Page 10 of Starlit Bargains

“Right,” Silas drawled. “And I'm just a simple country farmer.”

“Well, you are living in exile on what is basically a fancy farm,” Kai pointed out. “I mean, sure, it's a massive estate with ancient magical protections and a library bigger than most villages, but still—technically a farm.”

Thorne snorted softly. “He's deflecting.”

“He always deflects,” Silas agreed, still watching Kai with narrow eyes. “Fine, keep your secrets. But if whatever happened in that village comes back to cause problems...”

“It won't,” Kai assured him, ignoring the twinge of guilt. He began repacking his personal bag, carefully selecting what he might need for his planned return to Mistwood later that night. “Anyway, I'm starving. Please tell me there's food that doesn't involve week-old travel rations.”

The conversation shifted to safer topics as they moved to the dining room, where a simple but hearty meal awaited. Kai let Silas's stories of Thornhaven's daily happenings wash over him, contributing just enough to avoid suspicion while his mind kept drifting back to Mistwood, to the note burning a hole in his pocket, to eyes that glowed with an inner light that wasn't quite human.

As the evening progressed, he caught Briar flitting about the rafters, occasionally making exaggerated gestures that clearly communicated her opinion of his decision to return to the village. He pointedly ignored her, knowing she'd follow regardless of her protests. She enjoyed trouble too much to stay behind.

Later, after pleading exhaustion and retreating to his room, Kai stood at the window and watched the moon rise—nearly full, casting silver light across Thornhaven's sprawling grounds. The estate had been Silas's punishment after a political misstep at court—banishment to a remote property with only a single servant and, eventually, Kai as companions. What had begun as punishment had transformed over time into something likefreedom, especially after Thorne had appeared at their borders, drawn by the ancient magic that permeated the land.

Now it was home—the only real one Kai had ever known. Which made his current restlessness all the more confusing. He should be content to stay, to continue his haphazard magical training, to enjoy the safety and comfort of Thornhaven.

Instead, all he could think about was getting back to Mistwood. Back to danger and mystery and a man who looked at him with eyes full of stars and warnings.

“This is a terrible idea,” Briar announced, materializing on his windowsill. “Just so we're clear about that.”

“Noted,” Kai replied, already changing into darker clothes suitable for nighttime travel. “Are you coming or staying?”

The sprite sighed dramatically, wings fluttering with irritation. “Like I'd let you walk into trouble alone. Who would be around to say 'I told you so' when it all goes wrong?”

Kai grinned, tucking a small knife into his boot. “That's the spirit.”

The journey back to Mistwood took less time under cover of darkness, with fewer distractions and no pretense of casual travel. Kai moved with purpose, Briar alternating between riding on his shoulder and scouting ahead, her tiny form glowing faintly in the moonlight.

“We could still turn back,” she suggested as the first outlying buildings of the village came into view. “Tell Silas we wanted an early start on more shopping.”

“Where's your sense of adventure?” Kai whispered, crouching behind a fallen log to survey the approach. The villageappeared quiet, with only a few windows still showing light. A single guard stood at the main gate, looking half-asleep.

“My sense of adventure is fine, thank you. It's my sense of self-preservation that's screaming right now.”

Kai patted her tiny head with the tip of his finger. “It'll be fine. We're just following up on a mysterious note from a stranger in a village full of people who don't like outsiders. What could possibly go wrong?”

“I hate you,” Briar muttered, but there was no real venom in it.

They circled around to a less guarded side entrance, a gap in the village wall where repairs had been neglected. Once inside, Kai kept to the shadows, avoiding the pools of moonlight that would make him too visible. He'd memorized the directions from the note—the old well behind the tanner's shop, after moonrise.

The well was exactly where the note had described, nestled in a small courtyard between buildings. A single lantern hung from the structure's roof, casting just enough light to see by. The place appeared deserted, which immediately put Kai on edge.

“I don't like this,” Briar whispered from her perch on his collar. “Smells like a trap.”

“Or a legitimate meeting that we're early for,” Kai countered, though his hand drifted to the knife in his boot. “Either way, we'll find out soon enough.”

They didn't have to wait long. After perhaps ten minutes, a figure emerged from the shadows of a nearby alley—an older woman Kai recognized as the baker who had smiled at him earlier in the day.

“You came,” she said softly, looking relieved but also nervous. “I wasn't sure you would.”

“Your note was intriguing,” Kai replied, maintaining a safe distance. “Hard to resist the promise of answers.”

The woman glanced over her shoulder, as if worried about being followed. “I can't stay long. The Keepers watch for those who speak to outsiders, especially after dark.”

“Keepers?”

“Those who guard the old ways. The ones who think silence and isolation are the only ways to keep the village safe.” Her weathered face creased with disapproval. “They aren't wrong that something is stirring, but their fear blinds them to the possibility that change might not be destruction.”

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