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24

" This is unacceptable ! cried Dalanne, thus breaking the silence that had followed the announcement. Dalanne's indignation acts as a signal for the assembly, and an incessant hubbub engulfs the room.

" Enough. Do you question the judgment pronounced by His Majesty? Liamon said coldly. I shiver hearing his tone. His magic swirled around him in a chaotic ballet. I saw some curl up on themselves, others tremble under his power.

“You wanted judgment, you got judgment. This case ends there. he said before turning an angry gaze on the Duchess and the Count.

I regretted that he had not shown such fervor before the trial. My mother saved her life by sacrificing everything she knew. I knew that my father would also lose the woman he loved, but in that moment I didn't have the courage to feel sympathy for him, even though I knew deep down that he had appealed to the queen to make judgment.

I looked with a little satisfaction at the terrified gaze of the Duchess and the Count.

Liamon then turned to my mother and stroked her cheek lightly before ordering his guards to carry her to the tower without listening to the complaints of the Duchess and the Earl at this decision.

He then spoke to me.

“Count Taylor, as the laws dictate, you have only one week to prepare for your departure. The journey to your county is perilous. The path of the black veil engulfed many souls, and those who were spared saw their hopes perish in the stormy waters of the Strait. The county is an unknown and dangerous space, part of the realm in name only. I can only advise you to take this trip with people you trust and wish you good luck. »

He then left the room without saying a word, closely followed by the Duchess and her father.

I had a lot to do if I wanted to be ready for my departure, but first I had to make sure my mother was okay.

When I entered the room I found her still sitting in her wheelchair. She stared at the sky through the window distractedly.

“Taylor? »

“You are free mother.” I say with a forced smile.

“I am an exile and I will never see your father again. I'm just grateful that I don't have to be apart from you. she said without taking her eyes off the window.

"Are you mad at him? »

“Oh I contemplated covering her bed with nettles, but I remember the fact that I will not be the only one to suffer from this separation. He will be alone with Dalanne and his sycophants. That's enough punishment. »

“I am angry with him. » I say simply

“And you will be until this exile ends. I'm sure your father will work day and night to find proof of Dalanne's deception. I just hope she hasn't covered all her bases. She is arrogant when she thinks she has won. But you have other things to think about son. The road is long to the county and dangerous. I can't help you right now, but don't worry, your father won't let us go until he's done his best to survive this journey. »

“What do you know about the path of the black veil. ? »

"Not much, except that it's a swamp. It is said to be haunted. I think you will find more information at the library. she said before returning to her contemplation.

The next day I went to the library to find more information on the subject. Murmurs accompanied me in the corridors but to my astonishment even the librarian did not deign to approach me and when two hours had passed, he did not ask me to leave. But that was not the case with Ilawen.

"So Outcast Count are you ready to die?" Ilawen said mockingly as he approached me. He looked over my shoulder at what I was reading before grabbing the book roughly.

"Traveler, traveler, be careful not to take the path of the black veil. It is death that awaits you in the mist and the swamps. But if your steps take you there in spite of yourself, don't follow the lights and the laughter or you will disappear." he read in an exaggerated tone

"Give that back to me Ilawen."

"At least I'll know where your grave is and that of your whore mother." he said with a sneer

“Sir Ilawen. It's time for you to leave the library." said the librarian to our astonishment as he approached.

“Taylor should…”

"Sir, if I may say so, the Duke has given his orders, no one is to disturb your brother's preparations until he leaves." he said in a resigned tone. His loyalties had not changed, but it was impossible for him to refuse a direct order from the duke.

" I understood. Ilawen growled before tossing the book to the ground. That's not going to save you anyway."

He then left the room letting me pick up the book.

Ilawen was an idiot but he wasn't wrong. At the end of the day, I still didn't know what those lights were that were mentioned.

As the library had explained, no one disturbed the preparations and the day before departure, horse-drawn carriages had been prepared. About twenty soldiers had volunteered to make the trip with us. They were loyal to my father and had no negative opinion of my mother and me. They belonged to families who had served the duchy for many centuries, they were accompanied by those whom my father had deemed useful to build a new domain, peasants, blacksmiths, cooks, servants. Less than fifty people, but enough to build something lasting. Few exiles had had so much preparation. Yet I regretted dragging them all on this journey.

But what I regretted more was not being able to say goodbye to Endar. The instructions were very clear, I could come and go in the castle as I wished but I was forbidden to leave the castle walls.

Did they really think I was going to run away without my mother. A week of rest and regular meals had given her better colors but she was still too frail and if we weren't forced to leave in a week I would have given her a few more weeks to recover.

I was not surprised not to see my father. Perhaps he had come to visit my mother during my absence. He was certainly aware of the anger that animated me. It had lessened, however, when out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of my mother, only ugly feelings remained in me.

It was in the small living room late at night that I really became aware of our imminent departure. I observed the smallest thing, a cup left on a table, the sound of the turned sheets that my mother read on her couch. I had left my mark on everything around me. But it was over. The feeling of having found a home, a place that belonged to me. I didn't know what would await me, but I hoped one day to be able to return to this place that had given me back the hope that my past had made me lose.

Dawn came quickly, and our little convoy was waiting at the south gate of the castle. I would have thought that the early hour would allow us to leave the place without fanfares, but for a few moments I had forgotten Dalanne's pettiness. The Duchess had not won the war but she had obtained the departure of her rival. She would savor this little moment until the end. Families had come to say goodbye to their loved ones, certain that there was little chance of a reunion. But that is why only the third sons or daughters were chosen for this trip. They were not going to inherit and sometimes represented a burden on their families. Unfortunately, some individuals had also seen fit to attend the start. The two wives and their children were waiting near the gate. I did not want to meet their satisfied looks and took care to help my mother climb into the carriage. It would give my mom some privacy and save her from having to deal with the crowds.

Liamon tried to keep his mask on but I saw it quickly cracked. Despite everything, I turned away from him without saying a word.

It was time to leave this place.

"Kid, do you really think you'll survive without your favorite teacher?" »

“You are my only teacher…” I retorted before widening my eyes.

I then turned quickly.

Endar was there with Callan and Evanya by his side.

All three were carrying bags and without speaking Callan and Evanya climbed onto one of the carts.

" Teacher ? »

“Do you really think I was going to let you go on an adventure without me. I wish you would stay alive a little longer. he said before sitting down next to my mother.

“What are you waiting for to climb kid? We don't have all day. »

At these words a mad laugh took hold of me, which continued when I closed the door. For the first time since my mother's sentencing I felt excitement. Didn't I want to explore the world?

Dalanne I grant you this victory. But I won't forget, I thought as the carriage started to move forward.

Faces streamed past and before I knew it the portal had closed and with it a part of my life.

Soon the castle disappeared behind us.

" Finally." said my mother

I then turned to her.

" Mother ?" I exclaimed in surprise

The signs of thinness, or illness had disappeared, as if the last weeks had not existed.

She gave me a sweet smile.

"I'm very good at illusion magic." she explained

" But why ?" I exclaimed, remembering the terror I had felt seeing her in her cell.

“Dalanne had to be tricked, she kept poisoning my meals, I simply made her believe that I had fallen into her trap. If I had really ingested these poisons I would have died during the trip. But Dalanne did not know that there was a secret passage in this cell. The ancient dukes built this passage in case they were taken prisoner in their own castle. So I could feed myself without her knowing that her plan had failed. »

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I was amazed by the ingenuity of my parents. Liamon hadn't forgotten him.

The sound of a gallop approaching the carriage interrupted my thoughts. The carriage stopped and my mother got out.

Suddenly I heard familiar sobs.

Liamon had his face buried in his wife's neck and was crying bitterly.

That stupid father...

I sighed and left the car.

" I am sorry ! I'm so sorry! he exclaimed, engulfing me in his arms

“Stop apologizing and do my mom justice. That's all I ask. I'll watch over her until we can get back" I said

“I promise your mother will be cleared. Dalanne went too far this time. Taylor…this journey is dangerous even with Endar by your side. Take care never to leave the path. The black veil does not forgive deviations. he said before joining my mother.

I join the carriage to escape their fiery kisses.

He was right from now on, I should be very careful. My mother came back into the carriage in tears and knocked on the wood to signal to the coachman.

It was time to leave.

Do you know what is most fabulous and most depressing in a trip. The landscapes. They parade and offer an amazing spectacle for those who have never left their village. But soon you imagine you've seen that mountain a few hours before, and isn't it the same tree over and over again. So traveling was a pleasure and a chore. However, as we gathered around the fire, I wondered if I had ever been so free and it was with anxiety that I considered the continuation of our journey, for in two days our caravan would enter the swamps of the black veil.

The veil was located in the south of the duchy. It was officially part of the Duchy just like Outcast County, but that was just an illusion. No one ventured into these lands unless forced to. Exile was a rare sentence and yet when pronounced it would ensure the condemned a life outside the forest, but it could just as well be a death sentence. If the swamps didn't kill you, the sea had no sympathy for the damned, and the county would bury you before you could make it your home. It was a death sentence that gave the illusion of freedom.

These were my thoughts as I stood before what might well be a boundary. The sunny road was brutally cut off by a thick mist. Dead trees replaced the lush forest.

“Sir, we are entering the realm of the black veil. It would be better for you to do the rest of the route on foot. The crossing is dangerous and we need to remain vigilant. Angus said. He was one of the soldiers my father had sent with us.

"Very well…everyone on foot." But give everyone something to defend themselves with. No one should be left defenseless. Take care that no one is left alone, it will be difficult to see in the mist and someone could easily get lost. »

The man nodded before going to the next carriage.

“Mother, I need you to be my eyes. I say to the woman sitting next to me. I'd often seen her lost in thought the past few days. She had that absent look that came back every time she thought of my father and the duchy. She usually hid her dismay well, but at times the mask cracked. I dreaded seeing her take the lead, but she had the best view and her instincts were very sharp. If I put her away she would be angry with me. She was not just the wife of a duke but also an assassin who was now to return to service. But even that thought didn't reassure me as she left the cart to take up her position.

When everyone was out of the carriages I addressed them.

“We will soon enter the swamps. Stay together in all circumstances and be attentive. If we remain vigilant we will get out of here quickly. »

“Is it true that there are fairies? asked a servant whose name was Maryse if my memories were not failing me.

“The texts dealing with the black veil, speak of the dangerous light that haunts these swamps. If they are really fairies no one has documented it, and those who could have not had the opportunity to report their findings. But one element keeps recurring in these texts. These lights are dangerous, don't listen to them. »

I then waved my mother forward.

When I first entered the fog, a pestilential smell invaded my nostrils, which quickly made me nauseous.

"What's that smell? I heard as well as a sound of vomiting.

I winced but kept walking.

The air stagnated. So we had covered our faces. The mist was choking and I felt like I was still as I walked. These swamps were silent, too silent.

But something worried me more. My magic was acting strangely, I had the strange sensation of having entered a mud bath.

Aella?

I…n…speak….

The words of the spirit were muffled. There was something in those swamps that was preventing my magic from working properly. If everyone who's been down this path felt the same way, then no wonder they never got out.

"Something is blocking my magic." I heard a soldier say

" Me too. »

Concern spread throughout the convoy.

“I understand your apprehension, but the only thing we can do now is continue on our way and get out of this mist as quickly as possible. " I said

After a few hours we took a forced break because we now wanted to keep moving forward to complete the crossing as quickly as possible.

"Ah! »

It came from the end of the convoy.

I rushed to the origin of the cry.

A soldier was lying on the ground and screaming in pain.

“My legs, my legs! he exclaimed

His legs seemed intact to me.

“You are not injured. " I said

“My legs, my legs! Blood, too much blood! »

Yet there was no blood on the ground.

I heard Endar's heavy footsteps approaching.

" What is happening here ? »

“He thinks he has a leg injury but there is no blood. »

" I'm taking care of it." Endar said before kneeling beside the elf.

" He has nothing." Endar said a few moments later with a puzzled look. “Yet he thinks his legs have been amputated and feels the same pain as if it had happened to him. No matter what I say to him, he continues to be persuaded that he cannot walk. Impossible to reason with him. »

The situation seemed strange. No one had seen anything suspicious, the soldier had not suffered any attack and yet I was certain that something had happened to him.

The following hours only reinforced this idea. The soldier soon suffered from a severe fever. But that was only the beginning.

“The lights, the lights will give me back my legs. They promised, they promised. Let me go ! My legs, I need my legs." he mumbled

We had been obliged after several attempts to leave the camp, to tie him up and have him watched at all times.

But the next morning he was gone.

"Did you find that elf?" I asked Endar

"No," he said resignedly, and we can't stay here any longer. If what made it like this is hiding in its swamps, we must leave them as soon as possible. »

I knew he was right, we couldn't rush through the mist to look for him without risking being attacked or losing our way forever. It was my duty to protect all those who had left their lives to accompany us. So it was reluctantly that I gave the order to move on.

The swamps had taken their first victim.

However, I was certain that these swamps were not going to let us escape so easily and the events that followed proved me right.

“We should never have come to this fucking swamp! This road is cursed! cried a servant.

Since we got back on the road the tensions had been high. I felt fear invading our caravan. She was palpable. An elf had tripped over a wooden branch and found himself surrounded by spears as he got up. But it wasn't until the lunch break that the situation escalated.

A servant accompanied by two soldiers had managed to take possession of a carriage before we had time to act, the carriage had disappeared in the mist.

" Have you noticed ? I asked Endar

“It is not the road that leads to the castle, they have engulfed themselves more in the marshes. »

“So it’s definitely the result of an attack. »

“We can only move forward at the moment. he said

Then it was complete calm. In two days we had had no attack, and morale had risen. Unfortunately as we ate around the fire, only one thought echoed in my head. What if it was the calm before the storm.

Only three days passed before we discovered the fate of those who had fled.

The destroyed wagon had sunk in the pestilential water of the swamps. The thieves were nowhere to be found and the provisions in the cart were lost.

Undoubtedly the path of the black veil had made three new victims.

Our convoy now moved as quietly as we could. But the hallucinations cost us two more elves. The second having died for having tried to prevent the other from fleeing.

The death toll was now six dead and I now had only one desire to leave this hell.

As night fell, the lights appeared.

“They don't trust me. »

My mother and I were lying by the fire, around us groups had been formed. Being together was more comforting.

“You are learning to be a leader, my little elf. One day they will respect you. »

“If these swamps, don't kill us first. I said before my gaze fell on an elf who approached the fire and began to sing in a voice that made me think he had been drinking alcohol.

“They come, they want to play, they want to laugh and kill us. They will make us cry and beg, before letting us rest in the icy arms of the worlds of the dead and forgotten. »

Voices that had risen to silence his ungainly voice abruptly fell silent as the elf's head exploded.

As his body fell into the flames, a cloud of light shot out from the mist. We were surrounded.

“Fireflies? I whispered

The lights were like little bright dots that reminded me of fireflies. In my previous life they had been rare, but one summer a rich man had given the orphanage a weekend in the country. I still remembered those illuminated fields. I thought then that they looked like fairies. But in my child's mind, fairies weren't cruel. They would take me from the orphanage, to welcome me into their world where I would be happy forever.

"No... fairies..." I said grimacing.

Laughter erupted all around us. Childish laughter, but sounding harsh and irritating to an elf's sensitive ears.

“To play, who comes to play? Who comes to bleed? Play with us, you may or may not live…”

“Aaah! »

A head had just exploded again.

“Play, who comes to play? Who comes to bleed? Play with us, you may or may not live…”

At this moment another cry arose.

“Play, who comes to play? Who comes to bleed…”

" Enough ! I will play ! I will play ! »

It was then that I realized that it was me who had just said those words.

“Taylor! You will not follow these monsters! exclaimed my horrified mother

“Let them leave the swamps safe and sound and I will play with you. I promise." I say in a more determined tone. The laugh that followed made me think I had made a mistake.

"Little elf, Taylor, little elf, Taylor, little elf, Taylor, loved, sacrificed, martyr, loved, sacrificed, martyr" the lights surrounded me then

"Yes, yes, mighty little elf, he waits, he waits, three times wins or three times loses, plays or disappears, three times wins or three loses, plays or disappears in the swamps"

“Can I say goodbye? I asked

“Farewell, last words and tears, we love your suffering. No flowers for your grave in the swamps."

I'll take that as a yes.

The lights went out and my mother took me violently in her arms.

“Stupid little elf. What did you do ?" she whispered

I smile at those words.

“Get them out of here mother. If I'm not back in two weeks, take the boat without me. »

“No my son, we will wait for you. »

"You know it's not possible mother. The currents of the strait are treacherous, waiting endangers the ship and the crew. No, mother, you will leave. Endar will take care of you. »

My mother broke down in tears in my arms

“Your father and now you. What did I do to be surrounded by two idiots. Survive son and come back. »

Endar then approached and whispered in my ear. When he had moved away he added,

"Don't forget the number three, never. »

"Little elf, Taylor, little elf, Taylor, follow us, follow us now or perish with your friends."

I looked at my mother, Endar, and the rest of the convoy, then followed the lights through the mist, leaving the path behind me. »

I heard my mother scream behind me. She begged me to come back, then the signs of life disappeared as if smothered by the mist. I didn't know where my steps were taking me. The water came to my ankles and then to my waist. Wood was floating towards me, but when I looked down, I screamed.

It was a body.

That's when the mist lifted, giving me a glimpse of what lurked in its swamps. Bodies floated all around me in blood red water.

I screamed

A snake infiltrating under the bones of the skeleton, flies dotting the pieces of flesh.

I screamed

Each time my screams were accompanied by the laughter of the fairies and I no longer heard the laughter of children, but the voices of monsters who welcomed me into their domain.

Aella! I try again

But this time even his broken voice did not reach me.

I tried to use the essence of the air, of the earth in vain.

“Play with him, play with him in the swamps, you may or may not live. The master will play with you. Little elf Taylor, little elf Taylor. Your magic will not serve you, three times wins, three times loses. You may or may not die"

After a few minutes, I resumed my walk and pushed aside the bodies blocking my way. Each time, I witnessed their various states of decomposition. The skeletons outnumbering the rotting bodies let me know that the one hiding behind the mist didn't often see people. Every body lacked something. An arm, a leg, a torso and as I walked through the kingdom of flies, I wondered if I would accompany these bodies soon.

Soon, but not soon enough, the lights stopped in front of intertwined trees. Suddenly the branches unraveled to reveal an opening.

The interior was too dark for me to see what was hidden there. But then the lights rushed in.

“Come in, little elf, Taylor, come in little elf, master wait. »

It was the worst decision I had ever made, I thought, as half my body lay in blood-colored water, bodies floating all around me, their horrified features etched forever in my memory. Despite all this, I took a step, then another and walked into the darkness.