39 Lily’s fear

"We have several reports from towns on the South requesting reinforcements, Your Majesty," the old minister from Docrem took a deep breath before continuing the ominous report, "the dukedoms and other nearby forts are deploying soldiers and taking refugees but them are asking for our help."

"Your Majesty, what shall we do?"

"The main office of the Temple of Light is sending more priests to the south, but they request for protection and soldiers' accompaniment."

The hall inside the Palace was filled with High Ranking Ministers and Generals from Docrem discussing the horrible situation outside. There was utter chaos everywhere in the country. Darkness, cold. The reports from the towns and villages were filled with dreadful sights of a shadow covering and engulfing everything, not leaving any life out. Many had been reported as missing and the people were terrified and flying out of the country. But it seemed that nowhere in the continent was safe.

"My Queen, the situation is grave. We should call for the other allied countries urgently."

"I already called them, but they are facing a similar phenomenon. They are delaying their response. For now, we are alone," Miriam anxiousness grew deeper in her eyes, but she had to stay calm to guide the frightened Ministers.

"My Queen," the King with several knights and wizards entered the hall, they seemed pressured and tired. They had a hard time expelling the enchantment from the nobles from the council. Many had already succumbed to madness, now it was more of a matter for doctors than theirs. However, the news was starting to spread to the general population, it won't be long when the panic will commence.

"Miriam, darling, we had spoken with the High Priest of the Light Temple."

"Are they going to help? What did they say?"

"Yes, they are sending a commission to every country, and they wish to speak with you alone."

Maurice gave her a meaningful glance at her. Since the beginning, he looked agitated and with cold sweat on his forehead.

"Alright, are they here?"

"Yes, he is in your study."

"He?"

"The High Priest."

"Is he here?"

"Yes, he came with me. He is a bit concerned… we should go now."

He took her hand, but it was so cold, almost frozen.

"Darling, are you alright?"

"Yes, love. Let's go."

Miriam looked at him with a worried face, however, she didn't say anything. She knew her husband, he will tell her when the moment was adequate.

They arrived at the reception room the moment when a young man in white robes was standing by the window looking outside. The sunlight was hitting his regal body while his hands were in his back. He looked tall and handsome with blonde hair and blue golden eyes, the distinctive features of the high priest of the Temple of Light. He should be born with them to be selected as the High Priest.

They believe that those eyes were proof of his affinity to light magic. However, something was different about him, it was said that the chosen one for the position was conceded to the memories of the last priest. It was an enchantment that came from centuries ago, even before the founding of the current empires.

"High Priest, it is an honor to have you here."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

He smiled like a ray of sunshine that could illuminate the entire room.

"I was told that you wanted to tell me something urgent."

"Yes, please let's sit. We may not have much time, and we can't lose the little we have."

****

"Ahhh!" The screams and cries of Lily woke up the entire mansion.

"Lily!"

"Little Lily!"

Madam Thorne pushed the door to the room quickly and Sir Elton and her brothers followed. The little girl had lit up all the lights inside the room and had made a circle with the candles. She was inside.

"Lily? What are you doing?"

"Mom?"

She was sitting hugging her legs and crying.

"Yes, darling. What happened?"

"I had a bad dream, and when I woke up it was here. The thing was here, then...." She started to cry.

"What are you saying darling, what thing?"

"The red eyes."

"Red eyes?" Sir Elton's face changed. "Lily, what did that thing said?"

"He said he… he wanted to send a message."

"What message? To whom?"

"I don't know… but I think it was to sis Lucia. He kept repeating her name…*sob*" She continued trembling in the arms of Madam Thorne. Her eyes were fixed on the candles, not leaving their sight for a moment.

"What else did he said, Lily?"

"Elton! You are scaring her."

"I… but…"

"He told me that he needed her … and…" Again, her tears covered her little face. She was sobbing and trembling with so much fear that Madam Thorne hugged her more tightly. "Darling, you are freezing."

"Mom, he told me he needed her and… and he will take me with him."

"What?!"

"Then, some light came from the ring and the thing left…"

"Which ring, Lily?"

The little girl took out a ring with a white gem engraved and showed it to them. It was a gorgeous ring with an inscription.

"What is this? Where did you get it, Lily?"

"My fiancé."

Her brothers, Sir Elton and Madam Thorne were stunned.

"Lily, who is this fiancé?

Ian's eyes turned aggressive and narrowed in a dangerous gaze. James was fisting his hands and Elton couldn't stop giggling.

"Blaze… he gave it to me to keep his promise."

"What?!"

"He said he will come for me and marry me."

Elton couldn't contain it anymore and started laughing out loud, then Ian kicked him.

"Auch, Ian how could you…"

However, the cheerful moment didn't last long when they felt the flames from the candles turn off one by one. Then a cold breeze crept up to their backs.

"What is going on?"

"Mom… is the thing," Lily whispered.