Tree of Ages Box Set

by Sara C. Roethle

  Ealasaid didn’t seem thrilled by the idea of working at an inn, but nodded. “I suppose I don’t have much choice. A large city is likely the best place to hide what I am.”

  Àed nodded. It was good that the girl had her head on straight. When you had magic, hiding was essential. Gone were the days when conjurers and sorceresses were sought out for aid. The Faie war had ruined that. Magic was to be feared, and never trusted.

  They rode on in silence as Iseult and Kai continued to argue. It would be a long journey to Migris. Àed could only hope that the men’s arguing would be the extent of any excitement.

  Bedelia watched her new companion as she slept. The girl had slept through the night, and dozed on as the first hints of morning peeked through the trees. She smiled despite her irritation. Finn had fallen right into her trap, just like Keiren said she would. Keiren knew a great many things. Bedelia had seen her lady use those powers of knowing for many an evil deed, but she was unfazed. She would follow Keiren to the ends of the earth, and would even jump off, if that was what her lady commanded. Now Keiren wanted this long-haired, frail-looking girl, and Bedelia would not question it. Of course, not questioning it didn't help with the jealousy she felt at this girl warranting so much of Keiren's attention.

  She watched as Finn tossed and turned in her sleep, mumbling unintelligible things. The girl had thought to lie about her name, calling herself Branwen, but hadn't questioned why Bedelia had an extra bedroll, not knowing that the bedroll was brought along just for her. What a little fool.

  She shifted in annoyance, careful not to make a sound with the leather and metal armor she hid beneath her cloak. She couldn't risk Finn questioning her occupation. She was, after all, a soldier without a contingent, fighting for a cause that did not benefit her country.

  Bedelia's impatience grew as the sun slowly moved into full view. Would she sleep forever? Having had enough, she gently cleared her throat. Finn did not stir. She cleared it a little more forcefully.

  Finn shot up in her bedroll, looking around frantically as if she had forgotten where she was. She held a trembling hand to her chest as her eyes found Bedelia. With her long hair all mussed, and her dark eyes wide with surprise, Bedelia thought for a moment that Finn was actually quite pretty, for a weakling.

  “I'm sorry for sleeping so long,” Finn apologized, seeming to have remembered where she was and who she was with. “I must have been more exhausted than I realized.”

  Bedelia nodded and smiled, schooling her face to show warmth. “I didn't want to wake you, but I really must get moving if I'm to make it anywhere near the Sand Road by nightfall.”

  Finn's face lit up at the mention of the well-known road, just like Bedelia knew it would. “Would you mind if I joined you?” she asked hesitantly. “I'm sure I'd never find the way on my own.”

  Bedelia cringed internally at Finn's admission of weakness. One should never admit weakness to a stranger. Bedelia wouldn't even admit it to a friend. “Of course,” she replied, smiling encouragingly.

  She stood slowly, careful once again to make little noise with her armor. She knew Finn would notice the armor at some point, but hopefully not until Bedelia had gained her trust. Until then, her thick, midnight blue cloak would serve to conceal it.

  Finn unbundled herself from her bedding, pausing to roll the blankets into a tight package before excusing herself for morning necessities.

  By the time Finn returned, Bedelia had packed up the camp, and snuffed out the fire to the point where no one would realize how recently the spot had been used. She didn't believe anyone would be following them, but old habits die hard, and Keiren had instructed her to be cautious.

  She’d also led her black and white dappled mare to the campsite from the well-sheltered thicket where the horse had spent the night. The horse now whinnied, drawing Finn’s attention.

  “I thought I heard a horse last night,” Finn commented, regarding the animal with a smile. She walked straight toward the horse and stroked her hand lovingly across the its nose, something you should never do with an unknown animal, unless you fancied getting trampled. Yet, Bedelia’s horse did not seem in the least bit surprised by the act, and in fact, nuzzled against Finn's hand in reply.

  Bedelia scowled behind Finn's back, then moved to strap the last of the supplies as well as her bow behind the horse's saddle. “The fire spooks her,” she explained, “so I usually tie her a short distance away.”

  Finn nodded and tossed her long, tangled hair over the shoulder of her dirty green cloak. “I'm not sure I'll be able to keep up with you on foot. Perhaps you could give me directions?”

  Bedelia expected there to be annoyance in Finn's expression at the idea of being left behind, but she saw nothing of the sort. Had this girl any self preservation instinct at all?

  “We can ride together,” she explained. “Rada will not tire from the extra weight.” She looked Finn up and down. “Not that you’ll really be adding any.”

  “Rada,” Finn said to herself, ignoring the quip about her size while gazing up at the horse in question. “What a pretty name.”

  Bedelia almost let slip a genuine smile at the compliment, but quickly stuffed it back down. “Shall we?”

  Finn nodded, then waited for Bedelia to seat herself in the saddle before climbing up behind her. She tensed for a moment when she thought Finn might wrap her arms around her, thus revealing her armor, then Finn gripped the back of the saddle instead, saving Bedelia from the premature explanation.

  They began to ride through the damp, cold forest as the sun shone prominently at the edge of the sky. The happy light was a mockery of the weather as of late, unseasonably cold well into spring.

  They rode in peaceful silence for a time, shaded by the broad, star shaped leaves of the trees. There was no path, but Bedelia had an excellent sense of direction, so she knew she was heading straight for the Sand Road. She also knew she should be making conversation, but found acting comfortable difficult. She’d never been one to have friends, but knew the best way to gain someone's trust was to make them feel comfortable with speaking candidly.

  She guided Rada northeast to cross a narrow stream. “Might I ask you something?” she said finally, tired of waiting for Finn to speak.

  “Of course,” Finn replied instantly. “I'm very grateful for your help. Ask whatever you like.”

  I can ask, but you'll likely just lie, Bedelia thought to herself. “What were you doing in such a remote place by yourself?” she inquired. “Not that I wasn't out there myself, but I at least have supplies and a horse.”

  She could sense uneasiness from Finn as she explained, “I wasn’t traveling alone or without supplies. I was separated from my companions. I hope to find them again once we reach the Sand Road.”

  “Separated?” Bedelia pressed, not satisfied with the vague answer.

  Finn was silent for a moment, likely formulating her next lie. “I ventured away and got lost,” she clarified.

  Bedelia chuckled, though inside she was squirming with irritation. If you were going to lie, at least make it a good one. “I'm sure they are on their way to the road now, hoping to find you.”

  “I know they will find me,” Finn agreed, sounding more like she was speaking to herself than Bedelia. “They did it once, and they'll do it again.”

  “Oh?” Bedlia said good-naturedly. “So this isn't the first time you wandered off?”

  Finn paused again before speaking. “We were separated for a week the first time, and I traveled a great distance. I never truly thought they'd find me, but they did.”

  “You were lost, and survived on your own for a week?” Bedelia asked, not having to fake the disbelief in her tone.

  Finn laughed. “Oh, I wasn't alone. I was with a . . . friend.”

  Bedelia nodded, wishing she knew what Finn was going on about. Normally Keiren would have known everything there was to know about the girl, but something often shrouded her from Keiren's seemingly all-seeing eyes. With Finn, K
eiren was only able to steal little glimpses of the present and future, like she’d done when she predicted Finn would come to Bedelia’s campsite. Her lady had flown into numerous fits of rage whenever she couldn’t see Finn, always leaving Bedelia frightened that the rage would be turned on her.

  “Well you are with a friend this time too,” Bedelia stated jovially. “I look forward to meeting your companions once they find you.”

  “I believe I am in much more honest company this time,” Finn replied warmly, “so thank you.”

  Bedelia smiled ruefully as she watched the path ahead of them. Honest. Finn's company during her previous bout of being lost must have been the King of Lies to have outdone Bedelia.

  Chapter Three

  Finn stared into the comforting light of the fire, waiting for Bedelia to return with more wood. They had traveled together all day, talking and getting to know each other. It was different traveling with only a woman. It made Finn feel safe and comfortable in a way much different from the men.

  Their conversations had been wonderful. Finn had revealed many of her fears and worries, though she had to put them in a different context so as not to give away who she was. Still, sharing those thoughts had lifted a great weight off her chest. She hated that she'd felt too ashamed to admit them to Iseult or Àed, but there it was.

  Bedelia had commiserated, making Finn feel less silly and weak. Maybe all women went through the same internal battles. Perhaps if Branwen ever righted herself, Finn could share such conversations with her.

  A scream tore through the shadowy vegetation, paralyzing Finn with fear. They were still far from the Sand Road and civilization. The scream had to belong to Bedelia.

  Finn hopped to her feet and wrapped her tattered cloak tightly around herself. She was shaking like a leaf, but little of it was from the cold. She heard the scream again, then darted off into the night.

  She could barely see where she was running and ended up tripping over small rocks and brambles, stinging her cold feet through her socks and boots with the impact, and catching her skirts and the vulnerable skin underneath on thorns.

  The screaming had ceased, but she could hear grunts of struggle amidst a chorus of low growls and yips. Finn skidded to a halt in a clearing as several pairs of glowing eyes turned toward her. The shadowy creatures were enormous, likely outweighing Finn and Bedelia put together. From what Finn could see in the moonlight, they were wolf-like, but their faces seemed smushed, their jaws too wide. Their fur was wiry and grew in patches.

  Bedelia, who'd been on the ground among the creatures, took advantage of the momentary distraction. She'd left her bow at their camp, but wielded a large knife, its blade glinting in the moonlight. The knife plunged into the neck of the nearest creature. The creature's shrieks echoed around them as Bedelia rose to her feet and stumbled toward Finn.

  Reaching her, Bedelia clutched at Finn's arm, obviously having trouble standing on her own. The two women backed away slowly as all but the injured creature began to stalk toward them.

  Finn's eyes darted around for something that might save them. If she'd been able to think clearly, she would have at least drawn the small knife at her belt, but her thoughts were solely on the glowing eyes marching toward her.

  The creatures had gone silent, except for a few low growls. The one nearest to the women crouched down, preparing to pounce. Finn closed her eyes, her thoughts a jumble, and reached out her hands to ward off the attack. She felt a surge of adrenaline and almost opened her eyes, but felt dizzy with fear and unable to move. The earth shook beneath her feet, surely the thundering charge of the creatures about to eat them. Bedelia shrieked, pulling away from Finn.

  The creatures erupted in a cacophony of yips and squeals, while the earth trembled so violently that Finn was knocked to the ground. She fell backward and hit the dirt as a thrill of pain shot through her to mingle with the lingering adrenaline. She waited on her back for the killing blow, but none came. Everything had suddenly gone still.

  Finn opened her eyes slowly to find Bedelia panting beside her. She sat up, whipping her head around in search of the creatures. They were gone, and rocky, turned earth was in their place.

  Her eyes darted back to Bedelia, who'd scooted away, her jaw slack with fear. “W-what are you?” she whispered. “What did you do?”

  Had she made the earth move to swallow the creatures up whole? It couldn’t be. First the Trow had accused her of summoning the roots, and now this? Finn gazed back at the turned earth, tears welling up in her eyes as she answered both questions at once. “At this point,” she began, “I'm really not sure.”

  Bedelia's leg was injured, and she was stuck with this apparent sorceress in the dark woods. Her armor had been fully revealed during the chaos, and Finn eyed it warily as they recovered in the now silent woods. Would Finn kill her now? Swallow her up in the earth like she had done with the wolf creatures?

  Bedelia shivered at the thought. One moment, the wolves had been about to pounce, and the next, Finn raised her hands and the earth rose up to swallow them like a giant, hungry bear.

  Finn had risen shakily to her feet after the eruption, but Bedelia was unsure if she was capable of doing the same. Finn moved to stand next to her, then crouched down. Bedelia closed her eyes and flinched away, but Finn did nothing to harm her. She opened her eyes to see Finn drop her hands to her sides with a hurt expression.

  “You're frightened of me,” Finn muttered, the words barely audible.

  Bedelia sighed with relief. The girl was more worried about what Bedelia might think of her, than the fact that Bedelia was wearing expensive armor. Armor that only a soldier belonging to one of the most wealthy lords would wear. Finn wasn’t even questioning it. She was either very forgiving, or a total fool.

  When she didn't speak, Finn looked down at Bedelia's injured leg. “You're bleeding!” she exclaimed suddenly. “We must get you back to the fire to bandage it.”

  Bedelia nodded numbly, still afraid for Finn to touch her. She'd seen Keiren wield more fearsome powers, but Keiren was in control of her actions. This meek little girl, was not.

  Seeing no other choice, Bedelia allowed Finn to slide her arm around her lower back to grip around her waist. Bedelia had a larger frame than Finn, and was several inches taller than her, making the struggle that followed awkward and uncomfortable. Yet, with the use of her good leg, Bedelia and Finn managed to stand together.

  They hobbled back in the direction of the fire, Bedelia leaning heavily on Finn's small, bony shoulders as they stumbled across the uneven terrain. She felt blood dripping down her leg to cool and congeal around the edge of her boot.

  Once they reached the campsite, Finn lowered Bedelia to the ground, then went to crouch by her injured leg. “I'm not sure how to undo this,” Finn commented, gazing down at the bronze plate that covered Bedelia's shin above her boot.

  “I can explain,” Bedelia replied blandly, meaning both why she wore the armor and how to get it off.

  Finn's eyes met hers, but Bedelia saw no accusation in them. “If you have not been honest about your identity,” she began, making Bedelia's heart skip a beat, “I cannot blame you for it. I have not been entirely honest either.”

  Bedelia let out the breath she'd sucked in. Finn wasn’t as foolish as she’d seemed. The armor had made her question Bedelia’s identity and motives. She was probably even questioning Bedelia’s motivations for helping her. Yet, she wasn't angry?

  Bedelia looked down at her injured leg. “There are buckles at the back of my calf,” she explained softly.

  Finn nodded, allowing the subject to drop, and began searching Bedelia's calf gingerly with her fingers. Her small, nimble hands found the buckles quickly, and undid them while Bedelia cringed against the added pressure to her wound.

  Finn lifted the plate away, and both women looked down to assess the damage. Though Bedelia's previously covered shin was unscathed, the wolf's jaw where it bit her had been large enough to encompass the plate, pun
cturing the back of her calf on either side. The four circular wounds oozed with blood.

  “Do you have any bandages?” Finn asked softly, worry coloring her voice as she continued to stare down at the steadily bleeding puncture marks.

  Bedelia nodded and pointed toward one of the satchels she'd taken from Rada when they made camp. Without another word, Finn rose and grabbed the satchel, then returned as she pulled out a rolled up wad of fabric. “We should probably clean the wounds first,” she commented, hesitating over Bedelia's leg.

  Bedelia nodded. “We can use some of our drinking water.”

  She appreciated that Finn had thought to clean the wound. She was not keen on finding out what a bite from the strange creatures might do if left untreated. Finn stood and walked away from the campsite, in the direction of where Rada was tethered.

  Bedelia’s heart pounded in her ear as Finn disappeared from sight in the darkness. Had it all been a ruse? Would Finn steal Rada and leave Bedelia to die?

  A few minutes later, Finn returned with a small tea kettle and an extra water skin. She held the kettle up nervously. “I thought some tea might calm your nerves,” she explained, then frowned as if realizing her idea might be silly.

  Bedelia relaxed slightly. Finn set to boiling the water for tea, then gently washed Bedelia’s leg with the remaining water in the skin. Bedelia gasped as Finn began to wrap her leg with the fresh bandages. She felt increasingly nervous. Had Finn seen anything else in Bedelia’s belongings when she’d searched for the water? There were certain items that her friend would likely question. Finished with her work, Finn sat near Bedelia and held her damp hands up to the fire. She sighed in relief. Finn wasn’t going to question anything.

  “About what happened with those creatures,” Finn began, breaking the silence.