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“I haven’t ridden you in ages, girl,” I whispered to her, bringing our noses together. She neighed softly in response. “You have to help me remember how to do this, OK?”
She didn’t say anything to this. She didn’t have to. A couple of minutes later, both Adrian and I were galloping away from the castle. Darkness was slowly descending, and the world around us seemed to blur into a rush of colors and sounds. The night enveloped us shortly after, and the moon cast a silvery glow over the winding forest path we were riding through. The rhythmic beat of the horses’ hooves reverberated through the silent woods, accompanied by the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze.
My heart pounded in my chest as I clung desperately to the reigns, my hair flowing like a sparkling river behind me. I would occasionally turn to Adrian, his determined expression cutting through the darkness around us, leading the way. The shadows flickered from every corner, the branches like demon claws threatening to grab us. I tried to banish those thoughts from my mind, as I looked on ahead of me.
I couldn’t help but think of father as well, and the heaviness pressed on me, leaving him behind in such dire times. But I knew this was for the good of everyone. Without me even noticing it, the thoughts of my father were replaced by the gravity of the situation. Seeking refuge with the witch was a dangerous mission, but I trusted Adrian to guide us safely through the night.
The forest seemed to come alive around us, the nocturnal creatures of the night stirring in the underbrush. A lone owl hooted from a nearby branch, its haunting call adding an eerie touch to the atmosphere that was already black enough. But neither of us faltered. We pressed on, fighting the fear that threatened to consume us.
As the trees began to thin, I finally caught sight of the witch’s humble home. It was a small, secluded cottage, its walls adorned with intricate symbols and charms. I figured it wasfor protection. A faint light emanated from within, beckoning mysteriously.
Even the horses had slowed down to a gentle trot, as if sensing the presence of magic in the air. We dismounted our horses, our footsteps soft on the path leading to the entrance of the cottage. My heart clenched with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Sensing my unrest, Adrian turned to me and took me by the hand. Our gazes locked.
“It’ll be fine,” he said, with a smile.
I smiled back, nodding.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Adrian
The truth was, I had no idea how the witch would react. We hadn’t spoken of this, of me bringing Lilith here. But if she were as wise as everyone claimed her to be, she would know that this was our last resort, and she would not turn us away.
Those were my thoughts as I stood with Lilith’s hand in mine, knocking on the door to the witch’s cottage. My heart was beating inside my throat. I knew we could be turned away from here, and if we were, I didn’t know where we would go. I prayed that she would see the urgency in our plea and grant us shelter.
A moment later, the door opened just a little. That knowing eye peered from inside, seeing me, then Lilith.
“Is she the one?” she asked, without opening the door further.
“Yes,” I confirmed.
She hesitated. Then, she finally bid us to come in. We rushed inside, as the warm glow of the candlelight spilled all around us. The cottage interior was warm and cozy. I watched as Lilith stood in awe at all the mystical artefacts and books, which seemed to create an atmosphere brimming with ancient energy.
The witch closed the door behind us, her eyes deep and mysterious as the night sky that we left behind us. I turned to her, expecting her to speak, but instead, her gaze was fixated on Lilith. There was a knowing twinkle in her gaze, as if she knew everything that had happened without us telling her a single word of it.
“Welcome,” she said, her voice soft but resolute. “You are safe here.”
Lilith walked over to her respectfully. “Thank you for welcoming us. We are grateful for your kindness and protection.”
The witch smiled, Obviously, good manners were the key to winning her over. She turned to me. “It’s been a while since I met such a well-mannered princess. A human princess, at that.”
“You are very kind,” Lilith replied courteously.
“Might I offer you two some refreshments?” Evangeline asked. “I have some tea of my own making. It is perfect for weary travelers.”
“Yes, please,” Lilith said. I merely nodded.
“Make yourselves comfortable while I brew the tea,” Evangeline suggested, and we proceeded to sit around a wooden table. Lilith seemed a little apprehensive, but she was curiously glancing all around. Evangeline moved slowly around the small kitchen area, her skilled hands selecting an assortment of dried herbs and flowers from glass jars, which stood on a shelf in front of her.
No one spoke for the time being, as the aroma of herbs filled the room, evoking a sense of tranquility. Lilith’s eyes were darting from one object on the wall to another. Everything interested her. I remembered being like this the first time I arrived here as well. But now, I was watching Evangeline. Her body was small, but nimble, as she drew the knowledge from her mind, placing ingredients into a teapot. The tea leaves released their essence into the water, creating a fragrant infusion that seemed to resonate with the ancient magic that permeated the cottage. With gentle care, the witch poured the tea into two small cups, and a soft steam wafted upwards, carrying with it a promise of solace. Slowly, she brought the tray over to us and placed it on the table.
“Here you go,” she said. “Sip it slowly. Let the magic of nature embrace your soul. It will help you find peace in these troubling times.”
The tea looked steaming hot, but Lilith took the cup and brought it to her lips, blowing gently. Moments later, she took a careful sip.
“It is wonderful,” Lilith said, her voice hushed, like everything else in this cottage, almost as if speaking too loudly might break the magic of the moment. “Thank you so much.”
“You are both guests in my humble abode,” Evangeline told us. “It is my pleasure to offer what little comfort I can.”
