Page 7 of Song of the Dark Wood

“What have you heard of the blight in the Dark Wood?” Rowan asked.

As a huntsman, Finn hunted game for the village in the Huntsman’s Hollows, but he also led excursions into the Dark Wood when there were problems. He bore a special blessing from the Mother that allowed him to wander deeper into the Dark Wood than most since only Red Maidens and those with special magical blessings could travel more than a few steps inside. Those without that type of magic felt compelled to leave as soon as they set foot in the haunted forest. It was meant to protect the town, but Rowan couldn’t help but feel it was another way to ensure that the Red Maiden was isolated on her journey to Wolf’s Keep.

Finn furrowed his brow and ran a hand through his golden-brown hair. “I led an excursion yesterday. It was harder thanusual for us all to withstand the heavy, oppressive energy of the forest. We only rode in a mile or so before we had to turn back, but as far as we made it, the trees along the trail were all affected by the blight.”

Rowan swallowed hard. “What do you think it means?”

Finn shrugged. “It’s hard to say. We didn’t encounter the Wolf or any other beasts, but something was definitely very wrong. I can normally make it nearly the full three miles to Wolf’s Keep before I feel a need to turn back. It was just a frustrating day, and when I have a bad day, you’re the only one I want to see,” he said.

“Why?” Rowan asked.

“Because you’re my favorite person in this whole town. Just seeing your smile makes me feel lighter,” Finn said.

Rowan brushed phantom dirt off her dress to hide how flustered she felt. “Finn, you shouldn’t flirt with me. You should be out there courting a lady to marry.”

“I’m going to marry you once you become a lady,” he insisted.

Rowan rolled her eyes. “Finn, we both know that isn’t going to happen. You’re already of age to find a wife, and I haven’t even begun my service. I could never ask you to wait for me. I have nothing to offer you.”

“Nonsense,” Finn said. “Once you hit your five years of active service, you’ll become a lady. You’ll receive the highest honor in the village. You’ll be able to retire and be treated with the reverence you deserve. We’ll have a family and a life. You’ll want for nothing.”

“I won’t tempt fate by hoping,” she said firmly.

Perhaps she would feel the same way Finn did if she lacked the sense to prepare for the worst. Rowan spent most of her youth on worthless hope. No one was coming to save her. Much as Finn might have liked to be her knight in shining armor, hewas also a reverent rule-follower. He might bend rules, but he’d not break them.

“Then I’ll hope enough for both of us,” Finn said.

She couldn’t help but smile. It did her no good, but Finn’s confidence was contagious.

“Regardless, let me decide what I’m willing to wait for. I think you’re worth it, and I could not care less what anyone else thinks,” Finn said.

“Really? I’ve noticed that Lady Joy McCade seems to have taken a shine to you,” Rowan taunted.

Lady Joy McCade was the exact type of person Finn should have wanted to marry. She was tall, wealthy, beautiful, and available.

Finn smiled. “Joy is a sweet girl, but she’s not for me. My heart is set on someone else, and it’s quite immovable.”

Rowan looked away, willing Sarai to come back and save her.

Cade stepped up beside Finn, sizing him up. “Perhaps he should have been a poet instead of a huntsman.”

“You shouldn’t say such things,” Rowan said, partly to Finn and partly to Cade.

“The Mother believes we should all speak our truth when we feel it. It’s in her scriptures,” Finn said.

“Yes, but your affection is wasted on me,” Rowan sighed. “You shouldn’t want me.”

“Nonsense. He should be so lucky,” Cade quipped indignantly.

Rowan flicked her fingers, her nonverbal sign of dismissal, and Cade crossed his arms before disappearing into whatever void he ran off to when she wanted alone time.

“Finn, there is a whole world out there for you. Just because I must spend my youth waiting for my time doesn’t mean that I’m happy to doom you to the same. You’re a good man, and you’ll be a wonderful husband, but it won’t be me,” she said.

Finn ran a hand through his hair, but the gesture didn’t hide the hurt on his face.

“I’m not saying it to hurt you. Your notions are terribly romantic, but I feel guilty taking your time and affection when it would be better spent elsewhere on someone who can give you what you deserve,” Rowan whispered.

“And what do I deserve?” Finn asked, tilting her chin so she’d meet his eyes.

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