Ashlyns
The night was dark and full of mystery. As I quietly shut the door of my room the sound of footsteps made me hasty. I hurried through the corridors of the manor and when I finally made it outside, I was happy to see no moon illuminated the sky. I ran now and did not stop until I reached the woods that surrounded the manor. The forest was thick with the sounds of nocturnal animals, and when I finally reached a clearing in the middle I was relieved to see a group of people around a camp fire. They were deep in discussion, and did not notice me right away. As I walked closer, they lifted their heads up, until finally, the leader, Dale glanced in my direction.
"Asha, you are late." He said.
"I know, I am sorry," I replied.
He nodded and continued speaking to the group.
"The Ashlyns are closing in to the border. King Laden acknowledges them and invited the Ashlyn King Puer to dine with him. Imagine the king of Arria dining with the king of Ashlyn. At this time you must be on your toes. You will not be able to see who can be trusted any longer. The Ashlyns will never have a place in Arria."
"But, Dale, what can we do we are only one congregation. The Ashlyns will bring trade and commerce. In a time where famine has swept Arria the Ashlyns will help bring our country back to its former glory, "replied Nathan.
"How dare you say that. They have been our enemies for as long as anyone can remember. They are a country full of witchcraft and magic, people from the dark gods. We cannot associate with this people. They are dirty thinkers, connivers that will rob you for all your worth. And as to what we can do. We will do whatever is necessary. " Dale said. "The Ashlyns will do nothing but harm us. Yes there is famine, the farmers on the west are revolting, but we have been through far worst all and will go through far worst. At this time we must join together against the Ashlyns."
We all looked at him now. Dale had evoked a passion that was present in everyone's eyes.
"Go now," He said. "And be safe from those who wish to corrupt your body and mind."
We got up to leave, fully absorbing what we had heard. If King Laden wished to invite the Ashlyns into our country there would be consequences. It had been years since I left the Ashlyn countryside, and soon after, my family realized how much hatred the Arrians felt for us. I had grown up surrounded by this hate, and now I am sorry to say I started to feel that they were a group of people not to be trusted. I had reached the manor now and walked into the house turning quickly through it, eager to reach my room. When I finally entered I was relieved to see my sister was sound asleep. I laid down next to her and said a quick prayer before drifting off to sleep.
*_*
Five people sat hunched around a campfire.
"She has joined us. Do you feel her presence?" One of them said, an old woman, about the age of 85. "We have long waited for you Asha. Do not be afraid child, we are peaceful beings. Speak back to us, all you have to do is say the words in your mind."
"You are crazy" Another one of them said, a man of at least 50. "I do not feel or see anything. Asha was gone a long time ago. How dare you waste our time, foolish gypsy? You swore that we would be able to contact her, that we would be able to see her. Are you prepared to suffer the consequences of a broken promise? "
"Relax," the women replied. "She is here, just scared. Asha, how long have you lived away from us. We need you now the race is dying and you are the only hope. Your real father and mother gave you away long ago, for they felt that you would lead a peaceful life among humans. But he was wrong; you are much too powerful to be kept away. And now we truly need you and you need us to protect you. Your immense power calls to others like a beam of light, you are not safe."
"Enough!" the man cried. "You are truly mad. Asha is gone. Her life among humans has drained her powers. I do not feel her. You are wasting our time." The man then got up. And he and the rest of the people faded. Only the women remained.
"Good," she said. "Now that we are alone I can properly explain. Asha, you are of a very powerful Ashlyn family. Long ago, Ashlyn first began when groups of magical beings wished to live away from the humans that despised them. There were all types, the strongest the dreamers, which the country was named after. The Ashlyn family controlled everything, for the most powerful controlled the mind of others. Now the power has been long lost. Now we can only communicate when a person is must relaxed, in their dreams. And most Ashlyns cannot even do that. You, my dear, are from that powerful family; they have kept their blood line purer then all others to remain the most powerful. But most of them of this generation has been killed or lost, and the only male heir is under constant supervision. And then there is you, who's power is truly the strongest seen for many years. You must come and save your family, your race. Do you understand Asha?"
She started like she could truly see.
"Answer me child!" she yelled. "Answer me" then she wept. "Asha save us," she cried. "Save us." The women repeated this over and over.
I did not know how to escape this dream. And when I finally woke I could see her face clearly and could still hear her whimpering.
*_*
I spent the day without speaking to anyone. My mother and sister inquired about my well being but I did not reply. All I could think about was the terrible dream. It had all seemed so real? I was truly afraid and wished I could talk to someone about. In times like these I could not be associated with the Ashlyns, my friends hated them. As I was brushing the horses in the stables Dale came to me.
"You were very quiet last night." He said.
"I was confused having missed half the meeting." I replied not bothering to look at him.
"Yes well, it's just rather odd, you are usually quite opinionated." He said, staring at me with accusing eyes.
"Dale you really think too much about things. I am fine."
"Fine. Asha there is something I wanted to talk to you about. I have spoken to your father and he gives his blessing."
"Oh, so what do you have to say that you felt the need to ask my father about it?" I gave him an aggravated look. He knew how I felt about my father. He had no claim over me. He had never wanted it so I felt I owned him nothing. Lest of all his blessing.
"I asked him if he would honor us getting married."
"What!" I choked out.
"What?" He chuckled, entertained by my response. "I have seen the way you look at me, desire in your eyes. Do not act so taken aback." He leaned close to me now, his hot breath on my neck. I breathed heavily. This was too much. The dream had me on the edge and now this. It was my breaking point.
"Get away from me," I spat out. "How dare you, what on earth would make you think that I like you. You are arrogant and ignorant a deadly combination. False manly hood seeks through your pours and you retch of the women you whore in the night. I will never be you wife." He slapped me then, clear across the face. It stung but I would not show it. Dale then grabbed me and pushed me into the mud of the stables that smelled of dung.
"And you smell of shit," he said with a look of amusement on his face. "I shall see you tonight Asha, you father wishes to honor our engagement by a dinner. Between now and then I would think it wise of you to bathe." He walked away with a smile plastered on his face. I got up slowly, humiliated. Thank heavens there had been know one there to witness it, but knowing Dale everyone would be talking about our exchange soon enough. Hot tears sprang from my eyes. I could not help but to think I was more than a servant that I deserved to be more than Dale's wife. I walked to my room defeated, the dream occupying my mind once again.
Hello, like always please just tell me what you thought if the chapter. Comments, concerns, complaints w/e. I won't be too offended, just don't be too mean. lol. These are all my orignal ideas blah, blah, blah. ~IrisLily~