The Elf Girl (34 page)

Without another word, she left the room. I hoped she would get the rest she needed. Everyone needed to relax after our journey.

“I’m going to start you off with some herbs that will soothe you. They will prepare you for my healing. It can be somewhat uncomfortable at times,” he told me. “Especially with
your
injuries.”

He handed me a warm cup. It smelled like tea, but tasted very bitter. Even so, I drank all of it, listening to the healer’s instructions. The bitter herbs left me feeling warm, but with a bad aftertaste in my mouth.

“Now I will do the actual healing. Stellan, could you leave the room for a moment? She needs to change into clothes that will expose her stomach and arms.”

Stellan nodded and walked out. I didn’t want him to leave, too afraid he wouldn’t return. Telling myself I was behaving foolishly, I focused on the task at hand. I was feeling this way because of the connection; both episodes had left me shaking and needy.

Galen helped me remove my top and change into a short, strapless tan shirt that reminded me kind of like a swimsuit top. He left me for a moment, and I was glad to see him return with Stellan. He took a seat on the chair once again, and Galen returned to my side.

“Why does my stomach have to be exposed?” I asked.

“You have a gash there, caused by a burn that has opened.”

I nodded, remembering. “That was the reason I needed the charm,” I told him.

“Yes, that’s right. I almost forgot about that,” he said. “It was wise of Danica to remove it, because the charm would have interfered with the healing process. Now remember, this healing may feel a bit uncomfortable.”

“Okay,” I replied.

He placed his warm hands onto my abdomen and closed his eyes. I heard him inhale deeply and then exhale. I could feel myself becoming hotter by the second. Then I felt a part-burning and part-tickling feeling. It wasn’t terrible, but Galen had rightly predicted my discomfort. He remained in this position for about two minutes. Then he lifted his hands a few inches, and I saw that they were glowing with a soft green light. Soon, the burning and tickling faded. I looked to see a thin line in place of the gash.

“The scar will be completely gone in a day or two. Now I’ll heal the other burns and scratches. They will take only a few seconds,” he said.

He was right on the mark. The pain was completely gone in under fifteen seconds, and the only lingering scar was the one on my side that would fade soon. I sighed with relief. And the healing hadn’t even been that bad.

“Thank you,” I said.

“You’re welcome.”

“Does healing tire you out?” I asked curiously.

“It did when I first started practicing, but now it’s simple. I become weak only when I have to heal elves who are close to death.”

“That would be Zora,” I told him.

Galen and Stellan both nodded without saying anything in reply.

Then Galen broke the silence. “It’s time you got some sleep. Stellan and Thane can help you to a room. Come back if you feel any other pain.”

“I will. Thanks again,” I told him.

Galen nodded and then walked back behind the curtain.

Thane came back into the room. He and Stellan wanted to put me back on the cot, but I refused. I could walk now that I was healed. I was still weak but could stand on my own two feet. They finally agreed, but refused to let me walk by myself. With an elf on each side holding an arm, I slowly walked down the hall and up a flight of stairs.

“The palace has four floors,” Thane explained on the way. “The first floor houses the guards, cooks, healers, and other personnel. The second floor is the ballroom, dining hall, library, kitchen, and parlor. The third floor holds all of the guest rooms. The Queen enjoys having company for extended periods of time. She will also allow the guards to have family and friends visit once or twice a year.”

“That’s very kind of her,” I commented.

“She is a wonderful leader. You will like her, I’m sure. The fourth and last floor houses the quarters of the Queen, her daughter, her sister, and her sister’s…well,
child
.” He said “child” very delicately, and I could tell the subject of the Woodland fairy was a sore one for him.

“You mean Elvina?” I guessed.

“Yes,” he said softly.

I wanted to change the subject and stray away from anything to do with the war.

“I didn’t know Queen Taryn had a daughter,” I mentioned.

“Yes, she was born shortly after King Lore died. Princess Brielle just turned sixteen a few weeks ago. She will be attending the ability school next fall,” Thane said, sounding very proud of his princess.

“She’s close to my age,” I remarked.

“Is she really? Well, I’m sure you will meet her sometime soon. She is quite a handful.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, as I was helped up another flight of stairs.

“She finds it difficult to warm up to elves. She is very isolated and doesn’t always relate well to others,” he explained, “
at least in the palace, that is….”

“Interesting,” I commented, wondering what he had meant by his last statement.

We stopped in front of a pretty wooden door down the hall. Flowers were carved into the wood, which looked recently polished.

“Here is your room, Ramsey. Your friend Addison’s is to your left, and Stellan will be to your right.”

They walked me inside. I sat down on a lavish purple bed. It was the first color I had seen other than shades of green or brown. The walls were lavender and the rug was a deep violet. The room had a wooden dresser, and I could see a bathroom through an open door. It was quaint and beautiful and reminded me of a five star hotel room, not that I had ever been in one....

“Each room has a different color scheme. Queen Taryn likes her guests to experience more than the traditional elf colors during their stay,” Thane told me.

“I’m beginning to like the Queen more and more,” I whispered, to no one in particular.

“Speaking of which, I have to see to the Queen now. Try to get some rest. Danica will be here to take you to Queen Taryn at five tomorrow morning,” Thane said.

“All right. Thank you, Thane.”

“Yes, thank you,” Stellan agreed.

“You’re welcome and goodnight,” he said. Then he left the room and closed the door softly behind him.

“Nice place, huh?” Stellan asked.

“Nice place? That is a
huge
understatement, Stellan.”

“Yes, you’re right.” He took my hands in his and kissed me tenderly. “Get some sleep, all right?”

“I will! How many times do I have to promise that?” I asked with a laugh.

“That’s the last time, I promise.”

Stellan smiled and then turned to leave.

“Goodnight!” I called as he shut the door behind him.

For the first time since waking from the connection, I was alone. It didn’t feel right. The room felt suddenly empty. Fortunately though, I knew I was safe here. It was strange being alone after the hectic events of the night. However, a positive attitude would keep my spirits up. I was healed, and tomorrow we would meet with the Queen and finally start searching for my sister.

Feeling weak and very tired, I pulled back the purple covers and slipped into bed. I fell asleep thinking of the palace, and my dreams were filled with beauty.

It wasn’t until Finn’s menacing face appeared that I bolted upright, gasping for breath.

~14~
The Elfen Queen

After the nightmare of Finn’s haunting face, my sleep was much better. I woke up at four the next morning feeling slightly weak, but rested. Getting out of bed, I made my way across the room, moving slowly because I was still sore from my injuries. As I opened the soft lavender window curtains, I could see the sun rising, taking its rightful place in the cloudless blue sky. I looked down at the capital before me and smiled. It was even more glorious in the morning light. I couldn’t wait for the chance to explore, if I ever had the chance. I didn’t know how busy I would be in the coming days.

I turned and noticed my shoulder bag hanging from the bathroom door. It was a little dirty but still in good shape. I was pleased to see it, and until now I had wondered if I lost it when I was taken to Tarlore. Someone must have dropped it off in my room.

After making sure everything was still inside the bag, I went into the bathroom. I was grateful that the palace had plumbing. It was probably the only modern thing I would find here. After taking a long, hot, and much-needed shower, I dressed in my navy blue summer dress and towel-dried my hair.

Once I was dressed and ready to go, I spent the remainder of the hour inspecting the room and looking out the window at the beautiful city. I found myself lost in the wonder of Tarlore, even though I was watching from a distance. It was strange to admit how great it felt to be here, like I was on vacation. That feeling quickly left me when I remembered what I was here to accomplish.

Find Zora.

A knock at the door brought me out of my thoughts. Sighing, I got up to open it.

“Good morning, Ramsey,” Danica greeted.

“Good morning,” I replied.

“I am to take you to the dining hall, where you will have breakfast with your friends. Then I will lead you to the parlor to meet Queen Taryn.”

“That sounds great,” I said. “Lead the way.”

I followed Danica down the hall and down one flight of stairs. She led me into a huge room with a long wooden table, with a dozen chairs on each side and one chair at the end. The single chair was more ornate than the others, and I guessed it was for Queen Taryn when she dined here. Stellan and Addison were already seated and waving me over. I bid farewell to Danica, who had already eaten, and took my place next to Stellan. Addison was seated across from me.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Much better,” I replied. “A little sore, but healed.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re okay,” he said, lacing his fingers through mine.

“Me too,” I replied after taking a sip of juice. “How are you feeling, Addison?”

“I’m rested, but last night wasn’t easy,” she said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had to use my ability for such an extended period of time.”

“Last night wasn’t easy for any of us,” Stellan pointed out.

“You’re right,” I agreed.

We sat in silence for a few moments.

“So how do you like your room?” Addison asked.

“It’s so cool! All the purple reminds me of royalty.” I smiled, remembering the lovely room. “What color is yours, Addison?”

“Pink. It reminds me of the flowers from home,” she replied. She smiled and popped a raspberry into her mouth.

I turned to Stellan. “What about yours?”

“Red. It’s nice and manly,” he said, flexing his arms.

The three of us laughed, the mood finally lightening up a bit, and then turned our attention to eating. We had until six before we met with Queen Taryn. It was long enough for us to finish eating and continue discussing the wonders of the palace. Danica returned right on schedule to fetch us.

It was time for me to finally meet the Queen.

***

The parlor was only a few steps away from the dining hall, so it wasn’t a very long walk. I tried to prepare myself for the meeting by breathing in and out slowly, clearing my head. I didn’t think it helped. I was still nervous. I hoped Queen Taryn would like me. She needed to like me for Stellan and Addison’s sake. Most importantly, she needed to like me for Zora’s sake.

Danica knocked briskly at the door. It was opened by an elfen with chin-length black hair and pale moss-green eyes. She wore an outfit similar to Danica’s, but she didn’t look as feminine. Instead, she looked nimble and almost birdlike. Elves had such unique forms of beauty.

“Aditi,” Danica addressed.

“Danica,” the elfen replied. “Come in, please.”

We followed Danica into the room, which was cozy and inviting, but also very elegant. A fire in a stone wall fireplace warmed the parlor. The floors were a deep, solid mahogany. Artwork covered the walls, portraying the magic and beauty of the Realm.

Settled upon one of the many seats and couches was an elfen wearing a long green gown that shimmered from the lighted chandelier above her. She had beautiful black hair pinned up in a fancy bun, and wore a solid gold crown with green swirls. Her pale face was long and serious; confidence and power radiated from her being. She sat on the couch with her hands clasped on her lap. Already, I was feeling intimidated by the Queen’s presence.

Next to her sat another elfen with long black hair reaching almost to her waist. What struck me most about her were the two strands of pale blonde hair that hung loosely down both sides of her face. Until now, I hadn’t met any elves with two different hair colors.

Her gown was similar to the Queen’s, only in a different shade of green. The fabric was darker, but shimmered in the same way. She wore a golden tiara with a large emerald at the center. A gold chain necklace with a pendant of deeply colored jewels adorned her neck. I had never seen such an elaborate collection of jewels in one necklace.

The young elfen appeared much more relaxed than Queen Taryn, but the resemblance between them was striking. I knew I was standing not only before the Queen of the Elf Realm, but also the Princess.

Aditi addressed the Queen and her daughter with admiration in her voice: “May I present to you, Queen Taryn of Tarlore and her daughter, Princess Brielle.”

Danica stepped forward toward the Queen. “Queen Taryn: Ramsey of Birchwood City and formerly of the Human Realm. With her are the siblings Stellan and Addison of Birchwood City.” Danica nodded once and then retreated to stand with Aditi and another elfen at the door.

The elfen with Aditi looked about the same as she did. She had cropped black hair that accentuated her small face. She looked just as birdlike, but slightly smaller.

“Aditi, Wren, leave us. Danica, you may remain. I will need a word with you shortly,” Queen Taryn said, her voice filled with authority and grace.

The two elfen guards left quickly. No one said anything until the door had shut. Queen Taryn rose from her seated position and walked over to us. Her daughter followed in step behind her.