10.

  Faelwen

  I closed the temple door behind me, leaving the tunnels and its haunting memories in the dark. After drying my tears, I stepped into the open air. The cool breeze brushed against my face, chasing away the remnants of fear and grief, until the sound of boots behind me caught my attention.

  Then Artemis’ low growl shattered the stillness.

  Startled, I followed his gaze toward the shadows. My hand instinctively moved to the hilt of my sword as a large shadow emerged. Some part of me wondered if Spook was still there. But another young man stepped from the shadows. My shoulders sagged when I realized it wasn’t a demon, but my hand still lingered near my weapon.

  Had Spook seen this man as well when he left the temple? His piercing green eyes pinned me to the spot. His robes billowed around him and made my heart stop for a moment. Black, adorned with red runes like those of the necromancers.

  He approached with an unhurried grace, his slim frame moving almost like a dancer’s. His lips curved into a disarming smile. I stood frozen, unable to draw my bow or my sword.

  Artemis bared his teeth and moved a step closer to him, but the man didn’t flinch. Instead, he stopped a few paces away, his hands raised in a gesture of nonchalance.

  He was close enough now that I could see the contours of his face. The man looked young, perhaps late twenties or early thirties. Small wrinkles next to his eyes, indicated he smiled a lot. His skin was soft and mostly unscarred save for a faint line underneath his eye. His robes were old and tattered, the runes faded. Unlike the ones I remembered the current Necromancers were wearing. Strange.

  “What is a beautiful young lady like you doing here in the dead of night?” he asked, his voice warm and velvety. It sounded familiar as if I had heard it before recently. I felt an odd urge to lower my guard, but I resisted. My fingers remained tight around the sword's hilt.

  “Are you alright?” he asked, almost looking worried. I frowned.

  “I’m fine,” I said tensely, though my voice wavered under his gaze. He tilted his head, unconvinced but polite enough not to press.

  “Are you lost?”

  The question stung more than I expected. I wasn’t physically lost. I knew where I was supposed to go, but emotionally? Mentally?

  Entirely adrift. I slowly fumbled through my bag, keeping my focus on him, searching for my map.

  Nothing. I swallowed hard. Herdus’ beard, had I lost it?

  Buddy… I think we lost our map. I send my thoughts to Artemis.

  No stress. We’ll figure it out, he replied, his voice steady in my mind. I hesitated but finally admitted.

  “Yes. I seemed to have lost my map and… well, I don’t know the way.”

  The man’s smile deepened.

  “Don’t worry, darling. I can help you find your way. I have a map in my camp, you can have that one. Oh and my name is Ash.” He extended a gloved hand toward me. Hesitantly, I placed mine in his, expecting a firm handshake. Instead, he turned my hand over and pressed a gentle kiss to the back of it.

  A strange, electric warmth spread through me, and I fought to keep my composure. Magic? His grin widened as he stepped closer. Close enough that I could smell a faint scent of pine trees on him.

  “We’re at the temple of Herdus,” I said quickly, needing to shift the conversation and I backed away a step. Ash glanced up at the gleaming structure, its pale surface glowing under the starlight.

  “I know. Do you believe in Herdus?”

  “Not really,” I admitted. “I’m more inclined toward Elyon and Veras.”

  His eyes glimmered with intrigue as he released my hand.

  “Do you know the story of Herdus?”

  “I know a little,” I replied, suddenly feeling the night’s chill. The wind from the sea cut through my cloak, making me shiver. I wrapped my arms around myself.

  “I need to rest,” I mumbled softly. Ash’s expression softened, and his voice grew tender.

  “Come, I know a place where you can stay for the night. You’ll be safe with me.” His lips moved swiftly, whispers followed in a language I couldn’t understand and my head suddenly grew tired. I couldn’t think straight anymore.

  Wen, this is risky, Artemis warned me.

  I know, but what would you have me do? Risking us wandering into the Marshes of the Fiend? He doesn’t seem to belong to the necromancers. Look at his old fashioned robes. Maybe we should give him a chance? I answered him.

  Oh yes, let's trust the handsome, dark man that emerged from the shadows. Good idea. Artemis’s sarcasm filled my mind. I fought the urge to roll my eyes at him.

  You didn’t trust Spook in the beginning either, but he wasn’t so bad in the end. Let’s just accept his offer. I answered him.

  I really don’t like this idea, Wen. But if this is the path you want to take… I’ll follow.

  Reluctantly, Artemis followed me as Ash led us toward the edge of a small forest. Between the trees stood a small wooden cabin, weathered but sturdy.

  “This was the priest’s house,” Ash explained, pushing the door open. Inside, the scent of smoke and aged wood greeted me. A fire crackled in the hearth, and the room was modestly furnished: a single bed, a small table, and a worn armchair piled with pillows. It looked as if Ash had been here for a longer time. Ash helped me remove my cloak, his touch gentle but fleeting.

  Exhaustion swept over me as I dropped my belongings beside the bed. Even though I knew I should stay alert, my muscles screamed and my mind was strangely foggy like a creeping haze that seemed to take over my mind.

  Why do I feel so strange? I asked Artemis, sinking onto the mattress. Artemis grumbled, but even he seemed drained, slowing down his watchfulness.

  I don’t know Wen. Maybe you should just rest. I’ll keep watch, Artemis curled up near the fire. Ash settled into the armchair.

  “Take the bed,” he offered, his smile as warm as the flames. Unable to resist, I curled up beneath a blanket and quickly drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep that felt unnatural.

  Somewhere in the night I nearly woke up before I heard Ash whisper something again. His warm, strong hand caressing my face. I stiffened, doubt gnawing at my mind before my limbs grew heavy again. My thoughts disappeared like snow in the sun.

  ? ? ?

  The next morning, I awoke to the smell of bacon and eggs. My stomach growled as I stretched. The fire was now reduced to smouldering embers. And my memories from last night were fuzzy as if I’d drunk too much alcohol.

  Ash stood at the small kitchen counter, humming softly as he flipped the bacon.

  “Good morning,” he said with a cheerful grin, placing a plate of food on the table. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Fine,” I lied, avoiding his gaze as I took a seat. I hadn’t forgotten the strange doubt I felt when he lulled me to sleep. Something about him didn’t sit right with me, but running right now would only lead to more problems; I didn’t know the terrain and the demons could be near. Ash poured me a cup of tea and leaned back in his chair, watching me intently.

  “You knew a little about Herdus. Would you like to hear more?”

  I nodded, eager to steer the conversation away from my unease. I couldn’t let him know about my suspicions. My eyes warily scanned his features. His mysterious eyes and cheeky grin caused shivers to run all over my body.

  He held his head a little sideways as he stared back at me. I felt my face flush and his grin deepened. I looked away, gritting my teeth.

  “Very well, I’ll tell you a little more to pass the time,” he answered. His voice was warm and melodic, filling the room as he recounted the tale of Herdus. One of the ancient gods and the creator of mankind, or so people said.

  “The humans say he will return. I doubt Herdus would ever return,” he concluded darkly. “Not even to save humanity from its own darkness.”

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  Pff, Herdus saving humanity. As if he would dirty his hands for that, Artemis huffed in my mind. I raised an eyebrow at him, but he just shrugged. My gaze went back to Ash, ignoring Artemis’ remark about Herdus.

  The word Ash had used lingered in the air: darkness. I hesitated, wondering if he knew more about the demons plaguing this realm. Before I could ask, he interrupted my thoughts.

  “Where are you headed?”

  “To Andw?ne Mere,” I answered, watching his reaction. Ash nodded, his expression unreadable.

  “I need to travel to Erandur myself and since that is next to the Andw?ne Mere, I’ll guide you there,” he offered, his smile returning.

  If he were to give us those maps, we could find it ourselves, Artemis said.

  “You told me you had a map you could give me. With that I would be able to find it myself, thank you,” I voiced Artemis’s thought. Ash squinted his eyes, pressing his lips together.

  “I did try to find that map for you last night, but unfortunately… I couldn’t find it. But I have the map etched inside my brain. I can be your guide,” he spoke after a moment.

  I swallowed hard. I shouldn’t trust him fully, but what options did I have? Trying to find the way ourselves? Getting lost in the Marshes of the Fiend? Risking Ash’s possible trickery? He seemed rather powerful—more powerful than me. Perhaps he could be a necessary ally, like Spook.

  Do we believe him? Artemis asked.

  Do we have a choice? We need a guide or a map to get to the Andw?ne Mere. I’ve never been there before. I replied. Ash noticed my hesitation and leaned forward on his elbows. His eyes softened.

  “Look… I know you’re cautious. Obviously. I would be too. Don’t trust strangers, they always say. These days the world is full of demons and monsters,” he smiled, “but as you can see, I ran away from the necromancers a long time ago. Demons and necromancers are as much my enemies as they are yours. And I’d rather face those battles together, than alone.”

  He had a point. I looked down at Artemis, reading the concern in his eyes..

  It’s up to you, Wen.

  I had to make the call. My jaw tightened. I’d rather face the danger together as well, but his charm and mysterious nature unsettled me, and I couldn’t shake the nagging doubt to stay vigilant. Still, for now, he could be a necessary ally. If only to face the dangers, like he said.

  “Okay,” I accepted his request.

  As I gathered my belongings, Ash put out the fire. I couldn’t help but wonder how he’d gotten into the cabin in the first place. The front door had a lock, but when we left, he’d simply closed it behind him without bothering to lock it. I realised he’d probably broken into the cabin. But why? Artemis growled softly, sensing my unease.

  I know buddy. But don’t worry. We only have to travel with him for a couple of days. I reassured him, though a hint of regret lingered. I had lost Barnabas' map, and with it, I no longer knew where he’d been or what he still needed to discover.

  “Darling, are you coming? Or are you just going to keep staring at the door?” Ash teased, a grin tugging at his lips.

  “I was merely eyeing the lock. You broke into that cabin. Why?” I asked sternly, crossing my arms. The grin vanished from his face, his eyes darkened.

  “That’s none of your business,” he hissed. I stepped back, surprised by the sudden shift in his mood. Without another word, he turned and walked off in the direction of the road. I shook off the uneasy feeling and reluctantly followed him, with Artemis walking cautiously at my side. One guide traded for another. But this one seemed more ominous than Spook.

  The journey stretched on, hours passing without a word between us. Occasionally, we stopped to drink or eat, but even then… Ash remained silent. As evening slowly descended, the sun hung low in the sky, bathing the grasslands in a golden-orange light. The sound of the evening birds was the only noise to bridge the silence between us.

  “What’s your name?” His voice startled me; I had been lost in thought, walking beside him all this time.

  “Faelwen,” I answered, realizing with a small pang that while I knew his name, he, up until now, had no idea who I was.

  “That’s an unusual name. You don’t hear that often among humans.” He glanced down at me. His lips moved in a barely audible whisper, and an odd sensation swept over my mind, leaving me dizzy. Despite my effort to push it away, words tumbled from my mouth.

  “My name’s probably not completely human,” I said, faltering in my step. He steadied me with one arm. “I found out in the underground tunnels of Westray that I’m part elvish.” I kept speaking, my voice soft and steady. Ash leaned in, listening intently as I continued.

  “It all started when I was running from the Hunters who might have killed Barnabas. I escaped and helped a farmer get rid of a demon living in a cave and then…”

  It felt like I was watching myself from outside my own body. Helpless as my secrets spilled uncontrollably. Ash appeared intrigued, taking mental notes of everything I revealed.

  Wen! Stop! Artemis urged.

  I’m trying, buddy, but I can’t! I answered back to him in my mind, struggling to regain control.

  Try pushing his magic out of your mind. Artemis suggested. I reached for my own magic, but nothing happened. With great effort I tried to stop thinking about everything that had happened to us and started focusing on one thought, clinging to it until my thoughts snapped into place.

  “You’re controlling me!”

  The dizzying sensation lifted instantly, and I regained control over my words. Ash halted and blinked in shock for a moment before regaining his composure.

  “I would do no such thing, my dear. Why would I want to hear your entire life story? It’s your own fault for getting carried away with your ‘amazing adventures.’” He retorted. I clenched my teeth, fire ignited behind my ribs.

  “Don’t lie to me,” I hissed. He looked genuinely puzzled.

  “I’m not lying. Believe me when I tell you I’m speaking the truth.”

  He locked eyes with me, and a wave of magic tried to cloud my thoughts again. Tried to make me doubt myself.

  No! I thought fiercely.

  Build a wall around yourself, Wen!

  “No! Stop doing that! You also put me and Artemis to sleep the other night!” I snapped at Ash, pointing an accusatory finger at him and struggling against the force he was sending into my mind. Ash chuckled softly, as if amused by my futile attempts.

  “Darling, maybe we should rest for the night. You look exhausted.”

  His hand brushed my hair out of my face, and I felt my eyes grow heavy. In the distance, I heard Artemis growl as he bit Ash in his ankle. Ash cursed, his focus broke. The fog lifted from my mind.

  As Ash grabbed his ankle, I seized the opportunity and swung my fist at his head. I had no idea how tough a skull could be, but my punch seemed to land perfectly. He stumbled backward, falling flat on his back. I rubbed my sore hand.

  “You’re a strong little lady, Faelwen,” he groaned, trying to sit up. It was the first time he’d used my name, and it sent a shiver up my spine. That treacherous body of mine. Irritated with myself, I stepped forward, pressing the tip of my sword against his guts.

  “Don’t even think about standing up, mister genius.”

  He raised his arms in mock surrender and lay back down on the ground, smiling at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

  “I meant no harm,” he said, his voice tinged with regret. I almost fell for his innocent look, but I quickly shook myself out of it and avoided eye contact.

  “I should’ve known better than to trust a Necromancer,” I said.

  “I told you I’m no longer part of the Necromancers,” he responded, his voice more serious now. “I still wear their clothes, but that’s only because I don’t have anything else.”

  I blinked, thrown off guard. “Who are you then, really?”

  He pleadingly looked from the sword towards me. I put away my sword under protest from Artemis and helped Ash up on his feet. He brushed off the dirt from his clothes and looked a little anxious at the wolf who started growling.

  “According to my wolf, you’re standing too close,” I translated for Artemis. Ash raised his eyebrows in surprise and took a step back, grinning.

  “I knew you had some kind of magical connection with your wolf.”

  I didn’t respond right away, still waiting for an answer to my question. He sighed deeply, looking suddenly tired and sad.

  “Let’s find a place to camp for the night. I’ll explain everything over dinner,” he said, gesturing for me to lead the way.

  We walked for a little while before I chose a sheltered spot among the trees to set up camp. The area was open, surrounded by grasslands with only scattered trees and bushes for cover.

  Soon enough, a small fire crackled in the centre of our camp. Ash pulled out a kettle from his pack and began preparing tea. He settled down, pulling his knees to his chest as he stared up at the stars. His voice broke the silence after a long pause.

  “As for your question, yes, I still use the same kind of magic as them. But I’m no longer part of that order. I left a long time ago.” He was quiet for a moment, lost in thought before he continued. “I thought Orion, our leader, could lead us to victory, stop the hunt on magi and help me with a private matter. But he got too lost in the dark arts. He wanted more and more, and many followed him. I couldn’t. So… I left. I’ve been on my own for a few years now.”

  I opened my mouth to speak, only to close it again. My fingers played with the necklace around my neck. I stared into the fire until the kettle began to rattle. Ash carefully placed it next to the fire.

  “Why all the secrets? Why put us to sleep that night and try to convince me you were telling the truth when you were clearly lying?” I asked, breaking the silence between us.

  He met my gaze with sorrowful eyes.

  “I… was cautious, like you. I had to know if you weren’t working with those creatures from the darkness below,” he said, his voice trembling. Artemis seemed to relax at the mention of the “darkness below,” moving closer to the fire.

  I don’t think I’ll ever fully trust this man. But for now we’ll travel in the same direction. Like you said, we’ll soon part ways anyway. I heard his words in my mind. I nodded towards Artemis and stroked his fur.

  “I’m not working with them,” I replied firmly to Ash. “I’ve been attacked by two of them already, and I don’t want to see them again. I’m just trying to find my own path.”

  Ash’s expression softened, and he smiled, a few lines forming at the corners of his eyes. Heat flared to my cheeks and Ash raised his eyebrow in response. I quickly turned away, looking up at the sky.

  The night was still, the sky shrouded in thick clouds hiding the stars. No comforting moonlight, just an oppressive darkness that made my heart race.

  A deep, familiar fear clawed at me. A fear that seemed long forgotten but was always remembered by the humans after the first war with the Fiend. The fire crackled in front of us, trying to chase away the shadows.

  “The night grows darker,” Ash whispered. “As if something is coming.”

  I felt a chill run through me, and I moved closer to Artemis for comfort. As I sat between Ash and my wolf, the sound of whispers from the dark reached my ears, unsettling me more than I cared to admit. Knowing these whispers were the beginning of some greater danger coming to our world.

  Ash shifted closer to me, his arm brushed against my waist. My body stiffened and I moved away from him.

  “Don’t worry. I won’t harm you,” he whispered as he made himself comfortable next to me. I could feel his warmth crossing the small distance between us. My shoulders released their tension, but sleep didn’t come easily. A coldness clung to me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen. I tried to stay awake, but exhaustion dragged me under and I lost the fight as sleep took me.