The Elven Witch

By Helene Krejsager

Years after the war in the Woods of Ladia the kingdom is finally at peace under the young king. Yet troublesome news reaches the borders of Anial and Arram decides to leave the safety of the kingdom of the elves to secure peace and prevent the risk of the elves and lifeans entering yet another war. However, Arram soon learns that a war is not all they are risking; he may risk losing everything he holds dear even without a war...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365510526

Book preview

Prologue

They had heard the first news during spring, but most of them had just shrugged their shoulders in indifference and since forgotten about it again. However, this was before the significance of the situation dawned on them. And now, it was too late.

Chapter 1

Arram made his way down the crowded corridor, but he had no trouble making progress. The elves immediately stepped aside, letting him pass when they saw him. Several greeted him as he passed them, but Arram paid them no heed. He was too engrossed in his own anger and frustration to notice what was happening around him.

He hissed through his teeth, as he hurried down yet another corridor. He had known that something had been up – there had been rumors and secret meetings. Not so secret, however, that he was unaware of their existence, but still – he had never imagined that it would be as bad as this. Still, it was not enough to find out what was going on through a conversation with one of his father’s advisors. He wanted straight answers, and there was only one place to get them.

When he reached the door of his destination, he raised his hand and knocked on it, before he stepped into the room behind the heavy wooden door.

Arram closed the door behind him, before letting his seeking gaze run over the beautiful old furniture, until he found what he was looking for. He went to the desk and quickly looked through the documents, but without finding what he was seeking. Irritated, he opened one drawer after another, until, with a faint smile, he could pick up the documents he needed. The large document roll turned out to be comprised of a number of small document rolls that were tied together with a ribbon. He gently loosened the ribbon, scattering the documents on the table. His lips narrowed with anger as he skimmed through the documents. It turned out that both the rumors and the advisor spoke the truth… but why had Arram not been informed? He skimmed through the most important of the documents again, shuddering when he reached the number of casualties. How could it be that his father had yet to do something? From what he had heard, Arram had known that this was a serious situation, but he had not realized it was as bad as this. The casualties were much too high for the elven king to just stand by and do nothing.

Once again, Arram felt his anger pulse through him. What was going on?

At that moment, the door opened, and Arram lifted his surprised gaze from the papers in front of him. His father, the elven king, stood in the doorway, looking at him with great seriousness. It has been many years since I have caught you reading through my personal documents, Arram, He said, shaking his head. Arram stood up rigidly and met his father’s gaze without blinking.

Why didn’t you tell me about this? Why haven’t we done anything? The elven king closed the door behind him and went to stand beside his son. He frowned as he once again reread the high number of deaths.

I wanted to give him a chance to be better. His brow wrinkled in earnest, Also, I cannot just interfere without the support of the Council. They are still very reluctant because of our recent war, he explained. Arram rolled his eyes.

"Reluctant? He is not reluctant! He read the date on some of the oldest documents and shook his head. You have given him six months! Isn’t that more than enough?" The elven king pulled out his chair and sat down behind the desk.

There is not much I can do at this moment, but do not think that this does not concern me. I hate the thought of all those innocent people losing their lives. For now, however, we must be patient and wait. As of yet, there is no way to know what he intends. Arram sat down on a chair in front of the desk and looked at his father’s tired brown eyes.

What are the spies saying? Have you considered sending a messenger? Maybe we can reason with him. The elven king grimaced, letting a hand run through his shoulder-length black hair.

My spies only give me messages like the ones you see here. In fact, all these documents are the results of reports from my spies. He pointed to the documents on the table. And a messenger? He shook his head. It would be unwise. I fear that the man is not susceptible to reason, and I do not want to place a messenger in unnecessary danger. No, we must wait and see what happens. "Is all that has already happened not enough? People are fleeing from the realm of the new king. Disease and poverty have come to plague the other countries in the south since he came into power.

And the way he treats his own people..." Arram clenched his teeth hard in order to control his anger and resentment he was feeling. Still, he could not hide his feelings from his father.

The elven king sighed.

Arram, I know how you feel, because I feel the same way. Yet, sometimes it is best to bide one’s time. So far, Margor is not a direct threat, but if he continues like this, of course we will take action. Arram smiled coldly.

But only if he becomes a threat to us. Only if we ourselves are in danger, will we interfere. What about all the innocent humans? The elven king’s gaze was hard.

Arram, you know very well that that is not how it is. It is simply too early to tell what will happen. Even Mariana has difficulty seeing the future at the moment. However, you know as well as I do that we have to give the human king time to set his country straight. We cannot come running every time we think something is wrong. We need to give the humans a chance to refuse the tyranny of this king themselves. Sometimes solutions come by themselves; the people may riot and there would be no need for our help. We have to give the humans a chance to fight for themselves, before we intervene in the political problems of their country. The elven king collected the small document rolls, tying the ribbon around them again. But, as you can see, I keep a close eye on the man. My spies are ready on their positions, and I have also asked Tosua to send me reports. After his peace treaty with the humans, it has been possible for us to get more direct information than ever before. Arram nodded, squinting slightly as an idea took form in his mind. He nodded and got up from the chair.

You are probably right, father. Sometimes I let my temper get away with me. He could feel his father’s suspicious gaze on his back as he left the office.

It had gone dark outside when Arram returned to his room. As soon as he closed the door behind him, he went to his wardrobe and got out his saddlebags. He packed them with extra clothes, coins, new bowstrings, and a map he had taken from the library. Resolutely, he took off his regal clothing, replacing it with his traveling clothes.

He was just about to pull on his boots, when there was a knock on the door. Quickly he pushed the saddlebags under the bed, while pulling a cloak over his clothes. Again, there was a knock on the door, and he opened it a crack.

Yes? An elf woman with thick golden hair and serious brown eyes was looking at him from the corridor.

Were you not going to say goodbye? She asked with one raised eyebrow. Arram smiled, letting his sister in. Mariana looked around the room, until her eyes fell on the bed.

You could have found a more original place to hide your bags, she commented. Arram shrugged, pulling the cloak off again.

I didn’t have the time. She nodded thoughtfully, sitting down on the chair by his desk.

Are you sure you want to do this? She asked seriously. Arram’s eyes narrowed.

And what exactly do you think I am going to do? He asked. She smiled.

You tell me. He scowled.

I just want to visit Tosua. It has been a long time since I’ve seen him. She raised just one eyebrow.

And afterwards? Arram sat down on his knees, pulling the saddlebags out from under the bed.

There is no ‘afterwards’. Mariana folded her arms across her chest.

You underestimate my abilities, big brother. And besides, I am not a fool – I know what torments you. The elven prince smiled slightly, slinging the bags over his shoulder. He should have known that Mariana coming to his room at this very moment wasn’t a coincidence. She had seen that he was going to leave – and she probably knew where too.

It would never occur to me to underestimate you, Mariana. He replied, as he took his bow and hung it over the other shoulder. Mariana frowned as she watched him.

Is that all you are taking with you? Arram nodded.

Yes. I cannot wear chain mail where I am going. It will draw too much attention. She nodded and handed him his traveling cloak; her gaze was serious.

Maybe the armor is too much, but take your sword with you. You are going to need it. Arram looked at Mariana’s shining eyes before going to the wardrobe and taking out his sword. He strapped it to the belt at his waist, hiding it under the traveling cloak.

Take care of yourself, Arram. Father will never forgive you or himself, should you fail. Puzzled, Arram wrinkled his brows.

What do you mean? She laughed.

You know very well that he would have stopped you, if he did not think you were doing the right thing. He lets you make your own decisions; now we can only hope that you live up to his expectations. Arram grimaced, kissing his sister on the cheek.

Let’s hope so. I will see you when I get back; take care of yourself. He turned to the door and opened it.

You too, was the last thing he heard before disappearing down the dark hallway.

The palace area was dark and Arram moved silently across the courtyard and toward the stables. He pushed the stable door open and went down along the many boxes until he found the right one. Shadow curiously poked his head forward when Arram opened the box. Arram smiled as he ran his fingers over the black coat of the horse.

Are you ready for a long journey, my friend? He asked softly as he found the brush.

After having brushed and saddled the black stallion, the elven prince pulled it out into the yard, where he attached the saddlebags to the saddle. He looked around him, taking in the surroundings one last time before swinging himself into the saddle and setting off.

As they rode through the elven city, the city was covered in darkness, except for the few lamps that lit up some of the streets. The darkness, however, did not bother Arram. He had amazing night vision, which was also one of the reasons why he did not wait for the sun to rise before he began his journey. The second immediate reason for leaving right away, was that he would have to discuss his intentions with his father if he stayed any longer.

He grimaced at the thought. That was an argument he would lose, so he avoided it altogether. It may well be that Mariana was right in her assumption that Aldor already knew what he had in mind, but he did not dare take the chance, because although the king might condone with his trip, that did not mean that he would not try to stop him from leaving. The king knew better than anyone how dangerous this trip could turn out to be, and at all costs, he would want to avoid losing his eldest son and heir.

It was a little past midnight when Arram rode out of Anial, leaving the elven kingdom and his home behind as he broke through the protective magical barrier that hid the land of the elves. Before him lay a long journey before reaching the Woods of Ladia.

Arram had traveled all night and most of the following day, before he stopped. With tired and stiff movements, he dismounted his horse. It had been a long time since he had spent so much time in the saddle.

The late afternoon sun gave him the opportunity to explore the area before setting up camp. It would soon be autumn and a few leaves had already begun to fall off the trees here outside Anial. Arram sat down carefully in front of his fire and examined the many colors, the leaves had now assumed. At home, the leaves never changed colors. Seasons never changed. It was one of the unintended consequences of the magic barrier that Mariana had placed around Anial to protect the land. The barrier protected Anial from magical attacks, while it also made the land invisible to all who tried to find it without her permission.

Arram smiled to himself at the thought of his sister’s powers. Besides being a seer, she was the most powerful sorceress among the elves. Moreover, as far as he knew, no one, not even outside of Anial, was her equal in power.

As darkness fell over the forest, Arram began to relax. He had eaten a good meal, which he had prepared over the fire, and the coldness brought by autumn winds was chased away by the hot flames and his traveling cloak. Besides, Arram was always calmer in the darkness of the night, whenever he found himself outside the protective walls of Anial. As an elf, he had great hearing and correspondingly good eyesight, which made him far superior to humans. In a battle during nighttime, he would be able to win with ease, while he, during the day, was on equal footing with the humans. He smiled slightly; that was, if he did not consider his speed, agility, and his ability to use magic.

At the thought of magic, the elven prince frowned, as he watched the dancing flames from the fire. He had magic powers just like Mariana, and he could probably have been just as powerful as she, had he not always shied away from using it. He did not like to use magic in battle. Sometimes it was necessary, if he were about to lose his own life or in order to protect others, but only rarely was it necessary to resort to magic. Mostly because he would seek every other possible solution before having to use magic as a last resort.

The only magic he never shied away from was his healing powers. He was a skilled and strong healer, and he considered the ability to save others as a gift he should not ignore. If he could save someone else’s life, he would do it no matter the cost. For it was hard to heal, almost harder than using other kinds of magic, but for him it came naturally. Despite his sister’s power and abilities when it came to magic, this was an ability, she always fought to control. Healing power unlike all other magic did not come naturally to her and it cost her dearly to use it.

Then there was Tosua. Arram shook his head, smiling at the thought of his younger brother.

Tosua’s story was different from his own and Mariana’s, but no less eventful on that account. Tosua’s mother, the late Queen of the Woods of Ladia, sent her youngest son to Anial seven years ago to get help in her fight against what she had then thought to be the humans. At that time, it had turned out that Tosua was Aldor’s youngest son, and Arram had gotten himself a brother. Arram had to admit that at first he had been a little skeptical about the idea, although he had never had anything against Tosua. In fact, before long, he and Tosua had a strong bond; as though they had known from the beginning that they were brothers.

Arram shook his head slightly, turning his gaze to the stars above him. Now seven years had passed; seven years ago, Tosua took the throne after Ninfea Alea and Ninfama had been overthrown. As far as he knew, Tosua and his wife Tilanis ruled the kingdom without problems and the people were happy with their young king, even though he was half elf. Especially this last detail was not so much a problem for the people anymore like it used to be. Not since the Elven King had saved their country from their corrupt and dangerous heir to the throne. And now, when it turned out that Tosua and Tilanis’ twin daughters both had the power to control the four elements, the lifeans were finally convinced that they had chosen the right king.

Arram blinked sleepily towards the stars, resting his head against the tree trunk behind him. The twins. He smiled faintly in the glow of embers from the fire. Sanaz and Ilana were both seven years old, and he looked forward to seeing them. They may have grown a lot, because unfortunately it had been a few years since he had had the chance to see them. A few years were no time in elven terms, and they had passed before he knew it, but for small children who were growing, it was a long time.

But now it wouldn’t be long before he returned.

Chapter 2

Arram had made good time and had been traveling for just over a week when he finally cleared the northern part of the Woods of Garna, The Great Meadow unfolding before him. Arram stopped at the edge of the forest, taking in the green meadow where the grasses swayed in the wind. 

He closed his eyes as the memories swept over him. The clamor of battle and the sound of the dragons’ roaring once again echoed through his mind. The smell of soot, blood, and burned bodies stung his nose, and he exhaled to rid himself of the smell again. Death and destruction marked this place, and not all of it was coming from the deep wellspring of his memories. He shuddered. When he opened his eyes again, the darkness of the memories had vanished and only the sunny green meadow lay before him. He shook his head to chase the shadows from his mind before setting off in a gallop across the meadow.

He rode without stopping for the rest of the day and the following night in order to cross the meadow without stopping. He had no desire to camp in the middle of the meadow, only to be overpowered by the ghosts of his past. 

As he was nearing the Woods of Ladia, he stopped and listened to the wind, which was making the leaves vibrate. It sounded as though the forest was singing quietly above him. He knew that the song of the trees had meaning for the lifeans, and that through the trees they always knew who was afoot in their forests. Already now, the trees would be bringing the news of his presence to the city of the lifeans.

When he finally moved into the dense woods, he breathed a sigh of relief to be clear of the meadow. Although he had tried to keep the old memories at bay, it was difficult when riding through what had once been a living hell. The shadows still seemed to rule the meadow, even after all these years. The elven prince shivered in the cold and darkness, as much from his inner darkness as from the one surrounding him, as he once again set off in a gallop in order to further remove himself from the meadow. When, after nearly an hour, he had put a sufficiently large distance between himself and the meadow to be able to relax, he dismounted and found a place to set up camp. 

He brushed Shadow thoroughly, feeding him with some apples before eating a cold meal of his own. Instead of lighting a fire that could be seen from afar, the elven prince settled in at the foot of an old oak. Wearily, he leaned up against the old trunk, while listening intently to his surroundings. Satisfied that there was nothing to hear, he pulled the traveling cloak tighter around him and dozed off beneath the tree. 

No more than a few hours had passed, when Arram startled awake, his hand closing around the hilt of his sword. A faint sound of footsteps was approaching. The elven prince loosened the traveling cloak from his shoulders and rose in one fluid motion without making the slightest noise. He drew his sword just as silently and headed toward the sound. 

Effortlessly, he slipped between low branches, bushes, and trees, all the while approaching the sound. At one point he crouched, listening until he could confirm the direction the strangers had gone. Then Arram allowed himself to melt into the shadows while he waited for the strangers to approach. 

After having listened intently for some time, he realized that only one other person was in the woods, aside from himself. This puzzled him; he had expected that there would be more, since people rarely walked in the woods alone at night. Especially in the Woods of Ladia, which were known to everyone as being enchanted and controlled by lifeans. Many even believed the trees to be alive – only very few knew that this was, in fact, the case. Arram was one of the few to know not only that the stories were true, but also that the lifeans were the ones who ruled the forests. The trees did nothing, unless by command of the lifeans. 

Once again, Arram concentrated on the sound of the stranger’s footsteps. The sound was barely audible and had he not been elven, he would probably never have noticed it. Arram took light, shallow breaths, raising his sword in front of him. In a few steps, he would be able to see the person approaching. 

The person stepped out of the darkness, as Arram had expected, but a traveling cloak obscured his body and face. Irritated, Arram clenched his teeth, waiting for the person to pass him by before stepping out and allowing his sword to come to rest on the stranger’s shoulder. Arram smiled when the person froze. 

And what brings you to King Tosua’s realm? The elven prince asked in a light tone, while guardedly watching the back of the stranger. At the same time, he listened intently for others in the woods, to avoid any surprises. 

With slow movements, the stranger raised his arms, so Arram could see that he was unarmed. Arram lowered his sword slightly, allowing the person to turn around. 

I was going to ask you the same question, Arram. What brings you here? The person answered, lowering his hands slowly. Arram laughed, letting his sword slip back into the sheath, when he recognized his brother’s voice. 

What are you doing out here, Tosua? He asked with a grin, when the King of the Woods of Ladia pushed back his hood and the two brothers embraced. Tosua returned his smile, but his eyes were scrutinizing. 

Mariana told me you were coming and when I was told that someone elven had entered our woods, it had to be you. Arram grimaced. 

I had hoped to surprise you. Tosua laughed.

Like in Anial, it’s impossible to hide from the lifeans here. The trees sent word as soon as you neared the edge of the forest. Arram nodded, guiding the half-elf back to his camp. 

How did you get here so soon? He asked, once again taking his seat under the big oak. Tosua sat down across from him, pulling his traveling cloak tighter around him. 

I flew. Arram grimaced. Tosua was the only one of the three siblings who could change shape. To be honest, Arram did not know whether he could change shape, since he had never tried. Nor did he have any intentions of ever doing so. Changing shape was a very complicated and dangerous form of magic, and if it failed you risked a fate worse than death; you would lose your body forever, but that didn’t mean that you were dead. 

The elven prince pushed aside his thoughts, watching his younger brother in the faint moonlight.

He could clearly see the thin red scar that stretched across his brother’s cheek. Arram himself had a matching scar that stretched from his shoulder and down across his chest – a greeting from former enemies who had used poisonous swords.

Shouldn’t you have brought an entourage? Arram asked. These days, even the king of the lifeans could not be too careful. Not even in the Woods of Ladia. 

Tosua grimaced in the moonlight.

Perhaps, but it would have taken too long. Besides, I am in the Woods of Ladia, where no one can enter without the lifeans noticing. And in case you may have forgotten, I know how to take care of myself. Arram smiled faintly. No, he had not forgotten. He himself had been in charge of training his brother in the use of weapons and he knew of his amazing skill with a sword. Even so, he was concerned for his brother’s safety. 

I know you can take care of yourself, brother, but this is no time for the King of the Lifeans to risk his life. Too much is at stake. Still, Tosua only raised one eyebrow. 

So, if moving around in my own realm is dangerous for me, then what’s the elven crown prince doing here and also without an entourage? Arram made a face and Tosua laughed. 

If you have spoken with Mariana, you know why I didn’t bring an entourage. Arram answered softly. Tosua nodded solemnly. 

She mentioned that you are considering going south. That you may seek out Margor. Is this true? Arram nodded and Tosua shook his head.

It’s too dangerous, Arram. You don’t know half of the horrible things that’s taking place in the south. Arram nodded. 

Yes, I do know, and I’m going to put an end to it.  Alone? Arram nodded.

"Nobody wants another war and that’s why Aldor is holding back. But I can’t stand idly by while innocent people die, because the elves don’t want to interfere. Alone, I, as a representative from

Aldor, can stop this by diplomatic means."

Margor will not listen, Arram. The elven prince cocked his head to the side pensively.

You can’t be sure. We still haven’t tried diplomacy. Tosua snorted.

And this is probably due to the fact that all your spies have disappeared before they could return to Anial. Father does not want to risk the lives of any of his diplomats, when he is acting blindly, not truly knowing what is going on down there. Arram’s smile grew cold.

Something like that. 

So, why are you? And why alone?

Because I travel faster alone. Tosua scowled. 

That’s not an answer, Arram. Arram sighed.

Because I, as the only one, can speak for the Elven King. Because I have experience and can take care of myself. 

Or rather: you don’t want to send others on your behalf, when you don’t know what awaits them. Arram nodded.

Too many have disappeared already, without us ever knowing what’s happened to them. This must be stopped; Margor must be stopped.

But not by you; you are the heir of the Elven King! If you die… Arram straightened up, looking at his brother earnestly.

I won’t die, Tosua. I know what I’m doing. Tired, Tosua rubbed his temples. 

"You may not die, but… Arram, I know what is going on down there. Not only do I know what my spies tell me, but I…" He stopped and sighed. Arram frowned, as he began to realize what his brother was trying to say. 

Your dreams? You see things in your dreams. Tosua grimaced and nodded. 

"Yes, and they are not good things. You must not go down there, Arram. I am serious about this!

Stay and send someone else or no one at all; I don’t care – just stay here." He said, clearly willing Arram to understand. Thoughtful, Arram let his hand run through his black hair. 

But how can you see it in your dreams? I thought you only saw things that would later affect you in one way or another. Things that would be significant for your future. Tosua nodded. 

"Yes, and that is precisely what frightens me. My dreams have never made much sense until I was in the actual situation, but if these dreams will influence my future, then… then I fear that I have no future. That none of us have a future. Tosua lifted his eyes, looking at his brother. Promise me you won’t go." Arram smiled apologetically. 

I can’t. I cannot ignore what is happening. I cannot sit and do nothing while innocent humans are killed. Tosua laughed a joyless laugh. 

I can hear that you don’t have the faintest idea of what you’re getting into.  Does it make any difference? Arram asked, irritated. His brother nodded.

It most certainly does. He took a deep breath before continuing. You know just as well as I do that Margor appears to be killing innocents for no reason. Arram nodded. Good, but now it turns out that there is a reason, and that is why I ask you not to go anywhere near him. You see, Margor has a terrible hatred for elves and magicians of any kind, as do many other humans. Most just fear what they don’t understand, but it is different with him. He systematically seeks out and kills people who show even the slightest sign of having magic abilities. He shows no mercy. Women, men, children, really, it doesn’t matter who; they are tortured and burned on the stake or crucified. He runs the worst witch hunt in human history, while he is really hunting for elves. This is why you can’t go down there. As the heir to the throne of Anial, you cannot intentionally subject yourself to the potential dangers associated with travelling in the human world when it’s like this. Arram sighed. The situation in the southern countries was worse than he had first assumed, and it just made him even more determined to complete his venture. Margor had to be stopped, even if trying to change his mind was impossible. And Arram intended to try to do both. 

Tosua, you must understand, I have to go. If I can stop this, I will. Tosua shook his head. 

But the consequences…

… will be much worse, if nothing is done. The elven prince interrupted. Tired, he rubbed his brow, leaning back against the oak tree.

But let’s talk about it in the morning. I am tired. I didn’t want to spend the night out on the meadow. Through the darkness, Arram could see Tosua’s gaze fixed in the direction of the meadow. The expression of pain that came over his face was unmistakable – the King of the Lifeans was also haunted by old memories.

The sun was shining down through the green foliage, when the city of the lifeans appeared through the branches of the trees. Arram pulled back on the reins, enjoying the sight of the beautiful city. In this city, consideration was paid to the old trees, so the houses were built around them and up among them. Streets and paths were paved with pebbles or sand, and a few paths were nothing but regular forest trails with tree roots. 

Arram smiled to himself before turning his gaze to the wolf at his side. 

It is just as beautiful as I remember. The wolf nodded, leading the way down through the city. Riding through the city of the Woods of Ladia was always a true experience, and Arram always had to get used to the friendly and smiling faces turning his way. He had grown up in a world where lifeans were enemies and where they hated elves, but it was not true. Not any longer. He also recognized a few soldiers, he had fought with in the war against the rule of Ninfama. And they recognized their king, bowing deeply before the grey wolf. 

The trip up to the palace of the lifeans took much less time than Arram remembered, but he didn’t mind. He needed a bath and some clean clothes, and he was especially looking forward to sleeping in a bed for the night. He was sore and tired after the hard ride from Anial. 

As he rode into the courtyard, two servants came to meet him. Arram dismounted and one servant took his saddlebags, while the other took Shadow’s reins, leading him over to the stables. A bit indecisively, Arram followed Shadow with his gaze; really he would rather like to take it upon himself to make sure that the horse was brushed and given something to eat, but at the same time, he was tired and most of all he just wanted to go inside. Still, he only turned his gaze from his horse when he heard Tosua laughing behind him. The King of the Lifeans winked at him, as their eyes met. 

"Don’t worry, brother, I know how you feel, so I have arranged for Shadow to be well cared for.

You don’t need to worry about him." Although Arram knew he was being teased, he couldn’t help but smile gratefully. 

Thank you. Tosua smiled. 

Don’t mention it, now, come on up. Your usual chambers have been prepared for you along with a hot bath. However, I must warn you before you come inside. They were now on their way up the stairs, and Arram frowned, puzzled.  Against what? The half-elf smiled wryly. 

Your nieces. Don’t let them scare you. I would like for you to dare come back to visit again some time. 

At that moment, they reached the large double doors of the palace, which opened silently. Arram and Tosua stepped into the entry hall, where yet another servant took their traveling cloaks. The same servant then bowed to Arram.

Your chambers are ready, Crown Prince Arram. A bath has been prepared for you as well. Arram was just about to thank him, but was interrupted by loud squeals and laughter. He looked up in confusion, just as two raven-haired girls came running up to him. Smiling he knelt down, catching them as they jumped into his arms. Above their heads, he could see their mother twins join them, one hand resting on her bulging stomach. He smiled at her, and she returned his smile with glittering green eyes. Clearly, she was a happy woman. 

Arram turned his attention back to the girls in his arms, who were eagerly speaking all at once, so he could understand none of it. For a moment, he just looked at their eager faces, and couldn’t help but smile. Their eyes were green like their mother’s, and their hair was black like his own and that of the girls’ father. The twins were completely identical except for their clothing, one of them wearing a yellow dress, the other a copper red one.

Okay, okay, he said, trying to drown them out. First, I need to figure out who’s who. You have grown so much that I can’t tell you apart at all. The girl in the yellow dress giggled with delight.  You couldn’t tell last time you were here either. Arram smiled, throwing up his hand in surrender. 

Okay, you’re right. I don’t know who’s who. Won’t you be so kind as to tell your uncle who is Ilana and who is Sanaz? The girls both giggled, and the girl in the copper red dress pointed to herself. 

I am Ilana and this is Sanaz. Arram nodded with exaggerated courtesy. 

Then I am much honored to meet you, Miss Ilana and Miss Sanaz. The girls began to giggle again, and their mother clapped her hands. 

Come on girls, give your uncle some space. He has had a very long journey and he is tired. Go upstairs with Inla and play. The girls let go of Arram and curtsied before running up the stairs once again to the waiting nanny. As he rose, Arram nodded a greeting to the woman, whom he recognized from his prior visits. Inla had been Ninfea Alea’s most trusted servant and had been responsible for Tosua’s safety for many years. The elven prince would not be surprised in the slightest, if the lifean was still watching over the young king, the way she always had.

It was the Queen of the Lifeans who interrupted Arram’s thoughts. 

Dear Arram, it is so good to see you. Did you have a good trip here? Arram met her green eyes with a smile. 

Yes, thank you, I did. Quite peaceful. With his eyes, he examined the young woman who blushed under his gaze. It is good to see you again too, Tilanis. It’s been much too long. And I can see that I’m going to be an uncle again. Congratulations. Tilanis smiled, caressing her belly. 

Thank you. Yes, it won’t be long before we have a new little one. But come on in, I suppose you need a bath and something to eat. You will eat dinner with us tonight, right? Arram nodded a thank you. 

I would be delighted. She nodded, looking at his dirty traveling clothes.

"Your saddlebags have been brought