* * *
Isla stole glances at Liam. He struggled with his emotions. Her best friend, who couldn’t believe his das was gone, rested against the table in the storage room of the Forest Bakery and Herb Shop. She stood beside him, avoiding eye contact, but wanting to be near him. His meeme in the front of the shop said good-bye to Isla’s das and family. Soon, they’d board a coach which would deliver them to Wandsworth where other family members lived.
Isla scanned the many shelves holding ingredients needed to create the wonderful aromas pervading the bakery. The room, lit by one small window, seemed cramped. She’d sat here many times, reading or completing her lessons. It felt good to be around so many raw materials. The sugars, spices, flours and herbs mixed together to create an unforgettable smell. It enticed and conjured feelings of family and security.
“I won’t forget you.” Liam’s shaky voice broke the silence. “I promise.”
Isla bowed her head. “Neither will I you.” She saw his hand dangling from his trouser pocket, and she reached for it. He allowed her to have it. Their fingers entwined. “I used to be sure of things, but I don’t know anymore.”
“You can be sure of me.” He touched her chin and raised it to face him. “I’m a man now. I have to take care of Meeme. When she’s okay, I’ll be back for you.”
She looked into his brown eyes. They appeared red from lack of sleep and from crying, but she saw in them the same strength she heard in his voice. “I wish things could be different.” Her eyes welled with tears again. “I’ll miss you.”
Hesitant at first, Liam put his hands on her hips and leant towards her. Isla stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. She felt his arms encircle her shoulders and pull her near. He was right; he grew up fast eating oatmeal raisin cookies. At thirteen, he did seem more of a man than a boy.
They had hugged before, but those hugs had celebrated a triumph of some sort. Today, with only a few minutes to say goodbye, this hug felt different. In it, Isla tried to convey all the emotions she held for him. She pulled him closer and rested her head on his shoulder. “I don’t want you to go.”
“Meeme thinks it’s best.” Liam shivered. “She doesn’t feel safe in Maskil after what happened.”
“Das will protect you.”
“Meeme won’t listen to reason. I tried.”
She held her breath, wishing she didn’t have to let go, but without warning, Liam pulled away and held her at arms’ length. He seemed unsure, but given the circumstances, she couldn’t imagine why. She watched him take his right hand and hold it in front of her with the palm up.
“Isla of Maura, with the fires burning in my blood for you, I offer a pledge to unite.”
She stared at the palm. Did he offer because of his leaving, because of his sorrow and the thoughts of missing her? Or did he truly believe his blood burnt for her like it would for no other? Could he honour such a pledge made at this age? Could she?
Liam withdrew his hand and turned to leave. Isla grabbed him and turned him around. She held his hand in place and laid her palm on it. His skin felt warm against hers.
“I accept your offer to pledge for my blood burns for you. I don’t think I’ll ever find another who makes me as happy as you do. I pledge to unite with you, my best friend.” The words may not be the same as what others spoke during a pledge, but they came from her heart. For the first time since his das’ death, she saw a smile. “I don’t want anyone but you.”
Liam stepped closer and held her by the shoulders. He leant in, tilted his head and looked into her eyes.
Isla recognised his intentions and met him halfway. He didn’t need a Be-still Spell or to steal their first kiss. She’d give it freely. She closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his. When they parted, she wondered about the unfamiliar sensations the kiss had created.
“Then we’re pledged.” He pulled her back into his arms. “I can’t tell you when I’ll return, but you’ll always be in my thoughts regardless of where I am.”
“You’ll be in mine, too.” She buried her head in his shoulder, fighting back the tears. She heard footsteps nearing the room and clung tighter, knowing a family member approached who’d tell them the time had come to leave. She felt him pull closer. His scent filled her senses and branded its mark in her life force.
“Liam,” said her das. She heard sadness in his voice. “Your meeme is waiting.”
After one final squeeze, the two separated. Isla couldn’t stop the tears. She ran to Bronwyn, burying her face in his chest. He held her with one hand and gathered Liam with the other. He hugged them both. “It’s not forever. You’ll see each other again. I’m sure of it.”
Bronwyn led the hauflins from the room and to the shop. He guided Liam to his meeme’s waiting arms. After a few more hugs and goodbyes, the Jenkins family left.
Isla watched Liam close the door. A wretched feeling erupted in her chest, and the terrible thought she might never see him again struck her. She wanted to run and hide, but everyone looked at her.
“Honey, why don’t you take her upstairs?” Maisie rested her hand on her son’s shoulder.
“No, Mum. Isla and I have an important task to complete.” He gathered his daughter in his arms. “We’ll see you tomorrow.” He held Isla’s hand and guided her out the door and through the town gates. They walked in silence, exchanging glances now and again. About a mile away, on the road to Moon Meadow, they met Farlan. He led them into the woods to a peaceful meadow overlooking the Shulie River.
Isla looked down at a narrow hole dug in the ground. “What’s this?”
“It’s a grave,” said Bronwyn solemnly.
She watched Farlan pick up a sack and carry it to the hole. With the gentleness of a das carrying his newborn, he placed the sack inside.
“Is it Liam’s das?” She clung to his hand. Her insides shivered. She’d never stood this close to a body. A strange odour came from the bundle, and a memory of a woolly animal flashed in her mind. She closed her eyes and tried to make sense out of the warm feelings connected with the smell. She remembered a low murmur but nothing more.
“Yes, it is,” said Bronwyn. “We recovered what we could. It was the least we could do.”
“Hopefully, this will bring peace to his soul and to those of us who must live with the memories.” Farlan, still squatting, looked over at her. “I’m sorry we can’t do more.”
“Maybe you can bring Liam here if he comes looking,” said Bronwyn. “Let him know we gave his das a respectable burial, and that we did care.”
Isla picked up a grey stone from near the hole. She fingered the granite rock for a moment then pressed it against her palm and closed her fingers around it. She studied her surroundings: How far was she from the river? What corner of the Pogwa Mountains could she see? What direction had they taken from The Trail to get here? She’d remember all these things, so she could return with Liam.