The One Who Unites

*Authors Note:*

*With this release comes an update on where to find information on future chapters. Rather than give a vague timeline, I plan to start keeping my profile updated with progress on what stage the next entries are at (For example: Drafting, editing, or awaiting moderation) and give a release date when it is available. That way you can see the story is being worked on and be assured that I have not ghosted you all if I fall behind schedule.

I also want to say thank you to everyone that reads these stories, especially those that have left comments and ratings. Your support has encouraged me to keep writing even during the more difficult parts of this process. With that all said, I hope you enjoy reading the next entry in this adventure.

**Chapter 10**

"Where are you taking me?" Aylin asked the team of Elves who stood guard around her.

Since she had been found by her old tribe, they had become incredibly defensive of her. The group walked in a formation with Aylin at the center, walled in by Elven warriors.

At the front of the team, the man who claimed to be her husband guided the way. "You will be home soon," he said. "Your family is waiting for you."

"My family?" She repeated. Aylin had trouble envisioning any relatives. For a long time she had been alone, a single person drifting through a world she she struggled to adjust to.

That was until Simon entered her life.

Things made more sense when he was near. With him she had a purpose, a direction to travel, and a camp she found a place in. It was a good life.

If there was such a thing as family to her, the man they currently kept imprisoned was as close as any came.

They kept Aylin separated from him, warning that he was dangerous.

Their accusations were clear lies. Simon was no risk to anyone in his current state. He was constantly fading in and out from consciousness while being dragged along by his feet. Even when awake she knew that he was kind and true to his word.

"We are not far." Eliander stopped at a seeming random point in the road. He drew a symbol with mana in his hand and the world ahead rippled at his touch like water.

The translucent barrier in front of them became clear, Aylin could see its dividing line that merely gave the illusion of a forest continuing ahead.

The group walked through with little resistance. This must be a protective spell that hides their territory and keeps out intruders.

As she passed to the other side a breathtaking sight appeared. She recognized this place from the disjointed recollections of her memory. The once blurry mental picture now appeared in front of her in great detail.

"Orisan village, the land of the forest Elves." Eliander pointed. "Your kingdom."

Despite everything that happened leading to this point, Aylin felt a genuine joy at the sight of her original home. She immediately felt a change upon stepping into this place.

The village was in harmony with nature. She could tell by the crispness of the wind that ran past her hair that the air was alive with energy. It was the same beckoning feeling she had when the winds whispered omens.

The Forest Gods were strong here, stronger than in any other place she had been. She took solace in the idea that for some reason they had brought her and Simon to this place. Nothing happened without purpose after all.

As she walked further into villages center, Aylin saw the grand scale of her home first hand. Massive structures made of sage trees lined the wide streets she walked. Various shops and homes were peppered with Elves going about their day.

They stopped to look at her passing. She noticed many began muttering and talking amongst each other before moving to line the sides of the road. A commotion soon swept over the area as more and more joined.

They spoke in Elvish, beginning to chant a soothing melody. It was the first time the language graced Aylins ears in a long while.

"The daughter of our tribe is back." They chanted. "The Gods have returned her."

They bowed and looked up at her only in shy glances as she passed. The condition of their clothes were tattered, and Aylin noticed they wore wounds that looked to be from battle. Even more so, there was another detail that stood out to her.

"They are nearly all children or elders." Aylin realized it just as a young girl met her eyes. She did not look abashed like the others, but smiled proudly. A bandage covered her right eye, and her face was gaunt from hunger. "What has happened to this place?"

"Everyone of fighting age is enlisted to defend our home." Eliander had moved to her side and spoke softly. "More will be explained once we see the Queen. Just know that they have awaited your return. You are a symbol of hope to them... and also to me."

He moved to try and hold Aylins hand, but she recoiled at the advance. "Whatever person you knew me as before is gone," she said. "You are still not forgiven for imprisoning my..." she trailed off.

"Your what?" He asked.

Aylin could not find the words. What was Simon to her now? The moment he was to make his feelings clear had ended so abruptly that she was left with little closure.

It seemed that the crowds had realized Simon following in the tail end of the formation. They shot looks filled with animosity at him.

"We are in conflict with the humans," Eliander said with urgency. "Our people are distrusting of their kind. We should move quickly."

She saw something in the corner of her eye. An elderly Elf rose with a rock in hand aimed at the defenseless black cloaked man.

"Truce breakers." He yelled.

Aylin stopped the attack mid air with a burst of wind and the rock tumbled harmlessly to floor.

She pushed past Eliander and the guards, who now appeared hesitant to make a scene of stopping her in front of the crowds.

"Move." Aylin ordered the men carrying Simon off and locked her arm under his shoulder. She often joked he was light, but this time she needed to use the help of wind magic to support his weight as they walked.

The Elves looked upon her, some in awe, and others in confusion. She cared little for what they thought of her or whether she was allied to a human or not.

"He is mine." Aylin made her voice loud, speaking with authority that surprised even herself. "Anyone that wishes harm him will not be met with another warning."

They shied away while the old Elf fell to his knees and cast his eyes down in shame.

She lowered Simons cowl, wishing for them to see the man she had chosen to bond to.

Even in sleep she was drawn to him, familiar with every feature of his face, from the curve of his jaw to the deep set gaze of his eyes.

She longed to hold him close and give all of herself to bringing him back to health, to feast in each others energy and become one.

More than anything, she wished for his presence. When he is leading at her side no challenge seemed insurmountable, and never did she feel lost. There was no one else who gave her such strength.

"I will not leave you." She whispered to him. "Just a little farther. I will find you help."

Eliander sighed and turned away. It seemed that he had more trouble than anyone in accepting her feelings. He would need to eventually.

The crowd filled streets led to a great domed structure. Elves in decorative armor opened a barrier gate as the party rose up the steps.

Voices from inside grew louder as they passed through a hall and into a wide chamber.

"They are waiting us out." An elf in colorful robes that were so long they formed into puddles at his feet spoke passionately. "Must we sit idly on our hands while the humans leave us to die?"

A woman sat on the throne, risen high on a platform. She fanned her face slowly, but Aylin took note of her green eyes peering down on the man.

Behind her, a massive tree extended through an open roof above. Its leaves were made of gold that shimmered as they shook in the wind.

"You mistake me for a coward." The Queen snapped her fan and released a blade of wind at the Elf, narrowly missing his face as he shied in fear. "If you want to judge my decisions, then perhaps you should sit on the throne. Would you like that?"

"No, my lady." His voice petered to a whimper.

Attention shifted as they entered the room. Once again, all eyes tracked onto Aylin and Simon. She hated being judged like this.

The Queen rose and the room quieted. Seeing her this clearly, Aylin had no doubts that this woman was her mother. It was like looking into a mirror.

She was dressed ornately in multiple layers of decorated robes and her dark hair was kept up by gold pins and accessories that hung down in tassels. The Queens face was like an older version of her own, only more matured and wise.

"This hearing has ended." She commanded the elf speaking at the podium below. "The matter will be discussed another time."

He left with an entourage of soldiers. Aylin could see his face was reddened from arguing.

"Aylin... you have returned." The Queen stepped down the stairs to the throne. Her words lacked any particular emotion, but were spoken as a statement of fact. "You have brought company as well."

"His name is Simon and he is ill with mana withdrawals," Aylin said. "He needs assistance immediately."

The queen directed her fan towards elves dressed in blue garb that watched from the side of the room. "Clerics, see that he is kept alive and brought to a cell until I call for him."

A cell? Eliander had spoken similarly of imprisonment.

"Why must he be taken away?" Aylin argued."You will need to take me as well. Wherever he goes, I will follow."

"Standing up for a human?" The queens narrowed eyes widened for a split second. "This is most unlike you."

"My queen, it is because she was found without her memories." Eliander stepped forward. "She does not understand the situation. Please, show them both some leniency."

Aylin looked to Eliander, surprised. Why was he sticking up for her and Simon all of the sudden? It did not make sense.

"He will not be harmed," The Queen said. "We need answers, not his life. Besides, our clerics have items to help his withdrawals. There is nothing more you can do for him now."

The Queen made Aylin feel stiff, hesitant of her movements and words. Her presence commanded attention.

Her mother was more than just imposing, she was correct. Aylin was outnumbered and in no position to help Simon.

Reluctantly, she relinquished him to the clerics. A team of guards followed them as they moved him from the room.

The Queen was silent a moment. "This memory loss... tell me what happened and spare no detail."

Her words were not directed at Aylin, but Eliander, who recounted seeing the result of the battle with the corruptions. He noted Aylins memory and Simons status as a mage, but for some reason he omitted details about her relationship with the Enchanter.

*She did not even try to hear my story.* Aylin thought. It was almost as if she was not present in the conversation.

"If that is true then there is much to be done." The Queen nodded. "Aylin, you will stay at this palace while this matter is settled. I will have our best healers to search for the cause of your memory loss."

"I don't recall ever agreeing to stay here." Aylin rejected the idea of her old self. Whoever she had been before as a princess, daughter, or even wife; she no longer accepted that life. "I wish to have Simon healed and accompany him on his journey to Haldstrom."

The Queen looked at her and began to laugh softly. "Of all the curses that have befallen me, this may be the worst. I hope we are not too late to cure you."

"I am serious." Aylin began to wish she could forget her mother again. The two were increasingly at odds.

"I am as well," The Queen said. "But it is not possible to continue your journey with him to Haldstrom."

"And why is that?" Aylin challenged. "Will you stop me?"

"Because we are at war with their people," she said it as if it were obvious. "They would not accept you there as an Elf. Besides, your human friend fits the description of a demon

summoning mage that has been attacking our home. Come nightfall, he will be judged under trial to find the truth."

Aylin was taken back. Just what kind of situation had she just brought Simon into?

Regret washed over her for leaving his side. Handing him over had been a grave error. Simon was now under their control, at the mercy of their judgement. It was everything she had feared would happen.

***

Aylin paced the floor. Not long after the conversation with her mother had she been escorted back to her chambers.

"You will be kept here for your protection." Eliander had said, posting guards at her door. "Please, rest and regain your strength. I will come return to escort you to the trial tonight."

He had made no more moves for her affection, but she saw in his eyes that he wished to. Aylin gave him a curt 'farewell' and promptly closed the door.

With the looming trial occupying her worries, the mess of their past marriage was too much to even think about.

She continued to pace. It was impossible to sleep or rest in such circumstances. In times where she felt confused or worried, what calmed her down was to focus on a task.

Often she would go and hunt, or practice her archery to help, but neither option was possible at the moment. It appeared her door was sealed under some kind of arcane lock spell and the window leading outside was a steep fall.

She fell back onto her bed and closed her eyes. Staying here like this was going to drive her mad. It amazed her that at one time she wished for nothing more than to return home.

"I want it no longer." She spoke softly. "Nothing in this place suits me."

Even her bed was ill fitted. The cushion was far too malleable and soft to bring comfort. A bedroll on the hardness of the forest floor or cave was somehow more desirable.

She craved to return to camp and continue journeying with her old party as if this never had happened. Her days there were full of exploration, freedom, and fighting alongside her friends. It was a fulfilling life, one that she would give anything to have back now.

Even Kara would be welcomed with open arms. There had been no sign of the Kivari since the night everyone was separated. Even though they had their differences, Aylin hoped that she was still alive and safe.

*clink*

Something clattered across the room that sprung Aylin to attention. There appeared to be nothing immediately out of the ordinary when she scanned the area.

Earlier, some servants had brought a platters of food and tea, setting it on a table between two chairs by the hearth. There were a few pieces of fruit that looked to be arranged differently than she remembered.

"Has someone been eating my food?" She thought about the impossibility of the idea before realizing she had been in this situation at camp on numerous occasions. There was only one person she knew that could do this.

"I don't know how you found your way here, but you should show yourself now."

Kara appeared in one of the chairs by the fire, happily popping a slice of apple into her mouth. "It's been a while, Elf."

*Elf,* that was the way she always referred to Aylin. It was more annoying than it had any reason to be.

"How did you get here?" Aylin asked. "I didn't expect find you eating from my scraps."

"I am quite hungry." She shrugged. Now that she had been caught, Kara shamelessly brought a whole tray of food to her lap. "I've been following you since your fight against those corruptions. Hasn't really been a good time to show myself with the current situation."

"Then why appear to me and not Simon?"

Kara shifted her gaze. "I have no way of reaching him. He is under too much protection."

"Then we are in the same situation," Aylin said. "I am at a loss for what to do, but I cannot just stand by and do nothing."

"What if we were to work together?" Kara said. Aylin could she was straining to be pleasant. "The task would be impossible on my own, but with you there may be a chance to get Simon and leave this forest for good. What do you say?"

She must have been truly worried. Kara made no jokes or sleights about this, just an earnest plea to work toward a common goal; getting Simon back.

"I hate to admit it, but I agree that we would be better together," Aylin said. "The fact that no one knows you are here is a major advantage we could use."

Almost in reply to that statement, there was a knock on the door. Six taps in a familiar rhythm signalled some feeling in her that she could scarce remember.

"Who is that?" Kara's eyes widened.

"I do not know," Aylin whispered. She had not expected anyone to come by. "Just stay invisible and let me handle this."

Kara obliged, hastily setting her tray of food to the table and fading into her seat.

"Hello," a male voice spoke from outside. "Would you be accepting visitors at the moment?"

Aylin moved to the door. The guards outside were supposed to turn away all guest, but for some reason their interference was absent.

"No," she said bluntly. "Who are you?"

"Open the door and see with your own eyes."

What game was this person playing at? When she moved her hand to the door, it pulled open with little resistance. The magic locks were gone.

She opened it a crack to look around. "Where are you?" She turned left and right. "I cannot see anyone."

"Look down." A tinge of annoyance was in their voice.

She followed the instruction to see a green eyed Elf looking up at her with arms crossed. "Remember me now?" He asked.

"I don't remember much of anything," Aylin said. "Should I?"

"So it is true..." He looked deep in thought. "Allow me to come in. There is much for us to discuss."

He invited himself through the door before she could say no and sat near the hearth. Luckily, he had chosen the chair opposite to the one Kara was on.

"About time I got myself a cup." He poured tea for himself. "Care for one?"

"No." She said coldly. "I suggest you explain who you are before I kill you."

"You never were a fan of tea before." He laughed to himself, ignoring her. "Yet, mother still brought some to your room. Some things never change."

Aylin stopped. Did he say Mother? "Then you are-"

"Yes, it is me Davith." He took a sip. "Your beloved brother and rival for the throne. We were in competition before you disappeared."

This Elf was her brother? She looked hard at him. He sat smiling, drinking his tea without a care in the world. With so little allies his appearance should have been a relief, but Aylin hesitated in trusting him. Everyone from her family met so far had some sort of motive.

At all cost, he could not know Kara was here. If she was imprisoned too, all their advantage would be lost.

"I did not wish to return," Aylin said. "Nor do I want the throne from you. If that is the reason you have come, then you will not get much more from me."

"Ah, the good old days when that was our biggest problem," he said. "Unfortunately, we are both deep in trouble with this Demon mage. They haven't told you much since you were brought here, have they?"

"Practically nothing." Aylin thought it was strange how quickly she had been moved to her chambers and hidden away. "I've been kept from exploring or doing much of anything."

"Exactly as I thought." Davith stroked his chin. "It is good I found you."

"Why is that?"

"Because I wish to help you." He smiled. "Is that not what siblings are for?"

"You just told me we were in a rivalry for the throne." He was too coy. Aylin felt like he was playing a game with the way he talked. "I can sense there is something you want from me. Out with it."

"You may have picked up on it by now, but there is something very rotten in this place. I need people I can trust on my side to set things right. We can assist each others goals."