Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 87731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Chapter Seventeen
Captured
Vines That Bind
Bria woke slowly, warmth lingering around her from where Kaelan had held her through the night, though it was soon replaced by that empty feeling she was growing more familiar with when she and Kaelan were apart. She turned, though knew what she would find. She was alone in bed and casting a quick glance around, she was also alone in the cottage. But she had known that as soon as the ache settled in her chest.
She saw that the fire in the hearth had burned low during the night, leaving only faint warmth drifting through the cottage. Pale gray light slipped through the small window, but no rain tapped at it.
Bria rose quickly, anxious to find Kaelan. She splashed cool water upon her face from the basin near the hearth, then hurriedly braided her hair over one shoulder, grabbed her cloak, and stepped outside.
Damp morning air greeted her instantly and as she walked, she cast a quick glance around for Kaelan.
She recalled how yesterday the village appeared ordinary enough, reminding her so much of Willowmere. Cottages, smoke curling from chimneys, herbs hanging to dry, villagers tending daily chores, much like any village throughout Leighfeld or Scotara.
But now she felt as though some unseen veil had shifted during the night.
The difference revealed itself slowly as she walked farther from the cottage. She saw a tiny silver-winged creature perched comfortably upon a young lass’s shoulder, a wreath of autumn leaves resting upon her tiny head.
She had heard talk of the fairies being banished from the forests, but some believed they did not exist at all. Obviously, they did and Bria watched as the lass laughed, chasing after the fairy as she flew off.
Bria shook her head. Was she seeing things or had she failed to see things yesterday?
She took no more than a few steps when she spotted an older woman stirring a black iron cauldron hanging above a fire pit while softly chanting beneath her breath. Steam rose thickly from the pot, twisting unnaturally through the air before briefly taking the shape of glowing vines that curled upward and vanished.
Bria slowed her steps as nearby she watched smooth stones hover above the open palm of a young lad concentrating fiercely while an older man corrected him patiently. One stone suddenly shot sideways, striking the man sharply upon the forehead before dropping harmlessly to the ground. The lad burst into laughter only to receive a quick whack in the back of his head.
Why hadn’t she seen this yesterday? Or had her eyes only just now opened to it.
The realization unsettled her. Had Driochmor awakened something in her as Kaelan suggested?
Bria anxiously searched for Kaelan, spotting him in the distance speaking with Elder Kilham beside the large fire pit.
Relief warmed her instantly and she started toward him.
“Bria!”
Winnie’s voice called out sharply behind her, bringing her to a halt. She turned to find the older woman hurrying toward her with Tibby bouncing excitedly at her feet.
“Take this small pouch and keep it on you always,” Winnie said, then pulled the strings to take out two stones. “The black one is obsidian. It offers protection in a way no weapon can—”
“And makes the sharpest of blades where I come from,” Bria said. “I am also familiar with the purple one. It is an amethyst.”
“It holds a different meaning here in Driochmor. It protects a special part of you that you will come to understand.” Winnie said and returned the stones to the pouch and pulled the strings tight before closing Bria’s hand around it. “Promise me that you will keep the stones close always.”
Bria saw no harm in it. “I promise and I thank you for them.”
Tibby whined, rubbing himself against her legs.
“He wants to say goodbye, and how grateful he is to you for returning him home,” Winnie said with a soft smile.
Bria scooped him up in her arms, hugging him and the vision hit her hard. The man who had taken Tibby argued bitterly with another man.
“Find her or suffer the consequences,” the man who took Tibby said.
“It is said she is a myth,” the other man said. Nervously.
“She is not and he knows it. He grows anxious, ready to strike. Have word next time we meet or else?” the man warned and the vision faded.
“You saw something,” Winnie whispered.
Bria did not deny it. “I did. Two men who don’t belong to Driochmor and have no fear of it.”
“They search for her… the one who can snatch the dying away from death.” Winnie shook her head. “They are fools and fools can be dangerous. You must be careful. I would weave a protection spell around you, but those stones will protect you more than I can. And Kaelan can protect you even more. Now go, your future awaits.”
Bria placed Tibby on the ground and was surprised when Winnie gave her a quick hug and hurried off, Tibby yapping at her heels. A surprising thought had her smiling. She would miss them both.