Illuminated

by Jackie Castle

  “We’ll get some more. The stream isn’t very—”

  He stood, towering over her. “You left the path! We were lost in the woods. Luckily, we somehow came upon another fork of the White Road. I wouldn’t have known if you hadn’t picked up those... rocks...” His eyes widened in what she thought was either fear or confusion.

  “You made them glow.” He shook his head, walking away a few paces. “I’ve heard tales of the Light People, but never... I’ve never seen anything like that.”

  “What are you talking about?” Princess stood. Instantly, her head swam, and she almost fell.

  Jerin caught her arm and steadied her. “Your medallion says you’re an Illuminate. One of the Light People. When you grabbed the white stones, they glowed.”

  She shook her swimming head. He talked craziness.

  He handed her a stone. “Try. See if it doesn’t glow.”

  The morning light glistened off the sparkling white surface.

  “Humm, nothing.” She considered throwing the rock at him but let it drop instead. Maybe he’d banged his head, too. She couldn’t make rocks.... A vague memory hit her. Glowing balls of light. Knocking a wolf off Jerin. The beast exploded…. No, impossible.

  “Are the soldiers still around?” She patted her shoulder for her pack strap, relieved to find it still there. Thank goodness she’d taken it with her before storming off. Then she noticed Jerin only had his sword.

  “Let’s not stay to find out.” He looked around nervously. “Can you keep up, or do I need to hold your hand?”

  “I’ll keep up!” Princess tried to scoop the remaining squished strawberries from her pockets, hating how her pants stuck to her legs. How would she ever wash out the stains? “This is just great! Try to do something nice and see what I get?”

  “Save me the favors, kid. All right?” He stomped down the path, ordering her to hurry up.

  For a long while, they walked in silence. Thirst burned her throat. She shook her canteen, finding only a swallow or two remained.

  “Think we’ll find the stream again? Or another?”

  “No idea. When I backtracked for my stuff, I realized we were on a completely new road.”

  “You left your pack behind? Why?”

  He spun to face her. “Well, let’s see.... First you disappear. Then you’re screaming. Humm.” He scratched at his head while glaring at her. “Sorry I didn’t stop a moment to repack everything before I came to your rescue.” His voice increased in volume with each word, his sarcasm not lost on her.

  Princess cringed against the ache in her head. Her shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry. Really, Jerin. I was about to come back and apologize for losing my temper. Honest.” She shifted her feet, staring at the glistening rocks. “Then I saw the strawberries and thought they’d be great with the fish. I wanted to make it up to you. Being a burden and throwing that temper tantrum.”

  Now he ducked his head, looking as sheepish as she felt. “You’re so blasted quiet, kid. I’m used to loud, boisterous people. Thought teasing you would lighten you up some. I hoped you’d start to trust me. Like you trusted the General.”

  They continued walking shoulder to shoulder now.

  “In Racah, you’re a fool to trust anyone. I don’t know why I trusted Marcel. Maybe he reminded me some of Dean.” She shrugged her arms, exasperated. “I’m so stupid about everything out here.”

  Jerin started to protest, but she held up a hand to stop him.

  “Serious. I have been sheltered. Master wouldn’t let me leave the castle unless I was with him. I thought I had more freedom when he sent me to the dungeons, but even there, he knew everything I did. I’m sure he’s still watching me.”

  “How?”

  “He has magical...things, that help him see whatever he wants.”

  Jerin shook his head, as if he didn’t believe her.

  “You have no idea of his power, Jerin.”

  He grinned. “You have no idea of the White Road’s power, Missy. I’d wager my plow horse and slingshot that as long as you stay on the King’s Highway, he can’t see you. There’s a reason they told us to avoid straying off the white rocks.”

  Princess hoped he was right. Her heart raced, wondering how far Master’s power reached across this land. She knew those deranged wolves belonged to him. She’d seen how he turned normal creatures into monsters. Still, she and Jerin did manage to escape from the soldiers once they reached the rocky path again. Maybe he spoke the truth.

  “I’ll share all my supplies with you. I have some coins we can use for you to restock when we reach a town.”

  He patted her shoulder, his smile widening. “Uh yeah! You so owe me big time.” He laughed, and she knew he’d never be able to stop teasing her. Such was his way and she decided then and there to accept him, as Marcel told them to do before they parted ways.

  They traveled nonstop until the sun went down. Princess remembered the strawberries she’d stashed in her pack and shared them. They ate a light meal of bread and jerky. Without water, the dry meal went down like sand in their throats.

  “Ah, delicious. Sweet and perfectly ripe.” Jerin popped another fat, bright red berry into his mouth. “Nexed dime you doop dis, let me know.” He finished chewing and swallowed.

  Princess didn’t intend on there being a next time. She scooted the remaining strawberries toward him. “Why?”

  “One of us can scout the area first.” He winked, gulping the last ones with many slurping and smacking noises.

  “I hope we find a stream soon.” Princess wrapped the messenger’s blanket around her, settling comfortably on a bed of pine needles. “My pants are all crusty with dry strawberries. Disgusting.”

  Jerin chuckled and muttered something about her getting what she deserved for not listening.

  She turned her back to him and went right off to sleep while he took the first watch. The next thing she knew, her world shook. She grabbed hold of something to steady herself and awoke clutching Jerin’s shirt front.

  “Your time to guard.” He said gruffly. “My sword is propped against the tree in case anything happens.”

  Princess stood and stretched. “I was sleeping so well, too. I had this dream of a beautiful city. There were all kinds of wonderful, bright plants, and fruit growing wild along the road. I was just about to bite into a big juicy peach when you woke me up.”

  “Good for you. G’nite.” Jerin growled from beneath the cover she loaned him, “You stay awake this time, hear me?”

  Princess stuck her tongue out at him.

  “Loud and clear, Capt’n, sir!” She sat beside a stout oak, ignoring the sword. If something did happen, she wouldn’t know how to use it anyway.

  The remainder of the night went so uneventful Princess remembered nothing more until Jerin shook her awake. His glowering face was tomato red.

  She quickly packed her bag and forced down a bite of bread as they walked, keeping silent and a good distance behind him. Her raw throat burned and her head throbbed, but she didn’t complain.

  They found no sign of water before stopping for their midday rest. Jerin perched on a flat boulder overlooking a wide field. Off in the distance stood a small cluster of trees and brush growing up like an island in the ocean of yellow grasses. Princess lay exhausted beside the path, her head propped on her backpack as she watched a bumblebee dance around a black-eyed-Susan. She didn’t remember seeing much wildlife in the barren mountain city. Somehow, Tarek always brought home game. She wondered where he managed to find a place to hunt.

  Stop thinking about Tarek. He’s in your past. Focus on what’s ahead!

  “I’ll bet there’s water over by those trees” Jerin pointed to a cluster of greenery. He refused to eat anything, complaining food made him thirstier.

  She sat up. The trail wove across the meadow, toward the stand of trees, but then veered off to the north before disappearing. “You sure, Jerin? We’ll have to leave the path to check.”

  He shrugged. “Somethi
ng is helping those trees to grow.” He studied the open meadow for awhile.

  Where had the enemy gone? They seemed to have vanished. Jerin insisted they keep their guard up all the same. The plush trees growing in the cluster would at least offer some shade, but still, they’d be leaving the path. Out here in the open, if there were enemy around, surely they’d be able to see some sign of their presence.

  “This time, we do it right.” Jerin stood. “I’ll keep my slingshot and sword ready while I go check. You’ll be in charge of filling the canteen as soon as I give the okay. We’ll get a drink and then hurry back to the path.”

  Princess put her pack on.

  They jogged toward the trees, stopping at the point where the road turned northward. Jerin pulled his sword form the scabbard and collected a few rocks which he slipped into his pocket. “We’ll be quick. No playing around, hear?”

  She saluted when he wasn’t looking.

  “Okay,” he whispered. “When I whistle, come on.”

  Princess held her breath, ready to run in either direction depending on how things went. Her ears tuned for any sound. All was quiet, not even a bug chirped. Finally, a shrill whistle sounded. She raced toward the trees.

  A natural spring formed a deep pool and fed the small oasis. Oh, what she’d give to jump in and wash off the grime. Instead, she settled for dipping her canteen into the water. A strange smell, familiar in a way, hung around the pond.

  Jerin dunked his face into the water, splashing his neck before taking a slurping drink from his cupped hands.

  Princess had already taken a long gulp from her canteen. The taste matched the smell. Bitterness. But she was so thirsty she’d swallowed a whole mouthful before realization hit and she spit the tainted liquid out.

  “That water comes from the dark lands.” The deep voice came from behind them.

  They spun around. Water streamed down Jerin’s face, drenching his shirt.

  “I wouldn’t drink from there, if I were you.” A tall man, dressed in linen traveling clothes, and leather boots stepped off the white path and came toward them. He took the canteen from Princess and poured out all the water.

  “Hey, what do you think you’re doing?”

  He walked away, calling over his shoulder, “Come along.”

  Jerin scowled, but trailed after the man who’d returned to the white path and soon disappeared around a bend in the road.

  “Do something, you troll brain!” Anger raged inside her at the nerve of the stranger. What did that big oaf, Jerin, think he was doing following along like a hungry dog?

  “You do something,” Jerin yelled back. “You’re always expecting me to get you out of trouble!”

  “Do not! I told you I could take care of myself. You’re the one who’s always bossing me around. And I never asked you to come along.”

  “No, but good thing I did. You can’t stay on the path, and you fall asleep during your guard. You’d probably still be snoozing if I hadn’t been a light sleeper and woke you up.”

  “Are you saying I’m lazy?”

  Jerin stopped and looked down at her with a sneer. “I’m guessing they had their reasons for calling you Princess!”

  Oh, that was it! She charged after him. He held out his giant hand and caught her by the forehead, holding her out at arm’s length. She swung and kicked, her fist sweeping a few inches short of making contact.

  “Enough!” hollered the stranger.

  Jerin let his arm drop. Princess tumbled forward and sprawled on the ground.

  “Here-” The stranger held out the canteen, “-drink some. Both of you. Let’s sit and talk awhile.”

  Jerin shook his head. “I’m not thirsty now.”

  The man helped Princess stand. She jerked loose as soon as she was up and grabbed her water container. Fury, resentment, and frustration boiled over and bubbled out. “I’ve had it!” She stomped over to Jerin and pointed her finger up in his face. “I’ve had enough of you nagging at me and bossing me around.” Then she turned to the man adding, “And I don’t care to sit with you, whoever you are.”

  “Well,” said the stranger with a kind smile. “There are many names I go by. Around here, I’m called Guardian. However, in the towns, I’m often referred to as Teacher, sometimes even…”

  “Teacher?”

  He looked like nothing more than a dirt-covered traveler like herself.

  “Why don’t you go find yourself a schoolroom full of pupils and leave me alone?” She turned to Jerin. “And as for you, I’m done. I don’t need you either.”

  “Fine with me.” He stormed off into the woods.

  “Jerin,” called the stranger. “You’re going the wrong way.” But he was already gone.

  Princess marched over a stone bridge crossing a river, then along the white path in the opposite direction.

  The man followed her. “Where are you going?”

  “To Aloblase. I need to find King Shaydon. Thank you and good day!” She hoped he’d take the hint and leave her alone.

  His footsteps sounded behind her. Wonderful, he didn’t get it.

  “I can help. Come and eat the fish I’ve caught. We’ll bring Jerin back here and talk awhile.”

  She stopped and spun around. “What part of ‘No, thank you’ do you not understand?” Taking in a deep breath, she tried again. “Listen teacher-man, I can take care of myself just fine! I don’t care what that oversized ogre says. If you had any idea of what I’ve been through so far…”

  The man moved closer until he stood practically nose to nose with her. “I do know, Alyra.” His brown eyes held a warm light and his voice sounded kind, yet stern. “You’re brave, none can deny. You’ve escaped from the dark one. You’ve freed the dragon named Crystal. You’ve traveled far and I’ve been waiting here for you.”

  Her heart lunged in her throat. Backing away, she recoiled from his powerful stare. His intense eyes probed right through her very being, like Master’s often did.

  And that name...from her dreams. Alyra.

  Her mind spun in confusion. She wasn’t sure whom to trust anymore. This stranger couldn’t possibly know her. And if he did, then he must come from the dark lands. She broke free of his gaze and ran blindly down the path and into the forest.

  Chapter 14

  Low hanging branches scratched Princess’s tear-streaked face. Anger, seasoned with bitterness and hurt, boiled so hot she saw nothing but a green haze. What a nut! She glanced behind to make sure the so-called teacher-man wasn’t following. Only pines and brush. Good.

  How could he have known the ordeals she’d been through since leaving Racah? Despite the heat, chills ran up her spine. He must be from the dark lands. Her steps quickened, fear drove her deeper into the woods like fire on her heels.

  Sweat trickled down her face and neck, lungs aching from her hard and fast breathing. Good riddance to Jerin, as well. No more of his nagging and pushing to go faster.

  Never should have left in the first place, hissed a familiar sounding voice in her mind. You had everything you wanted. A nice, comfortable castle to live in. Servants at your command. All the delicious delicacies you might desire.

  Her stomach rumbled. She’d skipped lunch because of her dry throat. If anyone could consider the tough, dried meat in her pack food.

  You gave up so much for a journey into nowhere. You have no idea where you are going or where it will end.

  Princess slowed, her head spinning like the other times Master invaded her thoughts. She glanced around expecting him or his henchmen to leap from behind one of the tall pines. The only sound in her ears came from her racing heart.

  Opening the water pouch, she took several gulps, hoping to wash away the dryness and bad taste. Instantly, the angry emotions churning inside her gut subsided. She thought harder about the stranger, his linen shirt and brown pants, his strong hands clasping the walking staff. His face and build were similar to Master’s, but there was a calm gentleness to the traveler she had never sensed wi
th Darnel. The difference between them was like a campfire on a cool night compared to being caught out in a blizzard.

  The stranger had called her--Alyra.

  Memories of riding upon a man’s shoulder flooded her mind. White, sparkling towers rose against a brilliant blue sky.

  “That’s where you’ll be trained, Alyra,” The man craned back his head. His eyes were the same gold-brown as hers. He was a slightly younger version of the man she dreamed of standing beside the grave. “Your mother and I both had our training there. You’ll be taught how to use your special talent.”

  Special talent? Your mother and I?

  She plopped down on a flat rock, rubbing her aching head to settle the rampant, tumbling thoughts.

  Had she dreamed of her father all those years? Was the sparkling city where King Shaydon lived? Maybe she really did come from Aloblase. If so, how did she end up in Lord Darnel’s castle? She took another drink of the sweet, honey tasting liquid. Was her real name Alyra? Not Princess, but Alyra.

  “Ah-lear-ah,” She liked how the sound rolled off her tongue.

  Where was Jerin? She bolted up and spun around, searching. Where was she?

  The narrow path, weaving through the deep woods, was covered in pine needles and dead leaves. She brushed the debris aside with her foot to find rich, brown dirt.

  Oh no, the white rocks were gone!

  “Don’t panic. You just need to backtrack to the White Road.” She took several deep breaths to calm the rising sense of dread. Maybe if she returned to the stream, the teacher, or guardian-man… whoever he was, would still be there. She’d apologize for being rude and ask him to help her find Jerin.

  Leaves crunched beneath her boots. The trail wound through such deep forest she lost all sense of east or west. The thick canopy of trees made seeing the sun’s position impossible. Remorse at her carelessness overtook her, and she threw down the pack in utter misery, falling in a heap on the damp ground. She’d spoken horribly to Jerin. He was probably glad to be rid of her. Tears filled her eyes. She deserved to be caught and taken back to the Master.