“With respect, sir, I don’t always find that to be true.”
With a swift swing, Dar was off his horse and went and stood in front of the man. He was a good head taller than the fellow and broader.
“Then perhaps a threat would work better. Tell me or you will be taken to Caerith, and you can tell the king what you refuse to tell me.”
“Nay, sir, nay.” The wanderer shifted his weight, his gaze flicking past Dar to the trees, then back again, as if fearful of being seen or heard. He lowered his voice. “I saw him and I wish I hadn’t.”
“Tell me,” Dar commanded, leaving no room for him to refuse.
The man drew a breath, then let it out slow. “Two nights ago. There was more than a chill in the air, and I could find no place to shelter. I smelled a cook fire and hoped it was a fellow wanderer, and he would share the heat of his campfire and the fish that was cooking. But I know the dangers of traveling the road, so I kept my steps light so I could peek past the trees and make sure no trouble sat by the fire.” He paled. “I wish I hadn’t.”
Dar waited for him to continue.
“What I saw froze me for a moment. When my senses returned, I hurried away quietly and got as far away as I could.”
“What did you see that frightened you?”
The wanderer hesitated and when he spoke it was with a tremor. “Another man sat with him, his face hidden by his hood.” He swallowed hard. “And on his shoulder—” He paused swallowing hard again. “Stood a fairy, her tiny wings still, and a soft blue light glowing around her.”
Elara heard and her first thought was… Amelia? Could it have been her?
“Had you been drinking?” Dar asked, looking for a reasonable explanation.
“I wish I had been.” He shook his head. “But nay, I hadn’t a drop all day, though after seeing that I could have used a whole jug of ale.”
“Are you sure it was a fairy?” Dar asked.
“The blue light glowing around her made it hard not to see her. She was as clear to me as you are here standing in front of me.”
Elara’s fingers tightened around her cloak.
Dar had more questions for the man. “The wanderer wasn’t disturbed by the presence of the fairy?”
“He didn’t appear so, but I didn’t linger, I left in haste wanting no part of it. Please, sir, my lips are sealed. I will not say a word of this to anyone,” he pleaded. “I just want to be left alone to wander.”
“Hold your tongue and you’ll have no trouble,” Dar said.
“Aye, sir, aye. I swear, I’ll not say a word,” the wanderer promised.
“Where did you see this fairy?”
“Outside of the village of Ancrum.”
“Be on your way,” Dar said, turning and mounting his horse. “And make sure to hold your tongue.”
The man nodded as he rushed off and when he was out of sight, Dar motioned to one of his men who rode up to stop alongside him.
“Follow him and as soon as he goes to tell the tale, get hold of him and take him to my father. Explain what happened and tell him that I will find proof fae folk have left Driochmor.”
Elara realized that Hunters never spoke words that suggested they might find what they search for. It was always that they would find, would succeed in their hunt.
The Hunter rode off without question or fear and a sharpness in his eyes like an animal eager to follow and catch his prey.
“You are so sure the wanderer will not keep his word?” she asked as they followed the road ahead.
“He will not be able to resist. Such a tall tale would bring him not only food and shelter but coins as well. And it takes only one person to believe it more truth than tale to start it spreading and people becoming fearful that it could be true.”
“You don’t believe it is?” she asked, worried what might happen if she told him about Amelia.