The woman before him gasped and looked up, meeting Noah’s gaze. He took in her familiar green eyes and offered a gentle smile.

  “Noah, is that really you?” Julie asked, her voice cracking. Noah nodded and before he could speak in the affirmative she had wrapped him in her arms, squeezing tight.

  “You were right.” She said as the sobs began. His hands settled on her back and he held her as she trembled with emotion. His heart ached at her distress, and the journey suddenly felt worth it. His dream hadn’t lied, they needed him, she needed him. Julie pressed her face into his chest and he sighed, hoping to inspire her to take a deep breath.

  “They have Kyle.” She cried. Noah bobbed his head but didn’t say anything. She sniffled and drew back just enough to wipe at her face without letting go. Her eyes were red now, her face blotchy and filled with fear. She leaned back into the embrace, this time squeezing him more gently, no longer hanging on for dear life. Several minutes passed as her breathing grew steady, the sobs gradually turning to quiet tears that seeped into his furs. She gave him a final squeeze before stepping back and taking him in. They made for an odd pair, his bloodstained clothing giving him a wild, bestial appearance in contrast with the silken gown she wore. The dress was the same greens and purples of the forest, no doubt in elven style. She was beautiful, and in any other circumstance, she would have taken his breath away. But in this instance his heart only found grief. He didn’t know what she had been through in his absence but it was clear that she filled a role she wouldn’t choose for herself.

  “Why did you come back?” She asked, finally breaking the silence. He frowned and opened his mouth only to close it again. Seeing his confusion she spoke again.

  “I mean after how I treated you last time, that is. I made it pretty clear that your help wasn’t welcome. I was a fool,” she said, her voice quivering at the end as her eyes turned toward the floor. Noah sighed deeply as he considered the best way to explain.

  “You showed up in my dreams,” he stated, opting for the honest answer. She frowned as she met his eyes again, but the hint of a smile tugged at her lips.

  “You were dreaming about me?” She asked, her eyes now alight with gentle mirth. Noah opened his mouth but faltered as he felt the warmth rising to his cheeks.

  “Ah, Julie that wasn’t exactly what I meant. Do you remember how I get dreams that often mean more than fantasy?” He asked. Realization struck her and she let out what sounded to Noah like a disappointed sigh.

  “So you weren’t just thinking about me, but you had a vision that caused you to come running? I suppose that’s flattering in its own way,” she commented, laughing at a joke only she understood.

  “Thank you for coming, Noah. I really am sorry for how I acted last time you were here. I—I thought I knew better, that your concerns were colored by the way you viewed the world. I realize now how blind I was,” she said, smiling sadly as they looked into each other’s eyes. Noah nodded, pressing his lips together.

  “I forgive you, Julie. I only wish you had realized before all of this happened,” Noah sighed. “Now that I’m here though, you may as well fill me in.” Julie opened her mouth to speak but her eyes went wide and her brow knitted in fear.

  “Julie, is everything okay?” Noah asked, placing his hand on her shoulder. She nodded though fresh tears began to run down her face. Noah wasn’t sure what had changed, but it was clear that something had scared her. He looked around the room for any sign of an assailant or listening ear but came up short.

  “What’s going on?” He asked, this time searching her eyes for the answer. Shame. He saw shame as he looked at her. She shook her head dismissively and sank to her knees, the quiet sobs evident as her shoulders shook with each wave of emotion. Noah felt helpless as he watched, not able to do anything more than provide a comforting presence. And while he endeavored to display a peaceful, pleasant expression for her, a welling rage began to make itself known within him. Someone was going to pay for this. Eventually, Julie’s tears dried and she prepared to speak. Noah sat next to her on the floor and flashed her his best encouraging smile.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  “There are things that I am not able to speak about,” she said, her voice hoarse. Noah’s blood turned cold. “I was—” her voice cut off, “I chose to make a vow.” She managed. Noah held up a hand.

  “I know what you mean, I have heard about the oaths of loyalty,” he explained.

  “I had hoped that the elves wouldn't stoop to such terrible methods though,” He added, only realizing his mistake as Julie flinched. He paused as he tried to think of how to continue without causing her more pain.

  “Do you mind if I try something?” He asked. She nodded, though she narrowed her eyes. Noah cleared his throat.

  “While I was traveling I came across two warring kingdoms. The first kingdom took over the other and enslaved its people. The slaves from the second kingdom wanted to break free though, so they sought help from a mighty warrior who visited their town.” Noah said, waggling his eyebrows at the last bit. Julie smiled and motioned for him to continue.

  “This mighty warrior met with the leader of the captured kingdom and offered to form a plan for their escape. What do you think the leader said?” Noah asked. Julie’s eyes widened briefly before she answered.

  “The leader would have been grateful for the help.” She said, smiling in relief as the words passed freely from her lips. Noah let out a breath before continuing.

  “The issue was that the brave and valiant warrior didn’t know the full scope of their plight, so he asked the leader to share their insights.” Noah said.

  “Ah yes, and the leader shared about the evil king who took the leader’s treasure to keep them from trying anything untoward. The leader was assured that if everything went as instructed they would someday see their treasure again,” Julie shared. Noah nodded, the silliness of their banter failing to hide the truth in their words.

  “The warrior then inquired about the location of said king and treasure…”

  “The king and his men always came from the forest through the southern gate. The uptick in trade caravans led the leader to believe that a direct route had been established, though their bonds kept them from inquiring.” Julie replied. Noah smiled. That was better news than he had been expecting.

  “The warrior was pleased at this development and vowed to secure the leader’s treasure once again.” Noah said. Julie frowned.

  “But the king is so strong!” She protested.

  “I know, Julie. I won’t let him keep Kyle though. One way or another I will set him and all of you free.” Noah vowed, seeing no need to keep up the charade. She nodded hesitantly.

  “When do you leave?” She asked.

  “Soon, though not until after I meet with whoever the captain sent for. Perhaps they will invite me to the capital.” Noah replied, a hopeful grin spread across his face. The two continued talking, eventually moving to the couch and sharing some tea. They had appearances to keep up after all. He was relieved to hear that she hadn’t been treated roughly and that he was the first person that she had been instructed to entertain. It seemed that for all intents and purposes the elves wanted a peaceful takeover, subjects that would fill out their numbers and push their leader toward Bronze. It wouldn’t do to spark revolution. Julie’s words soothed the seething rage that had been bubbling up within him, and he was now confident that he wouldn’t cut down the next elf that deigned to make an appearance before him. This development was just in time too as a gentle knock sounded from the closed door. Julie squeezed Noah’s hand and mouthed ‘thank you’ before responding in a polite voice.

  “Come in,” she called. Two elves stepped into the office, the secretary following behind an elven woman who was adorned in silks that put Julie’s rags to shame. Her eyes lit up as she saw Noah and she stepped forward to introduce herself. She extended a hand, palm down, and Noah took it gingerly, playing the part as he lightly kissed her knuckles. She smiled.

  “It is an honor to meet you, your grace. My name is Delia.”