Waiting for Spring - Part I

Chapter Fifteen

One of my early journeys in life took me to the Green Islands, oh such beautiful sights. And it is so, that the last ruler of these lush isles was the great Queen Lyrianna ae Lyr, the Swallow of Water. A sight for sore eyes, but ultimately a spoiled beauty when, six hundred years ago the ship captain Maritius ad Sai beheaded her on the steps of Gatekeep, the palace that guarded her lovely orchards.

Ever since that day these islands have been the pinnacle of a free realm, ruled only by the equals of men and women.

-On the Green Islands, an observation of history, civilisation and culture of the free societal structures, by Killian the travelling dwarf.

It felt slightly colder compared to only a day ago. April could barely keep her eyes open. She felt as if she hadn't had proper sleep for a year. Mira looked tired too, as well as Darnell. Theron on the other hand seemed perfectly fine. He took stock of the snow-covered glade in which they had emerged. A small path led uphill and in the far distance two towers stood tall. Theron began to ascend it.

April was fond of the trees, large pines that reminded her of home. A crow took air and left behind a trail of snow that fell to the ground. The the chilly breeze brightened April up a bit. She thought about her mother with no idea how their reunion would be. What was she going to say? What if her mother wouldn't recognise her? What if she was unwelcomed? So many thoughts orbited her head.

Darnell interrupted her wandering mind.

"I can't wait to get to the mansion. Warm clothes, warm food and a warm bath. Why did I even sign up for this?" he groaned before turning to April. "There's so much you have to see! You'll probably meet my sister too. I bet you'll like each other!" he told her with a cheerful tone. Mira sighed from the back of the line. April nodded, not so sure about it. Seeing her mother was all she cared about at the moment; to finally settle down for a while and just forget about all the trouble, to get some time for herself, to mourn her dad and friends, to think.

The sight of Odessa was a strange one. From the outside it looked like some sort of replica of Highland Wall, with the exception that the wall was made of wood and not as high. A cobblestone road covered in snow and fir needles led the party up the last part before the big wooden gates. Two grand guard towers reached for the sky on both sides of it, banners with a variant of the Idwallian flag hanging on the sides. A single guard in shiny blue armour, akin to the one Darnell was wearing, stood in the opening. He didn't look old, perhaps a a year or two older than April herself did. He bowed when he saw Mira, saluting her as she came closer. She halted in front of him.

"Your arrival was unexpected, yet our scouts confirmed your journey a day ago. Preparations have been made for you and your companions at the royal mansion. Jerrod, first of the court, have gathered some of the nobles to welcome you." The soldier made a pause when he caught sight of Darnell who still made his way up the slope. "Also, I will inform First Commander Luther of the Highland Army and his wife Scarlet, sister of Darnell, daughter of David, second of the council, of your arrival. Is there any other matter I can attend to?" He smiled towards Mira, who actually looked quite anxious. She frowned before telling him to disappear, which he quickly did.

"What did he say?" Darnell asked when he reached the others. At first he got no response from anyone so April told him that the guard had run of to inform the mansion about their arrival.

The buildings inside the city were smaller than the ones in Wall, yet they gave a more cosy and warm feeling. They were all mostly made of wood and light shined through the many cloudy windows. Snow lay heavy on the cobblestone roads and the rooftops. Many of the houses reminded April of Berry Forest, of home. The residences were similar in both architecture and design. In the far distance a big castle rose above the rest of the houses. At the very least it looked as one in the far of distance. High towers emerged from its four corners, stretching high towards the grey clouds. The merlot tiles on the roof seemed to glow in the sun. It was probably the mansion that Darnell had mentioned.