Shadow Lands Book Five Lilly’s Battle

Lilly couldn’t help but frown as she followed the others. Their host, Wilhelm, had looked at her like he’d seen a ghost. Lilly wished that she had a sword at her side, but she was horrible with anything that had a blade on it. All she had managed to learn in the years she’d been in the Shadow Lands was how to use a dagger. Thank goodness she was good at archery. She was one of the best archers they had and she was secretly proud of that face. Lilly looked around her in curiosity. This camp was full of humans or creatures that resembled humans. She counted about 6 maybe 7 different races. She also counted that many styles of tents. It seemed that each race had a different style of tent which made sense. Lilly made sure to stick close to the others and she offered Thrandr a grateful smile as he dropped back and took up a position beside her. “Don’t worry Lilly. I’ll cover your back,” Thrandr’s voice echoed in her head. “Please sit and take some refreshments.” Wilhelm had a pleasant voice Lilly realized. It reminded her of growing up in France. Lilly studied Wilhelm as she sat down. He was of average height, maybe 5’8”. He was on the short side compared to her friends. He had blonde hair that was a shade or two darker than hers and he had the prettiest set of baby blue eyes that she had ever seen. They reminded her of the cornflowers in her Mama’s garden. Lilly couldn’t take her eyes off him as he served them and then sat down opposite Morgana. He had the body of a warrior and it made her body yearn for his. Lilly blushed slightly and looked away when his gaze found hers. Lilly kept her gaze down until Morgana began to talk. “What brings you to my lands Wilhelm?” Wilhelm settled comfortably on the log he was sitting on and leaned forward to talk with Morgana. “My men and I are here because of a dream that I had. I went to the Oracle about my dream and she said it was a warning about what would happen if war ruined your world. I gathered a force of men who volunteered to fight and came here. If your enemies win this war, then the world next to yours as well as mine and many others will fall.” Morgana sat there quietly and studied the silver claws that she wore on the tips of her thumb and first two fingers of her left hand. Her right hand bore claws on the same three fingers. After many long minutes she turned and pinned Lilly with a look. “Did you see any of this?” Lilly shook her head and spoke softly. “No Morgana. I received no warning of this. Forgive me.” “I do not need to forgive you my friend. You are still new to your gift and the Shadow Lands chooses when, where, and how often you’ll receive your visions.” Lilly offered Morgana a relieved smile before Morgana turned her attention back to Wilhelm. Lilly paid attention, but she found it hard to do. She couldn’t keep still and her attention kept being dragged away. Lilly let out an aggravated sigh which made Branwyn lean over and ask if she’s alright. Lilly leaned over and whispered, “I’m fine Branwyn. My ADHD is acting up. I thought that it was getting better, but I guess not.” Branwyn offered her an understanding smile and squeezed her hand. “I understand where you’re coming from Lilly. I’m slightly autistic and it makes it hard to pay attention sometimes. It’s gotten better for me when I started eating an all natural diet. Maybe when we get back to the palace, you can ask Master Ahk and Mistress Soranda for help.” “Maybe,” Lilly said before she squeezed Branwyn’s hand. “Thanks Bran.” “You welcome,” Branwyn said as she leaned over and listened to something that Ashkar was telling her. Lilly sighed and tried to refocus her attention on what was going on. It’s going to be a long day Lilly thought as she began to jiggle her leg. She pulled a metal puzzle out of her pocket that Master Ahk had given her and began to mess with it. She had almost figured the puzzle out when Morgana stood and said that Wilhelm and his men would be moving their camp. Lilly stood up, slipped the puzzle back in her pocket, and followed the others as they left Wilhelm’s camp. Chapter 3 It was early morning and Wilhelm was walking through the combined camps. It had taken the better part of two days to move camp and settle their price with the Greek spirits who had brought them to this land. Wilhelm kicked a dirt clod as he walked through the tents. He had no idea why he was up so early. Actually, that wasn’t true. He’d been unable to sleep since he’d seen Lilly. He couldn’t get her softly accented voice or the way that she walked out of his head. Wilhelm emerged from the tents and stopped dead in his tracks. There, ahead of him, was Lilly. She stood with her back to him practicing archery. He watched as she reached up and pulled an arrow from her quiver. She moved gracefully as she put the arrow to her bow and pulled the string back. She took her time sighting and then let fly her arrow. It went whooshing towards the target and thumped into the outer edge of the target. Wilhelm watched her for several minutes before he slowly walked out to meet her. He stopped a few paces behind her and gazed at her in appreciation. Her arms were toned, her hair was pulled back in a braid, and sweat glistened on the side of her neck. “You’re very good at archery.” Wilhelm watched as Lilly gasped and spun around with a knocked arrow.