Page 7 of Broken Lands

It seemed like everyone wanted to congratulate me. People I barely knew came to say goodbye and wish me luck, as well as those I’d barely seen since I left school. I guessed that was probably my fault. Keeping to myself, I never left the orphanage unless I was sent to town to run errands. Even then, I kept to myself, not one to stop for idle chitchat.

Sarie joined us as the sun began to set, linking her arm through mine, a quiet sadness sitting underneath the brilliant smile she plastered on her face. We ate, we drank, and we danced, but the smile never quite reached her eyes. The sadness lurking there caused tears to threaten.

“Are you okay?” I asked her as we moved off the dance floor for another drink. Someone had brewed cider specifically for today’s celebration, and the town was getting rowdier as the sun started to set. I couldn’t help but smile and delight in the way everyone was letting their hair down. Life was harsh out here. There wasn’t always much to celebrate. It made for a pleasant change.

“I… I guess I’m not,” she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I’m so happy for you Riley, but I’m worried about you, and I’m going to miss the fuck out of you.”

“I’ll miss you too, Sarie. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. I hate leaving you behind.” I pulled her in and held her close, my throat tightening as I fought back my own tears. Sarie was usually so bright and bubbly. It was hard seeing her this way, so emotional.

“I’ll be back,” I whispered quietly enough that Stefan couldn’t hear. “I’m going to find James and then I’ll be back for you.”

She sniffled, squeezing my arms as she pulled back, her eyes catching my own. “I know you truly believe that Riley and I love you for it. But I’m scared I’ll never see you again. That one day you’ll stop writing, just like James did.”

Tears flowed freely down her cheeks now, and I swallowed hard, trying to hold myself back from sobbing with her. I couldn’t deny the ring of truth in her words. Who knew what Danann held, or how long it would take me to find James. There was no predicting what would happen on that journey. Sarie was family too. I wouldn’t—couldn’t—leave her behind.

Taking both her hands, I looked her directly in the eye. “I promise, Sarie, that I’ll do everything in my power to come home, to come back to you with James.” She looked so vulnerable. The heaviness of this moment was weighing on me. I needed a reprieve. Something to break the growing tension in the air and lighten the moment. “Don’t let Mr. Cole touch my tomatoes. Take care of them for me?”

A snort of laughter escaped her, and she smiled at me as she wiped away her tears. “I’ll look after your tomatoes, Riley, I swear.” With that, she took my arm and led me back out to dance.

After what felt like a few minutes—but must have been a few hours—Stefan waved me off the dance floor.

“It’s time to say your last goodbyes. Transport is ready.” Butterflies danced in my belly as he squeezed my hand reassuringly. Somehow this guy got me and understood I was feeling all kinds of nervous about leaving.

The crowd had thinned, most of the community having gone home to bed by now. Those that were left must have sensed it was time for me to leave and were making their way over to where we stood.

Murray, the baker, had disappeared for a while but returned now with a few tears in his eyes and a bag full of warm cheesy scrolls—my absolute favorite.

“Be careful now, girl,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Don’t let them good for nothin’ egotistical fae take advantage of you. No offense meant, sir.” He briefly glanced at Stefan, then pulled me in for a hug before he pivoted and walked away.

A startled laugh escaped me. Murray had always been a little strange, but he cared in his own way. Stefan seemed easy-going, but Murray had just insulted his entire race. I didn’t know him well enough to gauge his reaction.

Before I could worry myself about it, Ms. Hatley pulled me into her embrace. I froze. The Directress was usually very formal, rarely giving any of the orphans any physical affection. This was new. And strange. Her hug was comforting though, in a way I’d never expected, and I sank into her hold, letting myself relax just a fraction.

“Good luck Riley. I hope you find what you’re looking for. Please, keep me updated?” She didn’t come out and say it directly, but she must have known I was looking for James. It warmed my heart to know she cared about what had happened to him.

She stepped back, allowing Sarie to come forward. Silently, we wrapped our arms around each other, holding on tight. We’d said our goodbyes earlier, and after a long moment, she stepped back, turning and starting back to the orphanage with Ms. Hatley, with a small wave and a sad smile on her face.

I watched them leave until I could no longer see them in the darkness. It felt as though I was watching my life as I knew it walk away from me and I couldn’t help but let a few tears escape. My hands shook as I willed myself not to chase them. My heart bled in my chest as I wondered if I’d ever see them again. Finding James was something I needed to do to calm my soul. But I would miss the family I was leaving behind.

Stefan took my hand and silently led me back to the candidate tent. I needed a few moments to gather myself and I was grateful that he seemed to sense that, not rushing me as I wandered slowly next to him.

Today had been overwhelming. Being the chosen candidate and ascending just like I’d wanted didn’t make it any easier to process. Knowing I would have my opportunity to find James helped a little, though it would not come without challenges. I was new to these people, and their assertion that I held some kind of magic in my veins meant they would be watching me closely. I had to be careful. Any mistake could cost me my chance to find my brother.

Breathing deeply and closing my eyes briefly, I found my center. I was more than ready for this.

Let’s go.

Chapter five

Riley

“Aretheyhorses?”Iasked Stefan, my voice hushed in awe as we approached the candidate's tent. In front of it was a long, dark carriage, two massive creatures harnessed to the front of it.

I’d never seen a horse before. I’d learnt about them in school, and I knew the fae used them for transport instead of the old technology. Things like cars and airplanes had been destroyed in the war, and what hadn’t simply didn’t work around fae magic.

The fae monopolized the horses, though. Our community barely had enough food for ourselves and our livestock. We just couldn’t afford the resources to feed these majestic creatures.

I approached the mare harnessed to the front left of the painted navy carriage. She was magnificent. Chestnut in coloring, a bright white strip marked her snout, her mane almost glowing in the low light of the carriage torches.

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