Bliath: Shattered Read Free

love you.” 
    At that he pulled her closer.
      Night was upon them, Fera didn’t want to make a fire out of fear of it being spotted.  She took the tack off of Oren, unfolded the saddle blanket, then she looked for a spot to lay down.  Oren beat her to it, and without missing a beat, she covered him up, and then ducked under the blanket herself, leaning against him. With him she always felt safe and sound, giving into the calmness he brought her, Fera closed her eyes.
    Sleep came easy, but the dreams came in a hard rush of pain.  It seemed her memories were not done torturing her.  They picked up where she had left them earlier.
     
    ******************************<3~*~<3*******************************
    Markus opened the cover of the book, and on the inside was a detailed map of Bliath.  The butterflies flew mad with a mix of emotions in Fera’s stomach.  She read “Chapter One: The Prophecy”
    Markus’s hand appeared, he turned several of the pages, “Sometimes Fera, you have to read ahead, before you can understand the beginning.” 
    She looked down at Chapter 3 “The rise of the High Queen.”  She begun to read:
    Over 1550 years ago, the now High Elven Queen Estreal, who was just over 300 years old, and seated under her father as The Crowed Princess, though she was 300, she did not look a day over 18. She was the most powerful energy harnesser the elves have ever seen.  Her father was of an unknown age, and her mother was said to have died at the hands of an Elemental. Leaving a bitterness between the two races.  Estreal was to take a mate in the next few moon cycles, since elves live long lives, they do not believe in the human tradition of marriage; they set up partnerships almost like affectionate business deals.  So if the tides of life change their heart, they can go on their ways, without much recourse.  Once in a blue moon, an elven couple will bind themselves to each other; it is the most powerful bond two creatures can share. They become one in almost every way.  Their heart beats as one. (To read more on Elven marriage and binding see the “Tome of Elven Rites and Rituals”.)
      Estreal, was presented with all of the most powerful High Elves, none caught her eye, she knew that she was expected to choose one.  Although, no one truly knows how she met the Power Elf, some speculate, it was when he left a meeting with her father at a security briefing but regardless, they meet.  It was highly frowned upon to be with someone out of your cast, and was not allowed for her being of noble birth to choose someone out of her cast.  As much as he didn’t want to choose her either it couldn’t be helped, bonding works like a magnet. A simple meeting can set the gears in motion.  Since she refused to pick a High Elf, Estreal’s father picked for her.  On the night before the partnership arrangements to be set forth, Estreal slipped out, and went to the great tree to ask for guidance and help, as did the Power Elf.   When they saw each other, the pull pushed them together.  By the next morning the kingdom was in an uproar, the princess was not in her room, and her bed had not been slept in.  Everyone was searching for her, when they found her; she was wrapped in the arms of the Power, both fast asleep at the foot of the tree.  The King outraged woke them, shouting for the Powers head.   To the shock of the king, and the kingdom, the Power bore the Princesses mark of magic on his right wrist.  The sacred tree had heard them, and answered, by completing the binding, the tree made the Power one with Estreal, giving him the rank of High Elven as well as the Princess' magical gifts, except energy harnessing.  He gave her his strength, insight, unparalleled tactical skills.  With both skill sets, a dangerous combination was born in Estreal.  Estreal, looked upon the greatest gift she was ever given not knowing what to call him.  He leaned forward whispering in her ear “Ilsar, my love,