Turquesa, Northern Province
Maydison lay in bed and stared up at the ceiling. She could barely make it out in the darkness of her room. She had spent most of her evening packing her clothes for her return trip home. She had to keep it light because of the urgency of getting to the Duke. After another moment of laziness, she sat up and slid from the bed. Dressing in the dark was second nature to her. She strapped on her daggers in their sheaths underneath her blouse. She snatched up her cloak and headed outside.
The sun had yet to rise as Maydison quietly made her way down to the stables. She was greeted by the night stable-master as he led her to her horse. She double checked the saddle and reins before swinging up into the saddle. It was cool but not cold, the only good thing about this unwanted journey she was about to take. But her mistress's orders were absolute, and she was not one to question them.
With a gentle flick of the reins, her horse broke into a trot. Maydison kept that pace until they had cleared the fourth set of gates that surrounded the castle. She kneed her horse into a canter and settled in for the rather long ride back to the Struwillia lands that resided in the West Province. It would take a week to reach there, which meant stopping at a least three different inns along the way. She detested all those filthy peasants and their rough ways. It was horrifying to have to deal with such lowlifes.
She pondered many things in those early morning hours, as her mare plodded along. She wondered, again, what was really happening throughout the kingdom. What exactly did the royal family mean by "strange things"? Would her mistress be in danger?
Scowling, Maydison tried to put her irritation aside at having to make this unwanted trip in the first place. She should be by her Mistress's side, not playing messenger boy.
She went on alert when a branch popped off to her left. So, she was not alone. Her scowl changed to a smile. She had always liked games of chase. Whether she was the one being hunted or she was the hunter, the result would be the same--victory.
She kept her mare to an easy walk. Maydison prepared to meet her opponent, certain that there was only one. Casually, she slid her daggers free of their sheaths and readied herself to strike.
Something exploded from the bushes, and her horse reared, whinnying in fright. Maydison managed to keep her seat as her mare sidestepped and bolted. She didn't try to stop her horse. The distance between her and the unknown was better than fighting something or someone whose abilities she didn't know.
"Easy, Girl," she murmured to her mount as the mare slowed to a gentle canter.
Maydison glanced about. She didn't see anyone nor hear any chasers. She relaxed. She could only hope that the remainder of the journey to the Struwillia lands would be uneventful. Determined not to disappoint her mistress, she kneed her mare into a gallop and headed for the first inn on her long journey.
***
Negrazul Mountains, Central Province
Rey frowned and stared at the Waters of Viewing for a long time after the image had shifted from the forests between the capital and the town of Vallottiman. People and events were beginning to move, and if they weren't all careful, the trickle of change would become a devastating wave of anarchy.
"Elemental Master?"
Pushing his thoughts aside, he glanced over at Jelena. As always, she looked lovely. He was very lucky to have been partnered with her. She was one of the strongest Mistresses of the Elements to have been born in the last few centuries. Gentle and calm, she was his opposite, but that was what the Elements demanded--harmony of all.
"Jelena, no titles, please. Makes me feel old," he chided with a smile.
"As you wish...Rey. How fares the kingdom?"
"It will keep, for now."
She sucked in a breath and hurried to his side. "Have they made their move?"
"Yes, it has begun."
"It's starting sooner than anticipated." She tapped her finger against her cheek, lost in thought. After a moment, she focused on him again, those stormy blue eyes full of many emotions.
"Speak your mind, Jelena. Don't hold back."
"I worry about the Elemental Mistresses and the new recruits. We had factored in the weather, but we did not believe the responsible parties would act now. Will this cause problems for the travelers?"
He shook his head. His gut was telling him that he was right, though he had no facts to support that. "I have faith."
She looked startled, and then Jelena smiled. "Yes, and hope. Don't forget that one as well."
"You are right. Faith and hope. There is much riding on the shoulders of our brethren, as well as the four girls they bring to us. We must do what we can and protect them to the best of our abilities. Once they are here, we shall explain. Until then, let us continue making plans."
"That is a good idea. Before we do that, though, come eat. The cooks have prepared an excellent meal for us both."
"Oh?"
"Yes, vegetable stew with fluff bread and wine."
Rey grinned and laughed when his stomach growled.
"I guess that means it's time to go eat."
They laughed together and headed for the dining room, united as always in purpose and soul.