Page 56 of Cursed Dreams (Shadow and Dreams #1)

T he last spires of the city disappeared behind them, swallowed by the forest’s edge, the buzz of morning market sounds had long faded into birdsong and the rhythmic crunch of their boots against gravel.

The path ahead was narrow and winding, bordered by wildflowers and thick trees with golden leaves rustling in the early autumn breeze.

Thalia pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders, the cool air biting in contrast to the warm sun overhead.

Every step away from the temple sent a shiver of nervous anticipation down her spine.

She was truly doing this. Leaving behind the safety of Vertrose.

“I miss the carriage,” Cellen muttered from behind her, adjusting the strap of his bag for the third time in the last hour.

“I mean, was it too much to ask for a horse? Or five?”

Thalia bit back a laugh, turning over her shoulder to raise a brow at him. “We’re only an hour out and you’re already grumbling?”

“Grumbling? I’m simply stating facts. These legs were made for tavern dancing, not endless trekking.” He waved a hand at the long stretch of road ahead." This is exercise, and I object!”

Nyla snorted, tugging the hood of her cloak up against the breeze. “We weren’t given a carriage, Cellen, because we’re not supposed to draw attention. Vaelith’s eyes are likely still on the temple.”

“Oh yes,” he said with a sigh. “Cause four healers wandering the road is really inconspicuous, at least with a carriage we would be hidden!”

Thalia’s breath hitched slightly at the name, her eyes flicking toward the trees as if expecting to see molten gold burning between the branches. There was only sunlight and shadow, dancing in quiet harmony.

“Yes, but” Marand added gently, falling into step beside Thalia. “Horses would have needed stabling, food, attention. Walking keeps us light and unnoticed.”

“Don’t shoot down me down, with your ridiculous, but probably accurate, logic woman” Cellen groaned. “I much prefer my argument.”

Thalia smiled at their banter, the warmth of her friends settling the nerves that had twisted in her belly since they stepped beyond the city gates. She let the conversation flow around her, giving her steady comfort as they made their way north.

The road dipped into valleys where soft mist clung to the trees, then rose again toward rolling hills dotted with the remains of an old human outposts with stone mile markers, long worn down by time.

Birds swooped overhead, and in the distance, she caught sight of deer flickering between trees like ghostly apparitions.

The human lands really were beautiful she marvelled at the thought.

Still every now and then, Thalia found herself glancing at the path behind them, expecting to see a figure in a dark cloak charging after them on horseback, all shadow and fury, like a nightmare given form.

But thankfully, there was no sign of Vaelith.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, hiding behind a veil of clouds, it cast a muted light over the path, causing a chill to settle in the air.

The gravel crunched softly beneath their boots, the earlier energy fading into silence and slow, steady footsteps that moved forward more from habit than drive

Thalia’s shoulders ached beneath her pack.

Her feet throbbed in her boots. Even her braid had begun to unravel, the strands clinging to her neck with sweat.

This was not the romantic journey of brave purpose she’d imagined as a child reading stories in her father’s armchair.

This was sore legs and blistered toes and Cellen loudly declaring every twenty minutes that he was dying.

“We’re going in circles,” Cellen grumbled, pulling his hood further over his face

“We are not,” Nyla snapped back. “It’s a straight road.”

“Then why does it feel like we’ve been walking in place for three days?”

“Because your sense of time is as terrible as your sense of humour.”

Thalia sighed. “Guys…”

“Oh, that’s rich coming from you , Mrs. ‘Is it time to eat yet, Marand pass me something, oh it must be time for a snack, got to keep our energy up!’” Cellen mimicked in a high-pitched haughty voice

“I don’t sound like that!”

Marand gave Thalia a sideways glance, lips twitching. “You kind of do.”

“Traitor,” Nyla muttered.

“Peace,” Thalia said, raising a hand, half-smiling despite herself. “We haven’t even managed a full day and you two are already on the cusp of murdering eat other.”

“She started it” Cellen murmured sulkily.

“Child” Nyla snickered

They rounded a bend in the road, the forest growing denser, swallowing more of the light.

Just as Thalia was about to suggest they take a short break, the sound of hooves on the road reached her ears.

Thalia instinctively stepped to the side, followed by the others.

Watching as a wagon emerged from round the bend. They moved off the path to let it pass.

“Maybe we’ll get lucky,” Cellen said under his breath. “Maybe if we flag it down, they’ll stop and offer us food and a lift?”

“Or maybe it’s full of thieves and bandits,” Nyla muttered. “I’d rather not be murdered today, thanks,” “Keep your head down till it passes!”

“I’m far too young and handsome to die on the side of the road like this,” Cellen said turning pale “Tell my mother I loved her.”

Thalia rolled her eyes but gripped the strap of her pack a little tighter.

Thalia kept her eyes on the ground, willing the wagon to continue past. Her pulse pounded in her ears, each crunch of the wheels on gravel tightening the knot in her chest.

The wagon passed them and rolled a few yards ahead before slowing. The driver pulled back the reins, bringing the horses to a stop. They huffed and stamped, tails flicking, while the heavy wooden cart rocked gently as the brake clicked into place.

Thalia’s breath caught. Her hands curled into fists. The group froze. Slowly, carefully, they approached the wagon. Thalia looked up at the driver’s seat.

“Wait a minute…” she said slowly, blinking.

The man at the reins looked up from beneath the broad brim of a travel-worn hat.

“Well now,” he drawled. “Took you long enough.” He said ginning widely at them.

Thalia’s mouth fell open

Aric’s familiar voice boomed as he slapped his knee in amusement. “Now what are four young healers doing on this road, dragging their feet like mourners on a pilgrimage?”

Thalia’s heart leapt. She blinked, then blinked again, as the dust cleared enough to show his unmistakable broad grin and tanned, weathered face. Aric.

“Aric?” Nyla gasped, then broke into a relieved laugh.

“I thought you’d be halfway across the realm by now,” Cellen said, hands on his hips as they all caught up.

“And I thought you’d be elbow-deep in-patient charts, not looking like you’ve been dragged through a bush backwards” Aric tipped his hat back, laughter dancing in his eyes. “Come on, climb aboard before you all fall over. This road doesn’t get any easier.”

“Sweet Amara, you’re a gift,” Cellen groaned, hauling himself onto the back of the wagon. “I was ready to murder Nyla if she complained one more time, some of us just don’t have the stamina”

“ME” Nyla snapped, glaring as she climbed up beside him, Marand looking exasperated behind her.

Thalia was the last to climb aboard, her eyes lingering on Aric.

He looked so… well. The last time she had seen him, he’d been pale and frail, barely able to hold his daughter.

Now, his arms were thick with muscle, his posture strong.

He didn’t look like a man who had stared death in the eye only months before.

He noticed her staring and grinned. “Don’t look so surprised, Miss Thalia. I told you I’d dance at my daughter’s wedding someday.”

“You’re driving a wagon,” Marand said, half-laughing as she settled into the straw-lined bench. “Not exactly dancing.”

Aric waved a hand. “Semantics.”

The wagon creaked as it began to roll forward. Thalia leaned back, letting the breeze sweep across her face grateful to finally be off her feet.

“So,” Aric said, glancing over his shoulder, “what’s got you lot heading north with nothing but packs and each other’s company?”

“Top-secret healer business, in the fae lands” Cellen said with a wink. “We could tell you, but then we’d have to magically erase your memory.”

“Tempting,” Aric mused. “But I quite like my memories. Especially the ones where I don’t wake up glowing.”

Thalia smiled faintly she had missed Aric’s humorous ways after he left, the temple.

She was happy to see him, if not a little shocked at how well he looked.

The instinct to examine him and check everything was as it should be wrangled in her mind; she slid her hands under her thighs to avoid the temptation.

“Where are you headed?” Nyla asked.

“Trading up the western roads,” Aric replied. “But I’ll take you as far as you need. Besides, I owe you lot for helping save my skin. Least I can do is spare your feet a few miles.”

Cellen sank down low in the back of the wagon. “A few miles? You beautiful, wonderful, man! You’re a divine blessing wrapped in mortal skin. Aric”

“I’m married, you flirt,” Aric shot back with a laugh.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t admire.”

Their laughter filled the air as the wagon rolled steadily on, lifting spirits and easing the tension that had built over the long road. Thalia felt herself relax as the gentle sway of the cart and the familiarity of Aric’s company put them all at ease.

“So, how’s your wife, Aric?” Marand asked as she leaned against the side of the wagon, her smile soft. “And your little girl?”

At once, Aric’s face brightened. “Marna’s as fierce as ever.

Still thinks I should be resting more, but I told her rests for the dead.

” He winked. “And little Lysa… you wouldn’t believe how fast she’s growing.

She’s got my stubbornness and her mother’s fire.

Which means I’m hopelessly outnumbered at home. ”

Nyla laughed. “Sounds like you’re doomed.”