Page 34 of Hope Entwined (Chronicles of Aldreda: Hope Rising)

T he last trails of daylight filtered through the trees in beautiful amber streams as the refugees and rescuers wandered deeper into the mountain. Though joyful, it had been a long day for everyone. Multiple healings and long conversations had filled the day, along with many tears.

Ahead of Rodric, Brenna walked confidently through the forest, the knife gifted to her by Celina belted around her waist. His guardian bracelet had been returned to its rightful place on her wrist, the red threads a match to the new cloak she was wearing. The waning sunlight glinted off the medallion every so often when she raised her arm to point out something to her friends.

At least she hadn’t lost all of herself in the depths of that dungeon. Her comfort and ease navigating through the uneven terrain relieved some of his tension, though not all. How did he help her heal and move beyond this, into the life she was meant for?

Celina’s soft hand gripped his own, reminding him he wasn’t alone.

Exiting the forest, they stepped into a protected glade. The idyllic space was unlike any place he’d seen throughout Eldridge. A deep pool of water glistened, soft grass welcoming them to sit and soak up the peace of the environment. Tall, thick trees ringed the area, ancient in their towering presence.

An open yet secluded space to one side was laid in colored stone. At the center was a large, shallow pit perfect for a communal fire, surrounded by a rock barricade to keep the fire controlled. A low, flickering flame waited for their arrival, the crackle barely audible above the light wind that blew through the glade.

A deep intake of breath from Connor made him turn. From across the meadow, near the edge of the pool, Daya approached, the fading rays of sun providing a gentle glow around her. She was a vision of ancient power, a solemn peace emanating from her.

Rodric needed a moment to reconcile this facet of the woman. When they’d met, she’d been a fierce, protective huntress. She’d become a trusted partner through the tumultuous events of the past few days. In the evening light, she approached them now as a guardian of old, tasked with providing guidance, wisdom, and ritual to the people.

The air hummed gently in her wake, as if aware of her presence. The mountain itself echoed of nature at its most impressive. Standing in such a sacred space, he was more aware and in tune with his magic than he’d ever imagined possible. How had their people, their ancestors, given this up?

Daya moved toward the stone space, with Veda beside her. Slowly, the others followed her lead, circling around the fire. Keeping hold of Celina’s hand, Rodric drew Brenna to his other side, touching her head in reassurance when she looked up at him nervously.

“To all who come to the mountain, to the ancient place of our ancestors, welcome.” Daya bowed her head, hand over her heart. “As a guardian, I’m called to guide us in the ancient way, but Eldridge is not a place where magic lives freely. Instead of embracing the inheritance of our ancestors, it has been driven out. We come together now to begin the healing journey.”

Opening her arms, Daya raised her palms to the sky. “We come to the heart of the mountain as a place of peace and healing. Of transformation. And most importantly, of community. The mountain calls us all together. Those who are suffering, injured, and in pain. Those with weary minds, heavy hearts, and broken spirits. Together, our burdens are less, our victories more. When there is need to fight, defend, and protect; to guide, heal, and speak truth; to endure, stand, and rise again; we must do so in community and connection.” Cupping her palms together, she held them over her heart.

“Together, in community, we cleanse our bodies and souls of the pain and trauma that came before.” Looking down at Veda standing beside her, Daya nodded.

Moving forward tentatively, Veda looked to Connor and received a nod of encouragement. Chin coming up strongly, she took the final steps to the fire and produced her yellow captive collar. Holding it up with both hands, she released it to fall among the logs and branches.

Rodric’s heart vibrated with years of emotion as the fire destroyed the symbol. Memories burning hotly behind his eyes as the flames consumed Veda’s connection to the fortress.

Connor stepped forward with Opal next, holding her while she leaned over the fire to drop her blue collar. One by one, the other children followed suit, guardians behind them, as they sent representations of their suffering into the softly crackling flames.

Brenna gripped his hand tightly as she watched, a slight tremor running through her hand to his. When her turn came, she let go and stepped forward, orange collar clutched firmly in her grasp. Her lips trembled as she stared at it, caught in memories and emotions he couldn’t fathom. Recognizing that this was something she needed to do alone in order to begin to heal, he held himself back from pulling her into his protective embrace.

She finished the journey to the fire pit on her own to place the collar where it could be burned. Silent tears marked her face when she returned, an ode to the tremendous moment of releasing the symbol of her captivity.

Accepting her back into his arms, he hugged her tightly, trying to convey his love and pride without words. She settled between him and Celina, holding his mate’s hand as she leaned into his side.

Once all the children had gone, Daya stepped forward and placed a small item among the logs, signaling it was time for the guardians to take their turn. Connor followed her lead, a solemn expression on his face. Cass, then Sev, each added a personal item to the collection, signifying something in their past they wanted to let go of or heal.

Holding his token tightly, Rodric stepped forward. In his palm, he held a delicate golden brooch. The swirling symbol was a feminine version of the Velton family emblem that adorned the clasp on his own cloak. Avery’s brooch had been secured to the inside of his cloak since the day she died. Removing it had been incredibly difficult, the emotions overwhelming him with old grief.

Running his thumb over the symbol, he swallowed the knot in his throat. His mind knew that dropping the item in the fire wouldn’t erase Avery, but his heart struggled to let go of the pain and fear that had been his constant companion. Participating in this act of courage wasn’t just an important part of the healing ceremony for the children. It was a real beginning to the journey for him.

Sharp edges cut his heart as he released the golden symbol into the fire pit. Hand trembling, he drew his fingers into a fist and tried to settle his emotions.

Celina touched his hand as they switched places, her gentle solidarity a welcome embrace. With both hands, mimicking the way Veda had started the process, Celina held the black collar over their collective pain, fears, and suffering, past and present. She bowed her head for a moment, her loose hair fluttering in the sunset breeze. After laying the final item in place, she nodded to Daya and returned to her place in the circle.

“Together, we choose to let go of these burdens of fear and suffering.” Daya wound her hands above the flames in an intricate pattern as she sprinkled fine golden dust into the fire.

The tension in the group rose as the flames snapped and crackled, gaining strength as they grew and stretched toward the darkening sky. Brenna leaned into him, her hand fisted in his shirt from behind. Rodric put an arm around her, rubbing her back until she gave a heartbreaking sob. His eyes caught on Marin, who had sunk to her knees on the stone floor. Tears streamed in a waterfall down her face, her brokenness displayed in the safety of the circle. Gathering Celina to him, Rodric pulled her into his other side, tears blurring his vision as he pressed his lips to her head. Her wet eyelashes brushed his neck in silent testament.

The night trembled, flames popping loudly as they all let go. Days, months, years, of emotion flowed through the group as together, they felt the collective pain, emotions swirling among them. Flames grew to a robust collection, flickering with hues of blue, orange, and green, as their items burned. The haunting colors were mesmerizing. He had no idea how long they hovered together, bearing witness and supporting each other through the intensity.

When the fire had returned to an ordinary red, Daya’s words rang above the crackling that filled the night. “Together, we begin anew. We choose to support each other and strengthen our bonds. As daughters, sons, and guardians. As brothers and sisters. As mates. To release the past and bring forth peace. To embrace the future with hope and joy.”

Taking Connor and Veda’s hands, Daya began the circle that linked them together until all twelve of them joined hands. Her dark eyes met his across the fire. With a deep breath, Rodric roused his magic. The first person he felt was Celina, her comforting presence wrapped around his soul. He urged his magic to twine with hers, letting them twist together into a colorful stream. Jointly, they released the wave of healing magic.

It flowed out of him in a much grander version of healing an individual. Through Celina’s magic, he felt a bolt of presence as their magic continued around the circle, bringing everyone into the spiritual connection until they were all joined as one.

Each person brought a colorful flare of life to the group. He sucked in a shocked breath of air as his vision flickered and settled. The magical stream of light grew as each vibrant color was added, sparkling in its brilliance. It wasn’t just bright, it was powerful. The mist-like colors twining in magnificent connection. Strength, empathy, peace, and healing energy flooded the group, everyone giving something to the others.

Individually, magic was impressive. Collectively, joined together in the night, giving freely to each other, it was ancient and mystical. Soul shattering in its intensity.

His vision settled back to normal as the healing wave dissipated, leaving a light stream of connection the color of candlelight flowing amongst them. Breaking the circle, Daya raised her hands, holding her palms up once again to the trees and sky, her voice startling him from witnessing the tremendous moment of healing. “Together, we acknowledge the nature that surrounds us, the spirit that embodies us, and the bonds that connect us.”

From a jar on a rock pedestal behind her, she spread a dusting of crushed herbs over the flames, followed by droplets of purple liquid. Veda stood beside her, a look of complete wonder on her face. Lifting her hands, she copied Daya’s movements, following in an elaborate dance no one else knew the steps to. The reverence in her young hands echoed clearly as she sprinkled leaves and flowers into the fire.

The flames grew in power and energy, turning in hue from red to the magnificent purple mist of dawn in the Calderran mountains. “Together, we are one. Joined by our experiences, our love, and our choices. Forever bound in spirit. As kin, we walk toward the future.” A shimmer of gold went into the fire, by Daya and Veda’s joined hands. “Together, we rise.”

“Together we rise.” Veda’s voice was a whisper as the fire roared even higher, flames moving in the rhythm of the wind. The enchanting purple flames illuminated the clearing in mystical light.

Raising her arms high, Veda began to twirl in slow motion, face lifted to the sky. With closed eyes, she swayed and spun, power and joy radiating from her delicate frame. Her movements were of cherished freedom, acceptance, and peaceful joy. Leaping and twirling, she danced in and out of the shadows cast by the fervent flames.

Rodric could feel something old and ancient among them, moving from person to person as Veda circled the fire with reverent steps. The brush of fingers on his back preceded Celina stepping forward to join Veda in the life-affirming dance. She moved to a melody in her soul, bringing a deep, haunting beauty to the snap of the flames. Moving her wrists in a delicate pattern, she spun a story of hope and perseverance. Emotions rolled off her as she danced, the crackle of power heightening with intensity.

Breath caught in his throat, Rodric watched the mesmerizing performance, unable to move or speak. Eyes glued to the healer, he bore witness to the incredible moment as the flames dipped and swayed in response to the women. Across from him, Sev’s eyes glistened in the firelight, hand pressed to his chest.

Celina had taken Veda’s hand and was twirling her around, a new joy coming forth that hadn’t been present before. Smiles lit their faces as they moved in tandem. The fire calmed from the vibrant purple back to red, the faint gold shimmer remaining in the center of each flame, making it sparkle and glint in the moonlight.

Connor moved to the fire and joined them, lifting Opal high as he danced with her. Delight shining on her face, the little girl giggled, turning the solemn moment of ceremony into a celebration of life.

A collective release of tension went through the group, and others began to step forward. Taking Gavin’s hand, Brenna joined them, her movements light and joyful as she danced with the older boy.

Rodric watched it all in awe, a tight band remaining around his heart. A whisper of presence fluttered inside him. Not Celina’s strong, beautiful essence, yet familiar. Opening his senses in a way that was becoming second nature to him, the presence intensified into a hug.

Tears welled as the band tightened. Avery?

Quit holding back, brother. Healing warmth wrapped around his heart, melting the last ring of tension. You belong. Join them.

The yearning in his soul coalesced in a burst of peace, the soothing sensation freeing him of the burden of sorrow he’d carried for so much of his life. You’ll always be with me.

Gentle laughter brought a smile to him as Avery’s presence faded away.

Moving forward, he joined the others, pausing to share a smile with his soul-daughter and his comrades as he wound his way to Celina. Her smile was radiant, eyes brightening with joy as he finally reached her. Taking his hand, she led him in the dance, inviting him to follow her toward a new path.