Haunted by the echoes of those old memories, and unable to cope with his grief, Terrick left Swindon. He spent a decade journeying across the land, collecting new books and teaching children to read. But no matter how far he traveled, or how long he stayed away, he’d always been able to call Swindon home. The memories of his family remained preserved in his dwelling, ready to welcome him when his grieving eased. And it had, for a time. I think he found some measure of happiness again when he brought me into his home.
Until I forced him to leave it again. Permanently.
And, although I didn’t fully grasp what he was losing, I knew his sadness was my doing. Guilt rested upon my shoulders; heavier than any milkmaid’s yolk.
This was my fault.
And I’ve never forgiven myself for it.
* * *
Terrick’s faceseemed to age another decade as he strapped our meager possessions to the saddles. He had found a livery willing to sell him two beasts: a wide-chested bay stallion and a small speckled gray pony. I think, perhaps, the livery owner was grateful we were using his animals to leave Swindon.
Terrick spared his home a parting glance before he turned to me, forcing a smile. “There, lass, didn’t I tell you we’d fit all your clothes if we folded them properly? Come now, let’s get you in the saddle…”
The townspeople watched as we departed on that balmy, wintry morning. Some held weapons and regarded me with mistrust and hostility as I followed Terrick through the winding streets. Words swirled through the air.
“That’s not a hybrid. Mark my words.”
“Seruf sent her. I’m certain of it.”
“Why are we allowing it to live?”
“Well, I’ll not be killin’ it and riskin’ Seruf’s wrath.”
Sobs racked through me. They spoke about me as though I were an object they’d taken an aversion to. As though I wasn’thuman.
“It’s alright, lass.” Terrick drew his horse alongside mine and reached over, grasping my shoulder.
I shied away from his touch. He pulled his arm back with a sigh.
Glares and whispers followed us into the forest.
“Pay no mind to what they’ve said,” Terrick told me once we were well clear of Swindon’s borders.
I sniffled and wiped my tears with the back of my hand.
“Fear is an ugly thing, lass. It often makes people say what they do not mean. You are not a monster. You are a hybrid. One…giftedwith an unusual power.”
Gifted?
I thought of Darcie and Grady’s scorched bodies. “It’s not a gift,” I snarled.
“You may not see it as one now—”
“IkilledDarcie.” The words burned my throat.
“I know, lass. You lost control—”
“Then how can you call what I have agift?”The wiry gray strands of my pony’s mane blurred as moisture filled my eyes. The pony flicked his ears back, no doubt sensing my distress.
“You could do great things with your power.” Terrick’s voice remained steady, even as his eyes brightened with unshed tears. “You only need to learn how to control it. I can show you how, lass. We’ll learn together.”
Terrick’s faith in me never wavered.
I only wish it had been rewarded.
* * *
