Chapter ten

After Candy's departure, Alia had no choice but to put the evacuation on hold. It would only further separate them and Rwen would not stand for it! Still they were not out of danger. And then, there was also the waking willow's threat. 'Take what is rightfully ours'. What did they mean? Had the citizens of Gauberhodgy stolen something from them? She needed answers and there was only one person she felt she could trust.

"Ah I've heard of the ability of the willows to influence dreams. No wonder you were so frightened my Queen, but it is a tactic meant to intimidate us your highness. This means they too have sensed your arrival and are terrified".

"Yes Silverus but do you know what they meant by reclaiming what was rightfully theirs?"

"The waking willows have always thought that Gauberhodgy belonged to them. But the towns people were here first, so in right, it belongs to us!"

It was clear that the cankey's knowledge was as he claimed. And their was reason in his spoken words so as Alia decided to believe on them.

"Well thank you Silverus and I wish you a good night".

"The pleasure is all mine o queen".

She exited Silverus's study only to find herself staring down at her from the opposite wall. It was a portrait (she had not noticed before) of the Queen Jensari. And she took note of their great resemblance, from her kinking curls to her button nose they were one and the same! What painted them apart was the aura of self confidence the painter had managed to capture in her posture and the ages of wisdom that twinkled in her eyes. She drew nearer involuntarily, reaching out a hand to stroke the wooden frame.

Queen Jensari. Who are you?!

The words bombarded her thoughts and she snatched her hand away to hold it up to her chin pensively.

"Pray tell, what you are doing my Queen?"

Alia standing in her drawing room ( something she had not known she owned earlier that day) The room was a perfect rectangle lightly littered with easels and materials for painting. The light of the early morning sun shone brilliantly through the gaping windows, reflecting from the sword in her hand. She had not been aware of his presence until now and was somewhat startled. She had hoped no one would find her there.

Oldin, leaning casually against the frame of the door, was still awaiting a response.

"Oh this? I was just thinking, since we might have to fight in a war, we best be prepared!" She said blushing from embarrassment.

"But my Queen you have never fought the wars with a sword". He cocked his head watching her intensely.

"Oh really? That's a relief!" And it certainly was! Even the smallest of weeds, she had learnt to admire and killing could never sit well with her.

"Plus it would do you no good". Oldin shook his head, pushing away from the wall. "You are holding it all wrong... May I!"

Taking her hand with his, his hand was soft and warm and Alia wanted to tug hers away but she thought better of it. Offending a Lord in a time of unrest could not bode well. Oldin gently fixed her grip on the hilt of the sword. She noticed then, for the first time, how lovelier his eyes were up close and how his rounded lion like ears twitched and flopped as if they were Independent of his brain. Dancing around her, he straightened her arm.

"You hold it out and away from your person, Great now go ahead and give it a whirl!" Oldin reversed safely out of harm, folding his arms and curling his tail.

Alia brought the sword through a series of jabbing and slicing motions. She was positive she looked ridiculous and Oldin only cemented this belief by snickering into his right elbow.

"Pardon me my Queen!" He coughed.

"No go ahead and laugh. I don't know what I'm doing either". She smiled wryly.

"You are far more... generous than I recall my Queen". Oldin smirked, slinking closer. "Here, let me help ".

Placing one hand on her shoulder, he held the wrist of her sword hand with the other. She tensed completely aware of how close they were. Her heart was thumping but wether from fear or otherwise, she could not tell.

"Relax" he purred.

And she knew there was no way to.

After walking her through the basics, Oldin released her taking his stance before her and unsheathing the bejeweled sword that hung from his hip.

"Okay let's see what you've learnt shall we?"

"Uh, you want me to attack you? Okay then I guess ". Alia did not expect a trial so soon, despite this, she stroke out eagerly. Just as she had foreseen, he parried and blocked all her assaults with a cat like grace. And she was holding back, analyzing his stance for some weakness when a ball of fur leapt between them. Hurling himself at Oldin with his twin daggers. The two cat like creatures cavorted about the room blades clanking and clashing in a lively cat fight and it would have continued if Alia had not found her speech.

"Silverus! What do you think you are doing?" She demanded.

He froze, throwing her a quick glance.

"Why? Protecting you of course! Was Lord Oldin not attacking you?" He was catching on slowly and looked from one to the other in astonishment.

Oldin had sheathed his sword, throwing the cankey a cheeky look.

"Attacking me? No he was teaching me to use a sword. Why would Lord Oldin attack me?"

"I.." Silverus counted his toes.

"Your highness, I will take leave of your presence now". With a lordly bow, Oldin strode for the exit. Directing a scoff at Silverus.

"See I think you have insulted him with your bold accusations!"

Alia likewise, deserted the cankey to his thoughts.