The Bridge Between Worlds
Chapter Nineteen

Regina had just come out of a warm bath. She felt refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day. Freydra was moving around the chambers, straightening up. Regina sat in front of her mirror, sighing as she pulled her damp hair into a messy bun. She was surprised Freydra wasn’t rushing to help fix her hair or help her dress.

Normally, Regina wouldn’t care, but Freydra had been acting strange for days now. She was used to having assistance now. And it was the maid’s job, as she had expressed several times. Now that Regina was actually letting the girl do her job, it was as if the girl couldn’t be bothered.

Regina didn’t want to seem like a spoiled brat, but-

“Freydra,” she said, using her commanding voice. “If its not bothersome to your plans this afternoon, I should like to dress now.”

“Oh! Of course!”

As if she’d been woken from deep sleep, Freydra shook herself and hurried to Regina’s side. She furrowed her brow as she watched the girl shake out the dress she would wear for the day. The maid seemed frazzled. Not herself. But Regina couldn’t ask her what she was thinking. The last time she had mentioned anything, the girl denied answering. She could command her into speaking, but she didn’t want to be that kind of princess.

A knock at the door brought Regina back to reality.

“Freydra, see who it is,” she said as she moved behind her dressing curtain. She pulled on her dress, listening to the quickened steps of her maid. The creaking of the door as it opened.

Freydra called, “My lady, it is Kalib.”

“Let him in.”

“But my lady-”

Regina cut her off, “I said to let him in. I am presentable.”

She walked out, fulled clothed and patted down the fabric of her skit. The maid sighed, loudly, as she opened the door all the way and motioned for Kalib to enter.

“Leave us,” Regina told her.

Hesitantly, the girl left, closing the door behind her.

“What is the matter with her?” asked Kalib with a weird expression.

“I honestly do not know what to tell you,” she replied, sighing as she motioned to the love-seat on the far side of the front room. “Please, have a seat. I think danger can wait a few minutes.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

The two fell silent a moment. Listening for any possible sound.

“We’re alone, for now,” Regina whispered. “Had there been any progress to replace the mole?”

“Lord Eadward is using all of his resources to uncover the perpetrator,” Kalib whispered back. “Your safety is worth much more to him than I originally thought.”

“I feel I have underestimated him as well. I have a new respect for him. But for me to completely trust him, he will have to surprise me.”

He nodded, “I understand your feelings. There was something else you wanted to discuss with me.”

“One subject further,” Regina sighed, glancing down at her hands. “I still wish to revisit the Tree. And now that I have Eadward supporting my decisions . . . I think it is time to include him in that wish. I know it is a risk, but-”

“The more people you can trust, the better,” Kalib finished her sentence.

She could tell Kalib was uneasy about her request. But as she looked into his eyes, she knew she still had his full support.

* * *

A private audience with Lord Eadward was not an easy task. But Kalib managed to pull it off. The study, while the best room in the entire palace to have this private meeting, felt like an echo chamber. Regina kept thinking someone would walk through the walls, at any given moment. Listening to everything she had to say.

“Thank you for meeting with me,” she said as she and Eadward sat in two of the satin chairs.

“I am at your service, your highness,” he replied; gone was the sarcastic tone she was used to receiving from him. “How can I help you?”

Regina glanced at Kalib, who was standing on the far end of the room. He nodded, his expression remaining neutral, though she could tell he wanted to show more emotion.

“I do not wish to assume anything,” she began, turning back to Eadward. “However, I have to assume you know of the Tree of Wanderers, yes?”

She didn’t know what she was expecting. But she certainly was not expecting Eadward the Dark to smile.

“You’ve been to the Tree,” he said, astonished. “You would not have assumed such a thing unless you had been there yourself. Yes, Princess; I know of the Tree. I have been there.”

Regina’s surprise, and relief, must have been written all over her face. Kalib moved to stand closer. His expression softened, as did his stance. Though he still remained on his guard, his hand on his sword.

“When we were handling the volcano,” Regina explained, clasping her hands together in her lap. “I sought wisdom from the Tree’s Keeper. Even though I knew what need to be done, I was second guessing myself. You seemed to have every reason not to trust me and because of the fact, I did not trust you. For this, I apologize.”

“Apologies are not necessary,” Eadward shook his head. “Yes, I behaved indifferent. But I suppose we needed to learn to trust each other.”

She nodded, “I agree. Which brings me to what I wish to ask. I feel the need to visit the Tree again. I wanted to go before the ball, but was not possible. However, with the impending threat, I strongly feel it is necessary. And of all the Council members, you’re the only one I have grown to trust. The other do not like me and I am simply choosing to not like them until they give me reason otherwise.”

Eadward nodded, listening to her word without objection. His eyes wandered to the fur rug on the floor. Regina glanced up at Kalib. She wondered what he was thinking. And what Eadward was thinking.

“You would not have arrived there the last time if your guard had not been there as well,” he said after a long silence. Princess, visiting the Tree is a journey one does when the soul yearns for its presence. If you feel this strong need to be near the Tree, it cannot be ignored. You should follow the feeling and go. The Tree does not call to just anyone. Very few will ever see it more than once or twice.”

“You do not disapprove?”

“This is a matter you do not need my approval for. If you do not wish for anyone outside of this room to know of your plans, you have my discretion.”

“Thank you, Eadward. Yes, I appreciate the silence on the matter. Kalib will go with me. I plan to leave within the hour. I do not intend to be gone long. But I wished for you to be aware of my plans.”

“Very well. Please alert my when you have returned.”

“Of course.”

* * *

Kalib followed behind Regina as she led the way through one of many courtyards. Within this courtyard were four entrances to four different gardens. There where was a fifth hidden from sight. This was the place they were headed.

“How are we getting there this time?” she asked, remembering how they had a warlock and a mage the last time.

“Travel orb,” Kalib replied, “It creates a temporary portal to an exact location. It will only portal us to and from the Tree. I asked Arcano to create it before he left last time.

“Oh.”

Regina paused and motioned to the large, rusted metal gate in her path.

“This was not here last time I went exploring,” she said, glancing to Kalib. “Or perhaps it was here, but it was open.”

He stepped closer and touched the heavily locked latch.

“Time for more practice, princess,” he chuckled, stepping aside. “Close your eyes and imagine the inside of the lock.”

Regina smiled, closing her eyes. She enjoyed when Kalib helped her understand the extent of her powers. For some reason, he made it all seem so simple.

“Imagine your mind is the key,” he went on, his voice closer to her ear this time. “Insert the key. Open the lock.”

She did as he said. Without touching, she simulated the same feeling of using a key and poking it into the lock. A moment later, there was a gentle thwank sound. Regina opened her eyes. The lock had fallen to the ground.

“After you,” Kalib chuckled, pushing the gate open.

She smiled and entered the garden. Expecting to be hit by vibrant colors and the smell of flowers, she was met by blackened ground and the scent of burnt wood.

“The garden was full of life just five days ago,” Regina whispered, shaking her head. “Someone set this place on fire. Look at those remains.”

She pointed to an area where there was burnt firewood. Kalib went over and bent down. He touched the charcoal, staining his fingers.

“This was recent,” he said, smelling the ash. “Two days old, minimum. Perhaps four at max.”

“Do you think it’s connect to the poison?” Regina asked, moving to stand closer to him.

“It could be, but it’s still a threat to your safety. We’ll have to return to a different location.”

“Will the orb be able to do that?”

“Yes, there’s a loophole. Come.”

He straightened and placed his hand on her back. He produced a golden, sphere object. It reminded Regina of the device her father had used the first time he appeared to her. It must have been Arcano’s work as well.

“Think of the Tree,” said Kalib, holding the orb in front of them. “Think of its surroundings.”

Regina nodded; Kalib pressed a button and everything went white.

* * *

The light was blinding. Regina’s ears were ringing as if there had been an explosion. She rubbed her eyes. Blinked several times. Panic settled in when her vision didn’t clear. All she could see was darkness.

“Um.”

“Ssh, everything is alright.”

“But I can’t see anything,” she said, extending her hands to replace the owner of the voice.

“You will, I promise. You just need to remain calm and let the effects wear off.”

It was Kalib’s voice. Regina felt his hands on her shoulders. She took a deep breath, exhaling through her mouth. She nodded, but still couldn’t seem to get calm.

“Regina, listen to my voice,” he said, gentle and sweet. “Close your eyes.”

She did, forcing her panic away.

“Breathe. Slow, steady.”

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

“Open your eyes.”

Relief came over her as she opened her eyes and saw Kalib’s staring back at her. She sobbed as he gathered her to his chest.

“Its alright,” he whispered, rubbing her back. “You’re alright.”

Regina exhaled, repeating his words in her mind.

“Rise, Princess Regina of Xiphis.”

She pulled away from Kalib, wiping her eyes as her gaze fell on Annabel.

“The Tree is not a place of sorrows,” said the Keeper with a soft smile. “Are you not well, Regina?”

“It was the after effects from a new form of travel,” Kalib explained as he stood at Regina’s side.

“I’m fine,” she added, nodding. “I am. I’m fine.”

“Very well. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?”

Regina used the edge of her sleeve to clean up her face.

“I do not know,” she said, exhaling softly. “I believe I have been summoned by the Tree. It was a yearning I could not ignore.”

Annabel tilted her head to the side, her gaze drifting to something only she could see.

“Ah, yes,” she went on after a pause, her gaze returning to Regina. “Your life is at threatened. Your drink was poisoned but plot failed. Before you came here, you discovered your hidden garden had been set to flames. Princess, while the Heartsword blood flows in your veins, the line ends with you and your half sister. Your journey has only just begun. Your enemies shall be many, purely for name’s sake. But do not fear, for your friends are as countless as the grains of sand in the sea. You’ve recently gained another ally. But be warned, your closest ally you have yet to meet.

“The man beside you, whom devotes his life to your protection. There is much love in his heart. He is more than what you see. Never let him go.”

Regina glanced at Kalib. He was watching her, not the Keeper. He gave a small smile, dipping his chin. She felt her cheeks grow warm as she allowed a similar smile creep on her face. She turned back to the Keeper, stunned by the knowledge download. Annabel’s gaze appeared foggy. She stared at nothing in particular, her head tilted to the side. It was then Regina understood what was happening. Annabel was listening to the voices from the Tree.

The Tree was alive. It didn’t just receive wandering souls. It was a living soul.

“Follow the song in your heart,” the Keeper said, as her expression became more natural and her eyes met Regina’s. “You are not just a princess, Regina of Xiphis. You are a direct descendant of Bethany Heartsword. You believe Derek is your grandfather. A time will come when you shall discover the truth. But you will not think of it until the moment is right. The song in your heart is one that has been sung for many generations. The Tree will call to you again. I know you will heed the call.”

As she finished speaking, the light was returning. Regina had to shield her eyes, choosing to close them completely. She feared the feeling of blindness again. However, she felt Kalib’s hand on her shoulder. Calm came over her and when she opened her eyes, they were back in Xiphis. More specifically, they were on her balcony.

“Everything alright?” Kalib asked as she tested her eyes.

“Yes,” she replied, taking a deep breath and nodding with the pleasure of seeing his face. “And . . . I’m sorry for the . . . The fearful display . . . Recently.”

“It does not change my perspective of you,” he smiled, shaking his head. “You are allowed release, Regina . . . Princess, You do not need to portray perfect fearlessness all the time. At least, not in front of me.”

Regina smiled, her cheek growing warm. Her heart skipped.