"Good morning everyone, today is going to be a little different."
It's been two days since my discussion with my father and I haven't had the chance to talk or look him in the eye. It's the guilt and embarrassment that keeps me from talking to my father, after all, I pushed him to be honest with me and reveal why he refuses to move away. And, well, I'm not sure how to face him after that night. I mean, the man admitted that it's because of his love for my mother that keeps him moving and that nothing, not even me, can change his mind. Would anyone know what to say or do after hearing that?
So in my head and my personal matters, I didn't even notice our new guests until my colleague, Francis, nudges me with his elbow. I pick my head up and see them. A group of men, no, knights, at least five of them, who surround an older and shorter man. He has dark skin and black hair with wisps of grey in it, it's the grey hair that gives away how much older he is because he surely does not look it. He's a handsome man, a handsome man that would have women of all ages fainting at his feet. Except for me that is. But I cannot deny his attractiveness.
"Everyone, meet Duke Caspian. He has requested that we assist him and his men in finding a magical creature." Explains our leader, Tomas Hartwell. The three of us look at him and Duke Caspian with disbelief.
Magical creatures, I almost laugh at Tomas and this time not because of his voice that does not much his almost terrifying appearance. Everyone knows that these forests do not house magical creatures, that it's only ordinary woodland creatures who live here. Why in the world is a Duke looking for a magical creature here? Did someone lie to him about a creature that he's searching for?
"Magical creature?" Myles, another hunter in our group, laughs. "Sorry, sir, but there's nothing like that in these woods."
Duke Caspian barely even looks at him, he just stares at the forest just steps away from us. "And how are you so certain of that?"
"Because I know these woods better than anyone, it's basically my second home," Myles says. "And I know what lives in it. We all do."
Which is true. The rest of the guys have spent their entire lives in the forest, either hunting or exploring. From their childhood up to their adulthood, they know these woods better than anyone. Better than me who joined their group just a few months after losing my mother. And during my time as a hunter, I have never seen any magical creatures. Just deers, turkeys, rabbits, snakes, and fish in the stream. That's it.
"Maybe you don't know these woods as much as claim."
"Say that again, old man."
Myles takes a step forward, as if he's going to punch the Duke but Tomas holds him back. A good thing by the way because the Duke's knights all had their hands on their swords, ready to attack if necessary. Francis, while a shy guy, takes a step forward in order to protect Myles. Even I take a step forward. I can't do much against a knight but I'm sure I can cause more damage than the others. After all, my mother was a knight and trained me growing up.
"Let's just start," Tomas says. "Myles, in the front with me. Francis and Sorren, you're in the back. Duke Caspian, you and your men will be in the middle." One of the knights gives Tomas a look, ready to question the order, before Tomas continues. "Myles is right about one thing, we do know this forest better than all of you. Which means it'll be best for us to lead the hunt and to ensure that no one gets lost or hurt. Deal?"
"So be it." Duke Caspian says. His eyes trail on Tomas, Myles, Francis, and finally me. His gaze stays on the three older men for only a few seconds but it stays on me for the longest. Something flashes in his eyes but I'm unsure what it is. Anger, confusion, surprise? I'm unable to tell and he doesn't give me a chance to figure it out as he turns away. "Let's go."
Tomas nods his head and looks at the three of us. "Are you ready?"
Francis and I nod, it's Myles who glares up at him. "Who even is that guy?"
"Didn't you hear me? He's Duke Caspian. His majesty's right hand man."
Francis squeaks like a rat. "That Duke Caspian? Why is a man like that here and requesting for our help?"
Tomas shrugs. "I'm not sure and I didn't care to ask," he says. "He's paying us a lot of money, more than we could ever make in a year. I didn't care to question anything."
"Holy shit," I say. "He's willing to pay us that much for something that probably doesn't exist?"
Tomas gives me a look, a look that I'm unable to decode. "If a man is willing to pay us that much money for something then there must be truth to his words. No one would ever willing give up that much money if they weren't sure about what they're looking for."
"Are you four done talking? The Duke is waiting!"
"Coming!" Tomas shouts before he looks at us again. "Just be on the lookout for this magical creature. If you see it, tell us."
"But boss, you never told us what we're looking for," says Francis.
"Simple, Francis. We're looking for a fire salamander." Without another word, Tomas leaves us, ready to lead the pack. Myles gives me and Francis one final look before he follows. The two of us do the same, trailing behind the Duke and his men.
I have never seen a salamander in these woods, especially not a fire salamander. I've seen snakes of all sizes and a few lizards but never a salamander. Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen a salamander even while living as Ivy Martin. I was never a fan of reptiles, they always made my skin crawl, especially snakes. Whenever I took trips to the zoo either for school or with friends, I always avoided the reptile section. Back in school, the other students would poke fun at my irrational fear and even Iris once when I was alive. Though, I always got back at her by reminding her of her fear of pigeons which she would always fight me about. As Sorren Pryde, I'm not afraid of reptiles, I'm quite alright with them and think they're interesting. I remember picking up a garden snake when I was five and showing it to my mother once. I'm sure that the sight of the garden snake would've made my past self faint. Funny, isn't it?
"Do you genuinely think we'll find a salamander here?" I ask Francis. "I wonder who told him that he can find a magical creature here."
"Most likely a very convincing swindler," Francis says. "But to swindle and convince a Duke, isn't that just crazy?"
"I don't know, it seems easy to do considering the old man's age," I say and Francis cracks a smile. "It shouldn't be too difficult to lie and swindle some rich old man."
I know better than to talk badly about a Duke when he's not that far away from me but it's not like I care. No matter a man's social status or the amount of money he has, it'll never stop me from speaking my mind. Well, unless it's a grumpy knight who overhears me and threatens to slice me with his sword. "Watch your words, girl," the knight says, glaring at both me and Francis. Though, I know that it's all towards me. "You're speaking ill of the Duke Caspian."
Francis cowers behind me and I stand my ground, though, I know that my hands are shaking with fright. But I can't show that in front of this random knight or any of them. "Really now? I wasn't aware of who I was speaking of." I stare down at his sword that is still pointing towards my neck. "Mind removing that from my neck? It's a bit difficult to walk while being threatened by a knight."
"I'll do more than threaten you, girl."
"Oh, please do tell me because I'm excited to see what you can do."
"Sagamore." Calls the Duke, though, he never turns his head to look behind him. Instead, it's the other knights, Tomas, and Myles who look at us, waiting to see what will happen next. "Stop fooling around with that huntress and continue walking. We don't have time for your petty squabble."
Sagamore doesn't look like he wants to back down, if anything, he looked ready to attack and almost murder me. But he does as he's told as he slips his sword back into place and turns his back on me. "Yes, Duke Caspian. My apologies." Sagamore gives me one final glare before he continues his walk behind Duke Caspian. I fight back the urge to give him the finger.
"And you, huntress." I turn away from Saga-shit and look up at Duke Caspian. He's looking at me again, with that same expression that I'm unable to read. "I ask that you do not anger my knights again or else even my words won't stop them from attacking you."
I shrug. "It's fine," I say. "I can easily take your knights."
Some of the knights look at me with disbelief, others hold back their laughter, and Saga-shit, of course, laughs. Duke Caspian does not look amused in the slightest. "You think that you can stand against my knights?"
I can't but he doesn't need to know that, so I continue to lie. "I was raised and trained by a knight. She taught me everything I know."
"Hm," he says. "And would your teacher be able to vouch for you?"
"She would if she was alive." Beat. "Sir."
His knights all look uncomfortable when I revealed the death of my mother/former teacher. However, Duke Caspian did not react, I realize now that he's a man of very few expressions. He simply hums and turns back around, thus ending the conversation and my petty fight with Saga-shit. For the best, really. While my mother was a phenomenal knight, her words not mine, I'm… not as phenomenal. Combat was never difficult to learn and I can wield a sword, though, I'm more proficient with a bow and arrow. It's the part with my magic. Magic came easy to my mother, it was apart of her and was as simple as blinking. I never shared her level of understanding and simplicity of wielding magic, even now, as I'm reaching my thirties, I still do not have a proper hold over my magic. I'm either unable to start up a spark or I'm burning down four trees, it truly depends on the day and what mood my magic is in.
So, maybe I'll be able to stand my ground against Saga-shit and the other knights but if they use their magic against me… I fear I'll be at a disadvantage.
Our party continues walking through the forest, looking for a fire salamander (and any animal that can be hunted and sold for a hefty price). The knights, of course, are faster than us. If any of them sees anything red or any reptile, they're already pulling out their swords or using their magic to capture said creature. However, all of their attempts are meant with failure. I hold back my laughter but it's difficult. I do love seeing men fail and embarrassed. It's truly the greatest sight to behold!
"Let's stop here." Tomas says, stopping in a clearing. He looks up at the sky. The beautiful light blue from early in the day slowly changes to an orange and yellow hue, nighttime nearing us very soon. "Duke Caspian, it's getting late. I think it's best that we rest here before leaving the forest."
"Hm." Duke Caspian slides off his horse, hands behind his back as he contemplates Tomas' suggestion. "If you believe that is the best thing to do then so be it."
Our two parties separate and I cannot help but to look over at Duke Caspian and his knights. While Duke Caspian is a man of few expressions, for some odd reason, he looks… disappointed? I almost feel bad for the old man.
"So, is that it?" Myles asks. "After this, we're done and get paid?"
"That's what he said, yes."
"Man, this was one easy job!" Myles grins, throwing his arms around mine and Francis' shoulders. "More nobles should be like him and hire us to do stuff like this. We wouldn't have to worry about hunting if we keep this up!"
"Maybe, Duke Caspian will put in a good word for us," Francis says. Always the hopeful one of the bunch.
I let out a soft chuckle. "About what? It's not like we did anything. Just helped him get through the forest." I remove Myles' arm from my shoulders, moving away from the party. "I need some time alone. I'll be back in a bit."
"Be on the lookout for a fire salamander!" Tomas says.
I roll my eyes but nod my head. We all know that there's no fire salamander in these forest but we can't just say that out loud, not when Duke Caspian and his knights are still around. But if it means pleasing the man who is paying us… I guess I'll look around and see if there's anything.
The farther I go, the softer the voices become before I can barely hear anything. Just the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind and birds singing in the air.
And the soft footsteps of someone behind me.
Without waiting another second, I pull out my sword and turn around, pointing it at the other person. I thought it was Saga-shit or one of his knights ready to ambush me but instead, I'm met with six little eyes staring at me in pure fear. "What are you three doing here?"
"W-we were looking for a wolf!" Louis says, his voice shaking just like Niya's. He's shaking, scared out of his mind, and I'm not sure if it's because of my sword or if it's the forest. "We wanted to f-find one on our own."
"Yeah!" Shouts Niya, pressing close to both Louis and Vaughn. "W-we didn't want to d-disturb you, so we tried to find it a-alone."
Vaughn nods his head, agreeing with the other two.
I sigh deeply, putting my sword away. I shouldn't be surprised that these three were still hooked on finding a wolf, of course they would be. They're children, they're curious and have to witness things on their own. I'm just surprised that they decided to go today and that they got this far in the forest. "Have the three of you been following us?"
"No," Louis says. "I mean, we started following you all into the forest before we went our own way. Then we got lost and didn't know where to go, so we tried to find you again."
"Gods." I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Do you three not understand the dangers of being out here alone? What if an animal attacked you or if one of you gotten heavily injured? Did any of you think of that?"
I raise my voice, something I never do with these three, but their lack of understanding of the dangers of the forest really set me off. No matter how many times they're told to stay out of the forest, the three of them disobeyed our warnings and did what they wanted to do. And I couldn't live with myself if anything was to happen to these three when I'm in the forest.
The three of them look as if they're going to cry and their teary eyes made me weak. I was never angry with them, just… scared. The fear of losing these three really hit me hard. Dropping down to my knees, I pull the three into a big hug. "Please don't cry, I'm not angry with you, okay?" Despite my words, I can still feel a few tears falling onto my shirt (I'm sure Vaughn has a snotty nose and tries to wipe it on my shirt). "Now come with me, we're going to go back to our party and get you three home."
The three all nod and we pull away. Their eyes are still red (and Vaughn's nose still a mess) but none of them say anything about it. Any other time, they would poke fun at each other about their eyes and noses but it's the fear of getting lost in the forest that keeps them silent and still.
Without another word, the four of us make our way back to the party. Though, the silence doesn't last long as Louis' holds my hand. "Sorren?"
"Yes?"
"You and the hunters came here with some knights… What were they looking for?"
"Ah," I say. "They needed our help with finding some fire salamander. But as we've told them, a fire salamander doesn't exist here."
"A fire salamander?"
"Yes."
"Like that one right there?"
I almost didn't believe Louis, perhaps he's playing a trick on me so I decide to humor him. Until I see it. A fire salamander. A bright red salamander that that reminds me of blood. "What in the—"
Almost as if it has been waiting for me to notice it, the fire salamander takes one look at me before it turns around and bolts off, leaving behind scorch marks on the grass.
My Gods. I really found the damn thing.
Shit.
"You three!" I say, pulling my hand from Louis and pointing in the direction we were about to go. "Follow this path back to the others and tell them I found the salamander!"
"Where are you going?"
"To get a pet for a Duke. Now go."
I do not wait for the three to leave, I'm too busy trying to follow after the salamander. While it may be the color of blood, it's still small and can easily hide behind trees and bushes. It's only because of the few scorch marks on the ground that helps me track the thing. If we had been told earlier about scorch marks, I'm sure it would've made this hunt so much easier. Honestly, I wonder if the Duke knew of this information. Probably not or else he would've released it to us.
I spot the salamander again, this time, it stares at me from the trunk of a tree. I reach for it, well, more like I leap for it but it slips through my fingers and dashes off. I figured that the thing is hot if it's leaving behind scorch marks but to actually feel said heat is another thing. It burns me and I cry out in pain. No mark is left behind, thankfully, but it makes me worried about grabbing it. How in the world am I going to capture this thing if its touch alone will burn me?
Honestly, I can figure that out as I chase the damn thing. I feel as though I'm being played around by the creature. It stops and waits for me before it darts off as I try to catch it. If the salamander could talk, I'm sure that it would be laughing and teasing me as if it's a child. Though, I'm not in the mood to be played around by a child, especially when it's a fire salamander that I've been looking for all day.
We both come to a stop when the fire salamander sits on a large bolder and I fall to my knees, completely out of breath. This is the most that I've ran and the furthest I've gone on my own like this, not only that, it's starting to get dark. I wonder if the others are looking for me or perhaps they're waiting for me to come back. Either way, I need to hurry up and get this thing.
"Goodness," I say. "Can't you just… sit in one place? It's not like I'm trying to hurt you."
The fire salamander tweaks its head, as if it's listening to me. Huh. "Come on," I say, reaching a hand out. "Enough of this running around… It's getting late and dangerous for the two of us. If you come with me, I promise to take you somewhere safe."
Well, I can't promise the creature exactly because I'm not sure if the Duke's home is safe. Or if it's even going to the older man's home. But I do know one thing, that wherever he's going, it'll be a lot safer than this forest. Especially when the salamander so small and easy to spot, even at night.
I'm afraid that my words don't reach the creature, that it'll give me one final look before disappearing forever. It's only when the creature leaps from the bolder and makes it way towards me. It stops at my feet, staring up at me, waiting for me. A part of me is still worried that it'll burn me again. Maybe it's best for me to find a stick for it to rest on until we reach the others. Though, something about it draws me closer, the fear of being burned being defeated by my overall curiosity for the creature. So I bend down and put my hand out for the creature.
It sniffs my hand before climbing onto my palm. Then I feel it. The burning sensation. It feels as though my hand has been set on fire, that I stuck it inside of an oven and left it to bake. However, despite the sensation, strangely enough, it doesn't… hurt. It feels right, calming, and comforting, the sensation not bothering me the way it should've.
It's you! I've been looking for you!
"Is someone there?" I turn my head around, in hope of finding the hidden person. "Hello? Show yourself!"
It's me, the voice cries out. I'm right here.
"Right where?"
In front of you.
I turn back around, hoping to find someone standing in front of me but there's no one there. It's just me and the— "Wait a minute," I say, bringing the salamander closer to my face. "Are you the one… talking right now…?"
Call me crazy because it looks as if the Salamander is… smiling at me? Yes, yes, yes! You've noticed me.
"How… why…. you can talk?"
Yes and I've been waiting for you, it says again. Lady Caspian, I'm happy to finally meet you.
Lady Caspian? "Sorry, little one, but you're mistaken. I am not Lady Caspian, my name is Sorren Pryde."
It shakes its head. No, no, no, you are Lady Caspian and I've been waiting for you.
"Uh…" I don't know what to say or what this thing is talking about. Caspian… does it think I'm related to that old Duke? Oh Gods. "Why were you waiting for me?"
Because you're the— Suddenly, it stops talking. Lady Caspian, pull out your weapon. We are not alone.
"What?" That's when I hear it, a low growl. Turning around, I almost leap out of my shoes.
A black wolf stares at me, glaring deep into my soul and baring its teeth. To think that there's actually a wolf living in this forest! I'm sure the children would've been happy to see it, or maybe scared seeing that the beast looks as if it's ready to attack us. I place my hand on my sword, not exactly pulling it out but ready to do so when the creature attacks.
The salamander climbs up my arm and sits on my shoulder, its little steps leaves behind a warm trail as it goes. Lady Caspian, be warned, that is no ordinary wolf. It is born with magic like you and I.
Oh great. Not only is this thing a wolf but it's a magical wolf, thus making my life even harder than before. "Tell me, little one, do you know how to defeat this beast?"
You'll have to use magic to defeat it, the salamander says. A sword won't be of any use against it.
"Well, unfortunately for you, I'm not much of a magic user," I say, smile small and nervous. "So we'll have to defeat it using a sword."
Then I will lend you my power so you can defeat this beast.
"Wait, really?"
Though, the salamander doesn't have a chance to speak as the wolf jumps at us. I jump out the way and pull out my sword. I swing at it, hoping that it'll do something. However, when I swung my sword and did in fact hit the wolf, it just passes through the thing. As if the beast is made of smoke, no, shadows.
Shit.
The wolf swipes at me and I roll out the way, hand over my shoulder to protect the salamander and make sure the little one is still there. "You didn't tell me that it's shadow beast! How can I fight a shadow beast?"
I told you, you have to use magic against it!
"But how when I can barely use magic?" The wolf jumps for me again and I attempt to dodge out the way. Though, I'm a second too slow because the beast scratches my left arm, pain searing through it. I hold back a cry, not wanting the beast to know of the severity of the injury that it inflicted on me. Instead, I use my uninjured arm and attempt to hit it with my sword, this time, the beast leaps out of the way.
Standing to my feet, I try to ignore the pain in my left arm and avoid looking at it. I'll worry about it when I'm back with the others, if I get back with the others.
Lady Caspian, the salamander cries. Allow me to help you!
"How can you help me?"
Accept me into your body so I can lend my magic to you.
"What? How can I do— Ah!"
The wolf jumps at me and I'm unable to move out of the way in enough time. I'm knocked to the ground and would've lost my head if I hadn't used my sword as a shield. I have the flat surface of my sword pushed up against the wolf's mouth, keeping the beast from trying to take a bite out of my head. Now it's a test of who is stronger: a shadow beast or the huntress?
Lady Caspian! You must accept me!
"I don't know how to do that!"
Just say that you accept me and trust me!
I can't really trust a creature that played a game of tag with me for twenty minutes, honestly, I can't trust a magical creature in general. But I also do not wish to be eaten by a wolf. Would it even hurt to try and trust this salamander?
"Alright, fine. I accept and trust you!"
Then the burning sensation is back but this time, I can feel it throughout my entire body. Just like my hand, where it feels like I'm on fire, there's no pain. Only acceptance and familiarity, as if I've done this before. What is this…
The wolf growls again and I can see my sword begin to crack. If I don't act fast soon, everything would go to waste. I need to do something and quick. While magic isn't my strong suit, I need to use it if I want to survive and bring this salamander back to the Duke.
I close my eyes and begin to channel my magic. My mother used to tell me that we all channel our magic in different ways, that there's no correct way to channeling and releasing your magic. That we must do what works best for us My mother would always be so gentle and perfect with her magic, she knew how to hit one target like it was nothing.
Then there's me, whose magic is either not enough or explosive. And in this moment, I needed something explosive.
"Get the fuck away… from… me!" I scream and push my hands forward, the motion sending a blaze of fire with it. The fire engulfs my sword and the wolf. The wolf cries in pain and jumps back but the fire follows it, I follow it with my hands even when it's off me. I can't stop it nor do I want to, I just want the thing to burn. To burn and to leave me alone, forever.
The wolf cries and howls. It thrashes about, hoping to put out the fire that surrounds it, but it does nothing. The fire continues and only gets bigger, even when my magic stops pouring from my hands. I just stand there, panting and watching as the wolf goes from thrashing about to completely still. The fire that surrounds the beast isn't as comforting and inviting as the fire that was inside of me. That fire symbolized death, my fire symbolized power.
Power that was shared with me.
I hadn't realized the voices or footsteps that near me, not until I heard him speaking.
"Did you… do this?"
I turn to see Duke Caspian, his knights, Tomas, and Myles all staring at me with wide eyes. I cannot blame them, I too would share that look if I was them. Instead, I give them a pitiful smile. "It wasn't just me," I say. "I had help from this little guy." As if on cue, the salamander skirts down from where it was and onto the palm of my hand. Duke Caspian's eyes go wide. "Your fire salamander. Sir."
"How did you find it?"
"It wasn't me, it was the children who spotted it. You should thank them. By the way, where are the children? With Francis I hope?" I look at Tomas and Myles for confirmation.
However, as I try to look at the two, I feel myself sway a bit, the world spinning more than before. What is going on?
"Sorren?" Calls out Tomas. "Sorren, are you okay?"
"Hey, someone get her some help!"
"She's injured!"
I'm unable to hear anyone after that. There's a slight ringing in my ear, as if I've been hit by something. Had this been a side effect of using the salamander's magic? Oh, that damn thing! Why didn't it tell me of this before?
I have no time to think or complain as I fall to my knees and the whole world goes dark.