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Beloved One: Alene

An elven girl named Alene is discovered as an infant and raised by an old man. When she is older, she goes off on a quest to find her true family, and her true identity. As she travels, she learns different things, all of which are allegories for Christian principles. Along her adventure she meets people, who are representative of biblical characters, who help her learn important principles about life, faith, and her identity of self. Written by Elizabeth Ware.

Chapter Ten: “Betrayal”

“You know me?”

“Of course, Ansaldo sent me to assist Wiley, in bringing you to him.”

The girl cocked her head. “Don’t you mean King Ansaldo?”

“Why yes,” Salem smiled, “Just a slip of the tongue.” Her smile suddenly changed into one that set Alene on edge. “I am glad that I was sent to help you.”

“Why is that?”

Salem walked over, taking a lock of Alene’s hair. “You have the most beautiful hair. I’m so jealous.”

“Really?”

“Indeed, little one.” She smiled. “You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. No wonder you easily make friends with people such as Dai, and no wonder the king is so interested in you. If you weren’t so pretty, I don’t think anyone would like you.”

Alene blinked. “Are you saying that if I didn’t have pretty hair, that no one would like me?”

“Of course,” Salem smirked. “Looks are everything, my dear, Alene.” She patted the girl’s head. “Now, follow me.” She turned and started walking down another path. Alene fingered her hair, smiling, before following the woman.

They walked for a long time before the girl caught up to the older woman. “Tell me more about yourself. Where are you from and please, tell me more about the king!”

“All in good time, little one.” She giggled. “So, which of the king’s servants have you met?”

“Dai, Jonas, and Miho! Oh, and Wiley.”

Salem smiled. “I know all of them, very well…”

The two walked until the sun began to set. They came into a valley which made everything even darker. “I do not like this place…”

“Do not worry, little one. We are almost there.”

“Wait,” Alene paused. Before them lay a maze of tall thorns. “D-do we have to go in there?”

Salem turned around to the young girl; her gaze looked annoyed. “You want to get to Coelum, don’t you?”

“O-of course…”

“Then hurry up and follow.” The woman continued down into the briars. Alene bit her lip before jogging down into the valley.

She ducked around the thorns, but as they walked, the briars grew thicker and thicker. They came to a small drop off, as they walked. Salem leapt down and Alene moved to follow.

“Augh!” Alene’s feet hit the ground, but she cried out in pain. As she’d jumped down, her long hair became tangled in the briars. The thorns seemed to tangle up more as she struggled. “Salem! Help me!”

The woman rolled her eyes. “Finally, I’ll be rid of you. I was going to lead you to Dolum, but leaving you here, for the wolves to eat. Goodbye Alene…” Salem chuckled before turning on her heel and striding away.

“Salem! Don’t leave me! Please! Don’t leave me!!”

[Next Chapter: Alene is alone… will someone come save her?]

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