Page 16 of Embers to Flames

I kneel down and wrap my arms around Eulee’s neck, burying my face in her soft fur. “I’m going to miss you girl,” I whisper, my voice cracking with emotion. Eulee lets out a low whine and licks my cheek. “You keep her safe, you hear me?” I say firmly. Her ears perk up and she gives a small bark of understanding. I smile and scratch behind her ears. “That’s a good girl.”

I stand and wrap Meemaw in a tight embrace. “I love you. Please take care of yourself.”

She pats my back reassuringly. “I’ll be just fine. It’s only for a little while. You just focus on your trip and getting back home safely.” I nod, blinking back tears.

Meemaw walks me down to the docks, the early morning mist hanging over the water. We walk down the weathered planks and find the helmsman patiently waiting. We hug tightly and then I pat Eulee on the head one last time before stepping onto the boat. Pulling away, I keep my eyes fixed on the pair of them. Eulee sits dutifully next to Meemaw. We wave to each other until they finally disappear from view, swallowed up by the fog. The boat picks up speed, water splashing against the bow. My adventure is beginning, but a piece of my heart stays behind on the shore.

I arrive at Erhorn’s mansion just as the sun crests the horizon. Lenna and Ava are already there, loading up the carriages with the last of the provisions. Lenna turns to see me and swats Ava on the shoulder to get her attention.

“Well, well,” Lenna drawled, “looks like Miss Punctuality’s crown is slipping. That’s two mornings in a row we’ve beaten you here,” she quips, her tone dripping with irony.

“Ha-ha… you’rehilarious—I didn’t realize anyone could bethathilarious this early in the morning.” I snip back, scrunching my eyes closed and sticking my tongue out at her. I hadn’t realized anyone else was around us. Then… hot breath traces its way up my neck and around my ear in a whisper.

“If you aren’t careful, my sweet—someone might think you are searching for something to lick.”

My eyes pop open wide, and I can feel blood rush to my neck and cheeks as they flush with heat. I can’t see it, but I’m certain my face is as red as a ripe cherry in the summer sun. I pull my tongue back in my mouth and turn my head to find Theo—standing there with a smile as bright as the midnight moon.

“Oh, for the love of—” I muttered, stomping towards the carriage. “Is everyone a comedian this morning?” I spit the words as I stomp towards the carriage, flinging open the door. I take a step inside, and promptly slam it behind me.

Erhorn opens it a moment later, “Good Morning Rosanhi… are we all set?” he asks, poking his head into the carriage. Lenna and Ava are behind him in an instant. They both curtsy and then proceed to step inside, taking seats opposite of me. Erhorn steps inside and sits next to me. Theo, I’m assuming, is riding up front with the coachman.

Good, the less I must look at him, the better.

“What about Mikyl?” I ask Erhorn as he gets settled in his seat.

“I arranged for him to leave last night with the guards. It’s best if we don’t travel together,” he reassures me, giving my knee a gentle pat.

I do my best to block out the world around me and lose myself in my book. We’ve been on the road for what feels like an eternity already. Under normal circumstances, I would have finished this book by now, but my concentration is shot. The constant jostling of the carriage on the uneven dirt and cobblestone road may be to blame. Or perhaps it’s the incessant giggling of Lenna and Ava as they play clapping games to pass the time. And let’s not forget Erhorn’s obnoxious snoring. But despite all these discomforts, they were not the true cause of my lack of focus.

What am I doing?I’ve never been this kind of woman.

I can’t stop thinking about Mikyl and the things he had said down in the dungeons. I do love him. He’s my husband. He has been the only man I’ve ever loved.

Why can’t I get Theo out of my head?

My mind races at the memory of my face buried in his chest. Breathing in that earthy scent of a summer storm with a hint of musk.

No! I must stop this!

The sudden halt of the carriage jolts Erhorn awake. He pokes his head out of the window and yells to Theo, “What seems to be the problem?”

Theo gracefully lands on his feet with wings outstretched.

“It’s the bog, Uncle. It’s flooded the path to Eirina. The carriages won’t make it through the Dillon Hills. We’ll have to turn back to Hogsden for the night and wait for the water to subside.”

“Oh sure, let’s just waltz into Hogsden with our entourage of Elves and expect to find room and board,” I say in disbelief.

As if that won’t draw any attention or cause any trouble at all!

But Erhorn just gives me a reassuring look. “It’ll be alright Rosanhi… I promise.” Erhorn looks at me and I have no choice but to reluctantly go along with this crazy plan.

We make our way into the town of Hogsden just after nightfall. As our carriage enters the small village, the residents scurry to their homes, pulling their children inside and closing the curtains to their windows. I’m not surprised. Many Humans have an ingrained fear of Elves, so seeing one with wings is a completely new experience. Their initial shock and awe is understandable. The carriage comes to a stop in front of what looks to be a tavern. There is a sign in the front window that reads, “Rooms for Rent.”

“I’ll go in and reserve a couple of rooms. Rosanhi, you and the girls stay out here with Theo until I return.” He looks at all three of us sternly. “Do not leave the carriage. You understand?”

“Yes sir.” Lenna and I say in unison. Ava nods her head in agreement. Erhorn exits the carriage, speaks to the coachman quickly and then proceeds inside. Theo has jumped down from the front of the carriage and is strutting around taking in the look of the town. The village appears deserted, except for the occasional flicker of torchlight that illuminates the old half-timbered houses. The shadows cast by their sloping roofsadd an eerie touch to the darkening sky. Many of the homes are overgrown with ivy and brambles, the stone walls that once protected their inhabitants now crumble in silent decay. The gated entrances hang off their hinges, creaking mournfully with each gust of wind that sweeps through the desolate streets.

Theo looks back in the direction of the carriage, through the darkness of night, I can still see his eyes—glowing fiercely. Erhorn returns, mumbling to himself incoherently.

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