by Sela Croft
We tromped through a middle layer made up of vines, smaller trees, ferns, and palms. It was spectacularly beautiful, though uncomfortable to walk through. The noise was incredible. I heard many insects, birds, and mammals. Some sounds I recognized; others I didn’t.
The forest floor was covered with wet leaves and leaf litter. It was good that I’d thought to wear the shoe covers. The farther we were from the castle, the better I felt. And the deeper we went into the jungle, the safer I was from enemies—vampire ones, anyway.
There were a variety of jungle dangers. I didn’t need to ask Jason to know that. But I trudged on, moving branches out of my face and ignoring the wetness underfoot. I was released from captivity, ready to face what was ahead.
I’d escaped in the nick of time. Iris and her guards would be after me the instant they discovered my treachery. But I focused on the present and how to deal with the task at hand. It did no good to ponder what was happening back at the castle.
If I could make fast progress, I might stay out of Silvain’s grasp—long enough to find Draven. Travel through the forest was difficult, but I wasn’t about to whine about it. I did my best to keep up with Jason and didn’t reveal the vulnerability I felt.
It was a welcome relief when Jason stopped to rest. “We have a distance to go,” he said. “I don’t want to overtax you.”
Breathing hard, I leaned against a tree, not minding that my dress got wet. “I could use a rest,” I said. “But I don’t want to hold you back.”
The break gave me a chance to look around. Mushrooms, grasses, and wild flowers grew among the mosses. Jason pulled a few pieces of fruit from low branches then handed one to me. “It’s citrus,” he said.
The walk had worked up my appetite, and I was thirsty too. I peeled the fruit, sucked at the juice, then ate the pulp. “An orange?”
“More like a tangerine,” Jason said. “This fruit only grows in this forest.”
“These are marvelous.” I finished my fruit, then ate two more. The treats were delicious and restored my energy.
Jason held up his hand, then listened. I heard it too: horses approaching. They were still a distance away, but the earth rumbled.
I ducked behind several massive ferns, and Jason followed. I whispered, “Who is coming?”
Jason grabbed a thick, woody vine and shimmied up very high. I feared he might plummet to his death. While he observed from his perch, I held my breath, not knowing what to expect.
Then he slid back to the ground. “Dark Fighters,” he said. “I can tell, even this far away. The dark uniforms are distinctive, as well as their menacing forms.”
“Are they coming this way?”
“I could barely see though this forest. But there is less thickly forested terrain beyond,” Jason said. “It could be that Silvain is with the group. I couldn’t tell.”
My pulse raced. “Will they pass by?”
“I pray they do,” Jason said, “as I’m not equipped to battle the fighters. Our only hope is to remain hidden as deeply in these trees as we can.”
A thought struck me. “If the faction receives word of my escape, would they turn this way to search the forest?”
Jason hesitated. “I’m afraid so. This is the most likely place for us to stay out of sight. And it’s the way to the coastal area, a region beyond Silvain’s control.”
I prayed that my escape would remain undiscovered for a bit longer. Jason guided me deeper into the forest yet managed to find a route through. A finger of fear wound up my spine. If the Dark Fighters came this way, there would be no place to hide.
CHAPTER 25 – MIRELA
I listened and tried to discern whether the horses were getting closer or moving farther away. Jason pulled on my arm. “Come this way to see if we can get a better view.”
The jungle was dense, so I had to fight through ferns and branches to follow Jason. My dress snagged on a sharp, broken branch and the skirt tore. But I had bigger issues than a rip in my skirt. Jason stopped then peered through some trees.
I leaned next to him to see. There was a narrow tributary of a river that carved through the rainforest. Through the opening, I spotted the Dark Fighters. They weren’t close, yet not far enough away for comfort.
My stomach fell when I noticed that the fighters had stopped. I feared they would turn toward our location. “What are they doing?”
Jason stared at the army group. “The messenger delivering the news of your escape has likely arrived. I can’t think what else would halt their travel.”
My heart pounded, and I felt like a trapped fox. The enemy would corner then capture me. I pushed those thoughts aside. “Can you see Silvain?”
“Not clearly.” Jason looked at me. “But that’s his horse. It’s taller than the rest and has that red-orange coat.” He pointed. “See it?”
I nodded. “I haven’t seen a horse like that.”
“It’s magical, specially bred.”
I looked at the fighters, then gasped. A handful were coming our way, while the rest went on. “The search has begun,” I said.
“Yes, we must go a different way,” Jason said, and waved toward the deeper forest. “I have an idea.”
Trembling, I followed. It might take a while for the fighters to reach us, but it was difficult to judge. It depended on the distance and the speed of the horses. I didn’t want to distract Jason by asking, so I just jogged behind him.
It was slow going through the denser part of the forest. Jason stopped to check that I was behind him. “It’s not much farther,” he said. “The main river bends then traverses toward the coastal region, where we want to go. It should be visible shortly.”
“How will we travel?”
“Humans in the area navigate the river to transport goods,” Jason said. “The commerce is on a small scale and rowboats are used. The crafts are hidden along the waterway. I’m familiar with the best places, so if we’re lucky, I can find one for us.”
Any mode of travel besides walking sounded good. My feet were tired, and I was breathing hard.
“This part of the rainforest is more treacherous,” Jason said. “But I’d rather take my chances against its creatures than face Silvain’s men.”
I had no argument to that. It was despicable to be such a helpless female. I wished for armor, a horse, and a sword to go with them. Yet I was unpracticed with all, so wouldn’t stand a chance. Jason was more suited to the task and had a warrior heritage.
But he’d had little opportunity to develop fighting skill and had no weapons to hand. It was best to embrace whatever dangers lurked—and deal with the creatures that Jason spoke of—than to dream of fighting.
My perceptions began to come alive. The deeper forest emitted greater supernatural force, and I sensed creatures closer than I would have preferred. I was in tune with all of nature around me, as though I could commune with the trees and flowers.
There were animals foraging in their habitat and birds twittering from high perches. The environment was radiant and alive. Sensations that flowed through my body were not solely my own, but those of the life that surrounded me.
It was an ability I’d experienced before, but more pronounced. Sensitivity to other life forms, and even the dark, rich dirt underfoot, turned the forest into a symphony of creation. I wished to linger with the flowers and admire the lush ferns.
But there was no opportunity for such things. My focus on Jason and getting to the river junction superseded the other. Then I sensed something amiss. The plant life took on a somber note, so I glanced around—barely avoiding a vine in my path.
A plant many feet high and extremely thick had smaller vines shooting off from the main stem. It seemed alive, not just a flora of the forest, but sentient, as a person might be. My feet squished through purple grapes that had fallen to the forest floor.
The plant appeared semi-mobile, as if it might chase after me if I turned away. I squealed when Jason put his arm around my waist and scooped me aside. The
n he ushered me away, only looking back when out of reach of the scary vine.
“That was close,” Jason said. “I should have warned you. That is an assassin vine. It gets nutrients by capturing creatures and depositing their remains near the roots. Its grapes are poisonous to mammals and humans.”
“It nearly had me in its grip,” I said. “It was as though it knew.”
“It did. The vine is sentient.”
I gazed at the vine and saw it entangle prey in its grasp. It was an unlucky rabbit who’d wandered into the plant. I watched in horror as the vine constricted around the ensnared animal, then choked it to death.
I didn’t stay to see more. The river wasn’t far, and I was anxious to be away. Jason guided me through a thick patch of ferns toward the edge of a river. He found a small boat tucked under debris. “Get in,” he said. “This will take us downstream.”
“Are the fighters following?”
“Their horses can’t get through this part of the forest, because it’s too dense. The river route is the only way, and I daresay they don’t have a boat with them.”
That was reassuring. I got in the boat, and Jason followed. He grabbed the oars and pushed away from the shore. The boat glided over the water, and I took a breath. It was good to sit down and have a moment to rest.
The weather was cooler and less humid now. “Where are we going?”
Jason worked the oars. “This will take us to the edge of the rainforest. We’re close; the temperatures are more moderate already. The safest place to take you is to the coastal region. But there is some other terrain we’ll have to go through before we get there.”
The task of completing the journey seemed insurmountable, but I didn’t say so. There was no alternative. Going back meant certain death, for me as well as my escort. No matter what travails paved the way ahead, it was the only choice. “Will the owner of this boat miss it?”
“He will understand,” Jason said. “Humans help each other. It’s an unwritten code. If another needs a boat to avoid harm, then it’s agreed that he’ll take any he finds.”
“Why don’t the vampires steal them all? I assume they want to confine their human slaves.”
“True enough.” Jason veered around a floating branch. “But they don’t know everything. Humans have ways of communicating with each other, and methods of survival. Even if the vampires were aware of the boats, the crafts are hidden at random locations. It would be too much trouble to find and destroy them all.”
I took in the scenery as we floated down the river. The rainforest was as lovely from the river as it had been up close. It was brilliant shades of green—lush and magical. It made me think of the Enchanted Forest where I’d been with Draven.
“I have a question for you,” Jason said, drawing my attention back to the present.
“Of course. What would you like to know?”
“That trick you did, back at the castle. How did you do that?”
“Oh, the lightning and thunder?” I smiled. “It’s a talent I discovered. I’m able to control weather, some of the time. Fortunately, it worked then, as a distraction for the guards.”
“But you’re human.”
“Yes, very human,” I said. “And vulnerable because of that.” I paused for a beat. “After I met Draven, I discovered that I have some magic too. It started when I could see supernatural creatures that came after him.”
“I was taught that when in the world above, humans cannot see creatures from our realm. It’s a protection.”
“Draven said that too, so he was amazed that I could see them.” I rolled a shoulder. “I’m not sure why. I just know that I’ve discovered other abilities since then.”
“Like what?”
“I have a special connection with nature, as well as inanimate forms like rocks and earth. I’m able to feel what they feel,” I said. “And…I can read thoughts.”
“Really? Do you know what I’m thinking?”
“I have to focus on it. The skill isn’t automatic, so it isn’t like any human’s thoughts flow into my mind. I have to concentrate and want to hear.”
“Quite impressive.”
“It has come in handy,” I said, then grinned. “For example, Iris had no idea I could listen in on her. She’d be appalled to learn that I did and will be furious that I cracked the code to her safe. But for someone like her…I mostly didn’t want to know what she was thinking.”
“Yeah, me either.”
I gazed at the stars above, marveling at the beauty. The moon gleamed large above the horizon, as it always seemed to. “This is a lovely realm. It’s too bad that those that live here don’t get along.”
Jason smiled. “I take it you’re an idealist?”
“I don’t think that’s derogatory. Shouldn’t different races get along with each other?”
“I suppose.” Jason leaned forward and pulled hard on the oars. “But I haven’t seen it happen.”
There was another ability I possessed, but I didn’t bring it up. That one had been more intermittent, not something I could rely on. But there had been times when I’d known something was going to happen before it had. Yet such premonitions had been sporadic.
“I owe you so much,” I said. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without your help.”
“It’s the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time,” Jason said. “I was sick of slaving for those monsters.”
“Do you have a plan for after we make it to the coast?”
“There are humans who will assist us.” Jason looked ahead to guide the boat. “It’s been so long since I’ve been out that there might not be anyone who knows me. But we’ll find what we need.”
“I must contact Draven as soon as possible.”
“I’m aware of that, but you’ll need protection. Dangers abound, so we’ll need to be smart about making the way to his castle.”
“He will reward you profoundly, I’m sure. If…he’s able.” I sighed. “I don’t know how he fares. I pray that he’s still alive.”
“I don’t seek any reward,” Jason said. “My reason for escorting you is to see you safe. You are my link to the human realm. You are kind and gentle, magic that transcends the other powers you mentioned. Your humanity must be preserved. Delivering you to the Guardians will be reward enough.”
I was deeply moved, and swore that I’d do the best I could for Jason. He was a loyal friend and a brave man. Then my attention shifted. A sense of terror riddled me, and I looked around for the source. Two huge forms appeared in the sky behind Jason, and I gasped.
He glanced back to see. “Duck down…they’ll swoop right for us.”
I slipped off the bench and huddled at the bottom of the boat. I saw two horrible birds with razor-sharp feathers, creatures that I recognized. It wasn’t the first time they’d harassed me.
“Symphalian birds,” Jason said. “They will aim for us with those metal feathers.”
The birds dove from the sky, coming directly toward the boat. Jason veered away, barely avoiding them. But the birds attacked once more. The dark forms spun in the sky, then dove for the boat again. Each time Jason jerked the craft out of the way, then the birds dipped their wings in the water before taking off.
I thought of using an oar to bat them away, but the birds looked like creatures of metal. The wooden oar would be carved in two by their razor wings. Then the birds hovered high, glaring down at us. Jason looked up and shouted, “Jump into the water!”
He grabbed my arm and pulled me with him. From the murky river, I gazed at the sky. The birds arrowed toward us, synchronized with each other. As a unit, they struck the boat, carving it in half. The craft fell apart and began to sink. The birds flew away, leaving us to bob in the current.
Jason put his arm around me, and I paddled my feet to stay afloat. “We might have been killed,” I said.
“We would have. The river saved us,” Jason said. “The birds don’t like water.”
I made it to sh
ore, and Jason pulled me up onto the riverbank. My dress was soaked and heavy. My overshoes were gone. My pouch was wound around my wrist, containing soggy items within. But we’d defied injury and possible death.
I flopped onto the ground and draped my arm over my forehead. It took a few minutes for me to catch my breath. I looked at Jason. He’d removed his jacket and shoes and was staring out at the water. “I don’t think we’ll find another boat this far downstream.”
Soaked to the bone, and with the boat destroyed, my spirits sagged. It had been an arduous journey, but there was more distance to cover. My strength waned, and doubts consumed me. “What are we to do now? How will we make it to our destination?”
Jason sat with his arms on bent knees. He didn’t answer right away. It was good that he didn’t offer empty promises, as I wouldn’t have believed him. The jungle wasn’t a safe place, but then, what was? Since I’d arrived in Lumea, any sense of security had eluded me.
“We must go on,” Jason said. “The good news is that we should reach the border of the rainforest soon. When we’re out, the terrain will change, and there will be places to seek protection.”
“So, we’ll be safe then?”
Jason frowned. “No…I can’t promise that. There is no truly safe place in the kingdom.”
I stared at him, certain that he’d exaggerated. But after what we’d been through so far, I had to admit that safety and protection seemed like things of the past. Whether I’d be secure again, or would reunite with Draven, was uncertain.
CHAPTER 26 – DRAVEN
Once I reached the coastal region, my prospects would improve. The area was guarded, and my castle awaited. As long as I was stranded beyond that perimeter, enemies might attempt to overtake my small group. The hunters, the fighters, or any other annoyances would be more cautious when I was under the Guardians’ protection.
My horse headed for home at a fast gallop, and my comrades kept up. With all the excitement, there hadn’t been any opportunity to attempt a connection with Mirela. It was tempting to stop and try to reach her, but I was compelled to return to my city without delay.
