The Untold Forest

by Elisa Menz

  “It’s going to take ages to travel back to the village! We will carry all those potions, and we need every one of them!” They lounged in their room that evening, after spending hours filling tiny rain frog’s bladders with the potion.

  One of Astika’s brides was a swamp witch, and she had reluctantly provided them with her lifetime supply of dissected frog parts. It took some time convincing her, but it was that or decimate the frog population of the ravine.

  After overcoming every possible obstacle, they stood closer than ever. But doubts haunted Maeve. “Dinnah told me she would finish the last batch tonight, and that makes 1,620... no! 1,630 and—”

  “All right, enough!” Regn stood and took her wriggling hands, talking to her slowly. “We are ready. We will set out tomorrow. We will travel as fast as we can and join everyone else in the village. There is no other way, and we’re doing our best.”

  “But Regn—!”

  Regn shook his head, covering Maeve’s entire face with the palm of his hand. “No! I don’t want to hear another word. You are going to eat, take a long, relaxing bath, go to sleep, and not think about tomorrow for the entire night.”

  She groaned, stretching her arms and following Regn to the kitchen. He was right. Everyone worked hard, and there was nothing else to be done. The tiny bladders, or ‘sleeping froggy bombs’—as Regn called them—were almost ready and loaded in two bulky bags.

  No bigger than a blueberry; firm enough to hold the potion. Easily burst when pinched. Once freed into the air, the brew would spread, affecting immediately every breathing creature within arm’s length. Too close to be perfectly safe, but since it was fast-acting, they were confident about its efficiency.

  Regn had tried the effect a week ago, falling hard to the ground in a blink and sleeping like a log for an entire day. They also gave them the antidote to avoid turning the battlefield into a slumber party. It was essential to chew a few sunshine seeds right before engaging. They were called that because when chewed, they would give you such an energy boost, you’d feel you will never need to rest again in your life.

  Regn also tried one of those and couldn’t sleep for two straight nights.

  The next day, the sun had yet to rise when they gathered at the magnificent doors of the shell palace. Every single bride came out to see them go, with broad smiles and words of encouragement.

  “Remember, Regn sweetie. There is nothing more attractive than a well-groomed lover.” A voluptuous lisovik pinched his cheeks, reddening the already blushed skin. “You are such a cute boy! If you try to wash more often, you will be irresistible.”

  “I do wash often, thank you very much!” Regn scurried away, only to be cornered by two young fae twins.

  “Will you visit us, Regn? We will miss you, Regn!” Both women spoke in unison.

  As they witnessed him growing more and more nervous, Maeve and Dinnah couldn’t help to smile. The elf turned to Maeve with a smirk. “He’s a handful. I hope you take care of him.”

  “He will be all right, as soon as he is away and safe from all his admirers,” she sighed, “I don’t know if I can ever repay you Dinnah, your help has been a blessing.”

  “My pleasure, darling. We had a lot of fun! I love living here, but it can be a little dull from time to time. I’ll be praying for your success.”

  They hugged before turning to Regn, who carried the largest bag on his back. As they moved to his side, Maeve pointed out. “I’m surprised Astika is not here to see us go. I only met him a few times during our stay.”

  Dinnah chuckled. “I believe he is still afraid of you, darling. You startled him, and that is not something that happens all the time.” She looked around. “Although now that I think about it, I haven’t seen him anywhere for a few days.”

  Maeve secured the bag on her back. It wasn’t as heavy as the one Regn carried, but heavy nonetheless. This promised to be a long journey. She turned to say goodbye to the brides one last time when a strong gust of wind shook everything around them. Dust, fallen leaves, and skirts went flying as a gigantic hawk descended from the sky.

  Squeezing her eyes to avoid the debris, Maeve took off her bag to shield it. Regn did the same, moving to cover her. Once the hawk perched on a small hill, Maeve dared to peek, only to discover an extremely anxious Astika riding the bird.

  He slid down and headed towards them. “I’m so glad I caught you! Dinnah told me you would leave today, but we were so far I wasn’t sure we would make it in time.”

  “What... what do you mean?” Maeve asked, dumbfounded.

  The naga turned to the hawk with a dramatic flair. “Meet the wonderful Iluskull! My sweet feathery darling has been helping me patrol the Forest. We have been following the horde and warning the villages laying on its wake. I’m glad to inform you, our efforts have been crucial to avoiding needless death... ah—!”

  When Maeve jumped to Astika’s arms, the naga froze and stared at her, panicked.

  “Astika, thank you!” She smiled, barely holding back her enthusiasm. “You are incredible!”

  Bashfully looking around, the snake man patted her back. “Oh, well... it’s the least I could do.” He cleared his throat. “We circled over the half-breed villages, mostly. Looks like everyone gathered at the... err... the... what was the name of your village again?”

  Surrounded by giggling brides, Dinnah slipped into Astika’s embrace, kissing him loudly. “My brave, kind lover. You deserve a reward, I say.”

  The naga gave her a scandalous smirk, pulling her closer. “I live to please, my love. But first...” He glanced at the hawk, his chest filling with pride. “Dearest Iluskull has agreed to carry you two and the sleeping potions back to your home. After all, I can’t allow my bride’s hard work to go to waste.”

  Those were magnificent news, and the crowd cheered, loud sighs and praises rising from everywhere. Astika clearly enjoyed his new status as a hero, and his brides were eager to reward him. With remarkable swiftness, they tied the bags in Iluskull’s broad back. Maeve and Regn climbed in front of them, gripping the reins specially crafted for the hawk’s body. It seemed like Iluskull didn’t mind flying with company.

  As soon as they were ready, the beautiful bird let out a deafening screech, spreading her vast wings and jumping with remarkable force towards the sky. Maeve’s heart hammered in her chest as the immaculate shell grew smaller in the distance, glowing under the rising sun, surrounded by the cheerful crowd.

  Regn’s arms wrapped so tightly around her, she worried about his sanity. “Are you all right?” she screamed over the roaring wind.

  “No!” The poor half-breed shielded his eyes from the frightening and awe-striking view, hiding behind her back. “I think I’m going to be sick!”

  Hakken

  Thinking back on how exactly his situation came to this, Hakken had no idea. After arriving and meeting with the matriarch, they had asked him to recount what they learned from the Warlock to every tribe leader and the elf commander.

  Tyst and Kniv had explained the mountain half-breeds were hostages and victims. Still, the discovery of the goddess Pouri as the mastermind behind this attack, and most likely the war eleven years ago, was received with utter shock.

  Hakken became the primary source of strategic knowledge for the warriors. The fact that one of the gods of creation stood right beside him, backing up his every word, caused quite an impression among the tribes. It had only taken half a day, but somehow, everyone knew his name and that he was going to lead their troops to fight the goddess.

  “I am going to lead what?” Hakken blinked in confusion after hearing the news from Kniv.

  “The tribe leaders requested you lead the warrior’s training and our forces when the time comes. We must engage this battle more delicately, and we need your knowledge and experience.”

  “What experience?” he shouted. “Kniv, go tell them. I’m the least capable person to lead anything! I can hardly take care of myself!”

  Kniv shook his hea
d. “Trust me, I know... but they are all settled on having you in charge. And when I think about it, boy... maybe this is a splendid opportunity for you to—”

  “No, no! This is the worst time for me to search for my calling in life! I know I have to do better, trust me. But there are lives at stake, and I proved I can’t—!” His breath caught in his throat, and he clenched his jaw, staring at Kniv’s worried gaze. What would his friend think of him when he learned about the death he caused?

  Hakken stammered. “I-I can give you some advice, but—”

  “Stop your blabbering, young Hakken. Go take your place as our commander.” Ancient Hua had the nasty habit of appearing out of thin air. “Everyone is working their hardest to save your people, but they need a leader.” The stag stood in front of him, and the pressure of his piercing gaze was enough to stop any kind of protest from Hakken’s mouth. “You do not get to choose what life offers to you. I gave you free will, so you decide the path you will walk.”

  Those were supposed to be words of encouragement, but Hakken stared down in shame. He had led a bitter life, one of many regrets. He could only feel proud about loving his mate deeply and rescuing Maeve.

  But he let her die, and he lost Maeve’s trust.

  He looked up when a calming hand landed on his shoulder. Hua gave him a heartfelt glance. “There’s no need to be a god to see the strength in you. Ashamed as you may be of your past, there is always a future. Rise, boy, and become the man you long to be.”

  When he took in those words, a weight lifted from his shoulders, and as he watched the god stride away to the training grounds, he felt, for the first time in years, hopeful.

  It was different from the feeling Maeve stirred in him. This was detached, settled, and unfailing. He was at peace with himself. He could do this. He turned to Kniv to let him know he was ready to help with whatever they needed but found his friend crying his eyes out.

  “What the hell, man?” He was too startled to be polite.

  “I-I’m so... *sob* so proud... *sob* of you, my b-boy!”

  Hakken stared at him in awe for a moment before bursting into boisterous laughter and falling into a tight hug with the man who had been his best friend for so many years.

  “Come on. We have work to do!”

  For the next couple of days, he sat with the tribes’ leaders, Elven riders, and every healer they reached. They needed to form a plan that guaranteed no mountain half-breed would be killed, none of them would face unnecessary danger, and every wounded would be healed with haste.

  The half-breed’s task was to disperse the horde far and wide and individually restrain each mountain warrior, to allow the riders enough space to tie them and hold them for as long as possible. A handful of warriors would guard each healer while they scout the battlefield, aiding those who sustained injuries.

  The most crucial task was protecting Maeve. A small group of warriors would escort her to reach Dröm and hopefully bring forth the goddess. “For the last time,” Tyst didn’t seem convinced, “are we certain that reaching Dröm and releasing him from this dust will free all the others?”

  Hakken shook his head. “I will not lie to you, Tyst. We can't know for sure. But this is our only chance to save them before their numbers are too great.” He took a good look at the gathering. “We could sit here today, planning how to kill them,” he said. “We chose to save them instead, and that does not come without risk.”

  Heads bowed in agreement as a new resolve washed among them. A young patriarch spoke. “We should plan for an emergency retreat then.”

  Before anyone responded, the wind grew restless and powerful, shaking the top of the trees and startling everyone in the village. They all turned to witness a colossal bird descending near the top of the ridge by the river. Soon enough, joyful screams replaced the alarm when they saw Regn and Maeve riding the hawk.

  Hakken’s mind stopped functioning.

  As soon as the magnificent bird touched the ground, Regn jumped and turned to help Maeve climb down. It felt like ages since last he saw her, and one look was enough to embroil his mind and leave the reliable leader behind. “Maeve...”

  He took a step forward, longing to reach her, but instead, he did the exact opposite.

  He ran away.

  CHAPTER XXXX

  HOME SWEET HOME

  Hakken

  He was a coward. A ridiculous, pathetic coward.

  He grumbled across the village, gaining many odd looks and a few snickers.

  How pitiful! After two weeks of yearning for her company, he reacted like this? He had spent every waking moment thinking about her, on what he needed to achieve in order to be ready for the commitment. So many things he needed to fix. So many doubts to overcome. Even so, Hakken wanted to face Maeve and ask her to choose him. To be his mate.

  But it took a glimpse to break his resolution and ran away. You gutless bastard! He chastised himself.

  He couldn’t go far. He had responsibilities with the warriors, and abandoning his duties now to hide in the Forest would be unthinkable. So he decided on the second-best place to hole up—his cave.

  Ever since his arrival, he had been tidying up and dusting the place. In the old days, Hakken would have slumped in his bed and move only to eat or avoid dying covered in foulness. Maeve did this to him. She forced him to take better care of himself, even if he only meant to provide a lovely home for her.

  Will she move in with Regn now? Or Mynte? He wondered.

  The thought of Maeve living her life apart from him was disheartening. How would he deal with that, after experiencing how perfect it was to come home to her? Fighting the lump in his throat, he looked outside. Maeve’s little garden thrived since Mynte worked hard in their absence. Perhaps Maeve would keep the garden and visit every once in a while.

  What an awful idea.

  There was no chance it would satisfy him seeing her every other day, not after living the best months of his life with her. He had to win Maeve back! He had to let her know he would try to become someone worthy.

  Driven by this new resolve, he got up and moved to the entrance. And he stopped.

  Because a tiny figure stood there, fidgeting with her hands. Her bright blue eyes stared straight at him, bashful and eager. She looked so unbearably cute he came undone just by gazing at her.

  “Hi.” Maeve’s voice sounded timid. She hesitated, only a few steps inside.

  Hakken gaped as the unwavering speech he planned rapidly vanished from his mind. He found no words, not one, to express how much she meant to him. “Maeve.” No room for planning now. And as he strode to reach her, he knew what he should do. He would honor whatever decision she made, but before that, he would claim his kiss.

  He took her by the waist, lifting her from the ground. Feeling her against his skin, his body came alive, and everything else faded. There was no sound, no sight, no other sensation besides her. Hakken meant to be gentle, but he could no longer control his craving.

  Those lips were bewitching. Velvety and sweet. Hakken cradled the back of her head to kiss her deeply, coaxing her lips open with a flick of his tongue. When Maeve allowed him, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and he couldn’t stop the hungry moan that left his throat. He kissed her like it was the last thing he would do in this world. If she were to tell him she would leave him, he would either live or die a happy man, holding to this memory.

  But as she eagerly kissed him back, molding into his arms, his heartbeat went wild. He wanted more, and as much as he kept saying to himself, he should be patient with her, his body thought otherwise.

  He took her to their bed and lay her down on the furs, hovering over and staring in awe at her bright smile. Caught in the moment, none of them moved. “Hakken...” She seemed to be as out of breath as him.

  “Hi.” Goodness, he was an idiot. “I missed you.” A lot better. Maeve laughed with glee, taking his face in her hands. But then her eyes filled with unshed tears, and her bottom lip shook slightly b
efore dropping her arms by her side. That was a troubling change. Hakken frowned. “What is wrong, beautiful?”

  “I’m so sorry, Hakken! I shouldn’t have asked you to leave. I was so worried about you!”

  Ever since the day she helped him escape the castle, she held the power to render him mushy and emotional. He certainly suffered from an overload of tenderness when she was involved.

  Maeve felt guilty! That sweet, loving woman worried about hurting him! “Don’t say that. You did the right thing. I needed to be responsible for the consequences of my selfishness.” The weight of the life he took was still very much present. “You know of my crimes, Maeve, so I would never ask you to forgive me if I don’t feel like I deserve it.”

  She gave him a long, serious look. His skin prickled as she slowly unearthed every detail of his soul. Has anyone ever looked at me like that? Unlike any other, Hakken yearned for her to know him. To understand him.

  Maeve lifted a hand, burying her fingers in his hair. With her free arm, she raised her body and reached for his lips once more. He wasn’t about to let her do all the work. Hakken met her halfway, catching her lips and pushing her back to the bed.

  They lost all notion of time, and luckily, no one was nosy enough to interrupt them. His kisses moved to her jaw, her neck, the spot behind her ear that made her quiver. Caressing her over her clothes built up his frustration, but he bit his lip to hold back. This was a perfect moment, and he wouldn’t push her.

  It didn’t mean he had to be uncomfortable. In one swift movement, he got rid of his vest, kneeling next to her.

  Maeve let out a soft gasp, and he couldn’t help to smirk at the sight of her blushing face. Oh, beautiful. I’m dying to test that shyness of yours. Two curious hands touched his chest, tickling his way down his stomach, and this time he flustered. The turmoil inside of him made him lose control, so he tried her a bit more. Not taking his eyes from hers, Hakken peeled off her clothes. Since she allowed him, he went further, peppering her with kisses as he witnessed her getting more and more aroused.