Taste of Darkness

by Maria V. Snyder

  Eva ducked back outside while I placed my load of wood onto the growing pile next to Loren.

  She brought in another stack. “Prince Kerrick said he’d take first watch.”

  “Oh, no. He has lots of explaining to do,” I said.

  “So do you,” Estrid said.

  Glad she appeared to be snapping out of her funk, I didn’t look forward to filling her in on the events of the last two months. “After we eat,” I promised before dashing outside.

  Another pile of wood had arrived, but Kerrick wasn’t in sight. I waited for a few moments. Unable to keep still, I strode into the forest. The desire to yell for him climbed up my throat. Instead, I stomped through the fallen leaves, crunching them under my boots and not caring that I made noise.

  “Avry, settle down,” Kerrick said. He leaned against a tree trunk a few feet away.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Someone has to keep watch.”

  “Uh-huh. What’s going on?”

  He sank to the ground and rested his forehead on his knees. Alarmed, I knelt next to him. Touching his arm, I said, “It can’t be that bad. You’re alive! Whatever else is going on we can deal with it. What happened to you?”

  Kerrick lifted his head. Leaning back on the trunk, he pulled me close, wrapping his arm around me. I snuggled in, pressing my cheek against his chest, almost content to listen to him breathe. Did it matter what happened? He was here with me.

  After a few heartbeats, he said, “I promised you I wouldn’t die from the Death Lily toxin. Do you remember?”

  “Of course. I’ve thought of nothing else since that night. It’s what kept me going when everyone said you’d died.”

  “Your faith is what kept me alive.”

  Warmth spread through my chest, but I waited, sensing there was more.

  “But it came with a price.”

  KERRICK

  Avry pulled away from him. It was what he’d feared all along. Ever since they’d reunited, he wondered how they could be together when he couldn’t leave the forest, when he had to use magic to appear normal. Misery settled in his chest.

  “How bad?” she asked.

  He explained everything to her, from getting sick to waking in the forest and all the limitations he’d discovered so far. She remained quiet the entire time, and he knew she’d eventually put the pieces together. “And here I am, trapped out here while you and the guys are joking around inside. We’ll never have a normal life.”

  She laughed. Shocked, he stared at her as she struggled to control the fit of giggles.

  “Sorry,” she puffed. “But what made you think we’d ever have a normal life before?”

  His guts twisted. “Well...after the war...I was hoping for...you know...marriage...”

  Her sea-green eyes softened. “And it will be lovely. However, I’m a healer and you’re a prince—our lives will never be normal.”

  “Not now that I’m stuck in the forest.”

  “That’s a minor problem. We can live in an elaborate tree house or plant trees all around the castle in Alga. If Tohon can build a garden on his roof, we can make it work.”

  “I can’t travel to Alga.”

  “Who says? I can still share my energy with you and there are woods between the ridges.”

  His dark mood lifted. “You know, you’re making it hard for me to sulk.”

  “Good.” She leaned in and kissed him.

  Desire shot right through him. At least that hadn’t changed. He deepened the kiss and drew her closer.

  She broke away far too soon. “I have to explain a few things to Estrid first and see that the guys are settled. I don’t want them disturbing us later.” Her gaze burned with promise.

  Kerrick didn’t want to wait. “They won’t disturb us now. Even they can figure that out.”

  “Should we tell the monkeys and Flea about you?”

  “Yes, they need to know. But not Estrid or Eva.”

  “Agreed.” She chewed on her lower lip. “Let me try something before I go.” Avry took his hand in both of hers.

  Her magic spread through him with a soothing warmth. He resisted soaking it in and reenergizing.

  “You’re not sick, just exhausted. Hmm... I sense the connection you have to the living green. Oh.” She released his hand.

  “What?”

  “I think if your link to the living green was broken...” Avry paused.

  Kerrick braced for bad news. He’d memorized her every expression, her every mannerism. The way her long graceful fingers worried the sleeve of her tunic said more than her words.

  “It’s just a guess, but that bond is keeping you alive,” she said.

  No surprise. “Break it and I die.”

  “Perhaps. This is...unprecedented. I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”

  “Yeah, add it on the list right after defeat Cellina’s army,” he grumbled.

  “Remember when the Peace Lily saved me?” Avry took his hand again.

  A strange change in subject, but he trusted her. “Of course.” It had been the best moment of Kerrick’s entire life.

  “And I wondered why it saved me and how. Do you recall what you said?”

  “I said I didn’t know nor care. That I considered it a gift.”

  Avry pressed his palm against her cheek. “This is exactly the same thing. I consider it a gift.”

  He caressed her smooth skin with his thumb. “I also remember how we celebrated.” Heat built deep within Kerrick. He slid his hand to her neck, pulling her against him.

  She gazed up at him. “We were alone then.”

  “We’re alone now. No one within...” He concentrated, letting his senses extend throughout the forest. “A couple miles.”

  “Did the living green tell you that?” she asked.

  “No. I’m part of the forest, I just...know.” It was hard to explain.

  “You told me before it has a voice.”

  “It does, but with this...” Kerrick gestured to the surrounding forest. “It doesn’t need to say anything.”

  “What does it sound like?”

  “It’s neither male nor female. I hear it in my head. Why?”

  “The Lilys speak to me the same way, and I wondered if perhaps it was the living green instead.” Her gaze grew distant. “No, it’s another consciousness. Otherwise the Death Lily would have known where you were.” Her forehead crinkled. “That means there are three living beings that can communicate. I wonder if there are more.”

  He loved watching her puzzle out a problem. “I thought you said the Peace Lilys didn’t talk to you.”

  Pain creased her face. “Twice now. Once after Noelle died.”

  “Sorry, I’ve forgotten.”

  Avry shook her head. “So much had happened while you were in the north, and again in the last month.”

  “When was the second time?”

  A mix of emotions flashed before Avry said, “I’ve done a horrible thing, Kerrick.”

  He wrapped his arms around her. “Impossible.”

  “But you don’t—”

  “Have you refused to heal someone in need?”

  “No, but—”

  “Have you put your well-being ahead of another?”

  “No, but I—”

  “Have you ignored a plea for help?”

  “Kerrick—”

  “Have you harmed a small furry animal?”

  “Now you’re being�
��”

  “Have you slept with another man?”

  “Kerrick!”

  Her face reddened in what he hoped was outrage and not guilt. “What? I’m thinking of horrible things. That’s one.”

  Avry straightened, breaking his hold. “Well, here’s another one. Have you animated the dead?”

  He searched her expression. No humor sparked in her eyes. He thought back to their conversation. They’d been talking about Peace Lilys. “Animated like Flea?”

  “No, like one of Tohon’s. Are you going to add that to the horrible list?”

  Torn between being impressed by her ability and wishing to comfort her, Kerrick chose his words carefully. “Tohon’s, yes, but not yours.”

  “Why not? The result is the same.”

  “But the intention isn’t. Your intent was to save a person’s life.”

  She seemed surprised. “How did you know?”

  “Because it’s you. You will do everything you can to save a life.”

  “But—”

  “Tell me I’m wrong.”

  Avry tried. Explaining what led up to the “horrible thing,” she never mentioned anything he’d consider even bad. Her actions were logical, practical and kind—Avry to a tee.

  “...and now Flea is freaked out and avoiding me.” She hunched down as if guilt pressed on her shoulders.

  “He’s young. He doesn’t understand. Unless you’re planning on creating a whole army of them...?”

  She gave him a flat stare.

  “I didn’t think so. Concentrate on the positive. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about Tohon’s creations. Does Ryne know?”

  “Probably.”

  “He’ll know what to do with...Yuri. In the meantime, don’t let this affect you. There was no way you could have predicted that would have happened. Unless you can see into the future...?”

  Another sour look, but he suspected her heart wasn’t in it.

  “Too bad, because that would come in handy right now.”

  “Like who will win this war?” she asked.

  “I’m thinking more of the immediate future. I would ask my beautiful prophetess if I will get lucky tonight.” He stroked her arm and twined his fingers with hers, drawing her toward him.

  “I know the answer to that.” A sly smile tugged on her full lips.

  “Do tell.”

  She leaned closer and whispered in his ear, “Not tonight.”

  Kerrick pouted.

  Avry slid her arms around him. “Your prophetess says you’re getting lucky now. Estrid can wait.” She nuzzled his neck with her nose, pressing her body against his.

  Heat flushed through him. He shifted to lie back onto the ground, taking Avry with him. Now side by side, Kerrick kissed her deeply. His hands slipped under her tunic, seeking skin as he proceeded to make her prediction come true.

  CHAPTER 10

  Snuggled next to Kerrick, I allowed my worries and fears to disappear. All that mattered was he’d survived the Death Lily toxin. We’d overcome his limitations. And if not, then I’d live with him in the forest. Better than living without him.

  I stretched and pushed up on my right elbow. We’d both fallen into an exhausted sleep soon after our reunion. The sun hung low in the sky, which meant we’d slept through the afternoon.

  My body still tingled pleasantly. I would have enjoyed the view of his muscular chest, but he blended in with the ground. So did I. As long as I touched him, my skin matched the forest’s colors.

  My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since...I’d no idea. And Kerrick’s recovery had taken a toll on him. His hip bones stuck out.

  Kerrick mumbled when I untangled my legs and broke skin contact to search for my clothes. They hadn’t gone far. Our lovemaking had been slow and intense, unlike our last reunion, which had been fast and passionate. I dressed and had to sweep my hands over the ground to find him again.

  He snagged my wrist and yanked me close. “Don’t go.”

  “Estrid’s waiting and I’ll bring food if there’s any left. Loren’s making his road stew.”

  He grumbled, but released my arm and once again turning invisible.

  I hesitated. “You won’t—”

  “I’ll stay right here unless an enemy patrol comes through,” Kerrick said. “Then I’ll lead them away from the cave and double back.”

  His words were sincere, yet the knot in my chest refused to loosen. “We should leave after full dark. It’ll be safer. We need to catch up to my team and deliver Estrid to Ryne. Do you have any idea where he is?”

  “No, but I can find him with my tree mojo.”

  I smiled over Quain’s term for Kerrick’s magic. As I strode away, my worries and fears returned, including the new one—that Kerrick wouldn’t be there when I returned. Especially since I could only feel his magic when he used it to look normal. I paused and turned around.

  Kerrick appeared. He shooed me away. “I’m already missing you.”

  The monkeys, Eva, and Flea slept, but Estrid stared at the fire. Loren’s stew pot rested on a few glowing embers and my mouth watered. Estrid watched me as I filled a bowl with the steaming goodness.

  I sat next to the High Priestess. “Did they fill you in?” I asked her between bites, pitching my voice low so I didn’t wake the others.

  She turned her gaze to me. “Yes, except they wouldn’t tell me why Prince Ryne would risk so much to rescue me. Will you?”

  “I think you should hear it from him.”

  “What if we’re captured?” Her voice cracked with fear and echoed loudly against the stone walls.

  I agreed, that thought was unpalatable. “Then we’ll have other things to worry about.”

  She blanched and the wrinkles on her face deepened. At that moment, she appeared to be in her early sixties—ten years older than her true age.

  “Even though we’re in enemy territory, we have Kerrick and should be able to avoid a run-in with unfriendlies,” I said so she wouldn’t panic.

  “If he’s not too exhausted from doing guard duty all afternoon.” Quain smirked.

  I ignored him. All but Flea had roused at Estrid’s cry. I checked on him. No sweat on his brow, or other symptoms of a fever. No mumbling or agitation. He appeared to be in a deep sleep. I searched my memories. When he had awoken Quain from the stasis, he’d gotten sick to his stomach, but hadn’t acted tired.

  I debated touching him. He’d refused my help earlier, but if he was this worn-out, we couldn’t leave tonight as planned. Plus I was responsible for him. Placing my fingers on the back of his hand, I sought signs of an illness, and, finding none, I shared my energy with him. I pulled away before he could drain me dry.

  As he woke, I straightened.

  He stared at me with confusion for a moment, then asked, “Is it time to go?”

  “Soon. How do you feel?”

  Flea sat up. “Better. Hungry. Is there any stew left?”

  Glad he didn’t flinch because of my proximity, I said, “Just save a bowl for Kerrick.”

  “He must be starved. I’ll go relieve him,” Quain said.

  “He won’t come in,” I said.

  “Why not?”

  Aware that everyone’s attention was focused on me, I did a little creative explaining. “He’s keeping track of the enemy patrols with his tree mojo, and if he comes inside, he might lose them.” I smoothed my tunic. “I told him I’d bring him a bowl.”

  Loren said, “Once Flea’s done stuffing his face, I’ll take it out.”

  “Hey,” Flea protested around a mouthful.

  “In the meantime, we should prepare to go,” Lore
n said.

  Since I hadn’t unpacked, I waited by the fire as they rolled up their bedrolls and Flea finished his stew. When Loren was ready, he brought the pot out for Kerrick.

  The events over the past day repeated in my mind. I hoped the rest of my team had escaped the blockade.

  “Did Odd get out?” I asked Quain.

  He shrugged. “Don’t know. Once we realized you weren’t following us, we changed direction to find you.” He glanced at Estrid. “We were mad that you’d run off, but, considering the outcome...”

  But at what price? We’d lost a number of soldiers in the battle to escape the manor house.

  Loren returned. “Time to go.”

  We doused the fire and filed out. The moon was a bit brighter, and the air had turned quite crisp. Eva and the guys had donned their cloaks and Estrid wore mine. I wrapped my blanket around my shoulders. Memories tugged. Not the first time nor, I was sure, the last that I’d used my blanket as a cloak. Knowing I’d warm up once we were underway, I ignored the chilly breeze.

  Kerrick scouted ahead as we hiked northeast at a cautious pace. Estrid’s bumbling seemed overly loud and I thought we’d be marked for sure. No one talked. Throughout the night, off notes and crunchings of others sounded closer than I’d liked. A few times, Kerrick stopped us and we hunkered down until the danger passed. At those times, my heart pumped hard as if I’d just sprinted uphill.

  By dawn, we twitched at every unexpected noise. Kerrick found another cave for us to hide in.

  “Lots of patrols around,” he said at the entrance. “No fire this time.”

  “What’s the watch schedule?” Quain asked.

  “I’ll stay in the forest. No one’s going to get close without my knowledge,” Kerrick said.

  Quain looked at Loren.

  “Sounds good,” Loren said, ducking inside. I followed and set up my bedroll for Estrid to use. Then I joined Kerrick outside. “Did you tell Loren what happened to you?”

  “Not all of it, but he trusts me.” Strain shone on his face.

  “Kerrick, relax.”

  He held out his hand. I laced my fingers in his. He dropped his normal camo and I turned foresty.