Page 8 of The Princess of Nothing
Elves, like the fae, were humanoid looking, with pointed ears. However, the elves ears were much longer, and their eyes were wider. Most had long hair tied at the back of their necks into braids. They were able to see better than any other race in the dark, with sharp reflexes. I admired one elf’s sword, which reflected light when he walked. They were always the best at making weapons.
A pinstriped tent blocked the road. I walked down the small path leading past stalls and through the entranceway of the tent. I recognized the tables and the same vipers and charmers as last time. Tiptoeing my way around the area, I maneuvered myself behind four women wearing long yellow dresses made of sheer silk, made so thin it was see-through, revealing the tight gold dress beneath the layers. I emerged to a bar. It had been erected with tables semi-circled together to serve various liquors. Men and women drank, and as they did, the chatter rose and laughter grew louder.
The heaviness of the Ring of Immortalem, still safe in my pocket, reminded me of how I could stop aging, if I wanted to. I had a priceless item on my person and, with it, great power. The lure of immortality was strong, especially when posed with such threat, but Blaise’s warning lingered. They were cursed, I reminded myself, and pulling it from my father’s hand was what had caused him to stop breathing.
“Equs.” I sighed relief when I saw the familiar face of the gatekeeper. Cedric said Equs could lead us to anyone, and now ironically, I needed him to lead me to Cedric. I approached the table. He blinked his white eyelashes and ran his hand over his short, white hair. His tattoos were fading with age, but still beautiful.
“I remember you.” His tone was steady but authoritative as he sat upon his tall throne behind long tables.
“I need your help finding someone.” I reached into my other pocket and pulled out a ruby. It could easily fetch forty gold coins. “I can pay.”
He eyed the red gem and shifted his eyes back up to mine. “Who are you attempting to locate?” His expression was unmoving, giving nothing away.
“Cedric, the faery I was with last time.”
“Ah, yes. I will talk with my network and find his location. It may take some time before I get an answer back.” He held out his hand and flexed his fingers.
Hesitantly, I reached forward but recoiled at the last second. “You can have it when you find him.”
His stare ran cold. “Payment is required up front.”
Neither of us looked away. I clenched my jaw but relented. I handed him the ruby. “I will return at sundown,” I mumbled, remembering how Cedric had shown Equs a lot more respect than I think he deserved, but I needed him to find the only ally I had here. Aside from Birch, but I couldn’t count on her ever being a friend to me again if she was alive, after what I’d given away where they lived in the forest. Then, I didn’t even know if she was. I hoped she’d survived. I couldn’t bear the heaviness on my conscience, where I could be responsible for the demise of one of the few people in my life who had shown me unconditional kindness. If I’d known my father would have gone to attack them, I wouldn’t have said anything.
His stare bore into me. I shifted from one foot to the other. “Thank you,” I said quickly and turned on my heel.I trudged out of the market, shoving the key back into my bag. I creaked the gate open and shut it behind me. The town was bustling with solises crowding stores and taverns.
Turning the corner, I kept my head down and found a narrow, desolate road. I kicked a pebble across the sandy ground as I headed to the docks. The fishy, tangy scent grew stronger as I reached the sand and sea. Sitting on a crumbling wall, I looked out over the beach. It stretched alongside the water. I carefully peeled off my boots and stretched out my aching toes. Curling them into the sand, I watched waves lick the golden sand, the tips bubbling over, pushing a piece of driftwood farther up the beach.
I curled my back, slumping over and pressing my hands against my thighs. My head drooped forward. The minutes ticked into hours, and the sun began to set. Blues turned to reds, then purple blotted the sky. I sat upright. Listening to the waves tumble toward me was the serenity I needed for my aching soul.
Hours fell into each other. I nestled down the side of the back of the wall. I rested my head against the sand and closed my eyes, only for a moment. I enjoyed the sound of the waves, my own lullaby to the pain and guilt I carried. Sleep was waiting for me, an eager friend ready to take me from my cruel fate.
***
Ifluttered my eyesopen. I heard someone calling out to me in my dream. I remembered where I was and sat up, panicked. Night had swallowed the day, covering everything in darkness. Pinpricked stars glistened, and the light from the moon illuminated the tips of the waves in the distance.
“Winter.”
I jumped, scratching my hand against a jagged rock.
“Cedric.” I placed my hand over my racing heartbeat. “I am so relieved you’re here. You got my message?”
“Yes. Equs contacted me through a friend. I was staying not far from here. I flew as soon as I heard you needed me. I went to the market, but you didn’t return as Equs said you would, so I went looking for you.” He smirked. “I figured knowing you, you’d probably gotten yourself into trouble. So what’s happening? You know, everyone thinks you’re dead.”
I wrapped my arms around my waist. “It’s been a difficult year so far.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.” He looked me up and down. “I’m glad you’re not dead. I hoped it wasn’t true.”
I laughed. “Thanks.”
His golden strands were curled around the crown he always wore. His lips were curved into a carefree smile, and he was dressed in naturistic clothing, with a shirt that looked like it was made from tree bark, with green pants to match.
I pointed at his outfit. “The trees must be flattered you stole your look from them.”
He looked down at his outfit and chuckled. “I always liked the way I looked in this, but do you want to know a secret?”
I leaned in closer, and he whispered in my ear. “I prefer wearing normal clothes.”
My eyes bulged. “I wouldn’t have guessed. Why not just wear them then?”
