Page 37 of Beyond the Faerie Gate

Rhoswyn

We make camp by the side of the road long after darkness has fallen. It’s a peaceful place, surrounded by meadows and tall, flowering bushes which perfume the air with sweetness.

I get the feeling that Drystan is disappointed with our progress, but he says nothing as he waves his hand at a pile of kindling. It catches light, going from soggy wood to roaring blaze in an instant, and I shiver at the sudden warmth that washes over me.

“Can I learn how to do that?” I ask, raising my hands toward the flames so I can warm them.

It may be spring here, but the night is no warmer for it.

“It’s unlikely your magic will be fire based,” Jaro mumbles, already half-asleep in his bedroll. “You’d feel a connection with it if it was.”

I purse my lips, thinking of how many ‘connections’ I’m supposed to be able to feel. “Connection to Danu, to my Guards, to my magic. Is there anything in Faerie I’m not supposed to be connected to?”

“Nope. You’re the bridge between Danu and the land. Connected to all things.” Jaro yawns. “Part of the role of Nicnevin, I’m afraid…”

He trails off, and his breathing deepens. I’ve never seen anyone fall asleep so fast before, and I envy him as I eye my own bedroll.

Sleeping on the ground can’t be that bad, right?

“Are you hungry?” Drystan asks, and I flinch at the unexpected question.

He glowers at the flames in response, and I grimace, knowing that I’ve disappointed him again. Fortunately, my stomach chooses to answer for me, sparing me from opening my mouth and somehow annoying him further.

“Here.” He takes a parcel wrapped in leaves from his pack and throws it to me. “I’ve got muddlevein tea as well, if you’re cold.”

At my blank look, he huffs out an aggravated breath, gets up, and presses a flask into my hands, before returning to his spot opposite the fire. “It warms you up.”

I unscrew the lid and take a sip. It’s a bitter drink, with a sharp edge, but not unpleasant. Each mouthful spreads a pleasant warmth through my body, making my fingertips tingle.

I put the flask down after a few mouthfuls, then unwrap the leaves from what seems like a slice of bread. When I bite into it, it has the texture of cake, but less of the sweetness, and tastes faintly of citrus.

A few careful nibbles later and I decide I like it, but I don’t dare ask Drystan for the name, and none of my guides are around to ask.

“Are you always this quiet?” he demands, a few minutes later.

I open my mouth, then close it as I think better of it.

His soft snort of derision is what provokes me.

“I got the impression you weren’t interested in having a conversation with a skittish mortal in fae skin.” I toss his earlier words back at him.

We both freeze.

Shoot. I shouldn’t have said that.

There’s a dark, predatory glint in his eyes as he finally looks directly at me.

“Did Jaro tell you I said that?”

My relief is instant, and I have to work hard to stop it from showing on my face. Of course, the logical answer is that his friend tattled on him. He’d have to be insane to think that I somehow know how to speak Fae.

I want to agree with him, but the words won’t come out. Damn this stupid fae inability to lie.

“So you’re smart enough to keep secrets,” he murmurs, looking away and rubbing his eyes. “That’s something, at least.”

“If you think so little of me, why try to talk to me at all?” I whisper, hugging my knees as I take another bite of the cake-bread.

“I don’t know,” he admits, frowning.

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