by J E Mueller
I was stalled again as I heard voices in the distance. Another group, one who had traveled further. Were they returning home? Or did they just not have a place to regroup? Once again I had to back up and try to arc around them. My heart pounded loudly, and I did all that I could to stay calm as I traveled.
Stopping once more after an hour had passed I wondered if I should even travel more at all tonight. Finding a good place to hide would be more reasonable. The groups would likely make more noise during the day, and I could keep my distance without blindly running into them.
Putting my new plan in motion, I found a small cave covered in moss. It wasn’t very big, so it didn’t seem like it would be a home to anyone. While the men were to be feared, falling asleep in an animal den could be just as bad. Not that I felt like I could sleep. Sounds were making me jump again. I couldn’t help but strain my ears as I listened for sounds of footsteps or voices.
The night felt long, minutes crept by at a snail’s pace, and from my hiding place, it was too hard to see how time passed in the sky. Finally, my brain started to doze. I had no idea how long it lasted when I heard a snapping of twigs in the distance. My sword was already by my side, unsheathed in case the moment called for it.
A soothing feeling came over me, and I recognized the magic right away.
That jerk had somehow followed me.
Part of me didn’t know why I was mad at him. If anything I could use some extra help, but the anger was there. Something about his goody-two-shoes-ness just got under my skin.
I didn’t have to wait long for him to appear. Tired and angry, I just glared at him.
Not caring about my expression, he looked happy to see me. “Glad to see you’re alive and well.”
“This isn’t my first trip into the woods,” I pointed out, letting my annoyance seep into my voice.
“There are eighty people out this way wanting to kill anyone they deem unfit to live,” Lee said, raising an eyebrow. “This wasn’t a good path to pick.”
“I had hoped they had retreated further north. How could I have known they looped around this way?” I retorted.
Lee crossed his arms. “If you had stayed and listened to all the news you would have known. Leaving right after a battle is very dangerous.”
“Then why would you come to find me alone? That’s just as reckless.” There was no way I was going to let him win this argument.
“My magic is practiced and allows me to find people. When it hits a person I can see if they have magic, and if they have magic I know I can find the exact person I’m looking for. It’s a fancy tracking system.”
“How many gifts do you even have?” I demanded with exasperation even though I should have guessed part of his talent after finding Tella.
“If I apply myself, I can see up to a week in the future,” he didn’t even try to hide the sadness in his voice as he continued. “You’re not going to make it on this continued path.”
“That’s why I chose to hide it out for the night.” I didn’t like his statement. What did he mean I wasn’t going to make it? I was tired but doing just fine.
He shook his head. “They’d find you in the morning. Or if you kept walking they would have found you in another two hours.”
“I hate psychics.” I cursed silently but was grateful he had told me. I could admit my plan needed quick adjusting with this new information.
Lee sat down beside me and didn’t say anything for a moment. “Why did you leave?” he finally asked.
“This place is nice, but it’s too much. It’s not where I want to be right now.” I left my statement vague. Hopefully, that would be enough.
He nodded. “I can see why that would be.”
“So, what’s your solution then?” I knew Lee had an option he wanted to offer and was glad he had accepted my vague statement.
“Come back for a while, at least until we can find you a safe path. I won’t ask you to stay if you don’t want to, but I can’t just let you walk to your death.”
“I don’t think there's an easy way back tonight,” I whispered as we heard voices in the distance.
We sat in silence until they had gone long enough for us to be comfortable again. The crickets playing their song finally let me breathe a little easier again. Neither of us was quick to speak though.
“There’s a very specific route. We can make it, but you’ll have to actually do as I say,” Lee replied, eyes alight with magic.
“I hate those types of plans,” I groaned, but he had the advantage of visions, and I had the advantage of killing all I touched.
“Working as a group will be good for you,” he chuckled. “You need a friend or two.”
“Too many people die if I let them get close. Forget it.” I paused, realizing that wasn’t completely true. “I do have friends at the Order, just so you know.”
“Good news, you won’t kill me this week. Unlikely you’ll kill me next week either,” Lee stated with glee. “Let’s get going.”
“Great. The only person I can’t kill with my magic is an obnoxious do-gooder. Oh, joy is me,” I replied, sarcasm oozed from my voice.
“Don’t forget that I’m overly confident and good looking. Got to hit all my high points,” Lee teased, motioning for us to leave.
“How in the heavens did anyone elect you for anything?”
“Because I’m an obnoxious do-gooder always wanting to do what's best for everyone I meet,” he replied without skipping a beat.
I rolled my eyes and followed in silence, concentrating instead on getting back alive.
14
The night was full of distant sounds of loud disgruntled talking. Campfires in the distance let us know where to avoid but didn’t help with patrols. Lee constantly checked his vision to make sure we were on the right path, and we changed our route as the future changed with the decisions made by our enemies.
We almost ran into a watch twice. Thankful that I couldn’t kill him, I grabbed Lee and pressed us against a tree to stay out of sight. The second time, I had to pull him to the ground. It was becoming more and more obvious as the hours ticked by just how drained and tired he was from constant use of his magic. But he kept going, always checking to make sure I was still right behind him.
It occurred to me how much receiving visions could be just as much of a curse as my own flames. I started to wonder how many times he saw things he was unable to prevent. Had Lee lost someone? Did he see their fate but couldn’t alter it in time? Not all magic was a gift, but I wouldn’t ask. Those scars were hard enough to deal with without them constantly being brought to the surface.
As the sky slowly started to brighten and the sun appeared over the horizon, we reached the edge of the forest. There were no signs of the village in sight, but plenty of fields and a well-laid trail welcomed us.
“How much further?” I asked, feeling exhaustion creep into my bones.
“Not even an hour,” Lee replied, looking worse than I was feeling.
“You need rest,” I pointed out. “Is it safe to take a break?”
He looked at me then off into the distance. After a few moments, he shook his head. “No. Actually, there isn’t a chance it’s safe,” He sighed. “We need to work on your luck.”
“You’d have better luck without me.” I sighed. “That just seems to come with being cursed.”
Lee shrugged. “It’s only a curse until you learn how to use it.”
“Will I learn how this week?” I asked before I even thought about the words I was saying.
He smiled weakly. “No. That probably would actually get you to stay.”
Shaking my head, I started down the path. “Let’s be off, then.” It was probably better to not know when answers were coming. I’m sure I’d accidentally postpone a solution.
We continued until the village was in sight.
“I know it’s maybe another ten minutes from here, but I need a break,” I said, dropping to the ground. Lee didn't argue and did the sam
e.
“Promise you won’t run off again without an actual plan?” He pleaded as he looked up at the sky.
I hesitated a moment before answering. “I’m not a fan of these kinds of promises,” I would rather be honest with him. I didn’t want to make a promise I couldn’t be certain I’d keep.
“I don’t even know what to say to that. I really don’t think you just want to wander into trouble and die.” Lee shook his head as he continued to stare off into nothing.
“I don’t like being followed,” I added.
He finally looked over at me. “If you’re going to head straight into trouble, of course I’m going to follow you.”
His stubborn honor be damned. “Can’t you just live and let me be?” I demanded not wanting to give up but knowing he wouldn’t either. I was too tired for this. We both were too tired for any of this.
“I can’t. I have to see this through. Lucky you.” He smiled and laid his head down. “If you could change the future for the better, wouldn’t you?”
“If I could change anything in the past or future, I might. What luck to run into such a goody-two-shoes.” I laughed, but not bitterly. I was very thankful he had come to my rescue before I had even needed it. I would much rather have to deal with him than a sword through the heart, or whatever death it was that had awaited me. Part of me desperately wanted my death to be on my own terms.
After a few moments, I nudged him. “Let’s get back.”
“If I move another muscle I’ll die,” he complained loudly before cracking a tired smile.
“We’re really not safe yet though,” I got up and offered him a hand.
Lee looked at me with surprise but took my hand. He glanced back and I saw magic fill his vision once more. “Yeah, we need to go.” A spark of fear lit his features, but only for a brief moment.
Off we went.
It was still the early hours of the morning when we returned. Not many people were out and we managed to avoid having to answer any questions. Until we got back to Lee’s. Juni was not pleased at all, and I actually felt bad.
“I would lecture you both if you didn’t look half dead. Get to bed, and no more running off.” Her stern words struck a chord.
“Yes, Mother.” Lee didn’t argue.
I just nodded and continued to look at the ground. Lee saw my distress and took my hand guiding me to the guest room. I sat on the bed Juni had offered me earlier. Lee plopped down on the other one and was asleep within moments.
Juni appeared at the door. “And please no running out like that again,” she reprimanded in a soft but fierce voice.
“I thought I had a better route. I’m sorry.” I meant it wholeheartedly. I hadn’t realized my actions would put myself and someone else in danger, or even cause another to worry.
She nodded. “It’s a rough time, and not good for traveling. Staying with us for a while won’t hurt you and there's plenty to be done here. There are many more years left to live in a tree if that's what makes you happy.” With that, she turned on heel and left.
There was no point in getting up to argue. Instead, I tried to rest. If there was a way I could make it up to her, I would.
When I awoke, darkness was slowly spreading across the sky. My brain felt foggy and my body ached. My mind jumped for a moment to making travel plans but I shoved those away. It would be completely useless to try and make any plans. Not until I could actually travel safely again. While I may not have often followed the path of reason, it didn’t mean I had to repeat bad decisions.
Heading into the hallway, I could hear voices coming from the kitchen. Even better was the scent of food wafting over from the kitchen. My stomach growled in response as I got closer. Not wanting to interrupt, I peeked into the kitchen before entering. Lee sat at the table, leaning against the wall as he listened to whatever his mother was talking about.
Juni, with all the powers of being a mother, knew I was there right away. “Come in and sit. Dinner’s almost ready.”
“Thank you,” I said sheepishly and took a seat across from Lee.
Juni continued on with what she had been saying, “So now Tella refuses to work outside the wall. It’s all the best until this mess gets fixed up, so she’s going to be helping me with my garden and then with the Murdocks in the bakery. Marc and his friends are working to help your aunt while there’s an extra watch outside. Caution is of the utmost importance until the king's aid arrives.”
“Of course. The bigger the group, the less trouble we’ll encounter. Even in the village we should try and make sure no one's wandering alone. Can’t be too careful right now.” Lee nodded, agreeing.
“That includes you,” Juni said sternly as she pointed to her son. “You got that?”
Lee sighed but complied. “Yes, Mother. Don’t worry about me.”
“You were a reckless child and you still jump into trouble without a moment's thought. Don’t tell me not to worry,” she said sharply as she finished her cooking.
Lee was about to argue but seemed to think better of it.
Juni started pulling things off the fire and glanced my way. “That does go for you too. I don’t care what you’re used to. While you’re here I’ll see to it that you stay out of trouble.”
“Yes, Mother,” I replied, not daring to argue with her and trying to show her as much respect as possible.
Juni accepted my answer and brought me a plate of food. She turned to Lee. “See? I believe her answer. She’ll try not to upset me.”
Lee rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. “Unlike me, she hasn’t had twenty years of opportunities to wear on your nerves.”
“Twenty years to be a well-behaved child you mean!” She brought him a plate of food and looked at me. “This is why I only had one.”
Lee rolled his eyes again but decided to stuff his mouth instead of argue further.
Dinner passed mostly in silence. Afterward, Juni went to visit her sister with the accompaniment of Marc and one of his friends while Lee and I did the dishes. There were plenty of them to clean but it did not take us long to finish. Finally, we sat in the living room. I perched on the sofa and he lounged in a chair near the door.
“Now what?” I asked, “I’ve never stayed in a town without a job before.” If I were to stay for any length of time, I would rather be busy.
Lee thought for a moment. “Well, I’m sure we can find you work without a problem. Other than that, and bear with me on this, but maybe you should talk to some of the people here who have dealt with curses. You’ve had a moment of control now, and it sounds like it's the first such moment you’ve had. They may be able to point you in the right direction. Also, each week we try to do some sort of community event. Get everyone together for music, drinks, games, and dancing.”
“That last part sounds like a terrible disaster for me,” I pointed out.
“So you can’t touch people. Big deal. Put on some long gloves and stockings and dance the night away.” Lee smirked as if it were truly that easy.
I rolled my eyes at him. Did he not get it? “Such risky situations make me anxious, and my anxiety heightens the curse’s strength. When it is stronger even clothes can’t protect people from my touch.”
“Then dance with me and you won’t have to worry.”
Oh. So that was what he was getting at. This needed to be crushed. I raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m not interested in dancing. Why are you so interested in dancing with me?” That wasn’t a very crushing way to end the conversation, but I found myself more curious than I should have been.
“You need to have some fun,” he insisted, “And I just like dancing. Don’t you even consider doing fun things with friends?”
“Listening to music can be fun. You don’t have to dance to enjoy the music,” I pointed out. “Plus there’s this thing about social interaction in large groups. I don’t like it and that would take away all the fun. Even more so if someone accidentally bumped into me.”
He groaned. “Oh yeah
, that last part. Bumping into others. Fine.” He thought for a moment. “I’ll work on it.” Something glimmered in his eyes, and I knew he wasn’t going to simply let it go.
“No. Just forget it. I’m sure you can think of plenty of other things that are fun to do.”
“And what if I can’t?” he asked slyly.
“Then you’re a boring and uncreative person. Who wants to spend time with someone like that?” I crossed my arms.
“Oh, that's mean.” He shook his head. “Challenge accepted. I will find other interesting activities for you.”
Satisfied, I stretched out on the sofa. “Has your family always been here?” I asked curiously. We needed a subject change.
“My mother came here when she was young. My grandmother had no magic, but both my mother and aunt did. My grandfather wanted to cast them off, but grandma insisted against it. She didn’t know if she could raise them on her own. So she looked for other options. She found out about the Order and they directed her here. My mother doesn't remember much of the journey. Grandma had talked a lot about the differences in the rest of the world while she was still alive.”
Lee smiled, thinking about her, “My mother actually tried living away from here for some time. She fell in love and got married. When she was pregnant she wanted to move back here, but my dad didn’t want to raise a child in a crazy town full of magic and forbid it. He hadn’t been hateful about magic before that, and it surprised my mother. She ended up returning without him. There was endless support for the people here, and no judgment. The world can be a cruel place, but it doesn't have to stay that way.”
“I never would have guessed that,” I said in surprise. What would be bad about living in a magic town?
Lee shifted in his chair, “She never hid the truth from me. Family is still family even if only one parent is there.”
I couldn’t argue with that. “Have you been out much? Seen what other places are like for yourself?” I redirected the conversation.