Jerin shook his head. “None of these are the King’s Highway.”
“But I thought—”
General Marcel held up a hand to quiet her. “The way is narrow. Few find it and even fewer take it.” He pointed at the ground and said, “Look down here, child. Do you see the white glistening rocks?”
Both Jerin and Princess looked, trying to discern the white rocks from the others.
“Behold, the White Road also called the King’s Highway.” General’s hand swept across the white rocks sparkling discretely beneath the dust and leaves. They formed a path that led between the east and south road, right into the heart of the woods.
“You have to be kidding me!” Princess said. “That’s nothing more than a foot trail. It’s hardly wide enough for us to walk side by side.”
Carah stepped forward and began to sing in a sweetest voice Princess had ever heard. “Listen my children, hear what I say,
And may the tread of your feet be wary.”
Those standing around her joined her in the chorus.
“Follow me, follow me, follow me home.
Let me guide you by night and by day,
Through forest, mountain, and prairie.
Follow me, follow me, follow me home.
Turn not from this path or be led astray.
Follow me, as I provide the safest way.
Follow me, follow me, follow me…home.”
Princess stood to the edge of the woods, staring down at the glistening rocks, as she considered the song. The melody and words tugged at her racing heart as her feet wriggled with the desire to start moving. Every muscle and nerve tingled with anticipation. Home. Was there such a place she could call by that name?
“What do I do if it branches like these roads do?”
“It won’t,” said Carah. “Many other roads will join in as you go along, but they all head in the same direction. If you do get off the path, continue east until you come upon it again. No matter what, always face the rising sun.”
Princess turned to Jerin, wondering what he would choose. All other eyes seemed to be on him as well.
General Marcel cleared his throat, getting everyone’s attention. “Jerin, have you made your decision?”
Jerin nodded his assent.
“Very good.” Marcel scanned the group, stopping on them. “So you head for the same destination, though for different purposes. You will find harmony in accepting both the sameness and differences between you. Where one lacks, the other may have abundance. Look to each other’s strengths and be humble in weakness.”
The general gave a quick whistle for everyone to gather closer. “We leave you now to travel to Yarholm. Our hope is to be there by nightfall. Stay on the white path, and you will remain safe.”
He bowed. Jerin and Princess returned the gesture.
Before Marcel entered the carriage, Princess ran after him, and made one final request. “Sir, if I may please ask?”
He faced her expectantly.
“If by chance you do catch the Okbold called DezPierre, please don’t kill him.” She glanced over to Jerin who rolled his eyes in annoyance. So what. “I know he’s a servant of Lord Darnel, but he helped me. He even paid for my dinner and a room. I would have been lost in those woods if not for him. I just ask….” She hesitated, unsure, then she finished, “Not all in the dark lands are evil. They are stuck like I was. You know?”
General Marcel nodded reassuringly. “I’m touched by your request and will remember it if we do meet this Okbold.” His foot met the step before he stopped and added, “You are right. Many are merely a choice away from freedom, child. Never forget that.”
He entered the carriage, and they headed toward the west, the one place Princess never wanted to return. So she turned her face toward the east, looked longingly at the wide road, and then followed Jerin along the narrow path leading into the dense forest.
* * * *
They walked for the rest of the day in near silence, Princess in front with Jerin right on her heels and snapping at her to walk faster. The path of white rocks wound through woods so dense they could barely push through. Finally, exasperated at their slow pace, Jerin took the lead hacking away the undergrowth with a sword the warriors had given him. Carah had provided her with a dagger, similar to Dean’s. The weapon fit nicely in her backpack.
Jerin remained sullen and constantly nagged her to walk faster. She found him to be terrible company and tended to keep to her own thoughts in hopes he would eventually lighten up.
The first two days were uneventful. They walked from sunrise until high noon when he’d allow them to break for a small meal. Then they’d be off again until the sun turned pink in the western sky. Jerin would search for a covered spot in a cluster of trees or brush growing beside the trail for them to rest. At first, every inch of her body hurt and each step was agony. As the miles passed, her muscles grew accustomed to the pace. By the third day, she finally kept up with Jerin who eased on calling her a castle brat.
The nights were most difficult for Princess. Between the strange forest noises and the vivid visions plaguing her sleep, she often woke still tired and irritable. The dream-man, who called her Alyra, visited her nightly. Could that possibly be her real name?
Since entering the white road, a new character now visited her night visions. A glowing woman who stood with arms outstretched. Yet, when her dream-self tried to get closer, the woman always vanished.
“Hey, look.” Jerin broke into her reverie. He pointed to a spot on the ground near the path. “That millipede is passing us, I swear it.” His blue eyes narrowed on her.
She scowled back, but upped her pace. General Marcel had promised they would come across several towns and homesteads along the way where they could stop to restock and rest. And bathe. Oh what she’d do for a hot bath.
Any place that might offer her a short break from the sullen troll-head would be paradise to her.
Eventually, the woods thinned, allowing a breath of fresh air and late afternoon sunlight. Jerin found a bush of wild raspberries growing beside the path, and they both gathered a handful. Not nearly enough to make a meal.
“Let’s stop by this steam for the night. You collect wood, I’ll see about rounding up some dinner.” He dropped his pack on the shore. “Maybe we can catch a couple of fish.”
“Catch fish?” Princess collapsed on the mossy bank.
After checking to make sure the water flowed from the right direction, she took a long drink from her cupped hands. Amazingly, it always had a hint of fruity sweetness. She let her tired feet soak in the coolness for awhile. Wouldn’t all steams flow from the east? She had no idea. Nor did she have any idea on how to go about catching a fish.
“Yes, little miss castle brat, we will need to hunt and find food along the way.” He shook his head while digging out a small tinder box from his bag which stored hooks, string, and fire-starters. “Go make yourself useful and gather some wood.” Jerin fashioned two fishing poles from his kit.
Princess bit back the evil retort pounding on her lips to get out. Finding broken limbs along the white path was easy enough. She’d tripped over several during her walk when her mind wandered. By time she returned, Jerin had two sticks propped over the stream and secured by large rocks.
“You watch our poles and I’ll start a fire. Just so you know, you gut what you catch.”He chuckled, obviously noticing her angry expression. “Kid, you’ll have to get over your prissy girl attitude if you hope to make it on this road.”
Her fingers dug into the squishy mud, filling her palm with sludge.
“You’re not living in royalty out here, Princ—”
The mud ball she hurled smacked the side of his stunned face and dripped off like brown frosting. He sat dumbfounded a moment before wiping the dirt globs from his tunic. “That wasn’t right.”
“It’s not right for you to make fun of me like you do. If you don’t want to travel with me, then don’t. I told you I could take c
are of myself!”
“I never—”
“I’m doing the best I can. Yes, I’ve been sheltered. But I’m not prissy, and I’m not a brat, either.”
He rolled his eyes.
Tears burned. She was so fed up, so tired, and so sore from walking. She grabbed her pack and stormed off, not wanting him to see her cry. No need to give him more to taunt her with. Traveling with him was no different from living in the dark lands. People always mocked her for her weaknesses. Hated her. Even Tarek. At least, he sometimes acted like he hated her. If it weren’t for the tainted food, Tarek probably would have left her to marry Troll-man. Certainly wouldn’t have kissed... she shook her head to get rid of that thought.
“Come back, Pri... I mean, Miss. Whatever,” Jerin called after her. “I’m only teasing.”
She ignored him, heading on down the path a good distance away. Just for a while. Just long enough to get control of herself. She knew her reaction was wrong. Knew she needed to go back and apologize. But she hated people making her feel dumb, incapable. Master had told her over and over she was damaged. Her shoulders drooped. Maybe he was telling the truth.
Through the trees, she still heard him calling her. “I’m sorry, kid. I have a bad habit of teasing people. The guys on the farm think it’s funny.”
She continued walking but slowed her pace, knowing deep down he truly wasn’t the brightest stone in the river. Maybe she did need to lighten up. Jerin wasn’t cruel like Master or the others in Racah.
“Hey, a fish. We caught one.”
A loud splash echoed through the elms.
“What a monster. Enough for both of us. Come on back, I won’t make you gut it. Promise. Long as you wash up the dishes after.” He added in a lower voice, that she could still hear
Her lips twitched in a small grin. What an oaf. Taking a deep breath, she turned to head back when she spotted a patch of pretty white flowers growing along a clearing in the woods. She recognized the flowers from the cook’s garden. Strawberries! Hundreds of the bright red fruit grew several yards from the path.
Her mouth watered at the thought of eating her fill of the fat balls of goodness. They’d be a wonderful addition to dinner. But she’d have to leave the white rocks. Her stomach rumbled, as if urging her to chance the short distance. Scanning the woods, she decided to take the risk.
Sweet juices ran down her chin as she popped a strawberry into her mouth. She filled both pants pockets, and stuffed as many as possible into her backpack. Then cupping her shirt into a make-shift basket, she collected more. They tasted delicious!
Princess stood, arms circling her bounty, as she realized she’d wandered farther than intended from the road. She looked around, listening for Jerin’s voice, or even the sound of the stream. Everything grew quiet… darker. Sure the path lay directly behind her, she turned and headed in what she hoped was the right direction.
A black shadow streaked between two trees off to her left. She froze, heart pounding like a woodpecker against tree bark. Leaves rustled behind her. She spun in time to catch another blurred movement, followed by a low growl.
“Hey, Jerin?” Her voice cracked, no higher than a mosquito’s buzz.
She cleared her throat and forced her feet to move toward the path.
A black wolf leaped from the woods, blocking the way. The canine’s eyes glowed orange and its body seemed slightly twisted and disfigured. A ridge of spiky hair ran down its arched back.
She screamed. The strawberries fell from her shirt and tumbled around her boots. Another fierce growl sounded from right behind her. Red eyes flashed in the dim light, and she was locked in its stare. Princess froze, not wanting to move, not caring what happened. She tried hard to call out for Jerin, but she could do no more than whimper. One of the black canines slowly edged closer, white teeth flashing, snapping. She stepped away, deeper into the woods.
Chapter 13
The wolves edged closer, driving Princess deeper into the trees. She grabbed a broken limb and swung with all her strength. The beast ducked out of the way. The stick hit a tree and burst into pieces.
So much for that idea.
She braced herself for the ravenous carnivores to leap in for the kill, but instead they only advanced, pushing her toward a steep ridge. Their orange eyes burned into her, causing her mind to lose focus. The scent of campfire smoke drifted in the dank air. Her heart sank fearing soldiers were waiting over the rise.
“Jerin!”
The lead wolf growled, black lips drawn over long teeth. It lunged. Princess ducked, tumbled over a rock, and landed flat on her back. Massive paws hit her chest.
A small object whizzed through the trees and smacked the dog’s rump. With a yelp, it spun in the direction of the new attack. Jerin stood beside the strawberry patch. He reloaded his sling and released another stone.
Princess took the opportunity to crawl out of the way.
The second rock sank into the canine’s forehead, directly between its fiery eyes. The glow dimmed as it crumpled to the ground. The other two howled charging for Jerin.
“Watch out!” Princess screamed.
“Get back to the path!” He reloaded his weapon and knocked out another one.
She ran, not even sure which direction to go anymore. How had she managed to get so far from the road?
Three now surrounded Jerin.
He tucked the slingshot into his pocket and unsheathed his sword. As the wolf leapt, Jerin’s blade swooped in a wide arc. The blade sliced through the beast’s flank. With an agonizing yelp, it tumbled over, lifeless. Two more appeared at the top of the ridge.
“Come on you blasted curs!” He stood his ground, feet planted firmly apart, the sword gripped in his large hand.
Two blocked Princess from reaching Jerin. She grabbed another, longer stick and swung, hitting the side of one’s head. The second jumped, knocking her to the ground. Foul breath brushed against her cheek. She kicked her foot, landing a blow in the beast’s gut.
“Get your dagger,” ordered Jerin. “Kill them.”
She reached over her shoulder but couldn’t grasp the knife tucked inside her backpack. The air left her lungs when another wolf pounced on her back. Snapping teeth kept her hand from grasping the bag’s flap.
Pained yelps echoed through the trees as Jerin killed another. She struggled to get away from the canine pinning her down. Jerin loaded another rock. When the stone flew, she covered the back of her head with her arms. His shot was sure. The wolf tumbled off.
Her boots gripping the soft earth, she ran full out. Jerin followed close behind.
“Which way?” She’d lost all sense of direction.
“Just run, I hear more coming. Hurry!”
With Jerin on her heels, and the two remaining demon hounds on his, they raced around trees, constantly searching for the white rocks in the dimming light.
“I can’t see, Jerin.”
“Keep going. Whatever you do, don’t stop.”
The pounding of his boots grew faint, then stopped. Remembering Dean’s sacrifice, she stopped and found Jerin battling another oncoming wolf. The blade sliced through its throat, spraying blood. The last one plowed into Jerin, teeth bared and snapping.
“No!” She searched for something, anything, to scare off the beast. At her feet, several gray rocks peeked through the forest debris. She grasped one in each hand. Both began glowing with a dim light. Surprised, she nearly dropped them.
The wolf’s angry bark and Jerin’s yell snapped her back into action. Hurling the fist-sized rock, she gasped at the speed the projectile flew. The glowing stone hit the monster’s skull. A blinding flash burst the wolf into a powdery dust.
Jerin scooted away, grabbing his sword. The last hound received a deathly stab directly to the heart.
Shouts came from deep in the woods as several torch lights appeared through the shadowed trees.
“You never listen, do you?” Jerin shoved her forward. Blood drenched his shirt and arms. She wo
ndered if any of it was his. “Go, go, go!”
Her feet met rocks again, but in the darkness she couldn’t tell if they’d found the path.
“Keep going. They’re getting closer.” Jerin pushed her on.
Pain stabbed her side. Daring a glance behind, she spotted bobbing lights following, but no sound of barking wolves in pursuit. Hopefully they’d killed them all.
“Look out,” Jerin warned moments before she plowed into a tree.
Her forehead smacked against the rough bark. Lights flashed behind her eyes. Hands grabbed her pack and dragged her beneath a prickly bush. Jerin collapsed over her, covering them both in his black cloak.
“Shhh, quiet.” His whisper faint and his breath puffed in her ear. “Don’t move.”
Feet thundered around them. Shouts and lights flashed across the blurred dirt. She blinked away something wet and sticky flowing into her eye. Her mind reeled with fear and pain as everything faded into a foggy haze.
* * * *
Bright sunlight woke Princess from a fitful sleep where orange-eyed monsters chased her and sharp teeth tore at her flesh. She sat up, her cheek numb from resting on the, smooth, round rocks. The White Road! They’d left it. Or she had. Blinking, she gingerly touched a stinging spot on her forehead. Her fingers drew back a smudge of blood.
“Ewww, is that mine?”
Jerin sat across from her, his knees drawn up to his chest and a furious scowl on his face.
“Rule number one... You’re not supposed to get off the blasted white rocks!”
She blanched, his roaring voice thundered inside her achy head. Her boots were covered in mud and red stains caked her pants. She dug sticky, gooey strawberry pulp from inside her pockets.
“I wanted… strawberries.” She found her canteen and drank several long gulps to quench her parched throat. “Now I need more water.”
“That was all you had?” His roar grew ferocious. She scooted farther beneath the covering of the bushes, fearing he’d turn into one of those evil beasts any moment.
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