Page 5 of Journey to the Elderoak (Daughter of the Earth #2)

A va adjusted the long sleeves of her dress as she evaluated herself in the mirror. The sage green bodice hugged her curves, sprinkled with subtle beading flowing down the forest green skirt.

They had arrived at their destination early this morning and she couldn’t shake the uneasiness in her gut at the prospect of representing her whole kingdom. Turning away from the mirror, she crossed the room and opened the door to the suite, stepping into the crisp morning air.

When she saw the view outside, she froze.

“Wow,” she whispered.

Raine and Casimir stood by the railing near the gangplank being lowered as Gisela shouted orders to the crew. Ava strode toward them and stopped next to Raine, looking out at what lay before her.

Saxumdale.

Islands covered in towering flat top mountains surrounded them, the tallest disappearing into the clouds.

The dark gray stone was peppered with trees, but it was far from the green she was used to in Mosshaven.

The white trees here were twisted and grew precariously on cliffs along the stone giants, their bright yellow leaves cascading down the draping branches.

Tiny white flowers bloomed among their roots, covered in bees and other insects.

They had docked at the largest island, but there were no signs of a city or castle aside from a few stone buildings carved into the side of the rocky face.

“Where’s the capital?” she asked.

“Cairnhold is inside the mountain,” said Raine.

She looked at the behemoth before her. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Casimir led them down the ramp and onto the mainland.

Dock workers buzzed about, speaking with the captain as they unloaded crates of goods.

Saxumdale specialized in mining and their main export was iron ore, vital in forging weapons and other tools throughout Eorhan.

Monterre would be taking back a large shipment to increase weapon production for the war and had brought produce, healing balms and their own goods to trade.

Winding their way through small buildings and the flurry of activity in the dock, they stopped before the mountain.

A tall man with dark gray rock-like skin—all the Saxumdale fae had stony complexions in varying shades—approached them.

He wore royal blue robes and his black hair rested perfectly on top of his head.

Four soldiers followed behind him in iridescent armor made from kreovite—a rare mineral deposit only found in their kingdom.

When the sun hit their armor, its charcoal color changed from a deep blue to violet.

A stunning example of how skilled their armorers were.

Ava had learned in her lessons with Jorrar that it was stronger than most other armor, yet lighter, allowing their soldiers to move with ease.

Another reason they needed Saxumdale’s help with the war.

“Welcome to Saxumdale, Your Highness.” The man stopped before Ava and bowed .

“Thank you,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Raine and Casimir flanked her, taking on their roles as her guards, with Pax and Zeph behind them. They were all dressed in their usual leather armor, complete with swords.

“My name is Corvus,” he continued. “I’m the steward for the queens. I’ll be escorting you to the castle.”

“It’s lovely to meet you,” said Ava.

Corvus turned and led the way, two soldiers flanking him while the other two waited for Ava’s group to follow, bringing up the rear.

“Do you remember everything I told you?” Raine asked from beside her.

“Yes.”

“Recite it to me.”

As they walked along the base of the stony mountain, they came upon a wide archway carved with ancient symbols leading into the rock.

“First, we’ll be presented to the queens.

That’s when I introduce myself and deliver the letter from Thorne,” she recited as they entered the archway.

“That’s not the time for war talk. Then we will be shown our living quarters to rest and prepare for dinner.

Dinner—dessert specifically—is where I will start the discussion of war. ”

“Good,” said Raine.

They continued through a short tunnel with floating lanterns near the ceiling, and emerged into a sprawling city carved into the hollowed-out mountain. Ava gasped as she took in the space, in awe of the lively metropolis.

Stone streets wove through rocky buildings; taverns, shops, and blacksmiths lining the roads.

No sunlight entered here, everything lit by orange flames in lanterns throughout the city.

Though there were no plants or greenery to be found, it was beautiful in its own way.

A city proud of its architecture and brilliant engineering .

They walked over a stone bridge, lanterns on the railings lighting the way, and crossed a flowing stream leading to the ocean through a hole in the rocky mountain.

Children sat on the bank with wooden fishing poles, shrieking with laughter as one made a catch and reeled it in, beaming at his prize and showing it off to his friends.

A blacksmith hammered a beautiful dark iron sword nearby, the heat of the forge oppressive as they passed. Ava fanned her face at the sudden change in temperature, unable to look away from the smith’s astounding skills.

After winding through town, the group paused, reaching the base of stone stairs carved into the side of the mountain.

“Where’s the castle?” Ava whispered.

Casimir pointed to a level high above them.

She craned her neck and her eyes caught on the thousands of steps they’d have to take to reach the top. Corvus had already begun to climb, his guards behind him.

With a deep breath, Ava followed.

Iron torches flickering with bright orange flames framed the double stone doors of the throne room.

The colors of Saxumdale were full of blues and purples, integrated into their armor and clothing, like the browns, golds and greens of Monterre.

Guards flanked the doors, their shimmering armor accentuated with deep violet capes.

They’d climbed so many steps it had felt almost endless, then wound their way through countless hallways before reaching the throne room. Ava’s legs ached with exhaustion, and she longed to soak in a hot bath before dinner.

The castle walls, ceiling, and floor were made from the dark stone of the mountain, rugs in the kingdom’s colors adding a bit of warmth to the space.

In lieu of artwork, there were statues and carvings integrated into the structure of the castle.

Carvings of old kings and queens, of swords and weapons and other motifs.

“Are you ready?” Raine leaned in and whispered as the guards prepared to open the doors.

“Yes.”

“Don’t do what you did last time you met a king.” He winked at her.

She huffed in response. Last time she met royalty, her own brother, he thought she was threatening him, and she almost got herself into trouble. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.

The doors opened and they entered the long, narrow throne room.

Tapestries hung from the walls with depictions of stone fae in battle and posing with their weapons.

Braziers lined the walkway, casting an eerie glow as their flames danced among themselves.

A navy-blue rug led them to the dais, where two stunning women were seated upon deep black stone thrones carved with tall spires along the back.

Ava had learned in her studies their names were Astrid and Soren and they’d been ruling this kingdom for the last eighty years after their former queen was killed in battle.

“Presenting Ava Everwood, Princess of Monterre, sister of King Thorne Everwood,” the steward announced. “Accompanied by General Casimir Undergrove and Captain Raine Verlice.”

Ava clutched her skirt and curtsied as the rest of them bowed.

“Welcome to Saxumdale,” Astrid said, brushing her black curls behind her shoulder. She had light gray stony skin, dark blue eyes and was dressed in a deep purple gown. “How did you find your journey?”

“It went smoothly. The weather was kind to us,” Ava responded.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Astrid said warmly .

Soren scrutinized Ava with hazel eyes, her shoulder length red hair bright against the stone crown resting upon her head with a glowing purple crystal in the center, matching the one her wife bore. Her cerulean gown shifted as she crossed her legs.

“I’ve been intrigued to meet this long lost fae but still human princess I’ve heard so much about,” Soren spoke. “How are you adjusting to your new life?”

Ava cleared her throat, trying to ignore her nerves. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve fallen in love with Monterre. Everyone’s been welcoming.”

“Thorne is a kind ruler,” Soren said. “You’re lucky to have him as your brother.”

“I am.”

“Did you bring the goods he promised?” Astrid asked.

“Yes, we did. They were being unloaded when we left the ship. I also have a letter from Thorne.”

“Oh?” said Soren.

“Yes.”

Casimir retrieved the sealed envelope from his pocket and handed it to Ava. She held it out and the steward took it and walked to the queens, delivering it to Astrid.

Astrid opened the letter as Soren leaned over to read it alongside her. They both frowned, then smiled, and Astrid attempted to hide a small laugh. Ava tried to make sense of their reactions, unsure what the letter contained.

“Interesting,” Astrid murmured. “Alright. I’m sure you’re tired from your journey. Why don’t you rest and get cleaned up and we’ll meet at dinner to discuss what you came here for.”

Ava curtsied once more, thanking the queens for their time, and followed her group out the door.