“You will be twenty one.” Claire muttered as she dug her blade into a tree to carve the number into the bark.
She’d escaped into the forest while Aeron and Bren set up camp. Farron offered to scout the area as usual. They had left the small dirt path of a road late in the afternoon to set up camp away from potential passerby and prying eyes.
Tired and emotionally drained, she didn’t have the heart or the energy to tell Aeron she didn’t want to practice. Instead, she counted the trees and carved numbers into their trunks. The simple silly task helped keep her mind busy and the tears at bay. She didn’t want to have another breakdown like the one she had earlier in the day. She had moved past that, or at least she thought she had.
On to the next tree.
“And you will be twenty two.” She brought her blade up to the tree to begin the carving process. She put her weight into it with both hands gripping the handle.
“What are you doing?”
Claire’s heart jumped out of her chest. The dagger slipped on the trunk and flew out of her hands. She knew who it was without even turning to look. She collapsed against the tree, her arms hugging the trunk, and she leaned her forehead against the rough bark. Farron’s bad habit was seriously detrimental to her health; her heart just couldn’t take it anymore.
She glanced over her shoulder at the elf. “Why do you do that?”
He simply shrugged his shoulders and waited silently for an answer to his question.
Claire waited for her pulse to calm before she collected her dagger off the ground. “Just getting a head start.”
He raised an eyebrow and the start of his cocky grin tugged at the corner of his mouth as he glanced at the carving behind her.
The words caught in her throat as she began to tell him about her plan. She didn’t know whether or not she should tell him. It could only lead to disaster. “Never mind.” The idea suddenly seemed too silly. After wiping the blade on her pants, she sheathed it.
“I want to show you something.” He held his hand out to her.
She hesitated and thought of the words Aeron had told her earlier in the day. It would be better if she said no. Her eyes narrowed as she studied his face. “This isn’t revenge for me trying to sneak up on you earlier, is it?”
He looked up, considering the thought. “I had not really thought of that, but thank you for reminding me.” He looked back down to her, amusement clear on his face. His hand hovered in the air in front of her.
Hesitantly, Claire took it, curiosity getting the better of her. He wouldn’t do anything to her, right? He took off as soon as her hand touched his, quickly winding his way through the trees.
“Where are we going?” she asked, her legs struggled to keep up.
“You’ll see.”
The tree line abruptly stopped before a bluff that stretched up and out in both directions. Sparse plants clung to the boulders in a futile attempt at life. It was a sudden rocky gash in the endless sea of trees. Farron stopped before the steep outcropping looming up before them and Claire snatched her hand away from him.
“Oh no.” She shook her head and held her hands up in front of her in protest. “I’m not bored enough to climb that thing.”
“It’s not so bad down there.” He pointed to the right.
Boulders from a previous landslide piled up along the side of the bluff, making the incline less steep. It still looked unsafe.
“I think I’ll pass.” She turned to head back into the forest. Heights weren’t her favorite thing, as she’d recently discovered.
“Is the almighty Claire afraid of heights?”
She stopped in her tracks, tensing. She turned around to find that smirk again, an arrogant mask meant to bait her. She knew this trick, but she couldn’t help but retaliate, to prove him wrong.
“I’m not afraid to conquer my fears.” She glared up at him before she spun on her heel and marched to where the rocks spread out onto the ground. She stripped off the purple over-shirt, down to the sleeveless black one. Her eyes traced up the rockslide and her pulse began to race once more, her nerves standing on edge. She undid her belt and laid her dagger and wooden sword next to her shirt on the ground. Didn’t need those anyway. She took a deep breath and concentrated on the slope in front of her. She could do this.
Farron stood off to the side, watching her.
“What?” Claire snapped.
He shrugged. “Just waiting for the conquering to begin.”
Anger drove her feet forward up the rocks. She stepped carefully on the boulders, steadying herself with her hands as the slope grew steeper. His attitude was insufferable at times. Whatever it was had better be worth it. Although, erasing that smug look from his face would give her far more satisfaction than anything else would at the moment.
After several minutes, the top of the bluff fell within reach. Almost there. She refused to look down to see if the elf had at least decided to accompany her on this little adventure. If this was all a ruse, he’d be sorry he’d ever even met her. She set her foot on top of a stone jutting out to brace for the last push to the top. Her hands found a rock on the edge higher up and gripped it tight. She took a deep breath. Just a little bit more. She pulled herself up with her arms and stepped onto the rock. Not strong enough to hold her weight, it gave out from under her foot. Claire gasped, her hands starting to slip from the ledge above as her feet struggled to find purchase.
A hand pushed against the center of her back to steady her enough for her to find a foothold. She breathed a sigh of relief and closed her eyes for a moment to gather strength.
“Having troubles, my lady?” Farron asked.
She wouldn’t look at him for fear of seeing the ground behind her. “I’m fine.”
She could hear the elf climb up beside her as he passed by and hopped up over the edge to the top.
“Come on.”
Claire glanced up. Farron leaned past the edge with a hand outstretched.
“I can do it.” She remained motionless.
“You don’t need to die to prove me wrong.” He grabbed her wrist and pulled her up.
She snatched her arm away when her feet felt solid enough beneath her and brushed herself off. “I could have done it, you know,” she snapped. She looked up and froze. “This is what you wanted to show me?”
A field stretched out beneath them, filled with tall golden grass. Trees edged the other side of the great expanse. Peaceful and somewhat pretty, but not worth the torture. She collapsed to the ground and stretched her legs out in front of her. The other edge of the outcropping dropped steeply by her feet. Well, she might as well enjoy it while she was up there. The thought of the climb back down seemed even less appealing than the climb up.
“Although I appreciate your thought, and the fact that I’ve seen enough trees to last me a lifetime, I must say I am underwhelmed.” She closed her eyes, breathed in the cool air, and leaned back on her hands. The excitement slowly seeped from her body, leaving a trail of tense, tired muscles in its wake.
“Watch.” Farron picked up a stone and tossed it out into the field below where it disappeared in the grass. Ripples spread out in rings around where it landed, like water.
Claire shook her head. Wait, ripples? She must have been delusional from the climb. She leaned forward, rising to her hands and knees to peer over the edge of the cliff. It looked like a normal field. She glanced back at the elf, her brow furrowed in confusion.
“Do that again.”
Farron picked up another stone and threw it into the field. She carefully tracked the stone with her eyes, focusing on the little black dot. It landed in the field and ripples radiated out across the grass in its wake. Gaping, she leaned over the ledge to try and get a closer look. What was going on here?
Farron’s hand clamped down on her shoulder. “Careful, my lady,” he said in a firm voice.
“Sorry.” She leaned back and propped herself up on her knees. “Can I try?”
“Knock yo
urself out.” Farron shrugged and sat down on a boulder nearby.
Claire picked up a pebble and heaved it as hard as she could into the tall grass. Again, she marveled at the waves it caused. “What is that?”
“It is a curse.”
Her attention snapped to the elf. “A curse?”
“Yes.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
Waiting for him to elaborate, she pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. She felt uneasy after hearing it was some sort of curse. However, it did pique her interest.
“There was a battle here between the elves and the humans during the Great War, and the magic mingled with the souls of the dead.” He glanced at her with an evil grin. “It’s a trap to fool travelers and all who enter.”
A shiver went down her spine. “What’s in there?”
He shrugged. “No one knows.” His eyes narrowed. “No one’s ever made it out.”
Claire gazed out at the field. It seemed so peaceful.
Farron started to chuckle, softly at first until it grew into a full out laugh. Her shoulders slumped and the dread in her body faded. She rolled her eyes and glared at the elf who was doubled over in laughter. She rose to her feet and marched to him, fists balled in rage.
“Do you enjoy torturing me?” She could feel the heat rise to her cheeks in embarrassment.
“There is a certain amount of enjoyment, yes.” He smiled up at her. “Although the story is true.”
Her jaw dropped. “Then why are you laughing?”
“Your face was so serious. You looked like a child listening to a ghost story.”
“You’re lucky I don’t throw you in.” She crossed her arms so she wouldn’t lash out at him. Yes, insufferable. Why did she even bother talking to him?
“But seriously.” The amusement faded from his face. “This place is haunted.” He picked up a stone and threw it into the field.
“But I thought magic disappeared.” She sat down and wrapped her arms around her knees again.
“It didn’t disappear. There is still magic in the world. Most of it was just…” He glanced at the mark on her wrist before looking up at her. Every hint of laughter and amusement abandoned his face. “It was just hidden from us.”
She stared up at him and her eyes narrowed. “What did you do before the forest?” She had a feeling that he knew a lot more than he let on. “Why would you choose to close yourself off from the rest of the world?”
There was a moment of silence. He stared back at her, eyes emotionless, not revealing anything. Then a smirk crossed his lips and he looked away.
“My lady, I think you already know what I did before I entered the forest.”
It took her a moment. “Ha! If you were a man for hire, you’d have starved long ago!” It was her turn to laugh. “Fine.” She sobered up. “That’s fine. I’ll get it out of you one of these days.”
He looked down at her, skeptical. “What makes you so sure?”
Claire shrugged. “That’s fine too. I’m sure I’d rather not know anyway.”
Farron turned back toward the field as he laughed softly.
She stared out at the great expanse. After a while she said, “My mom pulled me out of school when I was nine. Most girls in my town stop going around that age anyway. Why didn’t she teach me about it? The Great War? She taught me everything else, how to read, how to run a business, how to cook.”
“Maybe she didn’t want you to know.” His voice was solemn, serious.
She looked at him, about to ask him why, when he recovered with a shrug.
“It was a hard time. Not something many people want to remember. Maybe she wanted you to start fresh, free of the feelings of hate.”
She mulled that over for a bit. It was possible, his answer. But it just didn’t seem like her mother to do that. She felt it was important to be well educated, especially for a woman. Then why omit something so significant?
With a sigh, she tossed another rock into the field and watched the ripples form and then fade again.
A curse. How sad for those souls to be stuck in such a place, never to be reunited with their loved ones. Would that happen to her? Would she ever find her mother? A pain struck through her chest as she imagined her mother somewhere alone and scared. Well, maybe not scared. Was she searching for her as well? She closed her eyes and leaned her forehead on her knees. Must not think like that.
“Hey,” Farron said.
She felt his hand rest lightly on her head. Jerked her out of her thoughts, she looked up at him.
“Are you alright?” There it was. A flash of worry in his eyes. She had seen it earlier in the day and like lightning, it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, disappearing beneath his careful mask.
“Yes, I’m fine.” So the elf was capable of more than two emotions.
“Good.” He leaned closer and pointed his finger in her face like a parent scolding a child. “It’s not good to cry around such a cursed place. You’ll attract evil souls.”
“Alright.” Claire knocked his hand away and stood up. “Now who’s being childish? I’m starting to think you brought me up here just to make fun of me.”
“I figured you could use a distraction.” His expression grew more serious and he looked out over the field again.
She stood silent for a moment. “Thank you. For earlier, I mean.” She shifted uncomfortably on her feet. “I shouldn’t have wandered away in the first place.”
“Everyone has a weakness. Curiosity just happens to be yours.”
“Did you know that village was there?” She stepped closer to him, wanting him to look back at her.
“Yes.”
“Did you know it had been attacked?”
He paused to consider his answer. “I saw the smoke earlier.”
“Did you not want me to see it?” Her voice grew soft.
“My lady, some things are best left unknown. There’s nothing we could have done for them anyway.” He finally looked up at her, eyes narrowed as he studied her face. “Did you honestly feel any better after seeing what you did?”
It was her turn to look away. “No. But I’m tired of running away. I feel like I have to do something, even if it’s just finding out the truth.” She turned to look back at the elf. “I’m not saying I can save anyone, nor do I have the power to stop the attacks. I can only do what I can do. I’m not going run away anymore.”
Farron buried his face in his hands. Was he laughing? She was being serious.
After a moment he peered up at her, then looked quickly away. His eyes seemed sad. Well, at least he wasn’t laughing.
“That makes you stronger than me, my lady.” He glanced back at her. “Perhaps you’ve grown up a little.”
Claire put her hands on her hips and straightened her back. “I told you I’d show you.”
“I said a little.”
“Too late, you already said it.” She pointed at him.
He brushed her hand away. “Never mind, I take it back.”
“Still counts though.” Claire smiled broadly. She was going to rub it in as much as she could.
“It must have been a lapse in judgment.”
“I think I’ll tell Aeron.” She looked up at the sky and feigned a faraway look in her eyes.
Farron laughed, but it was soon replaced by a mischievous grin. “And I’m sure Aeron would love to hear that you are afraid of evil spirits.”
Claire gulped. “My lips are sealed.” The thought of giving Aeron yet another excuse to tease her was enough to keep her quiet. “By the way, you found out one of my weaknesses, what about yours?”
“Why beautiful women, of course,” he stated, pleased with himself.
Well, that was unexpected. She figured he’d say weapons or awful snacks.
“Miss Claire!” Bren’s voice called out from the trees.
Every muscle in her body tensed. She couldn’t let him find her with the elf if she didn’t want him to get the wrong
idea again. She glanced up at Farron and her cheeks flushed.
The arrogant mask slipped into place, the amusement in his face disappearing. “Your prince is calling for you, my lady.”
Heat spread across her entire face. Had he heard her and Aeron earlier? She shook her head, dismissing the thought. Impossible. Bren called again, his voice drawing nearer.
“I should have him teach you some manners.”
She spun around and walked back to the ledge she had climbed, sat down and swung her legs over the edge. She lowered herself slowly down the side of the bluff, testing the rocks with her foot before she stepped on them. The climb down had been easier than she’d thought. Anger worked wonders on fear.
Quickly, she slipped the purple shirt on and the dagger back around her waist, and tucked the wooden blade neatly back under the belt. She ran her fingers through her hair and started to make her way back through the trees. Her heart beat faster in her chest. Was that from the climb down, or due to the General?
“There you are, Miss Claire.” Bren’s smile lightened her mood as soon as it flashed across his handsome face. The brown cloak was absent from his shoulders. He still looked anything but ordinary, even in the muted plain clothes he wore. The golden hilt of his sword glimmered at his waist in the shrinking light. “I got worried when you didn’t come back to the camp.”
Her stomach filled with butterflies. “That’s very considerate of you, General.” She curtsied. His charming personality was a breath of fresh air after dealing with that damn elf. Her nerves relaxed a little but she still had to keep up her appearance as Lady Claire DuBonte. Just another layer of stress to add to the growing pile.
“I also wanted to apologize for earlier. I should have been more considerate to the situation and how you were feeling,” he said.
“No, I should be the one to apologize.”
He looked at her, surprised.
“I shouldn’t have blamed you for what happened.” She smoothed her hands down her shirt and adjusted the belt around her hips.
Bren took her hand in both of his. Gray eyes gazed down at her. “I will try to do everything in my power to help stop attacks like the one on that village.”
Claire swallowed hard. “Thank you. But please don’t feel like you have to do anything on my behalf.”
“I have to do it for somebody.” He gave her a hopeful look.
She looked down, embarrassed. What could a girl say to that?
“Come.” Bren offered her his arm. “We should get back to the camp before it gets dark out.”
Claire took his arm. What a gentleman, even out in the middle the forest. She let him lead her back to the campfire, her stomach aflutter the whole way. He’d asked her how her practice had gone and even said he’d like to show her a few moves himself. If she wouldn’t mind, of course.
She definitely wouldn’t mind. Not one bit.