Illuminated

by Jackie Castle

  He chuckled. “Doubt that.” He tightened his hug on her shoulder. “Tell me what happened. Talking about your life there will be a step forward in the healing process. Trust me.”

  If she trusted anyone, it was the centaur. And Marya.

  “I had a friend in Racah. His name is… was…. Tarek. His family had been taken as slaves when his town was destroyed. He always thought they were better off in Racah. He said they were starving in the town. Working as a slave in the kitchens was paradise to him. I never understood him, and he never understood me. He thought I was crazy to turn up my nose at the finery I was living in.”

  Lot nodded. “If I put my hooves in his shoes, despite not being a good fit, I think I’d understand the allure of the grand castle. Especially when one has lived with starvation and need.”

  Alyra told the centaur how irritated she’d get with Tarek and how irritated he’d get with her. “Yet, he helped me escape from Racah. He knew Master, uh, I mean, Darnel was going to marry me off to one of his governors. A half-troll.”

  “Ew.” Lot’s nose wrinkled. “The smell.”

  “Exactly.” She left out the part where Tarek kissed her, but told everything else about how he found her in Many Rivers and released her, then saved her from drowning in the river.

  “A gold-headed lad, correct?” Lotari’s brows scrunched in thought. “I was about to shoot him with my bow fearing his uniform and what he’d do if he caught you. But Issah stopped me. I lost track of you both as you went around the bend. Issah told me to meet him downstream where my clan was gathered.”

  Alyra stared at the brown mound. “Lot, I’m afraid.…”

  “Oh, sweetheart. You can’t know for sure.”

  “I’m more worried what might have happened to him if he did live. Bezoar has to know he let me escape. What if—”

  “Stop, you can’t speculate.”

  Yet, speculation was all she had to go on. What was worse, she was sure her feelings for him matched what he said he felt for her.

  Chapter 22

  Alyra scrubbed at the iron pot, trying to break loose the crust of whatever concoction Marya cooked the night before. The potion might be for anything from getting rid of warts to making hair grow longer and fuller. Though, the few people she knew who had taken that tonic now grew thicker hair over their arms and feet, too.

  Even Marya admitted she was still a student in her own way, constantly learning.

  Jerin sat at the table surrounded by books from Many Rivers and maps he’d started constructing during his convalescence. Marya had given him a room in the barn, though several people in town offered to let him stay with them. For some reason, Marya insisted he still needed her healing touch, despite his ability to get around fine with a crutch. When Alyra questioned this, the healer said not all wounds were visible.

  In a way, Alyra was glad to have Jerin back. Since their talk in the hospital, they’d gotten along better, and she was as fond of the big oaf as she was of Marya and Lotari. Too bad Lot and Jerin couldn’t see each other in the same way.

  She glanced out the window, expecting Lot to show up any moment now for their daily lesson. Golden brown leaves mixed with the green summer foliage, as the days grew increasingly shorter. Just as her time in Many Rivers. Soon, she’d need to move on. Alyra scrubbed harder, determined to not give up on the crusty pot, loving the calming effect of mundane activity.

  The wind kicked up a cluster of leaves and sent them dancing and somersaulting across the back yard. Still no Lotari.

  A slender hand rested on her shoulder. “Are you thinking about your forest friend, dear heart? I see you staring out of my window.” Her arm slid around her waist as the older woman pressed her cheek against Alyra’s.

  Would having a mother feel like this? Or at least, having someone who actually loved you? The familiar pang returned to her chest.

  “I’ve been thinking, my dearest, that the biggest obstacle to continuing on your way is leaving behind those you’ve grown fond of. Am I right?”

  Alyra scrubbed with more vigor. “Yes, I’m going to miss everyone. Especially you and Lot.” She let out a long breath. “I know this is his home, but his clan doesn’t seem very nice to him sometimes. Though, I’m glad he hasn’t had any bruises lately. I’d ask him to come. Except it might be worse for him out there. I’ve seen that people don’t think very highly of his kind.”

  She shot an angry glance over her shoulder at Jerin.

  He looked up from his stacks of books. “What?”

  “Nothing,” Alyra snapped. “Are you going to eat everything on the table or are you finished?”

  The oak chair scraped against the floor as he scooted away from the table, collecting his dishes.

  Marya turned to him with her big, motherly smile. “We were just discussing how hard it will be for Alyra to say good-bye to her friend the centaur.”

  Jerin rolled his eyes, but said nothing.

  He still avoided Lotari, along with the other creatures that lived in Many Rivers. Even Elder Wain, though the dwarf didn’t seem to take offense. When patients showed up needing medical treatment, Jerin assisted Marya, so long as they were human, or even animal. But he gave a wide berth to the creatures.

  Marya had tried reasoning with him. Alyra told him all her experiences with Lotari and Crystal. He’d simply reply, “If you saw what those monsters could do to a town, then you’d understand. They aren’t natural. And who can tell which ones are nice and which are not by looking at them? Better to just leave the whole lot alone.”

  “You can’t tell about people either, until you get to know them.” Alyra had shot back angrily.

  “After your encounter with the Okbold, one would think you’d show more sense about who you trusted.”

  “You’re never going to let that go, are you?” she stormed. “Even bad can turn to good, Jerin.”

  “I have my reasons!” He was relentless, so eventually, they both let the subject go.

  “Sometimes,” Marya told Alyra, “we must learn from experience, not from what we are told.”

  Marya let his aversion to creatures drop. She no longer tried to convince him to change his mind but instead accepted his views as a part of who he was. Alyra lacked the healer’s patience. Jerin’s attitude toward creatures irritated her beyond reason.

  Gathering his dishes, Marya kept her gaze on the large youth. “Good friends are hard to find and should be cherished. One can never have too many friends.”

  “I suppose you are right as usual, Marya.” He planted a kiss on the top of her head. “I’m going out to water the garden. You want me to bring in the ripe vegetables?”

  “Yes, you big lump of sugar.” As usual, her pet names brought deep shade of red to his pale cheeks.

  There was nothing Jerin wouldn’t do for her though. Alyra knew the big oaf also adored the healer and her mothering ways.

  “I was thinking he was a lump for sure,” Alyra smirked. “But I wouldn’t call it sugar.”

  Marya popped the dishtowel at her.

  * * * *

  Lotari’s hooves clomped over the white cobblestone road that wove into the valley below Many Rivers. He insisted Alyra ride, and kept his bow in his hand as they traveled. She wondered at the way his muscles along his back and arm remained tensed, as if ready to spring into action. His long ears twitched with every sound.

  “Where are we going today, Lot?”

  He breathed in deeply, answering as he exhaled. “The apple orchard. The boy, Beave,” he stopped again, sniffing the air, before he continued. “His family invited me to stop by. I know you’ve wanted to visit the valley, too. We can’t explore today. I must get back to my clan before nightfall.”

  “What’s going on?”

  They made the last turn on the narrow, winding path, and entered the plush, green basin. Everything smelled earthy, damp, and sweet with the fresh-cut sent of hay. Harvest was underway. The land spread wide with golden wheat, red-topped corn and trees filled with
apples, pears and nuts, all in the process of being gathered into the storehouses.

  “Nothing. Wyndham wants everyone in before nightfall. That’s all.”

  She knew from his tone of voice that he kept something from her, but didn’t press. Not yet anyway.

  As they neared the orchard, the scent of apples stewing over a large fire set her stomach growling. The family was already preparing their famous cider.

  Beave ran out to meet them first, dragging both of them by the hand toward the storage barns.

  “Mom’s made tarts, pies, applesauce... I’m all appled out.”

  Alyra laughed. The moment they entered the back yard, the whole family swarmed around them. The men took Lotari off into the orchard to help collect apples. Alyra stayed with the children and women, helping them core, peel and cook. The time there went by like a sweet dream. Her heart ached to find a place like this to settle down in.

  I could be happy here. I could. I’m safe here. Everyone says so. Why go on? Yet the medallions felt cold against her chest. Issah said she had a family of her own, in Belluvita. Would they be farmers or builders? Would they be good-hearted and happy like those here in Many Rivers? Would she someday sit with her father, and brother and … mother? Cook, laugh, and work together?

  By the time they left, Lot’s back was weighed down with large sacks of apples. Alyra also had a bag filled with tarts and jars of sauces, along with a couple of bottles of cider.

  He followed a different path that led through dense woods, then up a steep incline beneath one of the many waterfalls. She had to walk now because of his burden, but the kindness the family wished to extend to the centaur clan was worth her sore feet. Lotari walked in silence with a small smile fluffing his beard.

  “What are you thinking about?” she asked.

  For a moment he didn’t answer, then finally shrugged. “I’m thinking how the little ones will love these apples. The elders will refuse them, of course. They are so set in their ways. But the colts, they’ll go crazy when they see what I’ve brought. The wild apples we collect aren’t as sweet or large.”

  “I love everyone here, Lot. They’re so... good. Almost too good.”

  He laughed. “Well, you’ve not been in town near enough, or you’d realize they are just as prone to mischief as anyone else. Mr. Tom, the market manager, is known for keeping the best ciders and ales stored in the Hall’s cellar. For ‘special occasions’ he said one day when I caught him leaving the storage room.

  “Mayor Tember talks too much when he’s found the ale stash and helped himself to a few bottles. Elder Wain has a special key, dwarf made of course, that opens all the secret places, so he is the one who helps the mayor break into the secret cellar. Miss Waddlesore, the innkeeper, is the worst gossip. Oh, and she has a terrible crush on Elder Wain.”

  Alyra laughed so hard she snorted, which caused the centaur to laugh until he neighed. Both were near convulsion when Lotari stopped short, his long ears perked. His hand went over Alyra’s mouth.

  “Hush.”

  She froze, trying hard to hear what his keen hearing picked up. Eventually, the pounding of hooves came to her, though far in the distance. Lotari was sniffing the air again.

  “Tell me that’s your clan running through the woods,” she whispered.

  His ears jerked. “No, riders. Not sure who though. They are too far away to catch their scent.” He grasped her hand in his and started walking again, his pace quicker. “Let’s return to Marya’s where you’ll be safe.”

  “I’m safe here, aren’t I? We’re on a path.”

  His brows pinched over his worried eyes, as if he wasn’t sure how much to tell her.

  “Lot, you’ve always been honest with me. Am I in danger?”

  “There is still a war going on, child. The dark ruler still seeks to destroy any good that prospers. Many Rivers has survived because they are protected. You saw the Logorian warriors. Not all settlements enjoy such privileges. Those townships fall, the people enslaved, the buildings and homes destroyed.” His gaze grew distant and his voice sad. “We had noticed an increase in black soldiers even before you showed up. Burning and stealing. Wyndham says the humans can take care of their towns but we are responsible for the woods. And our clan. You know the Dark Lord uses centaurs in his army. I’m sure your friend Jerin has seen firsthand how ruthlessly we can fight when prodded.”

  A nervous lump grew in Alyra’s throat. “Is that why he doesn’t like you?”

  Lotari’s face broke into a sly smile. “I don’t take his attitude personally, child. I’m sure we are just one of many on his hate-list.”

  Alyra shook her head. “I’ve tried reasoning with him. So has Marya.”

  “Don’t worry. By time he gets to Aloblase, he’ll have to come to terms with his issues one way or another.”

  The path widened and the woods thinned. In the west, the sky had turned a peach and lavender color. Lotari let out a long breath. “To answer your original question, yes, you are safe to a degree. The enemy can return and probably will. Those who come into this land, build here, they know this. Yet, they are willing to take the risk.”

  Alyra shifted the burlap bag to her other shoulder. “Lot, you once told me about a prophesy. Even some of General Marcel’s warriors mentioned it. Something about a light coming out of the darkness?”

  His voice grew low, and he focused his gaze far in the distance. “I remember.”

  She placed her hand on his arm, but he still wouldn’t meet her eyes. “Repeat it to me. Please?”

  Lotari’s tanned chest rose with the deep breath he took before saying,

  “A light will come out of the dark,

  When the lion frolics with the lamb.

  A Kingdom will find its mark

  When a child leads them by the hand.”

  Alyra considered the words for a while, but could make no sense of them. A light comes out of the dark? What did that mean? “A child? I don’t understand. What do you think, Lotari?”

  He shrugged and stared down at his hooves. “I think something is happening. I hear it in the trees and in the air. The night sky cries out that change is here. I’m not sure what, or how, or even who. I just feel that it is.”

  “Wow, Lot … that’s … really … confusing. What are you talking about?”

  He chuckled, throwing his arm around her shoulder. “Never mind. You’re so human sometimes.”

  To her surprise, they entered Marya’s yard from the back. Good thing Lotari guided her, or she’d never find her own way around those clustered woods.

  The wagon was parked beside the barn. Jerin must have returned from his trip to town.

  Lotari froze. Alyra followed his line of sight to where a dwarf dressed in black armor stood on the other side of the White Road running in front of the cottage. She thought they couldn’t stand being near the glittering rocks. Yet this soldier seemed unharmed, though reluctant to cross.

  In a flash, Lotari whipped off his bow and had an arrow aimed directly at the creature’s heart.

  “Get Marya. Be quick. Tell her Talen is back.”

  Alyra ran toward the house, finding Marya and Jerin outside next to the large oven. He helped her put a platter of buns in to bake.

  “Marya, there’s an enemy dwarf beside the road.”

  Jerin laughed, shaking his head. “Impossible, kid. Has to be one of them from town.”

  “Lot called him Talon.”

  Marya rushed past, running full force for the front of the house. Alyra followed, but kept behind Jerin. Lotari remained in his same position, bow still poised.

  “Put that down,” Marya ordered.

  “Soon as he disarms himself.” Lot spoke loud enough for the dwarf to hear.

  With a curt nod, Talon unlatched the belt holding a wicked looking ax. He untied the breast plate covering his heart. The helmet slid off next, landing at his feet.

  Marya stepped onto the White Road and spoke quietly to him for some time. She pointed in
the direction of Many Rivers, then toward Aloblase.

  For a long moment, the dwarf stared up at her, eyes wide with anxiety. Slowly, they closed as his foot inched over the white rocks. When nothing happened, his bearded face lit up into a wide grin. He took another step, then another until he stood right beside her.

  Marya clapped, throwing her head back in laughter which was joined by the dwarf’s deep, rumbling chuckles that shook his small body.

  Tears welled in Alyra’s eyes. She remembered the feeling of taking the first step to freedom. The elated feeling of leaving a life of slavery behind.

  He jumped into the air with a loud whoop. Leaving all his belongings behind, he began jogging down the road, not toward the safety of town, but toward the hope that lay in the direction of Aloblase. Alyra felt as though he’d cast hooks into her chest and was pulling her heart along after him.

  Nobody moved until he disappeared around the bend. Marya gathered his gear in her arms. Jerin ran out to meet her. When she turned to him, tears streamed down the woman’s face.

  “This is why I do it. Do you all understand? This-” She held the armor up higher, “-is why the risk is worth it.”

  Pushing past the big man, she took the items back to the barn and put them into a storage closet where other wicked looking weapons and armor were kept. Nobody dared to move until Marya locked the door and went back to her garden.

  Jerin returned to the house.

  Alyra stared at the rocks glistening in the afternoon sunlight. Lotari returned the arrow, then hung the bow back over the quiver. His hand on her shoulder brought her out of her deep thoughts.

  Though her blurred vision, she looked up into the kind face of the friend she’d grown to love dearly.

  “It’s time, Lot. I’m ready to go home.”

  * * * *

  The next morning as the three of them ate breakfast in Marya’s kitchen, Alyra announced, “I’m going to leave with you, Jerin.” When they sat there in silence, staring wide-eyed at her, she quickly added, “If that’s okay with you.”