The Twilight Star

by Laura E. Collins

  I passed various merchants until I came to the first one I knew that sold herbs. She did not have any so I kept moving on down the line. I felt as though my luck had run out by the time I reached the last booth. A haggard looking middle-aged man stepped forward. He had greasy looking gray and brown hair. When he smiled he displayed a mouthful of yellow, crooked teeth. I had to concentrate not to shrink back from the poor hygiene. It shouldn’t have surprised me; I was sort of used to seeing it by now.

  “Afternoon, Wayfarer,” he said cordially, even though he addressed me with a title I had become annoyed with.

  “Good afternoon,” I replied politely. “I am looking for feverfew leaves to restock my clinic. Do you have any?” I asked easily. No one needed to know that I was the one who wasn’t feeling well.

  “Feverfew leaves, . . . ah yes,” he said turning to bring out a small cloth pouch. He emptied the contents into a small shallow bowl on the makeshift wooden counter between us. He didn’t have many, maybe about six or so. My spirits lifted at the sight of them. How I just wanted my pain to end.

  “How much are you asking for them?”

  “Feverfew leaves are hard to come by girl, . . . difficult to harvest.”

  “How much, Sir?” I persisted. I was in no mood for playing games. My head continued to hammer away inside and the bright sunlight started to irritate me.

  “Two crowns,” he said firmly.

  Two crowns? That was highway robbery, I thought. “May I have two leaves for a half-crown?” I asked.

  “A half-crown is practically nothing. I can sell these for my asking price easily. You will have to do better than that,” he sneered.

  “That’s all I have,” I replied softly.

  “Then you will have to look elsewhere for your herbs or harvest them yourself,” he said sternly, picking up the leaves and putting them back into the pouch as I looked longingly at them. I had nothing on me that I was willing to trade or sell.

  “I can bring you another crown next week,” I offered.

  “No deal, Wayfarer,” he said looking me up and down as if I were someone who would not keep my word. “I do, however, accept other forms of payment,” he continued suggestively as he looked me over.

  “Not in a million years,” I retorted as I stalked off, back towards the clinic. I’d had enough. I would rather suffer through my migraine than let a creep like that touch me.

  Mercifully, Sam was tending to the last few patients when I arrived at the clinic and did not even question me as to where I went. I think she felt guilty for leaving me to manage the clinic by myself as Sir William often dropped by and offered to escort her to dinner at his estate. I was truly happy for them. I know all too well how it feels to be lonely, although that had gotten a little better as of late with Lord Beaumont keeping me company. I pulled the curtains and shutters closed and locked the door after the last of the patients left. I cleaned up and then headed to the East Wing Cookhouse for dinner. I met up with some of the others but my headache had not improved so I left early and returned home. As soon as I was back in my room, I changed into a comfortable nightgown and laid down under my covers, hoping that sleep would help my condition as it sometimes did back home.

  I think that I initially slept for an hour or two, not even hearing when Sam came home. After that, however, all I did was toss and turn all night. I simply could not get comfortable. The throbbing had eased a tiny bit but was ever present. My thoughts started to wander, and then I remembered something the merchant had said to me earlier yesterday. I could harvest the feverfew leaves myself. I don’t know why but that seemed to make the most sense to me. I think I was desperate for the pain to end. Opening the shutters to my room, I looked out. The faint line of light on the horizon told me that dawn was approaching. I got up, washed my face and hands, and put on an old work dress. I quickly wrote a note to Sam explaining to her what I was going to do and headed downstairs, leaving it on the table near the pantry. The thought of going up the mountain by myself did concern me as I slung my messenger back over my shoulder and walked out the door. But, I had a plan. Maybe Sean would still be up. Maybe I could bribe him with some of my wages if he would go searching for the herbs with me. I hadn’t interacted with him much since he reprimanded me about my interaction with the king, but he seemed to have mellowed out over it.

  No one was out and about yet as I walked through the chilly dawn in the village towards the blacksmith’s home. I enjoyed the quiet peacefulness of it. It didn’t take me long to reach the shop and I circled around back to the stables where Sean liked to sleep. I walked over to the door and peeked inside. Sure enough he was there, though he was fast asleep in the hay and snoring with a bottle of ale still clutched loosely in one of his hands. I had second thoughts about waking him now. I could just imagine how ticked off he would be. I quietly backed out and shut the door softly without waking him. The pain in my head reminded me that I needed help. I can’t remember when I’d had a migraine this bad, though it wasn’t unusual for some of them to last a few days before they quit, even with modern medicine.

  I turned and headed towards the mountain behind the village. Looks like I was going to do this alone. At least the sun was coming up and I wouldn’t have to worry about meeting any vampires. Though the pain kept me from enjoying much, I did appreciate the fresh clean air away from the stench of the village. I moved silently and kept along a ridgeline as I ascended so that I would not get lost since I had never been here. After about a half hour of climbing, I began to see some of the herbs we used in the clinic. I saw the yellow flowered fronds of agrimony, which was important for wound healing, so I grabbed those up. Later on I came upon a nice patch of the thick fragrant leaves of sage, which we used to treat sore throats with. Still no feverfew leaves.

  After another hour of trekking up this strange mountain that I had never been on; I had collected a few other things like more ephedra and echinacea. My messenger bag was getting full. I came upon a stream and drank some weak ale from my flask as I sat down on a rock. I observed how extremely quiet and peaceful the mountain seemed. I don’t think that I even saw a single creature or insect the entire time I hiked. I continued on and meandered further to the edge of the ridge and beheld a beautiful waterfall cascading down. I had never known any of this was up here. Why had Dr. Thorpe discouraged us from coming here? I continued up for a few more minutes and finally, . . . finally saw the daisy-like flowers and parsley looking leaves of feverfew! There was a whole patch of it. I made a beeline towards it and sank down to my knees. I immediately tore a leaf off, popped it into my mouth, and chewed slowly while I gathered more for my bag. After a few minutes and no change in my condition I ate another one. I don’t think I had ever taken more than two before. I decided to wait a while to see what happened and continue looking around.

  Chapter 21

  After a few hours wandering in this lush, but strangely quiet forest, my messenger bag was full of fresh herbs the clinic needed. I had not realized exactly how high up I had traveled. Sadly, even after ingesting two feverfew leaves, my migraine showed no sign of easing up. The tension in my upper back and neck was palpable and likely making the situation worse. I inhaled the fresh air and walked over towards the edge of the canyon that I had come to. I needed to rest my feet and try to ease my pain before making the trek back down. As long as I followed the ridge, I knew I wouldn’t become lost.

  I pulled out another feverfew leaf and popped it mindlessly into my mouth before setting my bag on the ground next to a large smooth rock resting on the edge. I climbed it easily and sat down looking upon the beautiful waterfall of the canyon extending out beyond me. I chewed slowly on the leaf hoping its pain relieving effects would kick in. I felt a little out of it. I’ve never had to take three leaves before. I pulled my knees up and rested my head on them as I looked at the view. My mind began to wander back to my world. I missed the comforts of home. I thought of my bathroom and the small medicine cabinet that had my prescription bottle o
f the little blue pills that I could count on to kill the pain whenever I got one of these nasty migraines. What I wouldn’t give for one of them now.

  My life was so much less complicated, yet much more complicated now than it was in my world. I know if I ever . . . no, . . . when . . . when I make it home I would feel more grateful of my life. I would treat people better. I would slow down and enjoy the little things as they say. I would never go into my walk-in closet and feel as though I had nothing to wear. I would tell my family that I loved them more often. I would be happier. I couldn’t stop the flushing heat in my face and the tears from sliding down my cheeks. I was lonely, in terrible pain, and homesick. I . . .

  Fear swept through me and I lifted my head as I heard the snap of what sounded like twigs breaking underfoot. I turned my head back in the direction I had come. I could not hardly believe my eyes when I saw that it was the prince marching steadily towards me looking not very pleased to see me. My eyes met his before I let them lower as I took a deep breath and slid down off of the rock. I hastily wiped the tears from my cheeks before I sank to my knees before him. I didn’t know what else to do. I flinched, waiting for him to reprimand me for something. I had not seen him since the night he rejected me. My heart ached a little with longing as I looked upon his handsome face.

  “Are you hurt? . . . Has someone hurt you?” he asked directly with a hint of concern in his voice.

  That wasn’t what I expected to hear. I hesitated before I answered softly. “No, Your Highness.” A few long, tense silent moments passed between us before he spoke again.

  “You are unwell then?”

  I nodded and glanced slightly up at him before bowing my head again. He had his hand poised on the hilt of the sword he wore on his belt. He could easily kill me up here, I thought to myself, and he wouldn’t have to answer to anyone. And for a brief second, . . . I wanted him to. I was in misery. Between the pain in my head and the feverfew leaves I had eaten, I don’t think I was quite in my right mind. He was intimidating standing over me. He could make it quick. It would be painless. He could take my head off faster than I could react and then I would be free. No more pain and I wouldn’t have to worry about finding a way back home.

  Instead my mind came back to reality and I said, “I have a headache,” as I absently rubbed the back of my neck. After a moment he let go of his sword and extended a hand out to me. I caught the site of my soiled brown and green fingers, cringing with embarrassment, as I took his clean hand in mine and he helped me to my feet.

  “Why are you here, Evelyn?” he demanded as he let go of my hand.

  “I needed feverfew leaves.”

  He inhaled sharply and barked, “oh, Evelyn, you shouldn’t be here! These are hunting grounds!”

  I think I stopped breathing for several seconds as my eyes widened, my mouth dropped open slightly, and I looked around me almost in a panic. No wonder this forest was so quiet. No wonder Dr. Thorpe told us never to come here for herbs. “I’m sorry, my lord . . . I did not know,” I managed to say before I dropped my eyes to stare at his boots again. This was so awkward. I wanted to crawl under that big rock I had been sitting on and never come out. I must have looked awful to him. I’m sure he noticed my miserable appearance with flushed, tear-stained cheeks, loose hair, and the old torn dress I had on.

  “They sell feverfew leaves in the marketplace!”

  “Yes, I know,” I stammered. “I tried to buy some, . . . but I didn’t have enough.” I couldn’t bring myself to say ‘money.’

  He took a deep breath. More silent moments followed and then he seemed to calm down and soften a little. “It is of no consequence now. I am here and nothing will harm you,” he said confidently.

  Gee, I feel so much better now, I thought sarcastically to myself as I remained silent with my eyes downcast.

  “How many leaves have you ingested?” he asked as he pointed to my bag.

  “Three.”

  He ever so slightly quirked an eyebrow and gently said, “and they have not helped you?”

  I shook my head back and forth slowly. A few moments of silence followed.

  “I believe that I can help you, . . . come,” he said softly as he walked back towards a mossy part of the ground beneath a large tree. In one smooth motion he removed his cloak, swirled it around, and placed it on the ground inside up.

  I started to follow him over but then stopped, hesitating, wondering what he had in mind for me.

  “Come here,” he said more authoritatively. I obeyed him as he pointed to the cloak. “Be seated here,” he requested.

  I sat down on the cloak and drew my knees up to rest my arms on them. “I’ll be back in a moment,” he commented as he walked away.

  The cliff seemed so peaceful as I listened to the white noise of the nearby waterfall. The prince was gone for a few minutes, then he returned holding some type of gourd in one hand. Standing several feet away from me he unsheathed his sword and gracefully swiped horizontally right through the top of it. I watched as he re-sheathed the weapon and approached me. He stopped next to me and knelt down holding the gourd in one hand. “Now, . . . I want you to take one small sip from this . . . no more than a few drops. Do you understand?”

  I nodded my head in response and reached to take the gourd from him. The outside was hard with ill defined dark green and orange rings on it. Inside there was a fleshy area similar to a cantaloupe with hot-pink colored juice resting in the bottom, similar to how a split open coconut would look. He watched intently as I raised the strange fruit to my lips. I had no idea what it was and took only a tiny amount before handing it back to him. He took it quickly from me, rose and marched off with it, and was gone another minute or so. When he returned he was holding one of his handkerchiefs, folded into a rectangle. He came to kneel behind me and held it up. I could see that it was damp. He meant to use it as a cold compress. I reached to take it from him, not wanting to have more contact with him than necessary, but he pulled his hand back from me and applied it to the back of my neck with gentle pressure. I wasn’t sure how I felt about this; sitting here in the middle of a potentially dangerous forest zone with Prince Eythan of all people attempting to help me with my migraine. I was surprised by his touch as he continued to blot around; it felt gentle and soothing, like a lover’s touch.

  “May I ask you something, my lord?”

  “You may.”

  “Why was I arrested and held in the Ironhaven tower for over a week? What crime did I commit?” I decided to try to finally get an answer.

  He was quiet for a moment and then began to speak. “You did not commit a crime. That was during the time Lord Reinald Von Lare paid us a visit. We noticed he was keen on you during one of the banquets you attended. Prior to his departure he asked my sister if he could purchase you so that he could take you back to the Rain Provence with him.”

  I had not expected to hear this, but I remained silent as he continued.

  “And when my sister refused, he came to me. Of course I would respect her decision. He pretended to take it well but I knew he was only acting gracious. Afterwards, I gave the order for Sir William to arrest you . . . I did not want to see you kidnapped or worse. Those barbarians are notorious for that sort of behavior. When my sentries assured me he and the remainder of his guards had left the region; I gave the order for your release.”

  He had me arrested to protect me? Strangely I did not find that hard to believe. It was a twisted combination of good and evil, just like the prince himself. I decided not to say anything, I wasn’t sure if I should thank him or not. My mind started to feel unglued.

  “You take such good care of my people when they are ill. Who takes care of you when you do not feel well?” he asked as he continued to apply some gentle pressure to my tense neck muscles.

  “I guess I do,” I responded softly as I started to feel weird. I didn’t know what was happening but I suspected it was a side effect of whatever that substance was that he made me drink. I started f
eeling a little woozy and light headed. I noticed slight tinges of pink starting to sneak up on me in my vision. “I feel strange,” I said as I took a deep breath. There was no way that I could stop whatever was happening. I felt myself starting to lean back and vaguely sensed his arms surround me as I passed out.

  ∞

  I heard the wind in the trees first. Then I heard a voice I recognized saying my name. I opened my eyes as I felt a hand brush softly against my cheek past my hairline and over my right ear. I freaked out as soon as I realized that I was laying on my back looking up into the prince’s blue-green eyes. It would have been a lovely moment if I believed that he cared anything for me, but as it was, I did not trust him. I hastily pulled away from him, unsteadily rose to my feet, and staggered over to the nearest tree. I clung to it for dear life, trying to blink the receding pink tinges from my vision.

  “What was that stuff you gave me to drink?” I demanded weakly, forgetting to address him formally.

  “That was the juice of the rare felonwort fruit. An effective painkiller in small doses, but lethal in larger ones,” he stated plainly as he rose and shook out his cloak. He rested it over one of his forearms as he watched me.

  “You . . . poisoned me?” I croaked in disbelief.

  “Only a little. I did not think that only a few drops would affect you so. How is your headache?”