by Chanda Hahn
“It’s just me, Clove,” I whispered, as I set about the kitchen gathering herbs before stepping into my mother’s workroom to pilfer a white candle. When I had everything I needed, I moved to the front door and headed into the night.
It was a full moon, and I decided tonight would be a perfect night to clear my thoughts and head. Leaving my boots behind, the grass felt chill beneath my bare feet. The wind pulled at my nightdress, and my braid had come partially loose from all of my tossing and turning. I headed into the woods behind our house into a small clearing of circular stones. A fairy circle.
Sometimes we would sit out here when we were supposed to be practicing our spells, and instead we’d lay out and stare at the stars and tell stories to escape. Maeve always leaned toward the horror stories, Honor loved adventure, and I loved the princess stories.
Tonight, I was seeking a different kind of escape. One from my own mind and thoughts. Here in the fairy circle I could rest undisturbed, and maybe even practice weaving a sleeping spell on myself.
I snapped my fingers and the enchanted candle lit, creating a circle of light to chase away the shadows and fears. The lavender and mint I crumbled together and sprinkled on the ground before curling up in the velvet like grass. For fairy circles were made of magic, and they were very pleasing to sleep or dance barefoot in. Looking around, I placed the ward crystal near my head. It didn’t flicker in warning, signaling there was no danger to me.
Mother didn’t approve of me sleeping outside under the stars, but here is where it was quietest. Away from the constant roaming thoughts of a house full of women. Where the only thoughts that plagued me were my own.
With the tip of my finger, I traced a symbol in the air for sleep and wove a simple sleeping spell over myself. The symbol glowed, rose into the air and burst, releasing a golden net of sparkles that fell like dust over my body. It coated my hair and nose, and as I breathed it in, I felt drowsy. It wasn’t safe to do in the confines of the tower where a stray wind could cause my spell to drift and affect my sisters. My eyes grew heavy, and I yawned, sprawling out on the ground, tucking my hands under my head. The white prickly branches of trees seemed to reach for me, the moon grew to the size of the sky as the night became muffled and I fell asleep.
Chapter Six
The steady bobbing rhythm jarred my fuzzy head. I blinked and sunlight pierced my eyes. I shuddered at the pain and quickly closed them. A hardness pressed against my cheek and I tried to search with my senses. I was moving on a horse and cradled in the arms of someone. Against the pain, I tried to spy through lowered lashes and saw only the golden crest on the leather armor.
As we passed under the shade of a group of trees, I opened my eyes fully and tried to speak, but choked on the cloth in my mouth.
“Mmmff,” I growled angrily through the gag.
The sun cast my captor into shadow. He used the reins to spur the horse faster. I cried out as the change in speed jarred me, and thought for sure that I would plummet to the ground to my death. His left arm tightened around my waist.
“Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall.” You’re too important.
Without thinking, it became fight or flight. I kicked up with my leg and struck the hand holding the reins, forcing all of my weight on the one arm, and flung myself backwards off of the horse, bringing my kidnapper with me.
“Whoa!” he cried, as he wrapped his body around me as we crashed into the earth.
Pain radiated outward from my hip, light flashed in my eyes, and I looked up as the probably stolen horse took off running through the woods. Using my bound hands, I pulled the gag from my mouth and quickly worked at the knots around my wrists with my teeth until I was free. I turned to run, but glanced at my captor and froze. I recognized him.
It was Liam, and he wasn’t moving.
I should run as far as I could away from him, but something told me not to. I couldn’t leave him alone in the woods—injured. Slowly, I made my way back to Liam and pushed against his chest with my foot. He groaned, and I saw blood pool in the grass.
I cursed. My foolishness had probably reopened the stitches. Feeling a sense of obligation, I stayed by his side and waited for him to wake up. Thankfully, his thoughts were silent.
A candle mark passed before Liam stirred. He groaned and sat up. I moved a safe distance away and watched him warily. Liam brought his hand up and wiped the dirt away from his face. He reached for his side and he sucked in his breath in pain.
He scanned the woods with those alert eyes and met my angry ones. His gaze quickly shied away. Feeling a cool breeze against my skin, I glanced down and let out a cry as I ducked into some bushes. I was in my very sheer nightdress.
“How dare you kidnap me,” I yelled, huddled behind the bushes, crossing my arms over my chest. I realized mud covered my feet, and my hair was a tangled mess from riding on a horse.
“I’m sorry, but you left me no choice.” Liam groaned.
“I demand that you take me home.”
I heard the clearing of a throat and looked up as Liam stood over me, his red cloak in his hands. I should have heard the scuffle of his boots on gravel as he was coming near, or heard his thoughts. How was it he was silent? How could a man not be thinking anything when standing next to a near-naked woman?
“Here.” He stared at an old ash tree, and when I wouldn’t take the cloak, he dropped it on my head and turned to give me his back.
“This doesn’t make up for what you did,” I grumbled, wrapping the warm cloak around my shoulders. It smelled faintly of leather and oil from his armor, a not unpleasant smell. “You can turn around now.”
He sighed and rubbed his brow. “I’m sorry, for it goes against everything I stand for, but you gave me the idea yourself.”
“I did not,” I said heatedly.
His eyes narrowed. “You did. You all but said your mother refuses to help my kingdom, but you wished you could aid me. So, I took you up on your word.”
“In no way or language does that mean kidnap me. And how did you get past our wards?”
“What wards?”
“The wards on our land that warn of imposing threats.”
“I guess there’s your answer.”
“What?”
“I pose no threat to you, or the wards would have gone off.”
Liam was right. The crystal ward by my head should have alerted me. Maybe it was defective because none of our guardians were stirred from their slumber. “But still, you will be sorry when my mother finds out that you’ve kidnapped me.”
“Borrowed.” He grinned, dusting his hands off. “I fully intend to return you, after you help me.”
I looked around at the forest and at my bare feet, then over to Liam. His side was still bleeding, and I was worried because it seemed to be on the opposite side of the injury we tended. It was a fresh wound. But other than the sword on his hip, the leather armor he was wearing, and his money pouch, he didn’t have any belongings and our horse was long gone. I glanced up at the sun that was disappearing behind dark clouds and estimated it was a few candle marks past noon. We could have traveled quite a long distance if we left in the middle of the night. We could be halfway to Candor by now, too far for me to make it back home by foot.
I grimaced. “So, um. Who’s going to save us now?”
Liam took stock of our own situation. “It’s fine. All we have to do is keep heading that way.” He pointed and grinned.
“North,” I repeated dumbly. The air became colder, and the wind picked up, blowing at the hem of my dress.
“Toward Rya,” he said.
I sighed and looked back the way we came, toward home.
Liam saw my hesitation, and he came and kneeled in front of me. His fist pressed over his heart.
“I don’t say please. Ever. But I’m begging you. Please help me in saving my home from the blight that has afflicted the land.” A flash of white appeared in my mind, signaling honesty.
Liam sounded so noble, so
pure in his trust and commitment, and he said exactly what he was thinking. That it made it easy to put my trust in him. But on the other hand, if my mother found out, she would kill me.
I sighed. “Okay.”
Liam blinked and seemed surprised at my answer. “Really?”
“Yes,” I groaned. “But if I come home cursed or dead, I will come back and haunt you.”
Liam came to me and bowed. “You won’t regret this.”
A sudden clash of thunder made me jump in surprise. The downfall of rain that came pouring down after had me scrambling for the nearest outcropping of trees.
I glared at him, the rain dripping from my hair and down my neck. I shivered from the chill. “I already do.”
Chapter Seven
We traveled through the woods, my barefooted pace slower than Liam’s. Each time I stepped on a twig I muffled my cry to hide my pain. There was nothing to be done. I was the one that had scared off our horse. I had Liam’s cloak, so at least I was drier than him. He walked with his head held high against the pouring rain that showed no sign of stopping.
We hadn’t crossed another person, path, or trail, and I had all but given up on ever being warm again. Then we came to a river, and I balked at crossing. With the onslaught of the rain, the current had picked up speed, and it was impossible to tell how deep it really was. I scanned the banks, looking for a footbridge or shallower area to cross.
Liam went to the water’s edge and turned to face me, his hands extended.
“Allow me.” He smiled reassuringly. It’s my duty to help her. Nothing more.
His thoughts caught me by surprise. He had been so silent that I thought maybe he was broken. But it was the seriousness of his thoughts that irked me.
“No,” I snapped. “I can do it myself.” I gathered my nightdress and lifted it above my knees, exposing my soft pale skin. My cheeks warmed in embarrassment, but it was this or allow him to carry me across the river.
No, this was an acceptable alternative.
The rain still pelted my face as I stepped into the water. The cold water stung my feet, but the pain ebbed as the water soothed the cuts on my soles. I took a few tentative steps and was fairly certain the water wouldn’t reach higher than my knees. Liam didn’t take off his boots but waded into the water with me.
Each step I took with a purpose, testing the rocks beneath me for stability, but I slipped on moss and almost went down. I flung out my arms to balance myself and my nightdress dropped into the water. I gritted my teeth in frustration.
“Stupid,” I muttered. Liam’s hand reached for mine and I swatted it away. “I got it.” As I continued, I took a step. The river deepened unexpectedly, I lost my balance and slipped under the water. A biting cold slapped my face as water surged into my nose and mouth. I came up sputtering. I stretched, my feet found purchase on the riverbed and I stood, the water reaching my chest.
I pushed my hair out of my face and without warning. Liam scooped me up in his arms. He carried me the rest of the way across the river and up the embankment.
My teeth chattered loudly as I pressed against his chest. “You can put me down. I can walk.”
“No.” His jaw muscle tensed, showing his irritation.
“I insist,” I said.
“Then I will have to deny your request.” She’s too slow. We need to find shelter before we get sick.
I had another retort coming, but it fell on my lips. I hung my head in shame. It wasn’t my fault I didn’t have shoes or proper attire. But I wasn’t purposely holding him back. I went limp and decided to let him carry me. I would just think of him like a pack mule.
A stubborn pack mule.
I held back a wry smile and shivered. The cloak, fully soaked with water, didn’t help me stay warm. We walked for a while, and I was trying to hold back my shivering.
I need to find shelter soon.
As exhausted as I was, Liam was right. I closed my eyes and listened to the surrounding animals. All of them curled up for the night, safe from the storm.
“Up ahead, to the left of the evergreen tree,” I whispered. “There’s a small cave where we can take refuge.”
“How do you know this?”
“I just do,” I said irritably, and I was never the irritable one. When we made it to the shelter, he put me down. My feet almost gave out from under me as the pins and needles raced back, bringing feeling. The cuts scraped anew. I limped forward, my hands reaching out into the darkness.
“Wait. What if there are animals in there?” Liam unsheathed his sword.
“There’s not.” I made my way in and sat down, out of the wind, curling my knees up to my chest, the cloak gathering around me like a red cocoon. He followed me as his eyes adjusted and saw that it was fifteen feet deep but a little more than ten feet across.
“You are one of the most reckless women I’ve ever met,” Liam chastised when nothing appeared to eat me. He sheathed his sword and headed toward the back to explore. I sighed and pressed my forehead to my knees and concentrated on trying to not freeze to death.
A clatter of wood dropped in front of me, and I jumped. Liam had found enough dry material in the cave to make a fire, but he reached for his pack and groaned. “My flint and steel were in the horse’s saddlebags.”
“Stand back,” I said.
He didn’t move, but leaned back on his heels and searched the cave. “Maybe I can find a piece of flint in here.”
“I got it.” Still, he didn’t hear me. “Okay, if you go up in flames, not my problem.”
I reached out my hand toward the kindling under the logs.
“Fiergo.”
The kindling burst into flames, Liam fell backwards with a yelp. “You could have warned me,” he cried.
“I did,” I said smugly, taking off his cloak. I spread it out so it would dry faster. Then I move closer to the fire, so it would dry my nightdress that was now plastered to every curve of my body.
She’s nothing but skin and bones.
I sucked in a breath. My lips pinched together in anger and I turned to give him my back. There’s no way I would let his comments affect me. Oh stars. They did. I could feel the pain of rejection hit me and I wiped at the corner of my eyes as tears threatened to spill forth. I didn’t have experience with men, other than Lorn and the lecherous men of the village. Liam was the only normal person I’ve met, and his opinions of me were hurtful.
I heard the rustle of rocks and dirt as he settled in close to the fire. The slap of buckles being undone echoed, and I knew he was removing his sword and boots.
“How did you do that with the fire?” he asked.
“Magic. You kidnapped a sorceress, after all.”
“I just didn’t expect you to summon fire.”
“I can’t,” I said stiffly. “That’s about the limit of my power over fire. It’s not my natural affinity.”
“There are affinities?”
The fire cast an orange glow that danced across the cave wall. Absently, I traced my finger along the shadows as I explained. “There are many kinds of magic. Farmers are strong in earth magic; blacksmiths have an affinity for fire. But most people are not strong enough to sense magic or control it. I was tested at a young age by Lorn and given my course of study. Lighting a fire is a basic spell, even most fae can do it. I can light a candle, lanterns and start small fires, but calling down a firestorm is beyond my training or abilities.”
“What can you do?” he asked. I heard the worry in his voice. “I saw what you did to the man in the village. What kind of magic was that?” Maybe I made a mistake, and she isn’t strong enough to help me.
I gritted my teeth, and I glared over my shoulder at him. “You saw it. I can light a fire.”
Oh heaven, I’m in trouble. I should take her back now. She will not be able to help me at all. My troops are a week’s ride away still, but to take her back would delay my quest even more.
“Shut up,” I snapped, squeezing my eyes closed.
“I didn’t say anything,” Liam said in confusion.
I covered my mouth when I realized I spoke in reaction to his thoughts. “Sorry, I was talking to myself.”
What an odd girl.
I pressed my forehead to the cave wall and wanted to disappear through it. The cold stone felt comforting against the embarrassment flaming my skin. In fact, the heat from the fire was almost becoming uncomfortable. I curled on my side, my back to the fire and Liam, ignoring the hunger pain in my belly and the sweat that pooled across my skin from the heat.
I occupied my time concentrating on the sounds of the rain outside. Slowly counting and listening to the even breaths of Liam. When they deepened, signaling he was sleeping, I rolled over and stared at his handsome face. The dying embers flickered across his skin, accentuating his dark eyelashes and the five o’clock shadow across his jaw. I wanted to reach out and brush his hair out of his eyes, but held myself in check.
This was my chance and I would not waste it. I carefully got to my feet. He was closer than I thought. Even though there was plenty of room to spread out, Liam placed himself only a foot away, which made escaping even more difficult. I wanted to take the cloak with me, but it was tangled under his feet.
With the cloak out of the question, I would just leave with what I had on me. Gathering my courage, I tiptoed to the cave entrance and woefully stared out into the rain. It meant getting wet again, but it also would make it harder for him to track me. There was no use staying when he thought so little of me.
I stepped out of the cave and turned in the direction that I thought was Rya.
I was thoroughly and truly lost. I shook my fist at the sky and declared war. If only it wasn’t raining and I could see the stars, then I could navigate my way easily. But everything looked the same. I swore I even passed the same downed trunk multiple times. And the thoughts that were coming from the forest creatures were scattered and unhelpful.