Page 23 of A Lick of Flame

Franny waves her hand dismissively. “Of course. Think nothing of it. I’m sure if Mother Trinity sent you, then there will be a good reason.”

I sigh. “Thank you. I swear we’ll make it up to you.” I need to stop; she’ll start becoming suspicious.

“It’s fine…really. Xander’s trunk is over there; take whatever you need. Are you sure I can’t interest you in some stew?” She points at a large black pot hanging over the fireplace.

“I am fine. Perhaps I could fill my skin in your spring.” I take the half-empty skin from my shoulder, holding it up.

“Of course,” Franny says.

“Let me help you with that.” Thomas takes the skin and heads out the front door.

I go over to the trunk and begin rummaging through it. I pick various items, including breeches and tunics. I say a prayer of thanks when I find a cloak complete with a large hood. I use one of the larger tunics as a makeshift bag, wrapping all the clothing up with it and tying a knot.

Franny hands me a thick, oilskin jacket. “This should do it,” she says.

“One other thing.” I make a face like I almost forgot. “Silly me.” I try hard to sound natural, but I’m sure I’m failing.

If Franny notices, she doesn’t let on. “What is it? Food? A nice bag of potatoes?”

“Yes, that would be great, but no, I need swords. Two or three will do. The Mother is insisting that we start practicing immediately. She was quite taken with Thesha. We all are.”

I see Franny’s face drop at the mention of her friend.

“I’m sorry.” I touch the side of her arm. “Thesha is the strongest woman I know and very resourceful, and if anyone can escape the Blood Court, it’s her.”

Her face brightens, but only a little. “You’re right.” She nods. “We have to stay positive; it’s what both she and Xander would want. We’ll keep this place running until they come back.” She looks around. “I’ve never stayed in such a beautiful place,” she gushes. “How can a person be happy and sad all at once?”

“Of course it’s possible. You need to think positive thoughts.” I decide I’m going to take my own advice and smile.

“You’re right.” Franny nods just as Thomas comes back inside with a full skin. “You’re all set,” he says.

“Please, can you fetch Maya a couple of swords, my lover?” She winks at him.

“Swords?” He widens his eyes.

“I’ll explain everything. The lovely Maya needs to get going. We’ll be out back, tacking up some horses.”

“Of course, Franny, my love.” He winks at her.

It isn’t long before I am turning in the saddle and waving at Franny and Thomas. I sit astride a lovely, big, black horse and lead a second sorrel mare behind us. All of the supplies have been strapped to the saddles. The saddle bags are full of potatoes and the clothing I borrowed for Orion.

I was right; riding a horse is not something you forget. The reins feel natural in my hands. The smell of the horse and the soothing motion as he walks feels natural, too. Like this is a normal, everyday affair. I feel anything but normal inside. I wave one last time, vowing to return everything as soon as I can. I only hope that Franny and Thomas never learn of my deceit. When I get back to where I left Orion, he is nowhere to be found.

11

Orion

As we leave the valley, the countryside quickly transforms into a desolate wasteland as far as the eye can see. The ground is slick with mud, making every step treacherous. We pass through what used to be lush forests, now reduced to skeletal remnants of trees stripped bare of their leaves. Barely surviving bushes cling to life – only barely – their branches twisted and gnarled.

A putrid stench hangs heavy in the air, a sickening mixture of decay and death. It’s a bleak reminder of just how harsh and unforgiving our realm has become. After my time in the pit, I had almost forgotten. I think it may be worse now than ever.

Our mounts are thankfully surefooted and willing as we pick our way through what was once the Redstar Forest. There isn’t much left, just clumps of dead or dying trees and rotting wood.

Night is already falling. I look up at the gray sky. “We need to forge on for a little longer,” I tell the human. She is still sitting tall in the saddle, like she was made for riding and adventure.

She ignores me flat.

“You can’t still be upset with me.”

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