Out of the Mountain

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Authors: Violet Chastain
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using the staff during the battle at the palace, using unnatural power that radiated evil. It knocked everyone to their knees with the sheer force it expelled. Kieran was mad with power, and Farran stole the staff from his brother’s hand as he stood over Alaric’s dead body in victory and then disappeared.
    “Farran returned to the forest and found the boy and the child hiding up in the canopy of trees. He told the boy to go back to the palace. Kieran had fled, and the people had retaken it and were trying to pick up the pieces. They needed the boy’s knowledge and guidance. The boy refused to let Farran take the child. He was blood-bound to protect her. He wanted to go with her.
    “When Farran refused to allow the boy to come, he shifted into a young lion. His limbs were lanky, his mane patchy, but his eyes were fierce . . . he was yet to grow into the magnificent being he would surely become. Farran had never seen a lion Shuni. The line was supposed to have been destroyed more than a century before. When the girl saw the lion, she clapped and laughed, reaching her hands toward it with glee. The boy returned to his human form, angry that the girl hadn’t been afraid. Farran used that to his advantage and swore to the boy that he would take her somewhere she would not be found until the time was right. He told him to return with news of their deaths to keep them safe. The boy agreed that it was the best plan.
    “Farran took the girl and left her in the protection of the twelve monks of the mountain, placing a block on her powers and a ward around the valley where she remained until she showed up at my cottage, escorted by the boy yesterday evening.” Kel finished with a clap of his hands, having brought the long story full circle. My mouth was hanging open, and my eyes felt as if they were about to pop out of my head. I could feel the blood rushing to my brain. Surely I wasn’t going to faint? My eyesight started to dim.
    “Head between your knees,” Rowan barked, and I complied, taking deep breaths. I needed to process all the information I was just given. Over two generations had been covered by his tale and his abrupt ending left my head spinning as his story merged with my reality. Details, I needed to focus on each detail. I took deep, steadying breaths.
    “You’re my uncle?” I looked up at Kel warily.
    “That is true.” He smiled.
    “Why did you give me a fake name?” I asked angrily.
    “Onkel . . . Uncle . . . it was a shameless pun to be sure, but I couldn’t resist, and I didn’t want to spoil the story. Look at you! Ha! It was so worth it!” He laughed as if it were obvious all along.
    “And you are the boy.” I looked at Rowan, and he nodded, face unreadable.
    “And I am the girl,” I said slowly, and Briony laughed. I had forgotten she was even here.
    “Yes. You are Princess Vivienne Cosette Reinhold of Alaris,” Mauve barked loudly, her patience clearly diminishing. I blinked slowly.
    “Maybe she needs time? We had much more time knowing she was still alive, and I still can’t believe it,” Dahlia suggested with humor in her eyes.
    “Yes, I suppose you are correct. Briony, take her to her room and help her get cleaned up. The feast is being prepared as we speak,” Zoran said kindly. I flinched when Briony put her arm around me. I still wasn’t used to being touched so easily and so often. Especially by someone I didn’t know. She let go, putting her hands up as if in surrender.
    “Sorry,” I said crossing my arms.
    “No problem,” she replied, giving me an odd look before walking in front of me. I glanced back to see Rowan was gone and Kel—or should I say Farran—was waving with a smile. Farran, my uncle. This was going to take some getting used to.
    Briony led me up the right side of the grand staircase, and I followed without seeing, trying to collect the facts in my mind. I was a princess. I had an evil uncle who wanted to kill me and another who didn’t age,

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