She was right, we were halted by yet another crossroad sign. Carlaylin opened her mouth to say something, but I decided to quickly cut her short.
“Right! We go right this time and don’t even think about going left!”
Carlaylin didn’t answer and merely shrugged innocently, grinning as she accepted my terms and conditions.
***
I was sure that we were lost for the simple reason that our surroundings started growing unfamiliar. We had finally reached the Forest of Lights and I seemed to have lost the way, constantly distracted by Carlaylin wondering at the stunning scenery and wisps that moved about aimlessly, casting their own unique colour, each differing from the previous.
One swooped past Carlaylin and her eyes trailed the mist, seeing as it faded away into nothingness with the passing of time.
“This is unbelievable,” she marvelled.
It was nightfall and the sky was a canvas of stardust that wavered about under the ghostly sheen of the three moons that peered at us through the entwining branches and roofing leaves of dark emerald green that wafted but gently in the cool breeze. Each moon had a name that defined its identity. It was said that once, in the ancient times long since passed, three dragons protected the moons. The moons were named after them in honour of their bravery. It’s quite an interesting legend once you come to hear the full story. The largest one in the middle was called Trivet. The second largest one, the one on the right, was called Sylvestes as the third one on the left, the smallest of the three, slightly hidden by Trivet, was dubbed, Benicia.
Trivet shone with a purple-blue colour, Sylvestes, an orange-red and Benicia, carrying various textures of green.
I looked at Carlaylin who still seemed lost at the sight of our surroundings. The trees rose up tall and proud, carrying their leaves like kings as a large variety of plants hugged their feet, revelling in the dark, fertile ground.
“You see that blue wisp over there?” I asked. Carlaylin followed my gaze and noticed a blue wisp floating in mid-air over in the distance.
“It is said that those lead you to where you are needed most. They are extremely rare and some say that they may be very shy as well, since they only appear in front of a few. You’re lucky.”
She smiled with rosy cheeks.
“Do you think we should follow it?”
I pondered on the thought for but a second longer before coming to a decision.
“Most of the times I’d say yes, but now… It doesn’t matter. It’s dark. We shouldn’t even be out here this time of night.”
My eyes trailed to the shadows that lay ahead of us.
I listened to the rustle of the leaves as the wind swooped by, carrying the howl of a wolf that seemed to be lingering not far by.
“This forest might be called the Forest of Lights, but it masks dangers that can be just as futile as those of the Whispered Woods.”
“Come again?”
“The Whispered Woods? Where Terrowin attacked us.”
I couldn’t help but give her a blaming gaze, most probably playing on her guilt.
“Oh, yeah… right,” she laughed nervously, absentmindedly scratching the back of her head.
“Anyway, we have to find a shelter and spend the night there. It is simply just too dangerous to travel at night.”
Carlaylin quickly studied the area in alert.
“You’re probably right. What about that inn over there?” I followed her gaze, only to catch sight of a small inn hidden in the woods, a dim candlelight emitting from its windows. I frowned, finding myself to be somewhat sceptical.
Why didn’t I see that place before? I thought.
“Well? Come on!” Carlaylin called excitedly and started making her way to the door. She didn’t seem hesitant. She didn’t seem cautious. If anything, she seemed as carefree as ever, leaving me to page my thoughts.
Nevertheless, I took my chances and followed, though not without reluctance or without keeping my guard up. The inn had a large wooden door that needed some attention as it speared fairly dry and cracked.
Carlaylin balled her hand into a fist and raised it to knock. I hurriedly stopped her by grabbing hold of her wrist.
“Remember, curiosity killed the goblin.”
She smiled, rolled her eyes and shook her head. Instead of knocking she merely pushed open the door and entered the strange inn. I was left to heave a heavy sigh before taking the risk and going in after her.
After all, the master did ask me to protect her…
It looked like no more than just a normal inn, which it probably was. It was only smaller than the Sleeping Dragon’s Inn. The inn looked completely deserted except for an old woman rearranging some bottles and tankards on some shelves behind her. Her hair was as white as snow, and when she turned around, I could see her deep green eyes. She seemed to be wearing an eccentric linen dress. She moved to the counter. There was a staircase to the left of the counter. In front of us were a couple of wooden tables accompanied by chairs. The few windows were shielded by dark curtains.
At first, as the woman’s eyes met that of Carlaylin, she seemed very excited, thrilled to call out, “A customer!” but when her eyes met me, her overjoyed grin fell fainter and there was a stretch of silence before she could continue expressing her line of thought.
“No, two…” It was obvious to me that she tried to keep her smile, pushing back whatever thoughts she had to the very back of her mind as she sparked to life once again, welcoming us and eagerly escorting us to some seats.
“Welcome! Please take a seat,” she offered kindly and rushed to our side, hands clasped together.
“No, thank you. We would only like to spend the night, if you would be so kind...?” I said.
“Of course! But, please, you must be parched. Hungry!”
Before I could answer, the woman swiftly cut in by hurrying us to a nearby table, Carlaylin frankly enjoying the whole scenario.
“Oh, it has been so long since I’ve had any customers, for you see, it’s not exactly easy to find this inn in the middle of this forest as it may be.”
The woman started to calm down, and so we as we grabbed a seat. The chairs were sturdy, somewhat uncomfortable, and rather dusty, but good enough to still enjoy the evening.
“I love your inn, Miss,” Carlaylin grinned, “It’s very homey.”
The innkeeper seemed to find the compliment most treasured as she smiled dearly.
“You’re too kind, my dear!”
The woman leaned in closer, her eyes locking with Carlaylin’s.
“Say, why don’t you go upstairs and choose a room you’d like to stay at? I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.”
Carlaylin narrowed her eyes.
“Uh… I think it might be best if I rather-”
“There’s a bathroom.”
Carlaylin’s eyes widened as she hit her fists to the table.
“About time!” Almost instantly, she hopped from her seat in quite a rush, her veins most likely running wild with newfound adrenaline pumping through her heart.
“Catch you guys later. Be right back!” I could but only sit and watch as Carlaylin jogged up the stairs, disappearing around the corner in no time. I was left alone in the company of the strange woman that constantly had her eyes fixated on me. I grew anxious as she leaned in closer.
“What a handsome young man you are.”
I had never felt more awkward in my entire life, secretly hoping that Carlaylin wouldn’t be so keen on taking her time. My words were stuck in my throat.
“Um… thanks?”
There was a moment of silence as the innkeeper studied me from head to toe, trying to keep that so-called smile on her face. Her eyes flashed a glance at the ring hugging her finger. She wasn’t married, for the ring was only for decorative purposes only, gleaming with a priceless gemstone under the candlelight.
Oddly enough, I noticed the stone to be lending off a faint
glow, but before I could make sure for certain, the woman plucked away, almost as though nothing had happened. Her grin told me that she seemed satisfied. With what, I didn’t exactly wished to know…
“Beautiful lass you got there,” she finally replied. “Promise me you won’t let this one go.”
I was nearly knocked off my chair at the sudden gesture.
“Excuse me?!”
The woman laughed and rested her hand on my shoulder. I was tempted to pull away, but left it be for the time being, pushing my discomfort to the very back of my mind.
Fortunately, Carlaylin finally showed up, prancing down the stairs like someone who had recently gained new spirits.
I sighed a sigh of relief the soon as the woman let go of my shoulder. Once back at the table, Carlaylin cleared her throat, rapidly mumbling, “I debs room number five, ” before her gaze purposely trailed away.
The ‘kind’ old woman chuckled.
“Anything to drink?”
“I’m sorry, but we really don’t have time for this,” I said plainly, crossing my arms and leaning back into my chair.
The sooner she leaves, the better for all of us, I thought, keeping to my inner statement and keeping a tight lookout on her reactions.
“Plus, I’m out of money,” Carlalyin shrugged.
“No worries at all! You can have these on the house.”
The woman was just itching to give us something.
Though, my suspicious remained standing as the question was left brewing in my mind. If she receives so little patrons, wouldn’t she actually need the money in order to keep her inn running?
“Dear, you look thin. Would you like anything to eat?” the woman asked sweetly
“No, thank you, I’m fine,” Carlaylin retorted.
“You really need to eat something, dear. Let me-“
“I said no thank you!” Carlaylin finally snapped.
I was caught by surprise, eyeing her, wondering what would happen next.
“My dear, I’m only trying to help?”
“I’d listen to her, if I were you,” I muttered, my mind trailing back to the thought of my aching cheek. Well, it didn’t exactly hurt anymore, but the wound was still there.
“Fine, suit yourself,” the woman sighed and returned back to her counter, preparing whatever drinks she could thought of serving us.
“Nice outing, eh?” Carlalyin asked, trying to spark up a conversation, but I did little more than flash her a faint smile.
“Free stuff’s always good, isn’t it?” she chuckled wearily. I said nothing.
Carlaylin forced a grin, but it didn’t last long as she rather turned her gaze to the woman. We watched in silence as the woman returned with two mugs in her hands. She placed it in front of us.
“Enjoy! I’m sure it will be to your liking. This inn might not be visited very often, but it does carry a reputation for amazing drinks.”
She patted Carlaylin on the back as she returned back to the counter.
“Thanks,” Carlaylin thanked on behalf of us both, for I wasn’t keen on saying anything soon. The woman nodded gratefully and continued making her way toward her bar.
Carlaylin took a taste.
“She’s right! This really isn’t bad. I haven’t had anything to drink since the Sleeping Dragon’s Inn, you know. You should really try some.”
My eyes rolled down to the tankard in front of me. The sloshing liquor had just gone still. I was sceptic and eyed it for a little while longer. It seemed normal, consistency normal, smell normal, colour normal…
You’re just paranoid, Terrowin, I thought to myself. You can’t keep distrusting everyone and everything.
I mustered my courage and took a deep breath before my fingers folded around the handle.
I know it might sound wrong, and most likely terrible, but I secretly waited for Carlaylin to take the first sip.
Well, Terrowin, nothing happened. Come on. You’ve been dying for something to drink ever since Thorodan.
“What’s wrong?” I was slightly startled by Carlaylin’s voice suddenly snapping me out of my momentary daze.
“Oh, nothing,” I reassured and drank.
“Everything still fine over there?” the woman called from afar, sounding quite distant as she was lost in her current duties.
“Amazing! Thanks again!” Carlaylin thanked, pausing for a quick second before saying, “And thanks to you too…” I looked around to see if she might have been talking to someone else.
“I’m talking to you, Terrowin,” she chuckled. I couldn’t help but smile nervously, eyebrows knitted. I wasn’t used to people thanking me for anything. As short notice self-defence, I couldn’t help but jest.
“Are you sure you’re not talking to the monster?”
With another sip of my drink, I felt a faint burning sensation tingling at my throat as the liquid sloshed down, burning at my chest on its way. It grew, but it was nothing appalling. Some of Ysellian’s drinks had that effect on people. If the drink’s too strong and too much, then you might want to die down on the amount for a bit, but I had no worry.
Though, I thought that I knew how to hold my liquor… Not that I drink or anything. It was merely occasionally.
“No, you’re the only Terrowin I see at the moment.”
I rolled my eyes, teasingly, failing to fight back a smirk.
“Thanks for saving me,” Carlaylin said, sounding more serious than she did before.
“No problem.”
“No problem? I mean it! Man, that was huge! That was the bravest thing anyone had ever done for me... or, uh… second most bravest thing,” she chuckled, but her eyes had grown grim by the looks of it. A memory must’ve come up.
I returned the favour and gave a smile.
Carlaylin shook her mug and watched as the fluids inside swashed around. The burning sensation had only grown and I felt a sudden pain stinging in my stomach.
“I know it’s only for the Wizard, keeping me alive and all… but, yeah. I really appreciate not being dead yet,” she laughed feebly.
My guts felt like pins and needles. Instinctively, I closed my eyes and took a quick, unnoticeable breath, trying to calm myself, reassuring myself that I had simply just had too much… nothing more, nothing else.
“You sure everything’s still fine?” Carlaylin asked with a worrying, yet curious, glint in her eyes.
“Yes, everything’s great. Don’t worry,” I lied, trying to force my words. I bit at my lower lip to hide the pain.
She seemed to have accepted the answer and went back to enjoying her drink. I noticed my breath starting to race.
Carlaylin started conversing with the old woman, but my mind grew hazed as I couldn’t focus on a single word they said. Instead, my mind was fixed on the ever-growing pain.
No… No, this can’t be…
What literally felt like holes ate through my stomach and I couldn’t help but hug myself, my grip that of iron as I prayed for the anguish to go away.
How...? How could I have been so blind?!
My lips were met with an involuntary tremble, my eyes starting to glisten as the agony practically pressed the life out of me.
My vision started to blur and I felt myself slipping.
You can’t let go, Terrowin. You have to protect Carlaylin. She can’t do this alone! FIGHT!
I gritted my teeth, feeling as a fire ate away at my innards.
“Terrowin?” Carlaylin asked with eyes never as broadened as ever before.
“I’m… fine…” I tried for my words, but I almost couldn’t.
I needed to get away, but the soon I tried to stand by support of the table, I lost my balance, my legs numb as I collapsed to the ground.
“TERROWIN!”
Carlaylin leapt from her chair, rushing to my side, in a panic.
I curled into a ball, straightjacketing myself as I fought to find my breath, as I fought for air.
FIGHT!
“What’s wrong?” she cried, “Terrowin!”
My vision blurred away and I started seeing dark as my consciousness slipped away. The pain started to leave me as I fell deeper into sweet oblivion. I felt nothing.
I heard muffled voices as Carlaylin tried calling for aid from the woman. She cradled my head in her arms. My grip loosened and slowly slipped away as I nodded off, the life escaping me.
Fight… Terrowin… You have to…
It almost felt as though Carlaylin took my hand in hers.
I can’t…
“Terrowin, NO! Come on! Stay with me!”
For seconds I merely stared at her, even though I couldn’t see anything anymore but blurred faces and a glassy background.
You failed…
My body went numb and my mind slipped, falling into a deep darkness as a single breath left my lips.
CHAPTER 5
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE INSANITY
PART 2
CARLAYLIN
WHAT FELT LIKE MY HEART STOPPED. I was frozen. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think…
Terrowin…?
I couldn’t wrap my head around the thought that he might have been gone for good. We had only just met… I… I couldn’t lose him. Not yet! I didn’t know where to go. I didn’t know where the Wizard’s tower was. I felt lost. I was lost.
My heart fluttered against my ribcage and my throat tightened as my eyes probed his face for any signs of life.
“Terrowin!” I pleaded, hoping he would wake up and be fine, whilst subconsciously knowing the truth. I took a chance and shook him by the shoulders.
“Come on, man. You can’t leave me. Not now!”
He didn’t even move a muscle. I took a shaky breath, eyebrows knitted in momentary grief.
Swallowing, I was swift to look for a heartbeat as I searched his wrist for a pulse. I bit down on my teeth, panic racing through my veins and seething at my blood. After what seemed like an eternity, I was relieved to feel but a single heartbeat. He might have still been alive, but… his pulse was fading. He was dying, quick.
I felt the innkeeper’s eyes burning a hole through my back. My cheeks flushed as I felt a certain anger kindled within my soul, its flames angrily eating away at my heart as I grew incensed, my expression of utter worry faltering into a deep frown.
Wizard of Elements Page 6
