“I hate the swamp.” I growled before stomping forward, only to trip over a random tree root sticking up on the path. Nehi had chosen this specific path through the swamp, telling me it was safe and fast. I was convinced he chose this path just to watch me fall into the gross swamp water. My anger flared, and I clamped down the frustrated scream I almost let loose. Couldn’t let any beasties or other swamp creatures know our whereabouts by throwing a fit, Maribella. Definitely didn’t want to alert the swamp siren to our presence, either. Shivering at the thought, I just about ran over to Nehi, frustration replaced with fear. He must have noticed my expression change because instead of going ahead, he waited for me to catch up and stayed by my side. Darkness continued to push in, seeking to smother our small lamp lighting our path. I glanced to Nehi briefly, and in that moment, tripped over another invisible tree root. “That’s it! I quit! I am done.” My voice echoed throughout the darkness.
Nehi’s hand became a steel band across my mouth as he squeezed me against his side. A scowl cut deeply across his face, and I was forced to move with him as he made a quick circle looking around.
“You need to be careful, Maribella. I can only do so much this deep in the swamp as far as protection goes,” Nehi hissed before letting me go and taking a step away.
My cheeks colored in embarrassment, and I was glad for the smothering darkness surrounding us. My outburst had been stupid, and I fully understood the danger it had put us in.
“Sorry,” I mumbled, following quickly as Nehi picked up his pace. I followed in absolute silence until he finally slowed down, resuming his normal pace.
“Is there... are there...?” I couldn’t quite phrase what I wanted to ask, but Nehi picked up on the nature of my question.
“No, the Siren isn’t following us. She’s most likely hunting in her normal spot at this time of night.”
I nodded, thinking. “You mentioned a hunter earlier to scare it off?”
Nehi cracked a smile. “Yes. Yes, I did. Do you know why there is only one Siren living within the Poisoned Swamp?”
I shook my head no, relief flooding in as Nehi confirmed only one of those creatures lived in the swamp.
“Because she destroyed them all. The Dragon Hunter and her freshwater Siren appeared out of nowhere one day and did something in one night that we couldn’t do in centuries.” My jaw slacked at the information dump Nehi had unloaded in those few sentences. Dragon hunter... freshwater siren... her.
I struggled, trying to form a real sentence “You, I ... what!” My voice raised an octave and Nehi chastised me with a look. “Sorry,” I whispered. “Can you run that by me again? Maybe with more details?”
In all my studies and researching, I’d never run across the mention of true dragon hunters venturing into the Old Lands. Sure, we had a few creatures and witch covens who tried to go head to head with the Dragons every few decades, but it always ended the same way. The Dragons always won. I had briefly run across mention of another Realm who had families of hunters. They were considered a type of royalty, but they had an avid ‘humans are the best and all creatures must die’ stance. The realm was called Djarh, but from what I remembered from my studies, the families fell out of grace at least a decade or so ago. I briefly wondered if the Dragon hunter Nehi spoke of was from Djarh, and if she remained in this realm. If so, I was intrigued that a hunter would be working with a Siren... to destroy other Sirens. Confusion blossomed, and I was certain it showed on my face.
“It had to have been at least thirteen years past when a Dragon Hunter from the most prominent hunter family in history showed up out of nowhere with a ferocious looking male siren by her side. They walked right up to the outskirts of the swamp, and I remember thinking I was going to have to fight for my life. To be completely honest, I instinctively knew if they’d wanted to, they could kill me without even breaking a sweat.”
I stared at him, trying to hide my shock. Nehi was not fully human and had incredible reflexes and strength. He was no pushover to say the least. The hunter and siren must have been formidable indeed. I made note to never cross their paths. Ever.
“But instead the Siren cracked a smile as the hunter dropped the bag she was carrying at my feet. I’ll never forget the next part. The hunter’s eyes churned, darkened silver taking over light brown eyes, and the most beautiful voice I had ever heard echoed from her throat. ‘Watch that, will you?’ she’d said. ‘We will be back in a bit after we take care of your pest problem.’ I’d nodded, unable to speak as they both turned and walked into the swamp without a care in all the realms. They emerged bloodied and wounded the next day. I offered them the cabin to stay and recover in, but they declined. The hunter just asked for her bag back and walked away. The hunter’s companion slapped me on the back in thanks and said, ‘We will see you later’.”
I digested the information Nehi had just given me. It answered some of my questions, but added so many more.
“Did...wait. How did you know who they were?”
Nehi chuckled at my question and gently grabbed my elbow, steering me around a soft, squishy looking part of the path. Probably another puddle of swamp filth masquerading as solid dirt. “They never came back, but I ran into them a few more times when I was out and about.”
I narrowed my eyes at Nehi. “Out and about where, Nehi?” My eyes grew wide at my next thought. “Are they part of the Rover clans?”
Nehi shook his head. “Not exactly. They work within a specific Dragon region. Cleaning up...messes.”
All the blood drained from my face. He couldn’t be serious. I had to ask. “Which region?” My words choked me, my throat suddenly dry.
“The Mountain Dragon Stronghold.” Nehi reached out and gripped my shoulder. “I really am sorry, Maribella. I know this is not ideal.”
My eyes watered, and I shook my head, pushing forward on the path. “It doesn’t matter. I have come with terms over my fate, and before you say, ‘I don’t have to go back’, I do. I won’t let my baby sister’s innocence be taken away because of an archaic contract.”
Nehi watched me with solemn eyes, but didn’t continue the conversation as we resumed walking through the swamp. Every so often he would grab my elbow and steer me around suspicious looking spots along the path. We stayed silent, which meant the conversation was over. Given the silence, I took the time to acclimate myself to the sounds and smells of the Poisoned Swamp. I could see how people lost their lives while trying to shortcut through this place. I knew a few other Rover’s besides Nehi would charge money to lead individuals and groups through, but most of the time they would recommend a path around the swamp. It was longer but much safer. Still, there were the foolish and desperate who always wanted to try their hand at fate. I already knew which category I fell under. I was desperate because of my time crunch to get back to the city. Mind lost in thought, it took me a few seconds to realize the overpowering darkness was starting to lighten, and stars were twinkling through the tree canopy above. Paying attention to our surroundings once more, I felt the soft ground we were walking on harden. The surrounding trees began to thin out. Minutes later, Nehi and I stepped out of the swampy vegetation and onto a plain of dark purple grass stretching as far as I could see. The sky was still velvet dark, but now out in the open when a person looked up, they could see the scattering of stars giving off light. Nehi put the lantern down and pointed straight ahead.
“If you squint exactly right, you will be able to see your city in the distance. It is a straight shot from here to Sheharla.”
I nodded, hesitating. This was the last time I would be seeing Nehi. He must’ve seen me hesitate since he cracked a warm smile. As though he knew my thoughts. I threw my arms around his neck in a goodbye hug. He squeezed me back, arms wrapped tightly around my waist.
“Thank you for everything. I will repay your kindness by helping the next person who needs it.” It was the Rover way, and above all, it was one thing I refused to forget. I would always be a Rover, no matter what.
“Remember everything we taught you, Maribella. It may come in handy in the most unusual of times.” Nehi pushed out of my hug and held me at arm’s length. “Now go show your sister that you did not abandon her to the whims of your city.”
Steeling my nerve, I turned and took in the sharp outline of the city I’d abandoned twelve long years ago, hovering in the distance. Destination in sight, I sucked in a deep breath and took another solidifying step in the direction of my fate.
EXHAUSTION RACKED AT my body and mind as I crested the final slope which would drop me off at the front gate of the city. Dawn had broken a few hours ago, and the day was already becoming uncomfortably warm. My chest heaved, and I paused, drinking in the sight of my city basking in the morning light. There were far prettier and bigger cities in the realm, but Sheharla was one of the first human only cities. She had fared well over the years and wore her age like a badge of honor. The heavy wooden walls surrounding the city were painted every year around this time after the snowy season had faded the previous year’s murals. Normally the painters would be out at this time, painting murals depicting the city’s most historical events. I grimaced, hoping they were not waiting until after the contract tomorrow. The last thing I wanted was my face scrawled over the side of the city walls.
I zeroed in on the gates hanging open like an invitation, beckoning human travelers from all over the realm to take cover inside her walls. Inside, travelers would find no fancy bazaars or merchants screaming out for attention, but instead comfort, warmth, and safety among their own kind. Scanning the walls, I saw the sentries still wore the same uniform and colors. It was nothing fancy, just leather plated armor in muted emerald green and dark blue. The colors of the city. The colors of my eyes and the predecessors to the Sheharla bloodline. Keeping my head down and avoiding eye contact with the sentries at the gate, I skirted around the wall, taking the opportunity to dash into the city unnoticed as they were preoccupied checking inventory on a cart before letting it in. I preferred to keep my presence unnoticed for the time being so I could travel to the palace in peace. Sweeping into my city without fanfare, without projecting the lost princess of Sheharla had returned, I breathed in the scents of freshly baked bread and warm spices of morning tea wafting down the center street. Spying my destination just ahead, the palace stood in the center of Sheharla. At three stories, it was the tallest building in the city, which was still considerably small for a palace. But what it lacked in size it made up in its intricate beauty. Upon its wooden walls, masterpieces were carved, depicting the fauna and animals of the region. Ivy and vines hung upon the terraces, tumbling down like ocean waves in dark blue, and bursting with small white flowers. Lifting my head and pushing my shoulders back, I fixated in on a palace guard.
Marching forward, recognition dawned over his face as I crashed to a halt mere feet away. “Tell the King the lost Princess of Sheharla has returned.”
Chapter Six
I would have liked to say my entrance into the palace and confronting my father was as dramatic as some of the folklore I read growing up. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. One of the palace workers escorted me to the throne room, where I was currently and impatiently waiting. Eyeing the lone throne in the room, I rolled my eyes at the monstrosity. It was the flashiest, god-awful thing to have ever graced Sheharla. Made of thick and twisted metal, the throne had been encased with gold and stood erect in the middle of a huge marble dais. A wicked thought crossed my mind, and I threw my bag onto the dais, scrambling up and sneaking toward the throne. My plan was thwarted mid-step as the corridor door was thrown open, and I turned to meet the silhouette of my father standing in all his royalty. Throwing my hands on my hips, I stared down my nose at him. His face was stone cold, and besides the extra wrinkles and few extra pounds he had put on, my father looked exactly the same as the day I left. He stomped forward, taking the stairs up the dais, and sat heavily on his seat. Once his ass hit the cushion, he glared at me, and I took the glare as a cue to get off his dais. My jaw clenched and I wanted to disobey the silent order but instead I glanced over my shoulder to my baby sister who had silently glided into the room after my father’s entrance. Sure, I could make trouble now and it wouldn’t matter because I would be gone by tomorrow; but I wasn’t going to stir up trouble that would fall on my sister’s shoulders. Taking a deep breath through clenched teeth, I hopped down to the throne room floor.
Turning, I glared at the current ruler of Sheharla. My father was lucky I was not a vengeful daughter, for at that moment I could probably drive a knife right through his heart before the guards could so much as utter a shout. He tapped his fingers none too gently on the throne’s arm and then lifted his hand snapping his fingers in the direction of my sister. My lips pulled up in disgust, but I didn’t say anything as she hurried forward, answering his summons. “Eldest daughter meet your sister, Princess Elizabeth Soma, my second born child.”
Elizabeth flicked her eyes in my direction, and I saw she sported the same color eyes as mine except hers were a tad lighter. They were also engulfed in thick glasses that dwarfed her petite face. She was truly an heir to the throne. You couldn’t deny our heritage the second you saw her eyes. I nodded gently in her direction, giving a soft smile before crossing my arms and glaring back at our father.
“I want to say that I can’t believe you’d put your daughter through this, but I know better. Did you also raise your second born in preparation to have her entire life upturned so she can fulfill a contract and marry a Dragon against her will?”
Father gripped the end of his throne arms and leaned forward. “You will not speak to me in that manner, child of mine. I am your father and royal superior,” he bellowed before straightening.
I rolled my eyes. “I really don’t care. Punish me. Do what you will. I’m taking Elizabeth’s place tomorrow and you will get exactly what you wanted. One of your daughters will be married into the Mountain Dragon Stronghold and the contract will be upheld.”
A soft gasp erupted from Elizabeth, and I glanced over to her small form. Her short, wispy brown hair barely scraped her shoulders, and her hands were clasped before her. She was looking at the ground, and if it weren’t for posture etiquette training drilled into us from royal teachers, she probably would have been hunched over.
I mimicked a yawn, which wasn’t hard because I was beyond exhausted, and looked back at father. “Well, I’m back. Where do you want me to hole up until tomorrow’s festivities? I really need a nap.”
Father’s mouth turned down in a grimace. “Your lack of etiquette is appalling, Daughter. You’re acting like you have gone feral out beyond the city gates.”
I arched my eyebrow. “No, I’ve just gone full Rover.”
At my statement, Father recoiled, and rage contorted his face. “You have been living with those filthy beings this whole time? That is unacceptable. Guards!”
I flinched as Father yelled out for the guards, not understanding what was going on. Sure, Rover’s weren’t that excepted, but they weren’t bad people.
“What’s going on?” I growled as I turned standing off with two guards. “If you lay one finger on me, I will put you down.”
Father’s voice rang out. “Put her in the holding cells and sweep the city. Make sure no other Rovers came with her.”
I turned to look at my father, in shock at his next words: “I knew you didn’t come back out of the goodness of your heart. You’re either after my crown and the city, or you have a plan in making another escape with your sister in tow this time.”
I gaped, jaw dropping as his words registered. I didn’t even put up a fight as one of the guards roughly grabbed my arm, yanking me deeper into the palace and to the holding cells underground.
MY NOSE TICKLED, AND I sneezed. The sound echoed down the dark and damp corridors of the holding cells. This was beyond ridiculous. My father’s guards had escorted me down here maybe a few hours ago, and I had gone willingly. Snarling silently at the stone ceiling of th
e cell, I tried to ignore the cold, hard stone floor pushing into my back. Yes, there was a mattress, but it was foul smelling and damp. This was not how things were supposed to go, and I had yet to get an answer to why my father’s stance on Rover’s had become so aggressive.
Closing my eyes, fatigue slipped over me. I just began to fall into a sleep when a faint whisper of fabric against stone roused me back to consciousness. My mind snapped to attention, but instead of opening my eyes and sitting up, I held perfectly still. The sound got closer before stopping right in front of my cell door. I heard the faint intake of breath and waited.
“Sister?”
The voice was small and hesitant. Groaning inwardly, I opened my eyes and sat up, looking at my baby sister standing on the safe side of the cell door. She held a bundle in her hands, and I could tell she was spooked by the way her eyes darted back and forth down the hall. Her body tensed at the feeble echo of water dripping through the holding cell corridors. I rolled up to a standing position and gave Elizabeth a soft, encouraging smile. None of this was her fault, and she needed to know that. Taking a step forward, I grasped one of the metal bars on the cell door, looking down at the top of my sister’s head. Elizabeth was so small, and even though I was only five-foot-five, I towered over her. Lowing myself back into a sitting position, I hoped it put my baby sister at ease. After a few seconds, Elizabeth mimicked me, and hesitantly sat on the ground.
“What do you have there, Baby Sister?” I jutted my chin toward the bundle she held.
Elizabeth’s eyes watered behind her glasses, and she dropped her head, hair falling into her face.
Shit.
Reaching out through the bars, I gently put a finger under her chin and brought up her tear stained face. “Don’t blame yourself for any of this,” I whispered, staring at her straight in the eyes.
The Rover Princess Page 4