by Ben Alderson
“You’re good with plants,” I said, filling the silence.
There were plants of all shapes and colors in almost every available space. Hanging from pots and growing through walls; greens, pinks, purples and black, it was a maze of shrubbery.
“Yes, very good. Wait, does that make me sound narcissistic?” he replied, his smile overwhelming his small face.
There was no denying his beauty. His curls were kept close to his head, which framed his sculpted face. A single dimple cut into his left cheek, and his eyes burned hazel, such an intense color that it reminded me of the strongest coco bean. His skin was rich brown, untouched by scars and marks. He reminded me of Gallion.
“Not at all. Do you live by yourself?” My guess was he was our age, eighteen moons.
“No way, couldn’t hack living alone. Would end up talking the plants to death. It might not look like much, but it’s home,” Jasrov said.
It was clear from the moment Hadrian and Emaline left that he was a talker. At least he could admit it.
“Will they mind us staying?” I scanned the room again, trying to work out where we would sleep if Hadrian and Emaline decided to take him up on his offer to stay. There was not much room for the four of us, let alone where his mysterious companion slept.
“There isn’t much room for the three of us to crash here tonight.” I stumbled over my numb feet and almost went crashing, but Jasrov caught me.
His laugh sounded so much like Nyah’s. “Don’t worry about her, she doesn’t take up much room and prefers sleeping where she can see the stars.”
There was noise beyond the door, interrupting us. We both turned towards it when Emaline entered, face stern, with Hadrian behind, his eyes wide and unblinking. From the expressions on both their faces, it was clear the conversation must have been tense.
“We will stay,” Emaline stated, “but only for one night. We must leave at first light. But I insist that I prepare supper for us all. It’s my thanks for your help today. Also, by chance, do you have a map of Eldnol on hand?”
“I have no need for maps. Sorry!” Jasrov clapped his hands together. “Brilliant; I haven’t had guests in, well, I can’t remember how long.”
“Then tonight shall be a good one,” Hadrian said, not even trying to hide his sarcasm.
Jasrov seemed unbothered and didn’t notice Hadrian’s tone. Instead, he moved around the room, pulling weathered stools from hidden places and moving plant pots out of the way for us all to sit.
“I apologize for the mess; I’ve been experimenting with some new flowers recently. With the cold weather coming in from the north during this time of year, it's hard to keep certain species of plant alive.”
“You’re an Elementalist,” Emaline said, fingering a hanging plant beside the door to the hut. Jasrov quickly came over and took her hand from it.
“Is it that obvious?” he said with a smile.
“Yes,” we all said at the same time.
"Just try not to touch all the plants. Some are more dangerous than they look.”
Emaline looked back to the one she had just touched with a sour expression.
“Where is your familiar then?” Emaline asked.
It all clicked. His companion must be the familiar. Why else would he mention her choosing to sleep outside? I felt excitement spark like a cinder at seeing what his familiar turned out to be. I could only imagine.
“Hunting, maybe. To be honest with you, she could be here with us now. I’m not the best at keeping track of her; that’s her skill. I just stick with plants, she does the rest.”
I’d heard of familiars before but never seen one. Back home, I had only ever heard of one Elementalist, known by the title Weather Witch. She lived somewhere between Horith and Olderim, and news of her traveled from the younglings who traded between towns. She must have been Alorian, for only a full high elf could master such abilities. Petrer once said he saw her on the way to Gilly May, a famous market beyond our town. He was convinced she walked around with a ferret wrapped around her neck like a breathing scarf.
"Speaking of hunting, I am going out." Emaline moved for the door again. “Our supplies are only packed for three, so I should find some food for tonight.”
"Do you need company?" Hadrian stood up, but she waved him off.
“I said hunt, not frighten a possible catch. You have as much grace as an oversized bear. And with that blue gleam, we wouldn’t get close.”
"Point taken.” Hadrian sat back down. “Are you sure it is safe to be alone?”
"You're worried about me? Sweet, but uncalled for. I will return soon enough and have more than you did this morning," she said to Hadrian, then left abruptly.
Hadrian stared at the closing door, speechless. Jasrov was smiling, not sensing the tension.
“I should go. We shouldn’t separate,” I said. “I could do with a hunt. I haven’t flexed my skill for weeks.” I stumbled over my numb foot as I spoke. Jasrov helped me over to the bed and sat me down.
“You are not going anywhere,” Jasrov said. His hands were speckled with callouses and his nails embedded with dirt. I noticed the rough brush as he sat me down.
"About my first question, what exactly are you doing in these parts? With griffins and full packs. More weapons than I have seen since Lilioira. It looks like you all mean business, whatever that is.”
“Could you fix us a drink before we start?” Hadrian asked, shifting his cloak from his shoulders and placing it on the ground beside him. “My throat is as dry as your roof.”
“I have just the thing.” Jasrov smiled, scanning his eyes quickly over Hadrian’s exposed glow.
He scrambled around in his side room, and Hadrian and I shared a raised brow.
“What happened out there?” I asked.
“I got a scolding, no more than I deserved.”
I raised a single brow. “Why did you leave us? I didn’t feel you go.”
“I wanted to hunt,” he lied.
His gaze shifted, and he thumbed the hairs growing on his chin. I could have pressed on, but I didn’t. Hadrian would tell me when he is ready.
“She shouldn’t have left by herself. Who knows what other beasts lurk beyond these walls? I have never seen anything like that Mer before. Eldnol is becoming more dangerous by the day,” I said, turning the conversation on a different course.
“Emaline is the strongest person I have known since Fadine, and I still do not know her very well.”
We hadn’t known her for long, but in the past days alone it was clear just how strong both her mind and spirit were.
“Here you go,” Jasrov said as he strolled back towards us. In his hands, he held three bone cups of some kind, the contents of each steaming. “I made it myself. Consider it a mixture of sorts.”
“I don’t mean to be rude, but what's in it?” I pulled a face as the sweet scent hit my nose.
“What isn’t in it?” Jasrov laughed, which didn’t help my wariness. “Just drink it and find out.”
I looked at Hadrian, but he was already drinking. His face was screwed in anticipation, but it quickly relaxed, and he began to chug harder.
“This is incredible. It tastes like apple and pears but with something… something with a kick,” Hadrian said.
“I am glad you like it. I’ll fetch you another cup.” Jasrov jumped up, snatching the cup.
Satisfied that Hadrian was still sitting up after finishing it, I took a sip.
It first tasted of nothing, but my mouth soon exploded with a song of many tastes.
Honey exploded with spice, and there was a hint of the mint that soon followed. My stomach rumbled as the liquid dripped down my throat and warmed my body.
“What is in this?” I asked, savoring the taste. I took another sip and wash it around my cheeks, allowing it to touch every inch of my month.
“You like it?” Jasrov skipped my question.
“Very much so.”
Jasrov placed a finger to his lips and ch
uckled deeply. “It is a special drink made of boiled water and Marlow flower. It gives a different taste to each person that drinks it, or at least I hoped it did. No one else has tried it but you, so you have both confirmed that my concoction was successful.”
“Well, it is incredible. This would sell well back in Olderim. I should speak to father—” Hadrian stopped.
This face drained instantly of the happiness and excitement that had just covered it. Even Jasrov seemed to frown as if it was his fault for Hadrian’s change in mood.
“Did I say something wrong?” Jasrov questioned, his right brow raised above his burning eyes.
Hadrian seemed to be in a trance of sadness, so I answered for him.
“You wanted to know why we are here, so I will tell you.”
And I did. From the beginning, I told him of the journey to Olderim, the feast, Nasamel, Elmirr and the Druid. Jasrov listened silently, pulling faces as I moved over our story. Not once did he stop me.
As I spoke, I felt a weight being lifted from my shoulders. It was good to talk about it, even if it was a stranger who saved me from a hungry Mer.
“I’ve heard of shadowbeings.” It was the first thing Jasrov said. “It was only two days ago that Bell spotted them. I couldn’t believe it when she showed me. Now it all makes sense.”
“You saw them? Where?” I spat.
“Well, technically Bell saw them. She showed me. She was out doing whatever it is she does at night. It woke me. Images of the forest flooded my mind showing me.”
I didn’t understand.
“An Elementalist can see through the eyes of their familiar, so I assume that Bell is the name of your missing friend?” Hadrian spoke up, his face straight.
Jasrov nodded, his curls falling into his eyes. “She pulled me into her mind the moment she spotted them. I sensed her distrust like a bad taste in my mouth.”
“I need you to tell us everything.” Hadrian sat forward, empty cup still in hand and knuckles white.
“It was difficult to see details, looking through the eyes of a fox is like sticking your head beneath water and opening your eyes. But, I did see the shadows that seemed to seep from their skin. I remember that clearly. In truth, I played it off as nothing important at the time, maybe a trick of the night or my tiredness—”
“Where were they going?”
I could picture them clearly as Jasrov explained. “Somewhere north of here. Bell didn’t follow them; I wouldn’t let her. And I’m glad I didn’t, not with a druid around. I still can’t believe there is one still alive. I thought they all disappeared.”
“We all did,” I replied.
Hadrian stood up, sending the stool clattering to the ground. “We need to find Emaline now.”
The possibility of her being caught sent knives of panic cutting into my mind. I too jumped up, and Jasrov joined.
“I’m sure she is fine,” I said, trying to catch Hadrian before he reached the door.
He turned to me. “That is not a risk I am going to take. I know the pain that comes with being caught by the Druid. I can’t let her experience it.”
Hadrian pushed the door open and jogged into the evening. I turned to Jasrov, finger pointing towards him. “Stay here.”
“No, these are my woods. I’m coming,” he replied, standing straight as if that would help me believe him. “Plus, this is the most excitement I’ve had for a long time. I’m not missing out.”
It didn’t take long to track down Emaline.
Once I caught up with Hadrian, I brushed the cobwebs off my hunting skills and used them. It was clear she stepped carefully through the forest, so finding marks in the ground where she stood was nearly impossible. So, I relied on my magick. Raising a hand, I sent my awareness into the open air, searching the forest for a shift of breath. I caught something close, a slow, calm breathing hidden amongst the trees. I only hoped that was Emaline and not another beast waiting in the night.
Her face was a mixture of annoyance and surprise as I called up to her. She was perched in a tree, bow raised in the direction of the darkness.
Then a rush of hooves that pounded off into the night, and she turned our way with a thunderous expression.
“You scared it away!” she roared from the branch above us. I could see her lips move as she mumbled insults beneath her breath.
“We need to stick together. Jasrov told us of Druid sympathizers that have been spotted close by.” Hadrian cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted back at her.
“Says the boy who disappeared this morning and left us as breakfast for the Mer,” she replied.
“Save your energy,” I interrupted before Hadrian could respond. “We should really go and rest. If there are sympathizers near, we should leave before they catch our scent.”
“And I have some food back home you can have before we leave tomorrow,” Jasrov said.
“You will not be coming tomorrow,” Hadrian replied, shaking his head. “There is not a chance.”
“I know the forests around here better than anyone, and with Bell, I could watch out for trouble. I’m surprised you’re not jumping at the chance of having me along!” Jasrov stood proudly and even hit his foot on the ground in protest. “And shouldn’t a Prince deserve as much protection from these beasts as possible?”
That took Hadrian by surprise; even Emaline’s cheeks went red.
“I can assure you, forest boy, I am capable of protecting myself.”
Jasrov shrugged. “Sure you can.”
A low growl sounded behind us. We all turned around to locate its origins.
I scanned the darkness where the noise came from but saw nothing. Not even Hadrian’s faint glow penetrated it. Emaline flinched and raised her bow, and I raised my hands, calling for the air.
“Looks like it,” Jasrov jibbed. “Everyone, meet Bell. Bell, meet everyone,” Jasrov said just as a red fox stepped into view. It was a stunning creature, as if the flames of the autumn sun created it. Bell's eyes were pure shadow, and her fur was the hues of autumn. She crept around the base of the tree, head held low as she snarled at Emaline, Hadrian, then me.
Jasrov moved for her, kneeled and ran his hand down her neck. “These are the visitors I told you about.” There was a pause, and he seemed to respond to Bell again, although she made no sound. “Yes, you will get used to his smell.”
Hadrian made a displeased noise as Jasrov looked up at him briefly.
“We should head back,” I said. “It will be safer in Jasrov’s hut than arguing out here.”
“House,” Jasrov interjected, not looking up from his familiar. “It’s a house. Not a hut.”
I blushed. “Yes, Sorry.”
Emaline landed beside us. With a flip, she descended from the branch and hit the ground with force. “Shocking, but I am with Hadrian on this, he is not coming.”
“He is standing right here…” Jasrov said.
Someone’s stomach growled, which made Bell jump. Emaline held her hand to her waist and rubbed in circles.
“Come on. You should eat. It gives me more time to persuade you that I am coming along tomorrow,” Jasrov said as he walked past us with Bell at his heel.
IT TURNED OUT Jasrov, although used to being alone with his familiar, was exceptionally good at the art of persuasion. It was that, or Hadrian had had enough of listening to his pleas. By the time we drifted to sleep on the dusted floor of the hut and woke to the calls of birds in the surrounding forest, Jasrov was ready and waiting at the door with a sack hanging from his shoulder. I didn’t mind new company on the flight to Thalas Temple. In fact, I almost enjoyed it. He was to help us get to the temple, and from there, we were alone. Since the map Penna had given us was destroyed during the struggle with the Mer, we were up a stream with no paddle.
We left at dawn when the mist of morning still clung to the forest bed. The skies were clear, the sun bright, but it still didn’t take away from the brisk chill in the air. It was I who had to take Jasrov with me si
nce I was the only one out of the three who welcomed Jasrov’s company.
I worried about Jerk's reaction. It was hard enough flying alone on him, but now with Jasrov and his fox, it was almost intolerable. Jasrov quickly provoked conversation during the flight, which helped pass the time. With each conversation we had and memories we shared, he reminded me more and more of Nyah. It was comforting, but it also made me realize just how hard I missed her. It had only been a day or so, and already I was pining for her sarcastic company.
“Do you think he survived?” Jasrov asked, his breath formed a cloud of mist over my shoulder.
We had moved onto the subject of Petrer and the ship, and all I felt was empty.
“If he survived, then it’s for a reason. But, for his sake, I hope we don’t see him again.” Even as I said it aloud, the wind around us seemed to plus in response to my emotion. I had tried not to think about Petrer and the evil sneer he gave me as Emaline swept me from the ship. I would see him again; I knew it.
Every slip of feeling I ever had for him had melted into the empty abyss within me. Now only hate bloomed when he was mentioned in conversation. After what he did to Browlin, his redemption was impossible.
“I bless the boy who is stupid enough to break your heart,” Jasrov sang, his gaze shifting to Hadrian, who flew ahead of us.
“What about you? Is there anyone that holds your affection?” I thought it was best diverting the conversation from me to him for once.
“Just Bell.” The fox around his neck quivered at her name. “There was one elfin girl in a town close to my house. She worked in the tavern, and she had a sweet smile. Bell nearly bit her hand off when she passed me my order. Bell is funny about who gets too close.”
“I could tell…” Even now, she seemed to keep a narrow eye on me as we flew. “I know little about familiars. When did she come into your life?”
He smiled, his eyes locked on the horizon. “Just when I needed her the most. I’ve grown up without parents for as long as I can remember. Me and my sister were sent to an orphanage in a port town beyond the city Lilioira. After two years of surviving there, she became ill. The sickness attacked her lungs until she drowned in her own blood. We tried healers and magicks, but nothing seemed to fix her. When she died, I lost all motivation for life. That was when Bell found me. I left the orphanage and walked. I walked and walked until I no longer smelled the minty scent of the city, and all I could see was the forest. Just when I was ready to join my sister, I came across Bell when she was nothing more than a kit. I could hear her whelping and followed the sound until I found her. She was hurt. I stayed up for days, trying to help heal her. And I did. I saved her life, something I failed at with my sister. It was like a bond clicked into place, and she claimed me. Never left my side since.”