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She could not stay.
ChapterTwenty-Four
SERRA
As I made my way through the towering stone columns, my footsteps echoed off the polished marble floor. The sound bounced back at me, reminding me of the emptiness of the space around me. The scene that awaited me was both beautiful and eerie, as if it was hiding a dark secret within. A once-grand manor house perched on top of a hill, overlooking the surrounding land, now stood in shambles. The windows were shattered, and the balcony that once stood proudly now lay in ruins. The stonework was weathered, and the walls were covered in vines and moss. Yet, it was not the dilapidated building that caught my attention.
Before me lay a vast orchard, stretching out for miles. Rows upon rows of trees that seemed to go on forever. It was an awe-inspiring sight, and I couldn't help but feel small in comparison to the massive expanse before me. Descending the hill, I marveled at the sheer variety of trees in the orchard. Some I recognized, but many were entirely unfamiliar to me. Dozens of different species were all gathered into one place, spread out over acres and acres of land.
There were fruit trees of all kinds, laden with ripe, juicy fruit, as well as nut trees, their branches heavy with almonds, walnuts, and chestnuts. Some trees were covered in delicate, fragrant flowers, while others boasted vibrant leaves of every color imaginable. Silver trees glinted in the sunlight, and gold trees shimmered as if made of the precious metal.
Continuing to walk through the orchard, an enigmatic scent lingered in the air, teasing my senses. A mixture of sweetness and earthiness, with hints of spice and musk, it was familiar yet elusive, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Down the rows of trees, I took in the different varieties of fruits and nuts, the scent of peaches, pears, and plums mingling with the sweet aroma of apples. Some trees had leaves infused with a subtle fragrance, adding to the overall atmosphere of the orchard. The scent grew stronger, almost intoxicating, drawing me deeper into the orchard.
It seemed to change with each step I took, revealing new layers and dimensions that left me in awe. But for the life of me, I could not place it. The scent became stronger, almost overwhelming, as I walked deeper into the orchard. I felt like I was on the verge of recognizing it, but it remained elusive.
As I reached out to touch one of the trees, the bark felt rough under my fingertips, and I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size of it. The trunk was wider than any tree I had ever seen before, and the branches seemed to stretch out endlessly. The leaves rustled in the wind, making a gentle, soothing sound that made me feel at peace.
However, I noticed something strange. Despite the vast size of the orchard, there were no workers tending to the trees. I saw no carts of harvested fruit or tools left leaning against the trunks. It was as if the orchard was thriving all on its own. The more I walked, the more I became entranced by the orchard. The smell of the fruit and the mystery scent had enveloped me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and contentment. It was as if the orchard was a world of its own, and I was simply a visitor passing through.
I’d only glanced over once and had to look again. What stared back at me caused me to pause. My brows furrowed in confusion as my mind tried to understand what I was seeing. There was a face in the bark of the tree. Its eyes blinked at me as I stared at it, and it back at me.
“It is very rude to stare.”
Startled that it spoke, I apologized quickly. “Oh. Oh I do apologize. But. . . I’m just wondering what you are.”
The tree quivered as it pushed itself out, its head and torso made of branches. Where hair should be, were twigs and leaves. Its eyes were a radiant violet. Its knobby fingers braced against the tree. But it spoke again, its voice scratchy, “We are the Guardians, moreover, the guardians of the trees. We care for the trees. We protect the trees. But for all we do, the trees are still dying.”
“Dying? Why?”
“Because our world is dying. It has been. Although we have been asleep these last decades, darkness has crept into the land. It’s killing our trees, killing us. Pulling our life source from within. We could sense change, whispers on the winds even now. It has reached our ears and many of us suspect that it has something to do with you. . . You have caused us to awaken. A stirring, to see the damage.”
“Who is responsible? Why are you dying, where did the darkness come from?” I pushed, stepping closer to the guardian.
The bark on its head and arms stood, “I’ve already said too much. If he were to hear me. . .”
“Who?” I urged.
The creature disappeared into the bark of the tree again. Fading away until there was nothing, “Wait, who?”
Its last words echoed through the orchard.
“Save us.”
One more thing on my list of curiosities, one more question, another mystery to solve. Another creature in this dream of impossibilities. I looked around the orchard again. In the trees, in the sky above me, the sun was starting to paint the sky in gold and reds. Another day had gotten away from me. Another day was about to end. Beside me a tree of silver tinkled. The breeze caused the pieces that hung from its branches to clatter. The sound vibrated like a wind chime. I reached out to touch them, to pluck one from the branch.
Holding it within my hand I examined the piece but as I did so it changed. The whole orchard did. The silver had turned to dust under my touch, the gold fizzled out. The fruit withered and burst under my gaze. The smell I could not place earlier was more pronounced. I realized that I had finally recognized the mysterious scent that had eluded me earlier. It was the smell of magic, of something otherworldly and powerful. It was death and decay.
The flowers from a nearby tree drifted on an invisible wind, as if they were raining, caught up in the force. A flurry of them cascaded down in front me. I felt his presence everywhere, his existence grounded me, it wasn’t long before my eyes found him.
It was him, it was always him.
The flowers settled down around his feet, his hair fluttered in the breeze that caressed my skin. Kissed my cheeks, said hello as we gazed at each other. His eyes were intense as he stared back. He did not speak to me. We stood in silence for a moment, the butterflies in my stomach causing it to flutter and flip.
“Hello, Princess.”
His voice caused a chill to run down my spine again. Why does it keep doing that? My breath lodged itself in my throat as he stood there, leaning against the trunk of a fruit tree. He was resplendent in his choice of dress today.Dressed in a dark green doublet with bright gold stitching. The colors brought out his eyes, his hair. His black trousers were tucked into the tops of the polished boots. Without a cloak, I could see the broadness of his shoulders, the muscle I knew ran down his arms. The muscles in his torso flexed as he righted himself. I could not help but watch.
“Hello.” My voice came out as a squeak. I was unsure of what he wanted from me, but at the same time his aura was magnetic, and I found it hard to resist his pull.
