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The surrounding crowd laughed.
Souhir handed me a goblet filled with milk and stuffed dates to eat. “For strength,” she whispered in my ear.
Gratefully, I accepted it and took a sip. The milk was sweet and refreshing, and the date gave me a boost of energy.
My mother delivered the same message, but with a different tone. “We would’ve done this on your wedding day, but as you’re leaving today, this is the next best thing.”
I nodded and took another sip of milk. I took a moment to savor it before handing the empty goblet back to her.
“I’m ready,” I said, and the room erupted in cheers once again.
I was led outside with a procession of people behind me. My family and friends followed, singing and dancing. The mood was light and joyous, befitting of a send-off.
The street was filled with cheering people, and it got louder as I approached the gate. Stepping on the bright red petals that were scattered throughout my path, I knew that this was only the beginning.
I met a group of children as I approached the gate. They each handed me a flower before running back to their parents. Roses, lilies, and jasmine. Symbolizing love, purity, and grace.
As I walked through the gate, I turned and looked at my home one last time. Its walls were high and strong, as they had stood for centuries. They would continue to stand long after I was gone.
It would be a long time before I saw it again, but Rossertham would be my new home now.
And I would make it my own.
“Farewell, Thimsal!” the children shouted as I passed through the gates.
At the gates, the Caid waited for me. In his hands a chest. It contained the supplies I requested. If we were going to do it the old-fashioned way, I might as well start with an ancient ceremony to bless my new life.
The Caid handed me the chest. The weight of it was reassuring. We didn’t need weapons to win this. We needed heart and soul.
Flutes and drums played as we stood outside.
“Is he here yet?” I asked the Caid.
He shook his head. “Nor will he be.”
I ignored the murmurs from the crowd.
“Bers will bring you to the capital,” the Caid said. “May the sun always shine on your path.”
People parted for Bers as he approached. Many of them had never seen an Elf before, and the sight of him was enough to make them take a step back.
I took a moment to look at the surrounding people, really look at them. This could be the last time I saw some of them. The thought made my heart ache.
Bers gave me a faint smile as he lifted his fingers to his chin. “You look lovely. I will escort you to Rossertham, princess.”
I inclined my head in return. “How long will it take? Will we go by boat?”
He shook his head.
That filled me with dread. No trains or boats. We were going to have to travel by horse. It would take weeks, possibly months.
“How long will it take?” I asked again, steeling myself for the answer.
He smiled at me. “I will get you there in one minute.”
He twisted his hands, and a portal opened. The crowd gasped and I couldn’t help but take a step back. I didn’t know it was possible to open a portal without the use of a ley line and several hearth casters.
The portal was a swirling mass of colors, like something had ripped apart a rainbow and placed it back together again. It was mesmerizing and beautiful, but it also scared me. That amount of power was dangerous in the wrong hands.
