AND: I think I'm going to have a heart attack from shock. I already have 10 reviews. I've never gotten that many in such a short time frame. I mean, this story is already on 3 favs and 6 alerts. And when I wrote this at 6:37 pm I had 242 hits. I'm in heaven, but that doesn't mean you can just quit reviewing, I want more people. Please, pretty please with sugar on top.
Disclaimer: See previous.
Chapter 4
"Awakening"
Her sense of smell was the first to come back. Slowly the rich scents of mixed herbs and leather filled her nose. She sputtered a little and opened her eyes. Nearby a young woman, around 20 in age approached the newly awoken.
"Stay calm. You will not be harmed here," the woman said before Eva could get a good look at her in the shadows. "The prince has made certain of that."
Finally, the woman stepped out of the shadows of the tent. Eva bit back a gasp. The woman looked Naurasian. Dark reddish-tan skin, long elvin ears, and clothing in a Naurasian style she had seen at the Great Race before.
"Who…?" Eva started in a dry, crackling voice.
The woman quickly placed a cup of water up to her lips. "Drink, your throat is dry. My name is Ahn. I am a Naurasian healer."
Eva simply nodded and turned her gaze around the tent. Another cot like the one she was lying on was nearby, probably for Ahn. Jars of some sort sat on the ground in little rows near her cot. All smelled strongly of herbs. A single thin blanket covered her form. The night air was warm and one did not need much for heat.
"I must go tell his highness that you are awake," Ahn said and quickly walked out of the tent and into the open night air. She soon heard footsteps of not one, but four people coming toward the tent. Stepping inside moments later, Ahn along with three Naurasian males stood before her.
"I am…." Prince Aikka started.
"Prince Aikka of Naurasia, one of the three final racers in the Great Race of Oban," Eva said softly. Everyone's eyes widened at her declaration. The guard growled and reached for her only to be stopped by the quick hand of Canaan.
"And who might you be?" Ahn asked softly.
Eva smirked at them. Deciding to be cautious for once in her life she made up a quick, but familiar lie. "I am Molly, winner of the Great Race."
Canaan looked puzzled. "How did you get here then?"
"I don't know. I was just meditating at home on Earth, I fall off a rock, and next thing I know I'm here," she said and leaned back onto her pillows. The guard glared at her darkly. How dare this little common girl who looks so much like an Elysian act like this in front of the prince? He let out a low growl and asked for permission to leave, which was quickly granted.
"Everybody out," Ahn said after an hour of talking. "My patient needs rest so she can move with us tomorrow."
The next morning the entire camp of about 30 Naurasians (mostly fighters) and one Earth woman began the trek through the jungle of Elysian once more. The royal soldiers were close. Many of the Naurasian warriors were fidgeting and touching the hilts of their swords. Prince Aikka was talking with Molly quietly when the first arrow flew by them.
"Run!" Prince Aikka shouted and grabbed Molly's wrist. The Naurasians took to the jungle as fast as they could. Molly grimaced at the strength Prince Aikka was using to hold her.
"Near, through the trees. Go east. Safety in temple," the wind whispered in her ear. Molly's eyes widened.
"We need to head east," she yelled. Prince Aikka and Canaan both looked at her then each other.
Prince Aikka swiftly nodded. "To the east!" The troupe of Naurasians quickly changed direction and headed to the east. A few miles and only some minor injuries later, a large temple of white stone peaked out from the jungle. Spurred by the appearance of a building, an unoccupied one at that, the group hurried toward it.
Finally everyone set foot within the temple; an opaque glittering dome appeared around it. No arrows, no natura magick that the Elysians were so fond of, and not even noise could get through the thing. Calming quickly, the group set up camp within the temple, with Ahn taking care of the injured. Prince Aikka grabbed Molly's wrist again and dragged her to a dark corner.
"How did you know this place was here?" he asked softly, looking her in the eyes.
"I didn't. The wind told me it was here. That we would be safe if we came here," she said. Prince Aikka's eyes narrowed.
"You can hear the wind speak?" he said in a soft, but hard tone. A soft, male chuckle surrounded them.
The prince acted fast, putting himself in front of Molly with his sword out. She was between his back and the wall. She was safe. The sound stopped.
The air was sale and cold, like a tomb. Silence reigned. Then a soft breathing was heard from the shadows. Prince Aikka's sword was ready to defend himself and the girl known as Molly. A large, golden paw appeared out of the shadows. Soon the body of a large cat followed.
A large male lion stood before them. "Of course she can hear the wind. What else would you expect from the True Heir?"
"What?" the prince said in a very dangerous tone.
"She is the True Heir. I am Arexandoro, guardian of the Pure and Eternal House of Rau," the lion said with a bow.
AND: Alright folks, 889 words of story. Let's party. And Eiki-chan, you really need to stop drinking soda or eating candy, whatever it is that makes you hyper, 'cause a hyper you makes me want to write more.
