Faethfully Yours: Unbound

Chapter Nine

The horse beneath us whiffed contently as Kheelan pulled the reins and we slowed to a steady trot. After riding hard for about two days without stopping, I was shocked the poor mare didn't just rear and toss us to the ground for having driven her so hard. If only there had been another choice. I wasn't fond of having to flee so soon after arriving in Gri'ah, but the chance of Xanthus tracking my powers was enough to keep us all awake and alert. I'm sure we weren't the only ones that sensed the danger.

After finding Kheelan... after our kiss, we set off instantly for Coleck--the Resistance base camps. By that morning we'd crossed over dozens of uninhabited plains, avoiding all towns along the way. We stuck to the untraveled, uneven grounds of the forest. Everything looked the same, and by that night, it started to feel as if we were going around in circles. It had the same dizzying effect in my head.

 What times we did stop had been for water or debate over the alternate routes leading to Coleck. Vurim insisted we not travel directly there as to dilute my output of lingering powers. That took two days. We left trails of power, weaving loops around places that led to dead ends and cliff ends. On the third sunrise, it was announced that Coleck was our next destination. That's where nervousness swept in on the back of the thick mist we rode through.

 In front of us, Aeval stopped with Vurim close behind. A cool breeze rustled through the thick brambles and trees, sending crimson leaves brushing through the air like red paint strokes. In the midst of it all, Aeval lowered her hood and and tilted back her head, shaking out a flurry of whitish blond hair that whisked in the gentle waves of the breeze. Her cheeks were flushed from the ride, and it made her look more human... approachable even. I admit to a hint of jealousy. I'd been through hell and back and probably looked like it.

 She let out a satisfied sigh and climbed lithely off her horse. She turned to us with a slight giggle. "That was the most excitement I've had in a while-worthwhile excitement at least. You always bring me exactly what I need," she told Kheelan, her blue eyes narrowing playfully. She looked at me then with a beaming smile. "Had it not been at your expense, I would have thanked you."

 From beside her, Vurim scoffed. "I hardly think excitement is the word, Aeval, really," he chastised her, to where she rolled her eyes to the heavens. From behind me, Kheelan chuckled lightly at her expression. I shifted uncomfortably, feeling the rumble of his laugh against my back.

 Vurim continued his diatribe. "She nearly lost her life to that brute, Loch. I told you he should've been dealt with ages ago, but you chose to keep him for whatever maddening reason."

 She wrinkled her nose mockingly at Vurim's anger. "My maddening reason was keeping us safe. Loch was so preoccupied keeping the Resistance out, he didn't even realize they were right under his nose."

 I looked at each of them, my expression asking the question louder than my words ever could. With what information I was given during our journey, I pieced together the pieces of the puzzle. They'd explained Aeval's role in the Resistance, and why she and Vurim were helping us, but the pieces didn't fit into a proper picture by a long shot.

 "So run this by me again," I said to Aeval. "You're not the cold hearted witch I met back at Gri'ah... and you work for the Resistance..."

 Aeval nodded, slipping off her cloak and draping it over her saddle. "That is correct, though I'm certain some still consider me a witch, don't they love?" she said more to her horse, while uttering simple words and stroking it adoringly.

 I thought over what she said and what I'd learned over the past few days. Kheelan took our small reprieve as a chance to dismount. He had little trouble. My legs on the other hand were wobbly, and my thighs felt like I'd been straddling a furnace, instead of a horse.