by K.L. Bauman
"I apologize for my brother. He has spent many years in the Other World, hunting magical creatures that have entered there from Shae Vale. He has learned to be unfeeling," Nya spoke and Ayden translated.
"Maybe so, but he's right, Sabina. You can't trust Jared," Ayden said.
Sabina remained silent and scowling.
"I don't mean to be unfeeling here, but we need to move on. We still have a few days of traveling ahead of us," Volos said and then his chocolate eyes rested on Sabina. "Perhaps in finding the sword, we'll find a cure. But, until then, you've been given gifts, whether they're to your liking or not. Use them to your advantage."
Sabina stared after Volos' large form as he turned and walked away. Endia and the rest of the group followed Volos through the trees.
As they walked, Ayden made certain he was beside Nya. "Your brother is an interesting character," he said, hoping she'd elaborate on the subject.
Nya smiled and shook her head, "My brother has always been more reckless. I think my grandmother saw this, and that is why she gave him that charm. She was afraid he'd end up dead far too soon otherwise."
Ayden chuckled, "She was probably right. What made him decide to spend so much time in the Other World? Why not be a defender here?"
"I guess because fighting in the Other World was much more challenging, much more exciting for him. He may seem rough, but he has a soft heart. Humans can't always stand against the dark magic that comes from our world. Devlin wished to help them."
"Ow!" Ayden exclaimed as his hand brushed against a thorny bush. Blood oozed from the cut and Ayden put it to his mouth by reflex. The irony taste of his blood touched his tongue and he spat into the bushes.
"Son vule sen?"
"Just another scratch to add to my collection. I'll be alright," Ayden answered Nya's concerned question. They continued to talk as they walked, each telling stories of their younger days and of their grandmothers' wise advice.
"We have much in common, Ayden," Nya said as she smiled.
Ayden smiled back, "Yes, I guess we do." His cheeks felt hot against Nya's soft gaze, and he looked bashfully to the ground.
The next day, Ayden's hand had swelled where the thorn had sliced him. He showed it to Volos. "What kind of bush was it?" Volos asked.
"I don't know; I didn't really pay attention to it."
Volos searched and found a pale yellow flower. He plucked it from the ground and handed it to Ayden. "Ah, shucks! You shouldn't have," Ayden said, teasing his friend.
"Shut up," Volos said as he smiled. "You know what to do." Ayden crushed the petals against the cut to sooth the swelling and pain.
Later that day, however, Ayden's body ached and he felt chilled as sweat poured from the top of his head. "Are you okay, Ayden? You don't look well," Da'ewyn said as she returned to the group after her patrol.
"I'm fine. Just keep walking," he didn't want to give anyone any excuses to stop. They had to keep moving.
Da'ewyn looked unconvinced, but she didn't have time to argue. She quickly strung an arrow as a rustling in the trees caught her attention.
Devlin sauntered through the trees, smiling broadly. He raised his hands in mock surrender as he approached. "Don't shoot!" he said and then laughed. Everyone lowered their weapons.
"Why didn't I see you before? I just returned from my patrol," Da'ewyn said in shock.
"I'm just stealthy that way," he said as he winked at the Veela. Is she blushing? Ayden could hardly believe his eyes.
"I come bearing gifts," Devlin said and he held up a small cage made of dried vines. Two pixies pounded against the vines as they attempted to escape. One of them was Nyxia, Volos' messenger.
Volos took the cage from Devlin. "Where did you find them?" he asked, scowling.
"They've been following you for a while now. It seemed suspicious, so I brought them in for questioning."
Nyxia ceased her pounding and beamed at Volos. She whistled to him in a haughty fashion. Volos' eyes became a mixture of sadness and anger as the pixie laughed in his face and declared her loyalty to Degus. Ayden listened as Nyxia whistled, "But I'm not the only one whose been giving your secrets away." She looked slyly at Volos and Ayden as she and her friend giggled.
Volos lowered the cage, but held on so tightly, the dried vines threatened to crack. "Well, that's that. We can no longer trust any messengers," Volos said gruffly.
Ayden breathed in deeply as he forced himself to remain calm. "How will we know how Freya is, then? And how can we get news to her of our progress? What if she doesn't hear from us and fears the worst? She'll get worse with worry! And what about another spy? How are we going to get through without being killed? Why even bother using the map anymore if everyone knows where we are?"
Volos looked sternly at Ayden as he stuffed the protesting caged pixies into his bag. "Haven't I told you not to dwell on what might happen? Freya is very wise, and she is not one to ever give up hope. You can't trust anything Nyxia just said, she's on Degus' side." Volos' sternness faded as he looked more closely at Ayden. He rushed over to him and placed his hand on Ayden's forehead. "You're ill! You should've told me!"
"We can't stop now, Volos," Ayden said as his body became suddenly weightless. His stomach tickled, and he felt as if he were floating into the sky. The sensation was overwhelming, causing him to giggle uncontrollably.
Volos grabbed Ayden's hand and looked at the cut. "Goblin weed!" Volos said and Ayden burst out laughing.
"Goblin weed! That's funny!" he said and laughed again. Everyone looked at him strangely.
Volos searched around frantically before finding who he needed. "Pax, the map!"
Pax jumped and gave everyone sidelong glances. "B-But--" he began, but Volos interrupted him.
"Just bring it out! We have to get to the fairy realm. If we don't Ayden will be dead within the hour!"
"Excuse me, but did you say dead?" Ayden asked as his laughter stopped abruptly. His body suddenly felt like someone had dropped a boulder on his back; a strong chill swept through him. He looked into Nya's eyes but, for the first time, their softness brought no comfort. Looking earnestly he pleaded, "Don't let me die!"
Chapter Thirty-Two
The Earth Shepherd