by L L Vickery
“It is kind of dangerous for you to be out here alone. A young and pretty girl. Having three men walk into your farm must have frightened you.” Luc said.
“My dad is out in the forest hunting. He’ll be back in a couple of days.” The girl pointed at a cabinet door and it opened. She wiggled her finger and four bowls flew as gentle as feathers through the air and landed on the table. “And I can take care of myself.”
“I’m out of here.” Bram stood.
The sky opened up and rain pounded the roof. It sounded like a roaring waterfall coming off the roof splashing on the ground.
“It’s safer in here,” The girl said. “as long as you three don’t try anything dumb.”
“We won’t. I promise.” Rein said. “Bram you can sit back down or you can stand out in the rain, your choice. Of course, you could always use the shower.” He waved his hand in front of his face.
“Fuck off. She’s a witch. There’s no telling’ what she’ll do to us.” Bram protested then sniffed his armpit. He shrugged and nodded. He didn’t think he smelled that bad.
“As long you don’t try anything, you have nothing to worry about.” The girl bent over and looked Bram in the eye. “You have my word.”
Bram didn’t say anything else he just sat back down in the chair and folded his arm across his chest and stuck his bottom lip out.
Luc looked around the room. It was darker than Gwen’s house. Dust covered bottles filled with colorful liquids and herbs lined the shelves on the walls. There were only two windows. One behind the sink and one in the other room behind a large bed. The windows had dingy and tattered curtains.
An owl perched on a pedestal in a dark corner. If not for the occasional blink of its eyes he would have thought the creature was stuffed. A small gray mouse scurried across the floor. The tiny mouse had a large crumb of bread in its mouth. The girl giggled as a large black spider crawled across the back of her hand. Luc thought it was strange for a girl not to be afraid of spiders, especially big black hairy ones.
The wolf puppy chased the small mouse into the other room, he barked at it as it darted into a hole in the wall. The puppy whined and pawed at the hole.
“Wolfie, knock that off.” Luc snapped. The puppy growled at the hole then pranced off wagging his tail.
“Wolfie huh?” The girl cocked her head to the side. “And what’s your name?” She asked.
“I’m Lucos, but most people just call me Luc.” He picked Wolfie up and petted his fur.
“Cassandra,” The girl said and held her hand out for him to shake.
Luc felt sparks of electricity flow through his hand when they touched. The shock gave him a bit of a start but excited and frightened him at the same time.
“And who are your bodyguards?” She asked dropping her hand to the side.
“I’m Rein and this is Bram.” Rein said.
Cassandra filled the bowls with the stew that was cooking in the cauldron hanging in the fireplace. Luc picked up his spoon and scooped out a chunk of carrot. He brought it to his lips and hesitated, watching Rein and Bram to see who was going to go first. When neither did he put the spoon in his mouth and slowly chewed.
Rein and Bram watched for signs that he was poisoned. When he continued eating they felt it must be safe enough. Cassandra’s spoon dipped into her stew and raised to her lips without her ever touching it.
“Is that why your dad built this house out here away from all the other settlements?” Bram asked pointing at her enchanted spoon.
“Who says he built it?” Cassandra asked.
Luc snickered. Her voice was so soft and mousy but she was spirited, much like his mother. Either they would get along great or kill each other, he thought. The sudden intake of air caused him to choke.
Cassandra giggled when a small bit of potato shot from his mouth.
“You guys have a lot of questions,” Cassandra said. “Answer one for me?” She asked.
“Sure.” Rein finish his last spoonful of stew.
“Why are you going to see the witch at banshee lake?” She asked.
“How did you know…?” Bram asked.
“I need to ask her something.” Rein said.
Cassandra touched his forearm. She pulled her hand away as quickly and she touched it. “I can take you to it.”
“You mean her,” Luc said.
“No, I didn’t. That thing in at the lake is not a witch. I don’t know what it is but it only looks like her.” She said and lifted her hand, palms facing the sky. The dishes raised from the table and one by one dropped into the sink. “Rein knows what I’m talking about.”
“How do you know it isn’t really the witch?” Rein asked.
“The witch was my mother and she’s been dead for years.” Cassandra washed the dishes and put them away as fast as she could without using magic. The energy it took was very draining and they had a long way to go.
“Are you ready to go get it?” Cassandra asked.
“The blade?” Rein asked.
Cassandra nodded. “The rain has stopped we should go.” She looked down at Wolfie and he whined. “You should have left him where you found him.”
Luc held Wolfie close and kissed his head.
“Common then, I’ve sat around here about as long as I’d like.” Bram groaned.
Rein led the way from the tiny farm back to the path leading to the west. The ground was sloshed under their feet and water pooled in the ruts in the road. Bram didn’t dare stand still for too long, his huskiness would be sure to have him sinking in the mud.
“Shouldn’t we be heading toward the south?” Luc asked.
Rein looked back over his shoulder and furrowed his brow. “Been all over the mainland then have ya? Know the geography of the area do ya? Why don’t you lead the way then?”
“Hey, what the hell is that all about?” Bram shouted. “The kids right you know. The cave is just south of here. We have the girl so there no need to go to the lake. This will take us a day out of the way.”
“I don’t have to explain myself to any of you. No one said any of you had to follow me.” Rein stomped along the path.
“Give him a break,” Cassandra whispered to Bram. “He’s dealing with something he can’t tell you about.”
Bram felt his temper instantly calm like someone flipped a switch on his emotions.
The rain cooled the temperature by nearly ten degrees. The sky was crystal blue and the clouds had long dissipated.
“Do you smell that?” Bram asked.
“Smell what?” Luc asked sniffing the sleeping wolf pup he was carrying.
“I knew you should have gone out in that storm for a shower.” Rein laughed. “If you needed to take a shit we could’ve stopped, you didn’t have to go in your pants.”
“Fuck you, Rein.” Bram picked up a stone and threw it playfully at his friend.
The stone landed with a soft thud in the middle of Rein’s back making him laugh even harder. Horse’s hooves pounded the ground, getting closer to where they were.
A satyr and a nymph were being chased by a group of Lillian’s soldiers. Rein and Bram recognized them immediately.
The satyr ran past Rein and stopped just behind Bram. The nymph got behind Luc and tried to catch her breath. Rein pulled out his dagger and dug his heels in the ground, preparing himself for a fight.
“Whoa,” The captain of the guardsman pulled back on his horse’s reins.
Chapter 6
“Out of the way,” one of the soldiers dismounted and walked toward Rein pulling out his sword.
“They’re just kids.” Rein’s stance didn’t waver.
“Kids or not, their thieves.” The captain shouted down from his horse.
The other three soldiers climbed down from their horses and unsheathed their swords as well. Rein had a white-knuckle grip on his dagger.
Wolfie jumped down from Luc’s arm and ran over to the soldier in front of Rein. He bit at the soldier’s boot though it was futile.
His fangs were still baby teeth and his jaws weren’t very strong yet.
“Where’d you get this pup? Are you thieves as well?” The soldier kicked at Wolfie knocking him on his side.
“Do that again and I’ll slit your throat.” Rein said through a clenched jaw.
“Rein? Is that you?” One of the soldiers from in the back asked as he stepped forward.
“Who is that?” Rein squinted but he couldn’t make out the face through the helmet.
“You know this ruffian?” The captain asked.
“It’s Reinhard, he’s the mayor’s son. We’ve known each other since we were kids.” The soldier said.
“Well, you won’t get any special treatment this far from home.” The captain smirked. “Just give us the satyr and the nymph and be on your way.”
“Can’t do that.” Rein held his dagger steady.
“Why not?” The soldier in front of him took another step forward. Rein’s blade tip touched the soldier’s armor. All he would have to do is lean in and surely the dagger would pierce the armor.
“What are they accused of stealing?” Bram shouted to be heard.
“The came into the settlement and opened the wolf cages. It took those people a long time to domesticate those creatures.” The captain said.
“Well, there isn’t anything that can be done now. Those wolves would be well on their way. What if I assure you it won’t happen again. I’ll take these two, home. I’ll see to it their parents know what they’ve done.” Rein said.
“And you can make assurances that they will stay clear of the settlement?” The captain asked.
“You have my word.” Rein backed up slowly and put his dagger back in its sheath.
“Stop by the settlement, it’s just to the south and tell them who you are and that Captain Reginald sent you. They’ll make sure you get some proper weapons, and maybe a shower.” He looked at Bram and raised his eyebrows.
“Why do we need weapons?” The nymph, Dana asked.
“There’s been packs of wolves seen around. They’ve taken down a bear and a few deer. Looks like they’ve been doing it for sport.” Reginald said patting his horse on the side of the neck to settle it. The big gray beast was thrashing its head from side to side.
“What do you mean, for sport? Wolves don’t hunt for the fun of it. They eat what they kill.” Dana asked. Her face now bright red.
“They have been taking down the unlucky creatures but leaving the meat,” Reginald said. “We should be off now. Sargent, get on your horse. Gear up, just head my warning to leave the thieves outside the perimeter.”
The soldier that had been standing toe to toe with Rein mounted his horse and they galloped off to the east.
“Looks like we're heading south.” Rein said and turned off the path. They would be able to pick up another heading south just through the trees. There wasn’t a word from the others as they made their way into the forest.
The settlement consisted of ten wooden cottages a large community stable and community garden. It was a very new settlement of farmers put there by Lillian to expand her claim on the land.
Rein and Bram went alone to the smithy for weapons. They thought it might be better if Lux and Dana stayed out and an even better idea to leave Luc and Cassandra with them for protection. If the settlers saw the wolf pup they might get upset.
They were only gone an hour or so but it was clear from the howling that the wolf pack was growing much closer.
The ice cave was still a distance away and they would need to find shelter for the night. The air grew increasingly cold as the afternoon settled into the evening.
The sun was going down faster with each passing day and Rein didn’t want to spend any time trudging through the forest in the dark with only the moon and stars to guide their way.
“Boss, there is a cottage just ahead. Maybe we could stop for the night?” Bram pointed at the dark building.
“At least it will be out of the elements,” Lux said.
“Alright, we’ll stay there for the night and head out in the morning.” Rein headed for the abandoned house.
“I don’t have a real good feeling about this,” Dana said.
“I’ll protect you. If you’re afraid of the dark or something.” Luc smirked.
Cassandra rolled her eyes and whispered under her breath, “Whatever.” Then brushed past Luc.
This was the first nymph Luc had encountered. Jon told him stories, of course, warning him how she would make him feel. But Luc was not prepared for the sudden rush of testosterone that surged through his body.
Cassandra was a beautiful temptress for sure but even her beauty paled in comparison to the pheromones given off by the nymph.
Rein felt the tension between Cassandra and Dana even from as far away as he was and knew if it went unchecked there would be a problem.
Chapter 7
The cottage was more of a shack and had apparently been uninhabited for a long time. The floor was covered in dirt and leaves. Bram had no problem finding dry sticks to build a fire in the fireplace. He was careful to sweep away the debris from the area, one spark and that would be the end of the cottage.
“Luc why don’t you go outside and find some more firewood.” Rein said.
“I’ll help.” Cassandra walked across the room.
Lux looked at Rein waiting to be scolded for the trouble he’d caused but it never came. The disappointment on Rein’s face was worse than being yelled at.
Luc followed her outside into the dark. The stars were out but didn’t light up the area as well as a full moon would. Wolfie shadowed them gleefully wagging his tail and yipping as he ran.
“What was it like where you grew up?” Cassandra asked.
“Well,” Luc thought for a moment. “the weather is really nice most of the time. There is a white sand beach that circles the whole island and a lush forest coving the middle.”
“What about the people there? Don’t you have a girlfriend?” Cassandra asked.
“The island has a native group of small people called pygmies. They aren’t much to look at though. They have sharp pointy teeth, and skin that has been made hard like leather from the sun. So, no I don’t have a girlfriend.” Luc picked up several small branched and a chunk of log.
“That nymph sure is pretty,” Cassandra said as she picked up some small branches.
“She’s alright.” Luc shrugged.
“Don’t give me that, I’ve seen the way you look at her.” Cassandra’s face turned red.
“Is that why you have been so quiet?” Luc asked smirking.
“Maybe,” Cassandra said biting her lower lip.
“Well, you’re prettier than she is.” Luc ran a finger down her arm and laced a couple of their fingers together. “Besides I think she is with that satyr anyway.”
Cassandra smiled and pulled her hand away gently. “We better get this wood inside.”
They walked shoulder to shoulder back to the cottage. The pigmies on Wutend really weren’t much to look at and didn’t want to have anything to do with Luc anyway. On the ship, there weren’t many women, none his own age to cozy up next to.
Cassandra was the first girl to give Luc the time of day and he didn’t know what was too fast or slow. All he knew was how he felt physically when she was near.
The sunset and the fire dimmed as they sat around getting to know each other. Dana curled up next to Lux and Cassandra next to Luc. Rein slept sitting up in a dark corner and Bram was as close to the fire as he could get without getting burned Wolfie balled up at his feet.
The next morning Cassandra woke the others with a big pot of oatmeal. Rein knew better than to ask where she got the ingredients let alone where she found a pot to cook it in. He simply thanked her and ate the food that she made. Even Wolfie was glad for the gray paste that tasted better than it looked.
With full bellies, they set out along the path to find the ice giant cave. The air was getting colder the closer to the mountain they g
ot.
Luc rubbed his hands up and down on his arms trying to flatten the goosebumps that were popping up. He shivered to wonder what the ice giants would look like and if they are made of ice how they would move.
“Are you cold?” Cassandra took his hand to warm it in hers.
“A bit. Aren’t you?” Luc asked.
“I don’t really get cold.” She snapped her fingers and Luc was wearing a warm jacket.
“How did you do that?” Luc asked.
“She’s a witch,” Bram said answering for her.
“You can make things appear out of thin air?” Lux asked.
“It doesn’t work like that,” Dana said bringing up the rear of the group, keeping herself as far from Cassandra as she could while still keeping an eye on her.
“She’s right,” Cassandra said. “I have to know where an item is, one that already exists. Then I can will it to me. You know, bring it to me with my mind.”
“Well, I think that’s pretty cool.” Luc squeezed Cassandra’s hand. “Thank you.”
Cassandra’s face turned pink. “Glad I could help.”
“How much further?” Rein stopped the group and asked Cassandra.
“The path will fork in about a hundred feet or so, take the fork to the right. As we come around the bend you should see the cave opening.” Cassandra said.
Rein trudged on leading the group further up the mountain. He wasn’t sure what he was going to find when he entered that cave. He wasn’t sure how he was going to get the sword from them. He wasn’t even sure if he could. How was he going to protect everyone if the ice giants decided to fight?
The snow was coming down heavy and the trees thinned out. If this was any indication of what the winter had in store, it was going to be a bad one.
“Does anyone else need a coat or some mittens?” Cassandra asked. “I can get a few more.”
No one spoke up. Rein and Bram knew enough to never go anywhere unprepared while Lux and Dana being children of the forest weren’t bothered by a little cold.
The opening in the side of the mountain came into view. Rein picked up the pace, wanting to get this over with as fast as possible. So far so good it seemed there were no giants around. Perhaps they would be further in the cave and he’d have to keep up his guard.
