Page 33

Alaric leads the horses to a nearby brackish stream, and even though it stinks of rot, they drink their fill.

“Are you sure that’s safe for them to drink?” I ask him as he ties them using lead ropes.

“Yes. We can’t drink it, but they definitely can. They’ve adapted well to these harsh conditions. There are oats in my extra saddlebag on this side.” He touches the bag in question. “Can you feed them and clean out their feet? The pick is in the side pocket of the same bag. I’m going to find some wood for a fire.”

“You’re going to struggle to find anything dry enough to burn. Even if you do, it’ll smoke us out and probably give our location away.”

“You’re going to use your power to dry the wood and then start the fire for us.” He winks at me.

I lift my brows and give him a look. “You have far too much faith in my abilities.”

“We’ll soon find out. I think you’ll do just fine. I believe in you, McColl, even if you don’t believe in yourself.”

He keeps saying things like that to me, and I find myself lapping it up like I’m starved for compliments, and I guess I am. I haven’t had many of those in all of my twenty-eight summers. I’ve never had someone put such faith in me before, either, especially a fae. It’s a strange feeling, but one that warms me nonetheless and far more than it should. I need to tread carefully. I meant what I said; he isn’t my enemy, but he certainly isn’t my friend, and I need to remember that. He tells me to trust him, but I can’t; it would be foolish to do so.

He leaves before I can argue the point further. I hope he didn’t see the color heating my cheeks. Warmth at his compliments and sugary words. The fae is a charmer. I need to be on my guard.

I open the saddlebag with the oats and give each horse a helping straight onto the ground. There isn’t much in the way of grazing. I’m sure they will be fine. Alaric said that they are used to the harsh conditions. That they have adapted.

The horses eagerly munch on the oats, their soft sounds of contentment filling the clearing. I take the pick from the side pocket of the saddlebag and check their hooves, making sure there are no stones or debris stuck in them. There’s plenty of mud, which I pick out until they’re clean. The horses seem calm under my touch, trusting me to care for them. I wish I knew their names. I pet each of them in turn. We’re lucky we have them back with us. It would have been a long walk on foot.

After finishing with the horses, I make my way over to where Alaric has gathered a small pile of wood. There is a larger pile beside the small one. He gives me a hopeful look as he hands me a piece of the wood.

I take it.

“Just as expected, it’s wet…too wet to burn,” he tells me. “Let’s see what you can do.” He must see my expression because he adds, “No pressure, McColl. We will be just fine without a fire.”

I nod once and take a deep breath, focusing on the moisture within the wood.

Channeling the magic within me, I envision the water evaporating, the wood becoming dry and ready to catch fire. I feel a surge of energy flowing through me, the power within me responding to my command.

Slowly, I open my eyes and look down at the piece of wood in my hand. To my surprise, it’s no longer damp, but dry and almost brittle. A small smile tugs at my lips as I hand it back to Alaric.

“There you go,” I say, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “I did it.”

“Of course you did. I didn’t doubt you for a moment.” There is no sign of surprise. Perhaps he wasn’t trying to charm me. Maybe he meant it when he said he believed in me.

I get down on my knees before the two piles of wood, hold out my hands, and go through the same motions as before. The same thing happens, and the wood dries before my eyes. It’s easy. It’s simple. Only it shouldn’t be…not for me.

I laugh softly in disbelief. It’s the same as earlier; the magic inside of me is true and fully accessible. Why? How does it work?

Then I click my fingers, and the fire starts on the smaller pile. Flames spring to life, slowly getting bigger.

“Nicely done, McColl.” He hands me an apple and a piece of jerky. I take them, sitting on a rock close to the fire.

He hands me a skin, and I drink, passing it back to him. Alaric does the same. The tension of the day slowly meltsaway as we eat in comfortable silence, the crackling of the fire providing a soothing background noise.

“We only have one bedroll and blanket,” Alaric says, “which is fine, since we’ll have to take turns sleeping. Someone will have to stand guard just to be safe.”

“Oh.” I frown. “One bedroll—”

“I packed two sets, but I suspect that the bedroll and blanket you were using at the cave was one of those sets, and we had to leave in a hurry.” He takes a bite of his apple.

“We sure did. I um…” I stare into the fire for a few seconds. “I thought I might try a shield spell. Not just for us, but for the horses, too.” I bite my nail.

“That’s a great idea.” He takes another bite of his apple.

I lift my hands and close my eyes, feeling my magic well up. I’m filled with power. It buzzes through my veins. It’s shocking to me each time I feel it. Each time I access it. I shouldn’t be able to. Not like this.