Page 8 of Quest

I knew that if we were closer to the capital, the towns would look different; generations of royal intermarriage with other nations had brought their influence into Lumeria. But in this rural area far from King Ciaran’s palace, the land looked much as it had for centuries. No matter where I looked, I could see no evidence of the stains of inky darkness that had previously consumed the land.

“This part of the kingdom appears fine.” The light had been restored, the crops were thriving, and the curse that had afflicted us now seemed like nothing more than a distant nightmare.

Gravity deepened his serious expression as he met my gaze. “Appearances can be deceiving. I’m surprised an herbalist who has a deep familiarity with plants is so focused on what grows at surface level that you fail to remember the roots hiding just out of sight. If you look more closely, you will realize that while the sun might have returned to the skies, the land still bears the curse’s deep scars that have yet to fade.”

He gestured back out across the valley, inviting me to take a closer look. Upon closer examination I began to see past the tranquil beauty and noticed that the idyllic scene stretching before us wasn’t without its blemishes. Scattered patches of darkness stubbornly clung to the land like ink stains on a beautifully calligraphed scroll. Where light touched, life thrived in vibrant bursts…but in the shadowed nooks of the mountains and the deeper valleys a quiet struggle persisted, subtle reminders of the curse that had once enveloped the region in an unnatural night.

This dichotomy between the illuminated peaks and the shadowed valleys echoed the lingering effects of the curse, suggesting that although the visible darkness had been driven back, remnants of its power still seeped through the soil, stifling the full revival of the land. Fear cinched my heart as I absorbed this panorama—our quest seemed to not only be a journey across physical distances but also a battle against these lingering shadows that threatened to pull the land back into darkness, one that would undoubtedly require more of my resolve than the exhausting journey so far.

Just what quest had I agreed to undertake?

My worry and exhaustion must have penetrated my façade of calm and competence, for the prince’s brow furrowed, the first evidence of concern. His curious gaze sought the herbs bulging from my bag. “With your professed skills I imagine you can create a potion you need to endure the road ahead.”

“I have enough to create several different types of strengthening tonics,” I said. “But it seems too early to use my precious reserves, and far too selfish to do it on myself when you forced me on this quest to benefit the entourage.”

“Of which you are a member,” he said. “Your skills will be of no use to us if you die from overexertion the first day of our journey, and it benefits the entire group and our mission if you are able to keep up with us. Create a strengthening tonic.”

His clipped order left no room for argument. He stood to leave, but he’d only taken a few steps when he paused, as if his conscience bade him linger. After a moment’s deliberation he spoke without turning around, as if unable to look me in the eye.

“I recruited your father without thinking. I was so focused on Lumeria’s greater need that I failed to consider those pertaining to one of my individual subjects. This quest would have been too much for him and you were right to take his place. My apologies.”

Without another word he departed, leaving me staring at his retreating back in a daze. I gave my head a rigid shake to yank my thoughts away from the strange roads they’d been meandering against my will and focused my attention on my potion; with my weakened body and aching limbs, I needed no further convincing to concoct a strengthening draft.

I rummaged through the herbs I had meticulously packed: a handful of ginseng for vitality, some nettle to fortify endurance, and a few dried goji berries known for their rich, restorative properties. Using the stream’s water, I set a small pot to boil over a makeshift fire, adding each herb with practiced precision. The air filled with a rejuvenating aroma as the concoction simmered, blending earthy tones with a hint of sweetness.

I focused my energy as I slowly stirred the mixture, whispering an old incantation for strength that my father had taught me; each syllable wove through the liquid, deepening its potency. This potion would not only sustain me physically but bolster my resolve for the challenges that lay ahead.

I was so engrossed in my preparations that I didn’t immediately notice Kael had settled beside me in the prince’s previously occupied place. I startled, but he simply offered a friendly smile as he extended a flask. I eyed it warily, but rather than my suspicion offending him he merely chuckled.

“Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned; that is likely your area of expertise.” He offered a playful wink.

The corner of my lips lifted slightly as I reluctantly accepted it. The water was cool and refreshing on my parched throat, offering temporary relief, so I continued speaking the spell for my strengthening potion.

Even after I returned his flask Kael’s presence lingered, watching me with unabashed curiosity…and he wasn’t the only one. Though Sir Jiang seemed entirely preoccupied performing practice swings with his sword, I noticed Prince Darcel’s gaze repeatedly dart in my direction, as if studying my abilities as I worked to ensure I could be relied upon for the journey ahead.

Kael followed my gaze to where the prince productively used his rest time to sharpen his sword. “I know he can be harsh, but don’t take his words to heart; he’s simply concerned about his people.”

“Consideration he doesn’t seem inclined to extend to those he uses as nothing more than a mere tool,” I snapped.

Kael frowned. “If that were true, he wouldn’t have stopped to rest when you needed it despite time being pressing.”

“It was likely less for my sake and more not to lose my valuable knowledge too soon.”

Kael shrugged. “There is undoubtedly some truth to that, but you mustn’t be so hard on him. The years of darkness that ravaged the land affected all of us in different ways. But though the shadows might have hardened him, he has a good heart.”

I hastily disguised the contemptuous snort that emerged as a cough. By Kael’s chuckle he had clearly heard it, but he was polite enough not to mention it. Instead he peered curiously at the bubbling potion. “What are you making?”

“The exhaustion you feigned earlier on my behalf inspired me to create a strengthening potion.” I hesitated a moment, uncertain if it was wise to draw attention to his assistance by expressing my gratitude. “Thank you.” Embarrassment caused my voice to emerge soft and uncertain.

“In my line of work gathering allies is just as invaluable as the skills in my arsenal…though I didn’t use a lie to assist you; I truly did have a mission last night.”

Curiosity piqued, I cast him a sidelong glance. “What sort of work do you do?”

He wriggled his eyebrows mischievously. “It’s a secret.”

Considering how closely I guarded my own secret I didn’t press the matter. I did my best to ignore Kael’s observation as I continued to work. Something about his presence unsettled me; perhaps my own deceit had made me paranoid, but I couldn’t help but detect something almost sinister lurking beneath his show of concern.

Once the tonic was ready, I carefully divided the revitalizing liquid into four flasks—one for each member of our party; though their endurance far exceeded mine, they could still benefit from the healing magic, not to mention I was determined to salvage the reputation my demonstration of weakness had already ruined.

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