Chapter 6: When bravery meets stupidity

The Forest of Souls was a foreign sight. Butterflies were only warned to never fly close to it. The meadows had dangers but the perils of the forest were far more extreme. Creatures of the dark roamed there along with the Moths.

The name was given to the forest because of a lone water spirit who wandered through the tall trees. The only reason why the butterfly folk knew of it was that every full moon, the water spirit would visit the streams of the fields, blessing them with shimmers and cleansing them from wicked energy. The princess had seen the spirit once from her window. The spirit was mesmerizing to her. The spirit took a form of an old man whose hair flowed in the air as if submerged. King Vailant had told the twins that the spirit was called Aalto. Many moons ago he had wandered upstream from the ocean and found himself a home in the forest in a black lake. It was an adaptation for the forest folk though they welcomed him with open arms out of fear.

Thinking back, the princess was nervous. Riona had packed her satchels with food, water and a blanket. The stable boys had saddled up a deep brown steed, glancing at her from time to time. It was rare to see the princess out and about. She was rarely outside, evident by her pale complexion. She had strapped on her sword by a belt that rested on her hip. She wore a tunic paired with leather pants, padded thickly to keep out cold and to protect her.

Unfortunately, her best friend didn't show up to see her off, which ached her heart. Two soldiers volunteered to join her and she accepted them: A young promising upcoming castle guard called Enzo who was short and sturdy in comparison to others. His wings were grey with white spots and black lines. He chose to wear green which Riona allowed. The other volunteer was a hand taller than her. He went by the name Lance, a distant cousin of Vance. Their mothers were sisters and both thought it humorous to name their sons similarly.

Riona remembered how the two women had gushed over her when she had just moved into the Vanetus household. The two ladies had been enthusiastic about her upbringing as a lady but Knight Radan had non of it. He had prohibited Riona from doing housework which was a good deal at first until she was shaken out of bed each morning to train all day. Her father encouraged her to fight before he passed but Radan drove her to the limit in sword fighting. It took less than three years for her to master the art of wielding the sword with her rare talent. She was unique, "born for it," some said.

Returning her focus to the task beforehand she sighed, "I hope you brought enough fire powder, Lance." Lance was an expert with all things related to flames. It was the reason for his upbringing further south with the fire fairies. Pesky creatures that caused wildfires once in a while. "Yeah, I brought enough but I assume it is just to kick them a bit back."

Riona gripped the rains tightly, leading her horse out of the stables into the open where she climbed on, settling in the saddle. The flutterhorse trampled uneasy with its hooves, most likely sensing her anxiousness. A slightly shaking hand reached to pet its mane.

Riona glanced over her shoulder and folded wings. Enzo nodded towards her, ready for the journey. With a click of her tongue, the horse galloped off. Its glorious wings started to flap, soon carrying their bodies through the air. The view was spectacular: the grass swayed, the flowers danced, the ladies of the court strolled about with brightly coloured dresses and young children played between the pebble cottages.

However, no view could deflect Riona's fear. "Have you thought this through, your highness?" called Enzo, reading her mind. The princess gulped. She knew the answer. No, no she hadn't. Enzo flew beside her, awaiting an answer but her silence was enough. "There is still time to turn around," he said suggestively. Notwithstanding, the princess shook her head. It would have been embarrassing to turn around and face Vance who had told her it was ridiculous. Oh and how Drystan would mock her! "Definitely not," she snapped, "We are brave! We will do what the others won't."

Lance who was beside her on the other side raised his brows with surprise. "Brave? That wasn't the word my mother used. She called me stupid for joining."

"Stupid? My brother called it a 'wish for death'," snorted Enzo rolling his eyes.

Riona grumbled annoyed, "At least non of you have a friend who is infuriated about this."

"Do you speak of Vance?" asked Lance laughing, "He is just a little more than worried, I assure you."

"Have you spoken to him?" questioned Riona.

"Not precisely. He came to me ranting."

"Vance? Ranting? That hardly seems correct. He is calm, too calm."

"Vance is nowhere near calm when it comes to you, princess," snorted Enzo, looking forward.

"You may call me Riona, please," said the princess, "We are equals on this mission."

The two men peeked towards each other. Riona noticed and raised her chin. "Now there is no need to act as boys. We are on an important mission and there is no time for games. I expect your undivided attention."

"Fine by me," agreed Enzo smiling.

Lance simply chuckled, "Whatever floats your boat. All formalities aside."

Riona sighed. Perhaps it isn't as bad to have new energy to work with... I just don't want to die beside these two buffoons — that would be the cherry on top for my brother, thought the princess.

Little did she know that her brother was up to his own ploys that would change the course of the kingdom in other ways. Drystan was born cunning, meaning he had an eye for opportunity and what better opportunity did he have when Riona was out of the castle?

Unlimited possibilities laid at his fingertips yet as he lounged in his study, only one seemed to satisfy his thirst for trouble. Drystan grinned to himself, something that happened too often for any sane person. "May the Moths welcome you with open arms. May you not return yourself," he whispered, a quill scribbling on parchment.