With Ardruna by my side, I go down the steps toward the ruined city, refusing to acknowledge the weariness clinging to me like an angry ghost, my cramping muscles and belly.
I’m taking back my independence, my life. If this should end badly, it’s on me alone.
Clenching my jaw, the satchel slung over my shoulder, I start my descent. I’ll need to get out of the city and reach the meadows to find a choice of edible herbs and roots. I may even find something for the bruising on my side. Arnica or calendula would do, if they exist here.
And then there might be greens and tubers I could boil, turn into a broth, especially if Roane gives me some more of that horrible dried meat… Some are tonics and they could help restore my strength.
Having a mission, a goal, helps lift my spirits.
“You asked me how I met Roane.” Ardruna interrupts my thoughts as we pad down the city street.
“Yeah? Tell me.”
“It wasn’t far from here,” she says.
“Inside the city?”
“No, right outside.”
Completely distracted now, my curiosity piqued, I don’t have to think about it twice. “Take me there.”
“Say please.”
“Please, mighty Ardruna.”
She barks a laugh. “Why would you care to see the place?”
“I don’t really know. There are many mysteries here and you’re one of them.”
“Nothing mysterious about me,” she says and yet she sounds pleased. “Come along, I’ll show you the spot.”
“You said that before that meeting… you have no memories?”
“Of course I do. I…” She slows down, then she stands still, her massive head cocked to the side, a low growl emanating from her throat. “I must have.”
“It’s a weird world,” I say, to break the tension. “Its magic may be affecting you.”
“True.” But she’s quiet as we walk down the wide avenue. She doesn’t even remind me to be careful.
I am, though. Tension stiffens my spine and sends my heart racing as we march through the empty city. I remember the goblins, and who knows what else could be lurking in the overgrown gardens and abandoned houses?
And let’s not forget the danger from above. I glance up, scanning the sky for griffins, but I only see birds circling. They look like hawks.
Too many things could go wrong, so I need to stay vigilant. I can’t cower inside forever, though. What I told Ardruna was the truth. I can’t let myself get accustomed to being taken care ofand living in constant fear. The best cure for fear is facing what’s out there.
Whether I live to enjoy it is another story.
My anger with Roane fuels my resolve, though. No chance of me turning back. He thinks I’ll curl up and cry, that I’ll obey his commands and suffer his snide comments, sit and fetch like a good dog?
My fault. I was tired and weak when I arrived. I gave the wrong impression. I was frightened, and he’s so pretty. I was bound by his beauty and I wasn’t myself.
This is who I am.
Reckless,a voice in my mind whispers.That’s what you are. Always were. Haven’t you learned yet to be more careful?
I’m fine. Besides, nobody cares.
Nonsense. You’re thinking of Roane. But there’s Eiras, and Naida and Brogan.
