“Ouch. Damn that hurts.” Elliyanna tried to twist around to see the source of her pain. Clearly it was a crossbow bolt in her back. Where had it come from? She had run through the main room of the inn where the Duke of Linham lay dying into the kitchen to see if the killer was there. Seeing the kitchen staff lying on the floor in pools of blood convinced her that someone had been there, so she headed for the back door which was partly open. As she headed out the door and into the courtyard, that damn bolt struck her in the back. It was painful and it was obvious to her that she was in trouble. Backing up as quickly as her painful back would allow her, she caught a quick glimpse of her assailant. Unfortunately all she could see was a black figure with no details running away. She backpedalled into the kitchen and slammed the door. Returning to the main room wasn’t very reassuring. She watched as the Duchess of Linham kissed her husband goodbye one final time, and gently closed his eyes. The Duke was dead. The people in the inn were speechless.
“What happened to you?” The Duchess looked up at Ellyianna with concern.
“I...was shot.”
“Oh dear. Come here and allow me to tend to the wound.”
Elliyanna made her way over to where the Duchess was sitting. Kaydence looked at the wound and realized that it was serious.
“This might hurt a bit. That bolt needs to come out.”
Elliyanna winced in anticipation. The bolt came out a lot harder than it went in. Elliyanna bit her lower lip and tears streamed from her eyes. Then the pain went away - wait, what was that golden glow?
“There. That should feel better.” Kaydence smiled and sat back down.
“What....what did you do? What was that glow?” Ellyianna looked around at the group. No one seemed to be reacting except for Jessica. She had a look of recognition on her face - she knows something.
“Nothing really. Just some elvish healing rituals. No worries.”
“Oh. Well, thank you. I mean it.”
“You’re quite welcome.”
Elliyanna sat up with a start and looked around the camp. She was covered in sweat and her back was aching a little. The fire was still burning. Karl was on watch. The rest of the group was sleeping soundly. “Why did I have that dream?”
“Perhaps it is a warning.” Jessica’s voice nearly caused Ellyianna to scream out in surprise, but she held it to a muffled grunt.
“Why do you think that?” Ellyianna decided that now was the time for Jessica to answer some questions.
“Aren’t you a gypsy witch?”
“No. I’m not a witch.”
“My apologies. I did not intend to insult you. I only meant that because of your heritage it would make sense that dreams would play a role in telling the future or revisiting the past, right?”
“Yes. That does make sense. But why a warning?”
“Perhaps....”
“WAIT! How did you know I was dreaming?” Ellyianna searched around her bedroll for her shawl. She was feeling cold.
“Elves understand the role dreams play in our lives. You were tossing and turning, mumbling. It was obvious.”
“Oh, ok. For a moment I thought you were reading my mind.” She smiled, weakly and picked up her shawl. “Perhaps it is a warning.”
“One that we should heed.” Jessica stood up and walked over a little closer to where Ellyianna was sitting. She was holding a blanket. “It would seem that you need this more than I. Here.”
“Thank you.” Ellyianna took the blanket and snuggle up in to it. That was better, much better.
“What was the dream about?”
Ellyianna shuddered a bit. “It was the night that the Duke was killed. A very bad night.”
“I agree.”
“I wish I had seen the attacker better.” Ellyianna looked down dejected.
“This is your way of warning us to be on the watch for him.”
“Perhaps. Tell me something. What did the Duchess do for my wound?”
“What do you mean?” Jessica looked intently at Ellyianna.
“The gold glow. That was magic, wasn’t it?”
“Yes. Elvish influenced magic I believe. I’ve only seen one other do that.”
“Who?”
“My sister, Talisa.” Jessica smiled.
“I see. How is then that the Duchess has Elven magic?”
“I’m unsure. Although I have heard it is not completely uncommon. It is not a regular thing.”
“What did she do?” Ellyianna winced a little as her mind remembered the pain.
“I believe she cast a healing spell. That’s what I’ve seen Talisa do. Your wound healed of its own accord, did it not?” Jessica now seemed a little perturbed about the questioning but in her usual way, tried to hide it.
“I’m sorry if this is upsetting you. I just like to understand these things.” Ellyianna reached out and touched Jessica’s hand.
“I know. And I understand.” Jessica grasped Ellyianna’s hand briefly. And then it seemed that the moment was over. Jessica returned to her bedroll and sat down. “I must prepare for my watch.” She closed her eyes and for a few moments sat quietly. Then almost as suddenly as she ended the conversation, she stood up and walked over to where Karl was standing.
“Karl, I believe it is now my time.”
“Why yes I think it is!” Karl smiled at Jessica and walked by her. “Hi Ellyianna! Are you ok? You seem very upset. May I help? Is there something I can do?”
“Thank you Karl. I am fine. I just had a bad dream and it has left me a little unsettled.”
“Oh I am sorry! Perhaps if you became enlightened like me you wold not have those dreams.” Karl smiled.
“I appreciate what you are saying, Karl, I really do......”
A gruff, deep voice broke the night. “I’d appreciate it if the two of you would silence yourselves and go back to sleep. Some of us are trying to do just that.” Narom opened up one eye and glared at Karl.
“Karl, another time, ok?” Ellyianna looked over at Karl and smiled.
Karl immediately brightened up and smiled back. He whispered, “ok. We should be quiet so the mean old man can sleep. Nite.”
Ellyianna stifled a laugh as she laid back down and considered what Jessica had said. Perhaps it was a warning........
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