Chapter SEVEN: Journal Secrets
...
Devin wondered how or why he received a letter from Talia like this; but felt proud of her for accomplishing using her magic to send things, when she normally just sent a messenger. Without any further delay he began to read her letter:
Dearest Devin,
I hope I didn't startle you with the butterfly portal. I am slowly learning how to teleport small items, which is proving to be a challenge. But as long as you get this message, that's all that matters.
The reason I am urgently writing to you is to tell you I have been asked to become the Dreamer months sooner than expected. Gevolda believes I am ready to take on the Dreamer's responsibilities as soon as possible.
The Oracle and priestesses will be having a ceremony for my Rite to Immortality a week from now, in the evening before the sunsets. I'm very excited about the news; however, overwhelmed with everything that is happening so quickly.
As you know, once I become the Dreamer I will not be able to return to the world for a long time. I cannot imagine never seeing you again Devin Perry-my good and faithful friend. It feels like it was just yesterday we were leaving Elden heading to the Collegium together...
I am hoping that you will come to Mysten Far so we can say goodbye to each other one last time. Though, I will understand if your duties as highest knight do not permit the time. I will be expecting you anyways, but if you cannot make it for whatever reason, I will watch over your dreams forever.
Truly Yours,
Talia Maurva
Devin took one quick gulp as he finished the letter and then let it fall to the ground. He realized that Talia's ceremony was the same day as Alicia's ball. Even if he tried to get out of his guarding duties he had no way of getting to Mysten Far now that his ship had been stolen.
Perhaps it is best that I don't see her go, he thought to himself, knowing how hard it was for him to say goodbye to her the first time.
I can't do it again. I might as well kill myself now to save me the trouble later. No...I just cannot go. I have to stay here in Thais. I have my duties... Devin continued thinking as he bent over to pick up the letter and folded the letter neatly into the journal under his pillow for safekeeping.
...
Days later...
The day of the ball finally arrived. Fresh white snow fell heavily covering all of Thais and the surrounding forest. Devin got up and attempted to go about his business as he normally would on an average day. He put on his best knight armor for the ball and went to the dining commons to eat with the other knights. When he returned to his room, feeling cold, he decided to light the fireplace.
Devin sighed a chilled breath; he stared into the red flames and he could not help being reminded of Talia's lovely red hair. Suddenly, in a fit of rage, he rushed over to his bed and pulled all the sheets off and threw them hard to the floor. The journal under the pillow landed open, close to the burning log in the fireplace. He immediately dashed to save it from the hot flames. He gave a grateful gasp. No serious damage had been done to it, but the open pages facing him made it impossible to avoid reading what was inside. Devin noticed it was the last entry Talia had written. He gazed at the open journal. He nearly collapsed at what he saw. A large heart had been sketched on one sole page. Inside it read:
"Talia Maurva and Devin Perry together.
My soul mate at last and only true love,
Love will always be sweet with thee at my side."
Devin read it over again and again to make sure he was reading it correctly. The words seemed so real and unreal.
"I'm a fool," he said out loud feebly.
At once he knew what he needed to do: he had to go to Mysten Far to stop the ceremony. Somehow he would find her. He knew that he didn't have much time. Only half the day remained before Talia would officially become the Dreamer.
He realized he needed to go to the castle first before he left, to let Alicia know of the change of plans. He picked up his sword and the journal and left at once.
The ball had already begun. Music and chatter filtered out from within the castle, and people stood around in elegant clothing conversing with one another. Alicia was already waiting for him in the courtyard outside. She rushed to him before one of the guest princes tried to engage her in conversation.
"Alicia! I have to go to Mysten Far! Talia does love me! I have to go!" Devin said out of breath; but hearing the words filled him with immense happiness.
"What?...But how? How is that possible?" Alicia said confused.
"I accidentally opened her journal. I can't stay for your ball, Alicia. Please relieve me of my duty for today," Devin begged.
"Devin, I am not going to stop you...Just go to her," Alicia finished, secretly hoping that he would not leave.
At once, Devin ran out of the castle heading towards the Mule Express to get the next ride to Candar, where he hoped to transfer to Glenvale in time. From there he knew where to find the portal that would take him to Mysten Far.