Read Dark Wood: Legends of the Guardians for Free Online

sister rest,
Aryaunna leaned down, brushing crimson curls back and kissed Elizabeth’s forehead.
Warmth spread throughout Aryaunna’s entire body. The grace of the Guardian’s
enveloped her as she touched Elizabeth.
    Aryaunna’s
light embraced Elizabeth completely. The magic that swelled between them was
powerful. “Rest well, my sister. Be at ease, and let your dreams be ones of
peace.” Elizabeth did not open her eyes, but Aryaunna could feel the peace wash
through her. It radiated from her body for the strength of it.
    A
hush fell over the room. As Aryaunna stood, her hand falling, she met four gazes.
    “How
did you do that? Mayla, how did she do that?” The girl looked from Aryaunna to
Mayla again, completely confused.
    “She
is the Emissary, Korena. She carries the purest essence of the Guardians within
her.” Mayla smiled, setting down the corked blue glass bottle back to its place
on the shelf. “Korena, fetch the wraps and powdered amethyst. Let’s take care
of the Seer’s ankle, before she wakes.”
    “Please
call me Aryaunna, or Ary even.”
    “Why
is that? Do you not believe it to be true?” Mayla’s brow furrowed as she
studied Aryaunna for response.
    “Of
course I do. I ask to be called by my given name for it is titles such as
Emissary, and Magistrate,” she spat the words as if saying them tasted vial,
“that corrupts power. Please, call me Aryaunna…”
    The
smile returned to Mayla’s lips as if she was indeed satisfied. With nothing
more than a nod, she turned, dismissing the three as she continued about her
work with the young Korena. Allos opened the heavy door, and waved a hand from
Lena, past Aryaunna, to the door.

    It
was impossible not to look around as she sipped the potent mulberry wine. They
sat inside a great tavern that looked to feed and seat the entire village. It
was not until they entered the tavern that Lena and Allos pulled back their
hoods. Lena was just as Aryaunna had seen her in the woods. Tall and lithe
bodied, hair that shined like the full moon, braided into thousands of
intricate braids that hung long down her back. She was stunning with her
radiance of power and beauty.
    Aryaunna
could only guess, and still would surely be wrong at her age. After just brief
conversation Lena had explained even Korena was well over twice Aryaunna’s age.
The Drow aged slowly, thus had lifespans that saw centuries come and go.
    Allos
was something else entirely. He had been born to the Druids. War had seen him
orphaned as the only surviving member of his people. The Drow took him in and
raised him from infancy.
    As
their stories went on, Aryaunna looked over the massive room. Like the
apothecary, the walls were solid stone, almost cave like for they were
seamless. Ivy crept up the inside corners of the room, creating intricate
patterns of its own making.
    The
tables were thick, unpolished wood, but smooth as baby’s skin and well made.
Everything there was made with care. No matter how small. Even the bowls,
plates, and goblets were etched with Elvin blessings. Torches sat upon sconces,
lighting the walls and casting golden lights that danced up the walls. A
massive fireplace which seemed large enough for her to stand in fed the room
all the light it needed.
    Drow
filled the room, and they all had eyes for the Emissary. Questions and worry
filled her mind, ‘ Do they know what I am? Why I am here? If they do, perhaps
one of them will tell me. ’ “She’s not eating.” Lena nodded from her plate
to Allos.
    “Perhaps
she isn’t hungry. Perhaps she can hear you, Lena.”
    “Are
you worried for your sister?” Lena’s gaze locked with Aryaunna’s. There was a
moment where all Aryauna could do was stare back.
    “No.
Mayla will care for her well.” Lifting the goblet she took a slow sip of the
wine that warmed her from the inside out.
    “You
seem so sure. You’re not at all worried?” Lena’s brow arched curiously. “Quite
honestly, I can’t tell if you’re in