Page 21 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

Hadeon attempts to lift our spirits with jokes, but they fell flat against our exhaustion. With sheer determination, we press on toward the northern border. Our fighting leathers are relatively common in this area. The small village we were coming into a popular place for hunters and assassins.

My body buzzes with an unknown tingle. It started the further we got from the castle and now it hums strong within me. The foreign feeling hadn’t hurt yet but it made me nervous.

As I push open the heavy wooden door to the local tavern, a cacophony of scents hits me all at once. The rich aroma of freshly cooked food fills my senses, making my stomach growl in response. We had run out ofrations yesterday and our water supply was nearly depleted. We are also dangerously close to the border, only an hour away, so we need to keep moving. But the promise of warm food and a chance to rest our weary bodies was too enticing to pass up.

“We can’t stay here for long,” my companion whispers in my ear, his breath tickling my skin. “We’ll just eat and drink and leave once we’ve rested enough.” I nod in agreement, taking in the dimly lit interior of the tavern. Despite its rough exterior, there is a sense of coziness and warmth emanating from within. Tables are filled with boisterous patrons, their laughter mixing with the clinking of glasses and the strumming of a lute in the corner. As we make our way to an empty table, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. For a moment, we can forget about the dangers that lie ahead and simply enjoy this brief respite in the comfort of good food and company.

“How long will it take to get to the castle?” I ask him, staring into his side profile as he scans the place. He pauses, almost seemingly unsure of how to answer me. Maybe he doesn’t know? He was fresh out of guard training when he met me. He hasn’t exactly had time in Khyrel— unless his hometown is here somewhere along the border.

Finally, after a brief minute, he answers, “That won’t matter right now. Let’s focus on not drawing attention to ourselves. The sooner we get over the border, the better off we are.”

The conversation seems to fizzle out, leaving a lingering sense of unease between us. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something feels off about him. We made our way to the bar, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating our path. The scent of hearty mead, freshly baked bread, and pungent cheese fill the air as we place our order. Hunger gnaws at our stomachs, reminding us that our journey was far from over. But for now, we can savor this small moment of warmth and comfort before setting off once again into the cold night.

Some people stare, but anyone who knows what’s good for them tends to keep to themselves. This town is notorious for travelers to stop and rest or get food and drink.

No one stays long except the small number of locals who run it, and everyone else either passing through on business or personal fun. But business is the usual route. Beings don’t typically pass through from Khyrel and Zorya on personal matters unless they’re moving and they rarely do that from what I know.

“I’ll be back. Talk to no one and do not move.”

I am rendered speechless as he abruptly exits the establishment, leaving me to my own devices. Taking a deep sigh, I thank the woman who has brought me my food, hoping that it will settle the nervousness in my stomach. Slowly, I begin to eat, careful not to upset my delicate digestive system.

As I gaze around the dimly-lit room, I can feel his teachings coming back to me. Every sight and sound is carefully noted and etches into my memory. The assorted ascents mixing together. My eyes scan the room, taking note of every being present and their movements, just as he had taught me to do in situations like this.

There are many different races here tonight— I assume it’s always like this— but from low fae, humans, and some sprites, to elves, vampires, and werewolves. I always enjoy seeing mixed races within the city and court. But you had some people, much like Dryston, who think high fae are the more important beings.

“Do you think she made it this far?” A voice spoke, loud enough for me to hear, on their way inside the building. I peek at them as they walk closer to me, taking the table next to mine. The one who spoke has to be a pixie, with the way her wings appear.

“Who?” Their companion ask, their skin green and their eyes bright blue, which tells me they are a selkie. I studied species in the castle. There wasn’t much else to do other than study and study some more. I know more about our history, our species of beings, our fauna and flora, and our geography than the average creature.

“The princess.” The pixie whispers. My eyes widen before trying to keep my focus on my food. “I heard she ran away after the king embarrassed her in front of everyone by preventing her coronation. Poor thing. I’ve never heard bad thingsabout her before.”

The selkie scoffs, “There’s no way she made it this far if she did escape. I think he killed her and told everyone otherwise so he’d look like the better being. Which is complete poppycock. King Dryston is just like his father.” I hold back a snicker.

The pixie gasps, “Don’t say that. That’s enough for him to charge you for treason. I hope he didn’t kill her, she didn’t deserve it.” Where was Hadeon? He needs to eat so we can leave before-

“You!” The room falls silent as the stranger’s accusatory finger points directly at me. My heart races with fear and I can feel everyone’s eyes on me, waiting for an explanation. “Why does your hair look like that?” His voice is full of disdain and my mind races to come up with a plausible excuse.

In a desperate attempt to deflect attention, I stammer out a lie. “I wanted to mimic the princess’s hair, so I used berries to dye it. But… it turned out darker than I anticipated.” The words taste bitter and false on my tongue as I struggle to maintain composure under the intensity of his gaze.

“Then you won’t mind standing before the king so he can confirm whether or not you’re the princess?” The pixie and selkie next to me audibly gasp and the man— probably a bounty hunter— smirks at me.

“Absolutely, no problem.” I slowly stand, hoping to get him outside so I can fight him. If I start inside, more than he will likely try to attack me. “But I doubt the princess had time to grab an outfit like this and weapons like mine before running away from the dreadful king.” More gasps and this time I smirk. Why did that feel so good to say?

“That’s enough out of you.” His voice was booming.

Seriously, where was Hadeon? My skin buzzes in anticipation and the foreign energy tingling through me turns harsher, more erratic.

When the man grabs the back of my neck, something triggers inside me and I snap. I grab his wrist with one hand as I spin around while throwing my weight into my other arm against his elbow, bending it in the wrong direction it’s supposed to go. A crack reverberates around the pub, as does his cry, leaving everyone else silent. “Do not touch me.”

Rage boils within me, threatening to engulf me in its fiery grip. My eyes feel like they are ablaze with the intensity of my anger.

Suddenly, Hadeon bursts through the door, his eyes darting around before locking onto me and widening in shock. He opens his mouth as if to speak, but hesitates, unsure of what to say.

“Let’s go,” he finally says, breaking the tense silence. But just as I start to move toward him, more men rise up from their seats, ready for a fight.

“I don’t care if you’re the princess or not. You’ll pay for that.” One says before they all come at me.

I draw my sword out, ready for a fight as Hadeon marches forward.

---