A disappointment

Aurelia

My head is still spinning, of all the people to run into on my first day of freedom. I could smell the evil but familiar scent from miles away, there was no doubt in my mind. When I started my attack, all of the years of pain he inflicted upon me pushed my wings harder and filled me with a fire I've never felt.

As I got closer to my prey, I let out a terrifying roar as I swooped in and breathed a fire so hot it seemed to scorch the air. He was hidden in the trees like a coward, so I circled around. When I saw him again I blasted my fire at him.

The realization that I have just killed someone slowly starts to sink in. A part of my soul feels at peace knowing that he will never harm me again. The other part is sick with what I have done. This is the first time I've hurt someone. I land by the burning remains and shift back into my human form. I didn't realize Kairios was there until we locked eyes.

"Are you all right?" His voice is quiet.

"I will be okay now, now that he can't hurt me anymore."

"Who was he?"

"The reason I have so many scars."

His strong arms wrapped around my waist and he pulled me closer to his chest. I can't help but lean into the comfort and I start to calm down and come to terms with my revenge. We stayed like this while the smell of the body and the trees burned to ash. I'll never forget the smell of the cooking flesh.

"I want to try and find the cave, will you help me?"

"Of course I'll help, what all do you remember of the area?"

"There's not much I remember I was so weak when I ran away. The entrance to the cave is behind a waterfall, I don't know how long I walked but I followed the river until I found you." I wish I could remember more but it was such a haze. I'm positive I would have died if he wasn't there

"We need to find you some clothes to wear, not that I mind seeing you like this but I don't want anyone else seeing what's mine." the way he said the word mine had my skin buzzing, remembering his lips.

Kairios walked with me over to the tree line. I feel a slight buzz in the air as he used his magic. The tree grew a branch with large green leaves. He picked them along with some flowers and started tying them all together with long blades of grass. When he was finished with my outfit he helped me put it on. I looked down in awe, never in my life have I worn something so beautiful. Satisfied with his work he grabbed my hand and turned towards this horse.

"This is blackfire. He will carry us as far as we need to go. We just have to find the trail he used. It will take us all the way there, the tracks from the wagon will be easy to follow." while he said all this to me Blackfire and I became fast friends.

"I've never ridden a horse." as i admit this, a blush forms as i think of all the things i never have gotten to try.

"You just have to sit in front of me and I will hold onto you. Blackfire is a strong horse, he will do all the work." He picks me up and helps me swing my leg over as I pull myself on straight. In a flash he's behind me securing himself around me.

Blackfire set a steady pace following the trail the way the wagon had come down. Kairios didn't say anything for a while which was good, I needed the time to get my head together. What was I hoping to find, would this place have any answers? Were all my answers left in the remains of the body I left behind? This is all most likely a mistake but if it was a mistake, it was a mistake I needed to make. I need the closure on my past so that I can never think of it again.

"Tell me about your life." I need a distraction from my thoughts and I also want to know more about him.

"My life has been fairly simple I am the oldest son of four children. My brother Raymus takes on my elder brother responsibilities, as I've never had time for them. I was always so busy with my training. I was born with stronger connection to magic and nature the most Elvish people achieve in a lifetime. I worked with the strongest we have in town. After it became clear they couldn't teach me anymore. I was training with a sword and bow and I passed all my trials the day I met you. You're my first rescue mission."

I chuckle about that. Kairios continued to tell me about his siblings, parents and Mistress Elnora. As well as his favourite bow and sword. I was very interested in the story about his brother Fairor and the Mistress Elnora. The stories of the trouble Fairor caused had me laughing out loud. I couldn't wait to meet him and learn a few tricks.

Time passed quickly as we continue along the path. We were now out of the forest and going up a mountain trail. The morning passes by and we came closer and closer to the waterfall. We dismount at the entrance when we found it, Blackfire can't go any further so we leave him to wait for us. When I pass under the waterfall my body starts to tense up in the memory of the pain inflicted upon me over the years I spent here.

It takes a few breaths in a few mental reminders that he is no longer able to harm me. With my heartbeat slowing down I can see Kairios looking around the room. After a few passes he comes up to me,

"There's nothing in this room. Theres a door over there." as he's talking he takes my hand and leads me across the room.

We follow the passage back down towards my cage room. The door is left open and I can see that it is as empty as I left it. I don't want to have to go in there again so I turn and continued on down the passage, I didn't notice it when I left. After walking a bit I see another door left open when I walk in I can see a bed, table with a chair, some empty shelves and what looks like a desk.

Theres papers all over the desk and some on the floor. Kairios and I walk over and pick out the first one. I see it's a letter. Not knowing how to read i give it to kairios and he reads aloud.

"Hanson, your regular payment is included as well as a bonus now that you're dealing with the girl changing into a dragon. Keep her locked away and weak, do not allow her to get used to shifting. Do not fail your Queen."

There are many letters containing payments and a few special instructions for my Jailer to use against me. We spent awhile going through all the letters. Finally we found one that was the first letter from the queen.

"Hanson the five-year-old girl will be delivered by sunrise tomorrow. As I said before do not concern yourself with the details of the child's parentage. No one is to know the child being held there. Keep her alive and well, i may need her one day. I will send your payments to Madam Vivians. You can collect it there when you pick up supplies. We will not meet again and you will never set foot in the Capitol again. Do not fail your Queen."

Why? Why me? What did I do? Where was my family, why am I so important to this Queen? I didn't notice the tears rolling down my face until Kairios wiped them away. Looking at him I was torn on what to do now. I know that looking around this place anymore will bring further answers. I feel broken by the weight of my disappointment. I needed this place to tell me more and why this Queen had done this to me.

"I'm going to take you to see mistress Elnora. We will bring these letters and burn everything else. She may be able to help you." Kairios said pulling me from the thoughts starting to form in my mind.

After the letters are gathered and the remains of the room are burned, we make our way back to Blackfire. When we start our journey to see the mistress I can't help it but retreat into my painful thoughts again.

Had my parents been looking for me? Where were they now? If they were alive, should I try to find them? Will they even want to see me? It has been so long in that cage they probably have forgotten about me. I felt like I had no one, no future and no past. I felt like I had no hope.