Rising of the Moon - Chapter Eleven

@ Rave J: Here, hope you like it. Sorry for delay. : )

Chapter eleven

- Arrival -

Leana couldn't take her eyes off him. Sun just came out and was coloring his figure to gold. Stallions hair was also glistening in the morning sunrays that were going through the branches of the tree under which she was sitting just last night. It seemed like eternity passed since then. She found it funny how her entire life could change in a matter of hours. Moments... She didn't quite understand what she was getting in to. But at least now she had something to live for.

She looked at the prince. That man changed her life in every way possible. She no longer considered him responsible for what happened to her village, but she couldn't forget that he was there... And that he couldn't do anything to stop them. But he also brought her back to life in a way. She couldn't ignore that fact, either. She was in his debt, and she didn't like being in debt.

- "I missed you too, old friend. " She heard him say with a smile.

- "Old friend? You can talk to him? " She was a bit confused. Horse was very big, magnificent. Completely black with shiny hair. She has seen a lot of horses going through her fathers workshop, but this one was the most beautiful she has ever seen.

- "No, not with words... And not the way you communicate with your wolves. But we feel each-other. He can sense when I'm feeling happy or sad or excited. And I tend to talk to my animals and see them as friends. I have to warn you of Arnanel. "

- "Is he another one of your friends? " she asked with a smile.

- "You'll see... He can fly. And he tends to behave unfriendly to strangers... "

- "So does Ruth. " she said while narrowing her eyes.

Ranel just grinned at that: - " Ready to go? " he asked while jumping at the big horse at the same time. He was sitting on the horses back and offered her his hand.

- "Seriously? You expect me to ride behind you? You couldnt've found a horse for me? "

- "Shadow is big enough to carry us both. He can run long distances without getting tired, and no horse is able to keep up with him. " he said, still holding his hand. " Coming? "

- "I'd rather walk. " She said with slight annoyance to her voice. " No offense to the Shadow. " She smiled at the beautiful black horse and petted him gently.

- "Fine. Suit yourself. "

Prince remained seated on horse and gently made him move forward. Horse was walking slowly, giving her time to follow them. She was silent, angry at him for letting her walk. /"Some prince he is..."/ she thought to herself. Her head was swarming with mixed thoughts. It was all too much for her. Memories flooded her mind, feelings she refused to admit she had. Not much has passed when she noticed that the horse stopped. Ranel was looking at her, also slightly annoyed.

- "You win... I can't let you walk. You take the horse and I'll walk, if it bothers you that much to ride with me. " he said that while landing on the soft grass.

- "You just want to make me feel guilty. " she stated, with determined expression. " I will not ride your horse. "

- "Don't make me force you. I don't want to use magic on you. We should hurry. Walking is not an option. " his voice was now firm.

- "Oh, I didn't know I'm your prisoner. I dare you making me... " her expression was indeed daring. She didn't realize why she treated that man the way she did. She knew how childish her behavior was, yet she couldn't help it. And his constant calmness was indeed frustrating.

- "You asked for it. " With an elegant wave of his fingers, she felt air tighten around her wrists and lifting her on horse back. Stallions back were surprisingly comfortable. She didn't make a sound and she was proud of her calm expression even though in her head she was screaming in the terror. The touch of magic was strange. She never felt anything like that before. Yet she kept her composure.

- "I will not ride with you, since you refuse to. But I'll be able to walk much faster. With your promise not to jump off Shadows back, I'll release you. "
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The only reason why he was so patient with her was because of all she went through. But he couldn't suffer any more delay. It took her couple of moments to finally nod her head. He released her from the air bonds. He half expected her to jump off the horse and run away, but she didn't. She just sat there on Shadows back, looking calm.

- "You can ride with me. It will be much faster. " she said, still radiating calmness.

He jumped on the horse without saying a word. When he was cozily on his back, Leana placed her hands around his waist. Chills raced down his spine and he was barely able to keep himself from jumping in surprise. Her cold hands felt good against his warm body. Shadow started running at that moment. He was truly as fast as the wind. He felt her body coming even closer to his. / " Am I imagining or is her heart beating just as strong. "/ Ranel wondered. For his heart was ready to jump out of his chest. He was afraid to even try to speak as they rode towards the castle. / " It's going to be a long ride. " / He thought to himself.
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Evening was nearing as Leana was holding tight to the prince. His body radiated warmth and it felt good on the chilly wind. Horses speed thrilled her as much as it frightened her, but she was keeping her face smooth and emotion free. Her heart was beating strongly in her chest, but she didn't care if he could feel it. She was holding tight, keeping herself warm. Strangely, not a single word came out of his mouth during their way to the town. She was grateful for that, even though she had so many questions.

She's never been in the palace. She didn't know how to behave like a lady. After a while, she chased away those thoughts and started noticing the surrounding. The reason for that was faint glistening on the horizon. She was looking intently in that direction. Sun was setting, making the town look like it was on fire. She closed her eyes for the light was to strong. Next time she opened it, she could see the fine details on the town walls.

It was a golden fortification. Palace was glistening on the top of the hill just as the sun was spilling the last of its rays on the walls and houses made of gold. The sunlight finally disappeared and she realized that it was only an optical illusion. Town was made of stone, but it was still giving away beautiful glow. She noticed the green mixing with gold and silver as they were approaching the massive gates. Palace was indeed made of gold, and so were roofs in the richer parts of the town. More modest houses had white roofs.

- "Welcome to Langarth. " prince simply said as they were passing the gates.