QURILL - TEN YEARS LATER
I’m not even sure the fucking plant is here.
Wading through itchy grass that grazes my calf, I try to breathe through the heavy pollen. The afternoon sun beats down on me. My gills twitch, longing for the water just like I am. Around me, the dense treeline ofThe Woodsseems impenetrable. How I even found my way through to this pasture hardly seems feasible.
A mate’s instinct to provide will take him anywhere, it would seem.
My heart squeezes at the thought of her: my Astryd. I’ve been away from her for too long, but she is the reason I’m wandering through this horrid grass. I need to find the herb the healer recommended. The algae and seagrass aren’t helping her the way that they should.
Whatever my mate needs, she will always have—especially now.
My mate has only gotten more exceptional over the years. Those first few heady months were wonderful, but paled in comparison to what these past years have been like. We’ve explored every sea and made memories in every cove and onevery beach. We’ve learned everything about each other. I keep all her secrets just as she does mine.
We can finish each other's sentences and convey a feeling with a shared glance.
I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve taken her. Every day we revel in each other's embrace, one bout of lovemaking quickly devolving into another and another until the sun begins to rise. I can make her come with the slightest touch of my hand if I wish to. I know her body better than I know the sea.
It’s why I was the first to notice when it began to change.
The idea of having a child had taken us both time to grapple with. There were a few years when we thought we were content to never have one. I was greedy for her back then—too selfish to allow anyone, even our child, to steal her time away from me. Our adventures wouldn’t have been conducive to a newborn, and Astryd had wanted to see everything the world had to offer.
Then, in the last year, something shifted. A desire bloomed within us both to embark on a new adventure. I was ready to share her and expand our family as my parents had done with me. We hadn’t been trying for very long, though, with my penchant for coming inside her whenever the opportunity arose, it was just a matter of time.
I took note of the new fullness to her breasts immediately. They fit my palm perfectly, until they suddenly started spilling over. That is when we both realized her courses had been absent for quite some time.
Now, Astryd was only a few months along. Her stomach was only curved slightly, but she glowed from within as if the sun resided in her heart. It seems an impossible feat for her to have gotten more beautiful, but while she's been pregnant, I sometimes find it hard to look at her for too long. Her loveliness causes me physical pain. One that demands I keep her chained to our bed so I can make love to her until the baby comes.
Astryd has told me I cannot do that, so I have to keep my primal urges to myself for now. She tells me it’s important for both of us to keep busy, but this errand feels pointless the more hours I spend away from her. I know I cannot return empty-handed. These first few months of pregnancy have not been easy on my sweet mate. Astryd hasn’t been able to keep any food down. My mother’s remedies worked for a time, but she’s begun to throw those up as well.
Therefore, I need to find thewyldrootto help settle her stomach. It has to be around here somewhere. A sneeze makes my already burning eyes water more. I sweep at the insects flying in the air. I nearly choke on the scent of cedar and dirt.
Apprehension tickles my neck, and I pause my searching. Behind me, heavy footsteps fall, followed by a deep growl. I silently curse at myself. Why had it not crossed my mind that this land could belong to another creature?
Taking a deep breath, I slowly turn around to learn what has crept into the pasture with me. Long horns, the color of a midnight sky, gleam. Their deadly sharp points reach towards the sun. Large nostrils flex as its muzzle pulls back in warning.
The creature is over seven feet tall. It stands ready to spring on two heavily muscular legs that taper into thick hooves. Impressive arms cross over an equally impressive chest as the creature cups its long fingers around its elbows.
Minotaurs are imposing figures this close up.
“You shouldn’t be here,” it snarls. “This land is mine.”
His deep voice nearly makes my knees buckle, but I hold firm. Astryd’s face grounds me and gives me the strength to press on. I hold up my hands to indicate I am no threat to him. He could gore me with those impressive horns in an instant. This far from the water, my magic hardly makes a difference.
“I’m looking forwyldroot. My mate is sick.” Something flashes in the creature’s dark eyes, but he shakes himself. “If you would guide me to it, I’ll be on my way.”
The minotaur’s nostrils flare again with a heavy huff. His muscles loosen slightly, but he still doesn’t look friendly. After what feels like an eternity, he waves his hand towards my right.
“Under that oak tree, you’ll find some growing along the base.” He bears his teeth for good measure. “Take it and be gone.”
He doesn’t have to tell me twice. Relief instantly floods me.
“Thank you,” I say with a swift nod.
Walking to the base of the tree, I harvest as much of the green-colored root as I can. The blue flowers guide me to their thick stems, which hold the medicine Astryd needs. I take the jars out of my satchel and quickly fill all three large containers. Once I’m satisfied I have enough—and not relying on the minotaur’s fleeting goodwill if I need to procure more—I nod my thanks again and walk quickly from the clearing and intoThe Woods.
I feel the creature's eyes on me the entire time. I pity the poor soul whose path crosses with that beast next.
The sound of rushing water makes me sigh with relief. A foaming spring bubbles over jagged rocks. Double-checking the containers ofwyldrootare secure, I leap into the water. Its calming, cool surrounds me, replenishing me in an instant. I dive deep and follow the small stream until it finally feeds into the sea.
