The Medallion

When Rodya returned to her room after the ceremony, she collapsed into a chair, exhausted. It was always like that afterwards. She was drained of all her energy when she used her magic to create water. Everyone who watched her thought her dance was just a tribute to the rain, but it was more than that. She gave herself ultimately, and it weakened her every time.

She pulled up her chestnut hair as she fanned herself, and her beautiful brown eyes closed in weariness.

“High Priestess, what can I do to relieve you?”

- Water, Dianne, please... Water...

The latter hastened to obey. But as Rodya was drinking her water, she noticed a small circle of light at her feet, which disappeared after a moment. This was repeated three times.

Suddenly she remembered...

- The signal!

- What did you say priestess?

- Dianne, I would like to be left alone, for a while. Watch the door and if anyone wants to come in, tell them I'm resting. No one should disturb me. Is that clear?

- I am at your service.

When Rodya was sure she was alone, she clapped her hands three times, and the two elves appeared in front of her. She bowed immediately:

“Princess Rodya! What civilities! We are friends, however, despite the number of years. It's nice to see you again, especially considering the way we parted last time, he replied, bowing in turn. You haven't aged a bit, but you seem exhausted! Let me perk you up, quick.”

He took his gourd and poured some of his mixture, into his glass of water and handed it to her, smiling. Rodya didn't hesitate for a second, she drank it in one gulp, as a golden aura formed around her, as she soared into the air. When she got back downstairs, she looked younger, and the tiredness was no longer visible on her face.

- Your Highness! You shouldn't have… Could it be?...

- Yes, Princess Rodya! It is indeed the water of the great tree of our beloved fairy mother, which sends you best regards! I always take some with me when needed, and I am happy to share it with you. After all this time, that’s the least it can be. I think you know why we are here...

She nodded saddened. The day she dreaded so much had come too quickly. Her eyes filled with tears. She had no choice. The Elven King and his brother hadn't come all the way to argue! Today she will be separated from her niece…

How separated she had been from her sister that day! What suffering it had been! With her throat tied, she replied:

- I am genuinely honoured that her lordship, the fairy mother Melyarie, still remembers me. You will thank her warmly for me. I know that you have always looked after us, despite everything.

- I will not fail; be sure. However, I bring you some very dark news that we dreaded so much happened two months ago. Demons out of nowhere attacked us without warning. They were guided by a man who loudly proclaimed that he was the son of Prince Elynor.

- Oh, no! I believed that when he died, this absurd war was over.

- Unfortunately, we believe so, too, said Ofyr instead of his brother. But this is not the case! We defended ourselves as best we could, but the Fairy Queen weakened from a blow, unbeknownst to her. We need help. The only ones who can do it are...

- The twins of prophecy. Hyra and Hyrio, Rodya whispered with a sigh.

She truly wished that day would never come. Yet, she knew better than anyone that no one could control fate. Considering the situation, the Sacred Forest Elyra deserved to be preserved, and all the life it protected. Therefore, they would need all the help they can get to make it happen.

“I understand perfectly. If you allow me, I have a request to make to your majesties. Hyra has a friend she is particularly fond of, and it is Princess Kahelle, the cousin of the prince of this kingdom. She is a great warrior who will serve you well on the journey that awaits you. Could you take her with you? She is someone you can trust. She has been orphaned from a young age, and King Amolyn has agreed to take her in ever since. She's like a sister to Hyra. I am even sure that when she finds out the truth, she will follow you willingly.”

The two brothers looked at each other, puzzled. The existence of their world has never been revealed to the world since that famous battle. However, it had to be recognized that more help would not be too much.

“Since you trust her, we will do the same. Moreover, I am sure that Princess Hyra will be delighted, and therefore more inclined to follow us. I know this is very difficult for you! Your bravery that day will save more than two lives now. You have lost your sister: Princess Achyra, and your brother-in-law: the sorcerer prince Desylor, in bad circumstances. If this is any consolation to you, know that they had a burial worthy of their ranks, their graves lying side by side, blessed by the forest.”

Rodya couldn't hold back her tears, hearing this. Her darling sister… She missed her terribly! She could still see her pierced body, stretched out in a pool of blood, and her mouth which painfully murmured these few words, which would mark her forever:

“Go away! Go quickly! Take care of my children! I love you, little sister!”

Rodya had howled in dismay, but there was nothing she could do but run as far as she could with the twins, aided by all the creatures of this beautiful and resplendent forest, which she had learned to love and respect.

She has hated Prince Elynor with all her might, and even after his death, she still resented him for taking the lives of those she loved. She had never been able to grieve naturally. Lydar gently handed her a handkerchief, as she sniffed:

“Thank you, your highness! You know time will not erase this wound. Achyra…”

His voice trailed off for a moment in emotion:

“My sister would be so proud of her daughter today. She looks exactly like her, you'll see. She has her intelligence, her vivacity, her humour and her daring. Finally, it relieves me to know that his children will be able to right the wrong caused by this terrible prince.”

Lydar nodded solemnly:

- I pray this war can end on a much more positive note. We need to keep hope above all else. Only, I would like to know if Princess Hyra knows her true nature?

- No, I was going to tell her today. I just told her his story as a legend. She doesn't know. She is the Moon Princess. His brother Hyrio, on the other hand, knows everything. He is safe with my older sister, the Queen Pahela, in Lyrannir, two days away.

- We will get him, and I will take it upon myself to tell Princess Hyra the truth because we should be leaving tonight, the Elven king warned, watching the sun go down through the open window.

“You are right. I will find Princess Kahelle.”

Suddenly the two brothers bowed respectfully to her as Lydar spoke again:

”Before we leave, we would like to salute once again your wisdom and your ardour, which will once again prove their worth in these troubled times. I will come back personally to pick up your son and you as soon as everything is back to normal, which we firmly hope. I give you my word.”

Rodya smiles reassured as she bows in turn:

“You see me, delighted! I am sure that all will be well. Already, I wish you a good trip, and I entrust you without fear, my little Hyra and her brother Hyrio.”

A few moments later, she warned her attendant, who returned accompanied by Princess Kahelle. The latter was surprised to see elves for the first time. She didn't know what they were doing there, but as soon as they told her everything, she reacted with gusto and enthusiasm:

“It will be a real honour! I always knew my friend was special. I will be happy to be able to help you. I will prepare myself right away. I'll let you warn my uncle, King Amolyn, Auntie if you don't mind. I promise to protect our dear Hyra. My sword is his!”

As she unsheathed her sword in the heat of the moment, making Princess Rodya laugh, Ofyr, who had admired her ever since her arrival, blushed at the sight of her. He didn't know why, but Kahelle intimidated him, just as she commanded respect. He had never seen a woman dress like a man, but it had to be said that her riding outfit suited her perfectly. She looked bold and fearless as if nothing could stop her. Oddly enough, he felt the need to get her attention:

“Princess Kahelle, take the bare necessities, please. The road is long.”

When she laid eyes on him, he blushed even more, but that didn't stop him from diving into her beautiful caramel eyes. He could get lost in it for a long time...

She smiled sweetly at him, assuring him that she would make sure to wear just the right things. Even though their exchange had been brief, it warmed her heart.

Lydar, who was watching them, laughed at him as soon as Kahelle left the room.

Rodya, on the other hand, gave orders for Hyra to be prepared. She also had horses saddled, with provisions for the road.

When Hyra regained consciousness, she was surprised to see her trunk being prepared. She asked why, but no one could answer her. She noticed, however, that these were travelling clothes, which she was made to wear. When Rodya arrived, she exclaimed in relief:

“Mother! I do not understand what is happening! We leave?!”

The latter grieved, opening the small chest she was holding in her hands. Inside was a medallion that shone brightly. It was a turquoise necklace topped with a gold crescent moon, which hung a small, pure blue buckle. It was beautiful… Rodya threw it around her neck:

- My darling, this a gift from your birth parents for your third birthday. It’s the only item you wore that famous day before we fled. I kept it giving it to you at the right time. He will provide you with the strength you need, reminding you that love always triumphs over evil.

- But mother… What are you talking about?

- It suits you wonderfully. You must go now, with the King of the Elves and his brother Ofyr.

Elves?!! Hyra did indeed remember. She hadn't dreamed of it after all... Yet how did her mother know them? And why did she have to go with these strangers? Today, too?! Too many questions were racing in her head...

Panicked, with tears in her eyes, she cried :

- Tell me what's going on. I can't leave you now! And Mylan, my younger brother, is he coming with me?

- No, he's staying here. We will not be able to accompany you to where you are going. King Lydar and Kahelle will reveal to you all you need to know. You will continue this journey on your own from now on, but never forget that we love you very much and that you have to believe in yourself. I'm glad I was able to raise you, and I'm so proud of you. Remember all my instructions, and follow them every day. We will meet again in due course. Your heart is right, Hyra, and I am sure you will succeed! It's not farewell. It's goodbye. Come back to me, safe and sound, my child.”

Hearing these few words, the latter could not hold back her tears any longer. Rodya hugged her tenderly, crying in turn. They stayed like that for a while until Kahelle came to pick her up.

“We are ready. They are waiting for us at the stable.”

After a final hug, to the one she had always considered her mother, Hyra followed her heartbroken friend. Today she was leaving everyone behind. Today she was leaving hers. She had a hunch at that precise moment, that her vision was going to come true. Soon…