Dar scoffed. “The fae folk were banished to Driochmor.”
“How can magic, sorcery, witchcraft, whatever name you want to give it, be banished?”
“King Halric, Dravic’s grandfather, negotiated the surrender of such creatures. Little is known about it, but when the negotiations were done… sorcery was seen no more in Scotara. If the wanderer’s story is true and he saw a fae folk, then it could mean that whatever agreement had been made… has been broken.” His mind churned with possibilities of what it could mean. “If Tharne of Drogath seeks Driochmor’s help, makes promises of freedom to them, and it is granted, it could mean Scotara’s defeat.”
Elara sat silent in her saddle, the dire possibility frightening as well as the pledge of honesty they had shared. She could not hold her tongue. She would have to tell him about Amelia, but first she would speak to Amelia and see if she was the one with the man. And warn her that a fae folk had been seen.
“Stay here,” Dar ordered Elara and rode off to speak with his men.
Her thoughts remained on getting word to Amelia. But how could she do that?
She glanced around and whispered, “The forest.”
It would take her message to Amelia.
She focused on the trees, the birds she spotted, the squirrels high up on the branches.
She concentrated and let her thoughts send the message. Take word to Amelia. I must speak with her. Warn her to be cautious. Fae has been seen.
The trees began to whisper, the birds took flight, and the squirrels hurried off. Her message was on the way.
Dar eased his horse beside hers.
She turned worried eyes on him. “Do you intend to hunt and capture a fae?”
“Fae folk are not easy to track or capture and nearly impossible to keep if by chance one is caught. My word is trusted. I need only see one myself to offer proof.” Dar’s brow narrowed in question as they continued along the road. “Do you think the possible sudden appearance of the fae folk has anything to do with the healer we search for?”
Her eyes widened, wondering what Amelia might know yet didn’t tell her. “I hadn’t given that thought, but perhaps we will find a connection along the way. I assume we go to Ancrum.”
“Aye,” he said, his eyes focused on the road ahead. “We go there to see if we can find both men and see if there is talk of fae folk being spotted.”
“And your word the fae have shown themselves will be good enough for the king to accept?” she asked, worried the king would want more proof.
“The king will accept my word that the fae have been spotted, but he will want one captured so he can find out if the fae are the only ones who broke the agreement that his grandfather had secured.”
“And the Hunters will hunt them?” she asked, though knew his response.
“Aye, the Hunters will capture one of them and take it to the king.”
“But you said they were not easy to track or capture and nearly impossible to keep if caught,” she reminded him.
“For most, but not for a Hunter.”
Elara turned quiet. How did she keep her pledge to him and protect Amelia at the same time? She didn’t know and until she could figure something out, she would say nothing.
The fire burned low, its flames muted and steady, casting a soft glow across the small clearing. Dar had chosen the place well, trees close enough to shelter them from the wind, but not so tight they trapped the smoke. His men were spread out beyond the firelight, silent shadows on watch, their presence felt rather than seen.
Elara sat between Dar’s legs, her back resting against his chest, his arms wrapped around her as if she belonged there. Not claimed nor guarded. Simply held.
She fit against him with an ease that still surprised her.
The forest hummed quietly around them—night insects, the faint rustle of leaves, the distant call of something moving through the dark. Safe, for now.
Dar shifted slightly, adjusting the blanket around her shoulders, his chin resting briefly against her hair. He smelled of leather, smoke, and the night air. Solid and steady.
She broke the silence softly. “When we reach Ancrum, I want to enter the village alone.”
His arms tightened around her. “Nay.”