by Ben Alderson
I kept my face forward. Jasrov had lost a sister to sickness. I blinked and released a tear the wind quickly snatched from my cheek. I cleared my throat and replied, “I am sorry to hear of your loss. I couldn’t imagine how hard that must have been.”
“It was tough. But that is life. I’ve learned that it's what you do with a difficult situation that matters. It’s down to you and only you to turn a shitty tale into one flourished with positivity.”
"Wise words. I shall remember them." Jasrov's words sang to my very soul. “Can I ask what her name was, your sister?”
“Bell,” Jasrov replied.
I almost choked on my own spit.
“Some believe that the soul of an Elementalist’s familiar is a someone they once knew. Hence the name, familiar. I am certain that my sister never left me.” He looked down to Bell and rubbed a hand on her head. “Isn’t that right?”
She released a wild squeak in reply.
Somehow, I believed it. As the small autumn creature gazed up at her companion, they shared a silent moment. I didn’t doubt his sister was forever with him.
*
DAY SLIPPED INTO night, signaling the end of our travelling for the second day.
Conversation flowed, and we only stopped once for a slight break to eat and let our griffins gain energy. By the time we reached Talliar, a small-town south of our destination, we were each exhausted and ready for sleep.
It was Jasrov’s idea to stay at the Inn within the town, and Emaline was thrilled. So much so, she offered to take Jasrov on her griffin for the remainder of the day until we got there.
*
TALLIAR WAS A sweet town built around a small lake at its heart. It was not its aesthetic, but more the feeling of being in a town this size that reminded me of home: closely built buildings and the overwhelming smell of fresh, baked bread. The sound of villagers reached the hill we landed upon. I couldn't help but smile at the idea of a proper night’s sleep.
Once we climbed off our griffins and unloaded our sacks from their saddles, they disappeared into the night. I kept my short sword with me this time. After the attack with the Mer, I wouldn’t let myself be caught without the protection of steel again.
The griffins danced into the sky until they vanished into the thinning clouds that shrouded us. They would return tomorrow when we called. It was better this way; less wandering eyes would notice us without our great beasts.
Hadrian kept his hood up and face down, aware this blue glow stood out more when the night was upon us. None of the occupants of Talliar paid us any mind as we passed through their narrow streets. The streets were empty, besides the odd Alorian who smiled at us when we walked by. Buildings oozed warmth from the fires lit inside, and laughter from families floated to greet us as we moved through open doors.
When Jasrov pointed out the building we were heading towards, I couldn’t believe that it was known as an Inn. To me, the word symbolized warm hearth fires and rickety rooms with large brass keys. But this building was more like a castle.
It was erected on the long jetty that extended into the lake. It towered high, lit by the many hanging orbs that reflected the orange firelight onto the Inn's brick walls. Even the water around it danced with the reflection of fire. Ivory pillars held up the curved roof that domed the entire building, highlighting the many balconies that jutted out of the roof's paneled design.
“I’m going to go in with Emaline,” Jasrov announced as we began our walk across the jetty pathway. “It would be best if you both follow in after us and wait at a table. And Hadrian, keep your hood on. The moment someone sees your gleam, we will be the talk of the town.”
“Let me give you some coin,” Hadrian began, shifting his hand in the inner pocket of his cloak, but Jasrov raised a hand in decline.
“No need, they owe me a favor anyway, so I might as well call on it now.”
"He has an answer for everything," Emaline said, walking next to Jasrov and into the Inn.
We followed Jasrov instructions, waiting for a moment before entering. Hadrian slipped his hand in mine. It was a nice to feel his heat. He didn’t let go, not until we reached a small table in the corner of the main room as far through the bar as possible. Occupants of the bar nodded in our direction and smiled. This entire village seemed to be built on kindness.
“You are getting along with fox boy quite well,” Hadrian whispered, his hand still holding mine beneath the table. He squeezed it for a moment but kept his gaze forward.
I turned to look at him and tilted my head in jest. “He is kind. We made the right decision letting him come along. I think he needed the company, and we needed some clear direction after the map was ruined.”
“We still do not know a lot about him.” Hadrian’s hooded face was locked on Jasrov across the room.
“We don’t need to,” I said. “I have known you for a short time. Do you expect me not to trust you?” I winked.
Although the hood shadowed his face, when he turned his gaze to me, I could feel the smile plastered on his wicked face. “You will soon enough. I wish more than anything to take you away to a place where it is only us.”
"One day," I replied, looking away from him. The promise of time alone was hard to imagine.
Hadrian leaned into my cheek and placed a heated kiss on it. I felt red bloom beneath his touch. "Yes, one day."
“Did we interrupt something?” Emaline asked through a yawn.
I shook my head. “No.”
"Yes," Hadrian said.
“Lucky enough, I ordered two rooms,” Jasrov said, throwing me a key across the table. “Get some rest. I’ve had food ordered to be brought up to you. Emaline, this is for you.” He passed her the second key.
“Where will you stay?” Emaline asked, looking between him and the key.
“Don’t worry about me, just get some good sleep. Thalas Temple is a short flight from here, so you should be well rested and ready for an audience with the Keeper.”
Emaline shook her head. “Do not be silly. You will stay with me tonight. Take it as a thank you for your hospitality last night.”
“Only if you are certain,” he replied.
“I would not have offered if I was not. And I would rather keep my eye on you anyway.”
Jasrov face warmed in color, and he ignored Emaline’s final comment. “I shall meet you there later, thank you. But I’m going to stay down here and have a drink before I retire. Hadrian, Zacriah, your room is on the top floor. Easy enough to find because it is the only one on that level.”
Hadrian stood. “Right, that is our cue." He extended a hand to me, and I took it. Hadrian pulled me up and guided me around the table. "See you at day break.”
Jasrov nodded as he pulled a stool and sat down.
“Rest well,” I said as Hadrian pulled me towards the stairs in the corner of the room.
We began to walk to the stairwell when we noticed Emaline had not followed. I turned back, but she waved me off. “I'm not tired in the slightest. I think I am going to stay up for a drink with Jasrov."
Emaline joined the table with Jasrov, and they instantly began talking. A warm sensation wrapped around my stomach, and I smiled. I was glad they were getting on so well. I could almost seem Emaline's walls were coming down. It seemed Jasrov could make each of us feel comfortable in his own way.
A hand raised before me. “Shall we?”
It only took us a moment to find the room. After walking up three flights of rickety stairs, we reached the top level of the Inn. It was silent up here; not a sound was heard from the lower floors. The stairs leveled off into a narrow hallway, and at the end, a single door stood waiting.
As soon as we reached the door and Hadrian slipped the key into the lock, he dropped the hood of his cloak, and we entered.
“Well, I didn’t expect this…” Hadrian drawled beside me.
Beyond the door was a stunning, yet modest room. It was not a big room, but the high ceiling gave the impression of its g
randeur. A large, four-poster bed almost took up an entire wall opposite us. Sheer curtains danced from the small breeze that blew in from the open balcony. It was the fresh smell I loved. Saltwater scents danced in with the breeze and coated the room.
Hadrian wandered over to the bed first, dropping the cloak from his shoulders and draping it over the nightstand. I followed and placed our two sacks on the floor beside the open door and began to remove the concealed weapons. I pulled my belt off and unclasped the dagger strapped around my ankle.
“Remind me to ask Jasrov what he did to get this room without the need of coin,” Hadrian said as he peeled the weapons from his body as well.
I walked over to the balcony and looked over the never-ending water of the lake. The moon’s reflection rippled slowly in the almost still water. The night sky had a blue undertone to it. Countless stars seemed to dance as they winked in and out of view.
“It’s so peaceful here,” I whispered, my attention captured by the stunning view beyond the balcony.
Hadrian was suddenly behind me, arms wrapped around my waist, and he perched his chin on my shoulder. I could feel the stubble from the material of my tunic. We didn’t speak for a moment. I melted into his embrace and stared at the moon as it watched us.
“I wish the world would stop spinning so I can live in this moment forever,” I whispered, overwhelmed with the sense of home.
His hold tightened. “It still wouldn’t be enough. I don’t want to miss out on a single moment with you. Our story has just started; we have many more tales to experience together.”
I turned around, my chest pressed against his. His heartbeat echoed mine as we held on to each other. “Tell me more…” I urged him to carry on.
“Even if I could steal the very stars in the sky for you, it would not be enough. If I could fly you to the Goddess herself and profess the feeling you give me, it would never be enough. You might be right; we still don’t know each other. But the feeling I have here”—he picked my hand up and pressed it above his heart—“is all the proof I need I know that this is right. What we are doing is right.”
With each word that dripped from his lips, I seemed to melt into him more. I leaned up on my toes and pressed a kiss to his lips. Hungered by my advance, he pressed his body into mine and guided me to our bed, lips still locked.
Our breathing synchronized, and our movements flowed. I knew at that moment, as my body touched the bed, I was ready to reach the ends of the world with him. To explore him for the first time.
I pulled back from him, breathless. “Are you ready for me?”
It was an innocent question, one that sent my heart racing.
Hadrian smiled and leaned in. “I have always been ready for you.” He placed a kiss on my head. “But I want to savor it, to wait until I can have you day in and night out. I want to be selfish with you, not share you with anyone for hours upon end."
Tonight was not the night. I could see it in Hadrian's eyes as he leaned over me. No matter how strong the urge to pull him closer was, I resisted and smiled back up at him.
“I have a question for you, Zacriah, will you wait for me?” he asked.
I smiled and returned a kiss on his nose. “Until time itself dies out, and we return to the stars.”
FOOD ARRIVED IN the hand of a shy young boy who knocked three times at the door. We untangled ourselves from our embrace, and Hadrian moved to get it. Watching the boy’s face morph into shock as he stood before a man glowing blue was incredible. I stifled a laugh from the bed.
Hadrian paid him with extra coin and the young boy left with a pleased face. He then brought the tray to the bed and began to feed me bread and cheese as we talked about Olderim and his past life. I repaid the favor by throwing small grapes into his waiting mouth. We both nearly choked with laughter as one hit his eye and rolled onto the floor.
Once the tray was empty of food and yawns interrupted our conversations, we prepared to sleep.
“This is better than the forest floor and a dwindling fire,” Hadrian said.
I curled up towards Hadrian's bare chest, my back pressed into him. We fit perfectly together, even when he moved we seemed to do it in tandem. His arm always wrapped around me, his other propped beneath his head.
“You are warmer than any fire, Hadrian. Are you certain you are well?” I ran the back of my palm up and down his chest with concern.
He waved me off, smiling with his eyes closed. “Do not fuss, Petal. I am fine. I promise.”
Somehow, I didn’t believe it.
Hadrian didn’t speak again. His breathing calmed and became a regular rise and fall. Satisfied he would not wake, I rolled over, gently moving his arm for a moment, so I could get closer to him. My face was inches from his, and his cool breath blew onto my hair.
There was something so peaceful about him when he slept, as if the worries he left behind didn’t bother him in rest. His hair was growing back now. A dark shadow of hair. They covered the many scars and marks, giving an illusion of the boy he once was. Before the Druid, before this quest.
I ran a finger down his face, across his smooth skin and onto the coarse hairs of his growing beard. It covered his chin and down his neck, making him look years older than he was. His warmth did not waver, and the blue gleam pulsated with every breath he inhaled and exhaled.
I brought my fingers to my lips and pressed a kiss to them. Then I placed those same fingers to his lips.
“Night, my love.”
Time melted, and I fell asleep with Hadrian being the last thing I saw.
*
JASROV BURST THROUGH the bedroom door and woke us both. Urgency filled the room like burning fire.
“Get up!”
I shot up and reached for the dagger on the nightstand. My chest hurt from the sudden beat of my heart, and Hadrian burned hotter besides me.
“You both need to get up right now,” he hissed, tugging at the sheet covering us. “Quickly!”
Hadrian growled, ignoring Jasrov. But Jasrov’s panic cut into my consciousness, and I was fully awake in seconds.
Clinging to the sheets to cover myself I rubbed my eyes to see Jasrov picking up our belongings in a rush. “What’s going on…?”
“Someone turned up asking after you. Bell heard them and showed me the cloaked figure at the bar."
I snatched my clothes from Jasrov outstretched hand and began pulling them on. “Do you remember what they asked?”
Jasrov nodded. “Whoever it is knows both of your names and asked for the glowing boy. I couldn’t see their face, and voices always sound warped when it’s Bell who hears it. We need to leave.”
“You are right to wake us, where is Emaline?” Hadrian was up now; his dark lashes stuck together.
“She is already with the griffins beyond the town.”
The urgency of Jasrov tone got us out of bed.
“And your familiar?” Hadrian was half dressed, stumbling as he put his boots on.
“She is still downstairs, stalling.”
I clipped my cloak in place and picked up my sack. “Stalling, what does that mean?”
“Whoever it is may or may not be having a standoff with my Bell. Which means we have only seconds before our visitor finds us.”
I looked to Hadrian. “We can’t go down there.”
Hadrian nodded, looking at the balcony for a moment. “We will not be.”
We all heard the rip of Hadrian’s clothes as his Dragori form came free. Shadow spilled from his back until his wings flexed free.
Jasrov’s mouth dropped open as he scanned Hadrian horn to claw.
I followed suit, shifting into my Dragori form. My wings weighed my tired body down, and my scales itched. I looked down at my arm and saw more silver scales than before. It was clear from Hadrian’s gaze beyond the balcony what means of exit we were going to take.
“Tell Bell to leave for Emaline.” Hadrian’s deep voice filled the room as he grabbed onto Jasrov who still stood as still as ston
e. “If you can please be as still as you are now during the flight, I would appreciate it.”
Someone shouted from the floors below. A commotion of bangs and noises sent my skin crawling.
I sprang forward, following Hadrian as he yanked Jasrov into his arms and leapt from the window. The moment the air touched my face, my wings spread wide, and I flew into the night. It was a bright sky, and the moon still hung in its proud place above us, which could only mean our sleep lasted a short time. Just for one night, I wanted normality. A break from this constant race that we’d been placed into. The moonlight shone through Hadrian's outstretched wings, highlighting their subtle red tones. I jumped around him, allowing the wind to lift me high into its embrace. While Hadrian carried Jasrov, I held our sacks in both hands.
From this height, the town looked no bigger than a wooden toy. Although the lake it was built around was vast, there were not many buildings as I’d first thought surrounding it. Seeing the world from this perspective made my stomach leap. That, and the fact Hadrian nose-dived beside me towards four dots in the distance.
I could see, even in the black of night, Emaline below with the three griffins and the shadow of Bell sprinting towards them. I also spotted another shadow far behind Bell trying to catch up.
Hadrian must have noticed too because he raised a free hand as an orb of blue flame grew within it. With an angered cry, he pushed the fire towards the ground, and it shot down to the shadow.
The fire burst in a line, causing whoever it was below to come to a tumbling stop. It would hold them for only a moment, but it was all we needed to reach the griffins, Emaline and Bell, and get back in the sky. Whoever chased us was persistent.
