Page 139 of Cursed Evermore
It wasn't until we got deeper into the woods that I was lured away from them by the splendor of deep evergreen and sapphire-blue oak trees.
Magic thrummed through my bones as the carriage rattled along the path, and I took in the scenery before me like an explorer setting off on the adventure of a lifetime.
The trees and the sky and the babbling brook were alive with color. Like they had a heartbeat with a soul. The realm itself breathed with untamed energy that sang in my blood, called to something deep within me that had been sleeping too long.
What else would I see on my travels here?
Galaythia was the biggest kingdom in Vaelthorne. Its lands were so vast it could fit all seven kingdoms of Nelkaraad at least three times over and still have enough room to throw in a few islands.
And this feeling... the spirit of life breathing in the air. It was like food, nourishment for my soul. I closed my eyes for a moment and inhaled deeply, just as I had earlier when I was with Wolfe.
“You feel it, my Lady?” Sirril asked, his eyes brightening with excitement. “The life of the realm?”
I looked at him and nodded, unable to hide my admiration. “Is that what that is?”
“Indeed.”
“Everything is so beautiful.” I chanced a smile, feeling almost giddy.
“You haven't seen anything yet,” Garrick said with a quick drum of his fingers over the handle of the carriage door. “This is just the beginning and hardly anything.”
“Really? This is what you call hardly anything?” I pointed to the cluster of blue oak, their leaves shimmering like jewels. “Back home, the forest looks like something from a nightmare that could eat you whole and spit your bones out.”
Arielle giggled. “We have woodlands like that here, too, but for the most part, they look like this.”
“Or better,” Garrick offered, and Arielle nodded her agreement.
“I'd love to see it all.” I spoke without really thinking that I shouldn't be wishing for anything, but they obliged me with kind smiles.
“Don't worry, we'll show you,” Garrick's answer sounded like a promise, and for a moment, I could almost forget why I was really here.
“Thank you.”
I looked back at the scenery, quickly getting lost once more as the carriage rolled by.
Shadows danced between the array of trees, luminescent flowers adorned their feet like fallen stars, the air sparkled with visible magic, and I couldn't stop myself from loving what I saw.
All that time we'd spent on the ship, it had never crossed my mind to hate where we were going. I couldn't wait to get settled later and write about everything I'd seen and felt.
Half an hour later, the carriage settled into a smoother rhythm, and Arielle's hand found mine. “We're here,” she whispered, pointing to where the trees were thickest. “You're going to like this part.”
Not even a second passed before the trees parted before our path like curtains drawn back, revealing the sea in all its glorious expanse.
I thought the elk would slow down, but instead, they sped up and pushed forward, leaping into the sea with fearless grace.
“Oh Gods!” I shrieked, grasping the armrest so tightly my knuckles turned bone white, my heart launching into my throat.
I expected to be immersed as the carriage sank into the depths, but I was taken aback when the elk skipped across thewater, guiding us smoothly on the surface as though we were still on solid ground.
Arielle and Garrick laughed at my shock, but not unkindly.
“I reacted the same way,” Garrick said, casting a glance ahead at the mighty elk powering forward with mystical grace.
“Me, too. I had a full panic attack.” Arielle gave my hand a gentle squeeze of understanding.
“Not me.” Sirril shook his head with obvious pride. “I was so fascinated I got the elk to take me around again and again. We stayed out all night.”
I chuckled, feeling lighter despite myself. “How are they able to glide across the waters? And with the carriage too?” I knew the answer would always be magic, but I wanted to know the deeper intricacies, all the beautiful details that made this world so enchanting.
