Chapter 16
T HE LANDSCAPE AROUND THE path grew dense again and all eyes watched the dark spaces between the trees for the lurking shadow of the phouka, but nothing followed us. I paid more attention to the back of Austin’s head and tried multiple times to use the only power the Creator left me with to reach him, but it seemed someone else knew how to put cement walls in place with our shared telepathy. I eventually gave up, mourning my loss of our mental connection almost as much as I mourned losing the two pieces that made me who I am. The only positive I saw in the matter was realizing my human ability to overcome the obstacles we’d so far faced.
Lilly and Gwen were left behind at the palace because everyone thought humans wouldn’t be able to survive the forest, but I’d basically been reduced to one and look at what I’d accomplished. I missed them and Aunt Mauve and wished we were all together, but I thanked the Creator that they were safe at the Seelie Court.
Kitra? The niggle of Austin’s mind got my full attention. You there?
Austin! Are you all right? Even in my mind I sounded like a worried mother hen.
I’m... His mental voice faded as he rubbed at the sleeves covering his new scars. Do you think Gwen will still want me with these marks? Dull brown eyes glanced back over his shoulders as he released a long exhale and his face sagged. He’d already come to his own conclusions. How could she?
Don’t be ridiculous, Austin. Gwen loves you and you love her. His head fell and his chin touched his chest. Austin, your scars are nothing to be ashamed about. They prove how much you care for the rest of us and Gwen knows this too. She knows you saved her life. I don’t think she’ll even see those marks. He shook his head, blowing out more air.
What if I end up as nothing more than marred and deformed healer like those from the past? I slid around the others and clasped his hand as he sniffed. I don’t want her tying herself to someone who becomes less attractive each time he heals someone in need. I want her to be happy.
And you think her happiness will be hindered because of what your gift will do to you? I was the one now shaking my head. When will you men ever learn? Gwen isn’t like that. I don’t think she could ever find you unattractive. If anything, I think she sees you are more attractive because of your selflessness. Austin, how many people would knowingly jump in headfirst to heal someone if it left scars on their own skin? I can count it on one hand. He blinked back the tears wanting so desperately to escape. You are a gem none of us deserve and Gwen knows that. She will see your love for your friends and for her, not your scars.
Thank you, Kitra. His hand squeezed mine and I leaned my head against his shoulder.
What are familiars for? Fate said we are the perfect example of best friends. A small chuckle breezed past his rosy lips and I stayed by his side, holding his hand as he worked through his thoughts.
True, but I also know something is bothering you. Only you’re not sharing. His dark eyes glanced over at me and I looked away, tucking my elbows closer to my sides. You know I sense it. I know you’re hiding something about the voice during your awakening, and I can feel the hollowness you’ve tried to hide since we entered the forest.
Austin...I…
You don’t have to tell me yet. He squeezed my hand again. I’ll keep any secret you have. You kept mine about my gift, and I’ll do the same for you. I’m here when you’re ready to talk about it. I didn’t respond and held tight to him. I didn’t deserve him or the others and kept my head down as we continued down the path.
The forest appeared endless, and I wondered where the path would lead us, but I didn’t expect the sight around the next bend. It was as if someone had peeled the trees back for several acres, revealing buildings and homes, all only six feet tall. The path was the main road through the center of the town and diverged into smaller side streets between each structure. The small square homes and buildings were covered in green, pink, and white leaves which climbed to their brown thatched roofs. No light shone from the windows and nothing stirred except for my group.
A building near the center of the strange town was the only one we could see which showed any damage. Part of the roof sat atop of crumbled sand-colored stones. The remains of tiny childlike desks and tables were partially exposed from the rubble. Whoever had lived here was long gone and I couldn’t help but wonder what happened to them and where they went. We stopped next to the opened portion of the broken building Curtis picked up one stone, testing its weight in his hands before tossing it back among the others.
“What is this place?” Zander turned in a circle with his hand above his brow, blocking the fading sunlight as he surveyed our surroundings.
“It’s hard to tell.” All eyes fell on Austin. These were the first words he had said to any of them since the incident with the pixies. “Many creatures of Faerie are smaller and could’ve built these dwellings, but they don’t appear to be living here anymore.”
“Nothing else is damaged.” Curtis walked to another building and cupped his hands around his face as he peered into the window. “This looks like some sort of business. Why would they leave if only one building fell? Why not fix it?”
“Whatever did this.” Allie motioned to the debris near her feet. “Sent the occupants running for their lives. We need to make camp soon. Do you think it’s safe here?” She leaned away from the rubble and rubbed her arms.
“Only one way to find out.” Lucian pulled his sword from its sheath and crept to the doorway of the building Curtis peer into. “Let’s do a perimeter check in groups of two and meet back here in ten minutes.”
“I’ll go with Kitra.” Austin moved to my side before anyone else had time to disagree and I positioned my katana in front of me as we crept to the next structure.
The number of homes or businesses we cleared didn’t ease the feeling of unwanted attention following my every step. I shifted from foot to foot while Austin closed the last door, and I licked my lips as I regarded the tree line. Was someone or something out there stalking us again? Or was I going mad because my mind wanted it to be something besides nerves after the day we’d had?
Motion caught my attention and I turned to the building on my right. It was the next to be cleared before we made our way back to the town center. I saw a glimpse of floppy ears and pointed it out to Austin, but his focus was on the trees in the distance. I waved my hand but stopped when I saw the shadow of the phouka gliding between the yellow trunks. What did it want?
I didn’t have time to ponder the phouka’s intentions because cackling close to what I’d heard on an animal documentary about hyenas chorused from several structures around us and were followed by answering whistles. Glass shattered behind us and my gasp lodged in my throat at what I saw. The creature’s skin was gray and covered in orange spots on its neck and face. Its dog-like ears hung to its shoulders while its forehead protruded over a set of piercing red eyes. Two enlarged teeth extended past the upper lip of its short snout. Three whiskers poked out of each squished cheek and my entire body convulsed. This three-foot-tall creature wearing brown pants was the epitome of my worst nightmares and it took everything in me not to squeal and climb the roof of one of the buildings like I would a chair. I hated rats.
“Gnomes!” The one closest to us hissed when Austin bellowed. A gnome? The beast in front of me didn’t have any similarities to the average figurines found in gardens.
At least twelve more gnomes leapt over the windowsill and landed beside their comrade. Austin grabbed my hand and we ran in the opposite direction. An innate part of me wanted to stop and face the small beasts but when I glanced back over my shoulder and saw them chasing us on all fours, it hit my nope card. Austin and I skidded around a corner onto a side street and saw red eyes in a window ahead of us. Three gnomes burst through the glass and four more joined them from the adjacent building.
Austin dragged me around another corner and opened a door, pulling me inside. He did a quick sweep of our surroundings and motioned for me to crouch do
wn with a finger over his lips and his voice echoed in my mind to stay perfectly silent. He cautioned that the gnomes hearing capabilities were far greater than one would expect. The thundering of many feet ran past our hiding spot and I knew our group was severely outnumbered. We stayed in the same position until my muscles screamed at me to give them relief. I leaned to the side and stretched out one leg and then did the same with the other while Austin peeked through the window.
We need to get out of here. Austin crept to another window and looked out.
Are the gnomes upset with us for coming into their village? Austin shook his head to answer my question and motioned for me to crawl to his new location.
Gnomes live below ground. They’re the menace that ran off the past inhabitants. Austin cracked the door open and we exited onto a new street. Stay low and only speak through our link. Let me know if you see or hear anything that I don’t.
My gaze fell to the ground and bit my bottom lip. I still hadn’t told any of them that my wolf and fae side were suppressed.
We made our way to the crumbled building and saw shadows of hunkered down figures inside but couldn’t tell if they were gnomes or not. Just as we were about to turn in the other direction, Uncle Kalen’s face slipped out of the darkness and he waved for us to come to him. I followed Austin inside and Uncle Kalen wrapped me in a hug. It was hard to see in the darkness without my wolf’s help, but I counted each shadow and the breath I’d been holding released on a long exhale.
The apricot sun had set, and the two moons rose to their full glory as magenta auroras painted the night sky, allowing me to see the others. Sweat covered most of their brows, but I noticed Curtis more as he scratched at the back of his left arm. The moonlight streamed through the open cavity and exposed a bleeding circular ring of puncture wounds. He dug at it violently like someone scrubbing at a spot of dirt and the scarlet drops fell like rain to the dust covered floor.
I grabbed Austin’s shoulder and gestured at Curtis’s actions. Why is he scratching and making it worse?
He’s been bitten. I must heal it before the delusions begin. Austin moved to his side, but it wasn’t fast enough.
Curtis fell over and howled. His claws extended as his breathing turned to rapid pants. He tried to get to his feet as he swayed from side to side, but he dropped to the floor when he took a step. Cackles and whistles filled the air outside, and the others drew their weapons as Uncle Kalen and Allie tried to hold Curtis down. We formed a line in front of our injured friend when a warm glow framed us from behind.
The first set of gnomes charged inside and were dealt with within a matter of minutes, but more kept replacing them. My katana arced, slicing down a beast, but another swiftly took its place. Curtis’s howl turned into wails and I chanced a glance back at him and the others. Austin, Allie, and Uncle Kalen were in their own battles against the plague of rodent-like gnomes. The space between each fighter diminished until we were pressed back-to-back.
“How many are there?” Lucian hissed as a set of pointy teeth latched onto his thigh around its fallen comrade. He kicked it backward and plunged the tip of his sword into its belly.
“Too many to count.” Ryn dispatched the gnome he was fighting after receiving a bite near his wrist.
One by one, each of us was bitten, and the gnomes halted their attack when their leader, the first gnome wearing the brown pants, walked forward. He licked his lips and I fought the urge to scream. My skin heated to where I thought it was melting from my bones.
Kitra? I can’t heal myself and I tried with the others. My powers aren’t working! I choked on Austin’s panic, sputtering as I watched the gnome squat near my feet. I didn’t know this could happen.
Do you think it’s because of their venom? I breathed through my nose and exhaled from my mouth. Or is it because you were injured too?
I’m not sure. Austin tried to shove the gnomes closing the distance around him as I kicked at their leader’s face. Maybe both? The creature caught my foot and pulled me towards him with more strength than I thought he had.
The gnome’s lips spread into a macabre twist with rotted pieces of unknown material between its teeth. “Aelfric knew you’d one day search for the weapon, Princess. We’ve laid in wait a long time for your arrival and our master will be pleased when we tell him you’re dead.” The creature’s voice was a high-pitched squeak, and I placed my hands over my ears. “Tonight, we feast! Tie them up.” My stomach turned upside down when I realized the bits in his teeth were flesh from his last meal, and he intended I was going to be his next.
I should have known Aelfric was behind most of the attacks and as usual he sent others to do his dirty work.
Coward.
I should have been more cautious. I should have told the others about losing my wolf and magic, but none of it mattered now, and they weren’t getting out of this situation. Once my mind was gone, I wouldn’t be able to save us this time. This was it. Aelfric had won.
Movement caught my eye and a ripple of blonde hair and amethyst eyes, which I hadn’t seen since I was five, weaved through the throng of gnomes before disappearing.
“Mom?” Were the delusions already starting? Woven bands of rope cinched my wrists together, but I didn’t care. I was more worried about the phantom I’d seen walking among their group.
I called for my mother several times as the others were also lost in their own minds. Our torment brought more laughter from our captors and my heart sped up when we were carried toward a blazing bonfire. I caught another glimpse of blonde hair and longed to see my parents’ faces one last time as my throat tightened and tears slid from my eyes. The figure’s form grew hazy and white light became a halo around her.
“Chosen One, don’t give up hope.” My mind cleared when I heard the Creator’s voice. “I will never leave you. Remember to trust me.” I blinked several times and my heart rate slowed to a normal rhythm. If the Creator was with me, I had nothing to worry about.
The gnomes screeched, dropping us in the grass near the flames. My head bounced off the ground and stars crossed my vision when I landed on my side. The impact knocked my teeth together, and I knew without my wolf, I’d be sore for days. All of a sudden, our captors scattered in different directions, running for their lives. I watched as they dropped into hidden holes in the town and all over the landscape when five attractive, tan women with hair ranging from sea-foam green to lime approached from the trees. Each wore a short skirt made of sewn white tree leaves and yellow tree bark wrapped around their chest like a second skin.
The ladies stopped a few feet from us, staring and whispering among themselves. All five had similar features with legs that went on for days, athletic builds, and sculpted symmetrical features. They looked enough alike to be siblings. Finally, the one with the lime hair approached.
“I’m Diana.” A voice as soft as silk glided over my ears. “We’re here to set you free, Princess.” My muscles relaxed, and I trusted that the Creator sent them for just this purpose.
Chapter 17
T HE CREATURE WHO CALLED herself Diana beckoned the others forward as their leader flicked a wrist in my direction. The bindings around my wrists and ankles tightened and I became weightless once more floating beside Allie, as we trailed behind Diana’s lithe form. I turned my head and watched the remaining four women use their magic to lift the others in groups of two. Then, Diana, as if she were taking a scenic stroll, led us through the streets of the gnome infested town. Intense pressure squeezed my lungs and I tugged at my wrists. Why weren’t they letting us go?
“I…I thought you were releasing us?” The thin skin around my wrists chaffed and started to sting while wetness filled the small cracks.
Diana halted and Allie and I froze in place. She turned to me and held her hand above my mouth. “I’m sorry, Princess. This is for your own good.” Icy tendrils slithered over my lips, clamping them shut and I thrashed when I realized I couldn’t open my mouth. “Stop moving, Princess. I won’t h
arm you or the others. There’s a bounty on your heads and many creatures intend to collect. To get you and your friends safely to our home, I need complete silence from all of you and need prying eyes to think we’ve captured you.”
I nodded and remained still while letting her words digest. She then took her place at the head of the line and continued into the trees. Was Aelfric the one who had placed the bounty? Or was it the Council member intent on keeping me for himself? Another type of coldness seeped into my bones, sending stabs of pain into the marrow. I wanted to shake the chill out of my arms but stayed as still as a statue.
The path curved around bizarre stone mounds. Several sticks with red fabric tied to the ends jutted from the piles of rocks. Bouquets of flowers with the stems wrapped together in twine sat at the bottom of each pile, and some even had necklaces strewn around them. At the last mound, small childlike creatures stacked rocks and heaved the final one on top of the pile. A female with long magenta hair hanging to her heels softly cried with tears the same color of her hair coating her cheeks. She turned large silver eyes in our direction when we passed.
Diana bowed her head and placed her right fist over her heart. The female’s shoulders curled forward, and her tears flowed more freely as those around her lifted their voices in a haunting melody. My lips quivered and I wanted nothing more than to sink into a lake of sorrow with her, while tears filled my eyes. The song grew more mournful and the female fell to her knees, catching herself with both hands. Water slipped from the corners of my eyes and the song hit a crescendo while I watched her fall apart. I didn’t need to ask what those mounds were. The final rock was placed on the top of the mound when the song ended and another creature helped her to her feet, passing her a stick. She tied a piece of red silk to the end and wedged the bottom between two stones before falling out of my line of sight.
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