by J E Mueller
It occurred to me how much receiving visions could be just as much of a curse as my own flames. I started to wonder how many times he saw things he was unable to prevent. Had Lee lost someone? Did he see their fate but couldn’t alter it in time? Not all magic was a gift, but I wouldn’t ask. Those types of scars were hard enough to deal with without them constantly being brought to the surface.
As the sky slowly started to brighten and the sun appeared over the horizon, we reached the edge of the forest. There were no signs of the village in sight, but plenty of fields and a well laid trail welcomed us.
“How much further?” I asked, feeling exhaustion creep into my bones.
“Not even an hour,” Lee replied, looking worse than I was feeling.
“You need rest,” I pointed out. “Is it safe to take a break?”
He looked at me then off into the distance. After a few moments he shook his head. “No. Actually, there isn’t a chance it’s safe,” He sighed. “We need to work on your luck.”
“You’d have better luck without me.” I sighed. “That just seems to come with being cursed.”
Lee shrugged. “It’s only a curse until you learn how to use it.”
“Will I learn how this week?” I asked before I even thought about the words I was saying.
He smiled weakly. “No. That probably would actually get you to stay.”
Shaking my head, I started down the path. “Let’s be off, then.” It was probably better to not know when answers were coming. I’m sure I’d accidently postpone a solution.
We continued until the village was in sight.
“I know it’s maybe another ten minutes from here, but I need a break,” I said, dropping to the ground. Lee didn't argue and did the same.
“Promise you won’t run off again without an actual plan?” He half requested, half pleaded as he looked up at the sky.
I hesitated a moment before answering. “I’m not a fan of these kinds of promises,” I replied honestly. I didn’t want to make a promise I couldn’t be certain I’d keep.
“I don’t even know what to say to that. I really don’t think you just want to wander into trouble and die.” Lee shook his head as he continued to stare off into nothing.
“I don’t like being followed,” I added.
He finally looked over at me. “If you’re going to head straight into trouble, of course I’m going to follow you.”
His stubborn honor be damned. “Can’t you just live and let me be?” I demanded not wanting to give up but knowing he wouldn’t either.
“I can’t. I have to see this through. Lucky you.” He smiled and laid his head down. “If you could change the future for the better, wouldn’t you?”
“If I could change anything in the past or future, I might. What luck to run into such a goody-two-shoes.” I laughed, but not bitterly. I was very thankful he had come to my rescue before I had even needed it. I would much rather have to deal with him than a sword through the heart, or whatever death it was that had awaited me. Part of me desperately wanted my death to be on my own terms.
After a few moments I nudged him. “Let’s get back.”
“If I move another muscle I’ll die,” he complained loudly.
“We’re really not safe yet though,” I pointed out getting up and offering him a hand.
Lee looked at me with surprise but took my hand. He glanced back and I saw magic fill his vision once more. “Yeah, we need to go.” A spark of fear lit his features, but only for a brief moment.
Off we went.
It was still the early hours of the morning when we returned. Not many people were out and we managed to avoid having to answer any questions. Until we got back to Lee’s. Juni was not pleased at all, and I actually felt bad.
“I would lecture you both if you didn’t look half dead. Get to bed, and no more running off.” Her stern words struck a cord.
“Yes, Mother.” Lee didn’t argue.
I just nodded and continued to look at the ground. Lee saw my distress and took my hand guiding me to the guest room. I sat on the bed Juni had offered me earlier. Lee plopped down on the other one and was asleep within moments.
Juni appeared at the door. “And please no running out like that again,” she reprimanded in a soft but fierce voice.
“I thought I had a better route. I’m sorry.” I meant it wholeheartedly. I hadn’t realize my actions would put myself and someone else in danger, or even cause another to worry.
She nodded. “It’s a rough time, and not good for traveling. Staying with us for a while won’t hurt you and there's plenty to be done here. There’s many more years left to live in a tree if that's what makes you happy.” With that she left in one quick movement.
There was no point to getting up to argue, so I slept. If there was a way I could make it up to her, I would.
When I awoke, darkness was slowly spreading across the sky. My brain felt foggy and my body ached. My mind jumped for a moment to making travel plans but I shoved those away. It would be completely useless to try and make any plans. Not until I could actually travel safely again. While I may not have often followed the path of reason, it didn’t mean I had to repeat bad decisions.
Heading into the hallway, I could hear voices coming from the kitchen. Even better I could smell a wide variety of food. My stomach growled in response. Not wanting to interrupt, I peaked into the kitchen before entering. Lee sat at the table, leaning against the wall as he listened to whatever his mother was talking about.
Juni, with all the powers of being a mother, knew I was there right away. “Come in and sit. Dinner’s almost ready.”
“Thank you,” I said sheepishly and took a seat across from Lee.
Juni continued on with what she had been saying, “So now Tella refuses to work outside the wall. It’s all the best until this mess gets fixed up, so she’s going to be helping me with my garden and then with the Murdocks in the bakery. Marc and his friends are working to help your aunt while there’s an extra watch outside. Caution is of the utmost importance until the king's aid arrives.”
“Of course. The bigger the group, the less trouble we’ll encounter. Even in the village we should try and make sure no one's wandering alone. Can’t be too careful right now.” Lee nodded, agreeing.
“That includes you,” Juni said sternly as she pointed to her son. “You got that?”
Lee sighed but complied. “Yes, Mother. Don’t worry about me.”
“You were a reckless child and you still jump into trouble without a moment's thought. Don’t tell me not to worry,” she said sharply as she finished her cooking.
Lee was about to argue but seemed to think better of it.
Juni started pulling things off the fire and glanced my way. “That does go for you too. I don’t care what you’re used to. While you’re here I’ll see to it that you stay out of trouble.”
“Yes, Mother,” I replied, not daring to argue with her and trying to show her as much respect as possible.
Juni accepted my answer and brought me a plate of food. She turned to Lee. “See? I believe her answer. She’ll try not to upset me.”
Lee rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. “Unlike me, she hasn’t had twenty years of opportunities to wear on your nerves.”
“Twenty years to be a well behaved child you mean!” She brought him a plate of food and looked at me. “This is why I only had one.”
Lee rolled his eyes again but decided to stuff his mouth instead of argue further.
Dinner passed mostly in silence, and afterwards Juni went to visit her sister while Lee and I did the dishes. There were plenty of them but it did not take us long to finish. Afterwards we sat in the living room. I perched on the sofa and he lounged in a chair near the door.
“Now what?” I asked, “I’ve never stayed in a town without a job before.” If I were to stay for any length of time, I would rather be busy.
Lee thought for a moment. “Well, I’m sure we can find you work wit
hout a problem. Other than that, and bear with me on this, but maybe you should talk to some of the people here who have dealt with curses. You’ve had a moment of control now, and it sounds like it's the first such moment you’ve had. They may be able to point you in the right direction. Also, each week we try to do some sort of community event. Get everyone together for music, drinks, games, and dancing.”
“That last part sounds like a terrible disaster for me,” I pointed out.
“So you can’t touch people. Big deal. Put on some long gloves and stockings and dance the night away.” Lee smirked.
I rolled my eyes at him. Did he not get it? “Such risky situations make me anxious, and my anxiety heightens the curse’s strength. When it is stronger even clothes can’t protect people from my touch.”
“Then dance with me and you won’t have to worry.”
Oh. So that was what he was getting at. This needed to be crushed. I raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m not interested in dancing. Why are you so interested in dancing with me?” That wasn’t a very crushing way to end the conversation, but I found myself more curious than I should have been.
“You need to have some fun,” he insisted, “And I just like dancing. Don’t you even consider doing fun things with friends?”
“Listening to music can be fun. You don’t have to dance to enjoy the music,” I pointed out. “Plus there’s this thing about social interaction in large groups. I don’t like it and that would take away all the fun. Even more so if someone accidently bumped into me.”
He groaned. “Oh yeah, that last part. Bumping into others. Fine.” He thought for a moment. “I’ll work on it.” Something glimmered in his eyes, and I knew he wasn’t going to simply let it go.
“No. Just forget it. I’m sure you can think of plenty of other things that are fun to do.”
“And what if I can’t?” he asked slyly.
“Then you’re a boring and uncreative person. Who wants to spend time with someone like that?” I crossed my arms.
“Oh that's mean.” He shook his head. “Challenge accepted. I will find other interesting activities for you.”
Satisfied, I stretched out on the sofa. “Has your family always been here?” I asked curiously. We needed a subject change.
“My mother came here when she was young. My grandmother had no magic, but both my mother and aunt did. My grandfather wanted to cast them off, but grandma insisted against it. She didn’t know if she could raise them on her own. So she looked for other options. She found out about the Order and they directed her here. My mother doesn't remember much of the journey. Grandma had talked a lot about the differences in the rest of the world while she was still alive.”
Lee smiled, thinking about her, “My mother actually tried living away from here for some time. She fell in love and got married. When she was pregnant she wanted to move back here, but my dad didn’t want to raise a child in a crazy town full of magic and forbid it. He hadn’t been hateful about magic before that, and it surprised my mother. She ended up returning without him. There was endless support from the people here, and no judgment. The world can be a cruel place, but it doesn't have to stay that way.”
“I never would have guessed that,” I said in surprise. What would be bad about living in a magic town?
Lee adjusted himself in his chair, “She never hid the truth from me. Family is still family even if only one parent is there.”
I couldn’t argue with that. “Have you been out much? Seen what other places are like for yourself?” I asked instead.
“Yeah, it was all right, but I do prefer life here. There’s something just wonderful about the random chaos that comes with this type of community. Kids learning how to control their gifts, accidently turning a sibling into a frog and not knowing how to turn back for hours…”
He chuckled at the memory. “It’s just such a different experience than what others consider normal. The rest of the world feels a little dull to me. Many prefer a more simple life and that’s great, but right now this is the best thing for me.” He looked curiously at me. “What do you think would be the best thing for you? Say you woke up tomorrow in full control of your life. Then what?”
I considered his question for a moment before answering. It was a fairly constant question at the Order. We’d laugh and joke about silly things that could be normal lives. “I’m torn between too many answers. There’s places I’d love to stay, and people to see. Maybe visit what’s left of my family and see if they forgive me for leaving. Maybe not. I’d probably just die of shock at this point.” I laughed a little. It was a rare moment in which I missed my family, and my heart ached to know what they were doing now.
Aside from what the locals said, I knew nothing about what was going on with my family. They were alive and David and Sandra were co-ruling. Sandra focused upon tending to the north and east while David oversaw the south and west parts of the kingdom. Zarek was put in charge of defense. Both Sandra and David had gotten married. David about three years ago and Sandra’s was around a year before that. Zarek was soon to be wed as well if the rumors were true. Or maybe he already was. How long ago did I hear that? My heart felt heavy and I pushed the thoughts away.
Pushing away the sadness, I continued giving Lee my answer, “Since that’s not likely, I guess the better questions is who should I talk to around here about working on this curse?” If I was going to stay, I might as well work on my goal of finding answers.
Lee took the hint quickly. “I’ve got a few ideas. I’ll introduce you to some people tomorrow if they’re up to it.”
We sat in silence for a moment. I wondered how many of them were born into magic and how many came to stay here because of curses. It was something worth pondering. I wondered if my family had heard of this place if things could have been different. My memories threatened to come back from the depths of my mind, but I fought them aside. They could haunt me later.
“Do you know how you got your curse?” he asked softly.
I nodded. “There once was a king, mad for war and lustful to expand his lands.” I don't know why, maybe it was the memories already at hand, but I told him everything. Maybe it was because I linked his visions to the pain my own curse had caused me. There was something about just how understanding he was of everything. It had to have been long overdue, and after all that had gone on and everything that had recently drained me, it needed to come out.
After the story was told, I sat there a moment. His expression was thoughtful but I decided I didn’t want to know his thoughts. Instead I went to bed, leaving him to think of things however he wanted. With my memories freshly rekindled, the rest of my tears could come out in private.
Chapter 15
The next morning I was relieved to not feel tired or sore. My nightmares had only flared up for a moment, and for the rest of the night I slept in peace. The sun was already up and I could smell breakfast. To my surprise Lee was the one making it instead of Juni. He noticed my surprise and laughed.
“Mother’s helping my aunt today,” Lee said as he flipped over the hot cakes he was working on. “Food will be done in a moment.”
“How’s Tella doing?” I asked, sitting down.
“Worse for wear. Everything startles her, but I don’t think anything aside from time will fix that,” he replied with a sigh.
“Poor kiddo. I wish something could help but I think you’re right. Time can fix this one. That and getting all those guys out of the woods. I still can’t believe how many there actually are.” I learned back against the wall, remembering the swarms we had seen.
Lee nodded, bringing over a plate and handing it to me. “Good thing we sent for help. It’s a four day ride if they push themselves, but even if they’re slow it’ll take no more than a week. Glad they took the horses.”
I blinked in surprise. “I have no idea where we are in relation to the castle.”
“There’s a map in the living room you can look at later. Eat,” he insisted.
Lee caught onto my mood. “If you’d rather be gone before they get here we can work on that. Eat now, worry later.”
It was actually nice that he understood I’d rather avoid any chance of running into my siblings. There was a great chance Zarek may come to sort this mess out. Part of me was more than certain someone would recognize me.
I nodded and ate a couple of forks full of food before getting up to find the map.
“Sit, I’ll grab the map and you can look at it while you eat.” Lee rolled his eyes at me.
“I’m not going to starve.” I rolled my eyes in return.
Without a reply he walked out of the room to fetch the map. By the time he returned a few moments later, I had finished half of my plate.
“We’re right here.” He pointed south of where the castle was and I saw his town already circled in red. Lee sat down to eat while I slowly ate and looked over the map thoroughly.
He waited until I had finished eating before talking to me. “Where do you think you want to go?” It was an innocent enough question.
“Either Faraden or Rayshire. Faraden is closer, and I’ve been there before.” I replied pointing at the map. It’d take less than two days to walk to.
Lee looked at the map. “That’s on the border of where those guys are camped. You’d just be missing all of it if they haven’t moved far.”
“I like to make everything a challenge.” I smirked.
“Our riders left two days ago, and after they get there I wouldn’t expect them to be back for another five or six days…” Lee mused aloud. “So we’ll plan for you to leave in the middle of the week. It’d be pointless to plan a route until we can see if they’re still hanging around or not.”
“I feel like you’re just trying to get me to stay as long as possible.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
“That’d be nice, but you’d slip out the door eventually. You’re much too stubborn.”