“Misery needs company,” Nettle added. “He could have tricked the female werewolves in his pack into thinking he was in wolf form and bred with them. Or maybe even with natural wolves or human women.”
“How could he have done that?” Jacob leaned forward in his seat, placing his elbows on his knees.
Nettle shrugged. “It’s just a possibility.”
Serwa stood and began pacing the small clearing. Her body language was obvious. “If this is true, I believe the wolves will face us at the mountain. You said they believe the stone may be able to free them of their curse. The mountain is the last stop on our journey. We will have to fight them, however many there are, and the elementals too. This will be near impossible.”
The witch sat across from Sarah again. “If Nettle is right, we’ll have reinforcements. This fight isn’t over yet,” said Serwa.
“I’m not sure how many though,” the fairy added. “We can’t rely solely on numbers to win.”
Serwa shrugged. “No matter. Anything our allies don’t kill, I will.”
“So, what’s the plan then?” Sarah asked and straightened her back.
Serwa approached Solar and loosened the luggage straps. “Tonight we’ll set up camp here. Sarah, you’re with me. We need some practice, not to mention your bow skills could use a little work. Tomorrow we leave for the mountain at dawn. There is no point in delaying fate, and we can’t waste time. Our world can’t afford it. We’ll travel on foot so as not to be spotted. Agreed?”
“Agreed.”
The stars were like sparkling grains of sand across the sky, and they all shined down on Sarah. Everyone else was sleeping, preparing for the long journey ahead, but she was restless under her thin blanket. Both she and the stone ached to return to their homes. Sarah thought of her parents. How long had she been gone anyway? Did they miss her? Were they worried?
She definitely missed them. She missed her mom’s warm hugs and her buttery flapjacks every Sunday morning. She missed helping her dad with Nelly and climbing the mountains searching for rocks. She hoped she would have a chance to do all that again.
A comforting breeze wrapped around Sarah nuzzling her neck. She inhaled, taking in the wonderful scent of the forest, when something called to her. Sarah opened her eyes and peered into the night. A set of yellow eyes appeared; however, she knew they were not the eyes of a black wolf. They belonged to a gentler creature. She removed her blanket and walked into the trees, staring into the eyes as she did so. Once far enough into the forest, she stopped and smiled, her face laden with sleep. “I haven’t seen you in a while,” Sarah yawned.
The dragon appeared in its misty form. “You haven’t needed me until now,” it responded.
“Haven’t needed you ‘til now? What about yesterday when I was about to get gobbled up by those wolves! I think I definitely needed you then.” The stone glowed brightly in her chest.
The dragon shook its head. “I am always present, but I only appear when you need me. No task is given to you, Sarah, that you cannot handle.”
Sarah shook her head. If that was the case, then, why of all people was she chosen to save Lyrica? Why not someone stronger or with more courage? This was a big job, and Sarah wasn’t sure she could do it.
He exhaled from his nostrils leaving two swirling streams of mist in the air. She watched as they evaporated and looked at the dragon.
“This is your task because this is your destiny. People are only as limited as they allow themselves to be. Your doubts will be what kill you, Sarafina.” He spoke her name with a ghostly tone that made her skin crawl.
“I almost forgot that could happen...”
The dragon nodded. “Yes, it can. And if you die in battle, so shall all of Lyrica.”
“I could die,” she said allowing the feeling of an inky acceptance to rest in her.
“Or you could live,” the dragon offered. “Life always leaves you with more than one option. Sometimes you must work harder to find them.”
For a moment, Sarah looked into the thin yellow eyes. At first glance, they appeared dead and dispassionate, but if you took the time to look deeper they were full of life and love like the eyes of a parent. They were also old and wise like the eyes of a grandparent.
“You told me before you were everything, that you were Lyrica,” she said.
The dragon inclined its head. “I told you so because it is true.”
“Well, then how old are you exactly?” She gave him a close look-over.
Its eyes thinned as the dragon chuckled at her question. “Didn’t your parents ever tell you,” he said, “that asking someone’s age is rude?”
She smiled. “They did actually.”
“You were raised quite well.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you miss your family?” the creature questioned.
“Of course. I miss them a lot. More than I can tell you. But...” She raised her eyes and stared at him. “I was wondering... once I leave Lyrica... will I ever see you again?”
For a moment, the dragon was silent as the wind blew. Its form began to disappear.
“How can you not see me,” it asked, “when I live within you.” And then the misty creature was gone. The forest was silent. Sarah crept back to bed and fell asleep.
Chapter 24
They had left the forest behind them and headed east toward the mountain the legend spoke of. It seemed relatively simple now that the stone was returned to Sarah. Go to the mountain, confront the enemy and band together with their allies for a great battle. Serwa had no way of knowing the area surrounding the mountain was now a wasteland. Grass had long since rotted away. The trees were withered into nothing. The cracked ground was begging for salvation. The heat was so intense the group had resigned to walking because Solar could not fly in her exhaustion. At first, the mountain had appeared so close, but now it remained just a blurry image in the distance.
Sarah glanced at her friends. They were sweating and panting like dogs on a seething summer day, a reaction to the intense heat and lack of water. Their strong walk had become more of a staggered stroll.
“Maybe I can fly ahead and see how far we have to go,” said Nettle as she sat on Solar’s head.
“If the dragon’s wings can’t stand the heat, how can yours?” Jacob asked. He wiped his forehead and turned away from the sun.
“My wings are fine. I haven’t flown as much as Solar, so I can go ahead. Watch.” She rose clumsily to her feet, limbs hanging loose by her sides. She hopped up, wings flapping rapidly, and flew a few feet ahead of the group. She dropped and rose in the air. Her flight slacked, and she began to sway from side to side. Suddenly, she stopped mid-air. Her wings fluttered some before coming to a halt, causing her to fall to the ground.
Sarah felt everything leave her as Nettle fell. Jacob rushed forward and scooped the little fairy in his hands while Serwa trickled water over her body. They waited. Nettle opened her eyes, but they were unfocused. Serwa trickled more water down, and Nettle opened her mouth to drink. She sighed before stretching her wings and wrapping herself in them like a cocoon.
“She’s dying!” Sarah stared at her small friend, her chest feeling suddenly hollow.
Serwa shook her head. “She’s not dying. It’s a defense mechanism used to hide her from the sun. She needs to rest.”
Relief flooded Sarah. She looked up at her friends hoping to see the same expression on their faces, but to her dismay they all shared a look of exhaustion and thirst. Even if they did make it to the mountain, how were they going to fight the last battle like this? She doubted Jacob could walk another mile much less pick up a sword to defend himself. Even Serwa was worn down to the point where she no longer cared if dirt stained her clothes. And Sarah knew if Serwa fell, they all would follow. She was their guide through Lyrica, their leader, how could they continue on without her?
They couldn’t.
Solar twitched. She raised her head and began to stare off into the distance. Jaco
b followed her gaze.
“What is it?” he asked holding a hand up to shield his eyes from the sunlight.
“I feel it, too,” said Serwa. She placed the canteen with the luggage and stepped in front of the group.
“Can someone, please, tell me what’s going on? What can you all feel?” Jacob huffed and stepped in between Sarah and Serwa.
Sarah turned to him, her eyes narrowed. “A large group is coming toward us.”
“And we can’t tell if they’re friend or foe,” added Solar standing on shaky legs.
“We’ll be able to tell soon enough.” The witch reached into the luggage carrier. She withdrew two swords, a dagger and Sarah’s bow and arrows before turning to Jacob. “Here,” she said tossing Jacob a sword. He caught it with one hand.
“What should I do with her?” He motioned with his other hand at the sleeping Nettle.
“Place her in the bag’s side pocket,” said Serwa. “She should be safe there. Sarah these are for you.” She handed the small dagger and bow to the redhead.
Sarah wrinkled her nose. “Why do you guys get the swords, and I get the dagger? I can swing a sword.”
“First,” Serwa said inspecting her weapon, “anyone can swing a sword, but not everyone can do so properly. You don’t have the training for fighting with one. I’ll let Jacob take the risk, not you. Second, I am extremely proud of you for taking an interest. I’ll turn you into a bloodthirsty beast yet, hm? Third, if they know who you are they’ll expect you to fight with magic only. This little dagger, as you call it, will be a nice surprise to one of their jugulars. Understood?” She turned to her.
Sarah nodded. “Okay.”
“I hear something... horse hooves,” Jacob stepped closer to Sarah, sword at the ready. “They must be close.”
“A good fight is exactly what I need to liven me up again.” Serwa cracked her shoulders and chuckled as a large blurry figure appeared in the distance. “We three will move closer and wait for the attack. Let the games began.”
As the large figure came closer, it divided and soon the actual mass of the group could be seen. They vastly outnumbered Sarah and her friends, but she watched carefully, still trying to make out what the figures were exactly.
A little over a hundred yards away the approaching group came to a halt. Sarah raised a brow. Why aren’t they moving? Are they going to try a long-range attack first and then move in?
She stood on edge, dagger concealed under her clothing.
Everyone was still and silent waiting for the first move. Nothing. Sarah watched the group, but they were statues. Minutes passed. A low grumbling came from beneath her feet. She gasped and looked at the ground.
“They’re under us!” Serwa took the words from Sarah’s mouth and jumped back just as three arms burst from below them. Three short men with stout bodies and long beards pulled themselves up from below the land.
“Dwarves?” Solar said, surprise threaded into her voice as the three men walked toward the group.
“Don’t move another inch, little man, or I will slice you in half.” Serwa pointed her sword. The middle dwarf who had steel blue eyes, a wrinkled nose and a smug, scarred face stepped in front. He crossed his arms and spoke.
“We are looking for the Child of Legend. Are they in your party or not?”
“Why do you want to know?” Jacob raised his sword.
The elder dwarf looked at him, then at Sarah. A light wind blew, and he took in a long breath. “Hm, you aren’t from Lyrica. You two smell of another place.”
Jacob tightened the grip on his sword. “How did you know that?”
“I’m a dwarf, son.” The short men all laughed together in mocking tones.
“This is no time for joking,” Solar huffed. “Why are you and your group searching for the Child? What do you want?”
The eldest dwarf quieted his laughter, and his two companions followed suit. He narrowed his eyes. “It has been said that the child has finally come to Lyrica and is going to return the stone so our home can start its new beginning. We know what has to be done so Lyrica can heal, and we know there are those who seek to own the stone for their own purposes. We come here today to pledge allegiance to the Child. If the child is with you, let us know now.”
Sarah stood motionless, her eyes darting between the three dwarves. She could reveal herself, but like Solar had said, these people could be friend or foe. She hadn’t gained the skill like Serwa, but from what she could tell their auras were tight, controlled. There was no real way of knowing if they were lying. But if she didn’t reveal herself, she had a feeling this conversation was going to turn into a fight that would end with several wasted lives. She looked to Serwa.
“How do we know if you are really friend of the Child? Everything you said could be a lie,” replied the witch with a hand firmly on her sword.
“We could say the same for you. How do we know what you tell us to be true?” the dwarf countered.
Serwa lowered her sword. “All right. You have a point. The Child of Legend is among us, but I will not reveal them. That is their decision.”
The dwarves nodded and crossed their arms. Sarah remained speechless, still unsure of what to do. Who she was had been kept secret all this time, and for it to be revealed to a group of strangers seemed too risky. But Nettle had said her tale had been told across Lyrica, and there were those who wanted to support her on the battlefield. Perhaps, these were those people. She took a deep breath and prepared to step forward.
“I am the Child of Legend,” said Jacob lowering his sword. “I am the one you seek to follow.”
Immediately, the two dwarves behind the elder kneeled, yet he remained standing. His icy eyes examined Jacob from head to toe. He sucked his teeth. “How can we be sure you’re telling the truth?”
“You have to trust me,” Jacob countered. “What’s your name?”
The man shook his head. “I will only reveal my name to the true Child. If you are who you say, you will show us the stone.”
“So, you can steal it? No way,” Jacob growled and raised his sword again.
“You claim to be the Child, yet you have no proof. We follow the Child of Legend only, and we slay any impersonators.”
Jacob smiled and moved his sword to the dwarf’s throat. “You can try.”
The dwarf laughed and slapped his knee. “Try? Oh, now, boy. I plan to succeed.” With those words the dwarf opened his mouth and bit off the tip of Jacob’s sword. Serwa swung, but before the sword could make a hit they had broken it in half. Both she and Jacob stood momentarily stunned by how easily the weapons had been rendered useless. The dwarves used this moment to attack. They withdrew hatchets from behind them and charged forward. The eldest swung at Jacob, narrowly missing his leg. Serwa tossed the useless sword at her attacker and hurled him ten feet back with a blast of energy.
Sarah looked at the stout man before her. “We don’t have to fight,” she said.
“Yes, we do.” He tossed himself at her and placed a blade to her throat. Serwa ran to Sarah’s side. Solar cried out, and the witch tossed her head back to look at her. The dragon was restrained by layers of rock placed across her body. She tried to stand, but the rocky prison only grew tighter.
“I can’t breathe,” Solar whispered as her body was pushed inward.
“Witches,” Serwa hissed. She raised her hands and began to remove the ground holding down Solar.
Two women in hoods rode up on horseback on either side of Serwa. While she tried to remove the slabs of earth, her wrists were restrained by whips.
“Submit,” one woman ordered.
“Go to the underworld,” Serwa retorted. The whips glowed with magic as the women encircled her.
Jacob still stood, taking a step back with every attack the elder attempted. The dwarf swung his hatchet. Jacob jumped and missed the blow. The old dwarf scoffed. “Are you going to keep running, boy?”
“If it saves me,” Jacob answered panting. The dwarf smiled. He cr
ushed his hand into the ground and roared. An arm made from the dirt reached up from behind Jacob. It grabbed his shirt and held him down making him easy prey for the elder who didn’t hesitate in moving the hatchet to his throat. “Say goodbye, boy.”
Jacob closed his eyes.
Sarah could see it all happening around her in slow motion. Serwa was tied down with the two women on horseback still surrounding her. Solar was beginning to lose consciousness as the slates encompassing her body left her with no air. Jacob was down with a blade at his throat. Sarah looked up at her own attacker. She could feel the first trickle of blood down her neck and suddenly, she remembered that feeling: the feeling of blood on her skin.
Queen Isabella held up a small-jeweled mirror in front of Sarah. She looked into the glass and saw her face reflected back covered in blood. The Queen smiled down at her with malice. Sarah screamed...
The reality set in as everything came into fast motion. Sarah’s eyes widened. She grabbed the dwarf’s hand and pushed the blade from her throat. “No,” she said. “Not again. You’re not going to make me scream!” She ripped the blade from his hands and shoved it into his shoulder. He fell off her wailing. She leapt to her feet.
“Back off!” She threw a blast of air at the elder dwarf who held Jacob down. He went flying. The dirt hand disappeared. Jacob jumped to his feet, and Sarah tossed him her dagger. “Ready,” she asked.
He smiled. “Always.” He raced over to Serwa where she was still held down by the hooded women. The women tried to pull Serwa away, but Jacob hurled himself on top of her and cut the whips.
Serwa untangled one arm and pushed him aside. “Get down,” she screamed as a blast of energy came toward her. She held out her arm and closed her eyes. The energy hit her. She cupped her hand. The energy rested in her palm, before the orb began to shrink as she absorbed it.
Jacob watched as the blast faded into strands of steam. Serwa finished untangling herself and stood. The women charged at her. She approached them directly, the scent of adrenaline thick in the air. Without hesitation, she pulled one off her horse and tossed her to the ground. The other came running. Serwa jumped on the back of the horse saddle and pushed her off before leaping to the ground and taking hold of the fallen enemy.
The Pariah Child & the Ever-Giving Stone Page 23