Fuck me.
For all intents and purposes, the creature looks like a normal Discerni with his leaf-shaped ears and the angular, sharp plains of his face. He also has that same look of indifference that the Discerni carry.
But his skin…
Ancients,his skin.
It’s slippery looking, as if the mud and clay holding him together could begin oozing away at any moment. Most of that skin is hidden by a robe of luxurious brown that hides his hands, arms and the full of his body, but it still doesn’t hide the sheer unnaturalness that is him.
For the first time in my life, I find myself quelling any desire to know what kind of magic holds this creature together.Powerfulmagic, without a doubt. But beautiful?
It’s still curious, though, why Zander would send Golem with me now when he’s never offered before. Can the creature help me? Is the King sending him along to speed up my search? Two years is a long time without anything to show for it…
Or perhaps he’s traveling with me because I’m venturing into foreign lands? Can Golem provide protection? Do I even need protection outside my standard riding group? If I heard the King correctly, not only would I be traveling alongside the second in command of his armies, Prince Desmond, but we’d later be joined by the first in command, the King’s first-born son and heir to the Kingdom, Prince Keane. What more protection could I need?
“You will be safe with my sons, Alex,” the King stands from his chair and pulls open a drawer, “I offer Golem purely as a companion. A friend if you are in need.”
I frown at the statement and stand as well, watching as Zander pulls out two items from the drawer. The first is a clay jar with a small lid sealed on top, the container in full about the size of a small apple.
“I give to you his home, Lady Alexis…” he offers me the jar, “Golem will travel in this. Keep it in a safe and hidden place at all times. Do not lose it and do not let anyone else handle it. That is important, Alex. No one else should handle his home.”
I nod nervously and take the clay pot from his fingers.
“When you ride, Golem will remain inside his jar. He’s not too fond of horses…”
Zander turns a teasing smile on Golem.
The magical creature’s eyes flick to the King in response, his expression unreadable, though I swear I see the tips of his mouth curve up in an agreeing smile.
“Whenever you camp or stop for a break,anytimeyou are not on a horse, open the lid and leave it open so that Golem can appear to you. If you move or want to walk away from your current location, the jar can remain open and unattended in a safe and hidden space, but do not tread too far from it. My advice would be to keep his home open and in your bag at most times. Do not be fearful that it will break.”
My mind moves in a thousand different directions trying to remember the details.
“I have use of him for the rest of the day, but tomorrow, when you leave at dawn, Golem will be with you in his jar.”
I carefully tuck his home into my bag.
“Also,” the King adds, “do not, under any circumstances, hand the jar over to anyone else but me.”
I nod diligently.
“Last…” he hands me a brown velvet pouch full of clinking coins, “cinerin. For the warmer wardrobe and your travels.”
My hand trembles as I take the pouch, my head shaking in disbelief at his never-ending kindness.
I don’t deserve this. Don’t deserve him oranyof this.
Zander walks around his large desk and gently places his hands on my shoulders, his strong fingers squeezing in reassurance.
“Youdodeserve this, Alex,” he replies, kind blue eyes holding mine, “don’t ever doubt your worth. Your presence in this Court and Kingdom has been a pleasure to uphold, and watching you grow has been nothing short of enjoyable…”
I stare into his warm gaze, truly not knowing how to respond.
“Now,” he continues with a smile, “I suggest you buy another green agate blade to take with you on your travel as well. And keep up your exercises with Cal. I’ll make sure Desmond adds him to the group along with Holis and Mana.”
I smile at the King and the knowledge that I’ll have my normal traveling crew with me for the journey. He continues to watch me intently, hands lifting from my shoulders before he leans in to kiss the top of my head.
“I know I took your time away from the Palisades this morning. Go. Have fun. For I suspect tomorrow will bring the beginning of a long, hard journey for you.”
