Page 18 of The Obsidian Curse

“No. But it should be easy enough to find out.”

“While also avoiding most of the locals?” I raised a brow.

“It would definitely be best to avoid the Fireforged.”

“Are the Rootborn Fae any friendlier?”

He took a deep breath. “Friendly is rather a strong term. Slightly less overtly murderous might be a better way to put it.”

Oh joy.

14

niara

Keeran and I headed inland,searching for a road. Within a few hours, we found a well-used path but kept to the tree line on the lookout for any Fireforged Fae.

Maintaining his human form was growing more and more difficult for him. His breathing grew labored and sweat peppered his forehead. I forced us to take regular rest breaks. Fortunately, my meager magecraft was enough to find nearby water and fill our canteen from a few feet away.

At one point, we came across a campsite in a forest clearing that looked to have been abandoned in a hurry. In their rush, they’d left behind a sack of well-used clothing. I dug through to find a pair of pants and a cloak that fit Keeran’s large proportions, though all the shirts were far too small. Still, the brown cloak’s hood covered his bright hair and allowed us to blend in better with the flora.

Throughout the morning, a few lone travelers passed inmotorized contraptions or on dark-furred gredanes trotting along happily. One brave soul even rode a shaggy, single-horned shukan. I made sure to keep a wide berth of that particular creature.

Though we followed the road, which must eventually lead to a town, we had no idea if we were headed toward or away from one of Ignis’s temples, or if we were near one at all. We were in a foreign land, with no coin, no allies, and Keeran was growing weaker all the time.

My spirits were sinking low when a large caravan of travelers approached. Their brightly colored autowagons adorned with bells and chimes marked them as Roamers—nomadic human entertainers who toured the lands giving impressive theatrical performances.

Though the Roamers had never been known to be in conflict with any of the many races on Lunaterra, they were a notoriously tight-knit group. I guessed that no Fireforged would be among their number, as Fae and humans rarely mixed.

Keeran was resting against a tree, his entire body covered in sweat. I made a split-second decision and raced up the embankment and onto the road while the first autowagon was still a hundred feet away.

“Niara, what are you doing?” his voice called out behind me, but it was already done.

The driver was a burly man in his middle years, with tawny skin and salt and pepper hair. I waved my arms over my head, and he obligingly slowed his vehicle.

“May the flow be upon you,” I said automatically, then mentally kicked myself.

His brows climbed into his hairline. “Greetings, Water Mage. What brings you so far from home?”

“A sad circumstance. I was wondering if you might be able to tell me where this road leads. Is there a village nearby?” Hope laced my voice, but the deep exhaustion was also present.

“The town of Leafhollow is but eight miles yonder,” he replied.

I held my breath. “And might that be close to either Neufall, Belward, or Flamescar?”

His smile was kind. “It is but half a day’s ride from there to Belward.”

Relief made my shoulders sag. “Thank you, kind sir. I am greatly appreciative.”

“Would you like a ride, lass?” he asked.

“I have a companion, and he is ill.” I motioned toward the trees. “Would you have room for two?”

Caution crossed his expression, but just then Keeran limped from the tree line. He very deliberately pulled down his hood to reveal his fiery orange-red hair.

This time the Roamer’s surprise was somewhat muted, but from within the wagon, I heard a gasp. We had witnesses, though I’d expected as much.

“A Water Mage and Fireforged traveling together? This day certainly does hold surprises,” the man said, and then invited us onto his wagon.

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