Rising of the Moon - Chapter Four

Picture: Moonflower

- Meeting with the destiny -

He followed her silently into the dark tunnel behind the waterfall. She radiated gentle silver light around her, illuminating the place and making it more visible. The tunnel was coming to its end as he saw the silver light coming from it. A big opening and two moons with sky full of stars started appearing. He shivered. She stopped then, just outside the exit of the tunnel. After approaching a bit more, he saw it. The moon valley.

He didn't know the name of it, but that was the only name it could have on a night like this. It was magical. Like from the fairy tales his mother used to tell him when he was little. Small waterfall was feeding the stream on the west, stream that was making its way through the moonflower valley to enter the lake. Forest, silver in the light of two moons, was covering the northern side. A single cabin was rising from the isle in the center of the lake. Beautifully carved, made out of wood. It fit in perfectly with the nature surrounding it. Isle was covered in moonflowers and it gave away perfumy scent that made him feel like he's in a dream.

But the entire valley with its beautiful nature couldn't compare to the figure standing on top. The most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. Her hair was going down her back in silver waves, her pale skin, flawless, radiated light of its own, her eyes, filled with sorrow, were glistening, shining like the northern star itself. Sadness in her posture only made her look more beautiful and vulnerable. He had the need to hold her in his arms, comfort her, tell her that everything will be good. It wasn't. He knew now that she was from the village his troops destroyed.

The weight of guilt was on him and slowly, he left a single tear escape his eyes. First one since his mothers death so many years ago. It wasn't hard to follow the grief stricken girl. She seemed not to notice anything but the isle in front. He gave up on sneaking and simply walked behind her, not caring if she'll turn around or not. She walked like a ghost, not aware of anything happening around her. Slowly, she entered a single boat tied to the beautiful wooden dock.

Boat was a piece of art work itself. Its front carved into the head of the swan and back decorated to look like a tale of the bird. It was made out of wood, light brown color, and eyes of the swan appeared to be diamonds. He swam after her, going silently through the water. He was a good swimmer and diver. A splash was heard as she jumped onto the shore, the ends of her white gown going wet. She didn't care much, walking instead to, what seemed like a grave.

He saw her shaking head and tears started sliding down her cheeks. He couldn't take it anymore. Ranel got out of the water and started approaching her with shaky legs. Then she collapsed onto the ground, looking through the teary eyes at the grave. A terrible, nonhuman cry left her lips as he was running towards her. It was as if it contained all the sorrow of this world. It hurt him to hear it.

He got to her just as she was passing out, strange look in her eyes before the darkness took over. Ranel, son of Rulan the Great, heir to the Sun throne, future protector of the Leera held in his arms the doom of his kingdom, his fathers greatest enemy and the girl that will turn the course of his life. Finally, he let his tears flow freely as he touched the girls hair. The Sun prince was crying, first time since his mothers death and he knew... He met his destiny.