by Sam Ledel
Her mother’s lips parted slowly. “I will not lose you, too.”
Aurelia’s eyes closed to block the barrage of tears forming. Brennus, the memory of him, was so close now she could hear his laughter, see his bright smile. She steeled herself before speaking. “You won’t, Mother. But I will not go back. I cannot return. Not now.”
It was quiet for a moment.
“Very well,” her mother said finally, her voice even. Her gaze shifted to Jastyn. “Don’t make Aurelia regret this decision.”
Aurelia replied. “I won’t, Mother. Trust me.”
Slowly, the crowd shifted. Coran joined Aurelia and Jastyn on their side of the fire as the guardsmen readied their horses. The elf stood back while her parents mounted, pulling their reins toward the trees.
“Darling,” her father said in a final effort, “you can play out this folly back in the village. Please, come home with us.”
Tears threatened, but Aurelia bit her lip to keep them at bay. “I can’t come home,” she said, her voice shaking. “After everything.” She shook her head, memories of Brennus resurfacing. She leaned into Jastyn, who wrapped her good arm around Aurelia’s shoulders. “I can’t.”
Her father nodded solemnly. Her mother didn’t look at her, only directed their party back into the Wood. When the final line of guardsmen vanished into the trees, Aurelia fell against Jastyn.
“I can’t believe that just happened.”
Jastyn turned so they stood face-to-face. The ferocity she’d seen in Jastyn’s gaze shifted to a brightness that hadn’t been there in weeks.
“What?”
Jastyn grinned. “You’re coming with me?”
Aurelia rewound her mind, recalling what she’d said. Her own face lifted in a smile. “I am. I will help you find the cure for your sister.”
Jastyn dropped her arm, holding her injured one like a baby. “You’re sure? I won’t be angry if you change your mind.” She gestured to the elf. “He can take you back. Sneak you into the castle without your parents’ knowledge.”
Aurelia considered their motley foursome, standing alone in the depths of the Wood. “I’m a woman of my word, Jastyn. It would be an honor to accompany you. Besides,” she added with a playful nudge of her hip, “you wouldn’t make it a week without me.”
Jastyn snorted. “I think you’ve got your roots crossed, Princess.”
Aurelia couldn’t hide the smile on her face. She turned to the elf. “I’m sorry, by the way, about the sleeping draught.”
The fae laughed. “It was clever, for a human.” He knelt beside his fallen companion.
Jastyn spoke. “I’m sorry. He’s gone.”
The elf nodded. “I know.” He laid his hands over the fae’s eyes. Suddenly, the blades of grass sprouted higher, lacing themselves over the fallen elf. The earth rumbled, and they watched as the grass pulled the body of the elf beneath the ground until nothing was left but the unbroken stretch of green.
Coran squeaked. “Where did he go?”
“The earth will return him to our queen. She will give him a proper burial.”
“I never thought to ask your name,” admitted Aurelia.
“I am Rigo. Leader of the seventh elven clan.”
Coran looked impressed, and Jastyn stared.
“You’re not going back, Rigo?”
He leaned against his large bow. “Like I said, I am at your service.”
Jastyn stuck out her chest, making Aurelia laugh. “Very well. Coran?”
“You should go back,” Jastyn said before he could answer. “Your mother is probably a mess. Plus, there’s Roisin.”
Coran puckered his lips, clapping his hands together. “Roisin.” He sighed. “I will see her again. And my mum is stronger than half the women in the village. Not yours, o’course,” he added at Jastyn’s sharp glare. “The king and queen will tell her I’m fine. But honestly,” he said, grinning, “I haven’t had this much fun since we swiped those mares from the stable when Elisedd wasn’t lookin’.”
Jastyn laughed but stopped when she saw Aurelia’s face. “We were ten,” she muttered.
“Very well,” Aurelia said, her voice cheerful. Dawn lit the trees, making golden rays fan out over the clearing. Morning jays sang from their nests. The sun scattered the clouds, bringing with it the warmth of a new day. Coran put out the fire, and Rigo grabbed their flask. Aurelia scooped up Jastyn’s satchel, then placed her hands on her hips. When they looked at her expectantly, Aurelia turned to Jastyn, who smiled.
“Shall we?”
About the Author
Originally from Dallas-Fort Worth, Sam Ledel now resides in Southern California with her girlfriend and their Jack Russell terrier. She is currently working on her third novel.
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