Page 4

CHAPTER 4

M y breaths came in short, sharp gasps as I struggled to keep up with the entourage’s relentless pace, each faltering step demanding more of me than I could muster. Ache spread across every burning limb, screaming for respite, and the weight of my pack pressed upon my shoulders, but I dared not show the full extent of my fatigue. While the others forged ahead without any sign of weariness, every moment I lagged farther behind. Yet I dared not ask the prince if we could slow down, fearing any sign of weakness might peel away the layers of my disguise.

It didn’t take long for the others to notice—I caught their sidelong glances, saw the brief furrowing of brows. Kael was the first to fall slightly back, his eyes narrowing not with suspicion but concern.

“Everything alright?” Though his accented murmur was low enough that only I could hear I still tensed, the simple question laced with genuine worry instead feeling like an accusation to my ears. Unsurprisingly, the man skilled in tracking had been the first to notice the struggle I’d been failing to hide.

I forced a tight smile and nodded, fearing that any admission of my struggle would lead to probing questions I wasn’t prepared to answer.

His frown deepened, clearly unconvinced. “Are you certain?”

“My pace is just a little a bit off today,” I managed, fighting to keep my voice as steady as possible. “I’ll adjust.”

Despite my attempted reassurances Kael’s watchful presence lingered just a step behind as we continued, his gaze periodically sweeping over me as if assessing my every move. Though he had no reason to suspect my true identity, he’d likely discerned enough to know something was amiss. My heart hammered with the dual pangs of exertion and anxiety, each struggling step forward a balancing act between maintaining my disguise and keeping pace with a group whose physical capabilities far exceeded my own.

“You’re rather scrawny for a man,” Kael eventually observed after a measured silence. “Are you sure you’re up for such a strenuous journey?”

I nodded again. “My studies have allowed me little time for exercise, but my lacking capabilities don’t change the fact that my presence is required.” I gritted my teeth to keep myself from snapping that at least they were able to move faster than if they’d followed their original plan of bringing my father along. I felt a surge of gratitude that he was not struggling along this path instead of me, along with a tightening of my chest as I imagined him waking and finding my letter.

Kael frowned but didn’t press the matter further. From up ahead our whispers drew Prince Darcel’s notice. He glanced back at us, but if he noticed my struggle he didn’t slow, clearly deeming efficiency more valuable than the well-being of his comrades.

Annoyance tightened my jaw. Not only was His Highness unsympathetic to my struggle, but he had yet to provide any explanation about where we were going or what exactly our mission entailed. Undoubtedly those details had been included in the missive—leaving him to assume I already possessed an understanding of our mission—yet resentment still flared, providing me the motivation to push on harder, determined to not show weakness.

The landscape began to morph as we advanced, the dense canopies eventually giving way to more rugged terrain interspersed with patches of wild grasslands. I found myself scrutinizing the environment for any clue that might hint at where we were headed.

The landscape shifted subtly beneath our feet, each plant hinting at the land's hidden stories; I tried not to let the vegetation distract me from my effort to keep pace but couldn’t help taking note of the different plants that had taken root since the curse lifted. A cluster of bloodroot thrived in the damp, shadowy earth, its presence a clear sign we weren't heading towards the arid south. This small revelation eased my worries about dehydration and hinted at a less grueling path ahead…though my relief was tempered by the small spots of brown speckling some of the plant’s leaves.

Fatigue weighed down each step as we marched on. I eventually spotted marsh mallow by a bubbling stream, their soft pink blooms nodding in the gentle breeze. These flowers thrived in wetter, valley-like areas, suggesting our path might be leading us towards the lush valleys known to house ancient ruins and sacred sites, common quest destinations due to their historical and magical significance.

I scanned the horizon, wondering where we were headed and what we would find at our destination. But eventually my exertion pushed all speculation from my mind. With each passing hour my exhaustion deepened until I reached the end of my endurance. Just when I feared I couldn’t take another step, Prince Darcel suddenly stopped upon reaching the summit of the next hill.

“We’ll rest here.”

Panting, I wearily peered up through the sweat matting my hair beneath the brim of my cap, each drop stinging as it trickled into my eyes. Judging by the position of the sun, we were still several hours shy of noon, the time the prince had initially determined we would rest. By Sir Jiang’s groan and pointed glare in my direction, it was clear the prince wasn’t the only one to notice my slow struggle.

Kael, in contrast, continued to look cheerful. “Excellent. I was up late last night doing a bit of reconnaissance and could use a break.” He made an exaggerated show of stretching, and I seized the opportunity his distraction created to take refuge beneath a large blossoming maple.

I sank onto a conveniently positioned log and released a weary sigh of relief, but my respite was short-lived when Prince Darcel disturbed my peace, settling beside me. I stiffened. I didn’t glance his way, but sensed his perusing gaze as he studied my profile; the aggravating morning stubble lining my face undoubtedly couldn’t mask the flush brought on by my exertion.

“You are clearly in no state to be traveling.”

I silently cursed that I’d failed in my efforts to feign competence mere hours into my first day. “The herbalist trade leaves one unaccustomed to such exertion, though I assure you I am faring better than my ill father would have during such a strenuous journey.” I couldn’t fathom how the prince had expected him to maintain such a rigorous pace that I myself could barely manage.

“I regret time is so pressing. Unfortunately curses aren’t known for being considerate—either when they rage or with the devastating remnants they leave behind.”

I seized this breadcrumb of information he offered, mulling over every detail in hopes this snippet would help me to better understand the greater picture.

From our elevated vantage point I had full view of the expansive valley spread out before us. The late afternoon sun caressed the landscape in a golden hue, illuminating the lush, green mountains that rolled endlessly into the distance. Traditional pagodas with their gracefully curved roofs peeked through the dense canopy of cherry blossoms and maple trees, their vibrant reds and pinks a stark contrast against the deep green hues. Rice paddies meticulously maintained in their terraced fields glistened, reflecting the sky above.

I knew that if we were closer to the capital, the towns would look different; generations of royal intermarriage with other nations had brought their influence into Lumeria. But in this rural area far from King Ciaran’s palace, the land looked much as it had for centuries. No matter where I looked, I could see no evidence of the stains of inky darkness that had previously consumed the land.

“This part of the kingdom appears fine.” The light had been restored, the crops were thriving, and the curse that had afflicted us now seemed like nothing more than a distant nightmare.

Gravity deepened his serious expression as he met my gaze. “Appearances can be deceiving. I’m surprised an herbalist who has a deep familiarity with plants is so focused on what grows at surface level that you fail to remember the roots hiding just out of sight. If you look more closely, you will realize that while the sun might have returned to the skies, the land still bears the curse’s deep scars that have yet to fade.”

He gestured back out across the valley, inviting me to take a closer look. Upon closer examination I began to see past the tranquil beauty and noticed that the idyllic scene stretching before us wasn’t without its blemishes. Scattered patches of darkness stubbornly clung to the land like ink stains on a beautifully calligraphed scroll. Where light touched, life thrived in vibrant bursts…but in the shadowed nooks of the mountains and the deeper valleys a quiet struggle persisted, subtle reminders of the curse that had once enveloped the region in an unnatural night.

This dichotomy between the illuminated peaks and the shadowed valleys echoed the lingering effects of the curse, suggesting that although the visible darkness had been driven back, remnants of its power still seeped through the soil, stifling the full revival of the land. Fear cinched my heart as I absorbed this panorama—our quest seemed to not only be a journey across physical distances but also a battle against these lingering shadows that threatened to pull the land back into darkness, one that would undoubtedly require more of my resolve than the exhausting journey so far.

Just what quest had I agreed to undertake?

My worry and exhaustion must have penetrated my facade of calm and competence, for the prince’s brow furrowed, the first evidence of concern. His curious gaze sought the herbs bulging from my bag. “With your professed skills I imagine you can create a potion you need to endure the road ahead.”

“I have enough to create several different types of strengthening tonics,” I said. “But it seems too early to use my precious reserves, and far too selfish to do it on myself when you forced me on this quest to benefit the entourage.”

“Of which you are a member,” he said. “Your skills will be of no use to us if you die from overexertion the first day of our journey, and it benefits the entire group and our mission if you are able to keep up with us. Create a strengthening tonic.”

His clipped order left no room for argument. He stood to leave, but he’d only taken a few steps when he paused, as if his conscience bade him linger. After a moment’s deliberation he spoke without turning around, as if unable to look me in the eye.

“I recruited your father without thinking. I was so focused on Lumeria’s greater need that I failed to consider those pertaining to one of my individual subjects. This quest would have been too much for him and you were right to take his place. My apologies.”

Without another word he departed, leaving me staring at his retreating back in a daze. I gave my head a rigid shake to yank my thoughts away from the strange roads they’d been meandering against my will and focused my attention on my potion; with my weakened body and aching limbs, I needed no further convincing to concoct a strengthening draft.

I rummaged through the herbs I had meticulously packed: a handful of ginseng for vitality, some nettle to fortify endurance, and a few dried goji berries known for their rich, restorative properties. Using the stream’s water, I set a small pot to boil over a makeshift fire, adding each herb with practiced precision. The air filled with a rejuvenating aroma as the concoction simmered, blending earthy tones with a hint of sweetness.

I focused my energy as I slowly stirred the mixture, whispering an old incantation for strength that my father had taught me; each syllable wove through the liquid, deepening its potency. This potion would not only sustain me physically but bolster my resolve for the challenges that lay ahead.

I was so engrossed in my preparations that I didn’t immediately notice Kael had settled beside me in the prince’s previously occupied place. I startled, but he simply offered a friendly smile as he extended a flask. I eyed it warily, but rather than my suspicion offending him he merely chuckled.

“Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned; that is likely your area of expertise.” He offered a playful wink.

The corner of my lips lifted slightly as I reluctantly accepted it. The water was cool and refreshing on my parched throat, offering temporary relief, so I continued speaking the spell for my strengthening potion.

Even after I returned his flask Kael’s presence lingered, watching me with unabashed curiosity…and he wasn’t the only one. Though Sir Jiang seemed entirely preoccupied performing practice swings with his sword, I noticed Prince Darcel’s gaze repeatedly dart in my direction, as if studying my abilities as I worked to ensure I could be relied upon for the journey ahead.

Kael followed my gaze to where the prince productively used his rest time to sharpen his sword. “I know he can be harsh, but don’t take his words to heart; he’s simply concerned about his people.”

“Consideration he doesn’t seem inclined to extend to those he uses as nothing more than a mere tool,” I snapped.

Kael frowned. “If that were true, he wouldn’t have stopped to rest when you needed it despite time being pressing.”

“It was likely less for my sake and more not to lose my valuable knowledge too soon.”

Kael shrugged. “There is undoubtedly some truth to that, but you mustn’t be so hard on him. The years of darkness that ravaged the land affected all of us in different ways. But though the shadows might have hardened him, he has a good heart.”

I hastily disguised the contemptuous snort that emerged as a cough. By Kael’s chuckle he had clearly heard it, but he was polite enough not to mention it. Instead he peered curiously at the bubbling potion. “What are you making?”

“The exhaustion you feigned earlier on my behalf inspired me to create a strengthening potion.” I hesitated a moment, uncertain if it was wise to draw attention to his assistance by expressing my gratitude. “Thank you.” Embarrassment caused my voice to emerge soft and uncertain.

“In my line of work gathering allies is just as invaluable as the skills in my arsenal…though I didn’t use a lie to assist you; I truly did have a mission last night.”

Curiosity piqued, I cast him a sidelong glance. “What sort of work do you do?”

He wriggled his eyebrows mischievously. “It’s a secret.”

Considering how closely I guarded my own secret I didn’t press the matter. I did my best to ignore Kael’s observation as I continued to work. Something about his presence unsettled me; perhaps my own deceit had made me paranoid, but I couldn’t help but detect something almost sinister lurking beneath his show of concern.

Once the tonic was ready, I carefully divided the revitalizing liquid into four flasks—one for each member of our party; though their endurance far exceeded mine, they could still benefit from the healing magic, not to mention I was determined to salvage the reputation my demonstration of weakness had already ruined.

Kael accepted his with his usual friendly grin, Sir Jiang tucked it in his satchel with a look like he had no intention of using it—as if he was above any sort of assistance that didn’t rely upon his own strengths—while Prince Darcel lifted the vial to carefully examine its contents. I tensed, awaiting his assessment.

He was silent a long moment before slowly lifting his gaze. “Good work, Ren.”

I released my bated breath in a whoosh of relief, feeling I had passed an unspoken challenge. Beyond better solidifying my place, his approval provided a deeper satisfaction I didn’t understand enough to be able to name, one that prickled my heart with a sensation I felt a strange urgency to dispel before it could take root.

The emotion needed no further encouragement to depart when Prince Darcel suddenly appeared beside me, his warm presence assaulting me as he leaned towards my ear. “Even with magic, are you going to be able to endure the journey?”

I evenly met his gaze. “I am stronger than you think.” Protecting my father aside, my conscience left me no choice but to continue; now that I had begun to notice the darkness still clinging to the land, I couldn’t unsee it.

As we resumed our trek, I uncorked my own vial and drank its contents. Its power immediately healed my weary body and provided strength for the next leg of our journey. I silently prayed that my magical aid would be enough for whatever lay ahead.