Page 24

CHAPTER 24

R esolve filled me as I made my way through the lightening forest back to camp, anticipating the upcoming conversation. I knew I needed to confide in Darcel, but even with the trust I placed in him each step was laden with the dread of what I was about to reveal and the potential repercussions that might ensue. However, there was comfort in knowing that, regardless of what lay ahead, he would stand by me.

A familiar surge to handle this alone rose within me, a remnant of my past self who would have let pride and a fierce need for independence dictate my silence. But I wasn’t the same person who had started this quest—I had changed, evolved not just in circumstance but in character. This journey had not only transformed me, but given me someone I could trust.

The challenge was finding him. Kael had mentioned that the group was searching for me; his ability to locate me first attested to his tracking skills, a talent I lacked, especially in the expansive, dark woods. Venturing too far off the path would likely result in my getting lost, a risk I couldn’t afford with time so pressing.

I opted to go back to camp, a logical point of return for Darcel. The campsite was deserted, with untouched bedrolls and the fire’s dying embers signaling the haste of their departure. Guilt washed over me at the concern my absence must have caused.

I settled down to wait, hoping Darcel would return before Sir Jiang or Kael. Thankfully, it seemed as if Darcel’s heart was in tune with mine—a compass for my location—for barely fifteen minutes had passed before I heard the unmistakable sound of someone hurrying through the trees. Moments later Darcel emerged, breathless and wide-eyed—an indication of the extent to which he had driven himself in his search.

“Darcel.” I rose to meet him, but he closed the distance in an instant, pulling me into a tight embrace.

“Where have you been?” he demanded. I could feel his strong heartbeat pounding frantically against me from his exertion and anxiety.

“I was gathering herbs?—”

“In the middle of the night, and alone?” He released a breath that was a mix of relief and exasperation. “I adore you for your independence, but must you torture me with worry?” Despite his harsh reprimand, some of the panic that had initially hardened his tone softened at the assurance of having me in his arms.

His fierce hold gradually loosened, but I wasn’t quite ready to let him go. Slipping my arms around him, I leaned my cheek against his chest. “I’m sorry. I’m still trying to adjust to having someone to share my burdens with.”

Some of his frustration dissipated at my words. “This is new for both of us, but please never put me through that again.” His touch was exceedingly gentle as he stroked my hair.

I allowed myself a moment to bask in his embrace, when I didn’t have to worry about secrets, blackmail, or whatever mess our comrade had entangled himself in. It was just me, the man I fiercely loved, and the security of his arms that promised me that no matter what I faced I wasn’t alone.

I wanted to remain in this moment forever, but eventually reality penetrated this tender security. I started to wriggle away, but his hold was unrelenting, rendering my reluctant escape impossible. He pressed a gentle kiss to my brow. “Will you tell me what herbs were worth nearly giving me a heart attack?”

“My disguise ointment and all the herbs required to brew another are missing.”

He yanked back in alarm. “ Missing? ” Even amid his incredulity he seemed to sense that the situation had far greater ramifications than it first appeared. His expression quickly shifted from concern to his usual single-minded focus.

I took a deep breath, the cool air filling my lungs as I prepared to shatter the peace between us. “Kael knows who I really am. He took my herbs and the things I use for my disguise, but is willing to return them…for a price.”

“ Kael? ” Disbelief momentarily flashed in his eyes, followed by betrayal, before protectiveness hardened his expression. His hands gripped mine tightly as he glanced around in fruitless search for our missing companion. “And he’s threatening you?” The words emerged as a growl, like he was moments away from calling for the man’s execution.

“If it were only about me I would simply refuse his demands…but the situation is more complicated—he’s involving you too.”

The words tumbled out in a rush as I explained about the missing items and Kael’s subsequent threats. Darcel’s jaw clenched more with each revelation, his posture tensing in barely contained fury. When I finished, he needed a few moments and a few well chosen expletives to compose himself before he could respond.

“That scoundrel .” Darcel’s displeasure surfaced in a string of several colorful expletives. He pulled me into his arms once more, his embrace tightening around me, as if by holding me closer he could shield me from Kael’s manipulations. “You mustn’t give him what he demands. I don’t care about the potential fallout for me; I will not allow your skills to be exploited for his selfish benefit.”

“But your reputation—“ I began.

“—is of little importance now that I’ve discovered what I truly value.” His gaze was tender as he cradled my cheek. “You’ve shown me what it truly means to be a prince—it’s about doing my best with the legacy I have, just as you have with yours.”

My heart warmed at the sentiment. “Since I’m determined to turn everything into a competition, you too have become the most important part of my life and more. Therefore, I’m willing to make the potion he needs…especially since the nature of this particular elixir suggests there’s more at play here than we initially thought.”

His brow furrowed. “Are you suggesting there is a valid reason for his betrayal?”

I nodded. “The potion he’s demanding suggests he’s caught up in something risky, likely before this journey began. But I’ll leave the judgment of the situation to you.”

For the first time in our tense discussion, a hint of a smile lifted the corner of Darcel’s mouth. “Handing the decision over to me, rather than charging ahead on your own? What’s happened to my headstrong Mei? Has she been replaced by an imposter?”

I laughed lightly. “No, she’s still here. She’s just...learning to share the burden.”

“That’s perilously endearing; I might just fall even more in love with you.” He sealed the promise with another kiss to my forehead that slowly found its way to my lips for a deep, lingering kiss that took my breath away.

I allowed myself to savor him a blissful moment before I reluctantly pulled back, my breath still mingled with his. “You can’t distract me like that. There’s work to be done.”

“And I’ll be right here to help,” he promised.

I knew he meant more than simply assisting me on this single project. The assurance of having him by my side, through challenges and triumphs, filled me with a profound joy richer than any enchantment could offer—one I knew would sustain us through a lifetime together.

I clasped his hand again, feeling our unspoken promise flow between us. The road ahead was fraught with uncertainty, yet his presence by my side instilled the kind of courage that had always seen me through even my most challenging herbalist endeavors. Together, we were more than just companions thrown together by fate; we were allies, our bond tempered by trust and deepened through love.

With Darcel close beside me, I began the meticulous preparation of the elixir. My knowledge of this rare concoction stemmed from the ancient herbal manuscripts my father had collected throughout his life. He had always emphasized the profound connection between nature and magic, instilling in me an understanding that the rarest ingredients were often crucial to unlocking the most powerful magical effects. My father had always cautioned that powerful elixirs—especially those crafted from such rare ingredients—should be used with utmost respect and caution, their potency not to be taken lightly or bestowed indiscriminately.

His teachings guided my hands as I carefully measured and mixed, his wisdom echoing in my mind with each step of the process. Despite being coerced under threat to brew this particular concoction, I chose to rely on the instincts that had been sharpened by years of experience and deepened through the connections forged on my quest. I trusted in what I had learned about myself and the lessons of responsibility and discernment that had come with it.

As promised, Kael provided the necessary ingredients, each a rare souvenir from the regions he had explored during his work as a tracker, a testament to his extensive travels. Carefully I opened his pack and withdrew a dried clump of twilight moss, a species found only in the deep shadows of ancient ruins, valued for its ability to absorb and neutralize dark enchantments. Laying it on the smooth rock Darcel had set up as a makeshift apothecary table, I next took out a chunk of dragon’s breath root, a potent herb known to burn through curses, often used in purification rituals; then he added a clump of precious starlight berries. I narrowed my eyes when I saw the last ingredient—a sprig of wraithleaf, a translucent leaf that shimmered under moonlight, known for its properties to reveal things concealed by magic—a discovery he appeared to have acquired from the moonlit garden atop the highest peak.

I began by pouring the vial of duskwater Darcel handed me into a small cauldron, heating it over warm embers until it simmered gently. To this, I added finely chopped twilight moss, letting it infuse until the water transformed into a deep violet hue. Next, I carefully incorporated thinly sliced dragon’s breath root, observing as the mixture started to bubble with a fiery glow, stirring continuously to prevent the potent root from scorching.

As the potion cooled, I mixed in wraithleaf, allowing its translucent essence to permeate throughout, transforming it into a shimmering silver. Finally, I finished by crushing starlight berries in a mortar, then straining their luminous juice into the brew. The potion emitted a faint, star-like twinkle, indicating its readiness.

To complete the process, I whispered an ancient chant as the potion settled, the liquid within the bowl shifting with an almost sentient shimmer. But my task was far from over. This wasn’t just a simple infusion—the potion had to be placed in precise alignment with a particular constellation, one whose light would refine its properties and ensure its effects were true. If I miscalculated even slightly the mixture could morph into something dangerous, its magic reversing upon itself in unpredictable ways.

I carefully positioned the bowl on the flattest section of rock I could find, adjusting its angle until the liquid reflected the celestial pattern overhead. But the earth was always moving, however imperceptibly, and so I would have to remain vigilant, constantly shifting the bowl’s position to keep it in alignment for the three hours remaining until dawn. If I lost my focus for even a moment, its effects could rebound, harming not only Kael but myself as well.

This chance of failure caused a dark part of me to momentarily hesitate. Why should I take such a risk for a man who had forced my hand, leaving me no choice but to help him? The idea of suffering any consequence on his behalf was infuriating, but I reminded myself that he was equally trapped by his condition.

Swallowing my frustration, I steeled myself for the night ahead, hands hovering near the bowl, ready to adjust it with each shift of the stars. I could only hope my precision would hold, and that by dawn, I wouldn’t have reason to regret my choice.

Even with Darcel keeping me company, the long hours throughout the process of mixing and preparing the components for the potion left me an opportunity for uninterrupted reflection. What had started as a coerced task slowly morphed into a profound realization about my identity as an herbalist. This journey had unveiled the true essence of my craft—not just a means to uphold my father’s legacy or to benefit those who sought my elixirs, but as a deep expression of my own growth and understanding.

Each ingredient I handled brought memories of every moment my potions had sustained us throughout our quest—healing wounds, warding off darkness, crafting disguises, and sometimes revealing truths. Each experience had deepened my respect for herbal lore, transforming my practice from a pursuit of personal accolades to a genuine passion rooted in compassion and discovery.

This potion, though born from necessity, was the cumulation of my evolution. I was no longer merely mixing substances; I was weaving together the lessons of courage, trust, and resilience that had been the real gifts of my journey. In crafting this brew, I was not just following a recipe—I was affirming my commitment to use my skills for greater purposes, embracing the role of an herbalist who healed and revealed, who protected and empowered. This realization filled me with a sense of purpose and pride that went beyond any recognition—it was a fulfillment of my truest self.

I carefully poured the completed brew into a glass vial, sealing it and carefully dispensing a drop of sap extracted from a toumeisei vine on the cork. Darcel gave me a curious look. “Why wasn’t that ingredient mixed in with the others? Isn’t toumeisei vine used for…” He trailed off, a puzzled frown on his face as he observed the vial.

I tapped on the cork to be sure it was secure. “This will activate it as soon as I hand it to Kael.”

With this security measure in place, the concoction was finished. A profound sense of accomplishment surged through me and I couldn’t hold back my smile of satisfaction as I held the completed potion aloft, the bottle glistening beneath the light of early dawn.

Darcel leaned closer to better peer at the shimmering liquid, his eyes reflecting pride and something deeper—a recognition of the journey it had taken to reach this point. “This potion is a testament to your skill and determination.”

My attention shifted from the task of brewing to a fresh swell of uncertainty. “I hope it can fulfill the full measure of my intentions.”

Darcel’s hand found mine, squeezing gently. “I know it was a difficult choice, but I have no doubt it’s one you made with a wisdom that extends well beyond your skill. Are you sure you’re ready to give this to Kael, knowing its potential implications?”

The weight of my pending decision pressed upon me, but I felt the resolve solidify within me at the faith filling his confident gaze. “My father always said that the true test of an herbalist isn’t just in the potions they brew but in the wisdom of their use. I believe this is the right thing to do.” If this elixir could heal and protect, its creation was well worth any risk.

Darcel nodded, his unspoken trust in me palpable. “Then I’m with you every step of the way.”

In the early morning light with the forest stirring around us in a symphony of mist and shadow, we met with Kael. Darcel stood firmly by my side, his presence a clear statement that I no longer faced my challenges alone. Kael’s eyes flicked to our clasped hands and then back to mine with a sharpness that cut through the quiet.

“It seems you’ve chosen to complicate things,” he remarked coolly, his gaze narrowing. “Our deal didn’t require the involvement of others.”

His words were meant to intimidate, but I stood firm. “While I understand blackmail thrives in secrecy, you seem to misunderstand my situation. I am not alone in this or any circumstance, not anymore.”

Kael’s frown deepened, the lines of his face hardening as his discomfort became apparent. Yet there was a flicker of rising panic in his eyes, confirming my suspicions that this coercion was an act of desperation rather than one of true malice…which only solidified my resolve to proceed with the path I’d chosen. He lifted his eyes to Darcel for a fleeting moment—as if seeking forgiveness from his friend—before returning his gaze to me and squaring his shoulders.

“Just be sure you’re ready for the consequences if you renege on our deal,” he warned, his voice carrying an edge of threat.

Darcel’s grip tightened on my hand, his body tensed as if ready to confront Kael in my defense…but he remained silent, not only adhering to our prior agreement to keep his emotions in check, but demonstrating his trust in me to stand on my own two feet.

I gave his hand another squeeze before turning back to Kael. “Why should it matter who’s involved if I uphold my part of the agreement?”

Kael responded with a dismissive shrug. “It doesn’t, really. I’m not a subject of Lumeria, so am in no real danger from any potential royal repercussions.” His attempt at nonchalance didn’t mask the slight tremor in his voice, betraying his unease about the potion, clearly aware of its power and the risks it posed.

I had every reason to mistrust him, but the journey had changed me. I was no longer the person who had harshly judged Darcel based on a handful of rumors, a bad first impression, and misgivings influenced by my own fears and insecurities.

I had faced doubt and suspicion myself when I first assumed my father’s role, and again when the magic of the sacred grove initially rejected me. At those times, I couldn’t fully disclose my reasons for the deceptions I practiced. During those dark times Darcel had offered me his trust, even when I worried I might not fully deserve it. Now I had the opportunity to extend similar grace.

Though in this situation the stakes were significantly higher. No matter how noble my intentions, they could still lead to grave ramifications if my judgment was flawed, choices whose consequences extended far beyond my own fate—the fallout wouldn’t just affect me but also ripple through the lives of others. I glanced towards my dearest friend who stood close beside me, breathing a petition that I would not inadvertently cause suffering to him, or any others.

I squeezed the bottle of sparkling liquid I’d brewed with such care as I gave Kael one last measuring look. The dire warning I’d heard weeks ago from my mother’s scry pool rang through my mind. Could he be the shadow the voice had warned me about?

But as I considered, I realized that I already knew that regardless of his threats, he wasn’t the shadow the pool had warned me about. Kael was not a stranger to me, and neither was the elixir he’d requested. Despite the damning circumstances, the very nature of the potion he desired prompted me to consider the possibility that there might be more to his story…the last nudge I needed to hand him the potion.

Kael stared at the vial a long moment, skepticism etched across his face, before grasping it with a mixture of eagerness and relief. I watched closely as his thumb brushed over the cork; a silvery swirl rose, dissipating in the early morning light.

I released a relieved sigh. As I’d anticipated when I brewed it, the safeguard I’d incorporated didn’t activate, confirming that my instincts had been right to give it to him. Had his intentions been impure, the toumeisei vine would have coagulated, clinging to his skin rather than vanishing. Beside me, I felt Darcel’s tension ease as well.

Kael’s eyes met mine, a complex dance of victory and fear playing out in his expression.

“My materials?” I pressed, holding out my hand.

With a grunt of acknowledgment, he handed me my bag, the contents hastily thrown back in. Its familiar weight was comforting, yet him upholding his end of our bargain didn’t alter my course.

“I appreciate you returning these, but I won’t be needing them anymore.”

Kael’s brows contracted, but before he could question me, Darcel gestured discreetly. At his quiet command, Sir Jiang emerged from his hidden position among the trees. My heart pounded with a mix of nerves and firm resolve as I faced him, the weight of my secret pressing against my chest—but if it was to be revealed, it would be on my terms. Dawn heralding the new day was the perfect moment to rewrite my story—to present my true face, leaving no room for doubt about my identity...allowing me, at last, to be unequivocally myself.

“Sir Jiang,” I began, my voice steadier than I felt. “There’s something important I need to tell you…about who I really am.”

He raised an eyebrow, his expression an unreadable mask as he gave me his undivided attention. With a deep breath, I took a handkerchief and wiped off the last of my disguise, tipping my true face towards the brightening sky so he could see it clearly.

“My real name is Mei. I’ve been disguising myself for reasons that seemed necessary at the time, but I can no longer continue living a lie. I’m sorry I deceived you.”

Shock widened his eyes as he processed my words. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the echoes of my confession. “You’re a woman? And not just any woman, but the headstrong woman from the apothecary.”

I let out a quiet sigh that my first encounter with Darcel had been memorable enough for even his guard to recall. Darcel’s breath warmed my ear as he leaned down to whisper. “Don’t worry, you made quite the charming impression.”

He continued staring me for another long, disbelieving moment more before casting his bewildered glance towards Darcel. “You were aware of this, Your Highness?”

In response, Darcel laced our hands and nestled me against his side, as if claiming me as his. “I’ve known since the test at the altar.”

Sir Jiang studied our entwined hands with a look as if the last of the perplexing pieces he’d been gathering from all our confusing interactions had finally come together in his mind.

“I understand this may change things,” I continued. “But I can’t bear the burden of deceit any longer, especially not with those I’ve come to consider my comrades.”

Sir Jiang’s posture softened and he slowly nodded. “Mei.” He seemed to be testing the name, as if using it to understand the person before him anew. “I won’t pretend to fully understand your reasoning, nor the weight of your decision in choosing to reveal the truth now. But not only do you have the trust of my prince, throughout our journey I’ve witnessed for myself your courage, your skill, and your integrity. Those are not defined by the name you use or the guise you wear.”

His acceptance washed over me, a soothing balm to the fears I’d harbored about my exposure. “Thank you, Sir Jiang. Your understanding means more than I can express.”

He offered me a small smile, then clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Let’s focus on what lies ahead. We have a quest to complete, and I need every capable hand, regardless of the name they choose to go by.”

With a resolving breath, I finally faced Kael’s lingering confusion, appearing as though he couldn’t fathom why I had willingly exposed myself when I finally had the disguise back in hand.

“There’s something important you need to understand about the potion you now hold.” My tone softened as I contemplated the layers of his motives and his confident smirk wavered, eyes narrowing in suspicion as he anticipated my next words. “I added a spell to ensure loyalty, designed to determine the truth of one’s intentions and reveal the true nature of whoever uses it. Such a safeguard was placed to confirm a genuine change of heart in anyone seeking to undo a curse as grave as the one you’re entangled with.”

Kael shifted uncomfortably, as if suddenly weighed by the vial he held. “Why would you take such a risk after the method I used to obtain this?”

“Because not only does Darcel trust you, but so do I. You’ve proven your loyalty to our quest by passing the test in the sacred grove, you’ve demonstrated your commitment to our group with your unerring tracking skills, and you’ve shown friendship to me through the countless times you’ve gone out of your way to help.”

The fight finally left Kael and he bowed his head; though he didn’t apologize in words, I sensed the extent of his remorse. I acknowledged his regret with a nod, but Darcel seemed less convinced, his dissatisfaction evident. He appeared more troubled by Kael’s betrayal, clearly struggling that such a simple exchange could mend all that had transpired after such a significant breach of trust.

“Why didn’t you confide in me?” he asked, pain clear in his voice as he stared at his friend. “Didn’t you think I would come to your aid? Why did you find it necessary to blackmail our companion when I would have done anything to help you?”

I stood on tiptoe so I could reach his ear. “Remember: you forgave my deceit.”

He released a frustrated breath. “That’s different. Your reasons were much more compelling, not to mention I adore you.”

“Kael has his reasons too.” I glanced towards him, encouraging him to open up about his own struggles, much like I had shared mine.

After a measure of reluctance, with a deep, troubled sigh Kael met Darcel’s eyes. “I’m sorry for betraying your trust. I wasn’t sure how you would respond when you knew the truth.”

Darcel frowned. “You’d better share the truth now.”

Kael nodded and glanced away, his gaze distant as if lost in the moment in time, still trapped beneath his initial weight of decision. “It started a few months ago. A story of an ancient relic reached my kingdom, revered and protected by a curse known only to a few. It’s said to have the power to heal any ailment, but it’s sacred, untouchable. I understood the risks, but searched it out anyway—not for personal gain, but to save someone very dear to me who was suffering terribly.”

I immediately empathized, considering my own motives for my deceit had been to protect my beloved father.

He shifted uncomfortably, his hand going to where the pain seemed to emanate from beneath his sleeve. “The curse is as real as the legends say. It struck the moment I laid hands on the object; no gloves or tools would have been powerful enough to shield me. The curse seeped through everything, branding me with this un-healing wound.”

He pulled back his sleeve and unwound a bandage, revealing a festering red mark. My breath caught; it looked far worse than I’d imagined when I studied about curses placed upon stolen objects.

“This pain has been escalating every day, becoming almost unbearable, a punishment befitting my theft that encourages the culprit to return the stolen item or perish under the agony. I intended to return the object after it had done its work and healed my loved one, and in the meantime I would bear the pain, no matter how excruciating…but in the end I underestimated the curse’s toll on me, forcing me to resort to more unscrupulous methods that betrayed both my conscience and my friends.”

“Why didn’t you share the burden with us?” Though if his fears had been anything like the ones that had kept my own secret, I understood all too well; it took immense courage to admit one’s deceit and finally face the truth.

He looked at me earnestly, his eyes pleading for understanding. “I couldn’t tell anyone, not when doing so would strip me of my honor and likely end in severe punishment, rendering me incapable of helping the one I loved. Everything was at risk…which was why I turned to you. I needed that elixir, not just to save myself but to complete what I started. I want nothing more than to return the relic, restore my honor, and protect the one I love. I know what I did was wrong, but from a moral standard I don’t regret it. I just need your help to overcome the curse’s effects long enough to make amends…though after what I’ve done, grace is something I no longer deserve.”

Kael tried to hand me the potion, but I gently pressed it back into his hand, granting him the same mercy that had been bestowed on me. “Keep it and use it. All I ask is that you remember what it truly measures.”

A rueful smile touched his lips. With a grateful nod he twisted the cork and downed the potion in one swift gulp. Light immediately enveloped his arm, and when he rolled up his sleeve, the dark, splotchy curse marks that had marred his skin had disappeared. He gazed in astonished wonder before looking up, unshed tears shining in his eyes. He opened his mouth and then closed it, as if unsure what to say.

Sir Jiang shifted and grunted, breaking the silence. “I’m glad everything has been resolved, but if the reminiscing is finished, we should be on our way.”

The sun rose above the horizon, flooding our campsite with light as we dispersed to prepare for the day ahead. The air felt lighter, free from the tension that had previously clouded our interactions. As the morning warmed us and hinted at the promise of a new day, I sensed a deepening connection among us. Our challenges on our quest weren’t limited to the external threats or treacherous paths, but also about navigating the intricate dynamics of trust and redemption…ones that had finally been healed.

As we moved forward free from the shadows that had lingered among us, I was confident that we were ready to tackle the final challenges, heal the tainted land, and fully restore the light to the kingdom…especially now that my disguise was gone, and with it the heavy burden of secrecy. Whatever came next, I would face it not hidden behind herbs and secrets but openly, as my true self Mei.