by Alex Temples
Aelwen wondered how much of the blood was his own. Tristan and the men following behind were covered with black and brown smudges of dirt, as if they’d been in a scuffle.
Not seeing any serious injuries, she took a steadying breath and stepped towards them.
“How many were lost?”
Nia and Eirian ushered a handful of soldiers into council chairs, getting them settled in, before calling for healers. Tristan gratefully sunk into the supple leather chair, accepting the tonic Aelwen handed to him.
His eyes met hers briefly and then he lowered in shame.
“Twelve. Twelve men were lost. There was nothing I could do. It was as if they knew we were coming.”
His eyes were filled with confusion and she could see him replaying the attack in his head.
The room went silent. Everyone bowed their heads in quiet sorrow for those they’d lost. The door opened again. It was Nia returning with the healers.
Two women and one man carried their baskets to the table, setting up quickly, spreading herbs and tinctures across the table.
“Tristan, the fault lies with me. I should have known they’d anticipate our immediate move to find the Keepers. Did we learn anything about where they might be holding them?”
Tristan winced slightly as the healer brushed green liquid over the cut on his face. The bleeding stopped immediately. She pressed her fingers to his skin and recited a brief incantation.
Tristan’s skin began to close, the gaping cut becoming nothing more than a thin, pink line. It would fade over the next few days. Aelwen sighed with relief.
Tristan cleared his throat before answering her question.
“No, I’m not sure where they’re being kept. We didn’t have time to learn much. Their forces hit us hard the second we entered the dark forest. I have another four dozen wounded outside in the courtyard. The few men who were uninjured are collecting our dead.”
Aelwen waved her hand in Eirian’s direction and he moved to her side. She gave him instructions and he gathered his weapons from the back of the room before heading towards the doors.
“Yes, my queen. I’ll see it done immediately.” Eirian said, nodding a goodbye before exiting through the double doors.
“Eirian will see to the dead and wounded. We need to make sure we keep them off Aiden’s trail as long as possible.” She said, giving Tristan a meaningful glance.
He seemed to catch her meaning. “You’re right to be concerned. They may very have already sent someone to keep an eye on Aiden. I don’t think Gethin is running the show anymore. He was there, part of the attack.”
Aelwen sat back, surprised at the news. From their past dealings with him, she knew Gethin usually sent men to do his dirty work for him. For him to be out in the woods fighting her army was further evidence Evrei was now their leader.
Creases appeared in her forehead as she puzzled over options. Finally, a question came to her.
She placed her hand on Tristan’s forearm, looking him in the eye. “You say Gethin was there? He was fighting your men himself?”
Tristan pushed a strand of blonde hair away from his face, wincing as he brushed the still sensitive area where the healer had closed his cut.
“Yes, he is the one who cut my face.” He said, looking down, a frown on his face. “It was the strangest thing, really. He came out of the woods to my right, just as I took down one of his men... He caught me off guard, just stepped out of the woods, stunned me with dark magic, and then he stood over me. When he raised his blade and made the slash down the side of my face, I thought for sure it was the end, but he just stood there looking at me. Before he vanished, he said – Why is he protecting you?”
Aelwen froze at her son’s words, an unreadable expression clouding her face. She’d known Evrei was leading the dark army. The necklace was undeniable proof of that. But to hear that Evrei had such tight control of Gethin that he could keep him from harming Tristan, could only mean one thing. Evrei was now the de facto leader of the dark fae. Gethin had been demoted to War Chief. What in the world could Evrei have promised him to have won that type of control? The possibilities chilled her.
Chapter Seventeen
Trailhead at the Buritaca River
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The water struck me with such force it knocked me off my feet. I gasped, sucking in air before the water washed over my head, pushing me deeper. It was as if I stood under a giant facet, the force of the water beating down on me, pushing me towards the riverbed.
It snatched the ground out form under me, flipping me upside down. I strugged against the current. I was being dragged downstream. My head surfaced for a moment, and I heard the distant shouts of the group before I was submerged again. Lungs burning, I wondered if this was the end.
What would happen to Oren if I died?
I clawed at the water, struggling to get my head above water again as spots started to appear before my eyes.
Suddenly, the water around me calmed, as quickly as it had begun and I felt arms encircling me, pulling me up into the light. The cries got louder. Sam called out to me. Then everything went black.
When I came to, I found myself lying on my back on the river bank. I was lying in the shadow of an oak tree. Sam hovered nearby, wringing her hands and talking with Sergio in a hushed whisper. Catching sight of me, she leapt from the rock she’d been perched on and ran to my side.
“She’s awake!”
I cringed at the noise and began testing my limbs, wiggling first my fingers and toes, and then slowly stretching my arms and legs. I was sore all over, as if I’d just climbed a mountain.
Sam’s face appeared above me.
“We were so worried about you! How are you feeling? Are your lungs okay? What about your body? Is anything broken?” The words tumbled out as she examined me from head to toe.
“Sam. I’m fine.” I grabbed my friend’s wrist, my voice firm. “Calm down.”
She took a deep breath. “Oh, thank god. You’re being bossy. You must be okay.”
That made me laugh, which was a mistake, as the movement sent a stabbing pain through the left side of my ribcage.
“Ugh.” I grunted, clutching my side.
“What? What’s wrong?” Sam asked.
“My Ribs.” I grimaced, gently rubbing the sore spot. “They’re just a little sore. Was I out long?” I asked, changing the question before she could probe further.
She looked suspicious, but decided to answer my question. “Only about ten minutes, but it could have been so much worse, if it weren’t for Aiden.” A funny look crossed her face and I raised an eyebrow.
“What do you mean? What happened?” I asked, struggle to lift myself into a sitting position.
Sam knew better than to try and stop me, leaning down to help me sit up. She lowered her voice to a whisper before answering. “I don’t know exactly how to describe it.” She said, glancing over her shoulder at where the men stood talking.
I sensed uncertainty in her voice and tilted my head, waiting for her to come out with it.
Sam laughed, noting my inquisitive look. “Ever the scientist, aren’t you?” She smiled.
“I’m waiting.” I replied, staring back expectantly.
She crouched lower and began whispering. “There’s something very…” she paused, as if looking for the right word. “-different, about Aiden, Brin.”
“How do you mean?” I asked, my curiosity peaked. I already knew there was something strange about him and was eager to hear what had happened.
Sam glanced over her shoulder again to make sure the group wasn’t paying attention. “Well, he saved your life.”
I chuckled. “I hardly think that’s strange, though I’m very grateful to him. Where is he, anyway?” I asked, not seeing him in the group behind us.
“He disappeared with Neil after he pulled you out of the water.” Sam answered. “But it’s not the fact that he saved you that’s strange, it’s how he saved you.”
“Okay…” I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to elaborate.
Her green eyes shone as she explained. “Well, that gush of water hit you out of nowhere, and as soon as Aiden heard you cry out, he dived into the water after you. As soon as he touched the water, it stilled. It was the strangest thing I’ve ever seen.”
“That doesn’t sound that odd. Sergio mentioned the water often comes suddenly.”
Sam’s eyes were distant. “No, it was definitely strange. It’s hard to explain. You’d have to see it.” She muttered.
I heard the note of awe in my friend’s voice and wondered if the afternoon sun was getting to her. I straightened my spine. We should probably get everyone going again before someone decided it was too dangerous. Oren’s life was at stake, after all.
We rejoined the group just as Aiden and Neil reappeared. Neil looked irritated, and Aiden wouldn’t quite meet my eyes.
I waited until the others began down the path before wandering over to him.
“Thank you for saving me.” I placed a hand on his shoulder, and was surprised when he jumped.
His eyes swiveled to meet mine. “You’re welcome. It wasn’t a big deal.” His voice was gruff as he answered. I eyed him curiously.
Any further conversation was silenced as Neil came up behind us, clearing his throat purposefully.
“We’d better get moving faster if we’re going to make camp by dark.” His piercing eyes landed on me and I shuddered. “Let’s try not to have any more accidents.” He said pointedly, moving between me and Aiden as he led a donkey down the path.
I fell back with Sam, staring after the two strange men as we walked. Perhaps Sam was right and something strange was happening. I pushed the thought aside and re-focused myself on my mission. There was no time for worry. I had to save Oren. This mission had to succeed.
***
The rest of the journey to camp was uneventful.
At the next rest break I sat on a log, nursing my sore ribs.
The humidity here seeped into you. My body hummed with energy. My skin was streaked with sweat and dirt, my muscles quivered, unaccustomed to the altitude and the rigorous exercise.
I welcomed the heat, thinking it would be easier to bear if I accepted it. Relaxing into my surroundings, I gradually began to feel better. Spending all day in an air-conditioned room was one sure way to set yourself up for a world of discomfort in the outdoors. The sweat tickled my cheek as it ran down my face. I felt at peace here, surrounded by greenery.
Our water bottles were lukewarm at this point. We had no way to keep them cold. It didn’t matter anyway, because the heat and humidity left you feeling constantly thirsty. I swallowed the tepid water gratefully, taking to heart Sergio’s warning that if I ran out before we reached camp I’d be stuck with the river water they’d purified using iodine tablets from his waist pack.
Occasionally a gust of wind blew through, hitting our sweaty backs and providing a momentary felling of cool.
At night fall we arrived at our first camp, exhausted. In front of us, stretched the long bunk room Sergio had described. It looked more like a covered patio to me. Swaying hammocks hung from the ceiling, in a neat row. Walls sheltered us on two sides. The ends of the long room were open.
We each claimed a hammock and threw our bags down.
“Thank god.” Sam exclaimed, dropping her pack on the hammock next to me.
Later that night, after finishing a large meal of meat and potatoes, we sat around the campfire. The men playing poker nearby. Sam was washing herself with a bucket of water, as I had just done.
I settled into a seat near the campfire, across from one of our indigenous guides, who held out wine in a gesture of welcome.
I gratefully accepted the offer, extending my hand to take a plastic cup of liquid. The red wine was cool and sweet as it slid down my throat and I groaned appreciatively.
“Mmm, that’s good.” I smiled and nodded at the guide. He smiled back.
A low rumble of appreciation sounded behind me and I jumped.
“It’s good to see you’re feeling better.” Aiden said.
I froze in my chair, unsure of how to respond.
Aiden came around and sat in the chair next to me. “You did well today, Brin, especially given your little accident earlier.”
Finding my voice, I replied, irritated. “Did you think I wouldn’t?” My brow was raised, a subtle warning he’d better choose his words carefully.
“I wondered how well as city girl would do surrounded by the vast, raw terrain here.” He admitted, smiling at my defensiveness.
“I spent my early years camping, rafting, climbing the rockies.” I said defensively, taking another sip of wine before adding wistfully, “Part of me truly misses being surrounded by nature.”
I reminisced, thinking about the long summers Oren and I had spent outdoors amongst the trees, books spread out on a blanket over the grass, reading for hours on end. Shaking my head, I pushed away the memories. I had a different life now.
I’m a woman, not a silly little girl dreaming of fairies in the trees and trolls under bridges.
Oren was sick and I was his only hope. I needed to stay focused.
Aiden watched me carefully. He poured himself a glass of wine and leaned back in the chair, considering me as if I were a specimen under a magnifying glass.
“You could be again, you know.”
“Could be what?”
Aiden smiled.
“Surrounded by nature.” He clarified.
I glanced at him and nodded. “I’ve thought about it, but my father and brother are in New York. They’re the only family I have. It’s important to me I stay close to them.”
“I see. You know they have airplanes these days so you can visit people who live far away?” He joked.
“Yes. Of course.” I laughed. “I guess I just feel like I should be close to them. Besides, part of me likes the big city.” I admitted.
Aiden gave me a thoughtful look. We sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying the crackling campfire and the soothing smell of wood smoke.
Aiden smiled to himself, swirling the wine in his glass before taking a big gulp.
“Mmm. Spice and plum.” He murmured, staring at my lips as he leaned in. “Your lips are wine stained.”
His thumb grazed my bottom lip.
“Mmm. Very good wine.” I breathed.
His eyes were hot. “I wonder if you taste like plums.” At his suggestion, I shuddered, a flood of heat coursing through my body.
Aiden bent and pressed his lips to mine. I leaned into the kiss, opening my mouth slightly.
He tasted of plums and salt. Kissing him made something inside me sing. His hands were suddenly in my hair, pulling me closer to deepen the kiss.
“Well, what do we have here?” Sam’s voice called out from behind me.
Aiden and I jumped apart like we’d been burned.
“Just enjoying the beautiful evening.” Aiden said, cocking an eyebrow at Sam. “Are you enjoying the evening, Samantha?”
I glanced up at my friend, unsure whether to be annoyed or relieved at her sudden appearance.
Sam plopped into the chair next to me. “Yes, I just finished showering with a bucket of water and a sponge. I was a novel experience.” She grinned. “What are the two of your doing?”
“Aiden and I were just talking about how wonderful it is to be surrounded by all this nature, without the noise of the city.”
Sam gave me a knowing smile, but decided not to push the issue, nodding vigorously in agreement. “Yes, it is amazing.” She poured herself some wine, making herself at home in front of our little campfire.
I noticed she was more relaxed than usual, and wondered whether Sergio had something to do with it.
I smiled. “I do marvel at how anyone can live in the city for so long once they get a taste of this. The magic of nature, being surrounded by trees instead of concrete buildings, it’s so primal.”
Aiden considered me, a wry expression on his face.
“You say that, and yet all of humanity has flocked to cities. They’ve done nothing quite so aggressively as purge nature from their manmade environments. They tear trees down, stick animals in cages and create machines that pollute the air and water, and they do it all in the name of progress. Nature has become ornamental to man. They no longer see the magic, the perfection with which it is designed.”
I considered him with interest. “You say they as if you too aren’t a part of humanity.”
He said nothing.
I frowned at him. “I disagree with you. I think plenty of people still value nature.”
Aiden looked unimpressed.
“Do you?” He asked curiously. “At the beginning of civilization, trees were considered sacred. The ancient druids worshipped oaks. Natives to America worshipped redwoods. Across the continents tribes worshipped baobabs and ginkgo, venerating trees throughout literature and in art.” A note of longing had crept into his voice.
I leaned in, wanting to better understood what drove this mysterious man beside me.
“Today, the common man has lost this respect for nature. Few people think about how they could not exist without nature, these trees that so inconvenience them. Trees that clean the air we breathe. There is an elegance present in nature, Brin, a perfect design so few appreciate.”
“A world that seems so complex, messy and random, can actually be reduced to a simple equation on a piece of paper.” I quoted.
“Ah, a Neil Degrasse Tyson fan, are you Brin?” Sam asked.
I laughed, but nodded. “I suppose. I appreciate his thoughts of human origins. I’ve never been a religious person, and I find his vision of the world very refreshing.”
Sam nodded in appreciation. “Did you know that 85% of the members of the National Academy of Sciences reject god?” She asked.
“It’s funny the percent isn’t higher.” Aiden said.