Page 77 of Synodic

It wasn’t quite dark enough for me to start my mission yet, but I knew if I sat down, even for a moment, I would plummet into my fatigue and not rise for days, so I began perusing Rowen’s room more intently than ever.

Since commandeering his home, I’d opted to give him as much privacy as I could, but now I was too curious. I wanted to know who Fou was. Maybe there was a clue as to who Rowen called out to in the dark—the name he uttered when he thought no one was listening.

I continued to snack on the platter as I searched the room for a picture, token, or mention of who Fou might be. Then I remembered my first night here, all the journals that had been stacked at his desk. Most of them were gone now, but a few still remained and I leafed through them, skimming over paged star charts, maps, and ancient moon patterns.

I bit into a dried forest berry as I stopped on a page detailing the locations and terrains of surrounding providences and sovereignties. I’d heard mention of a few of them in passing, but the Wyn people didn’t seem to have any foreign relations to speak of. There was little need of it as they made and grew everything they required.

I scoured the rest of his room. Any drawer, nook, and cranny, I searched, but I was unable to find a single detail that led to his old life. The only thing that indicated he even had a past at all was the metaled necklace he wore. I kicked myself for not examining it more closely when I had the chance.

Whatever the necklace meant to him, he wore it close to his heart, along with the beaded necklace made in Wyn fashion—his past and present, I now realized.

No closer to solving any of Rowen’s secrets and near time to leave, I walked to his weapon rack and examined the deadly silver pieces. I wasn’t naive enough to go without some form of protection, and I decided on the largest blade to keep me company.

After having used a weapon, and coming in way too close contact with my enemy, I wanted the lengthiest and biggest weapon I could find. The longer the reach, the better. I strapped the hefty blade to my leg with one of Rowen’s spare thigh sheaths, and adjusted the strap to fit my leg.

I’d never carried a weapon like this before, and I had to admit, I looked like a badass.

I let the thought fill me with confidence because I knew if I didn’t leave right now, I never would.

Now that it was dark enough, I slowly rotated the round door and squeezed myself out of Rowen’s dome. A villager walked by and I pressed myself flat against the outside wall, holding my breath. I didn’t want to be seen. I knew if I was spotted it wouldn’t take long for word to spread. My presence here was still somewhat of an exhibition.

I carefully traversed the village, taking refuge in the darkest of shadows, watching, waiting, ensuring no stray villager saw me in the night. I was almost at the outskirts of town, barely breathing as I carefully maneuvered my way through the wooden domes.

Just a few more steps and I would be in the clear.

I turned back one last time to ensure no one had seen me. All was silent and empty, and I smiled, pleased with myself that I hadn’t been caught. I flipped around for the final step into the dark forest, but I plowed into something with a solid thud, banging my nose against molded granite.

Momentarily stunned, my eyes focused on the dark figure barring my path. “I’m curious. Was that you trying to be sneaky, Copeland?” Rowen asked with unexpected delight. “If so, it was quite adorable.”

Damn.

“Don’t try to stop me, Rowen. I’m going.” I said, trying to side-step the mountainous shadow he cast me in.

“I see that,” he said, casually moving to block me. “I just hope the rest of your strategy is a bit more thought-out than your attempt at being stealth.”

“I thought I did pretty good,” I said aggravated, rubbing my tender nose. “How did you spot me anyway? I didn’t even see you.”

“I’ve known all along you meant to go back by yourself. And you’re a fool if you think I’m going to let you go alone.”

“You’re not coming,” I said defiantly. “You’re injured and…and not invited.”

He flashed his bright smile through the darkness. “And just how do you mean to stop me?” he asked casually, then moved so fast my eyes couldn’t follow. His hand suddenly clutched my hip, and I gasped when he tugged me towards him. He removed the weapon from my thigh and proceeded to waggle it in front of me. “With this?”

I tried snatching it from him. “Hey! Give that back!”

“It’s much too heavy for your slight frame. It must be very uncomfortable, and your journey’s only just begun.” He tsked, feigning concern.

It irked me to no end that he was right: the weapon had started to pull on my leg uncomfortably. I wouldn’t let him know that though.

“Here, try this.” He pulled a much thinner blade from his holster, arcing it gracefully through the air. It flashed in the moonlight like a shooting star and I instantly wanted it in my hand. He chuckled at my pining interest and extended it out to me, tucking my old blade in with his.

I attentively curled my fingers over the smooth crystal hilt that thrummed at my touch. It was beautiful and light and felt amazingly balanced in my hand. Without a word, I sheathed the new blade.

It fit like a glove.

“You’re still not coming,” I said, knowing it was childish of me, but I was still bitter about him not defending me when I had initially wanted to go.

“Don’t look at me like that. It was better to wait until tonight anyway. Demil has a hard head, and it wasn’t worth the argument. And while I would prefer it if you didn’t go, I know I can’t stop you.”

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