A movement in the bush rustled the dried leaves. A dark figure, hidden behind the foliage, slowly circled. Enemy or animal? She searched for some kind of weapon and found a thick limb within arm’s reach. She might deserve to be caught, but she’d not go without a fight. Pretending to sob, she watched from between her dirty fingers, hoping to find nothing more than a hapless animal. Through the undergrowth, she made out four spindly horse-like legs. Her gaze traveled up, catching a glimpse of a rider. He darted off, swift as a deer, behind a bushy pine.
Decision time. Either fight and hopefully scare them off, or run like crazy. She didn’t know where to run though and feared becoming more lost. If an enemy solider had found her, she’d at least try to inflict some pain, then run.
Breathing in as deep of a breath of bravery as she could muster, she gripped her make-shift weapon and stood, coming face-to-face with a Wildman. His dark brown hair and beard hung below his neck and was tangled with leaves and twigs. He wore no shirt and his tanned arms rippled with muscles.
Her hands went sweaty around the rough stick. To her dismay, he clutched an even bigger and wider stick.
Alyra stammered, “Who a-a-are you? I-I don’t wa-want any trouble.”
“Trouble is yours only if you cause it. Lay aside your weapon.” The man must have been riding a mule.
“Put yours down first.” She backed away a few steps, grabbed her backpack, and prepared to run.
The man entered the clearing. He wasn’t riding a mule; he was the mule. She blinked, not believing her eyes.
“What the… who… I mean.…” The trees kept her from retreating any farther. Then she remembered the boy who’d told the story about riding such a beast as the one standing before her.
“Are you one of those centaurs?” Please be friendly like the one the boy met.
“One of those, indeed.” He trotted around her, sniffing. “Explain yourself, servant of the Dark Lord. Do it quickly.” He raised his club, the length and thickness of her thigh.
Stomping her foot, she yelled, “I am not his servant! How dare you call…?”
He sniffed her hair and clothing. She swung her useless twig of a stick at his head. He darted out of the way, his movements as graceful as a gazelle.
“I smell the stench of the dark lands on you.” He circled again, but kept out of her reach. “And this is curious—the breath of a dragon has been at your back.” He snatched her weapon and hurled it into the woods before coming to stand in front of her. His gray eyes reminded her of storm clouds and his features of a man in his late twenties. His horse body was much smaller than a regular horse. She had to tilt back her head, which reached his chest, to see his stern face.
He tucked his club under a leather strap tied around his waist. “How have you encountered a dragon’s fire and yet stand here today?”
“That’s none of your business.” She took a whiff of her shirt and hair. Could he really smell Crystal’s breath on her back? She cringed, realizing she hadn’t washed since before leaving Racah. “I probably need a bath, don’t I?”
This caused the creatures mouth to flicker into a half-smile. “Indeed.” He examined her so intently she became uncomfortable. “You must be the one I am looking for. What is your name, girl-child?”
“I… uh… well?” she shifted her feet, unsure what name to give. “I was called... never mind about that. I’m not sure… but…the man at the river called me another name. And I remember being called that a long time ago. I think.” She sank back onto the ground, cradling her forehead in her hands. “I honestly don’t know.”
The centaur snorted. “I search for the human named Alyra. The Guardian told me to bring her back to the White Road. I’ve been following you, hoping you were the one. But you’ve been talking such foolishness. Have you drunk from the polluted pool?”
She nodded. “The man... that’s what he called me.” Alyra must really be her name. “Who are you?”
“I am Lotari. This is my home. We are caretakers of the woods.”
“Who was the man that sent you after me? Guardian?”
“He also goes by Issah. He is the caretaker of the White Road. He aids travelers heading to the King’s city.”
“He helps travelers?” She shook her head. “He told me he was a teacher.”
“Indeed, he teaches people about King Shaydon and Alburnium ways.”
She dug the balls of her hands into her tired eyes. “This makes no sense! I need to go back and find Jerin. No wait, he went in the opposite way…I think. Oh, I’m so confused.”
“Then you are the one I’m looking for. Come now, I’ll take you to the river. You can…er…bathe and rest. Then maybe I can help you not be confused.” He pulled at her pack until she stood.
She began to follow, but he moved quickly and disappeared into the trees. Tiredness and hunger dragged her steps. She reached into her backpack, pulled out some jerky to chew as she walked.
The centaur soon returned. “Are you not coming?”
“Yes, I’m coming.”
“Okay,” he disappeared again.
She moved as fast as her exhausted legs would carry her. Lotari needed to go slower. Running to keep up was out of the question. In a matter of a few minutes, he returned yet again, frustration etched on his tanned face.
“You traveled much faster when you were mumbling craziness to yourself.”
“I’m tired. I’m hungry, too. This is the best I can do.”
His gray eyes searched the surrounding trees. He pulled his goatee as if considering something. The woods seemed devoid of life. Hardly a beetle buzzed. Had she made so much noise they’d fled the area? She sighed, wondering how she’d avoided getting caught with all her carelessness.
Finally he said, “Very well, I will allow you to climb on my back.”
“Uhh… you mean like a horse?”
That was obviously the wrong thing to say. His gaze darkened, and he turned to face her, stomping his front hooves. “I am no pack animal! Are you so simple-minded you cannot tell the difference?”
“No! I’m not stupid! It’s…”
“You’re rudeness will result in you being left in these woods.”
She ducked her head, feeling bad over insulting the centaur. He was trying to help after all. Maybe Master was right. She certainly had a way of chasing off every last friend she came across.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I’ve… just… I’ve never ridden… oh, I’m just sorry.” Alyra stomped her foot, feeling terrible. Obviously he was a dignified and proud being. She was a big-mouthed oaf.
“Fortunate for you, Issah is the one who asked this favor of me.” He turned and ordered, “Get on and say no more, foolish human.”
She did as he said. Her hands fluttered awkwardly, unsure what to grasp to keep her balance.
“All you must do is sit still,” he explained. “I am sure-footed and will not allow you to fall off. Understand?”
“Okay.” She held her breath as he trotted along a sun-dappled trail winding between brush and fern.
Lotari moved at a swift pace, unlike the swooping, wild ride on the dragon. The trees flew by in a blur, yet she was never jarred or bounced like when riding a horse.
They’d traveled a good distance when Lotari came to a sudden stop, his long, deer-like ears twitching. His hand circled around the hilt of the club.
“What’s the matter,” Alyra feared they’d met up with enemy soldiers.
“Hush!”
She was about to protest his harshness when the foliage parted. Another centaur, umber colored like an oak tree, burst onto the narrow foot trail. He towered over Lotari, his black brows furrowed and his teeth bared. Lotari took a couple of quick steps backward.
“Get off,” he whispered. “Get off quick and go stand behind those trees.”
Did the dark beast want to fight? Was he one of Darnel’s servants? She obeyed this time without a word.
The larger one’s gray-streaked beard f
lowed nearly to his stomach. Deep lines etched across his forehead. His eyes were black and piercing like a hawk.
The elder centaur’s voice boomed, “You know better than this! We have work to do. Here I find you acting as…one of their pack animals. Again! There are seekers roaming our woods freely.”
“Wyndham, I’m only—”
The elder smacked Lotari hard against his head, sending him stumbling into a clump of fern. “Foolish youth! When are you going to learn?”
He didn’t deserve that! Alyra stepped out of her hiding place and shouted, “Leave him alone! He was just helping me get back to the river. He offered me a ride because I was too tired to keep up and we needed to travel fast. I didn’t order, he offered!”
Lotari scrambled to his hooves and stood between her and Wyndham. The older centaur glared hatefully at her. “What is this insolence?”
“Wyndham,” Lotari spoke in a calming voice. “Hear my words, please. The Guardian, Issah, asked me to find this child and take her back to the white path. We needed to make haste. I am aware of the seekers. She is the one they are in pursuit of. She escaped from the Dark One. Would you rather I ignored our Guardian and allowed this one to be caught by the very ones we are fighting against?”
Wyndham’s brows tightened over his scrutinizing glare, as he considered Lotari’s words with several grunts and humphs. He pushed the younger centaur aside and bent closer, his nostrils flaring as he took in a deep whiff. “Yes, it does have the scent of that foul land. And ... something curious.”
Alyra took a step back. “I’m going to take a bath.” If Wyndham called her it one more time....
Lotari covered a grin with his hand. “She escaped the dark one’s dragon, I suspect.”
“Not escaped from. We helped each other get away, okay? It’s a really long story. I’d rather not get into it now.” Quickly she added, “If you don’t mind.”
“You mean to tell me the dragon also …?”
Alyra nodded. “I got the magic rope off, and she flew me down the mountain. That’s it.”
Wyndham’s fierceness receded as he straightened. Even Lotari stared at her with wide-eyed wonder.
“Very well. Because this is the Guardian’s request, you may take it to the river. That will lead back to the path. You are not to take it all the way. You know we can’t risk being seen by them. I expect you back with the clan before the sun rises. Understand?” He stared hard at Lotari.
Alyra’s hands balled into tight fists as she glared back at the man-mule.
“Yes, Wyndham.” Lotari bowed, pushing her aside as he stood between them. “As you say.”
The older centaur gave a snort as if he questioned Lotari’s sincerity. He disappeared as fast as he had appeared. Lotari let out a deep breath.
“I don’t like him.” Alyra turned to Lotari who rubbed his cheek. “He hit you hard. Master used to hit me when I messed up. It would hurt so much.”
A bright red splotch appeared on the side of his face. Lotari shook his head, avoiding her eyes. “Not so hard. It doesn’t hurt. Wyndham is not like the dark one. He is our leader and my teacher. He is very wise and only wants me to learn to be careful. He does not believe we should have anything to do with humans. It’s understandable. Most hate us.” He motioned for her to climb on.
She stepped back, thinking she might better walk and try harder to keep up. “I heard a story about a boy who’d been saved in the woods by a centaur. Some of the people there didn’t have nice things to say about your kind, but he defended you. Told everyone they were wrong and should change their views.”
A smile played across Lotari’s face, as his tail began swaying. “I don’t necessarily agree with Wyndham’s view on humans.”
Alyra’s heart warmed toward this creature. “Thank you for helping me, Lot. I’m so grateful.”
His cheeks flushed, when she’d shortened his name. Yet the nickname seemed to please him.
“Climb on, Alyra, and let’s get going.”
“How far are we from the river? Maybe I’ll walk from here. I’m not as tired now.”
“We have a ways to go yet. I may not be able to take you all the way to the white path, but I can get you close. You will not be truly safe again until you are back on the King’s Highway.”
She did as he said, but something had changed between them. Lotari spoke more casually now as they traveled, without the formal mannerisms he used before. He wanted to hear all about her travels, especially how she and the dragon escaped. He often laughed, especially when she described how Jerin had tricked Bezoar when they fled Yarholm.
“Do you think my friend will be okay? We got into such a fight after drinking that bitter water. What I do remember, I really regret.”
The centaur stopped next to a raspberry bush. “I’m sure he will be fine. The Guardian will care for him, as he’s done for you. It’s hard when one leaves the path though. You are fortunate that I was nearby.”
He then went on to tell her how to know the good berries from the poisonous ones while Alyra filled her shirt with the plump dark fruit.
“It’s important to learn what you can and cannot eat while traveling.” His hooves clomped softly over the leafy ground.
By time the sun sank into the west, they came upon the sound of a rushing stream. He sat Alyra beside the shore and told her to wait until he scouted the area. Finishing off the berries, she removed her boots and let her feet dangle in the cool water.
“All is clear,” he said upon returning. “They will not come near the white path. It is repugnant to them.” He set down a few logs he’d gathered and began making a fire. “You should bathe now, before the moon shows her face. I will stay here and prepare the evening meal.”
She took her backpack and walked a short distance away until she found a private area where the river formed a shallow pool. She scrubbed her clothes first, dismayed over not being able to wash out the strawberry stains. Laying them on a bush to dry, she dove in relishing the perfect temperature that soothed her tired muscles. The soap Lydia had provided washed off the dark land’s filth, except for her servant mark, a crescent moon and stars, which would never disappear no matter how hard she rubbed.
The bruise on her temple was still tender to the touch, but the small cut had scabbed over. She cleansed that area carefully.
Once her fingers began to wrinkle, she forced herself to climb out and dress in her damp, stained clothes. At least they were no longer crusty with crushed strawberries. Perhaps the stains would keep her reminded to stay on the white road.
Feeling completely refreshed and even a bit invigorated, she brushed the tangles from her long hair, grateful to Lydia for giving her these small necessities. Lotari soon called her to eat.
To her surprise, when she returned to the campfire, Lotari had prepared a meal from a fish he’d managed to catch, and made a salad from some wild greens, roots, and onions. He’d fashioned plates out of wide pieces of bark. Beside the fish, he’d set three strawberries for each of them. “You managed all of this while I was in the river? You’re amazing!”
“Yes, I am. But you were in the river long enough for me to make two meals. Did you manage to get yourself clean, Alyra?”
She grinned, loving the sound of her real name. “It felt good. I’ve been so scared, I didn’t even think about stopping to wash.”
“You are safe now.” His voice held comfort. “The clan is watching out for you. The intruders will be tracked down and driven out of our woods. We despise them and do not welcome them in our land.”
“Your clan owns all this land?” She stuffed crispy fish into her mouth. She was so hungry.
“Own? What do you mean?”
“You know, do they belong to you? These woods?”
He chuckled, folding his spindly legs as he rested against a tree. His tail swished back and forth. “Such silly talk you make, child. We are simply caretakers. How can you own something that has been here long before you came and will remain long af
ter you leave?”
Alyra bit into a wild radish, thinking about the logic of what he said. “I see your point. It is crazy. But people fight over land all the time. Where I came from anyway.”
Lotari scowled. “You mean that filthy black thief? Greedy beast. He lies and causes trouble between the races. I despise him!”
“Yeah, me too.” Alyra sighed, plucking the last bit of flaky meat from her fish.
He took her empty plate and tossed it into the fire along with his. “In the morning, you only need to follow the river a short distance to the path.”
“Do you think the Guardian will be there? Or Jerin? I hope he waits for me, though I can’t blame him if he doesn’t.” Jerin was right, if she didn’t get over her prissy, castle-brat attitude, she’d never see this journey to the end. The thought of continuing alone pierced her heart like a thorn.
“If he has not, do not wait or go looking for him. You must continue on until you reach the town of Many Rivers. Once he finds the white road again, you will eventually be reunited.” Lotari stood and went to the river to wash his knife. “I see much good in you. The dark one might have taken your memories, but he wasn’t able to break your heart, and that is saying much. Not many make it this far from the dark lands, Alyra, not many at all.”
Alyra smiled, encouraged by his words. She wanted to believe she wasn’t such a terrible person. “I had to find a way to escape or die trying.”
“He said you were brave.” Lotari sighed. “And determined.”
“Who?”
“Issah. When he warned me to be careful about how I approached you.”
Chapter 15
Alyra woke to the sun shining bright in her face. Lotari had left, just as he’d said, but next to the dying fire sat a bark plate piled with some flat biscuits and about a handful of raspberries. Extra cakes were wrapped in broad leaves and secured with vine. She assumed they were to take with her. She smiled, despite the overwhelming sense of loneliness clouding the beautiful, clear morning.
The grainy bread tasted sweet with bits of fruit and nuts which made them filling. Lotari promised to sneak away when possible and visit her along the trail. She already liked the goodhearted centaur and wondered if she might be able to talk him into going to Aloblase with her.
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