by J E Mueller
“Breakfast and then more rest. No trouble today,” Lee’s mother declared before they could talk more about it. “We’ll let the others figure out the rest of the possible problems for today.”
Lee shook his head. “We’ve got to figure out what’s going on with that group. There could be more of them, and the people in the fields aren’t safe with them out there.”
“There are plenty working on that issue now!” Her sharp tone felt like it should have ended the conversation.
“And I’m part of the problem solving committee. I’ll take it as easy as I can, Mother. I promise, but I am going to meet with everyone and get to the bottom of this.” They had a stare off for a moment.
“You’ll eat a full breakfast before you go anywhere,” she said with finality and walked into a different room.
Marc smiled. “Thanks cus. I really owe you a million.”
“And one. Let’s not forget the wolf,” Lee teased, patting him on the shoulder.
“Yeah, yeah.” He blushed, looking down at his feet.
“What’s the word so far?” Lee jumped right in to catch up mode.
“Lots. The committee figured out where they’ve come from. The group seems to have about ten people in the area, but from what everyone’s saying it sounds like they can still hurt us pretty badly. They’re from the same town as the kid from the other day. The one you found in the forest.”
“Great. That’s circled back to us.” Lee rolled his eyes.
“Yeah. Lanna went ahead and told him last night we knew he was lying. Kid went up in smoke. Calling everyone demons. He attacked the people who were there. Just with his fists, so everyone came out okay, but still. He got tossed in jail until we can figure out the best way to handle him. If those guys are just adult versions of him, we’re probably pretty screwed.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of. I’d rather not use violence against them, but it may just come to that. I’ll see what everyone says at the meeting. I’m assuming they’re meeting again soon?”
“Yeah, you’ll be late, but they’ll understand. I wouldn’t argue with Aunt Juni.” Marc nodded as if that was all there was to it.
I took that to mean Lee’s mother was named Juni. At least I had that information now.
We ate shortly after that conversation. Hotcakes and eggs seemed to be endless. Juni did not disappoint with a filling breakfast. She wouldn’t let me get away with my normal amount, going on about how magic wears down and breakfast builds up.
“You’re more than welcome to stay here while we get things sorted around town,” Lee said as he cleaned off his plate.
I raised an eyebrow at him. “There is no way I’m not staying up to date on this. After all, this whole thing started because of that kid following me, and I need to know where they’re planning to attack from otherwise I can’t travel.” I didn’t want to come in contact with them since defending myself would likely end up with them dead.
“I’ll gladly give you all the details,” Lee agreed. “But you did overwork yourself and your magic when you helped me. Resting would be better, and I’m sure Mother would love the company.”
“I’m sure I’d be great company, but you would be even better company. So really, after all you went through last night you should be the one staying home. Not a stranger,” I crossed my arms, ending the argument.
Juni chuckled as she left the room. “She’s right.”
“What by chance happened to my gloves?” I finally asked since they had yet to reappear.
“Oh, I washed them. They were positively filthy.” Juni vanished into another room and returned with the gloves. “Still a bit damp, dear.”
I was surprised that they were completely free of dirt and blood. “Thank you. I have others, I just didn’t want to lose a pair. I’m good to go now.”
With a heavy sigh, Lee agreed. With my small victory, I followed him and Marc out of the house. This was good for me. I didn’t want to have extra time to think about what had happened. Suddenly having a moment of control over my magic, my curse, made my head spin. There was hope I could control it again, but the risk seemed too high. If a tendril of fire magic were to slip… whoever was there would be dead. Fire was wonderful but moved in its own way. It can be managed, but never truly controlled. The more I thought on it, the less likely it seemed to me that I would be able to do anything with it again. Maybe it was just a lot of good timing and luck involved last night and nothing more.
On the way, Lee explained that the members of the committee he was on were voted on yearly. Their purpose was to help decide on any problems the community had, solve disputes, and to plan social events in order to keep the town together as a sort of family. Most problems they had were deciding on which fences to rebuild first, helping youth start real jobs that worked with some if not all of their talents when they came of age, and of course the everyday arguments any place faces.
The current committee hadn’t changed in the last two years. Lee mentioned it was likely to change at the next election, but only because some of the younger candidates were going to be able to be a part of it. There were only two requirements: committee members had to be at least eighteen, and to have lived in the village for an entire year.
Lanna, who was twenty-seven, had been on the committee since she was eighteen. She was often considered the leader but didn’t think of herself as such. When we entered the giant theater room used for the community meetings, they were already deep into the meeting and had all their attention on Lanna.
Looking thankful to see us, she waved us over, “Perfect! Just the two we needed to see!”
An older woman looked over in surprise at Lee, “I heard you’d been poisoned! You look fit as a fiddle.”
“I got better,” Lee said with a shrug, “That’s a long story. Catch me up on the problem at hand.”
“We’ve figured out that the kid who cried wolf is part of the group that attacked you, Marc, Tella, and Bax. It appears there's a town forming that centers around doing away with anything magic. They’ve got enough people now that they’re trying to ‘hunt’ us,” Lanna summed up. “It’s no surprise that they’d start with someplace like us rather than the Order, but we need to figure out a solution.”
That made sense. The Order was on a much larger scale. Not to mention they’d certainly have to deal with people with curses. Here there was a good mix of mostly mundane magic and a few strong gifts, at least I thought so from what I had already learned.
Lee nodded. “So this will need twofold support. We’ll need the king’s help. This level of discrimination is uncalled for. With the support of the king, we’ll be able to do away with a town based on such nonsense. Secondly, we’ll have to defend our town until help arrives. I believe our main stance should be defense and capture. If we can avoid killing any of them, that’ll support our cause. If it’s life or death, then the gods and demons alike will determine our fate.”
There were several nods.
“But we’re not fighters,” a woman said. “I don’t know many who can handle a sword or even find their way out of a wet paper bag.”
There were even more nods. That fact concerned me. Had they never considered defending their village a possibility?
“We’ve got a lot of really good magic on our side. I’m not talking about everyone picking up a sword. The ones who can, great!” Lee paused and looked at the woman who had just spoken. “You can manipulate branches. Use them to slap the jerks hanging out near the woods. Whip their butts so hard they’re praying for mercy.” He chuckled a bit and others laughed at the idea. “Gorden, you and so many are great with animals. Get them biting. No killing, just enough to chase them away. Colleen, you can get inside their heads. Make them doubt their resolve to stay. Patrick, you know what to do.”
“Yes sir!” A farmer in his thirties laughed. “I’m so ready.”
I raised an eyebrow at Lee.
“He can make vegetables come alive for short periods of time. It�
�ll startle them for sure,” Lee filled in quietly before turning back to the group, “Think of all the annoying pranks we’ve pulled on one another while growing up. Think of the things the kids have been doing now. Everyone can help defend our walls. We just need to be a bit creative.”
“What’s her involvement?” someone called out. A few people looked as she pointed in my direction.
Lee nodded towards me. “As Lanna so wonderfully put it, the kid who cried wolf had accused this girl of stealing from him. She was there when Tella came to find me, and healed me from the poison dagger I was stabbed with. While she’s an outsider, I owed her this much. She travels and needs to know where it is and is not safe to go. Key has been a great help with this since the beginning. I don’t doubt she will continue to help while she stays.”
“Are you a healer then?” Patrick asked curiously.
I shook my head, “No. Things just um… worked out. My magic won’t be very helpful in this fight, but I am all right with a sword and more than willing to lend a hand.” It struck me that I had somehow ended up volunteering just by being present. Helping wouldn’t be a bad thing, would it? I ignored the negative thoughts.
“What is your magic?” Colleen asked.
I hesitated, but I had already stated it last night so what did it hurt to give some information? “I’m not interested in giving details right now. I’m cursed and will be on my way once this conflict is resolved.”
There were a few nods of understanding. With Lee’s family already knowing my secret, it was only a matter of time before others knew everything as well. Juni could have told someone already. Tella was young, maybe early teens, and may not think to keep it a secret. I just didn’t feel like going into details. Not today.
“How do we know her intentions are good? Maybe she’s actually with them!” someone called.
I rolled my eyes, I couldn’t help it. “That wouldn’t make sense. Why would I have healed Lee? I clearly have magic and they hate magic. Lanna can confirm that I am not with them. I am whole-heartedly not with them and have been harassed by one of them. My interest is in seeing this come to an end so I can continue to wander in peace. Lanna?”
“Every bit is true,” she confirmed, looking at me before turning to her peers. “Yes, this situation is one that would make anyone suspicious and uneasy, but let’s not forget the core of our village. The heart of who we are. We welcome all.”
“That’s my favorite part of calling this place home,” Lee added. “We haven’t turned a good soul away. Let’s not let hatred into our hearts now.”
“That’s why you have my vote!” Patrick clapped. “Both of you. Well said!” A few others clapped with him.
“We’ll have to get started organizing our defenders and helping everyone think of how to put their wonderful skills to use,” Lanna said, getting everyone back on track.
“We should have those who can track go and locate them first. Get an idea of where they are hiding and be ready for them before they can reach anyone's homes,” Lee added. “We also need a small group of volunteers to take word to our king.”
“I’ll go,” Lanna stated and raised her hand before anyone could argue. “I’ve wanted to see more of the world for some time now. It’ll be a good opportunity. Many of you call me the voice of the village. Let me live up to this title.”
“Your gifts are needed here!” Colleen insisted as murmurs from the crowd supported her outburst.
“Disputes that can’t be resolved can be placed on hold. I doubt there will be any such problems. Life went on well before my arrival, and it can do so again for a week or two. I won’t be traveling alone. We just need to decide who to ask.” Lanna stood firm in her decision.
“I’ll be the first to suggest Jason. He’s got practical sword skills and can hunt,” Lee replied.
“Don’t forget Amber,” Patrick suggested. “She can start a fire even in the rain, not to mention she knows her plants and herbs.”
“If you’re going through with this, Caden has the best sense of direction with and without a map.”
“Great ideas,” Lanna said with a smile, “Amber is also decent with a blade, so that’ll make it a good mix. I’ll ask them right away. Once we know for sure where our attackers are we’ll plan our route around them and be off. The sooner we go the sooner we can return.”
“Let’s get to work then,” Patrick said heading out of the room. He nodded at me as he passed. “Welcome aboard.” The others slowly followed, talking up their ideas of how to help.
Lee put his hand on my shoulder. “If you wouldn’t mind filling in my mother, I’d be very thankful.”
His touch made me tense up so I shrugged him off. “You’re just afraid she’ll lock you in a closet for the rest of the day. She just wants you to rest.”
“Honestly, it wouldn’t be the first time.” Lee sighed before brandishing an amused smile.
I laughed at that. “Fine. Let’s be off. I just need to know the right direction.”
“Don’t forget, your fire won’t kill me,” Lee pointed out. “You can relax a little.”
I wasn’t having that. “Relaxing can get others killed. Better to be the person who doesn't allow physical contact than allow another life to be lost.” I didn’t wait for a reply and went to find Juni on my own instead.
Juni was still at home. She looked surprised to see me alone so I tried to put her immediately at ease. “Everyone’s fine. They came up with a reasonable plan,” I assured her. “What happened to my pack? I forgot it here earlier.”
Juni raised an eyebrow. “What is their nonsense plan?”
Without hesitation, I recapped the entirety of the story for her. I assumed she would know where they would go to gather and organize people and hoped she wouldn’t ask for extra details. Until they had actual information, I didn’t feel the need to ask what was going on.
“Well, sounds like most people will be put to good use with this. My magic isn’t going to do any good, so I’ll stay with the others.”
I nodded. Juni’s magic, from what I understood, could only give small truths that affected her life. That wouldn’t do much in a fight other than to tell if her throwing a stone could hit someone or not. I wasn’t too interested in asking more during breakfast. “Fair enough. Where did my pack get moved to? I have a sword that may be of use.”
“Oh that. I moved it into the guest room. Let me show you. I’m sure a proper place to stay will be nice while you’re here.”
She walked off, leaving me to follow. Part of me was surprised she assumed I’d be her guest. Another part ventured to guess it was her way of thanking me for saving her son. Juni’s home was small and cozy. The room at the farthest end of the hall was the guest room, where two small beds sat. There was little room for movement but a place to sleep was just that.
“Tella and Marc stay here a lot,” she said as she motioned to the beds. “Or used to. Marc only really stops by to visit with Lee anymore. Tella still loves her aunt.” Juni smiled. “They grow so fast.”
I didn’t comment. Instead, I saw my pack sitting by the washbasin and went to it.
“What happened to your family?” she asked in a soft voice.
The question came out of nowhere and I was caught off guard. I slowly dug through my pack as I considered how to answer. They already knew about the curse, so it was safe to assume the truth wouldn’t be the worst to admit.
“Most of them are dead,” I answered honestly.
“But not all of them.” I could hear the magic in her voice.
“No. It’s better this way. They can’t accidentally die now. I’m more good to the world by being out in it and constantly moving. Like now.” I pulled out my sword and strapped it on.
“I’m sure they miss you.”
I ignored the magic in her voice again. “I’ll go find the others. This should work without any of them getting hurt.” I let the conversation drop and headed.
13
There were a lot more
people running around now than I had seen here before. No one could easily point the way to where Lee was, but after a few minutes of searching, it was clear that the majority of people were heading north of the village. Lee seemed to be spearheading this, so if that was where the action was, that was where he would be.
I had not yet reached the main part of the crowd when Lee found me. “We’ve got a different task for you,” Lee said, pulling me aside with a stern look on his face.
I shrugged him off again, deciding not to verbally correct him since something was clearly wrong. “What’s going on?”
He lowered his voice and kept walking away from the crowd. “Tella’s missing.”
The young girl with the running magic? I was surprised. “That seems very out of place.”
“She can outrun a bear. The only way to catch her is to catch her off guard. Even that is hard to do. With all that’s going on, I’m sure she knew to be careful. But we need to find her.”
“Is anyone else in town missing?” I asked, trying to gather all the facts. While Tella was important, it would be cruel not to try and find everyone.
“No one else has been reported missing. We’re keeping this quiet so as not to cause a stir, but while our defense goes on, we need to find her. We don’t want them taking her hostage... or who even knows what else. They had better not harm her. ” There was fear in his eyes.
“What do we know?” I was glad to be away from the crowd and moving toward the edge of town.
“She hasn’t been seen since after breakfast. She usually helps her mom in their garden, but never showed. Last night she had stayed with us and I just…” He shook his head. “Her home is towards the east. I need to get everyone situated here.”
“No one here will notice I’m gone. I’ll find her,” I assured him. I felt confident in my words, though I couldn’t guarantee what state I would find her in. Looking for someone in the woods was something I had done before.
“Stay safe.” He gave me a quick hug and ran off.
Startled, I watched him rejoin the crowd.