“Get in here!”
Irene slowly entered to see Sora and, in her hand, she held a book that seemed vaguely familiar. Before Irene could recover the lost memory, Sora swiftly turned to face her.
“I need you to go and retrieve some ingredients for me.” Sora spoke while shoving a piece of parchment in her face. Irene’s brows knotted in confusion. The old witch knew that the spell would not allow her to leave the cabin’s boundaries. Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat as she delighted herself with the thought that perhaps Sora was going to lift the spell. Even if it was only for a couple of hours she could be miles away by then. She tried to conceal her excitement, but Sora knew what she was thinking and gave a crooked smile. “And don’t you worry about that little ol’ spell of yours. I’ve taken care of that.”
She pulled a gold chain from her sleeve and held it out between her hands. Its long sleek surface glittered in the sunlight and Irene stood transfixed on the small trinket. Sora slung it around her neck. The chain was quite tight and uncomfortable as it rubbed unnaturally against her skin. Irene brought her hand up to trace it as her heart sank. Just what she needed-- a collar.
“That necklace will lift the spell for seven days and seven days only. If you are not back within the spell’s boundaries by that time frame, the necklace will detach on its own accord and the spell will once again be in place and we both know what that means…”
Irene clutched her hand into a fist, her face turning red with rage. How she despised the woman that stood in front of her. Every fiber of her being told her to lash out, to get revenge, but she could not bring herself to make the vengeful strike. “Here’s the map. I’ve marked where you can find most of the ingredients, but some you will have to find on your own. Fairies live deep in the forest and, unfortunately, they do not take too kindly to humans, so be careful. If, for any reason, you are unable to retrieve what I need do not bother coming back.” Sora’s eyes bore into Irene’s. “I assure you that what I would do to you would be much worse than any spell.”
Conner was in her room when she returned to retrieve her leather bag and to pack a few essentials. Having informed her furry friend of Sora’s unexpected demand, he of course willingly agreed to accompany her.
She was standing at the base of the hill she had stared at for the past sixteen years, her feet suddenly unable to move.
“Are you going?” Conner asked as Irene bit her lip. She had never once been able to cross these shallow waters before and, now that she had the chance, she couldn’t bring herself to make that first step. She closed her eyes and released a deep shaky breath.
And with one gallant leap, she was standing on the other side.
Irene stared down at her feet in shock before turning to smile at Conner who was awkwardly trying to avoid getting wet as he hopped from stone to stone. She laughed, racing into the woods with her heart pounding. She laid down enjoying the feel of the soft, green grass on her back as a content sigh escaped her lips. For a split second she had almost forgotten the cold necklace around her neck, almost forgotten she was not really free. She sat up, hearing Conner approach.
“So that’s the necklace?” his eyes dilated to examine the object around her neck and she nodded. “And it lifts the spell?” he asked.
“Only for seven days,” she answered.
She turned to ruffle through the bag that hung from the strap around her shoulder. She found what she was looking for and gently pulled the brown parchment from inside. Using her finger, she marked their location on the map.
“Looks like our first ingredient is Black Lilac.” Irene announced, looking at the list. Conner’s ears nervously twitched. “It’s found in the Valley of Alba.”
“I’ve heard disturbing things about that valley. Many people have traveled there, but no one has ever returned. Not even Sora will go there.”
Irene stood, trying to ignore Conner’s comments, but she could not ignore the fear that rose in her chest.
“Why do you suppose it’s so dangerous?” she finally asked.
“Many years ago witches and wizards would travel to the center of that valley in search of the Black Lilac that grew there. It’s a very powerful substance and used in many spells. However, the Black Lilac was nearly picked to extinction and as punishment the woodland fairies forbade any humans from ever returning to gather the rare plant again.”
“What happened to those who dared to return?”
“I don’t know, but it can’t be good. Fairies are sneaky magical creatures, and easily able to manipulate humans with their unnatural beauty.”
“You’ve seen one?”
“Fairies travel throughout the forest and even into the villages. They like to steal human ornaments and jewelry,” Conner replied.
“Why haven’t I seen any before?”
“They only reveal themselves to those they trust. They trust animals, not humans.”
Conner suddenly arched his back and released a terrifying growl.
“Something is coming and it’s big,” he hissed.
There was nowhere to hide. The scarce opening in the forest floor offered no protection from the intruder that was fast approaching. Retrieving the only weapon she could find, Irene clutched a branch tightly in her hands and dove behind a berry bush.
The intruder was close now. She could hear the snapping of twigs and the crunching of leaves as they met their demise under their purser’s weight. Finally, the creature emerged from the shadowy forest and Conner pounced, his screams and hisses filling the air. Irene then heard a deep grunt. Whoever it was, it was human and it was a man.
Fearing for her friend, Irene leapt from her hiding spot with her eyes closed and began to swing widely, coming in contact with their attacker several times.
“Stop it!”
Irene’s eyes shot open when she heard a familiar voice and she ceased her relentless assault.
“Prince Alec?” she timidly asked.
“Yes, it’s me!”
A furious scowl was plastered on his face as Conner helplessly dangled from his hand. He gave an innocent meow and Prince Alec dropped him to the ground. Irene hastily bowed, dropping the branch from her hands.
“I am so sorry, Prince Alec. Please forgive me.” The words rushed from her mouth so quickly the young royal had almost missed them. He ran his fingers through his hair and flashed a flattering smile. “Well, you’re probably wondering what I’m doing here.”
Irene wearily eyed him.“I came to talk to the witch concerning the healing potion for my father when I saw you headed into the forest. I thought asking you would be just as good as asking her, so I followed you.”
Unsure of how to react she remained motionless. The many years of isolation from any other human besides Sora had not sharpened her socializing skills. She was obviously uncomfortable and every muscle in her body was tense with anxiety. He was not only a stranger, but the son of the king.
“Well, Your Highness, I am actually on a trip to collect the items for your potion…” Her voice trailed off and the pair stood in silence.
“Well then, I will accompany you on your task. After all, you are helping my father.”
“That is not necessary, I’m sure you have more important things to attend do,” Irene quickly shot back.
“Alec,” he smiled.
“Excuse me, Your Highness?”
“Call me, Alec.”
“All right, Alec.” She forced the words from her lips with great effort. It felt so unnatural referring to the future ruler of their kingdom so casually. “As I said before, there is no need for you to come with me.”
She called for Conner and turned to continue down the path they had been traveling before Alec’s arrival. However, getting rid of the young man behind her would not be that easy. A smirk appeared on his lips and he ran after her.
“Where are you headed?” he asked as he slowed down next to her. She completely ignored his question and instead changed the subject.
“If y
ou’re looking for Sora’s cabin, it’s in the other direction.”
“I’m coming with you whether you like it or not. This land is tough terrain and you’re going to need protection.”
“I do not need your protection” she angrily spat. A voice reached her ears, but his time it was Conner.
“We should take him along, Irene. He is right, this forest is very dangerous.”
“I don’t want him along and that’s final! Besides, he’s already gone.”
Her eyes glanced in Alec’s direction to discover he was no longer in sight. Conner gave a weary look and followed Irene as she fought her way through the dense tree branches. Even though he had not known the young prince very long, he somehow knew Prince Alec was not one that would retreat so easily.
Irene wiped her brow and looked toward the sky. “Early afternoon, we need to hurry.” She said and, expecting to hear Conner reply, she halted when only silence greeted her.
“Conner?” she asked but there was not any response from her companion. “Conner, this isn’t funny. We don’t have much time.”
A light rustle in the grass caught her attention. She took a step, feeling as the weedy grass brushed against her knees. She opened her mouth to call out again, but her jaw tightly clamped shut and her eyes widened, whatever slinking around in the grass next to her was not Conner.
Irene didn’t have time to react as her feet were knocked out from underneath her. She fell onto her stomach, but quickly rolled over, squeaking as something jumped through the air and landed on her chest. It was small and human like in its appearance except for its dark green skin and piercing yellow eyes. She had seen this creature before in one of Sora’s spell books. It was a snotling. She could not remember much about the green invaders, but she did remember that they traveled in packs. She shot up ready to strike, but her arms were suddenly much heavier than she had remembered. Her head spun to the side where two other snotlings had already pounced, holding on to her arms with all their might.
She felt the green creature on her chest move, its large yellow eyes travelling from her face. Her heart stopped when she realized he was reaching for the enchanted chain around her neck. If he somehow managed to tear it from her body, she would once again be under the control of Sora’s spell. In a surge of desperation, she ripped her right arm free and thrust the monster to the ground. The snotlings scattered and Irene raced after them, hoping they would lead her to Conner.
Following the little green beasts had not been as easy as she had original thought. Their swift bodies and small frame gave them the upper hand as they maneuvered through the thick brush. She had nearly lost them when Irene heard a high pitch growl pierce the air. Bursting from behind a gigantic oak tree, Irene found the snotlings trying to drag Conner into an underground tunnel.
“Let go of him!” she screamed and five pairs of eyes all turned to stare. Irene was only a few feet away when the biggest snotling of the group leapt toward her, sharp teeth bared as it latched on to her leg.
She released a terrified yelp and enclosed her hand into a tight fist and swung, cringing as she made contact with the creature’s head. The snotling fell to the ground with a hard thud and scrambled to regain its composure. The four others reared back as if ready to strike also, but then stopped. They froze and, in one swift motion, dropped Conner to retreat back into their hiding place.
Irene rushed to Conner’s side, clutching him to her chest. Both were panting heavily and their bodies were trembling.
“Little, slimy rats...” Conner shakily mumbled trying to ease Irene’s worry.
“Why did they run away?” Irene softly asked as she stood.
“I think I can answer that question,” a voice smugly declared.
Alec stood a few yards away, his sword drawn. “That’s a lot of trouble to go through for a cat. Are you injured?” he asked.
“He’s not just a cat,” Irene’s eyes narrowed in anger, “and no I’m not hurt.”
“I hope you didn’t mind me following you. I just thought you might need some help.” Although her face did not reveal it, she was actually very relieved to see the arrogant man.
“What were those things?” Alec asked as he sheathed his sword.
“They’re snotlings, little gnome like creatures that are normally slaves or servants to other mystical creatures and, most of the time, not too bright.” Irene explained.
“Have you encountered them before?”
“No, but I’ve read about them in a book,” she answered while petting Conner, trying to calm his unruly fur.
The prince turned and began to walk away, and before she could stop herself the words had already slipped from her lips. “We’re headed to the Valley of Alba.”
Alec stopped, “Does that mean I can openly accompany you, now?”
“Might as well, you’re just going to follow me anyway.”
She hated to admit it, but she needed his help. She would not be able to complete her task and return to Sora’s cabin in time without him.
The awkward patches of silence became shorter and less frequent as the trio began to grow more accustomed to each other’s presence. She reveled in the forest’s rich greens and mysterious creatures moving around them. Somewhere above their heads a bird released its sweet melody, cascading them with an angelic song that seem to move her very soul. A light shower descended briefly and they took shelter under a weeping willow, Conner playing with the willow’s wispy vines. They did not speak, merely enjoying the quickly passing moment of peacefulness.
“Did you say you were headed to the Valley of Alba?” Alec mused as they climbed a hill covered in glimmering dew from the afternoon’s rain.
“Yes,” she remarked as she folded her map and veered slightly to the left, following the written route.
“That’s not a place for someone to travel to alone. What’s in Alba anyway?”
“Black Lilac.”
“Ah…yes, very powerful substance. I’ve heard the castle’s healers mention it several times.” Irene did not reply, so he took that as a hint to continue. “So, Irene, that is your name, right?” He was staring at her, scrutinizing every detail and when his gaze fell on her injured eye, she looked away.
“Yes,” she mumbled, lifting her face to release a content sigh as she felt the rays of the afternoon sun warm her skin.
“How long have you been an apprentice to Sora?”
Her hand twitched at his annoying question. “I am not an apprentice to Sora. I am her servant girl.”
“Have you ever thought of leaving? Maybe marrying? Why do you stay?”
“I can’t leave,” her voice was laced with annoyance and anger.
“Sure you can, you just leave.”
“No, I can’t.” Her voice was becoming louder and more aggravated with every word. Her reasons for being at Sora’s were none of his business.
“You shouldn’t be afraid-”
“I am not afraid!” she stopped in her tracks, rage radiating from her eyes.
“I apologize. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He shouted the words much louder than he was intending. It was now Irene’s turn to stare at him, the light red gracing his cheeks revealing his embarrassment. Not meaning to be so harsh, her eyes instantly softened, the topic of her current predicament was a touchy subject. He just didn’t understand. Didn’t he realize if she could escape from that ghastly woman that she would? Her heart was beginning to doubt that she would ever be free.
Her feet were growing weary, the rough leather of her boots mercilessly rubbing against her skin and several times she stopped to give her aching bones a moment of relief. She glanced at Alec to find him also feeling the effects of their hours of traveling.
“Where is your horse?” Irene asked, remembering the brown mustang he had ridden the previous day.
“Father had him confiscated to keep me from leaving the castle, but Alden helped me escape.”
“Why would your father do that?” she asked.
Apparently he believes I’m far too reckless.” He puffed out his chest to imitate his father. “A young king to be should not be scouring the country side looking for adventure. So, he tried to keep my escapades at bay by hiding my horse.”
“I’m sure he’s just worried about you.”
Alec’s laugher faded and turned away. “We should stop here for the night.”
Conner was happily purring at her feet, closing his eyes to enjoy a well-deserved rest. Irene nudged Alec’s shoulder, as he threw another log on the fire, and handed him what little she had brought to eat. Not expecting an additional mouth to feed, Irene had only packed enough to preserve her and Conner on their journey, but she was still willing to share what little she had with her new traveling companion.
They set out early the next day, the air thick with the fragrance of the newborn wildflowers. Her mind drifted to other thoughts as she struggled with her own inner emotions, deliberating on whether she should reveal her secret to Alec.
“I’m sorry about yesterday,” she whispered, fighting the wave of doubt that washed over her. “My mother…” she hesitated. She was not facing him, but she knew Alec had shifted to look down at her. She cleared her throat and tried again. “Before I was born my mother fell gravely ill. She was pregnant with me and didn’t have much money. Under the belief she could be cured, she went to Sora for help. My mother, fearing that she would die, told Sora that once she was well enough she would return with the money she owed, but it was a lie. Sora discovered my mother’s true intentions and, not one to be taken as a fool, tricked my mother into returning to the cabin. My mother never left again.”
Alec raised a brow, “What happened?”
“Once my mother had set foot on her land, Sora cast a spell, a confinement spell, to punish my mother. The spell--” Her words were lost as the ground underneath them caved in and they plummeted.
Spellbound: Book One (The Spell Series) Page 2