How to Save a Fae (Heir of Dragons Book 2)

by J. A. Culican

  She focused on the return journey. Time was of the essence. The longer she and Mau remained in the field, far from Fae territory, the more she would miss out on. Unfortunately, she could not provide the aid that she had sought—the aid she had promised her father. But upon her return, she would at least provide her skill with the bow. Day after day, she'd continue taking her place atop the walls of the Trading Center, striking down the enemies of her people—and she'd continue doing it until the threat was neutralized, or until she could no longer draw her weapon.

  Things will work out, began Mau, some miles from the mountainside. You'll see. I know the dark army is recovering. They'll do their worst. But they don't have fighters like the two of us. The Fae are tough—they'll handle the threat and defend the territory. And we'll be right there beside them.

  Minx appreciated the Faelyr's attempts at support, but couldn't help but sneer. Sure, but two fighters can't win an entire war, Mau. Our people are going to be severely outnumbered. We only won the last time because the dragons decided to help. If they hadn't shown up, we probably would have perished. And I suppose that's what awaits us this time. We'll fight for as long as we can, but in the end there's only so much we can do...

  The pair traveled for several miles, stopping in a wide swath of woods near midday. Pummeled by equal parts heartache and fatigue, Minx led Strider into the woods and leashed him to a tree. Then, joining Mau in the boughs of said tree, she tried to get some rest.

  Some sleep will help us get our heads straight. It's a shame Kaleb decided to be a jerk; he could've put us up in a pretty nice room back at the mountain instead of this. The Faelyr snuggled close to her, sharing her warmth.

  I don't want to think about him anymore, replied Minx. It was ridiculous to think I could trust him. I don't know what I saw in him before. Today, he was like a completely different person... She rifled through their pack and withdrew their bag of rations. The pair nibbled on the last of their stored food, but found there wasn't enough to conquer their great hunger. The handfuls of preserved food barely took the edge off their appetites, and the prospect of riding another three days before enjoying a proper meal struck Minx as grueling. This is the last of the food. Enjoy it... Unless I can find something to hunt, we're going to have to go without for awhile.

  Sleep came for them both, but it was thin and troubled—anything but restful. The duo dozed in the treetops until nearly nightfall, awakening multiple times over the course of hours. The area was peaceful, populated only by songbirds and curious insects. Minx knew that this makeshift camp of theirs would be the safest of the return journey. The closer they got to Fae territory, and to the roving warriors who loitered there, the more dangerous their accommodations would become.

  Moonrise saw them stealing across the plains toward Pandling Grounds, and they covered a good distance without encountering hostilities. They kept to the edges of forests where possible, monitored far-off camps of warriors and did their best to avoid detection by such parties. Here and there, small groups of nomads could be found in the hills and plains. Some appeared perfectly harmless, whereas others seemed to be volatile Wuff deserters. Minx decided to ride as fast as she could past all of them, not wishing to slow down and take a risk.

  The road was long, and the closer they got to their destination, the busier the field became. It was soon obvious that they would have more trouble re-entering the territory than they'd had leaving it. Torrent's forces were indeed growing, and small mobs littered vast swaths of open plain everywhere they looked. Where their trip to the Talon Range had been mostly uneventful, their return to Pandling Grounds would see them encountering dangerous raiding parties in far higher numbers than previously. Clusters of dark warriors shambled through woods and flatlands alike, itching for combat, and it was only because of Minx's reliable mount that they avoided being ambushed by the savage footmen as they skirted the borders of a dense forest. Krah, Wuffs and Plurn were fast—but they weren't fast enough to keep up with Strider.

  Finally, in the early hours of the morning, they met with considerable trouble.

  The stallion, exhausted for the breakneck pace of their journey, required a brief rest. Minx brought the horse to a small stream and dismounted, stretching her sore limbs and letting her hair down. The three of them drank the cool water, and as hunger proved incessant, the Fae huntress considered going on a hunt for something to eat. You think there are any animals around here? Any prey that the Wuffs haven't gotten to already?

  Somehow, I doubt it. These monsters have destroyed so much land. I wouldn't be surprised if they went through the woods hunting animals for mere sport. But if you think you can rummage up something, be my guest. I'm starving, and I don't know how much longer I can keep up this pace without some food in my stomach. Mau remained with the horse while Minx sized up the nearby woods.

  Tell you what. I'll poke around beyond the treeline and see what we have to work with. If there are no recent signs of game, we'll keep pressing on. Even some berries, some wild roots... I'll take anything I can get my hands on. Minx loaded up her bow and started quietly into the woods.

  The close-grown trees and the occasional dirt paths winding between them showcased no signs of recent animal life. She studied the soil, looking for tracks and droppings, and then set her sights on the canopy, wondering if any tree-borne prey might present itself. The trees and foliage in the area looked healthy, undisturbed, but it appeared that the animals living in this stretch had recently been scared off—likely by the encroachment of the dark army.

  She was just about to turn back and return to Mau when she heard a faint rustling. Minx froze in place, letting her ears sift the air so that she might pinpoint the source of the disturbance. She panned about the wall of green and discovered a patch of quaking leaves many yards away. Dropping to one knee with her bow drawn, Minx watched closely.

  From behind the rustling leaves there emerged a grave threat.

  Quite unbeknownst to her, the woods nearby had been host to a Krah hunting party. The band of Krah, some fifteen or twenty thick, were passing through, chattering and hissing amongst themselves. Minx tensed, dropping to the ground and watching the lizard-like warriors stomp onward. She held her breath, clutched her bow. If necessary, she would defend herself—though even with Mau in her corner, she didn't like the odds. The Krah were likely to swarm her if they caught wind of her, and so she remained silent, watching them go by. Don't do anything stupid. Stay put... I hope that Mau and Strider don't make any noise to alert them.

  It wasn't until the last had faded completely from sight and hearing that Minx finally stood.

  She promptly returned to the stream, where Mau was still lapping up fresh water. Just ran into a hunting party—at least fifteen Krah, maybe more. We're in the middle of enemy territory. I think we need to get moving.

  The Faelyr growled. I suppose so. Did they attack you?

  No, replied Minx. They didn't see me. I almost walked straight into them, though. Next time, there's no telling what might happen... Forgetting her hunger, Minx mounted the horse and began riding away from the stream at a reasonable clip. We need to hurry up. The only way we'll have any security is by making it back to the Trading Center.

  The horse galloped on, covering several more miles despite her great fatigue. Stay strong for me, Strider. We'll be home before you know it, thought Minx. In a little while, we'll find somewhere to camp. Then, when you've had your rest, we can pick up the pace again.

  Finally, when they had gone a fair distance without encountering another raiding party, Minx decided to stop. They paused in a hilly area, surrounded by woods. The spot felt secure, out of the way, and the topography would make it difficult for enemy warriors in heavy armor to sneak up on them. There, she gave the stallion ample time to rest. I think we need a break, and this seems as good a place as any. I haven't noticed any wanderers around here, have you?

  No, it seems clear around here. And I agree—this is a great place to stop. The horse i
sn't the only one who needs a break, you know? Mau rolled about in the grass, enjoying the respite, while Minx climbed to the top of one of the hills to keep watch. There, she fell deep into thought, her tired mind reeling.

  So, you're tired, starving and still quite far from home. The area is crawling with hostiles. You'll probably never see Kaleb again and the dragons will never work with the Fae. Why did you do this to yourself? Why did you think it would be any different? she asked herself. You would have been better off staying at home. At least then you could have helped repel the attackers. How many Fae warriors have died since you set out for the Talon Range?

  She tried not to think about it. Instead, she considered setting up a camp. They would find a good, private place to rest in the vicinity and dwell there till nightfall. She doubted they'd be able to source a decent meal, but Minx was open to a bit of scavenging in the area if it meant happening upon some wild mushrooms or other edible growths—anything to silence the groaning of her stomach.

  Minx's instincts were sharp. Spending as much time in the field as she did gave her almost a sixth sense when it came to anticipating threats.

  At the moment the Wuff raiding party spotted her atop the hill, her mind had been sufficiently clouded with anxiety to utterly silence that special sense, though. It was only the thwack of an arrow striking the ground nearby that alerted her to the presence of the raiders, and by the time she turned to react, it was too late.

  A handful of Wuff foot soldiers sprinted up the sides of the hill to meet her. She took up her bow, nocking an arrow, but a moment's indecision was all the warriors needed to overcome her. In the time it took her to decide upon a target, a sure-footed Wuff raced up behind her with a club. She felt dense wood connect with the back of her head. Her legs betrayed her and her grip on the bow faltered.

  The next thing she knew, she was rolling down the hill, limp.

  Then, there was only darkness.

  Chapter 7

  The ropes dug into her arms. Initially unable to open her eyes, Minx writhed against the ground, a sharp pain radiating through her skull and her pulse skyrocketing. It took her some moments to realize what had happened—to recall the violent blow she'd taken on the hilltop. When she did, she began reflexively to pull at her restraints, but could not loosen the knotted ropes upon her wrists.

  Don't panic. Whatever you do, don't panic. Her mouth felt dry, and she struggled to swallow. She breathed through her nose, attempted to steady her pulse. Her fingers explored the edges of the rope—it was coarse stuff, very tough. Even with a blade in hand, it would have been difficult to cut. Stay calm. You're still alive, after all.

  Minx took stock of herself. Her arms were bound, but she could move them. Her legs, though heavy as lead, were still mobile as well. She reached up gingerly and touched the sore spot on the back of her head, where the club had earlier connected. Her hair was matted with dried blood and the pain was intense, but the blow hadn't caused a severe wound by the looks of it, and it had already begun to heal. All told, she was in reasonable shape. She focused once again on calming herself and waited for her senses to stabilize. You've gone through worse than this. Much worse. Take a few minutes to get your feet under you. When you find a way to get these ropes off, they're going to wish they'd killed you when they had the chance...

  She heard voices nearby, but recognized none of them. These voices... It must be the Wuffs, she realized. Minx struggled again, her arms quivering as she tensed against her bonds. There was nothing for it; her bones would break before the ropes would give. She sucked in a deep breath, trying to stave off the dizzying pain of her head wound. She felt the ground beneath her, sensed blades of cool grass against her flesh. Where was she? Had she been taken far from the hilltop? Where was Mau?

  This latter question proved the most pressing. Minx reached out to the Faelyr telepathically. Mau, are you there? Can you hear me? She grit her teeth, eyes gradually opening. Mau? Please, talk to me. If you can hear me, please say so. I... I just woke up. I was hit on the head... I... I don't know where we are. I think we've been taken prisoner by Wuffs. She waited with bated breath for an answer. Unless the distance between them was great—or something was interfering with their mental link—the two of them were always able to maintain telepathic contact.

  There was no reply, though. All around her, she heard the mutterings of her captors, the Wuffs, and nothing more.

  It was all Minx could do not to fall into complete and utter panic. Waking up injured and bound—a prisoner—was bad enough. Realizing that she could not communicate with her partner left her chilled to the bone, however. Is she all right? Did they do something to her? Maybe she's out of range... or maybe they... Minx wrestled against morbid thoughts and instead focused on recovery. One thing at a time. Try and open your eyes, look around. Then, if you can, stand up. You can work on the ropes afterward...

  This wasn't the first time that Minx had been cut off from Mau. During her previous journey, in the run-up to the great battle, she had been temporarily separated from the Faelyr. Mau had been kidnapped by Alla, the Fae-dragon hybrid, and had been given a curious collar—an invention of the Zuscha—which had prevented her from using her telepathic abilities. Perhaps Mau was nearby, but the Wuffs had utilized a similar tool to keep them from communicating.

  Minx struggled to stabilize her breathing, and all the while her head ached as though on the verge of splitting. Her vision was slow to return, and even when she could make out her nearest surroundings, everything in view wobbled unsteadily. She cursed herself, wishing she'd been more careful. If you hadn't been moping, distracted, they wouldn't have gotten the jump on you. What were you thinking? The hillside is crawling with warriors.

  Fighting to regain her senses, another voice seemed to intrude on her thoughts. Maybe they should have just killed you, she thought. Her chest tightened in despair. What's the sense in fighting? You can't compete against these odds. You and Mau can't turn back the tide. Two fighters can't win the war—not on their own. You were delusional to think that you could ever make a difference...

  Once again, she heard the Wuffs chattering amongst themselves. They sounded amused, content with their quarry. She tried to look at them, to get a feel for the area, but her vision was so blurred she couldn't even tell what time of day it was. All the while, the despairing voice continued to sow doubt and bitterness within her.

  Why fight anymore? The Fae did this to themselves, didn't they? We've always been a prideful race—have always thought less of others. Considering we've spent generations spitting on the dragons, why should we be surprised that they hate us? We never even bothered to learn about other races. We simply convinced ourselves of our innate superiority. Why would they help us in our hour of need, knowing how dismissive we've been of them? I have always loved and served my people... but in this, we have made a terrible error. Our lack of allies... our lack of alliances with other societies... we only have ourselves to blame. When the Fae have been destroyed... when our cities have been dominated and Heilo Lake has been conquered, it will be our fault. We won't be able to pin the blame on anyone else this time around...

  She'd been cognizant for some minutes now. Chasing out the negative thoughts, she focused instead on her recovery. Her sight still lacked perfect clarity, but things were beginning to improve. In the dubious shadows that her eyes initially picked up, she could nearly make out concrete shapes—living, moving figures. She closed her eyes a moment, taking several breaths and giving her senses another chance to catch up. Just relax. You're fine—they didn't hurt you nearly as badly as they could have. Don't panic and you'll be OK.

  Minx tried once again to focus her vision. Blinking hard, she fixed her gaze on the dim sky above. Then, listing to the right, she scanned what appeared to be a handful of Wuffs seated on the ground, chatting. None of them noticed her—she was nothing to them but cargo, by the looks of it. She tried counting them, her blurred vision coming up with something like seven in all. She searched am
ongst them for signs of Mau, of Strider, but came up short.

  Less than a dozen, it seems. I'm sure they have my weapons locked up, and it's going to take me awhile to regain my strength. There has to be something around here I can use to cut these ropes with. I could even try loosening the knots with my teeth—provided they don't notice. As soon as I feel up to it, I think I can take them on. Better still, if I attack them while they're distracted, they won't know what hit them...

  She spent a long moment scanning the nearby mass of Wuffs, and discovered amongst them a shape that didn't fit. It was neither the horse nor the Faelyr; the figure in her sights was humanoid, but differed from the Wuffs in some crucial way. She rubbed at her eyes with her forearm and focused once again.

  The longer she stared, the more certain Minx became that she knew this person.

  And not only did she recognize the figure—she found it was someone she'd never expected to see again.

  Her gaze drifted leftward in an attempt to keep the shuffling figure in frame. It was that of a young woman; and more than that, Minx's assessment brought to light other features that further solidified her initial suspicion. The young woman, wan and silent, was striking for the cloudiness of her wide eyes. Her long, silvery hair reached well past her elbows, and her hands—quite out of step with the rest of her delicate features—were green and scaly. Dragon-like.

  Minx raised her aching head a few inches from the ground, her dry lips struggling to spit out a single word. “A...A... Alla...?” she blurted.

  That exclamation used up all of her energy. Her pulse soared the moment that Alla turned and met her baffled gaze, and the shock proved too much for her system in its current state. Minx dove once again into unconsciousness, her body going slack against the ground.