The Reverie - Part 1

Who are you?

The words were somewhat tricky to write backwards, but Abby did as good a job as she could. The long car ride was as dreary as the winter rain that fell softly on the roof. The only entertainment she had was writing messages on the foggy window with her cold fingers. Considering that the only person who read the message was a young boy who made a point of putting his headphones back on and looking the other way, it was safe to say she wasn’t going to meet any new friends this way. No bother. Abandoning the scene outside, she reached into the tattered red backpack on the floor and dug through her meager belongings until she felt the paperback she was looking for.

“Not too long now! Just a quick ride through the city and we’ll be there,” the cheerful voice of Mrs. Emmett came from the driver’s seat.

“Great,” Abby mumbled, dipping her eyes back down to her book. Try as she might, her eyes couldn’t focus on the words staring back at her. Not that it mattered, since she had already read the story at least twenty times. The cracks in the paper binding grew wider with every opening of the pages.

She didn’t mind Mrs. Emmett as much, truth be told. The social worker was in her early sixties and sometimes looked like she was in desperate need of a day off. Still, she had always smiled, always acted like she was happy to see the sixteen-year-old girl, which was a rare thing in Abby’s life, especially when she knew how difficult it was for Mrs. Emmett to find a family interested in taking two siblings. Many social workers pushed Abby to separate from her brother to give them both a better chance at placement, but Abby refused. Ben was all she had, and she would fight until her last breath to keep them together. If they couldn’t find a stable home before her eighteenth birthday, she was determined to work on finding her own place and getting custody of him herself.

Click click click

Her little brother was pushing the top of the clicking pen absentmindedly while he gazed out the window. He hadn’t spoken a word the entire hour they had been in the car, but he didn’t have to. Abby knew the bottled-up nerves he hid in silence. She knew them because she felt the same; she simply tried to force a smile and reply whenever Mrs. Emmett said something. It seemed to pacify grown-ups when you smiled, even if you didn’t mean it.

“Ben, you’ll break it,” she whispered to her brother, gently touching his hand.

He turned his attention to her and blinked, snapping out of his thoughts for a moment. “Sorry,” he whispered back, setting the pen down. He pushed his large glasses up higher on his nose and returned his attention to the window.

Another car ride, another queasy day of wondering if they would like their new home or if they would be shuffled along yet again. Abby sighed and hoped this time would be different.

“Here we are. Westwick is a lot quieter than Redmoor,” Mrs. Emmett flashed a smile in the rearview mirror.

Abby and Ben leaned closer to their windows to see the quieter street they were driving on, a welcome relief from the grungy streets of downtown Redmoor. Living in the city capital of Haliden was chaotic and stressful, surrounded by stone walls taller than the trees hidden beyond the city limits. Abby suspected that was the intention, a measure of control against the enemies of the second realm.

Of the two realms, Abby was unfortunate to be a citizen of Haliden, the Realm of Humans. Ruled by King Torvius, he preferred iron gates and stone fortresses, with any hint of magic resulting in imprisonment. Abby’s parents never shared the harsh view of the king, often telling beautiful stories of the lush lands of Asherath, the Realm of Magic.

Oh, how Abby wished she were a part of the magical realm beyond the walls!

The car bounced side to side as they pulled into a long gravel driveway, surrounded by overgrown bushes and trees. The blue house was old, with a large front porch that wound its way around one side. Abby thought it looked like a place from one of her books, only needing some happy quality to it, like flowers or smiling people.

Mrs. Emmett parked and fluffed the top of her hair before swinging her door open. “Alright, my dears!”

The two siblings warily stepped out of the car and followed Mrs. Emmett to the stairs. The closer they moved to the door, the more Abby could see a sort of sadness about the place. Piles of leaves had collected across the wide porch, covering the tiny glimpses of forgotten plants left unattended. Still, there was something special about the house—not something she could describe, but something she could feel drawing her inside.

Ding Dong

Her eyes darted back to the door, just before her hand found her brother’s. He took it eagerly and squeezed; his pulse was racing faster by the second. The door swung open, and a friendly woman stood on the other side.

“Mrs. Emmett, please come in,” the woman said warmly. Her deep red hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, while errant strands hung loosely around her face. Abby thought she looked like a vision of autumn, with brown eyes and freckled skin. “And this must be Abby and Ben,” she added with a smile.

Abby’s voice felt constricted, but she managed to reply with a quiet hello. Ben simply pushed up his glasses and held onto his sister for dear life.

“My name is Danielle,” the lady said to Abby and Ben.

Mrs. Emmett laughed and reached out to shake her hand. “Pleasure to see you again!” Her eyes darted around. “And your husband?”

“Oh! Yes, he’s on his way inside.” Danielle gestured to a room with a warm fireplace crackling and two worn-down couches facing each other. “We can wait in here.”

The warmth felt good on Abby’s face. At least it was warm, she thought. The bay window opened to a view of the front drive, with tall windows that needed some repainting. This was a good room, spacious yet cozy. The worn couches felt as comfy as they looked, the velvety green cushions and floral pillows with gold tassels on the corners sinking slightly as Abby and her brother sat down. Abby liked this room the longer she sat in it, thinking how she wouldn’t mind looking out the long windows before exploring the sprawling property around it. But she had to rein in her thoughts. She was always doing that, letting her imagination paint a picture of a happy life. Reality never seemed to let her keep that picture for very long.

“Oh, here he is.” Danielle stood from the opposite couch and moved to the doorway. “Caleb! We’re in here.”

A man walked in and paused when his gaze landed on Abby and Ben, a look of pain in his eyes. His dark brown eyes only softened when he looked at Danielle, who spoke to him too quietly for anyone else to hear. He gave a nod and walked with her to stand in front of the others, though Abby didn’t think he looked happy about it.

Danielle smiled at her husband. “You remember Mrs. Emmett.”

Mrs. Emmett held out an enthusiastic hand. “So nice to see you!”

“And this is Abby and Ben,” Danielle introduced.

Abby had been through enough introductions to know how to stand and hold out her hand, willing herself to appear brave when she felt more like hiding in a mouse hole. “Sir,” she said with a nod.

The man took her hand and gave it one shake before releasing it and burying his hand in his coat pocket. Abby didn’t hear him speak more than a few words for the remainder of the time Mrs. Emmett chatted with Danielle, though she could feel his eyes assessing the two of them while they stood there awkwardly.

Mrs. Emmett clapped her hands together. “Well, I should be going if I want to make it back before it gets too late! Abby and Ben, why don’t you walk me out?”

Abby and Ben followed the older woman silently outside, their pulses quickening with uncertainty.

“Alright, my dears,” she said quietly, glancing up to make sure Danielle and Caleb had stayed inside, out of earshot. “You have my number in case you need me for anything?” When they nodded, she replied, “Good. I know things have been difficult, but I think this will be a fresh start for you both. These are very nice people who are hoping for a new start of their own. I think this might be a good fit for all of you.” When she was done, she pulled them into a bone-crushing hug, then stepped back and pointed at them. “Anything at all, you call.”

“Yes, ma’am,” they replied.

They stayed long enough to watch the dust of the driveway follow her car until she disappeared down the road.

Abby squeezed her brother’s hand. “We’ll be okay. We stick together, always.”

“Always,” he mumbled.

When they turned around to walk inside the house, the couple met them in the foyer.

Danielle smiled. “I thought you might want to see your rooms and get settled. Dinner should be ready in just a few minutes. Do you like spaghetti?”

Abby looked down at Ben, who only nodded once. She knew her brother was painfully shy, which meant she needed to answer for both of them. “Spaghetti sounds great.” In truth, she meant it. Her grumbling stomach was getting louder by the minute, and judging from the sound, so was Ben’s.

“Great!” Danielle placed her hand on her husband’s forearm and gave a small squeeze. “Caleb will give you a tour while I finish getting everything ready.”

Caleb watched in surprise as she disappeared down the hall before looking back at the wide-eyed kids staring up at him. He cleared his throat. “Well, the downstairs is pretty self-explanatory.” He pointed to the hallway that Danielle had disappeared down. “Kitchen at the end of the hall, bathroom across from that, and my study has the closed door.”

Abby and Ben trailed behind him as he grabbed their bags and headed up the staircase. Once grand, the chipped paint on the banister looked the same as the outside of the house, which was neglected.

“Dani and I are over here at the front of the house,” Caleb tossed a look over his shoulder. “You two will be down this way.” They walked down a long hallway before stopping, a door standing on either side. “These are your rooms here. We figured you could decide who takes what. And then a bathroom for you to share at the end of the hall.”

“We get our own rooms?” Abby asked in disbelief.

Caleb shrugged. “Yeah, of course.” He passed them their bags and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. Dani will shout up for you when dinner’s ready.”

Abby replied quietly, “Thank you.”

Caleb gave a short nod and retreated down the hall.

Abby looked at her brother. “Alright, Ben. Which one do you want?”

Ben’s eyes widened, and one side of his mouth curved up. He peeked in each doorway before pointing to the one on the left.

“You got it. I’m on the right.” She stepped into the room and set her things on the large bed against the wall. The room was bigger than any she had ever had, with tall windows on one side overlooking the garden or the remnants of it. It needed the same attention as the house, but Abby thought it was lovely: a piece of quiet to call her own. She even had a window seat with a small bookshelf built into the wall.

“It’s nice,” Ben said behind her.

Abby turned around and looked at her smiling brother. It was the first time in over two years that she’d seen him look hopeful. She hoped this couple was as nice as Mrs. Emmett seemed to think what she wouldn’t give to see Ben smile like that all the time. “Do you like your room?”

“Yeah.”

She grinned back. “Good, I like mine too.” A shout came from downstairs about dinner. “C’mon, I’m starved.”

Danielle was waiting at the bottom of the stairs with a smile, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Maybe you two could help me put everything on the table?”

“We can help,” Abby replied quickly. Helping was a good way to stay in a grown-up’s good graces, Abby had learned. “Earning your keep” was a phrase she had heard more than once.

“Great!” Danielle led them down the hall, closer to the delicious aromas of pasta and garlic bread. When she walked into the kitchen, she moved to check inside the oven.

Abby motioned to the sink. “We should wash our hands,” she whispered. When she waited for Ben to wash his face, she looked around the room. The tiled floor looked old but clean, with four chairs around a small wooden table in the center. A window over the sink was framed by frilly curtains that made it feel like a home. Abby liked this room, liked the chipped cabinets and the small vase of wildflowers in the center of the table.

Dinner was quiet, but Abby did her best to engage in any conversation Danielle started. To his credit, Ben smiled and nodded more than a few times when he was asked questions more than usual. Caleb seemed more focused on his food than on having a conversation.

It was the best spaghetti Abby had ever had. She had eaten so much that her belly felt twice as big as when she sat down. Maybe she had enjoyed the food because of who’d made it. Abby thought Danielle was lovely. The woman wasn’t loud or bossy, just friendly and laid-back. She had never met such a genuinely kind person, except for Mrs. Emmett.

Eager to prove herself useful, she volunteered to help clean up after dinner. After Caleb had mumbled his thanks and disappeared from the kitchen, Abby and Ben helped wash the dishes and clear the table. It was only when they followed Danielle up the stairs that exhaustion from the car ride and their nervousness finally set in.

Danielle paused between their rooms and rubbed her hands together. “If you need anything at all, let me know,” she said with a smile. “Even if it's the middle of the night, I don’t mind.”

“Thank you,” Abby replied. They wouldn’t dare disturb the grown-ups, not unless the house were on fire, and even then, she would be terrified of the repercussions.

When they were left alone, Abby and Ben readied themselves for bed and took turns walking to the bathroom, with Ben going first. Once he returned, Abby took her toothbrush down the hall and opened the small door on the left. She realized her mistake when she was met with a wooden staircase instead of the bathroom she was looking for. Whispers came from the top of the stairs, sparking her curiosity enough to climb up two steps, just enough to peek into the empty attic. How strange, she thought. Closing the door, she turned, found the bathroom across the hall, and finished getting ready.

Snuggled under the fresh sheets of the bed, Abby waited expectantly. The telltale thud of the door being opened and shut made her swing her arm, holding the covers open so Ben could jump in beside her. She helped him set his glasses on the nightstand and wrapped her arms around her brother.

It was always hard to feel safe in a new home. Sometimes it took a while for them to feel safe sleeping in separate beds.

Sometimes, the feeling never came at all.

Daylight streamed through the long windows, accompanied by the chirping birds in the trees outside. Abby thought she must still be dreaming when the scent of bacon and eggs filled the air. She nudged Ben awake, knowing he wouldn’t like waking to find himself alone, and led him down the stairs to the kitchen.

Danielle turned to find them staring at her in their nightclothes. “Good morning! I hope you’re hungry, because I made way too much food.” She laughed and put a plate of toast on the table. “Caleb already left for work, so I thought you two could explore the house and the grounds today if you like.”

Abby and Ben grinned and nodded as they sat down, excited to have a day with seemingly no obligations. Abby couldn’t remember having one of those.

When they were done filling themselves to the brim, they changed and explored the property before gray clouds rolled in and sent them inside. While Danielle was occupied with canning jams for the farmer’s market, Abby and Ben ventured upstairs.

“Come on, there’s an attic that looks pretty cool,” Abby said, leading them to the last door on the left. “Be careful not to knock over anything.”

Their feet sounded loud against the wooden steps until they reached the creaky floorboards of the attic. Cobwebs hung low in the corners of the room and beneath the beams of the ceiling. Ben sneezed when the dust tickled his nose.

Boxes were shoved haphazardly into piles all over the room, stuffed full and sealed with tape. They walked slowly around the boxes, looking everywhere for anything of interest. One box sat open, some papers and books spilling out from the top.

Abby wondered if there might be any books worth reading inside. She loved to read, though she wasn’t always given the opportunity to do much of it. She owned three books of her own, all of which she had read until she had practically memorized them.

“Look at this,” she said in awe, marveling at the number of books she saw inside. “There are so many…” A beautiful book sat on the top, tilting to the side as if it had been tossed quickly into the box. As soon as her fingers touched the leather cover of midnight blue, she felt something strange. A spark of magic shot through her fingertips and up her arm.

“What is it?” Ben asked quietly.

Abby pulled the big book out and set it on top of the box. “The Realm of Magic,” she replied. The emblem of a golden feather was painted above the title, shining from the light spilling through the attic windows. “Amazing! Do you know what this is, Ben?”

“No?”

“This must have been written by a reverie! They’re the ones Dad told us about, the only ones who have the magic to write stories in the Realm of Magic that actually come true!”

Ben’s eyes widened. “Wow! Are we allowed to read it?”

“Probably not. Reveries aren’t allowed to write anymore, by order of the king. Creatures in Asherath are strengthened by the magic of it, which is considered treason against Haliden.”

Ben pushed his glasses up his nose. “You should put it back. We don’t want to get in trouble.”

Abby nodded, but inside she felt deflated.

The book was so big, so full of adventure, Abby had yet to discover. The small books she owned had been the only escape from her own life’s hardships, a temporary solace when she felt she was drowning in worry. To have a story written by a reverie, revealing glimpses of the Magic Realm, what an amazing thing!

And if she were honest, she’d admit that the idea of reading about the realm only ever told to her by her parents made her feel like she could be close to them once more, even with the risk of punishment.

Surely no one would notice if she took the book and read it. It was, after all, stuffed in a dusty box in an attic for who knows how long. It would be such a waste of a story to leave it where it would never be enjoyed.

Abby’s thoughts were interrupted by Ben’s gentle tug on her sleeve. “Danielle is calling us for lunch,” he said.

She smiled. “You go ahead. I’ll be right behind you. I just have to put these back the way we found them.”

Ben clambered down the stairs and down the hall; his footsteps faded as he made his way to the kitchen. Abby hurried to place each book neatly back inside the dusty box—with one missing from the pile.

She had made up her mind.

She had to read this book, had to know what kind of story could hold the words of a reverie. What kind of creatures were revealed? And how had it come to be in this attic, of all places? She had to know.

She closed the lid of the box and slid the book under her arm, keeping her footsteps light as she went down the stairs. She mustn’t draw attention to herself. When she reached her room, she lifted the mattress and stuffed it underneath, keeping it hidden from prying eyes. Even Ben mustn’t know, just in case.

Tonight.

Tonight, she would begin the mysterious story when everyone was sure to be asleep.

The rest of the day went far too slowly for Abby’s liking. She didn’t know how she ended up helping sweep the leaves off the porch or collecting sticks with her brother into a large pile. She didn’t even know how she managed to smile and thank Danielle for dinner. She only knew she had never been so eager to brush her teeth and burrow deep under her covers, waiting for the stillness of the house when everyone drifted to sleep.

She waited for the soft padding of Ben’s feet to, once again, drift into her room and climb under her covers. Her plans would have been impossible with anyone else, but Ben was the heaviest sleeper she had ever known. Once, a storm had blown through a house so loudly that pictures had crashed to the floor, but Ben had not so much as stirred.

When Abby heard the steady rhythm of his breathing, she wiggled out of the covers and pulled the book from its hiding place. She left only the light beside her bed on the dimmest of the lights in her room. The spark she felt when she first touched the leather cover in the attic happened again. Only this time, she could see the sparks, tiny flecks of gold that made her gasp. She looked at them in wonder, feeling a sense of rightness settle in her chest.

She leaned into the pillows propped against the headboard and opened the book to begin.

I.

The Queen’s Call

The winds blew gently over the countryside of Asherath, swaying the tall grass back and forth. Far to the west, beyond the peaceful land that flowed like a green sea for endless acres, hills stretched up from the earth higher and higher until one could not see what lay on the other side. Only the mightiest of creatures ventured over the hills, for on the other side the ground descended sharply into a crescent-shaped valley, hidden by the hills.

The Arcane Valley.

Though the valley looked serene, danger befell any creature lacking the wisdom to heed the wind’s calling. For if one was not careful, whispers of adventure at the edge of the valley would fade away, revealing the Meer Cliffs plunging to the Emerald Sea below.

The people of the Arcane Valley were brave and kind, seeking to protect the good-hearted from the call of the cliffs while they dwelled in the shelter of their beloved hills.

Two bright blue eyes looked out from a cluster of lush trees on the outskirts of the valley. A young girl with bronze skin and caramel-blonde hair crouched low to the ground, watching the silent valley intently.

“Valora,” a gruff voice said behind the girl. “You will lead the run.”

Valora’s blue eyes sparkled with delight. “Thank you, Cadoc. I won’t let you down.”

The Arcane Valley was home to the Swiftguard warriors who could run as gracefully as gazelles to steer the innocent away from the cliffs. To be a Swiftguard was a great honor, and one Valora strived to attain, even at the young age of sixteen summers. If she could master the sword and lead the run, she would earn the leather armband with the sigil of the golden feather. Then she would be a true warrior of the Magic Realm.

Valora scanned the valley, feeling the wind rustle around the trees that hid her. There it was, the call of the wind. The Meer Cliffs were drawing something closer.

She could feel it in the air.

The ground began to rumble; something was rising beyond the highest hills. Valora’s eyes were fixed on the hilltop, waiting for the start of the run.

It happened in a blink. One moment, there was nothing; the next, a herd of horses burst over the hill, cascading down into the valley. They charged with breathtaking ease, their manes in all shades of black, brown, white, and speckled.

Valora’s hands curled into fists, her muscles aching to run with the beautiful creatures. She had to time it just right. If she ran out too soon, the horses would be spooked and scatter, preventing the Swiftguards from saving them from the cliffs.

The herd reached the center of the valley, and Valora knew it was time. Sprinting from the trees with all her might, she pushed her legs faster until she was running alongside the powerful steeds. She felt the presence of the Swiftguards behind her, all fleet-footed and certain of their purpose. Valora lined herself beside a deep red mare and reached out to grab its mane before leaping effortlessly onto its back.

She had to act quickly now, or there wouldn’t be enough time before they reached the end of the valley. Guiding the mare closer to the herd, she pushed herself up, stood on its back, and leapt onto another. On and on she went, leaping and balancing closer to the front of the herd, until she finally landed on the horse in the lead. She admired the strength of the mare and the beauty of its shiny black coat, more regal than any she had ever seen.

Her gaze flicked ahead at the cliffs coming quickly into view, jolting her focus back to the task at hand. Grabbing the horse’s mane, she led it sharply to the left, guiding the herd out of harm’s way. The magnificent creatures followed the mare as she rode into the safety of the trees with the help of more Swiftguards on their backs.

When the horses slowed to a stop, the people of the valley met them outside their homes built into the hills, smiling and waving.

Valora smiled from ear to ear, her heart full of joy. She slid off the horse’s back and landed softly, her shoes sinking into the thick grass.

“Well done, Valora.”

The young girl turned to see Cadoc’s smiling face. The older man placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’ve done well, child. Your parents would be proud.”

“Thank you, Cadoc.”

The man moved to the black mare and rubbed its nose affectionately. “I have not seen this old friend in a very long time.” His dark eyes met Valora’s with amusement. “You’ve heard of Spiri, the Moon Mare.”

Her jaw went slack. Valora had never seen Spiri but knew of the legendary mare who had freed herself from the clutches of the Isle of Chaos and the beasts within. Never did she think she would see the creature herself.

A cry rose from the people as they pointed to a Swiftguard running frantically from over the hill. Many called to him, but the man did not stop until he reached Cadoc. “Message for you, Cadoc,” he said breathlessly. He placed an envelope in the older man’s hand and stepped back. “It bears the seal of the queen.”

The people murmured and moved closer to Cadoc, eager to hear what words were so important that the queen would send a message to their hidden people.

Cadoc broke the seal and read the message, his eyes widening at the words.

“What word comes from the queen, Cadoc?”

“Tell us what it says!”

“Is something wrong with the queen?”

Cadoc raised his arms and hushed the crowd. “Please. I will share the message.” The older man swallowed and looked at Valora with concern. “Queen Agrath has summoned the warrior Keystone. She has a mission of the greatest importance to all Asherath for him to accomplish.”

The murmurs grew louder, voices overlapping with worry and disbelief.

“We must send another in his place!”

“The queen will not be pleased!”

Cadoc again hushed the crowd. “Quiet, my friends. We must nominate another candidate to stand before the queen in his place.”

“Let me go!”

All eyes flew to Valora, who stood with her shoulders back and chin raised. “It was my father the queen summoned. I should answer the summons to honor him.”

A large man shook his head. “You’re far too small for such a task, girl. Step aside so we can nominate a warrior.”

Valora’s eyes met Cadoc’s. “Please, Cadoc. Allow me to answer the summons for my father.”

The man’s gaze softened. “Only if you agree to forfeit the mission if it’s deemed too dangerous.”

The large warrior who had protested before stepped closer to Cadoc. “She is far too young for this, Cadoc. You may have a soft spot for Keystone’s daughter, but a summons from the queen is no child’s play.”

More protests arose from the crowd.

“Let us not discount how the young can be used for great things, my friends. We all know of Galien the Fearless.”

The people quieted and fixed their gazes on Valora, curious about the young girl’s willingness to appear before the queen.

Valora’s heart pounded, but she knew what she needed to do. She gave him a quick nod. “I will not fail, Cadoc.”

The man bowed his head in respect to the young girl standing so bravely before him. “You have a strong heart, Valora. We wish you a safe journey and return.”

Valora forced a brave face and bowed her head respectfully to all those wishing her safe travels, even as she quickly made her way to her little home to retrieve a leather satchel for supplies and a canteen of water. She had no way of knowing what sort of mission she was to accomplish or if the queen would even allow it.

Her heart ached for the presence of her parents and the wisdom they had always shared when she needed it most. If only her father had not led a small number of Swiftguard to search for a missing cow that had escaped the confines of its pen. The farmer had been frantic, pleading for help from her father. The Swiftguard searched for miles, finally coming upon Hemlock Forest, an ominous place filled with dark beasts. In the end, the cow had found its way back to its owner, but her father had been attacked by an evil creature, succumbing to his wounds soon after he returned. Her mother had been so grief-stricken that she died of heartbreak only months later.

Valora had been well and truly alone, fighting to find her place among her people. No matter what she did, she always felt like an outsider.

The people of the hills gathered outside their homes, awaiting the small girl’s departure from the safety of their land. One stout woman with fiery red hair passed Valora a bundle of food wrapped carefully in cloth. Another handed her a soft blanket rolled neatly for when she must sleep under the stars. After placing the items in her bag, she stood before Cadoc once more.

“It seems you will not make the journey to Summerswind alone. Spiri has volunteered to take you to the queen.” The older man smiled and motioned to the horse standing beyond the crowd. “Be careful, Valora. Hurry back.”

She smiled in return and wound her way through the well-wishers to where the Moon Mare awaited. Her hand touched the silky mane of the beautiful creature. “Thank you, Spiri. It is an honor to travel with you.” The horse bowed her head and nuzzled Valora affectionately.

Once seated on the horse’s bare back, she led Spiri to the top of the hill and turned to see the people of the hills one last time. From young to old, every person placed their right hand over their heart and then lifted it toward Valora, a gesture of goodwill among their people. The young girl returned the gesture and urged Spiri on, disappearing over the highest hills.

What would have been many days across the plains was cut short by the magic of the Moon Mare. For when the moon was highest in the night sky, Spiri could bound across the land with astonishing speed. Valora had overheard Cadoc say he thought it could take three weeks or more to arrive at Summerswind, yet Spiri was able to make it in three days.

The overlook from the plains to where the queen dwelled was more majestic than Valora had ever imagined. The city was brilliant against the backdrop of green land and a blue-and-purple sky.

“There it is, Spiri,” Valora whispered in awe.

The mare wasted no time galloping toward the magnificent city, shining like a beacon over all Asherath.

Spiri confidently trotted through the cobblestone streets lined with buildings covered in beautiful ivy. Flowers spilled out of every window box, in every vibrant color imaginable. People walked up and down the streets alongside creatures from every part of Asherath, most of which Valora had never seen before. She had to remind herself to close her gaping mouth when she spotted the palace gates, where guardians in golden armor stood at attention on either side of the entrance. She dismounted Spiri and swallowed nervously as she approached the towering guards.

“I’m here to see Queen Agrath.” Her voice sounded even more timid than she felt.

“Did the queen summon you?” the gruff voice of a guard demanded.

“Yes. I am Valora of Arcane Valley. I am here by her command.” Valora summoned whatever sliver of courage she held to look him in the eye.

“Follow me.” The man huffed and led her inside the gates, though his quick pace made Valora wonder if he was trying to leave her behind.

The sound of water filled the air as Valora walked past a magnificent fountain before the staircase leading to the breathtaking manor.

The guard came to a halt when a red-bearded man met them at the bottom of the steps. “This girl says she’s here by order of the queen, sir.”

Valora thought the bearded man must be someone of importance, judging by his finely made tunic and the jeweled pommel of his sword. She wondered if he was one of the great warriors she had only heard rumors about.

“I don’t recall a young girl being summoned by Her Majesty,” the man stated.

“I am a Keystone, sir.” She attempted to sound confident despite the tremor in her voice.

His brow arched as he surveyed her. “You are the mighty Swiftguard of the hills?”

She raised her chin. “I come in place of my father.”

“Your father is Keystone? You’re very small for a Swiftguard.”

She opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by a soft voice behind the man.

“Berold, you know as well as I that the greatest things can be accomplished by the smallest creatures.”

Valora’s eyes widened as an older woman gracefully stepped around the man in a pale blue dress that flowed to the ground like ribbons of water. Her bright eyes regarded Valora with quiet amusement until Valora managed to close her gaping mouth.

“You must be Valora. Your father spoke proudly of you.”

A tightness enveloped Valora’s throat at the mention of her father. She managed a nod and swallowed the lump forming there.

“My dear child, where is your father? It was he whom I sent for.”

Valora bowed her head slightly. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. My father was killed in Hemlock Forest. I have answered the summons in his stead, as you said you must have a Keystone.”

Queen Agrath’s silver eyes widened in surprise before she composed herself. “I see. You have my deepest sympathy. Your father was a great warrior and faithful friend. If I had known…” The regal woman regarded her quietly, and Valora felt the weight of the world settle on her shoulders.

“Thank you.”

The queen frowned at the guard who stood watching. “Berold, I fear we must make a new plan without Keystone. Summon the council.”

“It will take a few days to gather them, Your Majesty.”

The queen sighed. “I am aware.”

The man bowed and turned to walk past Valora.

“Wait! Allow me to help, my queen.”

The older woman shook her head. “No, dear. This mission is very risky. You would be in great danger.”

Valora took a step forward. “Please give me a chance. My father taught me well. Allow me to honor him.” When she saw the exchange of doubt pass between the queen and her guard, she felt the opportunity slipping away. “At least give me a short time to try while you work with the council to find another warrior. If I fail, you will have lost nothing.”

Queen Agrath pursed her lips and slowly nodded. “Against my better judgment, I will give you the chance.”

Valora exhaled. “Thank you, Your Majesty. What must I do?”

“Our sources have discovered a reverie trapped behind the walls of Haliden. King Torvius has been sealing all entrances to the human kingdom to prevent anyone from crossing the border. We must find an entrance and bring the reverie to Asherath before Torvius discovers them.”

The young girl looked up in shock. “The border to Haliden is vast…”

The queen smiled. “This is a great task indeed. Find Galien; he may be able to assist you.” The queen turned to walk away before glancing back at the girl once more. “You must hurry. Time is of the essence.”

“But”

Berold stepped forward and motioned her back toward the castle gate. “The queen has told you what you need to know. Now, you must hurry.”

Valora pressed her lips together and nodded before she was shown out of the courtyard. Frustration brimming in her thoughts, she stepped outside the arched entrance. How was she supposed to find the warrior Galien and the hidden reverie in Haliden?

Galien was a warrior of Midmeadow. Surely he would be with his people. The meadows were as vast as the hills leading home, but she was certain she could find them. What she was not certain of was how to evade the creatures inhabiting the meadows.

Valora turned to look back at the arched entrance she had just left. A sigh escaped her. “…the greatest things can be accomplished by the smallest creatures.” The queen’s words echoed in her mind as she squared her shoulders, determined to find the entrance to Haliden.

A gentle nudge against her back drew her attention away from the castle. Her lips curved in delight to find Spiri’s dark eyes looking at her inquisitively.

“Spiri! You stayed.” She rubbed the mare’s nose affectionately. “Will you help me again, my friend? I must find Galien.”

The Moon Mare stomped her hoof and turned to allow Valora onto her back.

The journey had just begun.