A Single Spark

by Tayvia Pierce

  Taliesin smiled at Ben and stepped further into the room. “Good day, Ben. It is a pleasure to meet you.” He says smoothly. “I hope you don’t mind, but the lovely Lady Carys here spoke of your injuries the other day, and was kind enough to accept my offer to ensure you were on the mend.”

  Ben sagged against the back of the couch, breaking out into a sweat and I rushed towards him, sliding my hand around his waist just before his leg buckled. He didn’t look up at me, nor to Taliesin, though he whispered to me. “The couch…” I nodded and helped him to the sofa, letting him lower himself slowly as Taliesin followed to come to a place in front of Ben. I got a stool, setting it near the couch for Taliesin to use before I moved to another couch to observe the two of them.

  Taliesin motioned with a hand before pulling his gloves off. “Why don’t you begin by removing your shirt, and we will see how they look,” he suggested, Ben giving a swift nod before slowly pulling his shirt free and setting it aside. The skin I had cauterized had gone from red mottled with black to a healthier looking pink, the black thread of his stitches standing out against Ben’s skin, still somewhat pale compared to his usual olive color.

  Taliesin’s eyes drifted over the injury on Ben’s chest, a look of compassion flickering briefly over his face as his jaw tightened, then released and the look was quickly gone. Another smile graced his lips and commented offhandedly, “You were fortunate that Lady Carys found you when she did. Your injuries run deep, but it seems she is a woman of skill.”

  Ben’s eyes flicked over to meet mine just as Taliesin’s lifted to look at Ben’s, though in seeing the patient’s eyes elsewhere, followed my guard’s gaze to mine with a curious, then thoughtful look.

  The moment he felt Taliesin’s attentions follow toward me, Ben quickly looked down to the floor in front of him once again, licking his lips in thinly veiled agitation. Taliesin’s eyes flicked back to Ben’s before his attention returned to the wound, eyes drifting to Ben’s tattoo, letting it linger there longer than necessary.

  Ben’s jaw tightened as though responding to some unspoken comment or question, though for the life of me, I couldn’t even begin to guess what was transpiring before my eyes, but I knew something was amiss.

  Taliesin rose as Ben’s head hung briefly, though as he looked over to me, seemed to find himself again and straightened his posture, The healer headed around to the rear of the couch to look at the long slash that spanned from Ben’s shoulder blade to his other side, jaw tightening with the realization of just how grievous my guard’s injuries had been. He finally offered me a slight smile as he nodded in approval.

  “I had a dog once, long ago.” He began with a conversational tone. “He was a good house dog: quiet, obedient, and loyal. He got injured more than once in defense of me, though each injury seemed to make him all the more loyal. It is strange, don’t you think? It is no small thing, finding a creature willing to give up its life for yours, and even more difficult to do to find a human so willing.” He gently gripped Ben on the shoulder, mindful of his injuries. “An excellent guard is hard to find, and it seems, Lady Carys, that you are fortunate indeed.”

  Taliesin limped around the couch, Ben’s demeanor and jaw growing more tight with every one of Taliesin’s shuffling steps until the healer stood before him once again. “It seems there is little I can do to add to what your Lady has already done for you.” He spoke to Ben, his voice low as he pulled his gloves on once again.

  Despite the gentle nature of Taliesin’s words, Ben’s jaw tightened, eyes flicking to me for only a split second before returning to the floor. This was not how I thought he would react to a simple healer, and without warning, the notion hit me. They know each other.

  My gaze moved between them, studying both of their faces intently trying to decide if that might be true. Ben’s unguarded reaction upon seeing Taliesin should have gotten my attention then, though I didn’t understand why they pretended to be strangers now. Were they friends once? Or enemies? Ben had been afraid...was Taliesin someone he had crossed long ago? For whatever reason, if they did know each other, they didn’t want me to know it.

  Taliesin smiled at Ben, then glanced in my direction, saying, “Lady Carys, your guard looks like he may pass out. Perhaps it is time for him to lie down? I would imagine he has already overexerted himself with that walking.”

  I gave him a faint smile and nodded, my eyes shifting from Taliesin to Ben. “He is stubborn that way, yes.” I responded, rising from my seat to help Ben up, though he refused, giving me a frown and shaking his head with more determination than I had expected from my tired, injured protector.

  “No. I will go myself after he leaves.” He growled lowly at me, eyes remaining fixed on Taliesin, though as the healer’s eyes lifted from adjusting his gloves and returned to Ben’s face, Ben’s gaze lowered, sliding over to the corner to linger on his weapons belt where it hung.

  Ben’s head remained lowered in deference to Taliesin as the other man straightened, standing even taller than Ben, which meant he loomed over a head taller than me. I looked from Ben up to Taliesin and returned the smile that he gave me. “You are a most capable surgeon, Lady Carys. I am impressed, and it seems he will heal well in your capable hands.” His green eyes moved from me to settle on Ben once again. “Get some rest, Ben. Perhaps we shall meet again.” He dipped his head slightly and turned to go, my own footsteps following after him.

  I exited the house, shutting the door behind me as I joined him on the front step. He was studying me when I turned to face him, appraising me for something unknown. “Thank you for allowing me to come see the extent of his injuries. You did an excellent job in putting him back together. I admit, I did not expect such skill from someone so young.”

  I shook my head, murmuring. “It was mostly luck. I spent time learning surgical techniques in my youth, though only studied formally for a short time. I’m just relieved I didn’t end up killing him instead.” I gave a slight chuckle, though the word relief was a vast understatement.

  He laughed softly and nodded. “And yet, he heals under your tender touch.” He smirked at me and I bristled slightly, feeling the weight of his implication and the rising of the heat in my face that quickly followed.

  “You make it sound like its romantic, which I assure you, it is not.” I said pointedly. “He is my guard and nothing more.” I added as though that assurance alone would be convincing enough.

  His brows lifted slightly and he flashed a knowing smile. “Have a pleasant day, Lady Carys.” He turned to limp down the stairs. “May our paths cross again soon.” He turned to give one last smile, dipping his head over his shoulder as he left.

  I watched him shuffle off, the limp he bore bringing my thoughts back to the Azkaelomin, wondering what the odds were of his two and our two being the same pair? It seemed highly unlikely, though the longer I dwelt on the probability, the more I thought it was possible. How many pairs of Azkaelomin would be in this region anyways? I nearly called Taliesin back, wanting to ask him more about his attack, but shook my head absently and returned inside.

  Ben was carefully maneuvering himself into a standing position, grimacing as pain from his injuries shot through him. He avoided my gaze with his slow shuffle towards his bed, and while I didn’t help him, I kept myself close beside him lest he fall. Suddenly his hand shot out to grip my arm, keeping himself from toppling over. His eyes were fixed on his bed, and with an exhausted sigh, finally lowered himself onto it.

  I hadn’t realized how tense he had been through Taliesin’s visit until he visibly relaxed in his cot, hunching over as much as his back wound would allow before the cauterized skin began to tug painfully. He stared at the floor, his lips slowly pressing into a tight line as his usual self-assuredness and good posture slowly returned.

  “You knew him.” I stated softly, crossing over to stand before him. “You were afraid of him. Why?” I demanded, unsettled by the tensions and emotions that I didn’t understand.

  Ben
’s head snapped up, his surprise written into his features, and he quickly and emphatically shook his head. “No.” He grunted quickly. “He...reminded me of someone I knew long ago, but this man I have not met until today.” He said quietly, grimacing and pressing a palm to his thigh, very carefully massaging the deep ache.

  His other hand drifted upwards, absently pressing against the tattoo on his chest before he asked. “My shirt, please.” I looked around the room, seeing his loose cotton shirt crumpled on the couch. I picked it up, working a bit of the soft cotton in my hands as I thought about Taliesin’s visit. Did I believe Ben when he said he didn’t know the man? Not quite, but at this point, I wasn’t sure I could make sense of anything.

  I was beginning to feel like a very small and infinitesimal part of the world around me. The world was larger than Perinthas, and the enemies of the Free Folk were in more places in the world than just Mor’aat Raan and Azkaelom. I had prided myself on my wealth of knowledge and experience in Perinthas, but as time went on, I realized how small my world had always been.

  I finally turned and crossed the room, holding his shirt out for him to take. He slid the light fabric over his arms and shoulders, pulling it carefully over his torso. Beads of sweat still clung to his brow, and the rise and fall of his chest was faster than usual. Was it from his fright or from the exertion? Either way, his need at the moment was the same. “Get some rest. I will go sit outside so you can have some quiet.” I didn’t even give him a chance to protest before I turned on my heel and headed outside, grabbing my coat on my way through the door.

  Darius was still working out by the shed, though he looked up with a smile, albeit a lesser smile than he usually wore. “Lady Carys, good afternoon.” He greeted me as he pried the lid from a crate. “I saw a man leaving a few minutes ago. Who was that? Is everything alright?” His concern was clear in his voice, his eyes searching my face for anything amiss.

  “Yes, everything is fine.” I assured him, trying to muster up a smile as I pulled my coat on, but I wasn’t so sure things were fine. There seemed to be some force that encircled our family...a storm was beginning to gather, and with no comprehension of its nature, I feared we had been caught up in something beyond us. I pulled my coat a little tighter around me as though it could provide some measure of safety from the growing shadows.

  Darius cleared his throat, pulling me from my darkening thoughts. “So...who was he?” He watched me expectantly as though eager for some interesting tidbit of gossip.

  “He was a healer that I met in town. He just came to check on Ben.” I dismissed the visit for now and looked over what he was doing. “Plenty of restocking to do this week.” I commented, changing the subject.

  He chuckled and nodded. “Aye, but I’m almost done. I like the work, you know. It isn’t difficult, but I can see why you would need the help. Miss Derryth certainly can’t do this all on her own, and the guards have their responsibilities. And more, now that Ben is injured” Darius said casually as he pulled goods out of the crate.

  He continued to chatter as he set a few cans of food into a crate meant for the kitchen. “I mean...Rhian getting abducted and held for ransom I can understand. Your family might as well wander around town with giant signs that say, ‘We’re rich’.” He flashed a grin as he joked, but he wasn’t wrong. We did stand out. “I mean...you and Rhian always look pretty, but you would stand out less if you wore normal clothes.”

  I laughed a little and gave him a good natured shrug. “I know you are probably right, but it is one thing to take the Taurovans out of Taurova, but old habits are difficult to break. I know Rhian finds trousers and coats distasteful.”

  He laughed and nodded and he worked, setting a few jars of preserves into a crate of similar containers. “No, I can’t see Rhian ever enjoying dressing like that, but plain dresses would be better. Like the ones you wear, but even plainer.” I looked down to my dress, one of the few I bought to replace the wardrobe I had sold to help pay for Rhian’s freedom. It was a far cry from the silks that I used to wear, but even by Lund standards, this dress was nice.

  “I know that I only grew up in a small village,” He continued, “But whenever Taurovans passed through, we could see them coming for miles around. They were the target for every hawker, vendor, and bandit alike, and it’s kind of the same way here, too. There are many bandits in the woods and I would just hate for your family to find trouble.” He said, sounding a little awkward all of a sudden. “More trouble…”

  “You mean like my sister getting kidnapped and held for ransom again?” I asked, trying to keep the tone light, but I suspected that was what he was referring to. Jack Redding had a very big mouth, it seemed.

  Darius frowned as he grabbed another crate, cracking open the lid. “She’s sweet. I would hate to see anything happen to her. Seems like she came through her last abduction with no shortage of luck. Might not be that way if it happened again, so it was just an observation, Lady Carys.”

  I nodded to him and gave him a faint smile. “I already feel like we are cursed somehow, or somehow we are in over our heads in some scheme, but I cannot figure out what. But...your observation is noted, and thank you, Darius.”

  He gave a compassionate smile and nodded. “I know what you mean, Lady Carys. I’m sure it will all work out just fine. You’ll see.” He flashed another grin as he picked up a crate to bring it inside.

  “I’m going to go sit on the patio while Ben sleeps a little. See you at dinner.” I returned his smile with a faint one of my own before heading down the snowy path to the pond.

  I never got there.

  CHAPTER 56

  The path seemed longer than usual through the tall grasses and shrubbery, the thin trees sprouting upwards from them like narrow fingers in a forest of bone. A faint rustle in the grass caught my attention, a flash of movement pulling my head around in search of the thing that created it. Rhian’s abduction being fresh in my mind caused my heart to drop as I saw something moving through the greenery.

  I relaxed a little as I realized it was much too small to be one of the Azkaelomin, silently chiding myself for being a weak-minded fool who saw Azkaelomin around every corner. I craned my neck as my curiosity grew, trying to glimpse the creature. Maybe it’s a fawn? The foliage is thick, and it could have gotten trapped. The grasses stilled, so I stepped carefully off the path in the direction the animal had been.

  I extended my hands to part the tall growth, but what I found was not a fawn. My brows lifted a little as I stared down in surprise. “Hello.” I said gently.

  A little boy, possibly six years old with brown hair, brown eyes, and fair skin covered in freckles cowered in the grass, He was by no means clean, those freckles actually being flecks of dirt, and was likely one of the young street rats I had seen scurrying around Lund. He looked petrified, his eyes wide as he shrank back. Perhaps Darius was right; we were targets for everyone wanting our coin.

  I couldn’t help but feel pity for the small lad, though he didn’t seem to be starving. “What’s your name?” I asked, crouching down to his level, tilting my head a little as I looked him over.

  He seemed to almost crouch lower, trying to back away like a skittish animal, though he finally stammered. “T-Tam..” I knew that name from somewhere, though I couldn’t recall the details.

  I smiled down at him hoping to put the boy at ease a little, though I was more curious as to why he was lurking in our yard. “Hello, Tam, I’m Carys. Why are you hiding out here? Are you alright?” I looked him over, and he didn’t seem to be hurt or starving.

  “I’m lookin’ fer Ben.” He said warily, eying me with suspicion, and I suddenly remembered Ben’s mention of the street rat he hired as his eyes and ears. So this is Tam. The child rose to his feet, peering through the grasses and shrubs towards the house. “He’s s’posed to come outside, but he hasn’t come out in days.” The boy added, sounding almost worried as he craned his neck.

  I let out a small sigh, understanding why
he was here now. “He was badly hurt, Tam.” I told him quietly. “He cannot come outside, but why don’t you come in and you can talk to him?” I beckoned for him to come with me, beginning to turn around.

  His little brow furrowed nearly as deeply as any adult’s, though he still held back, looking wary at the idea of coming inside with me, so I continued to talk, trying to put his mind at ease. “This is my house, and Ben is my guard.” Such as that was these days, at any rate. “Come with me.” I said, extending my hand to take his.

  “OK…” He said, brushing the dirt from his clothes with an absent swipe of his hand, looking warily at me and ignoring my hand, which I finally withdrew and motioned for him to follow me. Tam nodded and followed at a reasonable distance.

  I pushed open the door to the cottage, peering over towards Ben’s bed, fully expecting him to be asleep. He wasn’t. He was standing again, leaning heavily against the window sill that looked out over the yard. Trickles of sweat found their path down the back of his neck. He turned as the creak of the door announced our arrival, his usual neutral expression now filled with a fearful determination.