Journey of Darkness

by Samantha Jacobey

  Before she could decide, a giant wolf padded into view on her right, stopping in front of her work bench and sitting to face her. “Uscan!” she screamed, leaping up to greet him.

  Throwing her arms around his neck, she buried her face in his thick fur. The scent whisked her away, and for a moment, she sat on his back once more, Bally in front of her as he carried them to Esterbrook. Sighing, she succumbed to the memory and the joy of his return to see her.

  “I’ve heard you desire an audience,” the wolf stated with a formal air.

  “Oh, Uscan,” she sniffed, standing straight so she could look him in the eye while still clinging to him with one hand. Wiping at her tears, she laughed. “How silly of me. Can I get you anything? Water perhaps, or do you take tea?”

  “I’ve just been to the brook, actually,” he replied. Cocking his head slightly, he studied her, noting her changed appearance; older and perhaps wiser than when he saw her last. “Did you have a particular conversation in mind?”

  Shaking off her astonishment, she smiled, “Do I need one? I heard you had been paying visits to the glen but had not presented yourself to me. I was quite offended,” she teased, still gently stroking his mane as she refrained from hugging him again.

  Glancing across the meadow, at the woods on the far side, he only hesitated for a moment, but it was enough.

  “You know about the dragon,” she said more quietly, her tone less jovial as she realized the real reason he visited the glen.

  His gaze snapped to meet hers, and he growled, “The girl without fear. What do you know of the beast?”

  “Nothing,” she shrugged, releasing her grip on him and stepping back. “We only discovered his presence yesterday, and we have decided to let him be.” Decided, not that all have obeyed, she lamented to herself.

  Rising, he walked to the edge of their yard, staring harder at the line of trees. “I’m afraid my visits have not been of a social nature,” he confessed. Pivoting slowly, he asked, “Walk with me?”

  “Of course,” she agreed, smoothing her flushed cheeks with her palms. Adjusting herself to carry on a serious conversation, she gathered her nerve. “I really am glad to see you,” she stated more calmly as she fell into step beside him. “We are friends, after all.”

  “Yes, one in a strange collection of friends you keep,” he observed. Leading her through the stand of trees behind their cabin, he held their pace slow and unhurried. “You have a kind heart, Amicia Spicer. That is for certain.”

  “Well, it’s not like we have found an abundance of humans for us to settle down with,” she defended flatly, “and why shouldn’t I be kind to others?”

  He nodded at her resolve. “There is nothing wrong with caring for those who share your world,” he agreed. “And no, you haven’t met any other mortals, not that you have been looking for them, either. There is still much of the kingdom left for you to explore.”

  “Are you saying there are other humans here?” she gasped, taken by surprise.

  “A few,” he informed her. “They live in small pockets, here and there.”

  “Because they can’t leave,” she snapped, angry for a moment that they had been trapped there. “You know, mortals of the rim know nothing of Eriden. If you really wanted to be rid of us, you should simply let us go home.”

  “And would you leave, my lady?”

  Tightening her jaw, Ami considered her reply. True, the others in her company would jump at the chance to get back to their own world, but she would have a harder time making that decision.

  “You have done well here,” he praised, seeing her indecision.

  “Well, I guess that we have,” she accepted his compliment with a shrug. “We have the cottage to protect us from the elements. Food in plenty so that we do not starve. Yes, I think we live well here in the glen,” she finished without committing herself to anything.

  “And yet, you are uncertain,” he challenged.

  Inhaling deeply, she folded her hands before her. “I have enough,” she insisted, not really wanting to discuss Piers or her feelings for him with the wolf.

  Letting her hold the secret that was not really a secret, he observed, “I fear your days here will be short lived.”

  “Because of the dragon,” she assumed aloud. “Why is he here?” she asked, stopping and turning to face him. “We really hadn’t planned on leaving Esterbrook now that we’ve settled here. We do not wish for the beast to drive us away.”

  Pausing his step, Uscan sat on the dark earth, his eyes on the trees above them. “I cannot say as to the why,” he confessed, “I only see the connections, not the cause, or his intent for that matter.”

  “And what connections do you see?” she insisted.

  “A group of humans moves into the glen, and a dragon takes up residence one meadow over,” he replied, cutting his eyes over at her slyly in a mocking fashion.

  Laughing loudly, Ami agreed, “I can see that much for myself. What do you know of the dragons, anyway? Everyone treats them with such mystery. We ask questions, but we don’t get many answers.”

  “They are mysterious,” he approved with a nod of his giant head. “In the centuries past, they were the protectors of our lands. Even during the great war, when many stood against them, they treated the whole of Eriden with great care.”

  “Cilithrand said that some wanted to overthrow the Supreme Dragon, and that was the cause of the great war. Is that really what happened?”

  “They tried, perhaps, but they did not succeed. It was only recently that Ziradon was removed from power. I hear he is housed in a great prison, but my eyes have never seen it.”

  “Ziradon,” she repeated, the name feeling heavy on her tongue. “He’s the Supreme Dragon?”

  “He was,” Uscan provided, turning to face her. “Some decades ago, he was taken down from within the ranks of his own house. The kingdom has suffered in his absence, as Gwirwen is less interested in the wellbeing of his realms. I fear dark times lay ahead without our protector.”

  Nodding, Amicia understood. “That’s too bad,” she sighed. “So, the dragon here is a spy. Should we try to run him off, or simply let him be?”

  “Only a fool would disturb a dragon who has made no quarrel with him. If he is content to watch from afar, you should count yourself fortunate and go on about your days.”

  “If that’s true, then why are you concerned about it?”

  His eyes shining, he knew she had seen through the purpose of his visit. “Because four humans, an elf, and a siren are an odd lot, and the dragon only became interested in this meadow after they arrived.”

  Grinning, she deduced, “He really is here because of us.”

  “As it would seem,” Uscan agreed, standing and continuing their walk. “Besides, you must know why the rim is unaware of our beloved kingdom. Any who have ever seen are not able to return and share the tale. Your friends may desire to go home, but the price for them to do so would be far greater than you can imagine. They may dream of it for a lifetime, but I am certain it will never be allowed.”

  Laying her hand on his coat as she followed, the girl sighed. “The perfect protection. A door that swings but one way.” Her face somber, she paused when a few of their small kids ran towards her. Kneeling before them, she fished a few roots from a pouch she kept about her waist for the purpose and fed them, petting them as they butted against her.

  Watching her care for the miniature goats, Uscan drew a deep breath. Her heart open to all creatures, great and small, he hated to say things he knew would bring her pain. It was exactly why he had avoided speaking to her on previous visits.

  “Precisely,” he agreed. “You will find a place here to live out your days, perhaps even remain here in the glen. Your company will as well, although you may not stay together.”

  Amicia heard his words but wondered at the depth of their meaning. Inhaling slowly, she released a long sigh as she stood, watching their herd scamper away. It would pain her greatly should any of
her companions be lost.

  “Uscan,” she said softly, “I’m grateful for all that you have done for us. And you are right. I am a collector of odd friends, but none mean any less to me than another. Will you stay with us this evening and share more of what you know?”

  “I’m afraid the Shadowlands awaits,” he replied, ambling along in the direction he intended to leave by.

  “But you will come again?” she persisted. “I have enjoyed our visit,” she confessed, happy both for the company as well as his insight.

  “I will come again,” he promised, noting the sun had passed midday. “Stay away from the dragon,” he warned, walking away to begin his journey back to his own kind. Stopping, he looked over his shoulder to find she stood watching his departure.

  Seeing him peek, she waved, calling, “Thank you,” as he turned and continued on his way.

  Unfettered

  “Have you lost your minds?” Piers shouted, towering over the two youngest males later that afternoon. “You were told not to disturb the dragon. Not even go near him, and yet you have!”

  “He never knew we were there,” Baldwin stammered, toying with his fingers sheepishly.

  “He was asleep,” Animir agreed, nodding vigorously. “We kept our distance and did not disturb, no.”

  Shaking his head, the Mate’s blood boiled. They had been part of the glen for months, the last thing he wanted was to have the nymphs suffer for their presence. Glaring at each of them in turn, he snapped, “What exactly did you see?”

  “He’s the one that was captured,” Bally offered eagerly. “He sleeps in the next meadow, near a pile of rocks.”

  “And?”

  “And he woke up,” the boy shrugged. “We were hiding in the woods, and we left as soon as he stirred,” he gushed, cutting his eyes over at his friend. “He never saw us, I swear it.”

  “Is that true?” Piers demanded, poking Animir in the chest.

  “Yes, absolutely,” the elf agreed.

  “Do not cross the midline of our meadow again,” their leader instructed. “You stay on this side of our field,” he stated forcefully while pointing at the ground.

  “Aye, sir,” Bally agreed, stepping back and preparing to get out of the other man’s sight.

  “Get your supper and early to bed, both of you.” the Mate instructed, then shouted, “Go!” sending them scampering with a wave of his hand.

  “I’m sure they meant no harm,” Zaendra soothed from her seat next to Rey, as she had also been present at their interrogation.

  “I think they should have been punished,” Reynard grumbled his opinion. “Going to bed early hardly qualifies.”

  “They’re just boys,” Piers observed in a calmer tone, his hand running over his stubble-coated face. “However, the fact that the dragon is here presents many problems for us.” He glanced at the dark-skinned girl, and she smiled at him, which only deepened his frown. Turning to the other man, he nodded, “Next time their consequence will be more severe.”

  “There, you see,” Amicia stated in a chipper voice as she prepared their stew. “The Mate has handled the situation, as he always does,” she praised.

  Rolling his eyes and cursing under his breath, Piers stomped away, leaving the cabin and marching across the field. Reaching the center, he sat down facing west so that the tall grass and flowers surrounded him. Barely able to see over the tops of them from his seated position, he sighed. Watching the dancing waves of green and patches of color, he did not move as the sun sank low in the sky and disappeared. Even as darkness covered the land, he did not leave.

  Instead, he rummaged through his thoughts and evaluated his circumstances, and theirs. He had sat with his back purposefully to the cabin and its occupants, but he could hear their sounds as Ami served their meal. The younger males chattered as they still discussed the beast they had been instructed to ignore. Damn them.

  They all seemed happy in the glen, especially the blonde. He could sense the way she fawned over him; making his bed, washing his clothes and preparing his meals. Every choice he made, she applauded, seeing no fault ever in his actions. She did all that she could to instill herself as his wife, or even his lover, and yet he resisted. She was in love with him but only a glorified version of the man within. She would follow him to her death, he felt sure of it.

  Covering his face with his hands, he breathed deeply, calming his nerves. He knew there were words that must pass between them, and he doubted that this night was the best to share his thoughts. However, the dragon changed things; his very presence added an ominous realization to their existence. He had to speak to her, had to put her in her place before things had gone too far and he had no way to escape.

  Once the full moon sat high in the sky, he stood and walked slowly back to their cabin. His face scrunched under a heavy frown, he helped himself to a drink from their supply that stood at the end of the work bench, noting that the girl had waited up for his return. “Are they in bed?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she replied, sitting up straight as she observed him. His back to her, Ami smiled at his knot of hair at the nape of his neck, longing to pull it down and run her fingers through it. “Are you ready for your supper?” she asked softly. “Everyone else has eaten, but I saved you a serving.”

  “Aye,” Piers replied, not turning to face her.

  His disconnect disturbed her, but she did her best to hide the trepidation. Slipping inside, she quietly brought out the remainder of the stew and poured it into a bowl for him. Placing it before him, he sat facing the cabin, with his back to their confirmed intruder.

  Instantly hungry the moment he tasted the broth, Piers scooped the bites rapidly with his right hand, while his left lay in a fist next to the bowl. Washing the kettle and tidying the work bench, the girl waited for him to speak, but he ate in silence. Taking her usual seat across from him, Amicia leaned across to lay her hand over his and squeezed him firmly.

  “There there, love,” she whispered. “I’m sure no harm will come of their foolishness,” she soothed in a soft whisper.

  “That’s not what has me on edge,” he replied, withdrawing himself from her grasp and cutting his eyes up at her without lifting his head. The fire inside the cabin burned, casting an eerie light upon his features through the door.

  Swallowing, she studied him, then asked, “Would you like a lamp to eat by?”

  “No,” he grunted with a shake of his head. Resuming his consumption, he finished the bowl and pushed it towards her. “Has everyone else already turned in, including Rey and the siren?”

  “Yes,” she supplied as she stood. “Everyone else is asleep,” she assured, smiling that he might want to have her completely alone. “Will we have words?” she asked meekly.

  “Aye,” he growled.

  Hearing them from his bunk, Rey lay still and listened to their exchange. He always feared the times Piers and Amicia shared; it was no secret she wanted to be his bride, and the younger man felt certain at some point their leader would give in. Holding his breath, he waited to hear what his elder would say to her.

  Outside, the couple carried on, unaware they were overheard and spied upon. Taking the bowl and giving it a wash, Amicia placed it with the others that had been cleaned after their meal. Turning to the bucket, she seized the handle and walked around the side of the cabin, presumably to fill it before she went to bed.

  His stomach tight, the Mate rose from his seat and followed. “We need to talk,” he informed her firmly once they were away from the cabin. “We have something to discuss, and I fear it would be better left between us.”

  “Between us,” Rey mocked him, sticking to the shadows, having left his bed and not far behind. Guilt burned in his gut, but he had to know if his chances to have the girl had finally been spent.

  Amicia’s heart pounded as she paused her step, allowing Piers to catch up. They had been in the glen for months, and they had known each other half a year; could he at last have decided to court her? Her fac
e flushed at the very notion of such a thing. But, as much as she desired it, she doubted that would be his reason to converse.

  The woods dark around them, he stopped before her and she smiled up at him. “Walk with me then, while I fetch our nightly pail,” she cooed, plying him with her best smile.

  Falling into step beside her, the Mate grumbled, “Yes, by all means, fetch your nightly pail. Every day is the same in this despicable place. Almost worse than being trapped on the flat for all those weeks.”

  “Piers, what is the trouble?” she asked gently, hearing the anger in his voice. “We have a routine. Is that such a terrible thing?” she sighed, slowing her pace as they approached the brook. Her heart heavy, she knew that he had not followed to give her a proposal.

  Stopping when they reached the edge, he faced her and glared down at her pale green eyes. “You know I will never touch you, love.”

  “What?” she gasped loudly. “What makes you think that I desire for you to?”

  “You want something that can never be, Amicia,” he sighed, grasping her shoulders firmly as if to shake her. “Here, this place, this cabin…” His voice trailed away.

  “Yes, this is our home,” she supplied, her voice trembling as tears filled her eyes. Thankfully, the darkness would help her to hide them.

  “No, it isn’t,” he insisted with a wobble of his head. Releasing her, he turned his back to collect his thoughts.

  “I’m sorry, Amicia. I cannot be the man you wish me to be,” the older man’s voice floated through the trees on the night air, and Rey inched ever closer, a hint of joy lifting his spirits at the Mate’s confession, and the unmistakable sound of a quarrel.

  “This is punishment, isn’t it,” Ami replied stiffly. “Fate dealing me this hand for Rupert’s sake,” she bit tartly, taking a scoop at the brook with her bucket.

  “I don’t know any Rupert,” Piers spat, turning to face her and leaning against a tree with his right shoulder.