They all turned around only to see Eillana’s older brother standing in front of the stable’s doorframe.

In one swift movement Eillana shot an arrow near his head before she and Ernan mounted their own as Eilororis grabbed Apollo and mounted him on Rapidlight before she gently kicked the mare’s leg before she and the other two swiftly ran out of the stables and started running to the forest’s borders. Apollo hastily wrapped his arms around the silver-haired girl’s waist before turning around to see Adnorin having a fireball in his hand.

“Adnorin has a fireball!” Apollo exclaimed.

Eilororis’ eyes widened as the patch of grass in front of Rapidlight went ablaze.

“C’mon Rapidlight it’s just like the time when we fought that Chimera a few months ago.” Eilororis whispered to the mare as fire rained down from the sky, “Come on girl.”

With a determined neigh Rapidlight ran quickly and skillfully out of the rain made of fire with the other two horses not too far behind.

Just as Apollo saw Adnorin about to launch another fireball Eillana stopped when they were just about near the forest’s edge.

“Nar.” Eillana said quietly after she nocked an arrow before it produced a flame at the head.

Moving quickly, she shot the arrow at Adnorin’s feet which caused the patch of grass he was standing on to catch fire before they retreated to the safety of the forest. They rode in silence for a couple of minutes before they relaxed a bit.

“That was a close one.” Ernan commented.

“I second that.” Apollo agreed before turning to Eillana, “Will your brother be alright?”

“Adnorin?” Eillana asked – to Apollo’s astonishment – quite amused, “He’ll be fine. I’ve shot far worse than fire arrows at him.”

“If you say so.” Apollo replied though rather cautiously before he turned to the elf in front of him, “So how do we get back to the tavern exactly? I don’t know about you three but I can barely see my nose. It’s pitch black in here.”

Eilororis nodded in understanding before she pulled out a silver pendant with a white stone wrapped in wire.

“Through the darkness shone a light.” Eilororis sang before the stone glowed, emitting a bright with light.

“Woah.” The other two elves awed as Apollo gawked at the elven girl.

‘That’s a Stone of Melodic!’ Apollo thought hiding his surprise as the Rapidlight began walking with Shadowheart and Rainheart following close behind.

“Where did you get that?” Apollo asked whispering into Eilororis’ ear.

“What are you talking about good sir?” Eilororis asked with a hint of pink dusting her cheeks.

“The stone Eilororis.” Apollo whispered rather simply, “It’s a Stone of Melodic if I’m not quite mistaken.”

“How do you know about the stones?” Eilororis asked, her eyes glancing at the teenager that was sitting behind her, “You’re a human after all.”

“So, I’m not supposed to know about Draconic Magical Music?” Apollo asked making Eilororis’ eyes widen in surprise, “Oh, did I strike a nerve?”

Eilororis sighed slowly before whispering in a low breath, “I’ll answer all those questions of your’s when I know we’ll be safe from that madman.”

“You mean Adnorin?” Apollo asked.

“No, I meant the stable boy.” Eilororis snapped quietly, “Yes, I mean Adnorin.”

“Are all elven females feisty?” Apollo asked a little scared that Eilororis would push him off the mare.

“Are all human males this annoying?”

“Not all of them are, why?”

“Then it’s the same with us elf girls.”

“Well, aren’t they getting along just nicely.” Eillana whispered to Ernan as they saw the two beings in front of them converse with each other so deeply.

“I must agree though it’s rare seeing Ms. Arcaniss interact so deeply with someone other than ourselves.” Ernan commented as he smiled at the silver-haired maiden in front of them, “It’s a rather precious sight.” he then saw that Eillana was glaring at her maid, “Is there something wrong Ms. Jigi?”

“Oh, it’s nothing Ernan.” Eillana said in a rather distracted tone.

“Forgive my bluntness Ms. Jigi but have you somehow fallen for the young human?” Ernan asked causing the elven girl to blush a deep red.

“Excuse me but I have higher standards than some human.” Eillana said rather hotly, “As if!”

But unknown to either of them that the two beings riding in front of them had heard most of their conversation.

“They do know that they’re not really being quiet right?” Apollo asked his eyes looking at the elven maid, “Right?”

Eilororis’ eyes glanced at Eillana who was saying all kinds of excuses rather loudly before turning back to Apollo.

“Nope.” Eilororis said before looking back in front of them, “You actually never told me your name good sir.”

“The name’s Apollo Zhen.” Apollo said smiling, “Son and grandson of- “

“Jodan and Benigno Zhen.” Eilororis said matching his smile, “I knew your voice sounded a bit familiar.”

“You knew them?” Apollo asked a bit of excitement flowing through his veins.

“Course I did.” Eilororis said before looking down, “So how did Benigno die?”

“How did you- “Apollo began.

“You said ‘knew’ Apollo.”

“Oh… He was uh murdered.”

“Sorry I asked.”

“It’s fine.” Apollo reassured wiping away a few stray tears.

“Have you fully recovered yet?” Eilororis asked.

“I’m working on it.”

“If you want to learn Magical Music then you’ll have to fully recover from the grief of his death.”

“How come? Fisar said the same thing but he never told me why.”

“Well, it’s because when practicing Magical Music, you need to be fully focused if not then you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

“So, if I try to do a simple fire spell while my brains still recovering- “

“You could’ve lit the whole tavern on fire.”

“Can you teach me then?”

“Excuse me?”

“Can you teach me how to properly do Magical Music when I’m fully recovered?”

Eilororis chuckled quietly before she sighed smiling, “Alright, alright. I’ll teach you when you get your mind straight.”

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Apollo smiled at this before they finally stopped, “We’re here already?”

“We were talking for like thirty minutes.” Eilororis said as she got off, “Come on girl, let’s get you and the other two in the stables.”

As she led the mare to the stables the other two horses followed with their riders still deeply emersed in their conversation.

“So how did you know where the tavern was?” Apollo asked as he got off and helped Eilororis relieve Rapidlight of her riding equipment.

Eilororis laughed lightly as she hung Rapidlight’s saddle along with the other equipment, “You speak as if it’s my first time riding at night Sir Zhen.”

Apollo gave a slight smile before Rapidlight went to an empty stable and rested there.

“Come on, let’s get inside.” Eillana said as she and Ernan finished the same process with Shadowheart and Rainheart.

Apollo nodded before the four of them walked to the front door and went inside.

“Apollo!” Fisar exclaimed in relief as he saw Apollo enter.

At Fisar’s exclamation the three dwarven brothers, Arcus, and Elastis all turned to Apollo and his three companions before they all gave a relief sigh.

“When I found out they left you behind I was beside myself with worry.” Elastis said as she walked up to them.

“Glad someone noticed I was gone.” Apollo said folding his arms.

Elastis laughed before she noticed Ernan and the two elf maidens.

“Ah, Ms. Jigi it’s a pleasure seeing you again.” Elastis said bowing to the elf girl before she noticed Eilororis, “Though I haven’t had the privilege to meet you miss?”

“Arcaniss.” Eilororis said bowing a little, “Eilororis Arcaniss, it’s a delight to meet you Madam Centaurides.”

Elastis gave a smile before Gimren walked up to them.

“Might you delight us with a song young Zhen?” Gimren asked making every creature in the room smile eagerly at the human.

Apollo laughed as he pulled his hood down making Eilororis’ eyes widen before she regained her composure again. Apollo seeing this gave a bashful smile.

“If the Ms. Arcaniss agrees to sing with me.” Apollo said making Eilororis’ eyes widen even more.

“What!?” Eilororis asked whispering still in shock.

“It’s only fair.” Apollo said before he went to his room to get his guitar.

Eilororis folded her arms before she caught Eillana glaring at her.

“Did I do something wrong Ms. Jigi?” Eilororis asked wondering what she did to get her mistress so upset with her.

“It’s nothing Eilororis, I promise.” Eillana said giving an obvious fake smile.

Eilororis knew that Eillana was lying but decided to leave her be for now before Apollo came back with his guitar.

“I don’t know about this Apollo.” Eilororis said reluctantly.

“Well let’s go find out then.” Apollo said extending his hand before seeing her look of uncertainty, “Come on, it’ll be fun.”

Eilororis smiled nervously before taking Apollo’s hand, “Fine.”

Apollo smiled before leading Eilororis to the stage. Seeing another look on her face Apollo gave her a reassuring smile before he started the song and closed his eyes. A couple of moments passed by with Apollo playing the guitar before he heard Eilororis started to sing. Though he couldn’t explain why but it felt as though he was back in the secret garden with his grandfather again.

Once the song ended the crowd burst into applause again as Apollo opened his eyes to see Eilororis giving him a smile of excitement.

“That was amazing!” Eilororis said happily as they sat down with Ernan and Eillana at the bar.

“I told you that it’d be fine.” Apollo said smiling as Arcus gave them tankards of Light Beer Heaven.

“Funny the first time you played here you were the one who didn’t want to.” Fisar said shoving Apollo’s pinkie.

Apollo laughed sheepishly before taking a sip and turning to Eillana, “Where’re you three going to be staying at now? I’m pretty sure Adnorin won’t be happy with you guys sleeping in the mansion after the stunt we pulled a couple of hours ago.”

“If you like the three of you may stay here for as long as you’d like.” Arcus offered.

“Can you do that?” Ernan asked, “The Twin Apple Tavern isn’t really licensed to have lodgings.”

“Sir Ernan we are very much allowed to have lodgings since we are an inn.” Arcus said before the four of them gave him confused looks, “We only used the term ‘tavern’ caused it sounded better.”

“Oh.” Apollo and the elves said in understanding before they all took a swig of their beer.

The next day Apollo found the elves in the stables tending to their horses.

“Morning Sleepyhead.” Eilororis said noticing Apollo’s presence.

“How long have the three of you been up?” Apollo asked stroking Rapidlight’s muzzle.

“A few hours.” Eillana replied as she brushed Shadowheart’s dark brown coat.

“We wanted to wake you up but Fisar and Arcus were against it.” Ernan said before Apollo gave Rapidlight an apple, “Could you throw me one of those.”

Apollo did as he was told throwing Ernan a granny smith one before the male elf gave it to the tan horse.

“Sorry if I’m being rude but how old are you guys?” Apollo asked throwing another granny smith to Eillana who easily caught it with a slight smile on her face.

“Well, I’m sixteen, Eillana’s eighteen, and so is Ernan.” Eilororis said smiling a bit, “A bit young for three elves, no?”

“Agreed.” Apollo said smiling.

Eillana furrowed her brows as she stopped brushing her horse and glared at the two before getting nudged in the ribs by Ernan and making her turn to glare at him.

“What was that for?” Eillana demanded whispering.

“You were glaring at them Ms. Jigi.” Ernan stated, “Tell me what has Ms. Arcaniss done to make you glare at her so harshly?”

“I don’t know Ernan it’s just that- “Eillana began before looking at Apollo as if longingly, “I feel like I’m caught in an endless spiral and all I can hear is that- “Eillana cut herself off before she leaned on a nearby wooden support, “Enchanting voice of his.”

‘Oh, what love does to some people.’ Ernan thought as he quietly returned to grooming Rainheart who gave him an affectionate nuzzle, “Thank you my friend.”

“You okay Ernan?” Eilororis asked as she and Apollo noticed the almost sad look on the young elf’s face.

“Thank you for the concern Ms. Arcaniss but I’m completely fine.” Ernan said with a tired look on his face.

“Doesn’t seem like it.” Apollo said folding his arms and leaning on a supporter, “You look more like you haven’t slept in days.”

“Do I really look that bad?” Ernan asked almost smiling.

“Yes.” The two said before looking at each other and smiling.

The three laughed before Eillana walked up to them, “What were you three talking about?”

“Just how Ernan could use a goodnight sleep or two.” Eilororis said before she sighed, “I swear you need to go easy on yourself sometimes.”

Eillana laughed a little before she stopped and snapped her fingers with a smile and gleam in her eyes.

“Why don’t we go to the lagoon?” Eillana asked before the other two elves smiled in agreement, leaving Apollo confused.

“Can someone explain to me what you three are suggesting?” Apollo asked.

“A couple of years ago the three of us found a hidden lagoon a few meters from the manor.” Eillana explained, “Every once in a while, the three of us go there when we need a break from Adnorin and that bossy attitude of his.”

‘So, it’s just like me and grandfather with the secret garden.’ Apollo thought smiling a bit before Ernan snapped his fingers in front of Apollo’s face.

“Are you alright Apollo?” Eilororis asked tilting her head a little before Apollo gave her a look before she nodded in understanding, “Grandfather?”

Apollo nodded slowly before Eillana gave him a comforting pat on the back.

“If you want you could stay here.” Eillana suggested.

Apollo shook his head before standing up, “No, I’ll come with you, I’ll bring my guitar too.”

“Oh, joy.” Eilororis said rolling her eyes, though Apollo could see there was a smile on the corner of her face.

Apollo rolled his eyes in turn before the four of them went back inside to tell Fisar and Arcus about their plans for the day.

“A field trip?” Arcus asked as he cleaned a tankard.

Fisar chuckled a little before he turned to Apollo and the elves, “From what the four of you have been through these last couple of days, I’d say you four earned a little rest and relaxation.”

The four runaways smiled excitedly at him before they went to their rooms to get some of their belongings.

*

A few minutes later the four of them were getting Rapidlight and the other two horses ready for another trip across the forest.

“This is going to be so much fun.” Apollo said before he felt his spine go cold again, making him spin around.

“Apollo is everything alright?” Eilororis asked as she mounted her horse, “You look like you’ve felt a ghost.”

“Do ghosts exist here in Lumene?” Apollo asked curious as he put his grandfather’s journal and Dragonfire, A Complete Guide to Draconic Magic in Rapidlight’s saddlebag.

“Of course, they don’t.” Ernan said as he helped Eillana mount Shadowheart, “The closest thing in Lumene that could compare to ghosts are- “

He stopped himself there before Apollo lowered his head and asked in a low whisper, “The Sisterhood of Phantoms?”

The elves gasped in horror with the horses neighing in fear.

“Woah Rapidlight calm down!” Eilororis said almost falling off.

Apollo was surprised that Rapidlight seemed to be the only horse that seemed to have been in complete panic since Shadowheart and Rainheart seemed to have only neighed in fear of Rapidlight’s.

“Rapid calm down!” Eilororis exclaimed before she completely fell off and fell onto the ground, dragging Apollo with her.

‘Well, this isn’t uncomfortable.’ Apollo thought his words laced with sarcasm as he used his hands to not have his face collide with Eilororis’, ‘Not uncomfortable at all.’

“I’m so- “Eilororis began before her purple eyes met Apollo’s grey orbs.