Chapter 15: Soaring High

Fidelis stood on the balcony looking out at the land surrounding their temporary home. Ever since Autem had transported them to this new place a year ago, everything had changed. He was a year older but at seventeen he felt like he was an old man. The teenagers and children had adjusted fastest to this strange new world. Going to school had helped.

These humans were surprising in their cleverness and technological advancements. They had to be since they knew nothing of magic. He liked both magic and science. If they ever made it back home, he would love to implement some of the items from this world into their old one.

He smiled when he heard his father's footsteps. "Father."

"Son. Are you skipping dinner again?"

"I am on patrol tonight." He saw his father's frown. "I'll be fine. My guards will be with me."

"I know it is necessary, but I don't like you going."

"I know you don't, but I do it for our people's morale. Since we don't know where Bayrel and his people are hiding, it is something that needs to be done. It is best I go, if only to prove my worth."

"Son, you've proved your worth enough to last several lifetimes."

"Perhaps, but I feel this urge to be out and about tonight. I can't explain. I have this feeling that tonight is going to change things for us."

Mikel frowned at his son's words. Could Autem be meddling with things again? The last time their god intervened they were sent to this strange new world without much magic. Those with low levels of magic had completely lost the use of it. Those with higher mana pools were reduced to about ten to twenty percent of their previous strength. It was humbling and disheartening.

"Your Highness, we are ready."

Fidelis bowed to his father. "I promise to be careful. I'll see you at midnight."

He left, his focus on the task ahead. He would do everything necessary to keep their people safe.

~***~

Serenah put down the book she was reading. Two weeks had gone by since she first woke to this new world. Due to her father's orders, she wasn't allowed to leave the mansion's grounds. She was going stir crazy. Lael had taken her on walks in the gardens, but it wasn't enough.

Back home she would go visit the city or the countryside. She didn't believe that her father was worried about her safety. He only wanted to control her. She sighed and glanced out the window. The sun was setting. It was so beautiful and different from home where they had three suns in the sky.

She stood and rang the bell. Instantly, Lael and Alastar arrived.

"Your Highness."

"I'm going out."

"What?" Lael's confused expression made Serenah grin.

"You heard me."

"Your Highness, your father said you are not to leave the grounds."

"True but that never stopped me before. I want to learn more about this place. I can't do it from reading books and being cooped up in my room."

Alastar took a step forward, his expression unreadable. He regarded her for a moment and bowed. "As you wish, my lady."

She smiled, hurried to the closet, and grabbed a long cloak to cover her dress.

"Lael, make sure no one enters my room. I'm going to put a spell on the door. That should help."

"My lady, be careful."

"I will."

Serenah followed Alastar out of the secret passage that led to the nearby forest. The area they were living in was called High Knob. She thought the name funny because the place did not look like a knob to her or on a map of the place.

They didn't speak until they were a good distance from the mansion.

"Shall we take to the air?"

"Yes, Princess. If you are up to it."

"I've had the urge to leave the room for days now. Thank you for coming with me."

"Always, my lady." He straightened from his bow and released his wings.

Serenah marveled at his beautiful white wings. Her wings by contrast…. She pushed away her wandering thoughts and released her own wings. She felt a twinge and frowned. They were sore because she hadn't used them in a while.

"Ready, my lady?"

"Of course." She jumped into the air, flapping her wings slowly. After a few seconds, the pain from using them faded and she moved higher.

Alastar followed and soon took the lead, taking them south away from the mansion.

Serenah felt happiness filling her. She missed this. In the air, she was free from everything: her father's and sister's derision, the expectations of the temple, and her own low self-esteem. No one would criticize her here.

They were midway above the forest when her hands began to burn. She yelped and hovered midair, clutching her hands to her chest.

"Princess!" Alastar rushed to her side. "Let me see!"

"It hurts!" she whimpered. This pain, she remembered it well. It meant someone nearby was in need of healing. She wasn't sure if she even had her powers in this new world. Now she knew.

"I have to go down there. Someone needs me," she panted. The pain was growing stronger. If she didn't go help the person in need the pain would translate to burns and welts on her hands.

"I understand. I will protect you."

She nodded, folded her wings, and plummeted toward the ground. At the last moment, she opened her wings wide and landed gently on the forest floor. She spread her detection magic and found the heartbeat of a person about half a mile from their position.

"Let's go." She hurried in the direction of the injured. She hoped that she would be in time.