Chapter 15: Tipping Point

After the last stretch of their travel, the group finally arrived in Limboris. The sight of the location took their breath away. It was almost like a replica of the Mystic Isles, except more grounded (literally). The colors, the magical properties… Everything about Limboris was far more beautiful than the others had realized.

James was a bit startled when the carriage stopped, and the door opened to reveal Isolde standing there. "Isolde, what happened? Is this another stop?"

"We must walk the rest of the way," she explained as she stepped back enough to allow the other three the chance to exit. As they did, she continued, "Limboris as a whole, but especially the Arbovito, is sacred. Only those on foot are allowed to approach the tree." She pointed down the long road, which looked less like a dusty trail and more like a smooth route, and squinted her eyes, as if trying to see the end of it, which was impossible. "It should be only a mile or so away on foot, so getting there should only take about half an hour. Also, to clarify…" She turned directly to Ember, who was holding Jaime's hand. "The tree is invisible right now, and it will remain so until one with a willing and honest heart approaches it. If you're deemed unworthy, it won't show up."

Ember stood quietly, unconsciously tightening her grip on Jaime's hand. Okay, that was a lot of information to take in… She hadn't known about that part. Sure, her wishes were mostly for Jaime or their lives together, but… None of the wishes were solely for her. Wouldn't that be considered 'worthy' to the tree? She was nervous, as judged by her heart speeding up a bit, and her face visibly showing signs of distress.

"Hey," James began, noticing the look of dismay on the girl's face, "it's okay." He stood before Ember, taking her free hand, smiling. "Just remember why you're here, Ember. Don't worry—it's going to be fine. Just don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed or distracted."

The former queen nodded as James released her hand.

Having overheard James's advice, Elias slid down from his seat, replacing his hat on his head. He smirked at the small group. "Let's be real here. The only one who seems able to distract Ember is her own brother."

"Elias," Isolde chided in a warning tone.

"Leave her alone, Elias," James countered, folding his arms. "She's worried enough as it is."

The male sentry laughed, rolling his eyes. "I just don't understand you Enchancians. It's like you have a penchant for martyrdom or something. Why are you defending someone who caused your death, Prince James? Actually…" He unfolded his arms, gesturing toward his partner. "Isolde was right from the beginning. Ember doesn't actually deserve any of this."

Ember flinched at the other man's words, her free hand lifting to her brother's arm to steady herself. She couldn't explain why it hurt to hear those words from Elias of all people… Maybe because he hadn't been so bad on the trip until he'd…

James stepped over to the sentry, blocking Ember from him. He had a few inches on Elias, so he used that to his advantage. "You're only saying that because you're mad that she rejected you." He smirked at the look of annoyance on Elias's face. "What's wrong, Elias? Upset that she might actually have standards?"

"Standards? Ha!" He placed his hands on his hips. "If she had those in the first place, she wouldn't have had her boytoy brother kill people and caused so much chaos. Just…remember who you're defending here, Prince James…"

"Why do you care? You were the one defending her at the beginning of this trip. What's changed?" He stepped toward Elias, who took a step back. "And if you feel that way now, then why exactly did you try to pursue her yourself recently, huh? If you think so lowly of her, why?"

Elias smirked, adjusting his hat. "It really doesn't take much to please me…" The alcohol was still present in his system, perhaps giving him a false sense of bravado as he laughed. "As long as she's lithe… Lean…" He looked around James toward Ember, who instinctively stepped a bit behind Jaime. "And lying on my bed… I can take care of the rest. I've bedded plenty of other women before, and even if they were screaming for me to stop at first, they were screaming for me not to stop by the end—Mmf!"

James had only realized what he'd done the moment his fist had made impact against the sentry's face, but he wasn't about to stop now. He shoved Elias away, only to find the other man growling and lunging toward him.

While the guys fought, Ember watched in shock as she held onto Jaime, who was none the wiser.

Agitated, Isolde used some powerful magic to separate the two, and then she stepped between them, physically forcing them apart. "Enough!" she snapped, getting their attention. "This nonsense is solving nothing!"

"Jerk," James muttered, turning to face Ember, smiling apologetically at her.

The male sentry rubbed his jaw before glaring toward the prince. "Sister lover." Elias yelped when James turned and nearly hit him again, but he was only spared because Isolde quickly caught the prince's wrist and glared at him.

"Enough," she repeated, sounding exasperated and annoyed as she released James, who stepped away from her. "We're here now, so let's finish this mission."

The atmosphere was tense as the group traversed onward, with James and Elias separated by Isolde in the middle of them, and Ember and Jaime walking behind James. There was little talking going on, because talking could lead to arguing, so predominantly, silence took over.

James looked back at the twins, smiling softly as he watched Ember holding her twin's hand, her fingers gently caressing his as a form of comfort—for either herself or him… Or both… He maneuvered back a bit, walking beside her, linking one arm with hers in a good-humored manner to make her smile. "Just think, Ember," he gushed playfully, causing her to giggle. "Pretty soon, you'll be able to experience everything you told me about: a small house, a simple life… 'Nothing fancy.' But you don't need 'fancy.' Not anymore."

She sighed, nodding in appreciation. "James… I don't know what I would have done without you on this trip. You've been a rare beacon of light in my life, and I just wanted to thank you sincerely for keeping me positive and focused. It's rare that anyone has even given me the time of day, and… Just know it means a lot to me."

Like he'd done with his own sister before he'd left, he gently kissed her forehead as a sign of endearment, causing her to smile. "Everyone deserves as second chance, Ember. I'm glad I got to be part of your second chance."

A few minutes later, the group neared the end of the trail, and James gasped as he looked at the grand sight before them.

"Wow," he whispered, his eyes widening.

Before them was the Arbovito itself: a very large, colorful tree. The trunk was a blend of its natural brown bark pastel rainbow shades, and the branches were draped with leaves of varying hues of green as well as other colors interspersed. On the tree were glimmering rainbow jewels, which somehow looked natural on the magical tree. The tree had an ethereal glow about it, and the hanging leaves and branches swayed gently in the breeze. The tree must have been at least fifty feet tall and three feet wide, although it was hard to tell with the way it seemed to pulsate and move.

"It's incredible," James murmured, admiring it.

"What is?" Elias asked, frowning as he saw nothing before him. "Why did we stop?"

Isolde sighed, folding her arms. "Remember, not everyone can see the Arbovito. A willing and honest heart allows it to be visible, and those who have the desire to request honest wishes are those who can see it. I'm not the one with such a desire, and neither should you be, Elias."

"So why can he see it?" Elais asked, pointing at James.

"He is Jaime's counterpart, and his desire is to help Jaime and Ember see to it that their wishes are granted. It makes sense that he can see it."

James smiled as he turned to Ember, though the smile faded as he saw the expression on her face. She looked…distraught. "Ember… What's wrong?"

Ember's eyes filled with tears as she looked toward James, an expression of dread on her face. "I… I can't see it…"

To be continued…

Next Chapter: Arbovito