Page 29 of A Lick of Flame

We walk back to the fire, and I throw on a couple of logs, just in case those hy-wolves decide to come for us instead. I can’t stop looking at the human across from me as the firelight dances across her face. She is still smiling, and I am floored by her beauty.

She looks my way. “You are staring at me again.”

“Only because I am in awe of you. Of your courage and of your skill with animals. It is amazing to watch.”

Her cheeks tinge pink.

“I could not have helped that darkus without you,” I go on. “It feels good. I feel so good to be of service. For the first time in a very long time, I helped instead of hindered.” For a moment, I am unable to say anything. My throat clogs. My chest tightens. “I healed instead of killed.” I look at my hands, still seeing blood there. “I was forced to kill these creatures. The ones I swore to serve and protect. I told you that I didn’t know why my magic wasn’t working correctly, but deep down inside, I think I know why. I just didn’t want to admit it. I’m ashamed. You see, I was thrown in that pit week after week. Every single time, I chose to kill. I chose it.” I hit my chest. I didn’t know who I was…not really, but I felt it deep down inside. I chose the path that felt wrong. “I killed creatures I swore to protect with my life.”

“You didn’t have a choice.”

“There is always a choice.” My voice breaks a little.

“I’m sorry, Orion.” It is the first time she has called me by my name, and it warms me.

“I am sorry, too, and I am grateful to you for showing me another way.”

“You slid under the hoof of a darkus. That was all you,” she tells me.

I nod a few times. “I will have to make it up to them.” I can feel that this is my path. I need to right wrongs. I need to tip the scales back to where they were before I was lost.

We sit on our bedrolls next to the hissing fire. I can barely see the female through all the smoke.

“It’s Maya…my name.” Her voice is soft. “It’s Maya, and I have been at the orphanage since I was fourteen. Ten long years.”

“It’s good to meet you, Maya.” I smile. I can’t help it. This is big. For the first time in a long time, I light right up inside.

Then she gets into her bedroll, pulling her blanket up almost over her head. “I think it’s still your shift,” she says. There is a lilt to her voice that makes me think that she might be smiling.

My smile widens in response. “It is, indeed. Rest easy, Maya.”

“Don’t forget to wake me up.” Then, to my amazement, she falls asleep, her breathing deepening and slowing.

13

Maya

We set off the next morning in the rain. The terrain soon shifts drastically, transforming into a rocky wasteland that is even more barren and lifeless than before. The previously sparse vegetation disappears completely, leaving only scattered boulders and dusty earth in its place. It’s clear from the lack of mud and puddles that it rains far less in these parts, which is something. The relentless bad weather can wear on a person. The sky is still gray and muted, with a thick haze blocking the sun, but it is lighter without the heavy rain clouds.

Our trusty mounts expertly navigate the treacherous landscape, their hooves finding purchase on the uneven, rocky ground.

We ride in silence.

Orion seems to be on his guard, constantly scanning the horizon, even looking back over his shoulder from time to time. He seems to grow more and more agitated with each passing furlong.

“What is it?” I finally ask him after watching him turn in his saddle for the tenth time in as many minutes.

He shakes his head. “Nothing. We’re good.”

I don’t believe him, but I leave it be…for now.

We keep going at a brisk walk. There is the odd opportunity to jog, but only for short periods.

I catch Orion looking behind us yet again. He does it quickly, perhaps hoping I won’t see him doing it.

“No, really, why do you keep doing that? I can see that you’re worried about something. You keep looking over your shoulder. Are we being followed?”

“I’m concerned because we’re at the most treacherous part of our journey. It’s going to take us two days to get through the Hourglass, with the middle section holding the most danger.”

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