Page 33 of Somewhere down the Ley Line
Isolde crossed her arms tightly. Yes, she wanted to go to the Nexus. But she also wanted answers. The Crovan elder must know something about her magic,otherwise why would they bring her here? How could she walk away from an opportunity like that? She sighed in frustration. “She knows about leytouched, Felix! They even have their own name for it! These people have some kind of ancient knowledge. I need to learn everything I can from them.”
“If there is indeed some knowledge to be gained here, that will help to keep the… magic under control,” Garren said, without looking at anyone, “that would be beneficial.”
Felix drummed his fingers on the table. “What about Lu?” he asked, jabbing a thumb in her direction. “They hate her. She’s not safe here.”
Luella threw him a venomous glare. “Do not make this about me.”
Isolde looked down. She hated that he had a point. “I know. That worries me as well. But I think…” she said, giving Luella a pleading look, “if Luella is willing, maybe if we just keep our heads down and don’t provoke them, it could be alright…” It was an awfully weak argument, and she knew it. Luella saved her.
“Lady Isolde, don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.”
Isolde felt her heart swell with gratitude, and she reached across the table to clasp Luella’s hand. “Thank you, Luella. That means a great deal to me.”
Felix grumbled but accepted his defeat. “Fine. We’ll stay. For now.”
13
Stories
Felix left the cabin not long after and hadn’t made it five steps before the boy from before – Leif – fell in step beside him. He turned slightly, narrowing his eyes.
“Where are you going?” Leif asked, a little too eagerly. He was younger, about eighteen maybe, with a face full of freckles, a mop of dark blond hair and an inquisitive expression that suggested he didn’t understand the concept of boundaries.
“For a walk,” Felix said flatly.
“You’re the Aelithar’s guard? What’s your name? How did you end up here?”
Felix glanced up at the sky and sighed. “Don’t you have something to do?”
“I’m doing it. My aunt told me to make your group feel welcome.” He grinned widely.
Felix snorted. Of course she did. “Right.” He proceeded to ignore the boy and walked to the pond at the edge of the village. Leif didn’t get the hint and followed. There was nobody else there, so Felix sat down on an abandoned stool and looked around for flat rocks.
“You didn’t tell me your name.”
He sighed again. “It’s Felix.”
“Nice to meet you, Felix!” Leif said in a mockingly pleasant tone. “You’re not much of a talker, are you?”
Felix grunted in response and flicked a stone across the water. He’d only managed two skips when he heard the crunch of boots on the ground behind him. His hand drifted to his axe handle. He turned his head a fraction, casting a casual glance over his shoulder.
It was Beorn, the young blond warrior from the hall, standing a few paces away with a disarming grin. “It is a fine day today,” he said, his tone light, as if they were old friends.
Felix glanced sideways at him. “You came here to discuss the weather?”
Leif grinned, his head swivelling from side to side between the two men. Beorn chuckled awkwardly and looked down at his boots. “You’re not very friendly.”
“So I’ve been told.” Felix turned away to face the water, flicking another rock across its surface. Three skips. Progress.
“I was just saying the same thing,” Leif added helpfully.
Beorn was silent. When Felix glanced back, he found Beorn studying him, his pale blue eyes thoughtful.
“What do you want?”
Beorn smiled again, though there was something hesitant about it this time. “The Aelithar – Isolde – is much friendlier than you.”
That was true; she was. He smiled faintly at the memory of starlight and sparks of magic.
