Daegal pulled open the door before lacing our fingers together and leading me into the early morning. Snow had fallen overnight, dusting the forest floor in white. The others were already dressed and ready to go, standing beneath the rising sun.
Xander and Aileana hugged the witch, murmuring their goodbyes as the sun glinted off the various weapons hanging from their bodies. Kysha and Maiela were also armed, their unstrung bows hanging on their backs as they chatted quietly nearby.
I faltered, looking at all of them. Each of them was a fighter, equipped for this quest in a way that I would never be. They bore thick canvas bags, matching the one Daegal had given me. The difference was that I already felt the heavy weight of the pack, and the others looked like they didn’t mind the bags at all. Of course not. They were probably used to this kind of thing. Not me. All I had was my magic, and that was still… questionable, at best.
As if in response to my train of thought, my power pulsed in my veins. Its hum was a low, steady beat as Daegal squeezed my hand, leading me toward the others.
Aileana looked up, her red hair partially covered by her hood, and she smiled. “Good morning, Ryllae,” she said warmly.
“Morning,” I replied softly, leaning against Daegal. He was like a safe place in a storm, providing me shelter as five pairs of eyes turned to me at once.
The others glanced at me with kindness, but I despised being the center of their attention. I didn’t remember being so attention-averse before my time in prison, but now I hated when people looked at me. I couldn’t help but shudder beneath their gaze.
Daegal must have noticed my discomfort, because he slung his arm over my shoulder and drew me to his side. “Are we ready?”
Aileana straightened. “We are.”
“Thank you for everything, Nonna.” Bending, Xander pecked his grandmother’s cheek. “We’ll come back as soon as we can.”
A shadow passed over the witch’s face, but it was gone as quickly as it arrived. “Of course.” She smiled, squeezing Xander’s hand before stepping back. “Be safe, young ones. Follow the path of light. Look after each other and remember—the six of you have been chosen for a reason. Never forget that. Ithenmyr needs you.”
Nonna turned to Daegal and I. “Take care of each other, you two.” Her lips curved up into a soft smile. “Your auras tell a very interesting story. I hope you find refuge in each other when times are dire.”
We both thanked her—what else was there to say to such a comment—and then she turned to Maiela and Kysha. “It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know the two of you over the past few months. Stay safe, and remember, lean on each other through the storms ahead.”
“We will, Elsbeth,” Maiela said.
“I’ll never forget what you’ve taught me,” was Kysha’s response.
Nonna smiled. “You are a strong halfling. The strongest I’ve ever met. Never forget that, dear one.” Then she turned to Aileana and Xander, speaking so quietly, her words were lost to the wind.
Then it was time to go.
Goodbyes were never easy. This one was harder than most. Though I had known Nonna for a short time, I felt a kinship with the witch.
I couldn’t help but feel as though after today, nothing would ever be the same. But as I glanced at the Fortune Elf beside me, the hood of his cloak hiding his face in shadows, I knew it would be okay.
With Daegal by my side, I could do anything. Conquer anything. He was my strength, my sword, my protector.
He was my everything.
There is Beauty in Death
DAEGAL
Darkness was no longer a looming possibility in the future, something in the distance that haunted my visions. It was no longer coming. Like a nightmare turned into reality, the darkness washere. It was present and powerful, making itself known at every turn. Something had flipped in Ithenmyr. When Edgar died and Saena stole his magic, the fracture in the balance had completely snapped.
Now, darkness as black and murky as an endless night was everywhere.
We hiked through the seemingly endless woods, surrounded by evidence of the broken balance. I had spent decades in the wilds of Ithenmyr, making my living traveling from one city to the other and working as a Seer for anyone willing to pay. I knew these woods intimately, and nothing was as it should be.
Perhaps even more eerie than the blackened hue of the countless trees was the silence permeating the air. Since leaving Nonna’s cottage, I hadn’t heard a single bird calling or an animal rustling. Even the falling snow was silent as it coated the dark, unnatural woods. It was as though the entire land was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.
It wasn’t a surprise. At least, not to me.
Evil was falling. I knew it. Mai did, too.
The dark, empty forest was just further confirmation. Evil would be here before we knew it. Danger lurked in the darkness. Evil hid in the shadows like a lion, awaiting the perfect moment to pounce. It wouldn’t be long now until it was everywhere.