The Fire Maiden's Desire

by Jr Steven Sterup

  “Yep,” she replied and his heart fell.

  He took off again for the village and she hummed a familiar tune while he walked.

  “Would you kiss me again?” she asked, he glanced at her for a second then realized he had to say no.

  “When you’re sober and not bleeding all over the place. We’ll talk about it,” he replied.

  He continued down the mountain and Rachel passed out.

  When they finally reached the town a doctor patched Rachel up and even complimented Jack on his quick thinking. She told Jack that removing the claw so soon and treating it with alcohol had saved Rachel’s leg. Within a couple days they had received their reward and were headed back to Teralane.

  On the road back Rachel seemed to avoid talking to Jack and wouldn’t even look at him. She spent most of the time conversing with Dave. He knew the reason why. She regretted what had happened. She’d kissed him while she was drunk and couldn’t face what she’d done. For the rest of the trip Jack sulked while Rachel avoided him.

  Chapter 11

  Once they were back at Teralane they set up their camp again. Teralane seemed to be one of the larger cities in this area. If they were going to be monster hunters, this was the place to hear about contracts. In fact, Dave had found a simple contract for a basilisk. From how Rachel talked about it, the thing was nothing like the stories. It had no ability to turn people to stone and the worst part was its semi-poisonous bite. The creature was slow and the twenty silver seemed like easy money compared to the Gorel.

  “Can we leave tomorrow?” Jack asked.

  “Why?” Dave asked.

  “Tonight we need to celebrate Rachel’s birthday,” he looked at Rachel, hoping she was done being upset with him. She often got frustrated or angry with him but it rarely lasted more than a few minutes. Even the worst one, when he kissed her, was done with by lunch time the next morning. Surely this wasn’t as bad as that. She had kissed him. He wasn’t even to blame. Why was she so upset? How could this possibly be his fault?

  Rachel glanced at Jack, shot him a smile then quickly looked away. She focused on Dave. He was safe. He was her friend, maybe not as much as Jack but he was very safe. The kiss…was wonderful and very, very dangerous. She got hot just thinking about it. Soon the heat reached her face and she knew she was as red as a radish.

  “Jack wants to buy me a drink to celebrate. I’m sure he wants to get really drunk but I’m not really the get drunk type,” she smiled and glanced at Jack guiltily for a second before she could feel the heat in her face again. She had to look away, Jack couldn’t know how she really felt. It was hard enough stopping herself, if she had to fight off her own feelings and Jacks. There was no question, she’d be in bed with him by the end of the night. She also wouldn’t regret it, at least not until the next day. Not until the reality of how much she would hurt Jack would set in. Then she’d feel horrible, worse than she did now. Right now it was just a kiss, a wonderful, thought provoking kiss but it was just a kiss. “Thanks Jack. For telling everyone about my birthday,” she said sarcastically and laughed.

  “My pleasure,” he replied with a laugh. Nope, she was still pissed. Hopefully it would be over by tonight. “I’m going to head in to town and see what I can find for a present.” He stood up and started toward the grass. He washed off his bowl and spoon then put them away while Rachel and Dave talked. He couldn’t quite hear what was being said but the occasional words he could hear made him feel horrible. They were saying something about the tavern in town and dancing. Something about him being a bad dancer too. He really needed to go to town. He wasn’t sure he could take much more of this. Her choice was clear. She regretted kissing him and she had chosen Dave.

  “Do you think you could teach me to dance?” Rachel asked.

  “How do you know I can dance?” Dave asked with a laugh.

  “Oh, come on. I saw you and Chuck when you didn’t know I was looking. You were trying to teach him. At the tavern tonight, I just want to dance,” Rachel pleaded.

  “You sure you don’t want to dance with Jack?” Dave looked at her knowingly and watched her face turn bright red once again.

  “Jack says he doesn’t know how to dance. He even told me once he was a really bad dancer. I don’t believe it but I don’t wanna push it.” Rachel looked at Dave again sadly, full of guilt.

  “Sure, I’ll teach you. Surprised you weren’t taught at…home,” Dave said eluding to their secret.

  “Mom died when I was eleven. I was just old enough to start learning. After that I didn’t feel like dancing,” she said sinking farther into sadness.

  “It will be my present to you,” Dave assured her.

  Jack walked by and heard the words. Great, more presents from Dave. He didn’t stand a chance. Despite this, he still intended to get Rachel her draught. She’d probably use it with Dave but she deserved something. Something special for all she’d done for him. He felt a weight on his chest. This hurt far worse than the Drahlbeere claws. He was willing to give Rachel anything. Even if she didn’t want him.

  Jack walked out of the camp, not even saying good-bye. Rachel watched him sadly as he left.

  “I think I pissed him off,” Rachel said to Dave after Jack was gone.

  “I don’t think that’s it,” Dave smirked. “I think he’ll be fine by tonight. Just talk to him like you normally do. Act like nothing’s wrong. He’ll come around.”

  Rachel watched Jack disappear in the distance and felt incredible guilt. She’d crossed a line, one that might not be able to be forgotten about. What if Jack didn’t come back? What if Dave was wrong and Jack wasn’t fine by tonight? She didn’t want to lose Jack. Maybe she’d already hurt him too much.

  Jack kicked at the rocks as he closed in on the town. He’d get Rachel her gift and suffer the consequences. The pain he felt was stupid. It was pointless. He was just so angry. Angry at the world. Angry that Rachel couldn’t see him. Angry that she didn’t want him. Angry at Dave for making her so damned happy. He realized he was being childish. He really needed to grow up. It was his own fault that Rachel didn’t notice him. He’d pushed her away with all his stories about waitresses that didn’t exist. He’d kept her at arm’s length after she’d beaten him up because he didn’t want to feel that pain again. Look where that got him? This pain was worse.

  Jack stepped inside the dark hut. He’d seen a seer here the other day and hoped that she was still in town.

  “Hello?” he said loudly and heard someone moving in the back room. A white haired old woman with one blind eye walked out.

  “Hello to you, child,” she said kindly.

  “Do you sell the draughts here? The birth control potions?” he wasn’t sure what they were called. He’d never paid that much attention.

  “They are ninety five silver,” she said.

  “What?! They’re usually twenty,” he balked.

  “This one is special and my last bottle,” she smiled.

  Jack struggled, ninety five was all his money. He’d have nothing left for drinks tonight. Not that he wanted to hang around and watch Rachel and Dave anyway. This was for Rachel and she was worth it. Any price to see her happy. He pulled out his coin and put it on the counter.

  “I’ll even throw in a free reading.” She handed Jack the bottle then grabbed his hand. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she started smiling.

  “You’re almost there, Jack. I knew you were the one,” she said and her eyes focused on him. “You can save Rachel if you are willing to give up everything for her.”

  Jack looked at her face. Did he know her? Something about her was so familiar. How did she know him? And Rachel? Was this some kind of trick?

  “Rachel is cursed to die but if you give up everything she will live.” She smiled even wider, her toothless grin gave him the shivers. Somehow he did know her even though he’d never seen her before.

  Jack put the bottle on the counter.

  “Rachel comes to see women like you all
the time. Will you give this to her? Just don’t tell her it’s from me,” Jack turned to leave but the woman caught his shoulder.

  “Don’t be afraid, Jack. She’s worth it,” the woman said then released him.

  He stood there, not turning around.

  “I know she is. I’ll die for her. Just don’t tell her.” Jack hung his head and walked out the door. He really needed a drink now. Too bad he’d spent all his money. It was strange how he trusted the words of this woman he didn’t even know. He knew he should question them but something told him this was the truth. Something he’d felt the first day he met Rachel. He was half froze and starving but when he looked at her beautiful face his first thought was ‘I’d die for her’. It was a strange thought but it had guided every decision since then. Everything was about her or for her. He changed who he was to please her. He quit having sex for a reason he didn’t even understand. Of course, he’d be willing to give up everything for her. He’d already started. There wasn’t a lot more he could give but if there was more, it was hers to take. His miserable life was hers. If he needed to die to save her, then he’d die. He’d already made that decision the day he met her.

  Jack wandered the streets of the town for hours, he forgot about lunch and just kept walking until the town started to get dark. He watched Rachel go into the seer’s hut as he walked toward the tavern. He could do this. Giving his life for her was easier than watching her choose someone else, but he could even do that for her. If she wanted Dave, he wouldn’t stand in her way.

  Rachel didn’t even notice Jack as she rushed to the seer. She was worried. Jack had been gone all day. She hoped nothing had happened to him. The seer would tell her what to do.

  The old woman smiled at Rachel as she walked in and Rachel looked at her curiously.

  “Are you following me?” she asked. This was the same seer from Dahring.

  “I think we are both following the same path. At least for now.” The old woman held out her hands for Rachel. Rachel put her hands in the old woman’s and waited.

  “The man is very near now…” the woman started but Rachel interrupted.

  “I don’t care about the man. My friend is missing. Can you help me find him? His name is Jack,” Rachel looked on, her face full of worry. “Please help me find Jack.”

  “Are you sure he is your friend?” the woman looked at her with an expression of disbelief.

  “Yes he’s my friend. He’s my best friend.” Rachel didn’t see why this even mattered.

  “You will find your friend,” she said the word almost contemptuously. “You are almost ready to see the man for the first time. You search and search but your eyes are closed.”

  “What does that even mean? And I don’t want to find the man anymore. I just want to find Jack. Something is wrong with him. He’s acting very strange.” Rachel pulled her hands back. “If you won’t help me find Jack I’ll go look for him myself.”

  “He’s at the tavern,” the old woman said. Rachel turned angrily and started to leave. “One more thing Rachel.”

  “How do you know my name?” Rachel turned back around and looked at the woman curiously.

  “I’ve always known your name.” The old woman held out the vial. “A gift from the rogue.”

  “Are the rogue and the man the same person? You keep talking about them as different people but sometimes as the same? Which is it?” Rachel was getting frustrated. All this double talk was just getting annoying. Why couldn’t the seer just say what she meant?

  “When you finally open your eyes the rogue will become the man, the man who will save you.” The woman left the vial on the counter and walked through the curtain. Rachel stomped around the counter and threw open the curtain.

  “Give me a straight answer!” Rachel yelled but there was no one there, just an empty room. “What the hell is going on here?” she asked then turned, grabbed the vial and left.

  Chapter 12

  Rachel walked into the tavern and found Jack right away. He was sitting at a table with Chuck and Dave. They had left her a seat and it had an ale all ready for her. This tavern was larger than the last. The men were also less dirty. There were a few women here as well. In the back of the tavern was a dance floor and it looked like a small band was getting set up to play.

  “Where have you been Jack?” Rachel asked as she sat. She was trying not to act too concerned but it felt like the most important question she’d ever asked.

  “Sorry, just needed to think,” he replied quietly.

  “About the mountain…” she started but Jack cut her off.

  “Don’t worry about it. It was my fault. I’m sorry. I knew it was a bad idea but I let it happen. I’m such a jerk,” Jack stared into his drink that Dave had been kind enough to buy for him. “I’m going to finish my drink then head out. I’m broke. Didn’t even get you a gift.” He looked up sadly at Rachel then quietly added, almost too quiet for anyone to hear. “Not one you’d want.”

  Rachel patted Jack on the back.

  “Don’t worry about it.” He was here now and safe. That was good enough. Whatever was bothering him she’d figure it out. She wanted to have one drink, one dance, then she’d join Jack back at the camp and they could talk. “How about that dance Dave?” she smiled and threw back her ale.

  Jack watched as they danced and then as the dance came to a close he saw her grab Dave’s arm and laughed up at him. She kissed him on the cheek and it was all he could take.

  Dave made her happy. Much happier than he ever could. She’d use the vial with Dave and he’d just have to deal with it. Didn’t mean he had to sit around and watch. Jack pushed his chair back from the table and smacked it into a man behind him who jumped up. The man was taller than Jack and built like a bull. He was probably larger than Chuck’s dad.

  “Watch what you’re doing!” he said angrily.

  “Fuck off!” Jack replied then headed to the door. The large man followed him full of rage.

  Once they were outside Jack heard the footsteps and laughed to himself. This man wasn’t Rachel. He wouldn’t pull his punches or let himself lose. Not this time. He was too angry.

  “Apologize you asshole,” the large man readied himself.

  “I may be an asshole but at least I’m still standing,” Jack laughed.

  “What’s that mean?” the man asked.

  Jack didn’t give him a chance to even think. He hit the man in the side then the ribs several times. The large man swung but Jack avoided it and hit the man in the nose. The giant fell over backward and Jack jumped on his chest. The city guards noticed the fight and rushed over. While pulling Jack from the man the city guards were rewarded with black eyes, bruises and several bloody noses. It took five guards to finally subdue him and drag him off of the man.

  Jack sat in the jail cell all by himself but this was not the reason he was feeling alone. What an idiot he was. How was he going to save Rachel from here? He had once again proven his dad right. He had a big mouth and a bad temper. Jack hadn’t thought it through. The town had guards and guards didn’t like fighting. Not that he was mad at his dad. His dad was kind and had spent a lot of time with him as a kid. He learned everything he could about the farm they lived on, all to prove to his dad that he could one day take over for him. His two older brothers had no interest and his sister was a girl. He was his dad’s last shot at someone to take over the farm. A role that Jack had been more than willing to fill. It was a big part of why he told Rachel he wanted a farm. He often thought that if he ever made enough he’d buy the farm but that wasn’t going to happen. If he somehow got out of this mess he would have to sacrifice himself to save Rachel. Sacrificing himself was also a task he was more than willing to accept. He just wasn’t ready to watch Rachel be happy with someone else. It would probably get easier but tonight he was still angry. Angry at fate, angry with his life and angry that all these terrible things kept happening to him. He had the perfect family and they were killed. He finally found the perfect woman
and she couldn’t see him as more than a friend.

  Jack looked up and on the other side of the bars was Rachel and boy did she look pissed. She had her arms crossed and her foot was tapping. Just what he needed. Not only did she not see him like he wanted her to, she was going to chew him out.

  “What the hell was that about? Couldn’t find a waitress to bang so you decided to go beat up some guy?” She eyed him with contempt. “You said you were going to celebrate with me. Me! Not in a fucking jail cell.”

  “I can explain.” Jack stood up and walked to the bars with his head down.

  “You can explain why the one person I wanted to spend my birthday with was such an ass?” Her tone was getting higher and her voice louder. She was really pissed. Jack wasn’t sure he’d ever seen her this mad.

  “No, I can’t explain that. I’m an ass and a jerk. I didn’t realize…” Jack still couldn’t look her in the eye.