Page 12 of Quest

I managed a weak nod, trying to appear as earnest as possible. “The preparations are delicate as the herbs require specific handling immediately after harvesting. Their use is essential in our journey.” I hoped this would satisfy his concerns, though the persistent edge of suspicion in his posture told me I had perhaps only bought a temporary reprieve.

His mistrust lingered in the air like an unspoken challenge, but without sufficient evidence to support his doubts he was compelled to accept my explanation…at least for now. Though he clearly still harbored suspicions, he reluctantly let me go without further questioning. I felt the weight of his skeptical gaze on my back as I hurried away, grateful to put as much distance between us as possible.

Once out of his sight, I altered my course. In contrast to the oppressive darkness that had once smothered our kingdom, the shadows of early morning now provided a welcome refuge, concealing my movements. As I made my way to a secluded stream some distance from camp, I mechanically gathered any herbs I encountered along the path, each plant bolstering my alibi should anyone question my activities upon my return.

The latent moonlight was steadily fading into the first hints of dawn, forcing me to use the dense underbrush for cover lest Sir Jiang or anyone else follow me. I listened intently for any sign of pursuit with every cautious step; the morning was still, yet even this welcome silence amplified my anxiety.

Upon reaching the stream I paused to scan the tranquil surroundings for any hint of disturbance, but the only sound was the water gently babbling over the smooth stones. Cool mist rose from the surface, adding another welcome layer of cover.

Once assured of my solitude, I began to undress with shaking hands, each removed piece of clothing adding to my sense of vulnerability. The final garment was the tight cloth bound around my chest, an uncomfortable yet essential part of my disguise to my feminine figure that my limited magic hadn’t been able to alter. Without my clothing I felt starkly exposed. The cool air brushed against my skin, sending shivers down my spine as I hurried into the water, biting my lip to stifle my sharp, involuntary gasp at the frigid temperature.

A sudden rustle near the bank sounded, freezing me in place, but it was only a frog leaping onto a lily pad. I exhaled a shaky breath, though my nerves remained tightly wound. My relief at finally being able to bathe did little to penetrate the tension that kept me trapped in its firm hold; I remained acutely aware of every sound and movement in the surrounding area as I bathed.

Determined to finish quickly, I hastily scrubbed the dirt off my skin before undoing my hair from its tighttouji, letting it cascade freely down my back. As I energetically washed away the last of the grime from travel, I barely registered the quiet rustle of leaves over the soft murmur of the stream until the sound of footsteps pierced the morning stillness, startling me with their proximity.

Panic seized my breath as I recognized Kael and Sir Jiang’s voices, thankfully absent of the prince. For a moment I remained paralyzed as I debated my options before plunging deeper into the water in an attempt to hide. The splash created by my hasty movements made too much noise, drawing the unwanted attention I sought to evade. Afraid to disturb the stream with even a single additional ripple I froze, my heart pounding…but it was too late. To think that even with magic aiding my disguise I had only managed to evade detection for a single day. The failure felt sharp.

“Is that Ren?” Kael's cheerful voice carried across the stream as his curiosity drew him closer to the water’s edge.

Sir Jiang’s heavier footsteps approached the bank. “He’s supposed to be gathering herbs,” he replied wryly.

I bit back a biting retort, as if my stubborn silence would be enough to conceal me from a discovery that at this point was inevitable.

“Seems an odd hour for a bath, doesn’t it?” Sir Jiang stated.

“Maybe the lad just prefers the privacy of dawn,” Kael said. “It does seem refreshing.”

The heavy tension was broken by the sound of clothes ruffling—as if they were in the process of being removed—followed by a splash and the slosh of water. The very scenario I had done my best to avoid with my early morning excursion was unfolding before my horrified eyes, and I felt powerless to stop it.

In a desperate attempt to conceal myself I dipped beneath the water, holding my breath for as long as I could before my need for air forced me to resurface. Gasping, I rubbed the water and dripping hair from my eyes. My vision cleared, revealing that Kael already stood waist deep in water, and had used my time beneath the surface to wade scandalously close.

He caught my eye with a mischievous grin. “I thought that was you.”

I didn’t return his smile, too focused on keeping my gaze lifted so I wouldn’t accidentally see something that would scar my mind forever. I submerged myself deeper, leaving only my eyes and nose above the surface. The cold from the stream seeped into my bones, mirroring the icy fear coursing through me.

Kael’s prodding gaze seemed to be awaiting a response. I managed to gather enough composure to speak, my voice muffled by the water, hoping my tone was casual enough to dispel any lingering doubts. “I was hoping to find some eelgrass.”

“In…the lake?”

I nodded a little too vigorously. “It’s an aquatic plant, so when I saw the stream I thought I might be able to harvest some.”

Amusement twitched his lips. “Hence why you’re up to your eyes in the water?”

I eagerly latched onto Kael’s reasoning. Ducking under the surface, I felt along the silt bed of the stream, wrapping my fingers around the first stem I came across and tugging. I resurfaced and triumphantly held up the limp weed.

He cocked a skeptical brow as he took in the soggy leaves. “That’s eelgrass?” He pushed back his wet hair with one hand, and I noticed an unusual object on his arm—a wide leather bracelet, or perhaps a bandage of some type.

“Well…no. I haven’t found any yet, but I thought it was worth taking the time to search.” I began edging along the slippery stream bed, keeping myself submerged up to my neck and trying to maintain some semblance of dignity.

Kael’s brow furrowed as he watched my clumsy retreat, but while he accepted my fumbled explanations readily enough, Sir Jiang as usual wasn’t so easily swayed. He crossed his arms, his silhouette imposing against the rising sun. “Where are the herbs you were supposedly gathering? Surely a plant that grows at the bottom of a stream doesn’t need to be harvested exactly at dawn.”

“Over there. I picked them before I entered the water.” I gestured vaguely towards the bank, grateful for my foresight in procuring an alibi…though I never would have imagined I would use it in a scenario where one of my comrades stood naked a short distance away, the protection of my secret relying wholly on the cover of the stream and the faint early light.

Sir Jiang eyed the small pile of greenery I had collected, resting beside the clothes I desperately yearned to put back on. He looked ready to continue the interrogation, but Kael cut him off with a laugh and a dismissive wave.

“Your role as a guard, though admirable, leaves you suspicious of even the most innocent things. Let the boy be, Jiang. He’s doing no harm.” But something lurked beneath his friendly guise as his gaze shifted back to me, eyes narrowed slightly in a not-so-easily-convinced manner. “Though you do seem a bit jumpy, Ren. Is everything alright?”

“I’m fine,” I panted, clutching at a lily pad and instinctively bringing it closer to my chest, as if it could somehow aid my escape. “Nothing is wrong, I’m just…”

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