Ella’s Escape
C. Michael Fontes
Ella
lay curled under
the base of a large oak, smooth blond hair spread
across her doll-like body. Through her velvet green dress, her
disfigured leg taunted her, reminding her that she cannot leave. Her
escape from Vladius had been dangerous, requiring haste over safety;
haste that caused her to trip mid sprint; haste that broke her leg. Her
guardian, Genevieve, was her only chance at salvation now.
Oh, Genevieve, where are you? She thought, fighting back nausea.
Genevieve’s
absence compounded the pain. Once a guardian selected an elf to be
their chosen, their lives became intertwined. Separation was rarely
performed, and even then, only in cases of life or death. This was one
of those cases.
Her heart flopped on her chest when she heard galloping hooves approach.
“Check every tree, every bush. Overturn every stone! I want Princess Ella found now!” Vladius commanded.
Ella
slowed her breath, but her heart refused to cooperate. It beat faster
and faster, sending her into a panic. Hooves approached closer. The
horse snorted, she could almost feel his breath on her neck. Shaking in
terror, she prayed for Genevieve to return.
Through
the large roots of the old oak, she watched as one of Vladius’s men
looked right at her. He leaned forward and squinted. He pulled his
sword, and before he could dismount he was interrupted by a scream.
It
was her scream. How could this be? Her lips were locked tight, her hand
forcing them shut over her mouth. She heard the scream again, this time
taunting.
“You’ll never find me, Vladius, never!” she said, although her lips remained still.
“Quick, this way!” Vladius yelled.
The
horse trotted off, following the voice into the depths of the forest.
Baffled, Ella removed her shaking hand from her mouth and let out a
breath.
“How is this possible?” She murmured, making sure her voice still dwelled between her own lips.
She looked around, scanning for an answer. It was then she felt her constitution grow stronger.
Genevieve!
Indeed, it was her Genevieve. She could feel her presence, stronger and stronger, the bond grew between them once more.
“Ella!” Genevieve cried.
“Genevieve, you’re back! Oh praise you! Praise you to the stars!” Ella giggled with excitement.
She sat up, opened her palm, and Genevieve landed, standing tall and proud.
“I
found your Father, Ella! I told him where you were, and he is coming
right now! You’re going home, Ella! You’re going home!” Genevieve
announced.
“Oh, you saved me, Genevieve! Blessings upon you!”
“And to you! I’m just glad that I returned in time to lead Vladius astray.”
“That was you, before in the forest?” Ella grinned a toothy grin.
“Indeed! I have many a tricks up my sleeve, my lady. Many a tricks indeed!”
Ella
shook with glee. Her father would be upon them soon enough, and
Vladius’s fate was sealed. No one could kidnap the King’s daughter and
get away with it… not even his own son.
}
~~~~~ <~
}
C.
Michael Fontes is a full time web developer with a passion for writing.
Although, never considering himself talented in the Language Arts, it
didn’t seem like much of an option. That all changed one morning after
waking up with the “writing bug.”
After
reading several books on writing, joining a writers group, and
participating in online critiques, C. Michael is confidently working on
several manuscripts.
He currently resides in Madera, CA with his wife, two sons, and twins on the way.
