Free Second Chance by Sawyer Bennett

brilliance of color that surrounded her made her go weak in the knees.  Just five minutes ago she had thought Wyoming was the most beautiful place in the world, but how could she not have remembered the stunning brilliance that was Vyronas? 
    It wasn’t just the beautiful landscape that was laid out before her, but the intensity of color was so powerful, it almost hurt her eyes.  Oh how she missed the rolling hills carpeted with the softest green grass that always seemed to shimmer with dew drops.  The trees were massive and sprawling.  There were some of the same trees that existed in The First Dimension.  Oaks, Maples, Pines.  But how could she ever have forgotten something as stunning as a Leedle Tree.  There was one five feet from where she appeared and she drank in the sight. Its trunk was very light and smooth, almost the color of bleached bone.  It had bright blue leaves the color of sapphires and a sweet yellow fruit that was always in season.  Beside the Leedle Tree was a Chappelle, Ava’s personal favorite.  It was close in features to the Willow tree, except the leaves were a shimmery amethyst color.  Only at night when the moon was at its peak, the Chappelle would sprout white flowers that perfumed the air with a light sweetness and could also be used in a number of magical concoctions.
    The sky was multi-colored with a blend of light blues, peaches and creams.  Ava could tell it was mid-day by the position of the sun that hung over Vyronas.  It was nothing like the sun of The First Dimension but instead was a pale pink.  It gave a pearly shimmer to everything the rays touched and caused the clouds to glow.  You could stare directly at it and never hurt your eyes, yet it managed to light their world to perfection. 
    Ava couldn’t wait for the evening as the night moon was of the same pale pink shade.  It didn’t cast the same brightness as the sun but always gave off enough light that one could walk outside at night and never need additional light to see the way.  The moon was always full and heavy as it hung low over Vyronas every night. 
    Ava took a deep breath.  Vyronas even had its own scent.  It was fresh, light and sweet.  The air was cleaner, almost crisp, and it was a smell she hoped never to forget again.  Wait a minute, girlie.  Don’t forget about Wyoming.  You are going back there one day.
    Ava closed her eyes and relished the smell just a little bit longer.
    “Come,” Carrick said as he headed off toward what she felt was due north.  “We have a bit of walking to do before we reach camp.”
    “Camp?” Ava asked as she started walking behind him.  She gave a quick look to find Bing, who was running back and forth, sniffing everything he could put his nose on.
    “The Clairmont Conclave has set up a stronghold about two miles north of here.  Our army is dispersed in various locations surrounding Kestevayne.  Every one of our strongholds is cloaked by magic, but we cannot hide the entire army all in one place under a cloaking spell.  It would sap too much of our magic to do so.”
    “Makes sense.  What can I expect when we get there?”
    “I’ll get you settled in your quarters, and then I’m sure the Conclave will want to meet with you, to bring you up to speed on everything that has been happening.”
    “Why don’t you make use of the time we have while we are walking and you bring me up to speed on what has been happening.  I mean, I have the gist of what happened up to the point you banished me from Vyronas.”  She knew that last remark sounded snotty and petulant but she couldn’t stop herself.
    Carrick looked back at her, like he was going to give her a sharp retort but instead sighed.  “You know your parents were murdered the night we made our escape.  You were aware that we thought it to be the work of the neighboring region of Stansworth.”
    “I remember,” Ava acknowledged. 
    “What you don’t know, and what we have since come to find