I ask Morgana again, “So, how are we going to do this?” My voice gets a bit more high-pitched at the end this time.
Morgana looks cool as a cucumber when she looks at me. “This is where your training will start. First, I’ll need your weapons.”
My gut says not to do it.
My brain says I’m already a dead woman for following her in here.
My stomach says I should have stayed inside and had dessert.
I hand over my weapons.
Morgana takes them as she continues to explain my training, “I’m a firm believer that the best way to learn how to use your powers is to have a good reason to use them. Not just facing off with a potential ally.”
Why do I not like where this is going?
“This forest is infested with forsaken spirits. Your task is simple. Turn around and walk out,” Morgana continues.
I frown as she steps away from me. “What are the forsaken going to do while I walk out?”
Morgana smiles. “I ordered them to stay away from us while I’m present. I’ll be apparating back to the castle now.”
My eyes widen, and panic unfurls as I realize exactly what this test will entail. “Morgana – I’m unarmed – I don’t have any way to defend myself.”
Morgana doesn’t look bothered. “You need to use the power locked inside of you. Not these.” She holds up my swords. “Don’t look so concerned,” she adds. “I’ve instructed the forsaken not to kill you.”
At my relieved expression, Morgana’s smile becomes a wicked grin. “They’re not allowed to kill you, but maiming is highly encouraged,” she finishes and then disappears, leaving me completely alone in the forest.
The screeching stops. There isn’t a sound now as I turn around on the path, holding my breath. I preferred it when they were making noise. At least that way, I had an idea of where the creatures were.
I don’t think I’m a violent person, but if I make it out of here, I might have to repay the favor and killMorgana. With Cassandra’s memories, I’m sure I can whip up a few creative ways to slit that woman’s throat.
How long do I have, I wonder, until they realize Morgana is gone?
The path is littered with old leaves and twigs, making it impossible to stay quiet as I start back the way we came. I walk with purpose, but not too quickly. There’s no sense in wasting my energy. This is going to be a long walk back.
Every step is deafening, carrying over the sound of blood pumping in my ears. My best chance is to stay undetected for as long as possible. I can free the souls of forsaken, but I haven’t forgotten how they swarmed into the parking garage.
A swarm would be very, very bad for my health.
A branch snaps somewhere overhead.
Fool me once…
This time, I know better than to only look at the forest floor when looking for deadly creatures. I don’t stop walking but make sure to keep glancing up for the source of the noise.
Nothing.
It’s killing me to keep my footsteps steady and not sprint out of here. The forsaken are much faster than I can ever dream of being. There’s no running from them.
Another branch snaps to my right this time. But the sound is still above me.
‘Stand and fight before it calls for backup. Get in the open where it can’t ambush you, and brace your legs,’a voice in my head barks out.
The voice sounds like it knows what it’s doing. I’m guessing Cassandra’s training is starting to mix with my own consciousness.
I should probably have that looked at. But if her memories help me survive this, she’s more than welcome to stay.
I walk a bit further until the path widens up ahead. This is probably as good as it’s going to get.
