Chapter 32

By now, Ayla did not doubt that Scar was evil. But she could not understand why Nixx, who was a much better person, would travel with one such as Scar.

"Why did you help me today, but you told Scar about the plant last night?" Ayla asked Nixx in a low tone when they were moving.

Nixx thought for a long time before whispering his answer.

"Don't think that I am not a good guy, sweetheart. I did many bad things, but even I have a code that I try to live by. And last night was different."

"How come?"

"This area is full of dangerous creatures. If you want to escape, you have to wait until we get to a safer location."

Ayla almost did not breathe while she released another question, "And if I try to escape again would you stop me?"

Nixx shrugged, "As long as I don't see you escaping."

"Why should I believe you?" Ayla asked him.

"You don't have any reasons to trust me, but know that I am being honest."

She sat for a while in silence before talking again, in a low voice, "This code of yours, does it include not harming women?" Ayla asked and tried to look at him over her shoulder.

Nixx looked into her eyes and nodded.

"I never hurt a woman," he said, and she believed him.

Ayla looked at the road for a while, and when her curiosity got the best of her, she asked Nixx, "Why are you with Scar?"

Nixx sighed, "Because of a debt."

"What debt?" she asked.

"Not important. But I am curious, sweetheart, what would you do if you ever getaway."

Ayla looked to the horizon and said, "Travel. Learn. Be happy. Live."

Nixx chuckled," That's a good plan."

"What would you do?" Ayla asked.

"It is said that on the Korinus Island lives a dragon. He is the guardian of an underground temple. I will travel to Korinus, ride the dragon, and live great adventures with him."

Ayla frowned, "There are no more dragons left in this part of the world. And besides, Korinus is a very dangerous place."

"Danger is my middle name. And I don't think you're right about the dragons," Nixx said and chuckled.

"I am not – " Ayla protested but closed her mouth when Nixx put a few pieces of jerky in her hand.

"Eat," Nixx said into her ear.

They traveled for the rest of the day until Scar signaled Nixx to stop next to a camp.

Right before Nixx got down from his horse, he said to Ayla, "Sweetheart, remember that words have power. Before you seal someone's fate, think well what words you use."

Ayla was confused about what Nixx told her, but before she could ask him what he meant about words and power, Scar was already ordering Nixx to prepare the dinner. Ayla hurried to help.

When the food was ready, Nixx put a bowl for Ayla, and Scar tried to protest.

"We can't have her starving to death just because you hold a grudge against her!" Nixx said before pushing the bowl into Ayla's hands.

"You are asking for it, half-elf!" Scar said but did not stop Ayla from eating.

They ate in silence. Ayla savored every bite of the food. When she was done, Nixx gave her more.

"You need to gain your strength back, sweetheart," Nixx said and winked at her.

Ayla knew that Nixx was right. If she wanted to escape, she needed to get her strength back. She had no idea why Nixx was trying to help her, but she believed that the half-elf was a good person.

That night, Ayla went to sleep feeling hopeful for the first time in days. And when she woke up, Ayla ate in silence, thinking and hoping.

In the following days, a friendship formed between Nixx and Ayla while they rode together. Scar would frown whenever he saw Ayla and Nixx whispering one to another; he said nothing but kept being very vigilant.

On the fifth night since Scar kidnapped her, Ayla started to think that she wouldn't find a chance to run away. It wasn't that she hadn't tried before. On the third night, Ayla almost ran away while she was taking wood from the shed, but when she wanted to sneak away, she found Scar waiting for her next to the woodshed. He constantly watched all her steps, always anticipating her next move.

She ate in silence while Scar told Nixx that they were only three days away from the Jade River, and from there, they would take a boat to Davalon.

Ayla fell asleep knowing that she had to act fast if she wanted to get away from Scar.

She wasn't sure how late it was when she opened her eyes and found Nixx sleeping next to the fire, in a sitting positing. He must have fallen asleep while standing watch. Ayla looked to see where Scar was, only to see him sleeping in his blankets.

Ayla stood up fast. This was her chance to get away. Her heart was hammering in her chest when she looked at the horses. She would take Spirit, Nixx's black stallion.

'I am so sorry, Nixx. I hope you understand why I had to take Spirit," Ayla thought while she moved.

She was walking towards the horses when she heard someone calling her name. Ayla spun around, her heart drumming in her chest, only to see the woman with the white hair and aquamarine eyes close to the fire. She was wearing a beautiful golden cape, and on her head, she had a crown of stars.

Ayla looked at Scar because she was sure that the woman woke him up. To her surprise, he was still asleep. So was Nixx.

"Ayla Peace-Bringer," the woman said as she walked toward Ayla. When she got close to Nixx, the woman stopped and looked at him. Her eyes went wide, shock written all over her face. Moments later, her shock transformed into happiness.

"My n – " the woman said, but Ayla did not hear the last word because the woman spoke in a low tone.

Ayla was shocked to see the woman kneel before Nixx and then put her forehead against his forehead. She closed her eyes and murmured words too low for Ayla to hear.

Moments later, the woman opened her eyes and looked at Ayla.

"Ayla, you need to find Uzriel. The seven undead brothers are getting closer to finding him with each passing day. Without Uzriel, the Avatar can't defeat the Darkness, and all hope will be lost."

"I do not know who the Avatar or Uzriel are," Ayla said to the woman. "And I do not even know who you are."

"I am the Seer," the woman said, still kneeling before Nixx. "The Avatar is the last of his name, he who has the blood of the first Paladin flowing through his veins. He who has entered the Sea of Flames, and the Fire did not burn him but embraced him. He who Inoss judged and found worthy. He who is loved both by Addanos and Inoss."

The woman stopped for a moment before continuing, "Uzriel is – "

"Sweetheart!" she heard Nixx's voice calling her.

The princess fought to listen to the Seer's words, but the voice of Nixx was stronger.

"Sweetheart!" Nixx yelled once more.