by Jen Pretty
"Forjfrorrmng," I yelled at him but instead of anything happening, he just laughed and repeated the word with a slightly different sound at the end, as though he were explaining to a child how to say it.
I yelled it again, pointing at him and pronouncing it the way he had. This time his face went slack, and he turned, dropping Copper's halter and strode away.
I pressed Copper into a canter and Midnight jumped into the step with us. We rode out of town and didn't look back. There was nothing left of the city anyway. I was glad the smoke had obscured the damage and death; I didn't want to see any more today.
The sun set and travelling even in the open became dangerous. My stomach screamed for food, but there was nothing. So, I untacked Midnight and left the horses in a field of grass before covering myself with the saddle blanket and curling up in the grass beneath a pine tree. It took a long time to fall asleep. I kept hearing the screams of the town's people every time I closed my eyes. The thick scent of smoke still clung to my clothes, and I wished I could pull them off, but I still only had one set of clothes. How did everything get so messed up?
I thought of Paxton's grinning face as I finally succumbed to exhaustion.
✽ ✽ ✽
Warm wet air blasted my face, and I rolled over, bumping into a pair of legs. I squealed, startling Copper, who had been standing over me, sniffing my face.
"Copper. You scared me," I chastised before reaching out and stroking his beautiful face. He nuzzled my cheek and then turned and trotted back to where Midnight was grazing. I watched them for a moment before realizing they weren't grazing on grass; they had found a patch of berries and were gingerly plucking the ripe fruit from the thorny vines with their lips peeled back. It was silly to watch, but my stomach's loud growl reminded me I hadn't eaten since the day before last.
I pushed off the ground, leaving the tack and saddle blanket behind for now and hurried to the berry bushes. They were overflowing with bright pink berries on thorny vines. I plucked one and popped it in my mouth. The fruit was sweet and ripe, so I picked more and stuffed them in my mouth, too. I giggled watching the horses grazing on them then picked as much as I could carry, using my shirt as a basket though most went straight into my mouth. These would have to feed me until I found another town or Avalon, I reminded myself.
I ate until my stomach wouldn't hold any more, then used the dagger to cut off part of Midnight’s saddle blanket and put the rest of the berries in the little bag. I needed something to tie it closed, so I cut a clump of Copper’s tail hair off and braided it then tied the bag of berries closed and attached it to the waistband of my dress. Perfect.
I tacked up Midnight and hopped on Copper’s back, ensuring I had my book and we continued on into the flatlands that I hoped led to the sea.
That day the rains began. The rains proceeded the winter, and this rain was cold. It seeped through my thin clothes and by mid-day I was shivering, my arms stretched around Copper’s neck, his heat barely taking the edge off the blistering cold. I had the book of magic tucked between Copper's back and my stomach, to keep it from getting wet. Copper and Midnight were slick, the rain rolling off their coats, which had grown thicker in preparation for winter.
The horses continued on, closing their eyes against the rain or turning their head, but they continued down the path that grew more travelled as we went. I must have passed out at one point, but I woke still straddling Copper as he ambled gingerly, probably in an effort not to lose me. The sun had nearly set, but the rain had stopped.
I glanced around, barely able to lift my head, but as we crested a hill, ahead I saw the flickering lights of a city. Fires burned along the streets, illuminating buildings of a much larger size than I had ever seen. The dirty path became wide enough for an army before cobblestone replaced the dirt. The horses’ hooves echoed of the stone and the smell of the sea reached my nose, reviving me enough that I was able to push up from my position draped over Copper's neck to take in the rest of the sights.
Could this be Avalon? It was beautiful. Past all the buildings a thick fog hung over the water, making it appear that the world ended beyond the city, though I could make out the shape of several boats on the water.
"You think we made it, Copper?" I asked in a low voice.
He nickered softly.
At the very edge of the city a man with several tents set up beckoned me towards him. His beard was long and pointed and his moustache was curled on either side of his smiling mouth. He wore a long coat and a top hat, like a proper gentleman but his smile didn't reach his eyes. A chill ran down my spine and I couldn't say if it was because of the man or the cold.
"Excuse me ma'am. I couldn't help but notice your fine horses. Are you boarding a ship? Do you wish to sell your animals?"
I glanced back at Midnight, knowing I couldn't pass up the opportunity to sell the horse for money. I needed a place to sleep that wasn't outdoors or in a stable. And I needed dry clothes.
"That one is for sale," I said, pointing to the large black gelding and wishing I didn't have to let him go. Paxton had loved and cared for the horse, and it felt like a betrayal to sell him to a stranger.
"Excellent. Though I love the lean look of the chestnut you are riding. He has excellent muscle tone and is in much better condition than the horses we see in these parts. Would you consider selling them both?"
I twisted my fingers in Copper’s mane. "No. Copper isn't for sale."
"Of course!" he raised his hands in mock surrender. "Can't blame a man for asking. I'll give you twenty shillings for the big black horse."
I had never had twenty shillings in my life. Midnight stood stock still beside me as I gave him one last stroke on his forehead. Then I nodded to the man.
"Ah, very nice." He handed me a small leather sack that jingled.
I slipped it open and inside were twenty shillings.
"If you change your mind about the chestnut, please let me know."
A roar came from one of the tents and the horses startled.
"Easy, now. You're alright, big chap," The man said in a soothing voice to Midnight.
"What's in the tent?" I asked.
"I keep a few oddities that I sell to discerning buyers," the man said preening a bit and puffing up his chest. "That is a tiger I purchased from a ship that came from across the sea. Would you like to see him?"
Another roar, this one louder and more aggressive, split the night air. "No, thank you, sir. I must find a room for the night."
He grinned, stroking Midnight's neck. I tucked the little bag of coins beside the dagger in the waist of my skirt.
"You know, I could give you twice as much for the horse you are riding."
I glanced up at the man but shook my head immediately. Copper would never be for sale.
"If you change your mind, come on back, the offer stands." The man’s eyes slid over Copper in a way that made my skin crawl. "Will you be in the city long?"
"No," I said, nudging Copper away. "Thank you."
He did a little bow of his head, his eyes never leaving mine, raising the hairs on the back of my neck.
A word from the back of the magic book flooded into my mind. I had no idea what it meant. "Beaducwealm," I whispered so softly no one would hear me.
A tingle rushed through my body. It filled me with a strange sense of power--as if I could do anything. Any nervousness I had of entering the city slipped away, and my shoulders raised and squared as though I were the queen herself. Copper arched his neck and pranced forward, attracting attention from everyone we passed.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The streets had more people than I had ever seen. They crowded around the tall posts with torches that illuminated the area, allowing people to continue trading and buying goods into the dark of night. Hundreds of vendors had carts full of fruit and vegetables and furs. Salted meats and fish lined long tables while men and women shouted about their deals and offerings.
The bag of coins weighed heavy in my
pocket and when I passed a table that boasted salted beef, I couldn't resist. I slid from Copper's back and he cocked a leg, closing his eyes and resting in the middle of the street like he was the king of the world. The rest of the shoppers swung around him like he was a boulder in the sea. I couldn't help but smile at my silly horse.
"Hey, Lady! You want some meat or what?"
I spun on my heel to face the young man who had spoken. He was barely a teenager, but had a hard set to his eyes that I recognized from some of the orphans who had lived on the streets for a while before being brought to the orphanage.
"How old is it?" I asked with a scowl. I wouldn't be taken in by old meat.
"See for yourself. We butchered it just today. Freshest you will find! I have the fire going, I can cook it for an extra half-shilling."
He pushed his floppy dark hair back from his thin face. His arms and legs were even thinner and his chest concave, as if he hadn't eaten in weeks.
I stepped forward and sniffed the raw meat. It smelled fresh, so I gave him a nod and handed him a shilling "All right, cook up some for me."
The boy grinned and spun with a piece of meat. He slapped it down on a flat pan that sat over the fire and the sizzle quickly sent the smell into the air. I watched him flip the meat with practiced turns.
"Hey. What's the name of this city?" I asked, praying it was Avalon with my fingers crossed behind my back.
"Estmere," he said over his shoulder.
I slumped. How much further could I possibly have to go?
He glanced back at me and did a double take. "Where are you going?"
I wasn't sure if I should answer him or not.
"Look, I don't judge. If you are going to the island, that is none of my business. I was just being nosy." He turned back to the meat, sliding it onto a steel plate and handing it to me.
"What island?" I asked.
He stepped in closer and looked around to make sure no one was close by. "Avalon," he whispered.
"Where is it?" I asked.
He pointed down the hill to the water. It was dark now so I could barely see the fog that lingered on the water. It was like a black wall. The end of the world.
"It's across the ocean?" I asked in awe with a bit of panic.
The boy laughed. "That's just a lake. It's an island. In the middle."
I ate my food and thanked the boy before returning to Copper, my eyes trained on the foggy end of the world. We would need to find a boat to take us across to the island, but the meat had filled my stomach making me tired. I looked down at myself, taking in the dirt and stains on my clothes. I didn't want to show up at Avalon looking like I belonged in a swamp.
The busy street hustled around me until I came across an inn with a sign out front that said, 'rooms for rent.' I slipped from Copper’s back and led him forward to a tie post, standing him between some bony horses. "Stay here," I whispered, patting Copper’s neck. Then I walked into the tall building.
The sound of voices talking and music playing met me at the door. The main floor was a saloon, not unlike the one I had worked in. Stools circled round tables and dotted the space, mostly occupied. A long bar ran along the side wall and a tall thin woman paced behind it, filling mugs of ale. A large clean-shaven man with a belly like a barrel and a thick neck glanced at me as I walked in.
He scoffed. "You lost girlie?" Some other men around him chuckled, too.
"I'm looking for a room. Are you the owner?" I asked.
He eyed me up and down then closed one eye and leaned forward to look at me more closely. "Yup. You got money?"
"Yes," I said, shuffling backwards.
"Two shillings a night," he grumbled, leaning back onto his stool that groaned under his weight.
Having no idea how much it would cost to get a boat to take me across to Avalon, I knew I couldn't stay more than one night. "Do you have a stable for my horse?"
The man chuckled again. "That'll be another shilling."
I bit my lip, but I wanted Copper to be safe for the night and comfortable, so I dug out the three shillings and handed them over. I calculated I still had sixteen after paying for the food and the room. Hopefully that would be enough.
The large man stood from his stool, towering over me and reached into his pocket, pulling out a key. "Room 12. That's on the third floor. You can take your horse around back to the stable and the boy will see to him."
The man turned away and plopped down on his stool, which seemed to shake under him. I didn't wait, hurrying back out the door and breathing a sigh of relief to see Copper still standing beside the other horses lined up at the hitching post.
"Come on, boy. I got you a bed for the night, too." Copper followed me around to the back of the building, where a long low barn stood. It was in good repair and the sound and smell of horses was thick in the air.
"Hello?" I called as I walked in.
"Oops," a young boy said, pushing a wheelbarrow out from the stall he was cleaning and into the aisle. He wiped his brow on his sleeve. He was thin and dirty, but his mouth pulled up into a grin when he saw Copper standing beside me.
"Your horse is beautiful," he said, smiling at Copper with a look of aw. "He's made of gold."
I giggled. "Not quite, but I'm sure his heart is," I said stroking Copper’s shoulder. "Where would you like him?"
"Oh! I have a clean stall back here. Do you need a lead?" he asked.
"No, Copper will follow. Lead on." I smiled at the boy. He was obviously as enamoured with horses as I was.
The boy turned and began walking, but kept glancing back to watch as Copper walked along beside me with no lead.
"Watch out," I cried a moment too late.
"Oof," the boy said as he walked into the wheelbarrow he had been filling with manure. He collapsed to the floor, but jumped up and dusted himself off. "Clumsy," he muttered before pushing the wheelbarrow back into the stall and leading us to a freshly bedded stall, deep with straw.
There was a mountain of hay in the corner and a bucket of fresh clean water. Copper wasted no time, grabbing a mouthful of hay and dunking his lips into the cool water.
I laughed at the horse, his mouth full and making slurping noises.
"What's his name?" the boy asked, approaching Copper slowly.
"Copper," I said.
The horse nuzzled the boy before going back to his pile of hay.
He giggled. "I'm Eddie, by the way."
"Morgan. Good to meet you. I'm going to head inside, but thank you for taking care of Copper for me."
"No problem," he said, his eyes turning back to Copper. He produced a brush from a pocket and began to run it down Copper’s neck. The horse sighed like he had found heaven.
I made my way out of the barn and back into the saloon. The musician was still playing, and the crowd was getting louder. I was weary and bone tired, so wove through the crowd to a wide set of stairs. My feet took each step carefully while I forced my eyes to stay open.
The sound of laughter and music died, the higher I rose in the building. There were some voices in the hall on the third floor, coming from an open doorway, but I passed it by without even a glance and found the room with the number 12 carved into the door. I fit the key in and pushed the door open.
The room was bigger than I expected, enough space to walk around the bed on both sides. The bed was also bigger than any I had slept in before and through my weary eyes looked impossibly comfortable.
I shut the door behind me, turning the lock, and then collapsed, asleep before my head hit the pillow.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
My eyes opened the next morning early, before the sun had fully risen. I felt refreshed and rejuvenated, as if today would be a good day.
I gathered my things and went in search of a bath, finding one just across the hall from my room. The water was cold, but clean. I stripped my dirty clothes and washed them in the tub first, before hanging them in front of the fireplace that was burning in the corner of the bathing
room. Then I slid into the water gingerly, cursing the temperature. It only took a few moments for me to get used to it, then I sunk in and relaxed for a moment. I wished there had been a fire under the tub; my stiff muscles would have enjoyed a warm bath.
An idea came into my mind and I sat up. "Byrne," I said, pointing at the end of the tub. A small flame lit beneath the surface of the water, flickering there as if it were in the open air. Immediately it began to heat the water, bringing bubbles to the surface. "Whoa."
I leaned back and let the small fire do its work, awed by the power of magic. When the water was hot enough, I sat up and put my hand over the flame, pressing down. It didn't burn me, but snuffed out as if it were a real flame.
I recalled the first time I made a fire and how it had extinguished when I dumped water on it. It must be my intent that put it out, I decided.
I grabbed the same soap I had used on my clothes and scrubbed my hair and body until my skin squeaked and glowed a soft pink. Then I stepped out of the tub and dried myself on a soft towel I found in a stack by the wall. That alone was worth the shillings I had spent.
By the time I had combed my hair and plaited it down my back, my clothes were mostly dry. They looked and smelled much better and I felt like new woman. I tucked my book, dagger and the small pouch of coins back into my waistband and returned to my room. There, I unfolded the small cloth of berries I had picked the day before in the forest and ate them for breakfast. I couldn't spare any more coins if I was going to make it to Avalon today. And it would be today.
This was the day I would find my new home. A place where I belonged. I could feel it.
When I finished the berries, I threw the cloth in the garbage, but tied the long strands of Copper’s tail hairs I had used to secure the cloth around my wrist as a bracelet. It felt good to have him so close to me, even when he wasn't that far away.
