by Cait Ashwood
She wouldn’t set me up to be robbed, would she? Lily just now thought of the possibility and found herself terrified. The sun had nearly set and it would be full dark soon. A good horse was worth quite a bit of money, and the woman had obviously noticed Thunder’s potential. This is it. First day in the city and I’m going to die. She had a dirk at her side, but a hell of a lot of good that was going to do her if she was walking into an ambush.
“Oy, lady! Wanna hurry it up a bit? S’just up here.” Tommy waved his hand and Lily squinted into the deepening twilight.
There, recessed from the main street, was a building unlike the others. The porch was warmly lit, with a second story covering the stoop from inclement weather. Paths around the building were wide enough for a pair of horses to pass without issue, and the sweet smell of hay reached her nostrils like ambrosia from the heavens. A hitching post stood to the left of the main door. Thunder knew where he was going and took them there quickly enough. Tommy looked up at her expectantly as she dismounted.
“You’ll have your copper, but sit here with him until I come out. I have to pay for his stabling, first.”
The boy narrowed his eyes and bit his lower lip, but nodded and crossed his arms over his chest. Lily was pushing her luck with the boy, but she wasn’t about to leave Thunder alone on the street. With how dark he was, he’d vanish into the shadows with hardly a trace.
The solid metal door opened easily, revealing a cozy interior. A bar lined one wall and tables were scattered around a currently unlit fireplace. A staircase in the back led to the upper levels where the rooms were. A back door must be a short cut to the stables if she was any judge of location.
The innkeeper stood behind the bar, watching her with wary eyes. The large man wore an apron over a stained long-sleeved shirt, his sleeves pushed up to his elbows. Lily had spent most of her life around women and found herself swallowing nervously as she eased up to the bar. He gazed down at her expectantly, pulling out a heavy-looking book from below the bar.
“Be wanting a room, then?”
She’d been standing there, mute. She’d never had to do anything like this before. In the Tower, everything was always provided to them free of charge. Her understanding of money had proven to be skewed the entire trip. What if I don’t have enough to stay?
“Um, yes, please. And stabling for my horse.”
The innkeeper leaned back, looking out the window to where Thunder was tied up. He grunted, checking a board on the wall behind him.
“Two silvers per day then. Includes feed, two meals a day, and,” he wrinkled his nose at her like she stank, “a bath.”
Lily pulled her tunic up to her nose, inhaling. She didn’t smell anything, but she’d also been wearing the same clothes through the horrific storm and ever since. “All right, then. I’ll take five days, please.” That would leave her a few coins leftover in case of emergency. She reached for her pouch on her belt but felt nothing there.
What? She looked down, panic rising in her chest. It was here when I got the coin for the boy! A full search of her outfit revealed that the pouch was nowhere to be seen. A single piece of leather fell to the floor, all that was left of the cut purse.
The innkeeper’s face was in a full scowl when she looked up at him, panic in her eyes. “You can’t pay, you don’t stay. Now get out of here before I call the guards.”
Lily opened her mouth to protest, but snapped it shut. I’m not a Lily anymore. Things don’t come free. She left the inn without another word, head swimming. What was she going to do? She was in a foreign city, penniless, and had nowhere for her or Thunder to stay.
Tommy cleared his throat, reminding her that he was there. Lily held the single copper that was all the money she had left in the world in her hand. Not like a copper is going to get me much, anyway. She flipped the coin at him and waited just long enough for him to leave before burying her face in Thunder’s mane. He nickered softly at her, blowing her hair away from her face with that puff of air that was uniquely equine.
I don’t want to give up. I can’t give up. Not this soon.
Thunder stamped his hoof and tugged against the reigns, head pulling behind the inn to where he could no-doubt smell fresh hay. He’d been grazing much more than usual and hadn’t had hay or grain in days. He was done roughing it and wanted his comforts back.
Tears pricked Lily’s eyes. She ignored the innkeeper glaring at her from the window and sat against the front of the inn, her back against the cold stone. Thunder snorted, but seemed to calm. She tried to think, to be rational. She could either go back to roughing it between cities, which would mean she’d be out of food within another day or two but at least Thunder could eat, or--
The very thought of selling Thunder broke the last wall she had and the tears started pouring down her face. Images replayed in her mind in slow motion. His dam pacing in her stall, the first glimpse of black hooves. The labor took a turn for the worse and they literally had to pull him out of the mare. He’d sat there, wet, covered in ick, and their gazes met. Lily had known right then and there that he was her horse. She’d watched him frolic in the pasture the first time, had helped him grow. She’d assisted in every part of his training, and, against Ace’s wishes, had been the first person to sit on his back. He was hers, as much as she was his.
A raven cawed overhead, making her look up and brush some of her tears away. They have to know I’m missing by now. All it would take is one trip across the city to their guild, and I’d be home. But the word ‘home’ soured her stomach and bile burned the back of her throat. Even Thunder would be treated better at ‘home’ than she would. The thought of having babies for the next fifteen years was not something she ever wanted for herself.
How did normal people get money, anyway? Of course. I’ll have to find work. She wasn’t sure if she could find a position in a single day, and she wouldn’t last long in the city without a safe place to stay. Her stomach growled as if to accentuate the point that she was running out of time.
“A lady shouldn’t be on these streets at night.”
Lily jumped, startled, and struggled to her feet. He was difficult to see, wearing all black like he was, and with black hair, too. He stepped a bit closer to her so that the light from the inn’s porch could shine on his face. He squinted his eyes, increasing their slanted appearance. He appeared to be about her age and studied her with arms crossed over his chest. He wore a thick belt around his waist that seemed to hold two blades, one on either side. He wore them comfortably, as if they were a part of him. They swayed as he shifted his weight.
“So... why are you?”
Lily blinked, forcing her mind to follow the threads of conversation. She glanced at Thunder, then back at the boy. “Purse got cut.” She sighed. “I don’t even know when. Or how. I was riding at the time. How does that even happen?” She’d started off calm, but gotten more hysterical as she continued.
To her surprise, the boy chuckled. “First time in Ebonwallowe, I take it?”
Lily edged closer to Thunder, standing at his shoulder. The horse would kick backward on command, and his bulk was reassuring in the darkness. “That obvious?”
He snorted. “Name’s Stryker.”
“Lily.” She rolled her eyes. Should have come up with a different name. She’d just add that to the list of things she’d royally screwed up on her misadventures.
Stryker raised an eyebrow. “Is that your name, or what you are?” Suspicion clouded his features and he took a step back, eyes narrowed.
“I’m nothing. I ran away from home because--because I was being forced to marry.” It was close enough to the truth, anyway.
The boy didn’t immediately seem reassured. He approached Thunder from the far side, looking him over. He clucked his tongue at the gelding and Thunder turned his head, sniffing at the stranger. Dark eyes flicked over her saddle bags, his tack, and then back to her over Thunder’s withers. “Fine animal. If I had to guess, I’d say you’re a spoiled merch
ant’s daughter.”
Indignation rose and she almost lashed out, but gritted her teeth and nearly bit her tongue to keep the words back. “I don’t have my own trade if that’s what you’re getting at.”
Stryker nodded as if it all made sense. “So here you are, pretty girl all alone on the streets of Ebonwallowe at night, with a mighty fine horse and no coin to your name.” He shook his head, eyes glinting with mischief. “Was the guy really that bad?”
Lily stood stiffly, thankful Thunder was between them. “It’s not a matter of if he was bad or not. I should have a choice about what happens with my own life, whose babies I’m made to carry--”
“Wait, they just wanted you to marry him and start having kids? You’re what, sixteen, seventeen?”
Lily shrugged, not confirming her age. “Apparently it was important to cement the marriage. Some big benefit for our parents, I guess.” She was really stretching things now, but she seemed to have this Stryker person on her side. Maybe he had a place she could crash for the night. She’d start looking for work tomorrow.
“I’m getting sick and tired of parents using their kids in machinations.” Stryker’s already dark eyes somehow grew even darker, seeming to absorb the light around them. “Sounds to me like it was a good thing you got out.”
She gave a dry chuckle. “It was great until my purse got cut. Now, I’m not so sure.”
Stryker waved off her problem. “Coin is easy enough to find. You’ll figure it out.”
“It’s not that easy. I grew up having everything handed to me. Now my only choice is to,” she paused, swallowing hard, “sell Thunder.”
Stryker didn’t have to ask who Thunder was, his gaze dropping to the horse. He seemed to think something over for a while, then slowly shook his head. “Good mounts are hard to find. This one has your back, and is nice and steady. You shouldn’t sell him.”
“I can’t make him starve on the streets with me. Besides, he’d be stolen from me long before that would happen. I’d rather set him free. He’d find his way home eventually.” All Seeker-trained horses knew how to find their way home. They were regularly phased and led back, and then phased and abandoned. They were watched, of course, but it was important to make them think. Thunder would be fine, as long as she could convince him to leave her.
“I think you missed the point of what I was saying.”
Lily barely saw the small coin pouch he tossed over Thunder’s back in time to catch it. It was reflex, not really choice.
“I-I can’t take this.” Her words didn’t change the fact that her hand was wrapped tight around that pouch with no intention of letting go.
Stryker chuckled, stroking Thunder’s neck. “I never asked you to take it.” He nodded at the inn. “Saffron’s place is reputable enough. Maybe I’ll even see you around.”
Lily was still grasping for words when he walked away, and he melted into the shadows faster than she would have thought possible. With no one left to thank, Lily closed her eyes and sent her thanks to the stars before rushing back into the inn. She was safe, for now at least, and had some time to plan.
Chapter Nine
Brana was hardly alone in the Grove, but it often felt that way. Most of the other girls had a tenuous connection with the Grove, but for Brana, each father tree had their own unique personality. She knew their preferences and what they were willing to show her. Communicating with them was as easy as breathing. She felt their wounds in her own spirit and healed them as best she knew how. She was so in communion with the Grove, and so out of touch with her peers, that they might as well not even be in there with her for all the attention she paid them. It was a lonely existence, being the strongest in the group and suffering the ostracization that came with it, but it was part of her life and she wouldn’t give up her connection with the Groves for all the friends in the world.
Amberfoot was one of the trickier Groves. The memory of her mother’s corruption was still fresh in the father tree’s mind, as well as its discomfort with the Guardian trapped in its circle. The Guardian slept, thankfully, and would for many years, but the minds of trees are long, slow-moving things. This Grove was less trusting, and Brana had to do more sleuthing to get anything accomplished here. Amberfoot was the largest and most important of the Groves, as it oversaw the main farmlands for all the towns. With years of regular care, it had even seen growth and expansion in the days since her mother first set foot beneath these boughs.
A few of the girls broke their connection, though Brana only noticed because the Grove relaxed. As a few more dropped out, the Grove finally stopped hiding. Brana’s vision changed to tones of green and sunlight, and her skin felt tough like bark. She could feel every problem. She cleared away a few patches of rot and reached out to a few of her partially tainted sisters to have them destroy predatory vines that were choking back the growth of the younger trees. After that, they too bowed out, leaving Brana alone in the Grove.
Rainwater from the mountains had carried more of the taint into the fertile valley than usual, and the Grove showed her just how deep its roots ran, far below the level they normally cleansed. It was a lot to do by herself, but this was the price she paid for her connection. While physically petite, her energy wells ran deep. With no ceremony to follow now, Brana sat cross-legged in the dirt, seeping her hands into the soil. She built up a well of energy beneath her, infusing it with purpose. Power lines ran deep here, to the fields, but she pushed the energy pool deeper, beyond their reach.
The taint was a clingy thing, and she felt like she was coated with a thin layer of slime. She never moved physically, but her spirit went with the energy, directing it, with only a thin tie to her actual body. The Grove never spoke, but it let her know when she was at the right place. Brana pulled the energy into herself until she felt like she was nearly bursting with it, then let it out in a lateral explosion, waves of pure energy blasting through the soil and repelling the taint, obliterating it in the areas closer to her.
It took nearly everything she had, but the approving thrum of power from the Grove reassured Brana. She felt the Grove’s own energy bolstering her, wrapping her in a protective layer as if she were an infant. She let it escort her back to her body, too tired to object. While Amberfoot was the least trusting, it was also the most appreciative of the Groves if it could be won over.
When she came to, her vision was fuzzy but she kept her balance. Could be worse. She rose slowly to her feet, brushing off the back of her robes. The work was done. The Lilies would come behind them in a week and catch anything they’d missed, then bolster the fields. Early spring was always an important season for them, though many of her fellows still seemed to be shaking off the lassitude of winter.
Nya was waiting for her near the fringes of the Groves, a soft smile on her face as she patted Brana’s back and shepherded her back into the flock of adolescent girls, a place Brana knew she didn’t belong. She glanced over her shoulder longingly at the Grove, wishing she could stay.
“Brana, you do know we wear white robes, right?” The mocking voice came from Leigha, one of the meaner girls.
Brana glanced down at her robes, not understanding the problem.
“Sitting in the dirt doesn’t actually make you any stronger, you know.”
Another voice joined the conversation. “All it does is make you look like an idiot when you come out.”
Brana’s cheeks flushed with heat. She didn’t even have a chance to think of anything to say back before the girls turned on their heels, flipped their hair over their shoulders, and headed toward the group of young Seekers milling about with the older ones. They had to learn and train, too, and escorting them to the Groves was part of their duties. Many of the girls would be trying to scope out partners, but Brana had a few more seasons before she had to worry about that.
A single black-clad youth parted from the crowd and headed her way. His lope was easy and graceful; he didn’t have the gangly look some of his peers had going on. His bronz
e skin glowed in the late-afternoon sun and his dark brows rose in question as he approached, tilting his head to the side. Brana crossed her arms over her chest, shaking her head slightly. He paused mid-step, then continued toward her anyway.
Jasper, please. I’m tired. She sighed, resigning herself to the inevitable.
“They’re just jealous, Ana.” His smile was warm and sincere, and she couldn’t help but smile back at his pet name for her. He was the only one that called her Ana, but she’d never admit that she liked it.
“I know.” She didn’t sound very convincing, even to herself.
He raised an eyebrow. “Do you?”
When she didn’t respond, he glanced over his shoulder and whistled. One of the older men’s heads popped up. Jasper made some sort of signal with his hands, Brana couldn’t quite see it, and the man nodded. Jasper turned back to her, all grins, and offered his elbow. “Shall we?”
Brana stared at his arm for a moment, sorely tempted, but shook her head. “I really should get some rest.”
Jasper snorted. “Like those harpies would let you. Come on.”
Calling them evil names really shouldn’t make her feel better, but it always did. She tucked her elbow in his, a small smile dancing across her lips. Moments later, fresh salty air brushed past her cheek. She took a deep breath, relaxing immediately. She shucked the sullied robes from her shoulders, revealing the dress-like shift beneath it. Some might consider it inappropriate, but it was just Jasper. He was only a few months younger than her and they’d grown up together. He’d seen her in worse.
Jasper loped off, running a physical perimeter check. He did it every time they came here, ensuring his wards were still intact. Brana highly doubted that anyone else visited the cliffs in what once would have been the Pacific Northwest, but there would be no talking Jasper out of any safety measures. It was one of the reasons he was actually trusted enough to bring her out here by himself. That, and Tracker wards were some of the strongest to break.
