Junia's pov.
When the Elf king said the only way to come out of the Umbravele is to go out from the same way I came in.
My heart dropped.
I calmed down when I remembered Ashmaris might be dead even if he survived he will be injured, he won't be able to come after me.
That was what I thought.
☆ﾟ.*･｡ﾟ.*･｡ﾟ
The day of my departure came, I was so happy to go home. See my father and make sure our kingdom stands strong and prosperous again.
Arisyn had been sad, since she knew I would be leaving. She had even taken it upon herself to learn a few phrases of my language to communicate with me.
Which was nice, she was actually a good friend, young and vibrant. But I had to leave for my people, that is too important.
She and Lethen had treated me well and also the other elves too which reminded me of Ignara's kindness.
I was allowed to leave if I kept the existence of elves secret and didn't utter a word about them. And I won't go against my words.
Me, Lethen and Arisyn walked to the palace. Arisyn carried a bag of food for my journey on the shoulder which was slumped down because she was sad.
Prince Eldryss will lead me through the forest, him following me will ensure my safety. When we arrived at the palace, the prince was waiting, ready for journey.
The king was by his side, He wore a smile on his face as We exchanged plasentries
"Your Majesty," I bowed to the king.
"Junia." He called, "I personally came to offer you goodbye, We have already made preparations and the forest is ready for you to pass through" The king said."
"Thank you for your help, your Majesty" I replied to him, bowing slightly. Arisyn handed my bag and stepped back.
"You are welcome."
After the king's acknowledgement, I and the prince Eldryss left but not after I said my goodbye to Lethen and Arisyn.
I and the prince Eldryss reached a kind of invisible wall after walking for a while. I bumped into the invisible wall, "something is here" I pressed my hands against the wall and pounding on it.
"That is our protective gate" Prince Eldryss answered as he walked next to me, he used the index finger on his right hand to carve visible runes on the wall. "When an outsider happens to stumble upon this part of the forest won't be able to come in expect we wanted them too"
Just in a second, I stumbled out. The wall was lifted immediately. So the runes are key. I turned to look, but all I could see was trees, thick forest.
So this is how they have been hiding for years, "Smart." I murmured.
"I think the right words are protective" Prince Eldryss said, he is right because the outside world is messed up.
The Elves probably never faced any kind of wall or had to walk on eggshells around the neighboring kingdom.
"We could see outside when we are in there but can't see anything through the wall." I reasoned.
"Yes. We need to start moving" prince Eldryss said, Chills ran through my spine as we walked through.
I felt something—many things watching us. The beasts. They didn't attack us, they just moved behind the trees stealthily.
Waiting.
We finally stopped after a long walk with no rest and constant fear. My legs almost gave out, because the prince made sure we walked faster.
"We have reached the end of the forest and it is kind to make our journey fast." Prince Eldryss smiled.
"Thank you for your hospitality and for saving me." I appreciated it.
"You are most welcome." The prince said, "My father wants you to know that as long as you keep your part of the promise when you are in need of help, you can come to us."
"That is nice of his Majesty, let him know, I really appreciate his offer and will make sure to keep my promise." I smiled. The prince nodded before stepping back.
"Good bye."
"Good bye"
I walked through the rest of the forest and stepped out at the same sea bank, where I was being deceived. I made my way into the city of the dragonhold, I needed to find my way back to my kingdom.
The city was normal, mourning. Maybe they knew about their king's death.
What if he isn't dead?
No one can survive in that forest. I was lucky to be saved by the Elf prince.
I needed directions but I couldn't ask any dragon when I didn't know if Ashmaris had announced that I was missing. I need to be careful.
So I looked for a library instead, I found one and went straight to the history section to look for a book that is based on fairies, hopefully a map that leads there.
The dragonhold was different in many ways from my kingdom, where we survived on a daily basis with magic. People here don't have one. Glancing down at my hand, I realize I have used my magic like I do.
I searched for a long time and by the time I found one book that talked about fairies it was dark already. I skimmed through the pages of the book but couldn't find a map.
The map Ishkara gave to me won't be a real one because she had expected me to die in the forest.
Finally I found a book about the four kingdoms and ripped the maps out, folded it and put them in my bags.
As I walked out of the aisle, a tall woman blocked my way. She is slender and elegant, "I didn't know I still had a person in the. Library—" she paused her words when she realized I am not a dragon. "You are not a dragon?"
"Yes, I am just a traveler passing through." I smiled.
"Ah. traveler. You smell different, all travellers smell almost the same way. "So what caught your attention. What were you reading?" She questions.
"I need to go right now," I said to her.
"So rude of me not to have introduced—" I cut her off by brushing past her and ran straight out of the door.