The Disappearance of the Oracle Daughter

On a bright and sunny day in the middle of June, the youngest of the Tamira Twins was born and she was called Essence Solstyce Tamira. At the time of Essence’s birth, it was noted that she had distinct tribal markings which ran the from the nape of her neck down her spine until meeting their end at the swell of her back. These tell-tale markings were a sign from the gods that Essence was born with a purpose that made her special. A gift that few elves in Tamira had ever been blessed with. The markings were easily recognized as those of an Oracle, a rare elf who could prophesy, and foretell the future.

It was at this moment that the Queen, Tri’Shena, and her husband, Marcus discovered their youngest child was born with a heavy destiny. It was because of this that the Queen knew she needed to take the child to the Hall of Elders where her grandmother, Findilia could teach her how to focus during visions, and how to prepare herself to seek them out. Yet the Queen knew that sending her as a child would be a heart=-sickening task that she was not prepared for.

So it came to pass that the twins were left to the care of a house slave by the name of Eina. Oftentimes Eina would take the twins outside the Hold where they could play in the courtyard, and gardens frolicking with the butterflies, and on occasion playing with the fairies. It was here that young Xerxes discovered his favorite tree, and it was here that tragedy came to pass because the treacherous slave Eina had no desire to care properly for the Queen’s true heart; her children. Eina had long been envious of the other servants, and often wished to find a way to seal her position within the chain of command until she would finally find herself within the King’s chambers. If she could only find a way to get to him then she could steal

Tri’Shena’s title ship right from under her nose, but the opportunity never arose due to two favored kalinae known as tre’sha Suena, and tre’sha Eilana. Eina hated them with a fiery passion, and being stuck as a babysitter had grown to be a job she absolutely loathed. Growing careless she fell asleep sitting beside Xerxes under his favorite tree. Xerxes had been a wise child, however, and remained seated reading a child’s book as Eina dozed away.

Essence was different than her brother, however, and her young curiosity got the best of her. Chasing after a yellow butterfly she hadn’t even realized she had run out of the courtyard, through the gardens, and well past the protection of the castle walls. On, and on she ran giggling as she attempted to catch the butterfly. Until finally she fell into a pit that seemed to have been set intentionally by hunters.

Hot tears ran down the length of the toddler’s innocent face. Bright emerald eyes widening in fear as the butterfly flew overhead. Petrified by the experience, and the darkness which now engulfed her Essence began to call out for her Eina and Xerxes, but neither came. Struggling to pull herself out of the pit she clawed at the dirt walls that surrounded her, but it was all in vain.

Hours passed, but still, no one came for the princess. Essence was left with no choice, but to curl up into a ball in the corner of the pit and wait. Eventually, the girl cried herself to sleep as she remained hidden in the corner of the pit.

Meanwhile, Eina finally awoke to discover Xerxes still with his head buried in his book, but Essence was nowhere to be found. Panic filled her heart with a sense of urgency as she froze in terror right where she sat. Looking down to the prince she accused him immediately, “Xerxes, where is your sister? It is not right to play such games on me. Tell me where she’s hiding now.” Pointing a finger at the older twin she narrowed her eyes upon the boy. Xerxes simply looked back at her, and then staring out at the garden he shook his head only to say, “I don’t know. I’m reading my book. Mama is going to be very angry.” Then looking back down at his story he ignored the rest of her words.

Eina slid her hand downward to grasp his tightly, and then rushing through the courtyard, and gardens she searched vainly for the missing princess. After two hours she decided it was time to alert the King and Queen, and all of the other elves. With her head bowed she entered the castle, and began to stride slowly towards the throne room where she expected to find the royal family discussing politics, and diplomacy as usual. The door creaked open, and immediately the Heiress addressed Eina, “Yes, kalinae? What is it you need?” Analise’s commanding tone filled the room as she was the first to notice Eina, and Xerxes. Furrowing her brow her gaze ran to her younger brother, Servius whom seemed to be annoyed by the interruption if the expression on his face was any indication. Lifting her head Eina spoke in a low, and submissive tone, “Princess Essence has disappeared.”

Instantly the Queen arose from her throne her opal irises darkening slightly as she looked upon the slave, “What do you mean Essence has disappeared?” She asked.

“She has vanished. I searched everywhere, your Majesty, but I cannot find her anywhere.” She whispered softly. Without giving Tri’Shena the chance to reply Marcus immediately made the order, “Take her to the stocks, and behead her at once.” Eina trembled as she released the hand of Xerxes eyes widening in terror as she realized the payment she would endure for having lost the Oracle, “No, milord. Please, I will search for her until she is found. Please have mercy. I beg you.” Yet Marcus could not hear another word as Tri’Shena’s sobs began to echo throughout the chamber. In the heart of the queen the slave’s beheading was not heavy enough of a fine for the suffering she would forever endure at the loss of her youngest child.

If only she had gotten the premonitions from her daughter earlier would she know that one day they would meet again, but the next meeting wouldn’t be anything like the first one.

The End.