in our thoughts though frightfully aware of the dangers that lay ahead.
The underbrush crunched with each step as we trekked across wildflower-strewn fields. Even though fear of capturedogged our path, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of Valoria's wilderness. The vibrant greens of the forest and cheery wildflowers that dotted our path offered a brief distraction from the constant vigilance.
“We should reach the outskirts of a small village by nightfall,” I said after a while, breaking the silence. “We can find shelter there, and maybe even some allies.”
“Allies?” Ronan questioned. The concept seemed almost foreign in our current state of isolation.
I offered a small, reassuring smile. “Not everyone in Keldara needs to be our enemy. You might be surprised at who may be willing to help us.” At least I hoped.
Ronan nodded and looked ahead with a thoughtful expression. “Let's hope you're right,” he finally said. The idea that we could find allies in a land that had always been portrayed as hostile was a sliver of hope in an otherwise grim situation.
As we put more distance between us and the palace, the reality of our situation sank in. Ronan was a fugitive now, and my parents most likely thought he’d kidnapped me. They didn’t know we were merely running for our lives from Caelan's schemes. My heart was heavy, but I pushed the world behind us aside and focused on the journey ahead.
Just as the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in blinding streaks of orange and pink, we spotted the village. It was a modest community of thatched-roof cottages along with a few larger buildings that likely served as the village center. Smoke curled from chimneys and faint laughter and conversation carried on the cooling breeze.
Approaching with caution, we avoided the main paths and skirted around to the less populated areas. Ronan'shand tightened around mine, offering silent reassurance that he was there, ready to protect me at a moment's notice.
Finding shelter for the night was our priority, but we also needed to be careful about whom we trusted. The fear of being recognized and our presence being reported back to the palace was ever-present in our minds. We stopped next to a tavern hidden in the shadows.
“Wait here,” I whispered.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“I can blend in,” I pointed to the crescent moon birthmark on my forehead, “but you can’t,” I said, tugging on his long hair. “It’s obvious you’re from the Crimson Clan. If word gets out that someone from the Crimson Clan is creeping around the borders of Keldara, my father and Caelan won’t hesitate to send troops this way. We need to stay hidden.”
Reluctantly, Ronan released my hand and I hurried inside. The place was packed with mages drinking their fill. With quiet steps, I darted to the coat rack and searched for two cloaks. Casually draping them over one arm, I scurried out of the tavern and back to Ronan. Ronan quickly covered himself up. I did the same and took his hand again.
Walking through the dimly lit streets of the village, we tried to appear casual on stone paths that had been worn by generations of villagers going about their daily lives. The village was nestled in a small valley surrounded by gentle hills that seemed to embrace it protectively. Houses with thatched roofs and walls made of stone or wood huddled together, their windows glowing softly in the twilight. Gardens bloomed with late flowers, adding splashes of color to an otherwise muted landscape.
We located an inn on the outskirts of the village, a modest two-story building with a sign swinging gently inthe breeze. The sign depicted a full moon over a sleeping village, an inviting image that promised a warm bed and a safe haven for weary travelers.
As we approached the inn, the scent of cooking food wafting on the breeze made my stomach grumble in anticipation. The innkeeper, a stout woman with a kind face and calloused hands that spoke of years of hard work, greeted us with a nod as we entered.
I removed my hood to show her my birthmark and then covered myself up again. “I'm looking for a place for the night, and possibly a messenger who can cross into Keldara,” I said quietly, trying not to draw too much attention from the few patrons scattered around the common room.
