Cursed

by Casey Odell

  He was silent, but she knew the answer.

  “Are you…” she began, but choked. “Are you going to use me--”

  “It’s not like that, Claire,” he said suddenly, turning to look at her. “I just… wanted to help is all.”

  Claire swirled the soup around with the spoon, her appetite gone. When word gets back to the forest about her disappearing… “Aren’t you afraid of him, the forest king?”

  “Ryaenon?” he asked. “It’s not him I am afraid of.”

  It was her turn to be quiet for a moment as she considered their current situation. She didn’t think the elf was afraid of anything. But if it wasn’t the Elvin king he was afraid of, then what was it? She wasn’t so sure she was ready for that answer yet. “What happens now?”

  Farron started to say something but was abruptly interrupted by a large, rather rotund older woman.

  “So here you two are.” She strode into the room, her hands on her hips. Auburn hair fell in a long braid over her left shoulder that contrasted darkly against the white robes she wore. “Master Lyran, you shouldn’t keep the young lady up so late.”

  “Please don’t call me that, Maria.” He stood up straight and stepped away from the table towards her.

  Maria chuckled. “It’s been awhile, so forgive this old woman for feeling nostalgic. You know, you gave us quite a shock when you showed up again, although I was even more shocked when it wasn’t you that needed healing this time.” Her gaze rested on Claire as she brushed past the elf to stand in front of her.

  Claire hurriedly set the spoon down, rose from the seat and gave the best curtsy that her wounds would allow. “Thank you for all that you’ve done. I’m in your debt. If there’s anything I can do--”

  “Oh, hush. Any friend of Master Lyran is welcome here. Besides, we couldn’t just leave you in the state you were in.” Maria looked her up and down. “It looks like you are feeling better already.” She leaned in close to Claire. “He was very worried about you, you know. It was rather cute, honestly. Didn’t sleep for almost two days.”

  Claire could feel the heat rise up to her cheeks again. She really didn’t know what to say to that.

  “Although,” Maria stood up straight and half turned to the scowling elf, “I do believe you would have been better if whatever caused such an injury was left in.” She turned back to Claire. “You nearly bled to death, young lady. You’re lucky he thought to bring you to me.”

  “Maria,” Farron said with an unhappy look on his face.

  Maria smiled. “I’m sure you need your rest, child. Please take all the time you need. We owe Master Lyran a great deal, after all.” A sly look crossed her face. “You know, when he was younger--”

  Farron put an arm around the older woman’s shoulders and began to lead her to the hallway. “Maria, you can bore her with your stories another time. I’m sure she’d rather not hear them at all, I’m afraid.”

  Maria sighed and glanced back at Claire. “What a pity. It was a good one too.” She disappeared back down the hallway humming a joyful tune.

  Claire smirked up at Farron. “It seems you are quite popular here as well…Master Lyran was it?”

  “Maria has a gift for saying unnecessary things.” Farron crossed his arms again, not amused. “You should get some rest, my lady.”

  “Whatever you say, Master.” She walked past him towards the hallway. “If you don’t talk, somebody else will, it seems.”

  Feeling better after having a warm meal, the walk back to her room didn’t seem as long as her journey earlier. Although she was still hobbling, at least it was at a quicker pace. Farron had only offered to help her once after he learned his lesson previously. According to him, if she was able to tease him back, she must be feeling well enough, but that didn’t stop him from hovering around her as if she was about to keel over at any moment.

  “You know, Farron.” She stopped in front of the door she hoped was hers and turned to face the elf. “I told you you should have left the spine in, didn’t I?” She sighed as she shrugged her shoulders exaggeratedly. “All that pain and grief for nothing.”

  “I’m sorry, Claire.” His face fell and she felt an instant pang of regret as he looked down to the floor.

  “Fare, I was just--”

  He leaned in as he reached behind her and opened the door. He put his hands on her shoulders and pushed her backwards into the room until he stopped in the middle and looked down at her.

  “I thought you were dying, Claire. I panicked and took a gamble on your life.” He paused and took a deep breath. “I don’t regret it, but I am sorry.”

  Claire’s pulse pounded in her throat. Why was he being so serious all of a sudden? “I’m fine now, right?” She smiled up at him. “Besides, my life seems better off in your hands than mine lately.” She sighed, and in a sudden impulse, slid her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. It looked like he needed a hug and she really didn’t want to look at him for what she was about to say. “Thank you, and I’m sorry.”

  He hesitated for a second, his hands resting tentatively on her shoulders.

  “I said some mean things to you before. I can get a little carried away sometimes.” She took a deep breath. “And, I don’t actually hate you either. Most of the time, anyway.”

  He remained quiet, his hands relaxing on her shoulders. The steady beat of his heart sounded in her ear.

  “That’s odd…” she muttered.

  “What is, my lady?” His voice was soft, just barely above a whisper.

  “There actually is a heart in there.” She pulled back and looked up at him, a look of shock on her face.

  His shoulders slumped. “Yes, well, congratulations, Claire.” He pushed her back and set her on the bed. “It’s about time someone found that thing. Now I think you should get some rest.” He helped pull the covers up, tucking her in like a good caretaker should.

  “Fine,” she gave in.

  He really wouldn’t let up on the whole getting rest thing, but if it would make him happy then so be it. It seemed he was done answering questions for the rest of the night anyway. She was getting a feeling that she was more of a burden to him than anything. But if that was how he felt, then why did he even bother coming after her in the first place? Did he still feel responsible for her or did he have his own agenda? They were separated from Aeron and it seemed that he wanted to keep it that way.

  Frustration filled her once again at her inability to control her own fate. It was like she was some sort of doll to be passed around without her consent, and in her current situation she couldn’t do a thing about it.

  29

  Soft light streamed in through the open window and a breeze filtered in, stirring the white curtains. She didn’t even remember falling asleep, let alone anyone coming in to open the window. Her ability to sleep through things was a little frightening at times. She sat up in bed and stretched her arms above her. She felt better already, but how long had she been out this time?

  A note sat on the small bedside table. The writing was elegant and flowing, but a little hard to read. She glanced at the signature at the end to see who it was from before she read it. It took her a moment to remember who Master Lyran was. She smiled. According to the note, he’d gone into town for the day. Maybe Maria finally put him to work. He had to be useful for something, right?

  She stood and walked to the window to finally admire the view. A slight feeling of disappointment struck her when she was greeted by another sea of trees. Was it so hard to ask for something a little bit different?

  A flash of pink caught the edge of her vision and she glanced down to the chair next to her.

  A dagger sat on the cushion with a pink ribbon wrapped around its brown leather sheath. She picked it up. It was strikingly similar to the one Mother had given her, but was smaller and more elegant. Tan leather wrapped around a dull silver handle and pommel. The blade glimmered as she drew it from the sheath and a tiny flower was stamped into the me
tal near the base. Had the elf gotten this for her?

  “Good afternoon, Miss Claire.”

  Claire spun around to face the soft female voice. She slid the blade back into its sheath and gripped it tightly in her hands. A young woman-- younger than her at least, late teens perhaps-- stood in the doorway. Long auburn hair fell past her right shoulder and the dark green dress she wore made her green eyes stand out even more. A light sprinkle of freckles decorated her cheeks and Claire realized she shared a striking resemblance with Maria.

  “Good afternoon,” she replied. At least she knew the time of day now.

  “It looks like you’re feeling better.” There was a hint of bitterness to her voice. “Mother told me to bring you to the spring today.” She set the clothes she’d been holding on the bed and turned to leave. “So when you’re ready.” Without saying another word, she left.

  Claire remained by the window for a moment. What was the girl so upset about? After deciding she didn’t really care, she set the dagger back on the chair and inspected the clothes that were left for her on the bed. Small bits of brown fabric were attached together by strings accompanied by a tiny pair of shorts. She held the pieces up in front of her. Was she supposed to wear this? She might as well just wear her undergarments, but seeing as how they were mysteriously missing, she guessed she had no choice.

  It took her a few minutes to figure out how exactly the miniscule outfit was supposed to be worn and which strings went where. Bandages still wrapped around her stomach and her right hand, making the task just that much more difficult. A dull throbbing set in as she moved the bandaged parts in question. She didn’t like the idea of swimming, especially in something so revealing, and wondered why she was just going along with the idea. Perhaps it was the tone in the girl’s voice. She clearly wasn’t happy with her chore and if her mother thought it was a good idea, then who was she to argue? In any case, it would be nice just to get out for a little bit.

  The girl knocked on the door again and entered before Claire could answer. She was having trouble tying the strings around her neck with her bandaged hand. The girl sighed impatiently and took over. Claire slipped her robe back on and tied it closed, feeling a little embarrassed at her new attire.

  She followed the girl silently through the quiet halls, out double doors and down a set of stairs to a dirt path that wound its way through the trees. They followed the path along a stream to the top of an outcropping, where it plunged down into a lagoon with water as clear as glass. A set of stairs carved into the rock led to a grass clearing that edged along the water. A large granite slab jutted out into the lagoon.

  “I think you know what to do from here.” The girl turned to her with a frown on her face. “I’ll be back in a little while.” She shoved past Claire and went back up the steps.

  Claire stood motionless. What could she have done to the girl to make her so mad? She turned and looked around her. Only the sound of the waterfall echoing off the trees filled the area. She felt isolated and awkward. Was she supposed to strip now? She took one last glance around before she undid the sash around her waist. The white robe fell to a pile around her feet and she stepped out of it towards the lagoon and out onto the stone slab to peer into the water.

  It looked deep. Too deep for her at least. So, she sat down on the edge, stuck her feet into the cool waters, and leaned back on her hands. It was a little thrilling to wear so little in the great outdoors. The warm sun and pleasant air teased her skin with the occasional spray from the waterfall to keep her cool. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back slightly. It may not have been exactly what the doctor ordered, but it was relaxing none the least.

  A loud splash interrupted her moment of peace. She really hoped there wasn’t some sort of creature the girl forgot to tell her about. She drew her legs out of the water as she spotted movement under the water, her eyes going wide. Then, whatever it was burst up out of the water.

  “Farron!” Relief and annoyance swirled inside her. What was he doing here?

  The elf treaded out in the middle of the lagoon as he grinned up at her, satisfied that he’d startled her once again.

  Claire crossed her arms over herself, feeling vulnerable and all too exposed. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in town or something?”

  He swam a little closer. “That was yesterday, my lady.”

  Her cheeks flushed red when she realized he was conveniently shirtless. She really hoped he was wearing something under the water. His platinum blond hair stuck close to his head, his eyes and ears stood out more than usual, making him seem even less human. Claire turned her face away to hide her growing embarrassment.

  “Oh.” She admired how green the grass seemed to be along the edges of the water.

  “And I came to make sure you didn’t drown yourself.” There was a hint of amusement in his voice. He was enjoying every moment of this.

  “How very noble of you, but I’m just fine up here.” She drew her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them.

  “The water is very pleasant, my lady. It comes from the same spring that fills the pond you admired so much the other night. It’s quite soothing, really.”

  “I was soothed before you came.” She glanced down at the elf who’d swam even closer. Too close. He was planning something. She could feel it.

  In a sudden move, Farron reached up, grabbed her arm and yanked her down into the water. Claire screeched loudly. Her arms and legs flailed around her as she struggled to get her bearings. She gripped onto the elf, winding her arms around his neck to latch tightly onto his back. Laughter shook his shoulders.

  “Did anyone ever tell you how stubborn you are?” He glanced back at her.

  “Did anyone ever tell you how evil you are?” Her heart still hammered wildly in her chest.

  “Yes, I believe someone told me that once.”

  Claire was quiet as she eyed the banks of the small lagoon. How was she going to get out of this predicament? Somehow, they ended up almost in the middle and she didn’t trust herself to make it to any of the ledges on her own. She was stuck at his mercy once again.

  “See, this isn’t so bad,” he said after a few moments.

  She relaxed a little. It wasn’t really. And at least she found out he was wearing pants, much to her relief.

  “You really do enjoy torturing me, don’t you?” She relaxed her grip around his neck.

  “Claire, swimming is an important skill to have.”

  “And this is how you treat your students?”

  “So, you’re my student now?” He glanced back at her again.

  Claire sighed. “Might as well be since you decided to drag me all the way out here.”

  He pried her arms from around his neck, turned to her, and slid an arm around her waist. “Fine, but you have to listen to what I say.”

  “Yes Master Lyran.” She beamed up at him; her hand still gripped his shoulder tightly, her nails digging into his skin.

  “First, you need to relax.”

  “Easier said than done. Next.”

  “I’ll try not to let you drown, Claire.”

  She glared up at him. He wasn’t as funny as he thought he was. She took a deep breath and tried to calm down. “Fine, I’m relaxed now.” As much as she was going to get, anyway.

  “Alright, now lean back.” He loosened his grip on her waist and she tightened her grip on his shoulder. “You have to let go, Claire.”

  She did, reluctantly. His hand remained on her back as she started to float.

  “Relax,” he repeated and she did a little more. “Kick lightly with your legs and move your arms a little.”

  She followed his directions and to her surprise, it actually worked.

  “There you go.” His hand left her back. “I told you it wasn’t so bad, didn’t I?”

  She tensed and started to sink again. His hand returned to her back to assist her. “I suppose you did,” she admitted, much to her dismay. “Say, do yo
u know Maria’s daughter?”

  “Sarah?” His eyebrows rose in surprise and he smiled. “Why yes I do.”

  “You wouldn’t know, by chance, why she might not like me, do you? I don’t think I did anything wrong, did I?”

  Farron chuckled. “No need to worry, my lady. I’m afraid she is just stricken by the green eyed monster. She has been infatuated with me for quite some time now.”

  That explained it. She’d have to clear things up with the girl later on. “Aren’t you sure of yourself.”

  “I told you, my lady. I’m much more charming than you think.”

  “It seems I’ve underestimated you, my friend,” she admitted, trying to concentrate on swimming.

  “And it seems like you are the only one that is immune to it. We’ll have to change that.”

  Claire lost her concentration and started to sink. She flailed her arms wildly as she tried to keep her head above the water, swallowing some in all the commotion. Farron grabbed a hold of her and led her over towards the waterfall. She gripped onto a large boulder as she coughed and struggled to get her breath back. What did he just say?

  She glanced over her shoulder. The elf had wandered to the waterfall to stand under it. A scar ran diagonally across his back and the edges of a black tattoo crept around his left side. She could feel her cheeks flush, so she turned back to the rock and collapsed against it. This was already too much for her to handle.

  Though, she’d be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy the show. The elf was slim, but had a build any woman could appreciate. She brushed a hand across her forehead, waiting for some of the heat to leave her face. What was she thinking?

  “And you were doing so well, my lady,” Farron said close behind her.

  Claire decided to ignore his statement. “What’s with the tattoo?” She glanced back at him.

  “What, this?” He lifted his arm and looked down at the scrawling black lines that formed geometric designs down his side to trail down and disappear beneath top of his black pants. “Just a spell to bring good luck and help protect me from evil.”