Jacob became aware that Aloren was holding his hand too tightly. “Aloren? I can’t feel my fingers.”
“Sorry.” Aloren loosened her grip, but it wasn’t long before she held on just as tight again. She pulled in a ragged breath of air. “How . . . much farther?”
“Don’t know,” Jacob said, concentrating on not letting his emotions flow into his words. “I hope not much.” He wouldn’t be able to take any more of this if it didn’t end soon. He couldn’t believe he’d actually been touching faces and hands . . . people. He wasn’t sure if they were dead or trapped in the wall alive—he didn’t know how to tell if they were breathing. He hoped they were alive and could be helped eventually. But finding out about the people that way had been awful.
After what felt like an eternity, a slight gust of wind brushed his face. He peeked through his eyelids, bracing himself for whatever had caused the air to move. A small shaft of light crossed the ground several feet ahead of them. Relief coursed through him as he realized what it meant. “I think we’re almost at the end of the tunnel,” he whispered. “No one talk until I make sure we’re safe.”
Aloren squeezed his hand, showing him she understood. After two more turns, the tunnel was lit well enough for Jacob to walk forward without using his feet to guide himself. He tried not to look at the walls, but couldn’t help it. They were made completely of stone again. Oh, good.
Right before what he thought was the last turn, he stopped. He inched forward, paused, pressed up against the wall, then peered around the corner.
Chapter Thirty-Five
“Not again,” Jacob groaned.
The light was muted, the trees dark and shriveled.
“What is it?” Aloren whispered.
“The trees look the same here as they did in the infected forest.” Jacob surveyed the scene before leading them out of the tunnel. At least he could still see color, though everything was tinted green. Weird. The air was heavy and dark, the sunlight barely visible, making it appear to be almost nighttime.
The trees looked worse than the last forest—they were shorter, more gnarled, and because they grew so closely together, they almost appeared to be one huge, squat tree.
After making sure no one waited for them in the trees, Jacob guided Akeno and Aloren out of the tunnel. The trees were so thick that getting through them would be next to impossible. There wasn’t a path, and the forest came right up next to the wall. Rock outcroppings were everywhere.
“Can you guys see yet?”
Aloren took several deep breaths. “Yes,” she said. “Why is it so dark?”
“I’m not sure. It wasn’t exactly like this in the infected forest.” Jacob turned to look at his friends. “Akeno, can you see?”
“Yeah, I can.”
“This place gives me the heebie-jeebies, so if you guys can see well enough, let’s keep moving,” Jacob said. “There isn’t a trail here, but I’ll bet if we stick close to the wall, we’ll come across some kind of path eventually.”
“We’ll follow you,” Aloren said.
Jacob looked down at her hand, still clutching his. “But I might need to use both my hands,” he said, almost wishing that wasn’t the case.
“Oh, sorry.” Aloren pulled away.
The ground was rough and just as bad as Jacob had expected it to be. At least the trees weren’t as violent here as the ones in the infected forest. Perhaps this was due to the fact that the group was trying to go around the trees, not between. Jacob was quick to note, however, that anytime he brushed up against a tree, he received a swift reminder to stay away. It was pretty difficult not to touch them, and after just a few minutes of climbing over rocks and clinging to the wall, he felt thrashed.
After half an hour of climbing, jumping down, crawling through, stepping over, and hiking up, they got to a place where the ground evened out and the dirt road appeared up ahead.
“There’s the trail!” Aloren said.
“I really wish I could use my Rezend to see what’s out there,” Akeno said.
Jacob nodded. “You could try it if you want to, but I doubt the trees will let you touch them.”
“I’ll leave Rezend as a last resort for now.”
The group followed the trail west and away from the wall. It led deeper into the forest, which was now the only thing that appeared to separate them from the castle. Jacob felt a small tightening sensation in his chest. He did his best not to imagine what his dad and sister were going through, opting instead to concentrate on each step he took.
The group neared a large tree with oddly shaped branches growing wild at the bottom, then coming to a point at the top. It stood out from the other trees—being several feet taller, and having lighter-colored bark. There was a spot where the branches parted, leaving what looked somewhat like an open-ended box.
“That’s a Kaith tree,” Akeno said. “Long ago, the people of this kingdom would leave things here for passing travelers. They’d put spells on the tree so only those who were meant to take the things would be able to get them. If I remember correctly, there used to be several similar trees throughout our land for this purpose. This is supposed to be the only one left—the rest died or were destroyed.”
Shortly after passing the Kaith tree, they came to a fork in the road. There was a sign with the words Maivoryl City etched into it, pointing to the right. Jacob assumed the left branch led to the castle. His heartbeat sped up, and he had to consciously change his thought process to keep from freaking out. He looked at Aloren. “Isn’t this where your brother should be?”
Aloren nodded. “Yes, it is. And this is as far as I’m supposed to go.” She gave Jacob and Akeno quick hugs. “It’s been nice traveling with you.”
Jacob’s mouth opened and closed as he tried to figure out what to say. “Wait a second. You’re not coming with us to the castle?”
Aloren shook her head. “I was only hired to take you here. Seden was hired to get you through the traps. The deal was, once we got to this point, we were free to focus on our own goals.”
Jacob hesitated, trying to decide what to do. “Maybe Akeno and I should go with you into the city . . . at least to help you get started.”
“That won’t be necessary. You need to find your family.”
Jacob still hesitated, his emotions warring inside. He didn’t feel good about letting her go off on her own. Who knew what was in that city? But now that he was this close to the Lorkon castle, he couldn’t bear the thought of putting off his father and sister even a little longer.
He rubbed the back of his neck. The last time he’d placed his family above everything else, there had been serious consequences. His heart hadn’t stopped aching since yesterday. Could he forgive himself if Aloren died too?
And another thing . . . what would his father say if he found out Jacob had let her go off on her own? Seden’s death had been an accident, but now that he knew what could happen if he didn’t consider the needs of the people around him, he refused to repeat that mistake. He’d already missed the deadline. What would another hour matter?
“We’ll come with you,” he said, “and stay until we’re sure things are okay. If it doesn’t look right, we’ll all get out. Besides, I think your task will take less time than mine. There has to be a town center, a mayor—someone who knows everyone here—we can ask.” He placed his hand on Aloren’s shoulder, meeting her gaze. “And then come with us to the castle. You can’t get out of Maivoryl City without me, and we could use your help finding the key.”
Aloren agreed, and they started down the road to Maivoryl City.
Chapter Thirty-Six
The trees grew thickly on either side, and it seemed as though they were reaching toward Jacob. He looked at them, but could see no movement. The thick, greenish air, the trees, the eerie quiet—it made him feel like he was close to suffocating.
After a few turns in the trail, buildings came into view, and Jacob kept his eyes on them as the group continued. With the light of th
e sun barely visible, the city felt dark and ominous. Most of the buildings were boarded up, but had muted light coming from inside. It wasn’t natural light, but a sickly mustard-green color. The feeling that came from the city wasn’t welcoming, and the air was now so heavy, Jacob felt a constant need to clear his throat.
As they passed the first house, Jacob saw a face press up against one of the windows. It disappeared, but then came back, accompanied by another. A moment later, the door opened a crack, and an old, withered hand appeared, reaching toward Jacob and his friends.
He almost stopped walking when he saw a tired-looking woman kneeling at the door. She had gray hair that was pulled into a loose bun. “Please, please help us,” she wheezed, her light-colored eyes begging.
Aloren looked at Jacob, a troubled expression on her face.
“I really don’t feel good about this place,” Jacob whispered. “I don’t think we should go near anyone.”
As soon as he’d said this, the woman’s expression turned to one of intense hatred. “Yes, that’s right, children,” she said. “Keep walking away if it makes you feel better. You rats.” She slammed the door shut.
The group continued down the center of the winding road. Jacob did his best to ignore the disfigured faces that watched them from almost every window.
A few moments later, the road opened into a large area with a building in the middle. Jacob paused to scrutinize it. The windows weren’t boarded up, and the light that came from inside was warm and welcoming. It was more likely to be a town hall than any of the other buildings. He continued forward.
They were almost to the porch when the front door opened, and a man stepped out carrying a rug. He was large, wearing a white shirt and a blue apron, and had a mustache that covered at least half his face. He shook the rug out, then noticed them and jumped, dropping the rug and putting his hand on his chest.
“Oh, you startled me!” he said, laughing. “Can I help you?”
“You might,” Aloren said.
The man gave her a friendly smile, his eyes twinkling. “I might?” He laughed. “Well, let’s hear what you have to say, and we’ll see if I can.”
“I’m looking for my brother.”
“And who is your brother?”
“His name is Devlin.”
“You believe you might find him in Maivoryl City?” The man stroked one side of his mustache. “Hmmm. You do know that no one has come or gone from this city in many years, right?”
“Yes, I know,” Aloren said. “But he hasn’t been seen for a very long time, and I’ve searched everywhere for him—except this city.”
“Have you considered that he might be dead?”
Aloren faltered, but then a determined expression came into her eyes. “Yes, I have. But I don’t think he is.”
The man picked up the rug. “How can you be sure?”
“I can’t explain it. I just know. I want to search the city, but I’m not sure where to start, or how.”
A young woman came to the door and stood behind the man, her arms folded. Putting his arm around her shoulders, he brought her forward. “My name is Eachan,” he said. “This is my eldest, Duana.”
Duana’s features relaxed, and she smiled at Aloren, who returned the smile.
Hope was starting to come into Aloren’s eyes. “My name is Aloren, and these are my friends, Jacob and Akeno.”
Eachan studied them, a curious expression on his face. He locked eyes with Jacob for a brief moment, and Jacob could sense an under-the-surface emotion, similar to heartache, coming from the man.
“Very pleased to meet you both.” Eachan opened the door. “Please come in. We don’t get many visitors to the town hall or Maivoryl City.”
“Thank you,” Aloren said.
He held the door for them. “In fact, you’re the first visitors to come in a very long time.”
“Can we have a minute alone to talk, please?” Jacob asked, motioning for Aloren and Akeno to come closer.
“Of course.” Eachan went into the hall, shutting the door behind him.
Jacob pulled Aloren and Akeno several feet away from the porch. “I don’t want to go in there until I know how you feel about this.”
Akeno and Aloren looked at each other. Akeno was the first to speak. “I trust him.”
“Same with me,” Aloren said. “I’m usually an excellent judge of character, and I think he’s a good man, doing the best he can with what he has around him.”
“I don’t trust this city,” Jacob said, “or him.” He frowned, thinking. “But he might have information on how to look for your brother.”
Aloren nodded. “He’d have to know everyone who lives here, even if only by sight. And he’d at least know if there was someone here Devlin’s age.”
“We could use his help.”
“You mean I. I could use his help.”
“No, you’re not doing it alone. We’re coming with you.”
“Why? Your business is much more urgent than mine. The lives of your father and sister are on the line, for crying out loud. Not to mention one of the most powerful objects ever created.” She put both hands on his shoulders. “Go. Get the key and your family as soon as possible.”
Jacob shook his head. “No. I agreed to stay with you until things felt safe.”
“I feel comfortable.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Are you discrediting how I feel?”
“Aloren, honestly.” Jacob scowled. “It’s a stupid idea for you to be left alone right now.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You do know who you’re talking to, right? I’ve been alone most of my life. Even while my mom was sick, I was alone because she couldn’t leave her room. And she was sick almost my entire life. Go, Jacob!”
“After we find Devlin.”
“No! Seriously. Think about it. There’s a big chance the Lorkon don’t know you’re here. You have the opportunity to take them by surprise before they do something with the key. For all you know, they were bluffing about that deadline and there’s still a chance to save your father.”
Jacob looked into her eyes. “Then come with us to find the key, and we can look for Devlin afterward.”
“And possibly lose my chance?” She shook her head. “Jacob, this is as far as I’ve ever gone. If things fall apart with the Lorkon, there’s no way I’ll be able to come back. If I don’t take this opportunity right now, it’ll never come again.”
Jacob closed his eyes. “I can’t leave you, Aloren.”
“Her points are valid,” Akeno said. “We’re wasting time arguing.”
Aloren put her hand on Jacob’s arm. “And you can’t make my decisions for me. I trust Eachan and his daughter. I’ll be fine here.”
As much as he hated to admit it, Jacob felt Aloren was right—they wouldn’t stop by the city on their way back.
“Are you sure about this?” he said. “One hundred percent positive this is what you really want to do?”
Aloren nodded. “Yes, I am. Besides, it’ll only take a couple of hours to search the city. I’ll have Eachan and Duana’s help, so that should be enough. We can meet near the tunnel, and you can lead me back to the other side.”
“All right. Let’s make it two and a half hours, to be safe.”
“Okay. Thank you, Jacob.”
Jacob gave her shoulder a light squeeze and started toward the town hall.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
“Jacob, wait,” Aloren said, then threw her arms around him. “I really mean it. Thank you so much for believing me and for helping me come here. You, Akeno, and Gallus are the only ones who don’t think I’m crazy.”
She pulled back, and Jacob saw tears in her eyes. He cleared his throat. “Uh . . . you’re welcome.”
She wiped her tears away, gave Akeno a hug, then knocked on the door of the town hall.
The door swung open and Eachan stepped to the side, motioning for them to enter. “Would you like some food?”
; “No, thanks,” Aloren said. “But can you help me?”
“What can I do for you?”
“I need to find my brother,” she said.
He nodded. “Of course we’ll help—as long as you realize that the odds of his being here aren’t good, which I think you do.”
Aloren turned and gave Jacob another quick hug, then Akeno. “Thanks,” she said. “Get going, you two, and I’ll see you soon, okay?”
Jacob stepped up the porch and shook Eachan’s hand. “Thank you for your help, Eachan. We appreciate it.”
Aloren stayed on the porch, watching Akeno and Jacob as they left. Jacob met her eyes as he stepped away, already missing her company. Weird how the things they’d experienced together had warmed them to each other. He turned and hurried down the street, careful not to look at the buildings on either side.
They were a couple of blocks away from the town hall when they heard a girl scream. Jacob whipped around. The porch swarmed with townspeople who were grabbing at Aloren, trying to drag her away.
“Run, Aloren!” Jacob yelled. He was about to run back, but hesitated when Eachan jumped through the door and wrestled with several people, kicking and shoving them off the porch. Duana and Aloren were fighting as well.
Eachan punched one of the villagers full in the face, then grabbed Aloren and Duana, pulling them inside to safety and slamming the door shut. Maybe Eachan was used to the town hall getting attacked.
“Jacob! Look out!” Akeno yelled.
Jacob lurched out of the way just as a disfigured man with long, ratted hair slashed a large knife at him. He slashed again and Jacob dodged, swinging around with his fist and hitting the guy on the side of the head.
The man fell over near Akeno, who sprang away from the man’s grasp.
Forsaken Prince (Kilenya Chronicles Book 1) Page 14
