The Wayfinder's Apprentice (Shadows of the Umbra Book 1)

by K Dezendorf

  Billy finished up washing and looked at her. "So do you want to go back?"

  "Yes,” Rose decided. "I think it's about time."

  "All right. Now, I can’t go with you, because I have some things to take care of. But I’ll meet you over there when I can. And then we can resume your training, Rose."

  The novelty of him using her name took her by surprise, but she recovered and said, “Got it.”

  She gathered up her things, and all the mental strength she had, before following him to the portal, through the door, and into Dimitri's room. Dimitri and Vindo were there. The light from the setting sunset cast the room in a reddish glow.

  Dimitri looked as though he’d been expecting her. "Well, I hope you've had ample time to reflect, my dear."

  “Yes, I have.” Rose settled into one of the chairs, having a hard time reconciling the angry Paragon of Wind versus the calm old man who sat near her.

  Once again, one step ahead of the situation, Vindo was at the ready to summon the Shade.

  Warm air rushed into the room again. The wings separated as Galleon appeared once more in the seat across the table from hers.

  He glanced over to the window. The sun was just beginning to set. "You still have some time. But you've summoned me."

  "Yes," Rose said resolutely. "I have what you asked for.”

  Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to think about Macklass. She thought about all the wonderful times they spent together. She thought about his private smiles, and the tender warmth of his embrace. And then she thought about last night, his pleading whispers, and then her telling him it was over. A couple tears left her eyes and she caught them on her finger, holding it out towards the Shade.

  “A broken heart,” she whispered hoarsely. “Just like you asked.”

  Galleon leaned forward and a long tongue slithered out, licking the tear from her finger. The brief caress was hot, wet, and unpleasant.

  “So rare I get to enjoy such fresh despair,” Galleon mused, his eye rolling back in pleasure.

  “As for the final condition, I have that too,” Rose declared loudly. Everyone watched as, from her bag, she pulled out a bar of chocolate. “For the unnamed favor, I present to you a delicacy from my home plane.”

  The Shade looked at the candy, then to her. “What is the meaning of this?”

  From her peripheral vision she could have sworn she saw Dimitri smirking.

  “You said a favor unnamed,” Rose told him, trying to keep her voice strong and confident. “You never specified who would name it.” There was a bright red flash and the insignia blazed on her palm momentarily before disintegrating and fading to nothing. Rose felt something inside of her lift, a weight she hadn’t even realized was there until it was gone. The contract had been fulfilled.

  The Shade threw back his head and released a bellowing laugh that shook dust from the ceiling. “Clever, for a lesser human.” His massive hand reached forward and seized the chocolate bar. “You should know, Shades have long memories. I won’t soon forget this.”

  His wings wrapped around him and he disappeared, and with him, the oppressive, hellish heat. Rose all but collapsed back into her chair, her heart beating furiously.

  “A-are you all right?” asked Vindo, concerned.

  “Yes,” Rose said shakily.

  “Well done, my dear,” Dimitri praised, looking thoughtful. “I don’t think he believed you were even capable of finding and exploiting such a loophole.”

  “I told you before, this wasn’t my first deal,” Rose said, taking another deep breath and exhaling. “If there’s one thing I know, wording is everything.” Undoubtedly, she only got lucky because of how little the Shade thought of her. “Oh, I almost forgot…” Reaching into her bag, she pulled out the box of tea and handed it to him. “I thought you might like this.”

  Dimitri looked the box over, a soft smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. “It has been some time since I’ve received a gift from someone who wasn’t beholden to me. I shall savor this on special occasions.” He set the box aside. “While I appreciate the gift, in the future, I would ask that you don’t make a habit out of such dealings.”

  Rose nodded in agreement. “I just wish I knew for sure Kyan was okay.” The deal was supposedly over, but there was still no sign of him. “How are Granger and Vikhail, by the way?”

  “They both should be resting in the infirmary to my knowledge,” Dimitri informed her. “I’m sure they would love to see a friendly face.”

  “Right.” Since she didn’t know how long it would be until Billy arrived, she could pay them a visit.

  Rose went down the stairs and outside. As soon as she stepped out into the courtyard, there was a quick circle of blue flame and up shot Kyan.

  "Ahh," he sighed. "That was quite the painful experience. One I would never, ever wish upon anyone."

  With a cry of happiness, Rose rushed forward to hug him and just as she got to him he disappeared and she stumbled forward onto the ground. He reappeared behind her.

  "Well, maybe a few people," he murmured thoughtfully.

  Rose just laughed, getting back onto her feet. Same old Kyan. "I'm so happy to see you."

  "Just another day.” He glanced around seeing it was clearly after dark. “Or night... I've lost track of a lot of time recently."

  "It's been a while, actually," Rose agreed with a small smile.

  "It got a little murky there for a while." His hands glowed with blue flames as his face stretched in a wide grin. "But I'm back."

  "I wouldn't have it any other way."

  "Although, I am tired," he said with a sigh. "So, with that..." He closed his eyes and faded away into the ground.

  He was okay. Kyan was okay and he was back with her. Rose couldn’t help but jump up and down with joy. It was a beautiful night. The sky was lit up with stars, clear and cloudless, with the two moons hovering brightly overhead. Since she had Kyan back safe and sound, she could focus on learning more about this wondrous place, as well as continue her path to becoming a Wayfinder.

  As she took a step forward, she fell flat on her face again. Looking around, she saw her shoelaces had been tied together. She heard an impish chuckle in her ear and she couldn’t help but laugh along. It was so good to have him back.

  Chapter 27

  When Rose entered the infirmary ward, she was both surprised and pleased to find Vikhail and Granger were the only occupants. Well, the only patients, anyway. Willow was sitting in a far corner, working on herbs and humming to herself. She didn’t even look up when Rose entered.

  Vikhail and Granger were in the middle of eating dinner, and both glanced up, greeting her enthusiastically.

  “We were wondering where you’d gone,” Granger stated.

  “You just disappeared,” Vikhail added.

  “Sorry about that,” Rose apologized. She sat down on one of the beds opposite from the two of them. “How are you both feeling?”

  “Addrick says I should be fit to return to my regular duties by tomorrow,” Granger announced.

  “I, on the other hand, am sentenced to rest and recovery for at least another week,” Vikhail bemoaned. “I’m going to be so bored.”

  “I’ll visit you when I can,” Rose promised.

  “So are the rumors true then?” Granger asked, his eyes alight with curiosity. “The whole thing with Markeos. That really happen?”

  Rose glanced to Vikhail who shrugged. “Everyone’s been talking about it. You’re lucky it’s nighttime. I’m sure people will be lined up to ask you questions about it come daybreak.”

  “Gosh, it’s like I’m famous here,” Rose muttered.

  Granger laughed. “Just about. It’s not every day someone stands up to the Paragon of War and Chaos and lives to tell about it.”

  Rose glanced up at him. “It really wasn’t as fantastical as all that. Besides, I figured people would be upset, being at war with another Paragon faction and all.”

  “Oh, that’s right, you
didn’t hear...” Granger trailed off when both Vikhail and Rose looked at him curiously. “Just don’t go running your mouths about this, but from what I was told, Markeos has been ‘dealt with’ for the time being. So, the only real threat now are his followers, or what’s left of them.”

  The bottom of Rose’s stomach dropped out at the news. Markeos was gone, and yet Macklass had still insisted on her joining them. Which could only mean, whatever had happened to their father, they were going to seek out a means to undo it.

  “You don’t look well, Rose,” Vikhail noted, gazing at her face.

  Rose took a deep breath and looked at the two of them. “I’m really sorry,” she told them. “You both got hurt because…”

  “Stop apologizing,” Granger said sharply. “It’s not like you were the one who poisoned me.”

  “And I’m fairly certain you’re not the one who burned me,” Vikhail tacked on. “Frankly, Rose, it’s silly you would apologize for something like that.”

  Rose felt her cheeks grow hot. “Let me correct that, then. Vikhail, as a junior Wayfinder, your safety was my priority. I was unprepared, and because of that, you got hurt. So, please forgive me. I will do better in the future.”

  Vikhail smiled genially and inclined her head. “That is an apology I can accept.”

  “And,” Rose added, “I’m incredibly grateful to you both for helping me.”

  “That’s what comrades do,” Granger said simply. “But if you really feel that badly, stop moping about it and just get stronger. From what it sounds like, you have a lot of catching up to do.”

  She nodded, rubbing her fingers across her forehead. “Yeah, I realize I don't exactly fit in here.”

  Granger chuckled. "And that's exactly why you fit in here.” Leaning back in his bed, he continued. "Being human you probably aren't familiar with my kind. Are you?” When she shook her head, he nodded. “Thought so. For your information, I happen to be a ferrine."

  "Ferrine?" she repeated.

  “It’s a term used to describe anyone descended from shapeshifters.”

  “That’s amazing.”

  “It’s not as glamorous as you’re thinking,” he told her grimly.

  At her confused look, Vikhail weighed in. “Shifters and their descendants aren’t very well liked by most people. That's what makes this place special. Most folk here don't care. Most.”

  “Like you,” Granger said, a smirk curving his lips. “When I first met you, I thought you were gawking at my red eyes, the tell-tale sign of a shifter, a monster. But as I got to know you, I realized you didn’t care. From the start, you treated me like... a person. It was refreshing, to say the least.”

  “How rude,” a voice said. Bal stood in the doorway, draped against the frame, cradling a basket under one arm. “I never thought you were a monster, Granger.”

  “A monster not afraid of another monster isn’t nearly as flattering,” Granger grumbled, pointedly glancing away from her. “What are you doing here anyway? Aren’t you supposed to be out gathering information?”

  “I have my people working on it.” As she sashayed past them, Rose noticed her hands were lightly caked with dirt. Bal approached Willow, smiling sweetly. “Hello, dearest. I was out in the garden and thought you might like some of the herbs I collected.”

  “That’s very kind,” Willow said, her expression wistful as Bal handed over the basket. “I can make some wonderful ointments with these.”

  “Think nothing of it, darling,” Bal said, giving Willow a peck on the cheek, which Willow returned.

  Bal made her way to the exit, her tail brushing softly against Rose’s bare ankle, causing her face to heat. Granger didn’t fully relax until Bal was gone.

  “So… Bal,” Rose said slowly. “She’s interesting.”

  “She’s a nuisance,” Granger said. “She takes delight in turning heads. But… she has her talents, and she’s one of Dimitri’s most trusted.” There was a grudging respect in his tone.

  “I’m not sure what you mean,” Vikhail commented. “Turning heads?”

  “You didn’t feel that?” Rose asked.

  “Feel what?”

  “Never mind.” She turned back to Granger. “Do the two of you not get along?”

  “Don’t get me wrong. There are people who don’t like me, and there are people I don’t like either. But we work together anyway. That’s what it means to be here.”

  “Even I had some reservations when I first got here,” Vikhail admitted. “However, I admire the philosophy this place is trying to uphold. That no matter who or what you are, we’re all on the same side. As long as you're fighting with us, you'll be accepted.”

  “So you can be damned sure when you refused Markeos, you earned yourself a lot of respect, and above all, trust," Granger added.

  Rose was surprised by this news, but she had to admit, she felt a bit of gratification from it. However, there was also that nagging part of her that still felt responsible for Dimitri's and Markeos' groups being at war with each other.

  "I appreciate it," she said. “But, honestly, I didn’t ‘stand up’ to him. I could barely stand at all in front of him. All I did was say ‘no’ when he asked if I’d join him.”

  “But then how did you manage to get away from him long enough to find me?” Vikhail asked curiously.

  “Well,” Rose said hesitantly. “I may have… thrown dirt in his face. I think it caught him off guard long enough for me to…”

  Vikhail’s mouth dropped open while Granger howled with laughter. There was a very loud clearing of the throat and all three of them looked over at Willow.

  “Please refrain from being too rambunctious, or I will have to get Addrick,” she warned in her usual, wistful voice.

  “Sorry,” Granger muttered quickly. He glanced back to Rose. “So, yeah, don’t sweat it, Spots. You’re among family now.”

  Rose cringed a little at the nickname, but she sensed it was at least coming from a place of affection as opposed to ridicule. “You can call me ‘Spots’ if I’m allowed to call you ‘Stripes’.”

  His lips quirked up into a smirk. “Heh, deal.”

  Granger looked to Vikhail, but she quickly shook her head. “Just ‘Vikhail’, please.”

  For the rest of the evening, Vikhail and Granger had Rose recount the story, pressing her for the smallest of details. Even though retelling it brought some painful twinges, being there with them and sharing in the laughter helped to soothe the ache.

  ************

  A week passed, and Rose’s station at Dimitri’s castle had more or less been solidified as ‘Rose, apprentice Wayfinder and denier of Markeos’. It didn’t help that Seylvin, notoriously known for being the worst bard ever, caught wind of the rumors and started writing songs about it, much to the chagrin of everyone else.

  Granger was fully up and about, with Vikhail on the mend and allowed to roam about the castle provided she didn't push herself too hard. The scarring was beginning to clear up nicely too.

  Rose continued to train with Billy to become a Wayfinder. He’d even relented about her learning how to fight. After all, just because Markeos was gone, didn’t mean his followers wouldn’t continue to pursue her for the sake of vengeance. However, he told Rose she’d have to find someone else to train her, because he was not a fighter and wouldn’t even know where to begin. Rose knew who she wanted to train her, but she hadn’t seen much of him around lately. As always, Edward was as elusive as a cat, coming and going as he pleased, and only suffering others’ company if he needed to.

  One day Rose went out of her way to track him down, asking anyone and everyone in the castle if they’d seen him, but most either shook their heads or professed how not seeing him around had been nothing short of a blessing. When she was certain she had talked to every inhabitant of the castle, Rose decided to give something else a try. She closed her eyes and focused on Edward, wanting him to hear her thoughts.

  Come meet me on the tallest tower of Dimitri’s
castle. I need to speak with you.

  Rose went up to the tower, finding it deserted. She leaned against the parapet, taking in the view that still left her breathless. This would be amazing to try and sketch. Maybe she should take a picture. Taking her phone out of her pocket, she paused as a sudden thought struck her.

  The phone had been given to her by Jenkto, shortly before she and Macklass started dating. It had seemed odd how they had managed to find her not once, but twice. Had they been tracking her?

  I should get rid of it.

  Rose lifted the phone over her head, ready to toss it. However, she was struck by a sense of grief and hurriedly shoved the phone back into her pocket.

  “Thought I’d find you here,” a voice said from behind, causing her to jump.

  Rose turned around and saw Edward at the top of the stairs. For some reason, she couldn’t help but smile seeing him. “Hey.”

  His mouth curved slightly upwards and he glanced away from her. "I had this sense you were looking for me."

  Rose took a deep breath. “Thank you.”

  He looked at her, surprised and perplexed.

  “For… well, watching out for me, for helping me find Kyan, and for saving me from Markeos. Both times.”

  Edward grunted before glancing away again. “It’s nice to know someone appreciates what I do.”

  “Meaning?” she asked.

  “Your hide isn’t the only one I’ve had to save. You’d be surprised at how ungrateful people around here can be.”

  “Well… maybe it’s just because admitting you need help is hard sometimes.”

  “Hn.” He rolled his shoulders.

  Rose tugged on a curl of hair. "I would like it if you continued to train me. Not just with time magic, but in fighting."

  Edward shook his head. "Can't. I’ve got other business I need to take care of."

  Rose heaved a sigh, having expected this. "Of course you do."

  "You got the basics, work it out from there, and there are plenty of people around here who know how to fight. Just do me a favor and try to stay out of trouble."

  “Right, I’ll work on that.” Rose walked up to him. He watched her, his expression guardedly curious. She focused her magic into the floor beneath her feet and raised it so that she stood at his height. Then she placed a single kiss on his forehead. “That’s a sacred tradition of yours, right?”