Page 3

CHAPTER 3

I doubled over and rested my hands on my knees in an effort to remain upright, gasping for each ragged breath, utterly spent. Weakly I lifted my head, peering through sweat-drenched bangs that exertion had plastered to my brow to stare wearily at the final hill looming before me. Dawn cast a soft glow over its crest, promising rest if I could only muster the strength to reach the summit.

The distance seemed insurmountable as I squinted through the brushstrokes of golden light. My aching body protested at the thought of enduring another strenuous climb, especially when I remained uncertain whether this path even led to my destination.

The journey had already proved far more grueling than even my worst imaginings had anticipated. Years spent confined indoors by the cursed darkness and my relatively sedentary life as an herbalist had done little to prepare me for the demands of traveling through the entire night with a heavy pack. Unfortunately the magic broadening my shoulders was merely an illusion; I still bore the weaker upper body of my natural feminine frame.

Though every muscle cried out in protest, with a steadying breath I pushed onward. With every step I muttered the prince's name like a dark oath, a habit born from my journey that helped propel me forward. What had begun as mere dislike had evolved into seething hatred with each passing mile. How could that heartless royal have expected my frail father to endure such a strenuous journey that I found myself barely capable of? Even if he’d taken a carriage as was probably expected, the hours of jarring on the winding and deeply rutted roads would have been torturous with his condition.

I pressed my lips together as I recalled the small leather sack of coins that the prince’s attendant had passed to my father with a few words about providing for his travels. The pouch lay in a drawer in my father’s room, but I hadn’t been able to bring myself to take it. Who knew what trials Father might face in my absence, and how greatly he might need that money? Instead I had brought my own meager savings, but refused to dip into them for something as simple as saving my legs from walking.

My route had been a circuitous one; I found myself venturing farther from the familiar paths as I searched for a destination indicated only by a few cryptic letters magic had revealed under duress. I had spent most of the restless night poring over the enigmatic missive, dabbing it with tinctures and whispering half-mastered incantations in hopes of revealing any hidden words.

Eventually a few hazy letters had shimmered reluctantly into view, offering only the faintest hint at a northern direction towards the dense, mist-laden forests of eldergrove. With nothing more than this scant clue I set out in that unfamiliar direction, my heart a mix of trepidation and resolve. Each step led me deeper into unknown territory, where the sounds of the waking forest seemed to both beckon and warn. Despite my growing apprehension, I clung to the hope that these sparse magical breadcrumbs were leading me to my true destination.

My legs trembled, threatening to give out, but I knew I couldn’t afford to rest. The deadline to meet the prince and his entourage loomed, barely an hour away. If I were late, His Highness might seek my shop, discover my deception, and force my father on this excursion instead.

I pushed through the drowsiness plaguing my senses as I traversed the mountain, searching along the road for any herbs that might aid in crafting a spell for strength or a potion to dispel fatigue, but despite the ingredients for such a concoction being common the recovering vegetation was sparse, a testament to decades of sunless gloom. Occasionally, I noticed small buds of life emerging from the dead underbrush, but none that could be combined into a useful concoction. I thought longingly of the herbs in my pack, but couldn’t risk using something that I might need for the quest ahead.

I protectively clutched the satchel that housed the plants I had gathered from my garden for the journey, along with as many carefully-wrapped glass bottles of tincture as I could logically bring, considering I had no idea what I might find myself needing on this mysterious journey. I’d initially wondered if I’d packed too much, but given the desolation of the still-healing landscape this might be my only supply for the duration of the quest. If I failed to prove my worth to the prince due to my lack of supplies, I feared he would dismiss me in favor of recruiting my father, forcing him to confront the very danger I sought to spare him.

As I finally crested the hill, three figures emerged against the skyline, one draped in a cloak adorned with the royal emblem. Relief filled my next painful breath. At long last I had finally reached my destination. The early morning mist clung to the edges of the forest as I approached the small gathering, attempting to quiet my ragged breathing and give my strides a confident, manly appearance.

At the sound of my approach the prince glanced over his shoulder and our eyes met. My breath hooked as a surge of heated emotion overwhelmed me, one I was too tired to discern between attraction and hatred…though the rapid way my heart perilously pulsed suggested the former. I struggled to suppress any feelings inappropriate towards a man I considered my enemy, but the sunlight highlighting his handsome profile in an almost heroic light didn’t help my resolve.

Confusion puckered his brow at my appearance. He excused himself from his companions and approached me with an intense stare. “Who are you? Only those with permission from the royal family should have been able to locate this place.”

I possessed a basic understanding of the spells used to conceal hidden areas that typically required a charm or specific invitation to be granted entry. Fortunately, a precise mix of herbs had effectively broken these magical barriers, allowing me access to the secluded meeting area.

Too weary to feign a masculine tone, I silently extended a trembling hand to offer him the royal missive I’d stolen from Father.

Prince Darcel snatched the paper from my grasp and quickly scanned its contents before lifting his gaze, his eyes sharp with suspicion. “Where did you get this?”

It took me a moment to catch my breath enough to stammer an answer. “My—father?—”

“Your father? The herbalist?”

I nodded, struggling to stand firm despite my fatigue.

Prince Darcel’s frown deepened. “I surmise you are his son? I wasn’t aware he had any relations other than that headstrong daughter of his.”

A wave of anger momentarily dispelled my exhaustion. “If protecting our loved ones is considered headstrong, then it is a trait my family will bear proudly. It isn’t a good sign that the prince of our kingdom finds such a characteristic lacking when caring for others is the very role he is charged with.” In my indignation I forgot to deepen my voice, but thankfully my lingering breathlessness softened my feminine lilt.

Disapproval rippled through the prince’s companions. One stepped forward, hand grazing the hilt of his sword…only held back when Prince Darcel lifted a hand in silent warning, which his guard obeyed with a bow. His Highness otherwise didn’t immediately react, only continued to scrutinize me thoughtfully.

“Must run in the family.” A hint of grudging respect colored his dark mutter, likely not intended for my ears. “Your relation to the herbalist has been established, but you have yet to explain your presence here in his stead.”

“My father has suffered a fall and is incapacitated,” I replied, the lie smooth but my heart pounding with the deceit. “He cannot possibly undertake this journey.”

The prince frowned deeply. “The missive made it quite clear that it was his expertise we required, not that of his less experienced son.”

“Does His Highness truly intend to force a man who can barely stand to endure such a strenuous endeavor?” I lifted my chin in defiant challenge.

I braced myself for another of Prince Darcel’s unempathetic responses, but to my surprise his hardened expression softened slightly. “I am not heartless. Had there been any alternative, I would not have enlisted someone in your father’s condition at all. Yet the fact remains that we desperately need his knowledge; the wellbeing of my people is at stake.”

Frustration at my continued ignorance of the details for what Father’s role entailed flared, but I fought to maintain my charade of confidence. “Knowledge that he has passed on to me as his apprentice and heir.” While not entirely untrue, my training was far less comprehensive than my father's—something I hoped would not be scrutinized too closely.

Prince Darcel considered a moment before sighing in reluctant acquiescence. “I suppose if you possess comparable knowledge...but be warned: if you fail to meet our expectations, you will be dismissed.”

It wasn’t lost on me that his reluctant condition afforded my disguise as my father’s “son” a chance that he had previously denied to me as Mei. My resentment towards him deepened, yet I forced myself to mask my irritation. “Understood, Your Highness.” I offered a stiff bow, respect he dismissed with an impatient wave of his hand.

“There is no need for such formalities during our quest. I trust you understand the details of our undertaking?” By his tone he expected a proficient answer.

Despite my best efforts to decode these details, no amount of wishing had coerced the blank royal missive to reveal the answers I desperately sought…a fact that would condemn me should it be discovered. If my fabricated story that my father had willingly sent me in his place was true, it would be implausible for me to be ignorant of the quest’s objectives. I forced a nod, hoping my uncertainty was masked.

Prince Darcel’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, clearly unimpressed by my feigned confidence. “Then perhaps you could elaborate.”

I scrambled for any fragment of lore or general knowledge that could be relevant before settling on my own observations I’d noticed during my travels that might only be noticed by one whose specialty had recruited them for such a mission.

“Though a year has passed since the light’s return to our kingdom, the scars of the darkness that once tainted it persist. As I traveled, I noted numerous areas where the land has failed to recover—patches of earth remain barren, devoid of the herbs that should be growing there. This anomaly suggests that while the visible darkness has been lifted, elements of the curse may linger, possibly embedded deep within the soil itself. It seems the curse's influence extended beyond the mere absence of light to affect the very fertility of the land. Understanding and addressing this residual blight could be crucial to fully restoring our kingdom.”

I prayed my focus would prove convincing enough to pass His Highness’s scrutiny, and that my vague yet confident delivery would mask the gaps in my understanding.

I held my breath, awaiting his assessment. His unbearable silence felt like it lasted forever before he finally spoke. “I’m relieved you seem sufficiently capable to understand that much.” Despite the slight praise, he still appeared skeptical towards my claim. “Since you assert that you possess your father’s knowledge, perhaps a quick test is in order to confirm your suitability for the task ahead.”

I swallowed nervously as he turned to one of his aides, who promptly brought over a small leather satchel. The prince withdrew several sealed vials, each containing different dried herbs. The morning light caught their varied textures and hues as he arranged them on a nearby rock before casting a challenging glance my way.

He gestured to the first two vials. “Identify these.” Though his command was indifferent, his eyes were sharp, missing nothing.

My mind raced as I crouched to study each vial’s contents. The first held a sprig from a plant with delicate, serrated leaves, while the second contained tiny star-shaped flowers, dried yet still vibrant. Years of apprenticeship helped me recognize them immediately.

“The first is feverfew,” I began, my voice steadier than I felt. “It’s used primarily to reduce fever and inflammation, though it’s also known for its properties in alleviating headaches and joint pains.” I motioned to the flowers. “The second is borage, often used to fortify the adrenal glands and help the body cope with stress. It’s also believed to inspire courage and is often brewed into a tea for warriors before battle.”

Prince Darcel’s expression remained unreadable as he pointed to the third vial. “And this?”

I recognized the twisted pieces of root intertwined with strips of bark, the earthy, slightly sweet scent unmistakable. “That is licorice root mixed with white willow bark. Together, they’re used to treat stomach issues and pain relief. The willow bark serves as a natural remedy for migraines, while licorice can soothe gastrointestinal problems.” I felt a begrudging respect that His Highness was familiar with the most useful herbs to travel with.

“And this one?” The prince motioned to the final vial filled with golden liquid in which a curling green leaf floated. His body seemed to tense as he awaited my answer. A quick glance showed me that it was sage, one of the most common herbs. While it was undoubtedly useful to bring on an expedition to protect against infection, it didn’t take an apothecary to identify the plant that grew in gardens throughout the kingdom.

I opened my mouth to name it but something made me hesitate. I lifted the vial for closer examination. Something seemed slightly off about the leaf. Perhaps it was the liquid that was extracting its benefits, or perhaps…I tilted the bottle, watching as the edges of the leaf seemed to grow fuzzy and then crisp again.

A smile tugged at the corner of my mouth as I realized the prince’s intent to test my true abilities with an illusion. The trick would be to dispel this one without risking any damage to the one currently shrouding me. I thought for a moment for the best way to break the illusionary charm and then whispered a few words. The leaf trembled before transforming into a brown twig with a jagged thorn.

I cleared my throat and set the vial back on the rock. “This is thornspeaker twig, a rare plant known for its ability to compel a truthful response, often used in times of war to obtain information from captives.” I tried to keep my voice neutral, terrified that the next test would include using it on myself to ensure I was being honest.

The prince watched me closely, his scrutiny intense. “It seems your father has taught you well,” he finally conceded, though his tone suggested he was reserving judgment. “You should know, though, that knowledge of herbs is but one aspect of what will be required of you. But since time is pressing, we’ll proceed…for now.”

Apprehension prickled at his elusive words, the sense that the main reason he required me was one he wanted to keep hidden for as long as possible. Satisfied that I had at least passed this initial test, I breathed a silent sigh of relief.

Passing the test seemed to be the cue His Highness had been waiting for to finally introduce me to his two companions who had been silently watching our exchange. “This is the son of the most accomplished herbalist in Lumeria,” Prince Darcel informed them. “He is charged with the healing magic necessary for our quest…among other things.”

His continued vagueness wasn’t lost on me, but I pretended not to notice as I bowed in greeting. Prince Darcel first gestured towards a man I recognized as the knight who had accompanied him to our apothecary; he was clad in armor that bore the scars of many battles, and his hand still hovered over his sword from my earlier show of disrespect. “This is Sir Jiang, my childhood friend and most loyal knight.”

Though he bowed, reservation marred the polite gesture; he eyed me with clear distrust, as if my arrival against His Highness’s orders had forever lost me his favor.

Next the prince motioned to a figure cloaked in the subtle hues of the forest lining the mountainside that almost caused him to melt into the vision of trees. “This is Kael, a master of the wilderness whose skills in tracking, stealth, and thievery are unparalleled.”

This man was watching me with an odd intentness, yet he not only seemed much more friendly than his companion, but there was a certain charm about him as he bowed with light-footed grace, a smile toying at the corners of his lips, as if amused by a secret joke.

The prince glanced back at me, inviting me to share my own name…something with all the other distractions that had vied for my attention up until now I had yet to think of. My mind scrambled, and though my fluster only led me to hesitate a few seconds, it was a moment too long for an answer that should have been instantaneous.

“You forgetting something so simple doesn’t bode well for your capabilities,” Prince Darcel said wryly.

“Of course I haven’t forgotten my own name,” I snapped. “It’s Ren.” The first name that came to mind was my father’s, unoriginal perhaps, yet a realistic one to bestow upon a firstborn son.

The introductions complete, the prince beckoned us to follow him, marking the start of our quest. The others prepared to depart, but panic rendered me still. Though I had managed to finally catch my breath, I was far from rested; with my lingering aches and sores I doubted my body could continue the journey so soon.

“We’re beginning immediately?”

Prince Darcel cocked a single eyebrow. “Is that a problem?” His tone hung in the air like a veiled threat, a firm reminder that one wrong move would end my journey prematurely.

It took every ounce of discipline not to openly show just how weak and tired I was in order to protect my identity. I had to do all within my power to maintain this facade flawlessly, not only to protect my father but to see this mission through to its end…both the prince’s mysterious quest as well as my own.