Page 42 of The Demon of the Wood

Melina was paid two-thirds of the price that day to buy supplies and other items. She had plenty saved up and knew that she could get all the supplies for the gown for fifty units alone. But there was something else she had been wanting and saving up for, something that would help her travel to and from the manor, as well as other villages to buy embellishments that the shops in Orc Haven didn’t have.

She would spend a nice chunk of it on a horse. It was an old mare, but good enough for riding about as she needed. It would be a lie if she didn’t admit that a secret motivation was that she could ride to Kaemon’s cabin on her own, not having to wait for him to visit town to see him.

He came often enough, though recently he’d been on edge about acknowledging her around others, preferring to meet her in the loft and sit while she worked for hours, talking. She loved the moments, but still longed for the freedom of the woods, of being able to be near him and wander about. A horse would take care of that for her.

“She’s worth at least seventy units,” the goblin female said, crossing her arms, ready for a disagreement.

But Melina only took out her coin pouch and counted the money out, handing it to her. The female took them happily, a toothy grin spreading across her face, and then handed the reins to Melina. She looked at the old mare, taking in her dappled brown coat. The goblin handed her a sack made of canvas.

“Has apples in it. She loves 'em.”

Melina thanked the goblin, then walked out of the stable, stroking the mare’s neck and receiving a gentle nudge of encouragement and a soft noise from the horse.

“What should I name you?” she asked, but the mare only nudged her hand, wanting her to open the sack. Melina laughed, then obliged, taking out the fruit and watching the horse happily munch on it.

“I think I shall name you Apple, sweet lady,” Melina said.

Melina had rarely ridden a horse before, so it took a few days for her to become comfortable in the saddle. But Apple’s older age lent gentleness, and she listened to Melina’s commands so well that she became confident in less than a week. Each morning she went out for a long ride, slowly going faster and faster, hair flying behind her, her cheeks dotted pink from the wind, and her laughter catching in the air and floating back from the freedom of riding.

She gazed at the river as she trotted past, the chunks of ice slowly disappearing. Spring was fighting to take over. Her first spring of freedom. It had been six months since that fateful night, and her old life felt like a bad dream, easily forgotten now.

An enormous shadow passed overhead, and she squinted, looking up. Great, leathery wings spread out in the sky above her and her heart sped up. But she realized it wasn’t Kaemon. It was a female demon, and she was flying straight for Orc Haven. Something prickled along her skin and curiosity struck her. She nudged Apple, and they sped off, taking her swiftly back to the tavern.

She put Apple away in the stable, then trotted into the warmth of the pub. The demon had arrived before Melina. She was talking to Aife as she sat on a stool. She placed some coppers on the bar as Aife poured a pint. The female looked back, her light green eyes locking on Melina, a sensual smile spreading on her lips.

Melina had the distinct feeling of familiarity with her, but she wondered if that was part of a demon’s power. Seduction was their specialty, and she supposed familiarity helped with that. Though, she realized, most of the things she’d heard had been wrong, anyway. She placed her cloak away and pulled on an apron, going to Aife. The female’s eyes followed her, an odd look passing over her face.

“Do I know you?” she asked, leaning forward on the bar, her elbows resting on the wood. She wore leather armor, black as midnight, bracers of silver, and the shoulders designed like scales. A long sword was strapped to her back and a short one hung around her waist. A single braid fell on one side of her head, blending with the tangle of short black waves that rested right below her chin.

Melina shook her head. “No, I’m sure you don’t.”

The female cocked her head to the side, unconvinced. “There is something very familiar about you.”

“What is your name?” Melina asked, taking a cup Aife had just cleaned and dried it with a towel.

The demon pursed her lips, thinking. “Umm…Mary.”

A lie.

“What’s your name?” the supposed “Mary” asked.

“Melina.”

Mary hummed. “No, I don’t think I do know you, but you are so familiar. Nice to meet you.”

She shoved her hand to Melina, who took it. Mary had a firm grip and good handshake and Melina felt immediately intimidated, even as the female flashed a rakish grin. “Nice to meet you as well.”

The female took a sip of her drink. “And you work here, Melina?”

Melina nodded. “Yes, I serve here sometimes, and at other times, I sew in the loft.”

“A seamstress!” Mary exclaimed, then waved at Melina's clothes. “Did you make the ones you are wearing?”

Melina was in her wool lined riding trousers and a cream blouse. They were as functional as the men’s trousers they usually wore when needed, but she’d added a puff about the hips and floral stitching along the side of each thigh, giving it a feminine touch.

Melina nodded, then gestured to Mary’s clothes. “Are you a mercenary?”

Mary thought it over. “Yes.”

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