by Candy Crum
Samuel looked up and saw the Chieftain smiling down at him. "Only a man with darkness in his heart will do terrible things. You are as pure-hearted as they come, Samuel. You're not here for power. You're here because you managed to save the life of a young lady, and it was only by chance. Luck. That's it. You're here because you're not sure you will get that lucky again."
Samuel's brows furrowed as he searched the Chieftain's eyes. His words stung Samuel, but he couldn't deny their truth. What if he didn't get that lucky again? What if he couldn't figure out how it worked and next time she actually died?
They were about to head into a battle, and he knew Celine wouldn't take no for an answer. He knew there was no chance of her staying behind where it was safe in the Forest.
"Ye know how my people are, and why I wouldn't want this known. I came here ta be alone. I remember the things Cathillian taught the others. I hoped I could figure it out on me own. I don't want anyone ta know, because I don't want anyone ta know if I fail."
The Chieftain took a step forward, his staff touching the ground. "You won't fail. If you can call on that much magic in the heat of the moment, you have a lot to offer. I'll make you a deal—if you let me give you a lesson, I'll keep my mouth shut." The Chieftain smiled deviously. "If not, well, I won’t say I can be trusted, especially if I have a little bit of that wine. I make the best wine, you know. It's strong. Affects a man's ability to keep a secret if he doesn't have motivation."
Samuel shook his head. "Ye really do have the mind of a kid, don't ye? Unbelievable."
The Chieftain shrugged. "Well, I do have a reputation to uphold. Besides, you're right: I do know your people. I'm curious to see what you can do."
With a heavy sigh, Samuel nodded. "Fine. But I swear, if ye say a word…"
The Chieftain laughed. "Trust me, I have no intention of feeling the wrath of that hammer of yours. Now, you had all the fundamentals right. Kneel, place your hands on either side of the seed, and then close your eyes and focus."
Samuel turned and did as he was told, kneeling and placing his hands on the ground. He closed his eyes and tried to repeat what he had done earlier, and soon Samuel felt the heat in his body rise again. It reminded him of what it felt like to be in the warm, spring sun when the air was still crisp.
The Chieftain stepped forward. "Now, imagine that the heat flowing through you is a stream of water. Your body is full of trenches. Focus on the water and will it to flow through your body. Move it down from your mind, through your shoulders, down through your arms, and out your fingertips."
Thinking of the power flowing through him as something tangible and as familiar to him as water somehow made it easier for him to connect to the magic. He imagined a shallow stream of water pouring from his brain and making its way through his body to flow out through his fingers.
Before long, he felt the heat passing into his hands and moving into the ground, and for a moment, he could sense the seed in the ground. He felt it break, and then he felt the life blooming within the dirt.
Samuel risked a peek and saw a green stem sprouting from the ground with a small bud on top that had yet to open. There were several leaves stretching from the side of the stem.
Lilies. The seeds had been lily seeds.
"Shite! I did it!" Samuel exclaimed, total shock on his face.
The Chieftain smiled, walking around and kneeling in front of Samuel. "Rearick, there is life waiting inside of you. In fact, that is true in more ways than one."
Samuel wondered if he was talking about Celine right then. "I'll take yer word fer it, old man."
"Well, young man, it seems to me that you are gifted. Now you know how to grow a plant. But I suspect you were out to learn something different, yes?"
Samuel stared at the lily bud for a moment before turning his gaze back to the Chieftain and nodding. "I wanna learn how ta heal. It has come ta me attention that it might be a good skill ta have."
The corner of the Chieftain's mouth turned up, obviously knowing what had changed his mind. "Shall we make another deal?"
Samuel narrowed his eyes as he thought over the Chieftain's proposal. Finally, he said, "Depends on what it is."
The Chieftain stood and pointed to an area a bit closer to the tree line, where the grass was thickest. "That bit right there has the richest soil. You can tell because the blades of grass are thicker and greener than anywhere else. I would say that would be quite a nice place to plant a flower garden. In fact, I'd have to say that if someone were inclined to plant a garden there, I might be willing to give them private lessons and keep my mouth shut about it. After all, even with all its many shades, the Forest can always use a bit more color."
Samuel stared at the wide-open space for a few moments before turning back to the Chieftain. "And if a man were ta do such a thing, how soon would 'e have ta have it done? And what kinda private lessons would be involved?"
"I think two days' time is more than plenty for any nature magic user with promise, and if he can grow flowers with beautiful blooms, I would have to say the next logical step would be healing. The power to create is always the first step. It teaches respect for life and the true cost of a life lost, even for something that others may deem insignificant like a tree or a rose. Once a man can create, he can learn how to heal."
The Chieftain took a few steps forward, his expression almost excited. As he passed Samuel, he clapped him on the back. "Two days, rearick. Let's see what this hypothetical person can do."
Samuel sighed heavily, the weight of the challenge settling on him. He stared down at the flower he had created; a tiny little thing, but new life nonetheless. "Bitch and Bastard. Yeah, let's see, old man."
3
The governor of Cella finished packing up his things and readying his horse, with Nathaniel not far behind. Arryn and Amelia both stood and watched, their arms crossed and worry in their expressions. Neither of them believed the governor should go back to Cella on his own to meet the remnant leader, but he was determined.
If he didn’t go, he feared the worst for Cella. The entire city had been abandoned. Not a single person, young or old, had been left behind. Even the sick and the dying had been relocated, placed on bedding inside carts and tended to by doctors all the way to Arcadia to ensure their comfort.
When he had discussed it with Amelia before, the governor had been overcome with emotion, hoping for the best for those people that had been left in Arcadia while he and the Guard fled.
He had felt like a coward, leaving the people who had come to depend on him most, but maybe they wouldn’t believe that of him.
He hoped they thought he was on his way back to Cella to defend it. The idea that his people might see him as a coward deflated his sense of purpose, but Arryn and Amelia had both assured him that he had done the right thing.
Had he stayed in Arcadia with his people, he would have run the risk of his own Guard being compelled by mystical magic to do things they wouldn’t normally do—like attack innocent people.
Amelia had told him that his presence would have been wasted there, because he nor his Guard would have been allowed to keep their free will.
With the Cellan Guard, had they remained in Arcadia, they would have been tasked with training the Arcadian Guard and improving their skills. With that number of experienced fighters, it would have made it nearly impossible for Arryn to go in and expect to win.
Slowly, he came around to see what everyone else already had—that he couldn't protect anyone if he got killed before the fight even began—but the meeting with the remnant leader was non-negotiable. He wouldn’t allow his vacant city to be torn to pieces because he was too afraid to hold up his end of the deal.
"Are you sure we can't come with you?" Arryn asked.
Nathaniel walked over and threw an extra blanket over the back of his father's horse, then turned to Arryn and smiled. "We appreciate the offer, but this is something we have to do alone. The remnant leader expects that, and to bring backup—we
ll, I think it would look like we were going to let them down."
Arryn smiled and shook her head. "I admire the bravery, and I understand the reasoning, but I still feel like this could go badly. We can't afford to lose you any more than your people can. You will play an important role in what we plan to do. Besides, do you honestly think he'll show up alone?"
Nathaniel sighed, thinking about her words. He took a step forward, leaving barely any room between them, and Arryn swallowed hard as she looked up into his eyes.
"What if we agree to take three warriors with us? Will that make you feel better?" he asked, smiling.
The governor turned. "Is that wise, son?"
Nathaniel turned to his father. "She's right. Do we really expect the remnant leader to show up without backup? They're always prepared for battle. Always. While I think we need to take as few people as possible, I also agree with Arryn that going alone would be a terrible idea. She’s made some really good points."
The governor gave a small smile and nodded. "I suppose you're right. I'm glad I have you around, son. I think too much with my heart, not enough with my head. Being a compassionate leader is nothing to be ashamed of, but in situations like this, situations I’ve been lucky enough never to be put in before, I tend to go more with what feels right then what is right. Still, I couldn't help but notice you said ‘warriors.’ Not Guard?"
Amelia nodded, speaking up then. "Warriors are a much better idea. I think everyone here would agree."
The governor shook his head. "Why wouldn’t I take my own men? They represent the city we mean to save."
"I mean no offense, Governor," Arryn began, "but a single druid warrior can fight like ten of your men. They're worth twenty of the Arcadian guardsman. These men and women have been training since before they would be considered old enough to attend the Academy. When they can hold a spear, they start training, which is a far more rigorous and painful way to learn than any single guard in Cella or Arcadia could even dream of. If you want to take fewer men, you need to take druid warriors."
"Not only that," Elysia said as she walked up and joined the group, "but I'm sure that if you asked nicely, the Elders would be more than happy to oblige."
She winked and smiled. "Besides, we have a lot of your men, so it's a fair trade. And if you want to have any chance of getting away, physical magic is not going to save you. If they bring enough men, you won't have the strength to create enough fireballs to stop them. But vines, thorns, powerful winds… Those are things that can slow an enemy down long enough to get you to safety."
The governor sighed, nodding as a smile crossed his face. "Point taken. The more you talk about your warriors, the more I realize exactly why the men and women of the Arcadian Valley fear you. It also makes me realize that we are severely undertrained in comparison, and I can assure you my men are very deadly as is."
Elysia laughed. "Thank you for the compliment, Governor. I'm sure your men are extremely effective, but as Arryn said before, we start early, and we start hard. If you so much as raised your hand to a ten-year-old in this village, you'd be taken to the ground in a matter of seconds. Perhaps when this is all said and done, we can give you some tips. It might keep you from getting into a situation like this again."
The governor's face grew serious, his brows furrowing as he considered her offer, and finally, he nodded. "That would be a debt I could never repay. Thank you! And thank you for the warriors, if you’re actually offering."
She smiled. "Absolutely. It seems that in Arryn's travels, she’s managed to reunite the people of the valley. Our lives are at risk, just as yours are. You’ve offered to help us, so it's our turn to return the favor."
Within moments, three warriors walked their horses over to the group. They bowed their heads, placing their hands over their hearts. Elysia returned the salute.
"Ryel, keep back. Don't get too close once they reach Cella. Just watch for any kind of hostility or quick action. If anyone engages, take them down. If there are too many, focus on getting the governor and his son to safety. Evasion tactics, understood?" Elysia said.
Ryel nodded. "Yes, Elysia. Understood."
The warriors once again saluted before getting on their horses. Nathaniel and the governor mounted as well.
The governor looked down at Elysia and Arryn. "Thank you both. I know we're both stubborn men, but we just want what's best for our people. We'll do whatever it takes to ensure their safety."
Arryn smiled. "Trust me, I can understand that. I have two homes, not one, and it looks like as soon as the battle to free Arcadia—again—is done, there will be another battle here in the Dark Forest. I know what it means to feel responsible for the lives of others. Never apologize for that, and never be afraid to accept help either. I need it quite often."
Nathaniel sighed as he smiled down at Arryn. "Beautiful and deadly. I don't think it would be possible to have a more dangerous combination."
Arryn's eyes widened for a moment, silence quickly finding her. She obviously had no idea how to respond to such a statement.
Elysia cleared her throat. "Safe travels, gentlemen!"
She smiled and waved before turning and grabbing Arryn's hand, pulling her away.
The governor and his son urged their horses forward, and after several yards’ distance had been placed between them and the women of the Dark Forest, the governor turned to his son. "What the hell was that?"
Nathaniel's eyes widened as he shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. It just slipped out!"
"Slipped out? Are you trying to get the crap kicked out of us?" the governor asked, an exasperated smile on his face as he shook his head. "Damn, son! Show some subtlety and some restraint."
Nathaniel laughed. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. Can you blame me? You've heard the stories. You've seen her. A woman like that doesn't come around very often. She got me a little worried about not coming back, so I felt compelled to say something."
There was laughter behind them. Nathaniel looked over his shoulder with a smile on his face. "Hey, are you making fun of me back there?"
One of the warriors shook her head with an amused expression. She was a beautiful, dark-skinned woman with long, dark hair. Her multiple braids had been plaited into a much larger, single braid that hung down her back. "Feel compelled all you like, impatient one. She certainly is beautiful, and she's come a long way since she first stepped foot in the Dark Forest. But if you plan to pursue that one… Well, I think you're going to have quite the fight on your hands."
Nathaniel sighed and shook his head. "Damn. So, she's spoken for? The last thing I want to do is piss off a druid, but I can't deny that it would be worth it."
The governor laughed. "Son, you're young. You think a woman like that would be unattached?"
Nathaniel shrugged. "I can hope, can't I?" He turned back to the warrior, who was still laughing at him. "What’s your name?"
"My name is Cassondra. The warrior to my left is Ryel, and the warrior to my right is Clara."
"Well, Cassondra, at the risk of dashing a young man's dreams, are you laughing at me because she's spoken for, or are you laughing at me because I stand no chance?" Nathaniel asked.
"I laugh because of both. She's alone, but there is another who’s had his eyes on her since they were very young. If she chose another man, he would support her, but he sure as hell wouldn't be happy about it. However, at the risk of crushing your dreams, I assure you, the other man she might one day choose would not be you." She laughed again.
Shaking his head, Nathaniel said, "Man, I'm starting to think we should have gone by ourselves."
The governor laughed. "Why, son? I would've missed out on all this entertainment."
4
Elysia, feeling Arryn's discomfort with Nathaniel's compliments, grabbed her hand to usher her away. Once there was plenty of distance between them, Elysia began laughing. "What the hell was that?"
Arryn shrugged, her eyes wide. "I don't know! I've barely talked to the
guy. He seems nice. Actually, more than nice. He's intelligent, seems like a dedicated son, and he's definitely loyal to his people—but no. Absolutely not, so you can wipe that look off your face."
Arryn rolled her eyes. "I don't have time for anything like that. Besides, I doubt very seriously there's a man on earth who can deal with my bad attitude. I mean, have you heard the terrible things I say to Cathillian? And he's my best friend!"
Elysia shook her head. "There will come a time when the interest will be there. Especially in the Dark Forest. From what I've been told, you Arcadians are much more… prudish than we are. We don't share the idea that a marriage is required to pursue happiness with someone. Once the battles are fought, and your job is done, you might find yourself looking for your next adventure."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but if you're preparing to give me ‘the life talk,’ that ship has sailed for Cathillian and me both."
Silence filled the air as Elysia looked at Arryn in shock. "What? And neither one of you said anything?"
A look of confusion crossed Arryn's face. "You can't be serious. You think he's a virgin? Cathillian is the most ridiculous flirt I've ever seen in my entire life."
Elysia's eyes narrowed. "Are we talking about the same thing? Did you not mean that you and Cathillian…"
Realization struck Arryn and her eyes widened as she gasped, waving her hands in the air. "No! Dear Goddess. Hell no! I just meant that neither of us is in need of the talk. Cathillian and I have never ever considered anything like that. Ever." She gave a shocked and exasperated sigh, shaking her head. “Never.”
Elysia laughed, releasing a relieved breath of her own. "Well, that was awkward. As for my son, I was more than aware of Cathillian's little adventures long ago. It was hard to ignore the girls, all sitting in circles pointing and giggling, only to turn around and act all shy around him. You, however, I didn't realize. I suppose you've been a woman for a while, and I had no idea. Just one more thing I allowed to go unnoticed."
