“Something wrong young Zhen?” Fisar asked seeing the young musician freeze up, “You seem a bit tense.”
“Yeah, sorry about that.” Apollo said wiping away the none existent tears in his eyes, “I just remembered how scared I was when I saw Grandfather’s body on the floor.”
Apollo positioned the guitar on his back again before sitting down, “I was so scared, I felt like everything I had ever known was taken from me.”
“Kid maybe you should wait a minute before you try Magical Music.” Fisar said jumping to the floor, “If your minds still having trouble recovering from that shock then it won’t be healthy, forcing yourself to move on.”
“You think?” Apollo asked as Fisar patted his foot gently, “He was the only one I ever thought as a friend, the only one I’ve ever trusted with my darkest secret, the only one I could ever count on when I needed it.”
“But you have me now.” Fisar said gently, “And Arcus, Elastis, those dwarf brothers. We’re all here for you Apollo, you don’t have to fight by yourself anymore especially not here.”
Apollo couldn’t help but let out a sob as he tried to smile at the small creature, “I always had to fight alone Fisar.”
“I know Apollo and no one especially children like you should have gone through what you had too.” Fisar said gently as Apollo covered his face with his arms, “But everyone here in Lumene will always be here to help you – well magical creatures but it’s still better than nothing.”
Apollo chuckled while wiping away the tears from his eyes before turning to Fisar, a genuine smile on his face, “I’m glad that I met you Fisar.”
The brownie gave his own chuckle before once again patting the teenager’s foot, “Me too Apollo, me too.”
The two stayed there in silence before Fisar said he had to go and leaving Apollo to gather his thoughts as he mindlessly looked around after he safely put his grandfather’s journal on the writing desk. Silently singing Lavender’s Blue Dilly Dilly under his breath he was looking at the dusted books on a nearby shelf before he caught something glow in the corner of his eye. Cautiously going one shelf lower Apollo picked up a black book that seemed to be emitting a gentle red glow.
‘What in the world?’ Apollo thought before dusting the upper part revealing the book’s title, ‘Dragonfire, A Complete Guide to Draconic Magic.’
Opening the book with interest Apollo first set eyes on the table of contents.
‘There’s a chapter for Magical Music!’ Apollo thought in excitement as he flipped to page 740.
‘All Draconic Magical Music must be performed with a Stone of Melodic.’ Apollo read before furrowing his brows, ‘What’s a Stone of Melodic?’
Putting the book safely down on the writing desk beside his grandfather’s journal. He scanned the book shelves he smiled as he picked up ‘Magical Music for Beginners.’
Leaning on the desk he scanned the pages for Stone of Melodic before he stopped at page 14.
‘Stone of Melodic here it is.’ Apollo thought before reading the page, ‘A Stone of Melodic can only be acquired if a druid has been given a small white rock that has been blessed by the dragon of music Melodic. The Stone only needs to be near the user if they wish to perform any sort of Draconic Magical Music though over the years the Stones of Melodic have become scarce given the fact that Melodic hasn’t been seen for the last ten thousand years.’
Gently setting the book down along the other two Apollo began to wonder if his father had ever acquired one of these small white rocks before a sudden chill ran down his spine. Turning around in alarm he didn’t see anyone behind him. Furrowing his brows Apollo glanced at the three books before he heard Fisar call his name.
“Come on Kid the taverns empty now and Arcus doesn’t want you in that dusty office all day!” Fisar exclaimed.
“Coming Fisar!” Apollo shouted back before gathering the three books and left the office.
“Got that head of yours straightened up?” Fisar asked as Apollo stepped onto the stage with the secret passageway closing behind him.
“It’s getting better.” Apollo said as he walked up to the bar counted before Arcus gave him a loaf of bread.
“Sorry Kid but that’s all we could spare for today.” Arcus said as Apollo took a bite of the bread, only now noticing how hungry he was.
“It’s not a big deal.” Apollo said after swallowing his food, “I’ve definitely eaten worse.”
“Really?” Fisar asked.
“My old school’s canteen food was horrendous.” Apollo said giving the brownie a closed eyed smile before taking another bite of the bread before Arcus gave him some water.
Swallowing, Apollo smiled at the centaur who nodded in turn before taking a big gulp of water.
“So, did you learn any spells?” Arcus asked.
Apollo nearly chocked on his food before Arcus gave him a confused look.
“Did I say something wrong?” Arcus asked worried that he might’ve done something to offend the young musician.
“It’s fine Arcus, you’ve done nothing wrong.” Apollo reassured as he wiped away the water that spilled on his chin with his hoodie’s sleeve, “My minds just been preoccupied with my grandfather.”
“I see.” Arcus said understandingly as he smiled gently, “Sometimes it’s difficult to accept the fact that someone who we hold dear is no longer with us.”
Apollo smiled sadly before looking at his shoes.
Fisar looked at the centaur before nodding to Apollo before the centaur sighed.
“How’s this Apollo.” Arcus said making Apollo snap his attention towards him, “How about you help me with some errands that I have to run, it might help with clearing your head.”
Having nothing to do anymore Apollo hesitantly agreed before they and Fisar left the tavern.
“So where are we going?” Apollo asked from underneath the cloak the centaur had provided him to hide his face.
“We’re going to an old friend of your dad’s.” Fisar informed him, “Arcus and them are trading buddies. They give him their beer, Light Beer, Heaven and other stuff and Arcus gives them fruits from the forest.”
“Why couldn’t they just get the fruits themselves?” Apollo asked, “Ravenwood isn’t exactly dangerous.”
“Hush now child, you wouldn’t want the ents finding out you said that about them.” Arcus warned.
“So, the times when grandfather wrote about playing his guitar in a tavern of fairies, pixies, ents, and dwarves, he was writing about The Twin Apple Tavern wasn’t he?” Apollo said smiling at the centaur.
“Indeed, the Zhen family has always been welcomed at Twin Apple Tavern ever since your grandfather first helped my father build it.” Arcus said, “And as for your question well elves don’t really like associating themselves with labor even if it’s for their own survival.”
“Wait, we’re going to meet elves?” Apollo asked in curiosity.
“Indeed, we are.” Fisar said smiling.
“But if their friends of my father’s then why do I have to wear this?” Apollo asked motioning to the cloak that covered his head.
“Let’s say some creatures aren’t really fond of humans.” Fisar said before they stopped at a wooden mansion, “Here we are Jigi Manor.”
Apollo’s eyes widened before he pointed at the wooden mansion in disbelief.
“State your business here Strangers!” A strong but gentle voice demanded.
Apollo snapped his head to the source of the voice before his grey eyes met a pair of sparkling green ones – and a bow and arrow aimed at his head.
“Calm down Ms. Eillana.” Fisar said calmly, “It’s just us, Arcus and Fisar.”
“It’s good seeing you again my friends.” Eillana said but her arrow was still aimed at Apollo, “But who’s this?”
Apollo took this opportunity to take in Eillana’s appearance.
Long black hair that stopped at her waist, sparkling green eyes that could easily capture anyone’s attention, and a soft but stern face. She wore a black – everything really. Black shirt, black boots, black pants, and a black jacket.
“So, you’re the first-born son of Jodan Zhen.” Eillana said lowering her bow, making Apollo ease up and snap back into reality.
Apollo shrugged before he folded his arms, “Yeah, guess I am.”
“I don’t like your tone human.” Eillana snapped.
“Says the one who was pointing a loaded bow at me a few seconds ago.” Apollo snapped back.
The two glared at each other before Eillana smiled, making Apollo give a look of surprise.
“I like that attitude of your’s though.” Eillana said before putting her arrow back into her quiver and slung her bow over her shoulder.
“You’re not so bad yourself.” Apollo replied before the two smiled at each other.
“Alright lovebirds cut it out.” Fisar said making the two snap to him, glaring daggers at the brownie.
Arcus chuckled before asking, “Are your parents back yet Eillana?”
“Sadly no.” Eillana said shaking her head sadly, “You’re going to have to talk trade with Adnorin. Again.”
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Arcus and Fisar groaned as Apollo gave them both confused looks.
“What’s so bad about him?” Apollo asked in curiosity.
“You don’t want to know.” Eillana said as a male elf opened the door.
Apollo took a glance at the elf. Blonde shoulder length hair, cold blue eyes, and an equally cold face. His clothes looked as though they were made for royalty and Apollo felt the air around him freeze up which only happened when he was in the same room as… his mother.
‘If this guy isn’t Adnorin then I’ll be a monkey’s uncle.’ Apollo thought as he felt a lump in his throat.
“Arcus, I suppose you’re here to talk trade again.” The male elf said turning to the black-haired centaur.
“Yes, Adnorin we are.” Fisar said making himself visible to the elf.
‘Called it.’ Apollo thought biting back a smile before he saw Eillana give Adnorin a fearful look.
“Eillana what are you wearing?” Adnorin asked coldly, “And are you training with that bow again!?”
“No Adnorin.” Eillana said quietly as she put both her hands behind her back, “I was just holding it on for Ernan.”
And as if on que a male elf with long brown hair, hazel eyes, and a scarred face. He wore the same thing Eillana is – completely black but instead of a black jacket he wore a black coat with white cufflinks.
“Eillana I was looking for you.” The male elf said panting, “You promised me you wouldn’t leave the training grounds.”
Apollo saw Adnorin glare at Eillana before Fisar cleared his throat.
“We have business to attend to Adnorin.” Arcus said as he folded his arms, “Leave Eillana alone.”
Adnorin gave a low growl before he said, “Very well then, Eillana take those ridiculous clothes off and get back to your room.”
“Yes Brother.” Eillana said quietly, lowering her head as Adnorin, Fisar, and Arcus entered the house and left her, Ernan, and Apollo outside.
“Phew that was a close one.” Ernan said as both he and Eillana sighed before he turned to Apollo, “Who’re you!?”
‘What is it with elves yelling at me?’ Apollo thought before he bowed a little, “Apollo Zhen, son of Jodan and Adeline Zhen.”
“That human has a wife!?” Ernan exclaimed as if in disbelief, “And a kid no less!”
“Had a wife.” Apollo corrected him, “He left my mother and I when I was only four.”
“Oh, so that’s why he was – “Ernan began before receiving a glare from the female elf, “Never mind.”
Despite his curiosity eating him from inside Apollo only nodded before he turned to Eillana, “So what was that guy’s problem with you learning archery?”
“It’s because your father was the one who suggested I try learning it.” Eillana said quietly.
“Well, that’s a terrible excuse.” Apollo said folding his arms, “He’s a pitiful excuse for a brother though so I suppose it’s not really much of a surprise.”
After a few seconds of silence, the two elves burst out laughing which made Apollo crack a smile.
“That is the funniest thing I have ever heard.” Ernan said as Eillana howled with laughter, “I like your style Apollo.”
Apollo gave a cool smile before taking his hood off, “Why thank you Master Ernan.”
Ernan gave him a small nod in return before Eillana finally calmed down.
“Anyway, we should get you to your room Eillana.” Ernan said making Eillana sigh.
“Do I have to?” Eillana asked almost in a pleading manner.
“My apologies Ms. Jigi but your brother will be beside himself with fury if he sees you training with your bow again.” Ernan said bowing.
Eillana smiled sadly before she saw Apollo look from her to Ernan and back again before asking, “Would you like to join us for tea?”
“Uh sure I guess.” Apollo said sheepishly, “I got nothing else to do really.”
“Thank you.” Eillana said before they entered the manor.
‘Holy mother of – this place is huge!’ Apollo thought in amazement as he saw the inside.
Polished wood for both the floor and walls and silver chandeliers and candelabras along with wooden tables, red cushioned chairs, and portraits decorated the halls of the manor with the occasional servant or window.
“Impressive is it not?” Ernan said seeing Apollo’s look of utter amazement.
“It is.” Apollo responded.
“I’m sure the mansions in your world are just as amazing as the ones in Lumene.” Eillana said.
“They are but I’ve never seen them look as amazing as your’s.” Apollo said smiling from ear to ear.
Eillana gave him a look of discomfort before Apollo decided to keep quiet until they stopped at a giant wooden door.
“This is my room.” Eillana said quietly as she opened the door, “Can I change first before you come inside?”
“Of course, you can Ms. Jigi.” Ernan said politely before she turned to Apollo.
“You don’t have to worry Ms. Jigi if you feel uncomfortable with the thought of us being in your room while you change then it’s perfectly fine with me if you want us to stay out here.” Apollo reassured.
Eillana smiled at the two gratefully before entering her room and closing the door.
“Thank you for understanding Ms. Jigi’s feelings.” Ernan said as he and Apollo stood outside, “She’s a bit insecure when it comes to her physical appearance.”
Apollo smiled sadly at him before turning to the ground with his arms folded.
“Let’s just say she and I have something in common.” Apollo said with his eyes closed, “Though I would prefer that she and I didn’t have that connection.”
“How so?” Ernan asked.
Apollo was about to answer before the door opened and Eillana greeted them, wearing a light blue dress, matching sandals, and a silver circlet on her head.
“Why did I have to wear this?” Eillana said grumpily making the two males laugh.
“You look uncomfortable.” Apollo commented as they entered the room, “It looks good on you honestly but I can sort of tell that you’d prefer your black outfit than this one.”
“Thank for noticing.” Eillana said as Apollo looked at the room.
The only source of light so far was the giant window that had a view of the forest, a door that Apollo guessed led to her dressing room was beside another door that he also guessed led to the bathroom, opposite to that was a king-sized bed with white covers and pillowcases and a short way from that was a writing desk beside a bookcase while at the foot of the bed lay a wooden chest with flower engravings on it. At the center of the room three blue cushioned armchairs surrounded a small white table.
“I’m guessing you really didn’t invite me in here for tea.” Apollo said as they all sat down.
“You got a good eye.” Ernan commented smiling.
“Thanks, I guess.” Apollo said shrugging at the last part.
“So, how are things back on Earth?” Ernan asked.
“’Back?’” Apollo asked curious, “Have you been to the Netherlands before?”
“Jodan took me there once.” Ernan said giving a closed eyed smile, “It was a memorable experience.”
“I’m guessing you want to know if things have changed.” Apollo said smiling.
Ernan nodded before he caught Eillana sadly looking out the window.
“Is something wrong Ms. Jigi?” Ernan asked making the elven girl turn her attention back to the boys.
“Oh, I’m fine.” Eillana said sheepishly which made Apollo widen his eyes a little.
“For a girl who wants to learn archery you sure are terrible at telling lies.” Apollo remarked causing Ernan to glare at him.
“Are you calling Ms. Jigi a liar!?” Ernan accused as he stood up.
“I’m just telling the truth.” Apollo said with his arms up in defense, “She looked a bit upset when you mentioned how the Netherlands had changed.”
“Stand down Ernan, he’s telling the truth.” Eillana said calmly.
“But why would you be so upset with how much the Netherlands had changed?” Ernan asked as the two males looked at the elven girl.
“Well, I always find myself a bit jealous of the girls back on Earth.” Eillana said quietly.
“Trust me, the girls from my school are anything but to be jealous of.” Apollo said with a look of slight disgust at the memory of the cheerleading team back in the Netherlands.
“Well, I suppose I’m jealous of some girls on Earth.” Eillana said quietly, “They’re free to do anything they want without anyone telling them not to.”
“Well, that’s not the case for everything.” Apollo said trying his best to lift the elven girl’s spirit, “Unless it’s a crime then they don’t get to live their lives without punishment.”
“It’s not like that.” Eillana said before sighing deeply, “They’re allowed to learn how to defend themselves, they get to wear whatever they want. Girls on Earth don’t have to live their lives based on what people say.”
“So, that’s why you were sad when Ernan mentioned the Netherlands.” Apollo said, “You weren’t sad because the Netherlands have changed, you were sad cause they get to choose how they live their lives while you’re forced to live your life based on what that pitiful excuse of a brother wants.”
At those words Eillana’s face gave way to a smile before the other two mimicked her action.
“Thank you, Mr. Zhen.” Eillana said, “It’s rare hearing other creatures talk badly about my older brother.”
“Don’t mention it.” Apollo said feeling his cheeks redden a little, “And feel free to call me Apollo.”
Ernan smiled as Eillana laughed a little before he stood up and bowed to the elven girl, “If you’ll excuse me Ms. Jigi, I must get back to my duties but if you ever need anything please do not hesitate to call me.”
“Alright, then Ernan.” Eillana said nodding a little before he left with a slight smile on his face.
“You two seem close.” Apollo commented, “You guys friends?”
“Childhood friends.” Eillana corrected him, “Ernan’s father was the old security captain before he died and Ernan took his place. He’s the one who’s been teaching me about archery and other things that involve combat.”
“Really?” Apollo asked clearly impressed, “That’s pretty cool given your social standing,” Apollo gestured at the room as he said this before crossing his legs, “and with you being a girl just adds to my amazement.”
Eillana’s eyes widened before she asked, “Do girls in the Netherlands not know combat?”
“No, it’s just that the girls I know don’t really have any interest in combat.” Apollo said before he remembered all the times he and some other students got into the nurse’s office because of the cheerleading team’s pranks before adding, “Though they never really needed it to injure anyone.”
“Why? Were the girls that you knew bad people?” Eillana asked.
“Sort of like that.” Apollo said before he told the elven girl his experiences at his old school.
Apollo found it rather easy to tell all his hardships from back home and in school to the black-haired elven girl who seemed keen on hearing his stories. Eillana was good company though, she wasn’t hesitant in speaking her mind when some things seemed unfair and would gasp at the perfect moments.
“By the Gods you must’ve been so happy when you discovered Lumene.” Eillana said as Apollo ended with how he came across the portal.
“You could say that.” Apollo said smiling, “You have no idea how it felt when I found a world where I could play my music and ask about my father without getting into trouble.”
“But your stepfather Orion whatever happened to him?” Eillana asked.
That question got the gears in Apollo’s head turning. How was Orion? Was he alright? Was he safe from his mother? Did his mother even find out about Orion telling him about the social worker?
“I don’t know.” Apollo admitted before his eyes widened, remembering he had his phone with him.
Quickly taking his phone out of his pocket he went into his private messages with Orion.
“What’s that?” Eillana asked, “It sort of looks like the rectangular thing that Jodan always had with him.”
“If you mean a phone then yes.” Apollo said as he saw the last message Orion had sent him, ‘Stay out of sight. Adeline has the police looking for you.’
Apollo’s eyes widened before Eillana asked in a worried tone, “Is something wrong?”
“The police are looking for me.” Apollo said rubbing his eyes to relieve the concern for his stepfather before he saw the confused look Eillana was giving him, “They’re sort of like the knights you have here.”
“I see.” Eillana said before looking at the window, “By the Gods! Is it really sunset already!?”
Apollo’s head snapped to the window only to see that it was indeed sunset.
“Fisar and Arcus should’ve been finished with Adnorin and his exhausting business talks hours ago.” Eillana said before Ernan came inside, “Where are Fisar and Arcus?”