Mystic Quest

Chapter 25

Emerys' eyes brightened as the sight of his natal village washed other the group. It felt so good to be home, especially knowing how close to the final battle he and his friends were. He glanced around at his companions and friends, blushing faintly as he saw their fond smiles. If anyone had told him he would make such good friends during his quest for revenge, he would have laughed at their face.

But here he was, some months after he started his journey, accompanied with the best friends he could have ever hoped for and ready to see his parents.

The young magician lead the way through the village, smiling faintly as many of the villagers recognized him and greeted him with wave of their hands. A faint chuckle escaped his lips when he noticed the awed look his friends gave to all the stalls. The festival had already started, merchants calling for a peek at their goods while others proposed fun games.

It felt obvious they would have quite the choice to buy supplies as well as have a good time.

“Lyria!”

The whole group turned together at the sound of female voice calling for the angel; and Emerys felt like someone had frozen him in place. His breath caught for one second as a woman approached, waving her hands with a beautiful smile. His heart quickened its pace as his eyes trailed up and down, taking into the auburn hairs and amber eyes before smouldering the gentle curves. Finally, his gaze went back to the gorgeous face, watching as the woman stopped in front of Lyria with disbelieving eyes.

Lyria's eyes brightened in recognition before throwing herself into the woman's arms for a hug. “Aurora!”

The name sounded like bliss into Emerys' ears; and the young magician realized there and then that love had blossomed into his heart.

But how? How could he love someone he had only set eyes upon seconds ago?

Amber eyes fell on him and the soft face flustered. A faint shy smile was directed at him before the woman drew her attention back to Lyria as they separated from their hug.

And Emerys realized he didn't need to find an explanation. He had fallen at first sight, and felt no wish to get up. Only... Was it really normal to feel this way?

The magician snapped out of his thoughts as Aurora's melodious voice reached his ears.

“It's been so long! What has become of you?”

Lyria chuckled. “Indeed. Well, as you can see, I made some friends.”

Aurora gazed from one person to another with a kind smile, lingering on the magician. Then, surprise crossed her face as her eyes landed on Myrdryn. “Oh! It's nice to see you again, your majesty.”

Myrdryn grinned. “I agree, your highness.”

Yuna, Solarys and Emerys widened their eyes. “Highness?” They spluttered in one voice.

Lyria giggled. “Aurora is the Valkyrias' princess. She's a childhood friend of mine, but we lost contact when I went to live with Myrdryn.”

“So it is the Emperor of the dragons that saved you? I knew you had to be alive when I didn't find your body.”

“Myrdryn did take me in when he find me. But I wouldn't have been alive if I wasn't spared, for some sick wish to fight against me later.”

Realization hit the valkyria. “Does this mean you are the White Lady?”

As Lyria nodded, Yuna blurted out, “How do you know about this?”

The swordsman blushed when the amber eyes snapped toward him. The young woman chuckled. “Valkyrias are half human half angels. I'm not surprised though that you seem to not know about my kin. While the other species appear in legends, Valkyrias thought better not to. We are half human after all, and it felt... better, I guess, to completely hide our existence.”

“Well, we sure have a lot of royalty as friends.” Emerys deadpanned.

Aurora let out a startled laugh, looking with appreciation at the magician. “So, what are your names?” she asked, a bit shyly.

“Ah, I-I'm Emerys.”

Solarys bit back a giggle at Emerys' flustered face and decided to save him. “And I'm Solarys.”

“My name's Yuna.”

“Well, please to meet you all! Lyria's friends are mine too!” Aurora looked at Myrdryn. “Are you travelling with them too?”

The dragon nodded. “They were chosen by a prophecy. We are getting very close to the demons King's den. I decided to join them.”

“What! I'm going from surprise to surprise here!” Aurora became thoughtful. “I just found back Lyria and now I'm learning she has to fight the demon King? I just can't...” A grin formed. “I can't leave you now, can I?”

Lyria brightened. “You mean... You're coming with us?”

“You bet I am!”

And Emerys' treacherous heart accelerated with joy. The magician was so, so doomed…

To be continued...