NOVEL NEXT Chapter 30: Nathaira in Sherwood
Anezka's Pov
As I finished plucking the delicate flowers, a low, menacing growl pierced through the air, sending chills down my spine. Terrified, I turned to see the wolf where it had been lounging moments before, its eyes glinting with an intense, predatory ferocity.
Panic surged through me as I watched it sprint towards me, its powerful muscles rippling beneath its thick fur. I let out a frantic scream and tried to escape, but in my frantic attempt, I accidentally stepped on something cold and smooth beneath my foot.
Looking down, I was startled to find a striking black and red snake coiled at my feet. Its scales glistened ominously in the fading light. Before I could react to the shock, the snake lunged and sank its fangs into my ankle. An electric pain shot through me, and I fell to the ground, my scream echoing in the stillness of the forest.
As wave after wave of pain crashed over me, I found myself crying out desperately. Through my blurred vision, I caught a glimpse of the magnificent wolf fiercely battling the slithering snake and killing it.
In that fleeting moment, I saw the wolf's powerful frame and the way it lunged with unyielding determination. Alongside it, my mentor, Selmor, rushed towards me, his expression a mix of urgency and concern. Just as their silhouettes drew closer, darkness enveloped me, and I lost consciousness before I could even utter a word to them.
....
At the palace of the Kingdom of Gaelen
After the harrowing snake incident, Selmor cradled Anezka gently in his arms, her delicate form limp and pale against his strong frame. The loyal wolf, a shaggy companion, trotted closely beside him, sensing the urgency of the situation.
As Selmor approached the grand palace of the Kingdom of Gaelen, its towering spires glinted in the sunlight, but today, the beauty of the structure was overshadowed by the gravity of what had just transpired.
Entering the palace, he made his way to the opulent throne hall, where the air was thick with tension. He gestured briskly to the guard stationed at the door, who sprang into action, swinging the heavy doors wide open.
Once inside the majestic hall, filled with rich tapestries and the faint scent of polished wood, Selmor raised his voice, breaking the stillness: "Your Majesties, there is an emergency! Please summon the royal physician immediately!" His words echoed off the stone walls, capturing the full attention of both Queen Serena and King Mikael.
Queen Serena's eyes widened with dread as she caught sight of her daughter, unconscious and vulnerable in Selmor's embrace. A wave of panic washed over her, and without hesitation, she called for one of the guards, commanding urgently, "Fetch the royal physician at once!"
King Mikael, his face pale and filled with concern, rushed towards Selmor, his heart racing. "What happened to my daughter?" he asked, his voice trembling with fear and urgency. Selmor lowered his gaze, his heart heavy, and replied in a soft, somber tone, "We must first carry her to her chamber so that the physician can attend to her." The gravity of their situation hung in the air, as they prepared to do everything in their power to save the young princess.
As Mikael engaged in conversation with Selmor, a flurry of anxious footsteps echoed through the hall as the queen rushed toward them. Her eyes widened in alarm as she approached Selmor, her hand instinctively reaching out to touch her daughter's feverish forehead.
Gasping, she exclaimed, "Selmor, why is she burning up and sweating so much?" Instead of answering her question, Selmor's expression remained focused and urgent. "Lead us to her chamber first," he insisted, his voice firm and unwavering. "We don't have time to talk, Your Majesty."
The queen's heart raced at his words, and the king beside her felt the weight of dread settle heavily in his chest. Their unease intensified when they caught sight of a majestic wolf looming nearby, its massive frame covered in thick, pristine white fur, and its piercing blue eyes glinting with intelligence.
Confusion washed over them, but they quickly pushed it aside, knowing that Anezka's well-being was their priority. With a shared nod of determination, they hurriedly guided Selmor toward Anezka's chamber, their minds racing with worry.
As they entered Anezka's chamber, a sense of urgency filled the air. The room was dimly lit, with shadows dancing across the ornate tapestries that adorned the walls. Selmor gently laid Anezka on her bed, a soft expanse of velvet draped with a delicate coverlet.
He ensured she was comfortably positioned, her pale face framed by tousled strands of hair. Turning to the anxious figures of the queen and king, a wave of concern washed over him as he prepared to explain the troubling events that had unfolded.
However, before he could utter a word, a sharp knock echoed through the chamber, drawing their attention. At the door stood Zephir, the royal physician, his expression a mix of determination and calm.
He held a well-worn medical satchel, its contents rattling softly as he moved. "Yes, please, Zephir, come in and tend to my daughter!" Serena implored, her voice tinged with desperation. She stepped aside, urgency in her movements, allowing the physician to enter and work his healing magic on Anezka.
As Zephir stepped into the dimly lit room, his gaze was immediately drawn to a wolf curled up in the corner, its eyes glinting like sapphires in the shadows. He chose not to comment on the creature's unsettling presence, instead taking a seat on the edge of the bed, the fabric rough against his fingertips, as he prepared to examine Anezka.
Before he could begin, Selmor abruptly broke in, his gaze intent as he pointed towards Anezka's right ankle. "Look here," he said urgently. "She's been bitten by a Nathaira in Sherwood." Serena gasped, her breath catching in her throat, as tears began to well up in her eyes, shimmering like glass under the faint light.
Mikael, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief, lunged at Selmor, gripping his collar tightly. "How could you let this happen? We trusted you!" he growled, his voice a low, furious rumble. Serena rushed to intervene, placing a trembling hand on Mikael's arm. "Leave him, Mikael," she urged, her voice soft yet filled with urgency. "We'll deal with him later, not now," she whispered, her tears flowing freely, glistening on her cheeks.
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"I threw myself to the wolves, only to learn of the tenderness in their howl, and the loyalty in their blood."
- By -Isra Al-Thibeh