Islawokestillonedge from the events of the day before, and even the memories of her kiss with Rynn could not push away the growing pressure that weighed on her, the tight ball of nerves twisting and expanding in her body. She went through her morning routine soundlessly, barely noticing her movements through the concerns racing in her head, vying for attention. Where was this mythical dagger, and how exactly would they use it? Why was she the only one immune to the dark god’s abilities? What if they failed to stop him? Could they trust Celesine?
She winced and tried to stem the flow of doubts before she was consumed by them. None of it was within her control yet; they still had time to prepare and figure out what came next.
Isla reached the hot spring near their cave and slipped out of her leggings and tunic, bracing herself for the cold wind that pricked her skin like needles. She stepped into the bubbling water, and her head fell back on her shoulders at the instant relief it brought. The heat hugged her body, flowing over her skin and dragging out the fears that plagued her. She sank into the rocks at her back as she stared at the morning sun climbing over the trees, drenching the mountainside in an array of golden warmth, the orange and yellow tendrils of light reaching out to stroke the earth.
Isla closed her eyes and let out a slow breath.Bri would love this place.
That single thought blazed through her mind, breaking the semblance of peace. If they left for Iona within the next couple of days, who knew when she would see Bri or her family again?
The water seemed to turn cold. She had to find a way to see them, to make sure they would be okay.
Groaning, she swiftly scrubbed at her body and hair with the small bar of soap they’d purchased days ago and hauled herself out of the hot spring. She knew it was a lot to ask of the elementals: halting their plans, pushing back their departure to Iona, giving the dark god more time and opportunity to derail them. But her mind had latched onto the one thing she could control, the one thing she could act on, and she couldn’t shake her resolve.
Isla dressed hastily and scrambled back to the cave. When she walked through the entrance, she must have looked as frazzled as she felt, because Rynn’s eyes crinkled in concern.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
She bit her lip. “Look, I know it’s sudden, but…I want to go to Lockhurt. Just for a short time, I promise. I need to see my family before we leave for Iona,” she said, already preparing for him to try and dissuade her.
He looked at her, the corners of his lips twisting down slightly. “I don’t know if the others will—”
“Please, Rynn. I have to do this. What if—” She stopped the question before it could go somewhere she didn’t want to explore. “I can go by myself so the rest of you can get ready. I just need to see them.”One last time, her tongue itched to add.
Gods, she was becoming as dramatic as the elementals.
“I’ll go with you.” Kai’s sweet voice came from behind her. Isla whirled to find her and Aidan standing at the cave’s opening, the latter leaning against the stone while Kai crossed over to Isla. She linked her arm through Isla’s, her tan, freckled skin contrasting with Isla’s fair complexion. “It’ll be fun, just the two of us.” Kai scrunched her nose with a smile. Isla offered one in return and patted her arm.
Rynn glanced between them, the muscles in his neck clenching and then releasing. “Alright, if you are sure it will be safe and that you can get back quickly, you can go.”
A twinge of irritation poked at Isla. He acted as if she needed his permission. She would go whether or not he approved.
Isla shook her annoyance away. Turning to Kai, she said, “Thank you. I know it’s inconvenient, but I haven’t seen them in weeks and want to check on them before we leave Evonlea.”
Kai pulled her arm away and waved her hand in the air. “You don’t have to explain anything. The others can handle figuring out how we’ll get to Iona while we’re gone. And it won’t be too long—Lockhurt is, what, less than a day’s trip away?”
“By horse, it’s about a day at a slower pace. We could do it in five or six hours if we push.”
Aidan snorted from the entrance. “And where do you suggest we get a pair of horses? Does Rynn still have that much gold tucked away?”
“I didn’t say anything about buying. We could always…borrow them,” Isla said, shocking herself at how easily the thought of stealing came to her in her desperation.
Aidan blinked. “I didn’t know you had it in you, little island.” Giving the others a look, he pointed at Isla and said, “She’s my new favorite.”
“Isla, you disappoint me. Aidan has rubbed off on you.” Jade’s teasing words reached Isla’s ear right before the elemental appeared around the corner of the large boulder. “Why are we discussing stealing horses now?”
“Kai and Isla are going to make a quick trip to Lockhurt to see Isla’s family,” Aidan said.
Jade’s lips pursed. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“Oh please, you sound like Rynn. And I never thought I’d say that.” Kai rolled her eyes. “Come on, Isla. Let’s go get our things together before these two actually become friends.”
It turned out Rynndidhave that much gold stored up, and Isla’s conscience won out over her distress. She and Kai finished packing a small bag of extra food and made their way to Krill to purchase a pair of horses from a stable in town. They selected a gray and white speckled mare named Honey and a roan stallion the stable hand called Buck.
The two of them set a brutal pace through the Evonlean landscape, leaving no room for conversation as they raced against the bright rays of sun that refused to stop their ascent into the sky.
They reached the outskirts of Lockhurt after six hours of hard riding. Every part of Isla ached; she was relieved when they finally slowed, and she could lean back and stretch out her sore muscles. Her hip and thighs threatened to seize in a painful cramp, but she ignored the uncomfortable sensation as she maneuvered Honey through the familiar streets of her hometown. Brick and wood homes lined the paths, stacks of lumber leaning against each residence. Since winter had finally poked its head through the crisp autumn leaves, the village was preparing for the harsh temperatures that accompanied the change.
A small twinge of homesickness tugged at Isla. The turn of the season was one of her favorite parts of the year. After the first snowfall, all eligible hunters who wanted could participate in a special hunt for a prized white-tailed deer that had been bred throughout the year and set loose into the wild during the weeks before. The participants had two days to track and kill the deer. If nobody caught it by the end of the two days, it meant a rough winter lay ahead for the entire town. For as long as Isla could remember, there had always been a winner, and the celebration after had become her favorite event. Families set up booths along the main square and handed out various treats and drinks for the hunters, talking and laughing and eating all through the night.
