Wanderers also had knowledge of the forest’s ways and what passed between villages. They carried news as easily as they carried tales. If anyone might know the truth of the king’s command, it would be one such as him.
Without looking back, she said, “You move among many villages. You must hear things.”
“Most villagers are eager for news. It helps to secure meals and shelter, and I am eager to listen so I may spread the word.”
She didn’t hesitate to ask, “What have you heard of the king’s search for a healer?”
He was quiet for a few more steps. “Enough to know it isn’t gossip. The Hunters ride with royal warrant. They take those healers they think might be the one the king searches for… and none return.”
Elara’s brow furrowed. “What happens to them?”
“I don’t know.” His voice was low, roughened by what she didn’t know. “No one does.”
The words lingered heavily between them.
Elara glanced at him, searching for more, but his gaze stayed on the terrain ahead. Whatever he knew—or feared—he had no intention of sharing.
Elara pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders. “You speak as if you’ve seen much.”
“More than I wanted,” he admitted.
“And yet you still walk toward it.”
He gave a small, humorless laugh. “It is a wanderer’s lot in life.”
She looked away, uneasy, and suddenly stopped abruptly.
Dar halted as well, scanning the trees, his hand dropping instinctively toward the dagger at his belt. “What is it?”
Elara turned slowly, eyes narrowing as she listened. The forest held its breath, the rustle of leaves stilled, even the birds fell silent.
“Did you hear that?” she asked.
He frowned. “Hear what?”
“An odd sound, one that does not belong to the forest.”
He listened, the muscles in his jaw tightening. But after a moment, he shook his head. “I hear nothing.”
Elara wanted to believe him, but the echo still thrummed faintly in her ears—low, rhythmic, distant.
Drums.
A chill swept through her. She forced her expression to remain steady and started walking again.
“It’s nothing,” she said, though her voice lacked conviction.
Dar watched her for a moment longer before following.
Elara didn’t look back. The sound had already faded, but she knew what it meant.
They would reach Thornleigh too late. She was certain of it.
Chapter Four
Thornleigh
A Village in Leighfeld