Page 19 of The Tricksters Deception

“It’s been about four years now.” She ponders, “I know it’s a long journey but I do wish you visited more. You and Abigail are all I have left of my sister.” I wonder how different my life would be if I ended up being adopted? I almost was, a few times, but something always fell through. Eventually I just assumed I wasn’t special enough. If I had been adopted, I never would have met Shelia, and I certainly never would have come here.

“Alright. If I find her I’ll let you know.” Corvu eventually responds, less interested in the conversation than he was in the broth, which is surprisingly delicious.

“So Tia, tell us about yourself. How did you two meet?”

“That’s a boring story-”

“Corvu saved me.” I state proudly. I know Corvu was only trying to avoid questions about me and where I came from, but she had specifically asked where we met, and with that I saw no reason to lie.

Gharp chuckles deeply, “Did he now? I’d love to know the story.”

“Oh. I was being harassed by a few Daemonaria. He rescued me. And then again a few days ago when I was attacked by bandits.” I actually smile at the memory of finding Corvu again.

“I see, Corvu you should have told us you had a thing for blondes, no wonder you moved to the city.” In response to this Corvu puts his face in his hands, but the flash seeps through to his ears. I actually wonder about them. The fact that they’re real makes me want to touch them, at least once, but I’ll resist the urge. “You three should stay for tonight, we’re having a big village cook-out. It’ll be the best thing to get you on your way in the morning.”

That catches Corvu’s attention, “We really shouldn’t stay too long in one place.”

“Hm, are you lot in some kind of trouble?” He was perceptive but perhaps Corvu should have just politely declined instead. Corvu looks at me, clearly contemplating whether or not to say anything. This was his family, they would protect him at all costs, wouldn’t they? I raise my eyebrows at him and slightly nod. He exhales in response.

“Tia got herself transported here from a different realm, we need to get to the capital and get the wizard to send her home before the Orcs catch up to her and take the witches amulet and overthrow the King.” Corvu ends and anticipates a response. At first there is nothing. Then Gharp lets out a bellowing laugh.

“I didn’t peg you for such a story writer!” I look at Corvu, he seems almost defeated. I wonder how often he’s told the truth only for it to be assumed as false by others. I don’t want them thinking that this time, so I pull the amulet out from underneath my shirt and let it drop around my neck in the same position, but in clear view. Sophii grabs Gharp’s arm in shock with one hand, and her mouth with the other. Gecko breaks the silence by slurping his bowl, clearly he was without a care in the world for this conversation.

Sophii was the first to speak, “Tia, do you realize the danger you are in carrying that around with you? If you know what’s good for you, you’ll throw it into the deepest part of the lake.”

“I can’t.” I tell her, “It’s the only thing I have that might get me home. Once I’m home, then I’ll get of it. After all, it’ll be in my world where no one here can get their hands on it.” Which was true. Once I get home I plan to find the biggest hammer I can and smash this thing to pieces. Shelia won’t be impressed but it’s better than accidentally teleporting back here in the middle of an Orc war and getting my head lopped off.

“Corvu,” Gharp starts, leaning on the table to give him close and direct eye contact with each other, “, is it worth your life to bring this girl to the capital?”

Without the slightest hesitation Corvu’s answer is, “Yes.” Gharp nods his head repetitively, processing that answer. I think I needed a moment to process it too. After all he just admitted finding a way to get me home was more important to him than his own life. I couldn’t believe it, of all my luck I ran into the one person that was willing to risk everything to help me...and I had run away from them. I tuck the amulet back underneath my shirt where it remains unseen. “I’d still rather not die, which is why we can’t just stay here. We need to get going.” Sophii didn’t seem overly enthusiastic with that response, but accepted it either way. “Can Tia stay here while I go see George?”

“Of course, dear.” Sophii says, smiling. Corvu stands and excuses himself from the table, only to disappear moments later through the front door. I suppose he didn’t want me to go outside in case anyone else found out about the amulet. Did I really need that much protection? I feel so useless. Gecko gets up and lifts the cloth that barely covered the window.

“You can go outside if you want. I’ll be here.” I tell him. His face lights up in excitement. Who knew skipping rocks could be so much fun? I don’t even know how to do it. As Gecko runs out, Sophii reaches across the table and grabs my hands in hers.

“I understand you must be terrified in your position,” She starts, “, and truly you seem like a good person. Please make sure Corvu doesn’t do anything foolish.” Looking her directly in the eyes, I nod with determination. “Great.” She smiles, letting go of my hands. “Can you tell me about the land where you’re from? Is it much like ours?” I giggle in response,

“Oh wow, you have no idea how vastly different it is.”

Gharp and Sophii are helping me stock the backpacks strapped to the horses with plenty of food and water canteens when Corvu eventually returns. He has a large rolled up cloth. Was it to sleep on? I suppose we didn’t have anything particularly comfortable to sleep on aside from our backpacks, so that wasn’t a terrible idea. He goes to his horse and begins to strap it up. Gharp goes to aid him.

“Tia,” Sophii whispers to me, catching my attention, “, if it comes down to it, I heard that witch’s amulets can be destroyed with something in particular.” Reaching into her specially sewn in pockets she pulls out what looks to be a very short dagger. “A dagger that has been blessed by the Lake of Gods. Most of our daggers in the village have been blessed, since it aids in killing Skelly’s should they ever travel into the village to harm us.” The dagger itself was nothing particularly special. The blade appeared somewhat blunt and the hilt was wrapped up in a dark brown cloth. I nodded, accepting the blade even though I was sure it wouldn’t be that useful to me. I needed the amulet more than anything else. As far as I’m aware there was no other way for me to get home. Destroying it would just secure my place here in this world.

“Are you ready?” Corvu asks me.

“Ready.” I respond. Sophii gives me a quick hug as I tuck the dagger into the satchel that slung over me. Even though I wasn’t expecting him to, Corvu stands beside me to make sure I get on the horse safely. I suppose he also thinks that without assistance I’m pretty useless. Not surprised about that part. My horse takes off alongside the others in a slow trot.

Turning back I wave goodbye at Gharp and Sophii, for the first time realizing that when I say goodbye to someone here it really will be the last time I ever see them.

Chapter eleven

The ride leading out of the village is quiet, but that still doesn’t help me feel at ease around the Skelly. Every now and then, they stop eating moss and look up at me with their dead eyes. If I grew up in a village like this one, I would have moved the first chance I got. Perhaps that’s why Corvu left. Looking at him beside me, I wonder if it would be rude to ask why he left the family that loved him. It isn’t my business, it really isn’t.

“Why did you leave that village?” Smooth, Tia. I really don’t know how to just butt out. He is momentarily surprised by the question but otherwise he sighs and responds,

“Aside from very few others, I was the only one that wasn’t human. I just wanted to be somewhere else where everyone was different.”

“That’s why you left?”

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