Dark One Rising(160)
“They will make the right decision, Alek. They have only the people of Aelethia in mind.”
“I know.” He looked off into the distance; she understood his worry.
“You’re worried about Dain.”
“Yes, and your brother. When we ran into the men from Danyl, the urgency for your brother to get to Charbonneau was imperative. If Fallon’s troops had moved more northwest, an attack while on the way could have proven deadly too, that is why I escorted him. Now if Fallon’s men move into his province, he’ll be ready for them. If we lose Kevaan the war will already be over.”
Melenthia shook her head sadly. Alek thought he heard a sob escape her lips. He touched her shoulder. “He had only your heart in mind, Melenthia. I don’t fault him for wanting to speak of grave matters with you in person. If the roles had been reversed, I would have done the same thing. He loves you more than life itself and can’t bear to think of you in pain without being there for comfort. He had fretted over your safety for months. I think he needed to see you in person, to make sure with his own eyes that you were alright.”
“But to what end. I’m here, in hiding once again, and in the meantime, my kingdom is falling apart. What if when I’m ready, it’s too late.”
“The elves have insight that you and I don’t have. They’ll know when it’s time. Is your training going well?”
“Better, now. I will admit that I struggled for a long time and probably will have moments still to come. I can’t recall how many times I wanted to give up. But remembering the people in my life that I love, including my brother and Dain, helped me to get up and go on. I do know that this pain is nothing compared to what is to come. I try to remember that the suffering I will face is for the people in this kingdom, and for them I will endure it.”
He looked down at her and smiled wearily. “I’m sorry that you have been given this burden, Melenthia, but I know no one else more capable of this destiny than you. I believe you will endure it.”
She stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek again. “Thank you, Alek. I have some things to do. I’ll see you off before you depart.”
“Okay.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek now.
She left him alone in the garden with his thoughts.
***
The council and Elders did agree to send two representatives out with Alek and his men to Salador. King Theron promised that he would keep his people informed about what was happening and would present his army to King Dain when the time came. He blessed their travel into the Free Cities and told them he would pray for not only safe passage but for a successful meeting. All of Aelethia was counting on them.
They ate, slept and arose early to start out for the border city in Isamar. They were packed with supplies and food, and King Theron had performed the rite for safe travel. They mounted their horses for departure. Melenthia and Sol met them at the gate, and when Alek saw her he dismounted again and went to her, putting his arms around her. He placed his cheek on her head, kissing the top of it.
“Good luck, Alek. I will be praying for your safety and success. How long will it take you to get there?”
“We are expecting a four day ride to the border, barring no flooding in the plains from the snow run-off in the Xanthe. From the border it should be another day or two into the city of Salador. I’m hoping that the Chancellor is still in session at the headquarters within the city. If he has returned to Kalani, then we will be delayed another three or four days. Taking the time to cross the desert when I’m needed at home is not something I want to risk. Pray that I’m not too late.”
“I will. And if you reach home before me, tell Dain that he’s always in my thoughts and that we will be together soon.”
Sol clasped Alek’s hand, and they quickly embraced. Sol smiled wanly at Alek. “God speed to you and your entourage, Alek. We will join you and Dain when the time has come. Be careful.”
“Thank you. Take good care of her, Sol. I’d hate to have to explain to His Majesty that something happened to the love of his life before the battle had even begun.” He looked to her and winked.
“She has been, and will be, in good hands here, Alek. His Ma-jesty can count on that.”
Alek kissed her on the cheek and mounted his horse. He checked the readiness of his group and kicked his horse to go. Melenthia and Sol watched as Alek and the two elves galloped out of the gates into the woods.
CHAPTER 37
“I can’t do this!” Melenthia fumed, glaring at Tomaz who had just knocked her legs out from under her. She was lying on the ground, arms and legs splayed out, panting, sweat beading her hair line.