Where There Be Humans

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  I smiled at Archer. “Thank you.”

  Pudge took up his pack and headed our way.

  “Don’t ye be thinking that ye can get out of this family just because ye’re a hero now,” Cook said, swatting him in the arse with her basket.

  This was why I loved them so much. And no matter what happened tomorrow, they’d always be my family.

  Cook gave me a lopsided grin. “Ye can thank me later,” she whispered. “Got lots of dishes that need cleaning.”

  Yep, I was definitely back home.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  In my room, I stood in front of the armoire and ripped the doors open. Moving the secret panel back, I took my collection of books about humans from their hiding place. I marched over to the fireplace and tossed them in. Flames licked at them, consuming each page like a hungry beast. One title stared back at me: Where There Be Humans.

  I knew where they were and never wanted to go back again. The fairy tales had it backward. Life amongst the humans wasn’t perfect or beautiful. But in my mind Gob Hollow was. My friends and family were here. My life was here. I’d miss my aunt. And miss not getting the chance to know my mother. But this was home.

  When the last book burned down, I sighed and grabbed my pack to empty it. In the distance, the bell tolls echoed through the night. A sweet sound to my ears, but a reminder that Pudge was still in with Archer.

  They’d been shut away in Archer’s study for hours now, which made me wonder what Pudge had to talk to him about. Didn’t they realize I needed to talk to Pudge, too? There were so many things I had to tell him. Things I wanted to make sure he knew before the Choosing Ceremony.

  Untying the flap on my pack, I shook the contents loose. Tunics, weapons, leftover food, and blankets all scattered across my bed. My leather purse still held the Hag’s Crest, which I needed to return to my father so it could be properly secured. Along with two things I didn’t recognize.

  My fingers shook as I picked up a tube-shaped canvas. Unrolling it, I gasped. It was a painting of my mother. My aunt must’ve shoved it in before helping us escape. I set it on my bed, then grabbed the small wooden box. Inside were the necklace and ring that belonged to my mother—something to remember her by.

  The door to my room creaked open, and Cook came in holding my gown for the next day. Her eyes fell to the painting on my bed, and she smiled.

  “Yer mother was a pretty lady. Ye look just like her.”

  And that was the best compliment someone could’ve given to me. “Thank you.”

  Cook hung the dress on a hook and took me in her arms. “She was a fine woman, Ivy. And she loved ye and yer father a lot. Don’t ever forget that. She’ll always be a part of ye.” She kissed my cheek, then brushed the tears from my face.

  What would I do without her and Archer?

  “I’m scared about tomorrow.” I sniffled.

  “No worries. The Hag has something in store for ye; I can feel it. She didn’t just mark ye for no reason.” She tapped the tattoo between my shoulder blades. “Now, into bed with ye. Tomorrow will take care of itself.”

  I hoped she was right, because the ceremony would decide the rest of my life.

  …

  “Ye need to quit fidgeting.” Cook slapped my arm down as she attempted to prepare me for the ceremony.

  I stood at the palace window, gazing at the courtyard below. Already, the dais was set up, and goblins filtered through the gates to get a good spot for the ceremony. I was nervous. I’d never gotten to talk to Pudge the night before.

  Sashine laughed, dressed in an emerald green gown, her auburn hair pulled back in small braids, which hung to her waist.

  “You look nervous, young one.”

  I snorted. “You’d be, too, if you were about to be married off to Hag knows who. Not to mention, Father is introducing me as his daughter.”

  “Quit talking and hold still.” Cook tightened my dress, cutting off the circulation to my body.

  Sashine sat on the sill in front of me. “Trust me, I know how you feel. Try being far from home and being introduced as the prince’s betrothed. An elf and goblin.”

  I laughed. “Okay, so you have more to worry about than I do.”

  “Ivy, one more word and I’ll make ye look like a dragon arse on yer big day!”

  “Might I have a word with my daughter?” King Starshooter came into the room just as Cook finished.

  I watched Sashine and Cook leave, then turned to face him.

  “I brought this for you.” He held a silver-and-sapphire crown and placed it on my head. “After all these years, I can finally bring you forth as my daughter.” Tears swam in his eyes, and I rushed into his arms.

  “I’m sorry you and Mother never got to be together.” I clutched him tight.

  “We had our time,” he said, holding me at arm’s length. “Those months with her were the best of my life. I have no regrets loving her. Because she gave me you, the best part of both of us.”

  My throat thickened, and I fought to swallow. “I have something for you, too.” Retreating to the bed, I grabbed the painting, then gave it to him.

  His eyes widened as he unrolled it, revealing the picture of Mother. His fingers trembled, tears streaking his face. I’d never seen the king so emotional. After a moment, he rolled it back up and held it to his heart.

  “This means a lot to me,” he said.

  “I know.”

  “I will keep it somewhere safe.”

  “Also, I wanted to make sure I gave you this as well. The Hag’s Crest.” I slid the necklace from my purse, which was sitting on a nearby table.

  His lips turned up at the corners. “So you were able to bring this home, too. I’ll have it put in the treasury right away.”

  A knock sounded at the door, and Archer poked his head in. “It’s time.”

  Father offered me his arm, a proud smile encompassing his face. “Shall we?”

  Sucking in a deep breath, I wrapped my hand around his arm, taking his lead. The time had come to embrace my future.

  …

  “Once I’ve introduced you as my daughter, you’ll need to take your place amongst the crowd for the Choosing Ceremony,” Father whispered as the guards led us toward the dais.

  “Are you sure you want to do this?” My palms grew sweaty.

  He chuckled, keeping his eyes focused ahead.

  Murmurs fanned through the audience at our approach. Everyone noticed me on King Starshooter’s arm and the crown that sat atop my head. Father took his place at the front of the dais.

  “Good people of Gob Hollow, I welcome you today to take part in our Choosing Ceremony. Not only is this a day to celebrate the return of Prince Dorian and our heroes, but it is also a day to celebrate the futures of our children,” he began. “For this reason, I would, at long last, like to introduce my daughter, Princess Ivy Starshooter.”

  Cheers ripped through the crowd, and I stepped forward, giving them a deep curtsy. My gaze searched for Pudge, but I didn’t see him. He wasn’t with Archer or Cook or even Amos.

  Archer came forward and helped me down the stairs. “Where’s Pudge?” I whispered.

  He frowned. “I haven’t seen him.”

  My stomach clenched. Hag, I felt sick.

  “How you holding up?” Thezriel asked, coming to stand beside me.

  “Wonderful.” I rolled my eyes, noticing the elves had filtered into the crowd as well. They were here to show support for Sashine and for the treaty.

  “It is my great honor to start this season’s Choosing Ceremony with the announcement of the betrothal of my son, Prince Dorian,” Father said with a smile. “His real betrothal. This match will not only bring him much happiness but will allow us to maintain peace throughout the land. My son will wed the elfin princess, Sashine.”

  Sashine walked to
the dais, led by her father and mother. They handed her over to Dorian, kissing first her cheek, then his. The couple linked hands, showing their alliance.

  I smiled, legs trembling as Father turned to me, holding his hand out to help me back onto the dais. “Today, I also offer my daughter’s name for the Choosing Ceremony. Who here will speak for her?”

  The crowd glanced around, waiting. I noticed two nobles conferring with their parents about the match. Hag. What if no one wanted me? Okay, not that that would be a bad thing. My cheeks warmed.

  “I choose Ivy Starshooter,” a voice called from the back. Goblins made a path, and I watched Pudge move to the front with Grr on his heels.

  He was here. Pudge had kept his promise. But was it only because he’d told me he would long ago? Or did he actually have feelings for me, too? Nervousness fluttered in my veins.

  My eyes met his, and my insides did a somersault. His dark hair fell over his forehead, eyes sparkling. He wore a white tunic embroidered with golden swords; his white breeches were tucked into high black boots. Belted at his side was the sword he’d taken with him on the Mission.

  “Who will speak up on his behalf?” The king glanced at the audience. Normally the parents would come forward and give their blessing, but his weren’t here.

  Dorian moved to the front of the stage. “I will. It is because of his courage and honor that my sister and I stand before you now. Pudgeons Wayfarer went against his own family to protect our kingdom,” he said. “And I could think of no one worthier than him.”

  “I, too, will speak up for Pudgeons,” Archer said. “He has always been like a son to me, and I can vouch for his intentions.”

  My breath caught in my throat. They saw how special he was. Pudge was many things. Loving. Courageous. Loyal. My best friend. If not for him, I truly wouldn’t be standing here. He was my rock. Even before the Mission began, I felt our connection. Now, I’d get to spend the rest of my life with him.

  Pudge climbed the stairs and stood before me, his hand taking mine.

  “Pudgeons Wayfarer chooses Ivy Archer-Starshooter. And so it is agreed that the choice has been blessed.” Father grabbed a piece of golden ribbon, then joined Pudge’s hands to mine. He looped the ribbon around our wrists, tying them together.

  The crowd cheered, and we moved to the back of the dais to await the other couples to be announced.

  I turned to Pudge, smiling. My eyes brimmed with tears. “I thought you left.”

  “I could never leave you.” He raised his free hand to touch my cheek. “I love you, Ivy. I always have.”

  Heart thundering in my ears, I took a step closer, our toes touching. “I love you, too.”

  Pudge leaned down, and I tilted my chin. Our heads bumped together.

  “The bones said this would happen.”

  “Shut up and kiss me.” I wrapped my arms around him.

  His lips met mine, warm, sweet, and inviting. He deepened the kiss, and I knew this was where I belonged. I always had. The tingling began in my toes, rushing through my blood like a cannonball. He was my home.

  Grr barked, and we pulled apart just in time to see a statue materialize in the middle of the crowd. It was a marble likeness of me wielding the Sword of Avarik, and at the statue’s side were marble forms of Pudge and Grr.

  “You are strong, Ivy Starshooter. You have saved your kingdom, our people. And you will never be forgotten. Remember, love conquers all…”

  As I turned back to Pudge, I knew the Hag was right. Sometimes we just needed to see what was right in front of us. And right in front of me was my best friend, my companion, my love. No matter where life took me, I knew he’d always be there.

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  Acknowledgments

  First of all, I have to thank my awesome editor Lydia Sharp, whom without this book wouldn’t be what it is. Thank you so very much for your pushes to get this where it needed to be and for the funny comments that had me laughing throughout! You are a Rockstar!

  To my copyeditor Hannah, sending much thanks to you as well for all your catches (err…misplaced modifiers—and what do you mean a stomach doesn’t have legs?) LOL.

  To my superhero agent, Fran, who has always fought for my books, and doing all the behind-the-scenes email stuff so I can focus on writing. I appreciate you more than words can say.

  I can’t forget my FABULOUS crit group YAFF (YA Fiction Fanatics) who were the first ones to ever read this book. Though it’s been a few years since you’ve seen this story, know that you were the magic makers behind making my words come to life.

  And what would a girl do without her loving family? To my son Chase, I appreciate your input when I was going through edits and trying to hash things out. You became my human thesaurus. And to my daughter Erin who video chatted from college with me to help work through a scene when she was trying to do homework of her own. To the rest of my kids: Devin, Alyssa, Kris, and Barrett, thank you for always making life fun, even if it’s via video chat during the coronavirus. Love you guys.

  And lastly, to my late husband Tim, who passed away from cancer. Thank you for always loving and supporting any idea I came up with—and for helping to brainstorm the title for this book when I first wrote it. I can’t believe you’ve already been gone for a year and a half. But I know you’re watching over us…

  About the Author

  Rebekah was born and raised in Michigan where she spent many late nights armed with a good book and a flashlight. She’s lived in Michigan most of her life other than the few years she spent in the U.S. Army, at which time she got a chance to experience Missouri, Kansas, South Carolina, and California. Rebekah has a business degree from the University of Phoenix and currently works full time for the court system. In her free time she writes YA stories, anything from YA Fantasy to YA Contemporary Romance. Rebekah also has a big family (6 kids); she likes to consider her family as the modern day Brady Bunch complete with crazy road trips and game nights. When not hiding at her computer, Rebekah enjoys reading, singing, soccer, swimming, football, camping, playing video games, traveling, and hanging out with her family and gazillion pets.

  Also by Rebekah L. Purdy

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