《Gwenn Mordredae》


 Theres no going back now

    Prologue


    Gwenn was awake a long time before she opened her eyes. Normal dreams clouded her memory until she remembered everything that''d just happened. She bolted into a sitting position - which was a terrible idea - the pain that coursed through her whole body screaming at her for sitting up. She couldn''t lay back down though since the pain was settling itself in her current position. Without warning, someone pushed her back on the bed, reawakening the pain again. She winced, letting it settle again and decided to focus her attention on her surroundings instead of sitting up.


    She was in a small room, its walls and floor made of . . . pure tree bark. There was a doorway to her right - a curtain instead of a door. She searched the room for whoever had rudely shoved her back. Her eyes fell onto Kihwek, who was standing beside her.


    "W-why did you push me so hard!?"


    He laughed, a sound that anyone in earshot couldn''t help but smile too.


    "You suck the life out of a great oak tree to heal the enemy of centaurs and humans alike that almost killed you and the first thing you ask is why I pushed you?"


    He laughed again - she''d cracked him up. He shook his head, a wide grin on his face. She hadn''t noticed them before, but she realized he had long, pointed ears. When he looked up at her, his eyes were bright blue - they reminded her of an icy sea or a pale blue sky.


    "Where are we?"


    Okay, this isactually chapter one now


    Gwenn, a sixteen-year-old girl with mysteriously colorful brown eyes and red curly hair that reached her waist, was walking home from school. The streets of New York were filled with people today - especially beggars and musicians. Gwenn had passed this particular spot for three years, but she still hadn''t managed to talk to the regular-attending musicians that sat on the ground just outside of a coffee shop. When she was feeling really confident, she''d give them a small smile. Today she was going to step far out of her comfort zone and tell them what she''d been thinking for the last three years. She always recited it in her head,By the way, I love your music! And then hand them a few dollars.


    She pulled in a deep breath as she started getting close to their usual spot. She clutched a couple of dollars in her sweaty hand.Come on Gwenn, pull it together. Today is going to be different. Her heart pounded in her ears as she bit her lip - her nervous habit. The three musicians sat on the ground playing instruments of various sizes. They were nice people, always giving a smile to the New Yorkers that walked by. There was no reason for her to be afraid. She turned on her heels when she reached them. The group was only a few feet away now. Her heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt.


    Even though she was too far away, she started reaching her hand out with the money inside. The words were forming on her lips. Then one of them noticed her, giving her a big smile. Her hand shook as she held it out. She was about to take another step forward but her anxious thoughts stopped her and she turned around and walked with the crowd - guilty and embarrassed as ever.


    When she got to her apartment, her mother was in the kitchen, cooking them some dinner. Gwenn let her backpack fall to the floor with a heavy thump before flopping onto their small couch.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Hey, Gwenn! How was school, honey?"


    Gwenn - her face buried in the couch cushions - shook her head in despair. Her mom put on her pity face, wiping her hands on her apron and walking over to the couch.


    "That bad?"


    Gwenn sat up, her hair messed around now.


    "It wasn''t the school that was hard. It was the painful moment I wasted trying to give the musicians."


    Her mom rubbed her back, letting out a sigh.


    Something important to know about Gwenn''s family. She had an older sister named Thalia - who was adopted - and her dad had left the three of them a long time ago.


    After dinner, Gwenn worked on her homework in her room, happily forgetting about everything wrong with her day.


    The next morning, Gwenn decided not to worry about communicating with people and left in a cheerful mood. She took the long way to school, purposely avoiding the coffee shop and its troubles.


    At school, there was a new student. She had short black hair and pale green eyes. Her skin was fair but when the principal announced her arrival, her whole face was bright pink. After hurrying away from everyone''s attention, Gwenn noticed her looking for a place to sit in the large cafeteria. Gwenn sat in the darkest, most lonely spot so that no one would try to talk to her. The girl - whose name was Freya - held her plate, her head darting around the place.


    Gwenn bit her lip.Please don''t come this way. She willed the girl to go anywhere else. Freya walked over and sat across from Gwenn, who was tempted to get up and leave but was too nice to do so.


    "I''m Freya."


    "Gwenn."


    "How long have you been at this school for?"


    Gwenn shrugged. Her heart was starting to pick up the pace. Freya was quiet for the rest of the time, not bothering to speak anymore.


    After school was out, Gwenn walked solemnly down the streets, her head down. She''d had too much social interaction for one day. Out of nowhere, Freya was suddenly there, making her heart explode in its place. She bit her lip, stuck in her place.


    "Hi!"


    She nodded her hello.


    "Thanks for letting me sit with you today."


    Another silent nod.


    Freya, quickly realizing that Gwenn wasn''t talkative, started walking away. But just as Gwenn took a step, Freya spun around.


    "By the way, Central Park is beautiful this time of year."


    "Thanks," Gwenn continued on her way back home, stopped all of the sudden as the comment sunk in. Why not go to the park? The place was so big she wouldn''t have to talk to anyone and could just hang out with the animals. She spun on her heels, a smile on her face now.Central Park, here I come.


    The parkwas really beautiful. Gwenn had always been one for nature, and the park was just the place. Vibrantly colored birds sang and chattered in the treetops, fluttering around looking for food and whatnot. Gwenn inhaled fresh air - well as fresh as Manhatten air could get. There was a gentle breeze that blew her hair back, broadening her smile. All her worries were forgotten at the moment, as people laughed and animals jumped around and the green grass underneath her feet shivered in the breeze. After a long walk, she ended up in a bushel of trees and bushes, hidden from the rest of the park.


    She hummed a gentle tune as she studied the leaves and their interesting shapes. As she was taking another deep breath, it was suddenly cut short the moment everything around her started swirling. She clapped her hands over her ears, squeezing her eyes shut. A strong wind pressed against her on all sides. What in the world is happening!? Without warning, there was a loud pop and everything calmed. She opened her eyes, her whole body shaking.Did I just . . . imagine that? Her heart jumped into her throat when she noticed the body in front of her.


    A boy in chainmail and armor, with a brilliant red cape, brown boots, and a sword lay on the ground in front of her. She was standing to bolt until a strange feeling surprised her with its presence. For some reason, she suddenly felt very curious, so much so - in fact - that she crouched beside him, peering over his face. He had fair skin and wavy dark hair that covered almost half of his forehead. He reminded her of some kind of person she''d seen in an old painting. As she studied him, she realized it''d taken her way too long to notice the little cuts and bruises that decorated him.


    He needs help, She whipped her phone out and - with a shaky hand - hailed an ambulance.


    Even though she hadn''t technically even met him, she knew this teenaged knight had changed her lifeforever.

 Some people call it confidence . . .

    Gwenn sat in the waiting room, torturing her lip like crazy. She wasn''t normally one to have more than one nervous habit but anxiety had subtly graced her with a quick jog of her leg.


    Finally, she couldn''t take it. After waiting for what felt like an eternity - even though the clock had only passed five minutes - she stood up and hurried to the receptionist''s desk. The woman behind the tall counter looked as tired and bored as possible. Her salt and pepper hair was pulled back into a bun so tight it only matched that of Jojo Siwa. Her eyes slowly rolled up to Gwenn, who couldn''t keep her teeth away from her bottom lip.


    "Excuse me, ma''am? Are they ready yet?"


    The woman sighed, moving to get comfortable as she reordered her papers.


    "I''ve told you before, they''ll be ready when they''re ready. If you prefer to leave and have us call you, I can . . ."


    Gwenn ignored her, walking down the hallway - not even thinking about how she''d find the mystery knight''s room. The receptionist didn''t bother to stop her too much, calling after her in a flat voice and warning her away. An idea came to mind. Against everything she wanted to do at the moment, Gwenn sat back down on a chair.


    After a few moments, she got up again, pretending to get a drink of water. As she pretended to pour some metallic-tasting water into a styrofoam cup, she turning over her shoulder squinting to better see the receptionist''s papers. Without warning, her vision surprised her, zooming in on what she was focusing on.


    The names were in order, their room numbers listed across from them. Her eyes fell to the second from the top. John Doe - room 23b. She blinked, resetting her vision. As strange as it was, she didn''t give the weird ''zoom thing'' much thought, biting her lip as she started her way down the brightly lit hallways.


    The receptionist called after her again and again, but the old woman''s voice faded the farther Gwenn went. This wasn''t like her. She wasn''t the kind of person to take dares or disobey the people higher in power but something had changed. A mysterious fire had sparked to life inside her - urging her to do what she''d only ever dreamt of. Is this confidence? Is this what it feels like? After taking a few wrong turns and a trip or two up an elevator, she found her self striding down the hall that held the door to room 23b. The only thing that stood between her and the room was a pair of regular old hospital wood doors that each had a tiny blue tinted window. She pushed against them but found they were locked. She pushed harder, wanting to get through without asking to.


    The little flame inside raged for a quick moment, but it was enough. Focusing on the door handles in front of her, she glared at them so intensely that finally, with a loud crack-pop-hiss thing, and a small puff of smoke, the doors slowly leaned open.


    As she was walking with big strides now, excited at her peculiar and uncharacteristic actions, she froze in her spot.


    "What am I doing!? I don''t even know this guy!"


    She didn''t mean to say it aloud, returning to her lip again. Before she could turn back around, voices echoed off the walls near her. What do I do!? She almost bolted for it, but quickly decided to act like she''d just come from seeing someone, and walked with her head down back in the direction of the elevators.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    A couple of nurses walked by, too deep in conversation to notice her. She waited for the elevator doors to open. With a brilliant ding, they started sliding open. She stepped forward to get in but immediately was pushed back by the small crowd of doctors and nurses huddled around a moble bed. She couldn''t look away as they frantically wheeled him down the halls. As she stood, something strange pulled her gut, begging her to follow them.


    The knight. She ran after them, willing them not to notice the pair of doors she''d just broken. In the heat of the moment though, no one gave it a second thought - fortunately for her. They wheeled him away from room 23b though, Gwenn realizing that he needed help that couldn''t be found in that hospital room. When they pushed him into a different room, that''s when one of the nurses stopped her.


    "Sorry ma''am, you can''t go in there."


    "But . . ."


    "Why don''t you go wait for him."


    She nodded her thanks to the guy, relieved that he hadn''t put much thought into the lonely girl that followed them from the elevator without a word. She ended up in room 23b, standing there as she glanced around the room. There was nothing really special about it. Ordinary machines, regular setup. Staring out the window, she realized how hungry she had gotten. And tired. Shuffling over to the couch leaning against the wall, she sat down, stretching her arms. Before she knew it, she was dreaming.


    She was looking from someone else''s perspective. A group of knights rode on horseback through a forest. A city far ahead of them burning brightly, warning them of the danger inside. The knight that lead the group was an older man - giving the orders and encouraging the group.


    He opened his mouth to shout to them when a dark shadow passed over them - even though it was night. The moon was so bright, it showered everything under it in a pale, sickly light. The horses grew scared under their riders, slowing their gallant pace and stomping around in circles. The knights each tried to steady their horses, stroking them on their necks and reassuring them in low voices.


    "We need to move faster!"


    They entered the clearing, growing closer to the helpless city with every step. But just as they exited the trees, the shadow roared, breathing fire down upon them. The scene shifted.


    Gwenn - or whoever she was in the dream - was crawling along the blood-stained grass, wincing in pain. The lifeless bodies of once very mighty knights were sprawled out in the grass. Gwenn couldn''t speak or move on her own accord, watching as whoever she was army-crawled over to the leader of the group. The old man was laying on the grass on his back, his eyes closed as his last breath neared. Gwenn''s knight grabbed the man''s arm, shaking him awake.


    "Sir! You need to get up! Erisia needs us!"


    The man turned only his head to Gwenn''s person, warily putting his hand on the knight''s forearm. Something small and shimmering glittered through his fingers as he put it into the knight''s hand.


    "Take it, Thomas. I am old, and there is no hope left for me but you - you can take care of the city. I believe in you, Thomas."


    "But Sir, I can''t! I''m all alone!"


    Gwenn choked back tears.


    The man ever-so-slightly shook his head.


    "You must do this Thomas. I''m afraid you''re on your own now. Please - one last favor - take this ring to my wife. Tell her . . . I''m sorry."


    Gwenn[Thomas] gazed down at the silver ring before looking back to his teacher and friend. He wanted to protest but the old knight''s last breath left him, traveling up into the chilly night air. Thomas tried to get to his feet, his legs weak and bruised, but he fell back to the ground, tears now eagerly dripping down his cheeks.


    "I can''t do this! I am not strong enough! I''m sorry, Sir Ophian! I''m sorry!"


    He was just about to let out a grieving sob when a familiar shadow passed over him, sending shivers down his spine. He grew quiet. The dragon grumbled to itself before landing just a few feet away from him. He squeezed his eyes shut. Go away! He begged. But the dragon''s sharp senses caught him and it snarled at him. He froze, gripping the ring in his hand as if it could somehow save him.


    Out of thin air, a colorful light swirled underneath him, and he pulled sucked into the ground.

 Mom had no idea what was coming

    Gwenn woke with a start, wiping her eyes as she looked around the hospital room. Wait a second, how long have I been asleep!? She turned around, afraid of seeing the city in night mode. To her relief, only a few hours had passed. This is crazy, I should just go home.


    She stood, right as a small group of nurses wheeled the mystery knight''s bed into the room. A round woman with chocolate skin and kind eyes stared at Gwenn, a tired smile on her face.


    "He''ll be alright. He just needs to rest. Ah, can we get his name?"


    Gwenn bit her lip, gazing at the unconscious stranger. A thought came to mind.


    "Thomas."


    "Any last name?"


    Gwenn opened her mouth, her mind going a million miles per hour.


    "Thomas Flynn."


    "How long have you known him for?"


    "Uh, the truth is . . . I feel like I''ve known him much longer than I actually have."


    The nurse smiled, scribbling something down on her clipboard.


    "We''ll tell you if anything changes. What''s your name and relation to Mr. Thomas?"


    "I - we''re friends. My name''s Gwenn Mordredae."


    "Thank you. And what happened to him exactly?"


    "I - I don''t know. I just found him like this - how he was."


    With a slight nod, the nurse left the room, scribbling more information onto her clipboard. Gwenn walked over to his bedside, gazing down at him. His eyes were still closed but the color had returned to his cheeks now. He muttered something, shifting to get comfortable in his sleep. Gwenn exhaled, tilting her head as she stared curiously at him. Without warning, he suddenly sat up, his pale green eyes darting all over the place. If anyone had ever almost given Gwenn a heart attack, he had gotten the closest.


    "Fair maiden, I beg you, tell me where we are."


    "Um, at the - uh - hospital."


    "I don''t quite understand your words."


    Gwenn bit her tongue, looking towards the door as if one of the hospital staff would come in and help her out. The knight rubbed his head, his eyes went wide. He sat straight up, batting himself over - looking for something.


    "A ring- I had a ring. Where is it? Have you stolen it!?"Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    "No! No! I promise! Wait, is it . . . silver?"


    "Yes."


    "About yea big?"


    "Yes."


    "I didn''t steal it, but I might have an idea where it could be."


    The knight grew visibly frustrated.


    "And the dragon?"


    For some reason, Gwenn knew exactly what he was talking about and before she could stop herself, she was already talking.


    "I don''t know - I don''t think it was sucked in with you."


    What did I just say? But the knight understood her anyway.


    "Please, help me get out of this place. A nearby city is in need of my aid - I''m the only one left who can help them."


    Gwenn''s thoughts flashed to the burning city near to the forest in the dream. How could he be perfectly describing some of those horrible things I saw?


    "Wait," he was tugging off a handful of cords at a time, "is your name T-Thomas?"


    His eyebrows furrowed together and he slowly nodded.


    "And what is yours?"


    "Gwenn."


    Despite the situation, he held out his hand and she shook it. She wasn''t sure why she was letting him get out of the bed so easily, but she figured - if he really was a knight somehow - she didn''t stand a chance. He was weak though . . .


    "Now, which way?" He was on his feet, slightly wobbly from the medicine and everything, but he steadied himself.


    "I-" before she could continue, a doctor with a group of nurses was at the door, realizing what was going on. Gwenn bit her lip, but the knight - Thomas - seemed almost unphased.


    "Ah! You must be . . . well, what are you exactly, strangely dressed sir?"


    The doctor laughed, making Gwenn''s palms sweat. She was pretty sure she could wash her hands in sweat at the moment. The way he laughed and his expression told her that he didn''t believe Thomas. But why did Gwenn?


    "Yeah right. Look, I think you''re just affected by the drugs or something. We''re just helping you."


    "I do not understand what you mean."


    Thomas reminded Gwenn of a lowkey Siri at the moment. She wanted to melt in her spot, partially hiding behind Thomas who spoke and acted so boldly. Whatever fire had lived inside her before was gone. Thomas narrowed his eyes, trying to decide how to speak to the doctor who blabbed on about ''you need help blah, blah, blah.''


    Thomas grew impatient, interrupting him - which did not help his case.


    "Physician, doctor, whoever you are, release me from your peculiar dungeon along with Lady Gwenn."


    Although she didn''t like being brought into the matter, she perked up a little at hearing him call her Lady Gwenn. The doctor rolled his eyes, shaking his head.


    "Look, mister, I don''t like whatever game or joke you''re playing, but you better quit it soon."


    Gwenn knawed her lip, watching them like a ping-pong game.


    Thomas looked both confused and annoyed at the doctor.


    "I''ve had enough of your tricks, physician. We"- he gestured to himself and Gwenn -"are leaving. Whether you like it or you do not." With that, he took a step forward, but the doctor''s hand flew out in front of him.


    "I don''t think so. I want answers."


    "Well, you will not gather them from either of us. Physician, I am a knight of Camelot. You truly believe you can match my skill?"


    Gwenn wanted to melt more now than ever. Please shut up - both of you. The doctor''s forced smile melted away.


    Right before she expected it, Thomas got to the ground, kicking the doctor''s legs out from under him and scaring the staff behind him. Quicker than she thought possible, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the room with him. He kicked the door shut behind them before racing down the hallway.


    "Lady Gwenn, tell me! Where are my armor and ring?"


    "Follow me!" Suddenly that strange fire was back, and she was leading him down hallway after hallway, How she knew where the armor was, she didn''t know after a while.


    After somehow managing to get out of the building and into her apartment, Gwenn took the knight into her apartment, only realizing how stupid it was when she closed the door behind them.

 The strangest trip to England ever

    As she was pulling in air, Gwenn turned to Thomas, noticing how tired and sad and confused he looked. Sure, his armor looked awesome and everything, but his expression completely ruined it.


    "What''s wrong?" She knew it was a stupid question the moment it''d left her lips. But Thomas didn''t mind answering anyway.


    "I don''t understand. One moment, I was in Camelot, then the next, my friend died, and now . . ."


    He looked around the apartment, holding back a devastating sigh. Gwenn didn''t know what to say. She opened her mouth right as a pan in the kitchen fell to the ground, scaring the living daylights out of both her and Thomas.


    "Gwenn!?" She turned slowly around, already wincing at her mom''s voice. Her mom - Fiona - stood in the kitchen, the pan she''d just been holding swirling around on the ground.


    "Hi, mom."


    After explaining everything, Gwenn plopped down on the couch, staring solemnly down at her hands. Thomas was quiet the whole time, his lips pressed together in thought.


    "You . . . but . . . I . . . baby, you gotta know I love you and I''ll always trust you it''s just him that I don''t trust."


    Gwenn looked up, Fiona was staring at Thomas as if trying to figure him out.


    "With all due respect, my lady, your daughter has told you nothing but the truth. Although, how you know my name, I know not," he turned to Gwenn, who''s ears turned pink.


    "I . . ." she''d ''forgotten'' to mention the dream. "I had, um, a dream."


    Thomas and Fiona both stared at her, their faces unreadable. Not knowing what else to do, she shrugged.


    "Fine. Thomas, you can stay for tonight but we''re finding your place by tomorrow, got it?"


    Gwenn didn''t understand why her mom was letting him stay and letting her off the hook so easily.


    After getting on her pajamas and getting the couch ready for Thomas, Gwenn was called into her mom''s room.


    "Thanks for letting him stay mom, but . . . why?"


    Fiona looked at her, wonder on her face.


    "Because. You aren''t one to open up so easily to people. If you welcome Thomas - whoever he is - into our house . . ." she shrugged, raising her eyebrows, "I can''t help but feel like you have a good reason."


    Gwenn wanted to say she did - she really did - but she couldn''t think of anything past, I got a feeling. Fortunately for her though, Fiona kissed her on the forehead, saying goodnight as Gwenn walked out the door, not another question about it.


    That night, Thalia got back. Gwenn was more excited than she could tell. She gave her sister a big hug.


    "Oi, not so tight, Gwenn! I can''t breathe!"


    Gwenn backed away, a smile on her face. "Sorry."


    Her sister''s bleached blonde hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, a few stray strands tucked behind her ears. She didn''t look different than she had when she''d left three weeks ago. Her light chocolate skin was smoother than Gwenn understood, and her soft brown eyes still twinkled when she smiled.


    After setting all her bags on the ground and pulling on some PJs, Thalia sat on her bed, ready for Gwenn to tell her about everything.


    That night, Gwenn dreamt the same dreams she''d had in the hospital. But this time, something was different. As she was sucked into the portal of blinding light, a voice spoke to her - a woman''s voice. That wasn''t the strangest part though.


    "Gwenn Mordredae, your time has come. Find the sorceress who has placed Sir Thomas in your world. Take Thomas to the place he truly belongs."


    Gwenn woke with a start, her forehead beaded with sweat. How did she . . . who was that? It wasn''t real. Just a dream, even though she knew that wasn''t true. There was a knock on her door before Thalia walked in, all dressed with makeup on and everything.


    "What are you doing still in bed? We''re leaving in an hour!"


    "What!?" With a start, she remembered something she couldn''t believe she forgot. England. The three Mordredae girls annually had a trip to England. In all the excitement, she''d forgotten it was today. Without warning, the familiar fire sparked to life inside her and she jumped out of bed, running past Thalia.


    "Mom!"


    Fiona was having a drink of coffee with Thomas, who sat in silence.


    "Yes, baby?"


    "Thomas has to come with us to England."


    "What?" Thalia, Fiona, and Thomas all asked simultaneously.


    Gwenn took a deep breath, steadying her racing heart.


    "Thomas has to come with us to England."


    "No, no, I heard you the first time."


    Gwenn followed Fiona into her room.


    "Gwenn, he''s a stranger. He can''t come! Besides, I''ve already bought the tickets - and I only got three."


    Gwenn put on the best puppy eyes she could.


    "Please, mom."


    An hour of convincing and a plane ride later, the four of them ended up in England, dropped off at the house they always rented.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    After settling in and having dinner, night came and all of them climbed into bed. Gwenn didn''t fall to sleep - both involuntary and on purpose. She hadn''t even changed into her PJs. After laying there for about an hour, she could up, packed a bag with clothes, money and food, and shook Thomas awake - he was sleeping on the couch there.


    "L-Lady Gwenn? What is it?"


    "Don''t call me Lady Gwenn - just Gwenn. Come on, I''m taking you back home."


    He sat up excitedly.


    "You don''t mean it!"


    "Yes. But we''re going now, come one."


    He quickly pulled on his armor and sheathed his sword. As the two of them were slowly opening the door, Thalia scared them half to death.


    "Where do you think you''re going?"


    "Thalia, there''s no time to explain. Are you coming or not?"


    Thalia opened her mouth in protest, but her expression changed to a smile.


    "I''ll get my clothes on. And don''t forget to inform mom of our absence."


    While Thalia got dressed, Gwenn scribbled down a note and stuck it on the fridge.


    About half an hour later, a taxi had dropped them off to Stonehenge. Why there? That little feeling inside Gwenn''s tummy. After paying the taxi driver, the three of them climbed the hill to the great monument. The very sight of it took Gwenn''s breath away. Thomas let out a nervous laugh.


    "Haha! It remains here!"


    He marveled at the assortment of giant stones, grinning from ear to ear.


    "Alright, where now?"


    Gwenn turned in place, examining everything around them. She didn''t say it aloud but she didn''t actually know. Suddenly, something twisted her stomach into a knot, making her double over in pain.


    "Gwenn! What''s wrong!? What is it!?"


    Gwenn couldn''t speak, she could hardly even breathe.


    "My Ladies! Look out!"


    Thomas jumped in front of them right as something lunged at them. It swiped Thomas away like a ragdoll. Thalia screamed, holding her arm out in front of Gwenn instinctively.


    At first, Gwenn didn''t believe what she saw, but despite the numerous times she tried to shake the image away, it stood firm, the bright moon overhead illuminating it perfectly in the dark. A grizzly bear, about ten feet tall, stood not three feet away from them, snarling and growling. A pair of massive, thickly set antelope horns grew from its head. Gwenn blinked. Wait no, not horns - like plural horns - just one. And where the second one should be, there was an almost smooth stub.


    Even though she''d lost her ability to breathe properly when her stomach twisted into a knot, she now lost the ability to breathe altogether.


    "Run, Gwenn!"


    Like she could run. She couldn''t even stand. Thalia tried to help by dragging her away, but Gwenn somehow stood firm, staring up at the creature in front of them. For some reason, the mysterious confident fire inside of her burned brightly.


    "Gwenn, what are you doing!? Run!"


    "Wait," Gwenn half-whispered, half grunted it. The bear thing wasn''t attacking them. With her heart pounding a million miles per hour inside her chest, Gwenn stared into the creature''s eyes. Its snarl melted away and its growl was silenced.


    Gwenn, it had a deep voice that spoke clearly into her mind. Did you just . . .


    Yes. You need my help. My name is- with a scream, Thomas was suddenly running at the bear with a limp now, his sword raised high into the air.


    "Thomas, no!" Her air was returning to her, but the pain remained, leaving her helpless as the young knight slashed at the creature, cutting its side. With a deafening roar, the bear retreated, tripping over itself before rolling part of the way down the hill. Thomas stood in front of Gwen, sword in hand. He was breathing hard. Gwenn gathered all her strength and ran past him, hurrying down the hill as fast as anyone can while having almost unbearable pain in their stomach to a creature that shouldn''t exist. The bear-thing lay still on the ground, its back facing them.


    Gwenn ran around it, crouching down in front of it. To her relief, it was still breathing, but blood was coming out more than healthy - even with the bear''s enormous size.


    "What do I do!? How do I help you!?"


    "Gwenn! What are you doing!?"


    Thalia and Thomas were running down the hill now, Thomas still holding onto his sword. Gwenn didn''t know what she was doing until after she acted.


    "No!" Her hand shot out. Something else pulled at her gut and before she could stop it, an unseeable force slammed against her friends, sending them both flying back. Gwenn''s hand flew to her mouth. What do I do now!?


    There was bad news and good news.


    The good news; she didn''t have to decide what to do next.


    The bad news; out of nowhere a herd of . . . centaurs ran up, surrounding the sorry group.


    They all had giant bow drawn. An especially older looking one stepped forward, his horse end silvery-white.


    "Why are you here, humans?"


    "We could ask you the same question," All three of them - Thalia, Thomas, and Gwenn - were surprised at Gwenn''s answer. The centaurs shuffled uneasily.


    "You might want to consider your words more carefully, seeing as we are the ones holding the weapons."


    Gwenn ignored the comment, turning back to the bear-thing.


    "This-this creature needs our help!"


    A few centaurs gasped and a few stepped forward curiously.


    "I am impressed that you could take down such a mighty beast such as a Bojack bear."


    Gwenn took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.


    "He needs help. Besides, it was my friend that hurt it, not me."


    "You speak as if you are disappointed in that."


    "It needs help - it didn''t do anything . . . wrong," she said the last word quietly, glancing at Thomas as she remembered him being swiped away for harshly.


    "We can not help you. You must do this- leave this place and never return. Anyone you tell about us, we will personally hunt down and-"


    "No! Just tell me how to help it or do it yourself!"


    The centaurs all grew uneasy. Clearly this leader wasn''t spoken to like that often - or ever. The leader sucked in a breath, both his upper body and his horse belly moving with the inhale.


    "Humans do not speak to centaurs that way. They never have, and they never will. I am giving you one last chance."


    "Well, I''m not taking it. I''m not leaving until I know he''s safe," she looked down at the Bojack bear, its eyes twinkling with the same stars as the old knight''s eyes did in her dream. Don''t give up, I''m going to help you. Just stay with me, okay? Can you do that? The Bojack bear slightly nodded. Out of the crowd, a centaur with light blonde hair and tail and a chestnut horse half walked out and whispered something into the leader''s ear.


    "You- you can understand this human''s . . . telepathy?"


    All eyes were on the younger centaur now. He nodded, staring down at Gwenn, who bit her lip, blushing. She clutched at her stomach, which still hadn''t sorted itself out.


    The leader pulled in a thoughtful breath, everyone around him holding their own breath.


    "Very well. Kihwek informs me that . . ." he glanced uneasily to the staring eyes all around, "We will help you. Kihwek,"


    Clearly Kihwek - the younger centaur - was hesitant to walk over to Gwenn, who sat by the Bojack bear, but he made it down - which looked pretty funny since the horse part of him had to walk down a certain way. He walked around the Bojack bear and kneeled down next to Gwenn, who was both too amazed and in pain to move away. He looked different up close. Maybe a little more handsome than she realized before.


    "I know you are a mage. The mage of humans."


    Somehow, she knew what he was going on about and slowly nodded. Kihwek got comfortable on his horse legs, leaning closer to her.


    "Only you can heal it. Centaurs are forbidden to help Bojack bears."


    Because of how he looked and his voice, she assumed he was about seventeen or eighteen - not too much older than herself - in horse years. Or was it humans years? If he was a human, he would be about seventeen or eighteen.


    "I - I don''t know how to heal it. I don''t know what to do!" Her hands were clammy now. She felt slightly frustrated and afraid that she couldn''t heal the Bojack. But Kihwek had a confident and certain smile threaded in his Elvin features.


    She swallowed turning to the dying Bojack.


    "Gwenn, don''t! They''re trying to trick you! Bojack bears hate people!"


    All eyes fell onto Thomas, who was struggling to his feet.


    "Ah, a knight of Camelot. I haven''t seen your kind for a very long time."


    Thomas glared at the lead centaur, who secretly also annoyed Gwenn. She turned back to the Bojack, ignoring Thomas. Just as she was focusing, Thomas distracted her.


    "Gwenn, don''t!"


    Gwenn shot Thomas a look, which quieted him.


    She held her hands over the wounded area of the Bojack. Her hands were shaking but she felt a little calmer as she pulled in a breath.


    You can do this. We both believe in you. Kihwek spoke into her head - the Bojack slightly nodded in agreement - apparently, he could hear Kihwek too. For some reason, the two of them being so encouraging - especially since she felt close to them because they all had magic - Gwenn felt immensely better and comforted.

 We take a little trip to the most magical forest in England

    The familiar tug at her gut increased as Gwenn focused on the Bojack. Heal him. Her eyes were closed as she felt the energy from the grass around her travel through her body and out her hand until it reached the Bojack. She was too worried to feel awesome. The grass wasn''t cutting it. Heal him! She shouted in her mind to no one in particular. The Bojack was much closer to death now. She couldn''t lose him - not like she lost her dad.


    She used more strength, the pull in her gut growing stronger, replacing the pain. Her entire body was shaking now from the effort. She had to find another source of life - one that wasn''t sentient. The pull in her gut grew, tugging at her heart now. She was getting really sweaty and shaky now. She shouted the words in her head so many times she accidentally said it out loud.


    "Heal him!" She couldn''t explain how, but she found another life source - an oak tree not too far away. She used all her might, stealing its life and making it seep into the Bojack bear. In her subconscious, she could hear faint voices around her, warning her of something, but she ignored them. She felt the wounds of the Bojack bear completely heal and let go. Before she had time to open her eyes properly, she was on the ground, still shaking harder than she ever had.


    She caught a glimpse of the scene around her - horse hooves, a bear''s worried eyes, Thomas and Thalia - then she was out.


    ***


    Gwenn was awake long before she opened her eyes. Normal dreams had clouded her thoughts. Everything that had just happened sank in with a jolt, immediately waking her up all the way. She sat up straight - which was a terrible decision - the pain in her entire body screaming at her that it was there. The pain was already leaving because of her position, resettling itself before she was indignantly shoved back onto the bed. She winced as the knife-like fire inside her shot through her body.


    She blinked a few times, focusing her attention on her surroundings instead of sitting up. She was in a small, dark room; the walls and floor made of what looked like pure tree branches. The was a curtain where the door was and a tiny, natural window on the other side of the wall. Her eyes searched the room for the person who had rudely pushed her down so hard. She found him - the only one in the room.


    Kihwek was beside her, squinting at her like he was trying to figure her out. She swallowed, trying to wet her throat so that she could actually speak.


    "W-why did you push me down so hard?"


    He laughed, a sound that anyone in earshot couldn''t help but smile too.


    "You suck the life out of a great oak to heal an enemy of the centaurs and humans alike that almost killed you and the first thing you ask is why I pushed you?"


    He laughed again - she''d cracked him up. He shook his head, a wide grin on his face. She hadn''t noticed them before, but she realized he had long, pointed ears. When he looked up at her, his eyes were a bright blue - they reminded her of an icy sea or a pale sky.


    "Where are we?"


    She realized she sounded like Thomas when he''d awoken in the hospital, for some reason it almost made a lump form in her throat. Kihwek ignored her at first, answering an unasked question - she already knew the answer though.


    "I thought you might like to know, you saved the Bojack bear."Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    His smile faded.


    "But . . . they through him in a cage. To answer your first question, we''re in my home town. You''re in the greatest tree of all time."


    Why did he do that? Change the subject by answering the question she''d decided was less important after hearing the answer.


    "Why did they throw him in a cage!? He-he''s harmless - kind, even!"


    Without warning, Kihwek leaned in, making Gwenn try her very hardest not to blush.


    "Just you and I know that. No one else. Don''t you ever tell anyone I understood your telepathy."


    "Why?" She gasped, her eyes wide. "Wait! Do you have magic!?"


    "Shhhh!" He almost put his hand over her mouth but she stopped him - to both of their surprises - grabbing his wrist.


    "Okay! I won''t tell if you don''t. I''m saying, don''t tell them about me-"


    "Yeah, yeah, I got that."


    She gave a short nod. There was an awkward moment of silence.


    "I''m feeling a lot better - whatever you did must''ve helped. Thanks, but I gotta see my friends and I have a lot to do."


    She slipped off the bed before he could protest and headed towards the exit. He was in front of her in a flash, his hand shooting out to stop her.


    "Kihwek. Let me leave."


    "Gwenn, you should know it wasn''t my choice - I had nothing to do with it-"


    "It''s suspicious that you''re starting with that."


    "But you''ve kind of been sentenced to prison. No big deal though, its only for a thousand years."


    "I''m supposed to . . . feel better? Obey?"


    "Uh, yes, and yes."


    "No. no, no, no, no, no."


    "Yes."


    "No."


    "Gwenn, we could do this all day. Hey, do you want to know how I know your name?"


    She knew he was distracting her but answered anyway, staring up at him - he was a lot taller than her.


    "You heard my friend Thomas shouting it."


    She turned back to the door but his answer surprised her.


    "No."


    She turned back to him - if her neck wasn''t sore before, it was now.


    "What . . ."


    "If you want to know, you gotta stay here and let me tell you."


    "I don''t need to know, nice knowing ya'', babye."


    She turned back to the door, ready to take another step but Kihwek grabbed her arm. She turned her head to him, her eyes flared.


    "Don''t you want to know why you''re even sentenced to prison?"


    "I can figure it out on my own," she struggled to get out of his grip but he was much stronger than she thought.


    "I can''t let you go out there, Gwenn."


    "Why!? Because you''re my body guard?"


    "No - well that''s not the whole reason. Believe it or not-"


    "I chose not."


    "I''m your nurse- healer - doctor, whatever you want to call me."


    "Oh, a lot of names for you are starting to come to mind."


    "Gwenn Mordredae!"


    Hearing her whole name made her falter, which gave him the perfect opportunity to gently drag her back to the other side of the room. Before she realized what was happening, they''d started a slap-war. After about three minutes straight of - real maturely - slapping each other like angry toddlers, both Kihwek and Gwenn stopped, neither of them wanting to continue the silly fight when more important things were going on.


    "Fine! Fine! I''ll behave!" She lied. Kihwek hesitantly stepped back, his hands up in a peaceful manner. She walked back to the little bed and sat on it, waiting for him to relax.


    "We good?"


    "Yes. Now tell me the things you were already going to."


    Kihwek eyed her, clearly suspicious of her still. She acted innocent, raising her eyebrows and tilting her head. She could almost picture a halo over her head.


    Kihwek clip-clopped over to his original place - a spot between her and the doorway - and got into a comfortable position on the floor.


    "Which one do you want to know first?"


    "I want to know why I''m sentenced to death."


    "First of all, you aren''t sentenced to death. Second of all, your sentence is because you . . . you . . ."


    "I didn''t think you of all people - centaurs - beings could fail when it came to words."


    Even though she made the joke, it was clear the shadow that''d passed over his face.


    "You know, Gwenn," his voice was softer now, "you were sentenced to death but I fought for you. The thousand-year thing is a miracle."


    Gwenn was quiet, trying to be considerate of him.


    "Kihwek, why would you carer if I lived or died? You don''t know me."


    "It - it''s not important."


    Clearly the centaur didn''t want to talk about it so she switched the subject.


    "Why was I sentenced to death?"


    Okay, she kind of switched the subject. Kihwek took a thoughtful minute before answering.


    "Because you used dark magic. You''re a dark witch."

 What to do now . . .

    Gwenn started chewing her lip, her heart started to beat faster.


    "No - I can''t be. Dark witches and wizards or whatever, those are bad. I''m not bad."


    "Yeah - I know that. Your friends do too. It''s just," he shifted to get comfortable, "the older centaurs - the king of this forest - they don''t know it."


    "I just used a little life from some grass blades and a tree - is that so bad?"


    Kihwek sighed, his face was unreadable. After an awkward silence, he stood up.


    "Maybe you just see it for yourself."


    "How? Are you thinking of an exit to this place?"


    She raised her eyebrows - a smile danced across her lips. Kihwek narrowed his eyes at her, shaking his head. Gwenn''s smile faded. What then? Scaring her half to death, his voice rang in her head.


    We can talk to the leaders - try to get them to listen to truth. You know . . . just because you wield the powers of a dark sorceress, doesn''t mean you are one.


    Isn''t that exactly what it means?


    His eyebrows shot up as he opened his mouth in protest. Then he sighed.


    "Let''s just see if we can get out of here."


    She nodded in agreement - something popped into her head.


    "Wait, we?"


    "Huh?"


    "You said if we can get out of here."


    Kihwek''s ears turned pink. He pressed his lips together.


    "Well, I meant you."


    "I don''t think you did," she smiled.


    "It doesn''t matter."


    "Okaaay . . ."


    He sighed, dramatically slouching his upper back.


    "Do you want to get outta here or not?"


    Gwenn nodded, formulating some way to get him to talk in the future - a future not too far away.


    An idea popped into her head.


    "What, why don''t we just use magic?"


    "Do you want to look guilty of something you already are but not in the way that they think?"


    "What?"


    Kihwek ignored her, peeing around the curtain. He turned his head over his shoulder, a sly smile on his face.


    "Be right back," She watched as his horse end took a little longer to get around the curtain. Slipping off the bed, she sneaked over to the door-curtain-thingy, gently putting her ear to it. All she caught was, ". . . so if you''d kindly send word to his highness, then I''d be much oblige-" He grunted - she assumed one of the people he was talking to must''ve punched him in the stomach or something.


    She heard him coughing - which really bugged her - so much in fact that she felt the little flame inside her spark to life. Without thinking about it, she pushed the curtain away with her arm, letting the anger she felt inside show on her face. There were two centaurs stationed outside her door - on either side - and one of them was stepping back into place as he watched Kihwek try to gain himself again.


    "Hey," Gwenn made their heads turn right around after hearing her voice. She was thinking about punching one of them or something but a better idea came to mind - a smarter one. They were both in armor, each holding a long spear and a bow was slung over each of their backs. They simultaneously aimed their spears at her, stepping back in a fighting stance.


    "Oh, please. All I want is for you guys to get us a meeting with, uh, his highness."


    The guards didn''t flinch.


    Gwenn pulled in an annoyed breath, looking back and forth between them.


    "What? Listen," she risked a step forward, "if I''m going to be in that cell for a thousand more years - and trust me, I''ll behave - what harm could it be if I had an audience with your king."Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    "The harm could be very great indeed, young sorceress."


    She shifted uncomfortably at his words.


    "I could kill you both right here, right now, but look, you''re still alive."


    "That wouldn''t be possible. This tree itself is the very heart of the majority of this forest''s magic. You would have to be more powerful than the great Ginian himself."


    "Please. I promise not to kill your leader. I just want answers - that''s all."


    She looked back and forth between, begging with her eyes. Hesitantly, the one that was talking this whole time glanced at his buddy before turning to her.


    "Very well. But know your magic will not be powerful enough to be used as long as you''re in this palace."


    She let go of the breath she hadn''t realized she''d been holding.


    "Thank you, thank you, thank you. I promise - I won''t mess around!"


    The centaur guards seemed bothered by how grateful she was for some reason.


    "Kihwek, however, must stay."


    She glanced at her new friend, who pleaded with his big blue eyes. Her stomach tightened.


    "Very well," She tried to make him understand with her eyes. This is for both of us, Kihwek was pushed back into the cell as two more guards walked up, taking their places at the doorway.


    Gwenn walked in between the guards, slightly intimidated by their size and mighty-ness. The part of the tree they were in had multiple floors in one - paths lined the walls with countless cell doors along with each one. The path was fairly smooth, thanks to the many decades of horses'' hooves passing over them so much. Gwenn nervously chewed her lip as they walked swiftly down winding paths and - almost - staircases.


    "Thank you," the guards both ignored her, but she saw a hint of a smile on the talker''s face. Before she knew it, they''d passed out of that level, through a couple of hallways, a few giant rooms and now they stood outside of the majesty''s door to his counsel room. The guards walked her through, one at a time because of how big they were and how small the door actually was.


    Gwenn''s breath was taken away at the sight of the place. A long wooden table sat in the middle of the room - which was an oval shape. Centaurs - mostly older or very old centaurs - stood around the table, debating about something. Slender windows shed light into the room, they reminded her of the tiny natural window in the cell. The ceiling went so far up she almost fell over looking for the top. Roots hung from it, shimmery crystals of all kinds growing from the roots somehow.


    The centaurs'' voices echoed off the walls, making them louder than they really were. There were about twelve centaurs in all. An especially old looking centaur sat in a strangely shaped chair-thing at the far end of the long table. His eyes were glassy with age, and his mouth hung open slightly. The room grew quiet when the talkative guard announced them. All eyes turned to Gwenn, who promised herself never to be in the situation again.


    "Orthis, why have you brought the witch back? I thought we closed the case. Sentenced to a thousand years in prison - quite a blessing you know. What do you want now?"


    "She requests a meeting with you, your majesty."


    A handful of gasps emerged around the table. Gwenn was torn in half. She wanted to forget about the meeting and rot in her cell for a thousand years, but she thought of her friends, and the idea overpowered the former thought. She felt a little like she should bow or something, but her knees would only hold her in one position so standing it was.


    "We do not have time for your requests, young sorceress."


    Why does everyone keep calling me that!? I know I''m a sorceress, you don''t have to rub it in.


    The table started shifting back into its own conversation, but Gwenn cut it.


    "Wait! Your majesty, please, I don''t want to be a dark magician - I never have. I just . . ." she''d caught the table''s attention again, but she wasn''t sure she wanted it anymore. Come on, do this for your friends. "I do have a quest. My friend - the knight . . ."


    "Yes, I know him."


    "He doesn''t belong in this time - you know that. I must find the sorceress who sent him here and get him back home. Let me help him."


    The king was silent, the gears in his head were really turning now. Gwenn went on, hopeful to get her wish.


    "My sister is here too - my half-sister - Thalia. And my new friend," she swallowed, her throat growing dry, "the Bojack bear."


    That definitely made the counselors more unsure. The king opened his mouth to speak but he was cut off. A middle-aged looking centaur - one that had hidden in the shadows, unnoticed by Gwenn until he spoke - with a midnight colored horse body and pitch-black hair that reminded her of raven feathers. His coat was glossy, lines of reflective light danced across his back whenever he moved.


    "Why should you care whether the knight returns home or not?"


    All eyes fell to him - clearly, he didn''t speak very much. His voice was deep and smooth, and yet calm and steady. Another centaur in the crowd spoke.


    "Yeah, and what if she''s lying! What if all she wants is for this other sorceress to help her take over our forest?"


    That didn''t help her case.


    "But I don''t! I healed the Bojack bear, remember? I want to help your forest - not destroy it. Besides, why would I want to destroy your forest?"


    The centaur opened her mouth but no answer came. Then another spoke.


    "Because you want to destroy us!"


    "But why!? Why would I want to destroy such a beautiful race of centaur?"


    She didn''t mean it as flattery, it just sounded that way when it left her mouth. The room broke into more aggravated shouting until the raven-coated centaur silenced them all.


    "I say we help the young one."


    More protesting broke out through the group.


    "If we send a team with her, then if she tries anything, we can stop her."


    The old king leaned close - as if Gwenn didn''t hear what he was about to say.


    "But my son, she is a sorceress! She could easily take down the entire group and get away with it!"


    All eyes were on her again before the jet black centaur spoke.


    "Look at her, look how young she is. Clearly she doesn''t know how to use her powers well. If we teach her, help her, she could protect us - be our ally and friend."


    Gwenn tried not to smile seeing how he''d won them all over. The king sat back, his saggy eyes drooped back into their tired position.


    "It is settled then. Sorceress, we will let you stay and we will help you and your friends, on one condition . . ." everyone waited anxiously to hear what he had to say - Gwenn prepared herself for what he was about to propose, but she wasn''t even close in her thoughts to what he said, "you must stay here and protest this forest."

 The royal brothers

    Gwenn''s palms were sweating as much as they could now. She hesitated.


    "Okay - we have a deal."


    The centaurs around the table all smiled at the agreement - all except for the jet-black one - she guessed him to be the prince. His features no longer held a hint of a smile, a shadow had passed over his face.


    "I will take the young one to her friends," when he got a few wondering looks about the Bojack bear an almost defiant expression came over his face, "Yes, even the Bojack bear."


    "But your highness-"


    "This is what I choose," he spoke calmly but with power. Gwenn already liked him the best - in fact, the others didn''t compete. She nodded her thanks to him from a distance, tired of getting the full power of attention in the room just by speaking. The other centaurs didn''t look too happy about his words, but there was nothing they could do. The guards walked Gwenn out of the room as the counsel finished their earlier, erm, conversation.


    As the three of them - the guards and Gwenn - were walking back through the halls, Gwenn didn''t know what to feel first. She was doomed to stay in that forest for the rest of her life, but at least she''d saved her friends from the same awful fate. The less talkative guard gently took a hold of Gwenn''s arm - he had to bend over slightly to do so. His buddy shook his head.


    "Bobin, don''t. She''d nice, remember?"


    "Yeah but it just feels right."


    "Well . . . stop it. She doesn''t need it."


    "Yeah, I know but she doesn''t mind," he looked down to Gwenn for reassurance, "You don''t mind, see?"


    "Yes, she does - look at her face. Does she look happy about that?"


    Normally she would''ve cracked up at the silly argument but she was too busy worrying about her future - Orthis, the talkative one - mistook her disappointment in the king''s decision for disappointment in Bobin holding her arm. She''d zoned out and came in on their conversation right as Orthis said, "She''s a super-powerful sorceress, don''t hold her arm like that."


    "Fine, fine, okay," Bobin backed away, his hands in the air. They turned a corner, went through a door, and ended up in another giant room. This one, though, was filled with centaurs - and even a few satyrs - walking around, or chatting, or sitting alone with an ancient-looking book. Gwenn felt her heart flutter when she caught sight of Thalia and Thomas - it wasn''t too hard to find them in the crowds.


    She broke away from Orthis and Bobin, running over to her friends and wrapping her arms around them. At first, they were both surprised, but after realizing what was going on, gratefully welcoming the hug. She pulled away, putting on a serious face now.


    "Are you both alright?"


    "Yes, Lady Gwenn."


    "Sheesh, you sound like mom," even though the joke should''ve been funny, it only made the sisters homesick.


    "Wait . . . where''s Kihwek?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Gwenn turned to the guards who were walking up, now arguing about something else. Gwenn interrupted them, eager to get answers.


    "Orthis, where is Kihwek? And what about the Bojack bear?"


    The mention of the bear earned her a few unwanted glances.


    "Well, Kihwek is still in the cell and the bear . . . what about the bear?"


    "The king said he would help my friends."


    Orthis leaned down, his eyes wide in an irritated kind of way.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Well you didn''t say anything about the bear-thing being your friend, did you? And Kihwek? The counsel is all too happy to keep him in that cell."


    "Wait, why? What has he done?"


    She worried maybe someone had told the king about his magic, but something about Orthis''s expression and posture told her otherwise. He opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by an explosion of surprised gasps and murmurs. All eyes fell to the entrance of the room. The midnight centaur - the prince - walked majestically into the room. The crowds around parted way as he walked through the room, making his way over to Gwenn. Orthis and Bobin bowed their heads in respect, finally quiet.


    The prince stopped in front of Gwenn and her friends, a crowd had started to form around them already. Even the satyrs respected the prince as much as the centaurs.


    "Your highness," Orthis almost tried to bow but it would''ve looked too weird and awkward so he didn''t. The prince nodded to him.


    "No need to bow to me, Orthis."


    He turned to Gwenn. "I thought I would show you your new quarters."


    "You? But you''re the prince? Why would you take the time to show me where I''m gonna stay?"


    The centaur''s face was unreadable.


    "It is what I want."


    He started to turn around, the crowd already parting for him but Gwenn stopped him.


    "Wait," he turned back around - she was afraid she''d offended him somehow but kept talking, "My friend, Kihwek . . . I . . . I wish for him to be released. An-and the Bojack bear also - please."


    Everyone held their breath at the bold request. The prince took a moment to think.


    "Very well, one young," he nodded to the guards behind him, who hurried off to get her friends. She wanted to melt with gratitude.


    "Thank you!"


    "Now, come. And your friends that remain here are welcome as well."


    Gwenn exchanged excited looks with Thalia and Thomas.


    The prince led them through halls and tunnels - Orthis and Bobin trailed behind, too concentrated in their own conversation to listen to the prince and Gwenn.


    "Please, call me Panthin. And what is your name, young one?"


    Gwenn forced her voice not to wobble as she spoke, but it cracked anyway - just to spite her.


    "Gwenn Mordredae."


    The prince - Panthin - stopped in surprise, holding up everyone around him. His normally calm and knowing expression was gone, replaced by something between shock and fear.


    "What? What is it?"


    He blinked a few times, trying to pull himself back to the present.


    "Nothing you need to worry about."


    "Mhmm."


    Fortunately, he was saved from any further explanation by Kihwek, who was being led down the hall with a guard on each side of him. He didn''t look too happy about it either. His grumpy face melted away when he caught sight of Gwenn. He trotted/cantered forward, the two guards behind him angry for leaving them in the dust.


    "Gwenn! I knew you could do it!"


    He looked down at Thomas and Thalia - unaware of the royal centaur in front of him. He held out a hand to Thalia, who happily shook it - a little awestruck - but when he offered it to Thomas, Thomas ignored him, which bothered Gwenn. A lot. Thankfully, Kihwek ignored the insult, smiling as his eyes trailed over to Panthin. His smug expression was gone in an instant.


    "Your highness . . ." Gwenn bit back a laugh as he tried to bow to Panthin, who waited for him to finish, wearing a grin the whole time.


    "Oh, Kihwek. Please don''t. It''s not as funny as it used to be, brother."


    Brother!?


    Gwenn''s mouth hung open a little.


    "Bro-brother?"


    Panthin and Kihwek both looked over to her. She could see the resemblance now in their features. The same thick eyebrows - although Panthin''s were a little thinner with age - the same button noses, which Gwenn thought was different than other centaurs - who all had much more Elvin noses - not that it mattered. It was there coloring that made them look so different. Panthin''s sleek black horse body and hair were almost opposite from Kihwek''s chestnut coat and blonde hair.


    "Wait, if you''re both brothers, why is Panthin in the counsel and Kihwek thrown in a jail cell like a thief?"


    She regretted the words as they were leaving her mouth. A shadow passed over the brothers'' faces. Kihwek shifted uncomfortably on his feet - hooves.


    "Uh, it doesn''t matter."


    Panthin cleared his throat. "Anyway, we were just on our way to the Bojack bear, were we not?"


    The small group nodded more than was necessary.


    They walked a little longer in silence, until Gwenn wandered ahead with Kihwek, while the others talked - Kihwek knew where they were going since he''d grown up in the place. Gwenn tried to lean close and speak quietly.


    "So . . . you were gonna tell me how you knew my name?"


    "Ah! yes," he glanced behind them, making sure no one was listening, "it''s complicated but I can tell you that it was because of magic that I know your name."


    "Oh," they walked, listening to the others. "What did I do to the oak tree?"


    Kihwek''s eyes grew wide.


    "That''s something you''ll see later."


    "When?"


    "Soon."


    She opened her mouth to ask how soon but he cut her off.


    "If you''re going to ask how soon - don''t."


    "Fine," more silence as the others'' voices bounced off the walls of the small space.


    "Kiwi-"


    "Don''t call me that."


    "Why did the leader of the centaur group back at Stonehenge listen to you if . . . you know . . ."


    "Because he''s the only other person who knows I have magic. He actually taught me a lot, Gwenn."


    His words reminded her of Thomas for some reason - the old knight popped into her head. She took a deep breath, shaking the thought away.


    Three minutes later, they arrived at the door of the Bojack''s cage.

 The name of the Bojack bear

    They had walked through a giant dungeon-looking place with cage doors that lined the walls. Most of them were empty, but the ones that were full . . .


    The Bojack bear''s cage door was bigger than most, its iron door rusted from age. Gwenn didn''t want to know what was in that cage before the Bojack. Panthin pulled a pair of keys off a belt - full of little pockets and packs - that was strapped around his shoulder. Gwenn wondered if the others noticed how his hands shook slightly when he slid the key into the lock before turning it and pulling the door open.


    When she stepped through the doorway, the smell of basement mixed with wet animal and death breathed it''s breath into Gwenn''s face, blowing her hair back. She tried not to breathe through her nose - although tasting the smell wasn''t much better. Panthin pulled out a small, round object with a plethora of screws and bolts hammered into it. He tapped the back of it and a light shot out, revealing the inside of the dark cave-like cell.


    Gwenn''s stomach jumped into her throat when the white beams of light fell over the small space. The Bojack bear was on the far end of the cave, cuts and scrapes decorated his whole body. Heavy iron chains were clamped around his giant paws. Gwenn took a step towards him but Panthin''s arm shot out. You, sir, are not going to get in my way- not when I''m so close. She glared at him, a look that she rarely ever used unless she was really feeling agitated.


    For a quick moment, she thought she saw the proud confidence in his eyes flee. But he regained himself, straightening his utility belt and squaring his shoulders. Even though he stood a few heads taller than her, Gwenn wasn''t scared of him.


    She marched into the cave, settling down in front of the Bojack bear. His big brown eyes stared up at her, pain and wisdom swirled in them. She wanted to gag at the smell of the cave but the overwhelming stench melted away when she realized how hurt he was. How the centaurs could hurt him so badly in a day, she didn''t know, and thinking about it only made her angrier. Panthin was by her, handing her the key.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    "Here, I have the key," but she didn''t need it. She wasn''t really thinking about it but the strange fire came to life inside of her for the umpteenth time.


    She glared at the chains that bound the Bojack bear, cracking the metal in half with her mind and throwing it carelessly behind her. It clattered against the wall and floor, scaring the people nearby, but she wasn''t done. Panthin silently pulled his hand away, tucking the key back in its place without a word.


    "It looks hurt, maybe we should . . ."


    Kiwi was by her side now, towering over her but she didn''t bother turning to face him.


    "It is a he." Why did they keep calling him it!? Anger burned inside her, boiling her insides and reddening her vision. Someone said something but she couldn''t hear it. She needed her anger to go somewhere else. Unaware of what she was doing, Gwenn pushed the anger out of her, not caring about where it went.


    The moment was timeless, lasting forever, and yet only for a second. A hand grabbed her shoulder, pulling her to her feet. She stumbled back, her knees suddenly weak. Someone - probably the person that yanked her back - caught her before she fell to the ground.


    The world around her blurred, her body felt completely drained. The last thing she remembered seeing was Kiwi''s face, his icy blue eyes staring down at her with worry.


    As she drifted in endless sleep, the familiar voice of the Bojack bear echoed in her head. When she spoke, it was almost like it wasn''t her speaking at all.


    What is your name?


    Gwenn Mordredae, my name is Oz.


    For everything she''d just been through, the name was a little underwhelming. But at the same time, she found herself quite fond of it. Then any clearness of her thoughts melted away, and she dreamt of centaurs modeling in a bunch of different outfits.