Finley doesn’t know what he is doing. Quite literally. The protector of the most powerful magical artifact in the world, he is at a loss when an evil tyrant demands he hand over the artifact he protects. His situation isn’t helped by the fact he has lost all memory of what he guards, his powers, and what to do. All he knows is he must stop the evil queen and if possible, flirt with her most loyal advisor, Elian.
Elian has never doubted the fact the queen had a united vision for their world. The quirky prisoner he is asked to guard vexes Elian in every way. Finley is clumsy, confused, and impulsive. He also happens to be adorable, but that is beside the point. Elian has a queen to aid.
Can Finley stop the queen and convince Elian to turn on his closest ally?
Elian turned, startled by the man behind him. The boy was youthful in age and appearance, no more than twenty. Elian thought they must be similar in age.
The boy had chestnut hair. His hair had a pronounced red tint. He had thick hair that formed messy curls that were ungroomed. His face was angular, and his jawline was annoyingly defined. His eyes were a dark green that had a rare warmth. His cheeks were splattered with freckles. He smiled, dimples emerging.
“You’re tall. Not many are taller than me,” the boy noted, inspecting Elian. “An attractive quality,” the boy declared, grinning.
Elian stammered, stepping back from him. His back hit the tree, causing him to yell. Elian stared, taking in the sight before him. The boy was dressed chaotically. He did not wear layers of cloaks or armor. He wore no robes or furs. He had brown baggy pants that looked warm. One sock was yellow, the other pink with green dots. His sweater was green, and his coat was red. One glove was blue, the other green. A long, slender wand made of white oak rested in his hands.
“Do you guard the cave?” Elian asked, nodding to the cave behind the boy.
The cave had a large circular entrance. Grey rocks covered the entrance, soaked by the lake. A green, glowing barrier blocked the entrance. The boy rested his hand on the barrier, leaning against it.
“I can’t go in there anymore. My family sealed it. No one can enter. Should they somehow break-in, my parents would kill them. It is locked, and the key is a sea away. Show my family the key, and they may be kinder,” the boy answered. “I’m here to see who disturbs the village. I am fond of it. I visit often. They give me trinkets,” the boy added, frowning.
The boy sat on a rock, crossing his legs. The water steamed around the cave, misting the boy’s hair.
“Why would you leave the cave if it is so secure?” Elian interrogated him, doubting his honesty.
“I don’t remember. It is odd. I remember the village. I know my family protects the cave. I wonder if, by leaving the cave, a spell of sorts was cast on me to ensure no one knows what is inside. I can’t recall my family, though I am certain they exist,” the boy stated, twirling his hair.
Elian crossed his arms, unsure of what to do. Seraphina would want him to arrest the man. She would want to interrogate him. He knew the cave and how to open it. All guardians of deep magical weapons were powerful. Some were animals, some were spirits, and some were ancient families. One was even rumored to have vanished. An old folktale.
“What’s your name?” Elian questioned.
“Finley Spring. Nice to meet you, Elian,” Finley Spring stated, nodding to the name scribbled on a wooden tag on Elian’s chest. Finley walked towards Elian, his hand extended. His feet tripped over a large rock, causing Finley to crash into the dirt. Finley stood, brushing the soil off his pants.
Spring was an odd name. Most of the of the last names were warrior names. They noted power and dominance. The boy was odd in every way. His smile was ever-present. He radiated warmth. Elian was certain it was a deceptive tool.
“You’ll need to come with me. The queen will want to talk to you,” Elian determined, grasping his wand.
“That’s a strong no. Send the queen my disdain,” Finley stated, shaking Elian’s hand.
Elian glared, unsure of how to handle this creature. “I’m not asking. I’m the queen’s most trusted advisor. She seeks to unify our frozen tribes into one nation. This village is the last holdout, and this cave holds the only magic she does not wield power over. You’re coming with me,” Elian demanded.
“I’m not sure what I wish to do. It seems like life has called me to adventure. You can come with me if you’d like,” Finley offered, stretching.
There was an endearing, annoying quality about him. His dimples emerged as he noticed Elian watching him. Finley bumped into a tree, startling as if the tree had emerged from thin air. Elian cursed, following Finley as he wandered into the forest. He turned at random, walking without purpose.
“Turn around. I command you. You will answer the queen’s questions. She will determine what she allows you to do,” Elian commanded, grabbing Finley’s wrist.
“Hey, rude. Don’t touch me like that. I don’t like it,” Finley retorted, freeing his wrist.
A pang of guilt pierced Elian. He squashed it. He had arrested many people. He had fought in combat. He grimaced, hoping he appeared threatening.
