Page 7

CHAPTER 7

Darcel

S omething was off about that herbalist.

I watched his retreating form until the trees swallowed him up, their branches concealing him from my scrutiny. My first impression of him was he seemed like a frail man unaccustomed to travel, which in itself was not unusual, considering his profession. But there was also something unusual about his mannerisms, the way he carried himself, even his matter of speaking. At first glance he was just an awkward youth whose scrawny stature almost made him appear as a boy, yet I couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that something more lurked beneath the surface.

I gave my head a rigid shake. I didn’t want to doubt my comrades. Our task was difficult enough without complicating it with unfounded suspicion; complete trust in my entourage was imperative if I hoped to succeed, especially in the herbalist upon whose skills everything rested.

“I’ve seen that look before.” Jiang suddenly appeared beside me, arriving in his usual inconspicuous way befitting my top guard. His dark eyes narrowed in the direction Ren had departed. “You don’t trust him.”

Despite my effort to mask my feelings, as usual he seemed to possess the uncanny ability to peel back the defenses guarding the emotions I vainly tried to protect.

Guilt immediately prickled for having been caught doubting my comrade on such flimsy evidence. Though I had a reason for caution, I still felt I’d failed in my duties as prince towards one of my beloved subjects. I sighed. “I hoped no one would notice.”

“Though you made an admirable attempt, I’ve known you too long for you to be able to hide your reservations,” he said. “I know you haven’t fully trusted that herbalist since his sudden appearance in his father’s place…nor have I, for in my experience your instincts have never been wrong.” Which meant that in his unfailing loyalty towards me he didn’t trust Ren either, but contrary to my own efforts he wasn’t as skilled at concealing it.

I frowned. “So you feel as if something is off as well? On the surface nothing appears amiss, yet I sense Ren possesses a secret he’s desperate to conceal.”

“And you fear this secret will sabotage the mission?”

I nodded grimly. The possession of secrets alone wasn’t something to condemn the lad…but the nature of his secret would determine whether he could be trusted to participate in a mission as important as this. Deceit was something I couldn’t tolerate in any form.

Jiang considered a moment. “There also seems to be something strange about his sudden appearance in a mission he wasn’t recruited for.”

I agreed. Though nothing appeared amiss with Ren’s motives, the circumstances still didn’t add up. “I’m troubled that his father didn’t provide him with the full details of the mission.” While my makeshift test had proved Ren as a capable herbalist, it had made it all too clear that he only possessed a vague understanding of the task that lay before us, as well as the exact reason we required his presence.

The entire situation left me uneasy, even as I understood it was necessary, considering the gravity of the circumstances. I couldn’t risk the mission until I knew for certain Ren was a man who could be trusted, something I was beginning to doubt more with each interaction.

As desperate as I was to unravel this perplexing puzzle, now wasn’t the time with our deadline so pressing. “Make preparations to leave; we didn’t make as much progress as I hoped yesterday and I want to ensure we reach our first destination by afternoon.”

“We’re only so far behind because that herbalist isn’t up to the task; his incapability is downright pathetic.” It was rare for Jiang to voice his dark complaints even to me; he wouldn’t have dared if we hadn’t been alone. But though I usually allowed my lifelong friend the freedom to speak freely, I felt a strange surge of protectiveness towards the victim of his remarks, the same feeling I’d experienced when witnessing Ren’s weak excursion throughout yesterday’s journey.

“Whatever my current misgivings, nothing has been proven. Thus you will treat Ren with respect.”

Jiang frowned but bowed, accepting my order without further argument. Yet his obedience didn’t mean he wouldn’t dispel his suspicions and continue to keep a close eye on Ren…as would I.

When we returned to the clearing, Jiang immediately went to work dismantling camp with his usual efficiency, and I made my way over to Kael. He had just finished drafting today’s travel plans, using his geography expertise to carefully navigate the best route through the unforgiving terrain.

I carefully scanned the map he presented, studying each checkpoint and landmark before nodding in approval. “This seems like the most efficient plan for today’s itinerary.”

Kael traced his finger along the route. “We’re only about an hour’s pace from the misty mountains, which will be the most treacherous climb thus far. I predict it will take at least three hours to ascend before we reach the summit.”

The silvery mountains loomed in the distance, shrouded by a misty fog that concealed any hint at how steep and strenuous the climb would be. “Only three hours?”

Kael heard the unspoken doubt in my tone. His gaze flickered in Ren’s direction where he sat several meters away, hard at work making what I assumed to be another strengthening draft, with several other unidentified elixirs arranged in neat rows beside him. Though he moved with an efficiency that befitted his skill, his entire posture remained stiff, as if guarding against an invisible threat only he could see. My wariness grew as I observed him.

Kael hesitated. “Considering the capabilities of the entire group, perhaps a more accurate estimate would be it taking the entire morning and most of the afternoon.”

I pursed my lips to suppress the sigh aching to emerge. I knew it couldn’t be helped, but it was still frustrating when each day we delayed only increased the damage rendered on my kingdom from the curse’s lingering tendrils. “I see.”

I said nothing more, knowing it was unwise to share my current reservations with Kael; it would be unfair to Ren to voice my suspicions with anyone outside my full confidence. Though I’d worked with him on several missions, my faith in Kael wasn’t the same unshakable trust I’d forged with Jiang.

Kael’s gaze lingered on Ren. Though he maintained his usual good cheer, my observation was too attuned not to notice the subtle tension between the two, which was surprising considering how well they’d gotten along thus far. “Is something wrong?” I asked.

“Nothing wrong, per se…” Kael’s narrowed gaze lingered on Ren, a small smile toying at the corners of his mouth, as if he possessed his own secret. “That herbalist is certainly an interesting fellow.”

Curiosity urged me to press the matter, a temptation I might have been able to resist if not for the almost terrified glance Ren cast in our direction before hastily looking away when he caught us watching him. Kael responded with a rather unsettling smirk that left me uneasy, escalating my misgivings.

“For the sake of peace within our group I must ask whether anything has occurred between you two.” I rationalized the prying question with the excuse that the information would serve as potential evidence of whether or not my unfounded reservations held any merit.

Kael’s peculiar expression cleared with a chuckle. “Nothing of the sort. Unlike Sir Jiang, I harbor no mistrust towards the lad. In contrast, Ren seems to be wary of me since I simply caught him bathing alone; the interaction appears to have unsettled him.”

I recalled how uncomfortable he’d been when we’d interacted after his bath. “That alone isn’t too unusual if the boy is simply shy.” A trait that belied the feistiness I’d already witnessed.

“Hmm, perhaps.” But I could sense there was more about their interaction that Kael wasn’t telling me. I would have pried more deeply, but the morning was growing later; with all the extra rests we would be forced to take thanks to Ren’s frailty, we needed to leave now if we had any hope of reaching our destination by nightfall.

In short order we had broken up camp. As we prepared to depart, I approached Ren and without a word reached for his satchel. He twisted his body away, clutching his pack like one might protect a treasure. “No thank you, I can manage.”

I didn’t have time to engage in another battle of wills against this man’s persistent stubbornness; if only the strength that compelled him to fight with me extended to his physical capabilities. “Considering how little sleep you got last night, I doubt you’ve fully recovered from your first strenuous day. Today will be difficult enough without this extra burden.”

Ren glared at me, as if my consideration was a personal attack…a jab that at least reassured me he was feeling better. Yet his hesitation lasted only a moment before he reluctantly handed me his satchel. I shouldered it easily, causing him to glare in frustration at the double packs I bore, but he held back his usual biting retort.

“Have you taken another strengthening draft?” I asked.

He offered a timid nod. “I also concocted another potion to help with the muscle soreness.”

Time would tell how effective these would prove with his skillset. “I hope they help.” I started to turn away but paused when his soft voice spoke again. “Thank you for the cloak last night.”

He kept his eyes averted to the ground as if he couldn’t quite meet my gaze, the posture similar to the demure manner I’d seen conducted by several women of the court while in my presence. The boy certainly was odd. Perhaps it was a result of years spent studying herbology, with little time for exercise or other recreation. His sister’s behavior when I’d met her had been unconventional as well.

His show of gratitude left me uncomfortable, as if I’d been caught doing something dishonorable rather than considerate. “A poor night’s sleep would only hold back the entire group. Time is pressing.”

My tone came out more gruffly than I intended, my subconscious efforts to mask the worry I’d experienced towards him last night. Whatever my reservations about his trustworthiness, his tossing and turning had stirred a protective instinct similar to what I imagined I would feel towards a younger brother if I had one.

I ended our awkward conversation abruptly and took the lead as we set out. The first hour of our trek proved uneventful as we walked the winding path that led to the mountain base, my only measurement of time how often I glanced back to check on Ren. Though his steps appeared weary, his tonics seemed to be working their magic, allowing him to navigate the relatively smooth terrain and keep pace, a vast improvement from yesterday.

As the looming silhouette of the Misty Mountains came into view, the previously clear skies suddenly darkened. The air grew cold as an unnatural mist descended like a curtain drawn by some otherworldly force. From behind me I heard Ren’s breath catch. “I knew it: these are the misty mountains.”

Through the thick, silvery fog I could just barely make out his widened gaze taking in the swirls pressing in around us, his eyes reflecting a deep knowledge of what lay ahead, confirming the legend I’d discovered about these particular mountains. “You’ve heard of this mountain range?” I asked.

He nodded vaguely, his face laced with reverence and a hint of fear. “Many herbs used for concealing potions are said to grow along their ridges. Legend says that the mist is believed to be the breath of the divine that protects the secrets of the ancient forgotten temple that resides at its peak, home to forbidden magical knowledge passed down through the ages.”

Amid my begrudging respect I experienced a sense of trepidation that had nothing to do with the obstacle that lay ahead. While Ren’s assistance was imperative, until I fully dispelled my strange misgivings concerning his character, I couldn’t entrust specific details to him…ones I feared would come to light once we reached the ancient temple. Though his involvement in our quest meant I couldn’t keep our ultimate purpose hidden from him forever, it still felt too soon when I remained uncertain on whether or not I could trust him.

I exchanged an uneasy glance with Jiang; by his own grave expression he clearly shared my misgivings. Ren’s brow furrowed as he noticed our look. I came up with a hasty explanation to excuse it. “I’m unfamiliar with the mist that has given these mountains its name. Is our entourage in danger?”

Ren shook his head. “The mist itself isn’t toxic and is often bottled as an ingredient, though it does possess some…unusual properties.”

These didn’t immediately manifest until we ventured deeper into the cloudy mist. Almost immediately the world around us transformed—the path underfoot became slick with moisture, while the edges of the mountain path blurred into the white expanse. Visibility dropped dramatically, dwindling to mere steps ahead as the mist thickened around us, swallowing the path in its opaque embrace.

I momentarily stopped to pull a coil of rope from my pack. “We’ll tie ourselves together so we don’t risk separating,” I announced, my voice sounding muffled in the dense air. We methodically connected ourselves, one to the next—with me in the lead and Ren directly behind me—the rough rope like a tangible lifeline in a world where every other sense was smothered by the encompassing white.

Ren suddenly brushed my arm, bidding me pause. “I have an idea that will hopefully aid our visibility.” Before I could respond, he retrieved a small jar containing a thick, green paste from his satchel that I still carried. He caught my questioning look. “It’s an old herbal blend known to sharpen the eyes and clear the mind. It might cut through this.”

He moved to each member of our line and applied the paste with practiced ease beneath our eyes, his touch confident and surprisingly gentle. The mixture was cool against my skin, tinged with the sharp scents of eucalyptus and mint—a refreshing clarity against the musty dampness of the fog.

“Did you expect to need this?” I asked, wondering if he actually knew more than he let on about our mission. Could it be a mere act of ignorance?

“My training requires me to be well versed in the geographical location of specific herbs,” he explained. “I admit that when I first noticed these mountains this morning I wasn’t entirely certain they were the misty mountains I’d read about, but though the years of darkness prevented me from seeing them in person, they matched the description in my books. To be safe, I prepared this tonic along with my other enchanted potions.”

Begrudging respect smothered my previous misgivings. While I still had many unanswered questions, for all his physical weaknesses the man clearly knew his herbs. Perhaps his knowledge matched his father’s enough to prove sufficient for the mission ahead.

The paste slowly began to take effect as we carefully navigated the misty mountainside. The cloudy veil before my eyes seemed to thin, the contours of the rocky path becoming just discernible enough to follow. The muted sounds of our surroundings grew slightly sharper, grounding us to the hidden world beyond the fog.

“Remarkable,” I muttered as the silhouettes of twisted trees gradually emerged from the expanse of whiteness.

“The boy’s woodland magic trick is surprisingly effective.” For all of Jiang’s grumbling, I detected his own admiration…along with a hint of remorse for the poor treatment he’d bestowed upon the boy since he’d joined our party.

Whether or not he overheard us, Ren kept his gaze focused ahead, scanning the mist as if he could see or sense things we could not. Though the world remained a shadow play of forms and half-tones, visibility had improved enough for us to continue moving forward, tethered by rope as well as the beginning of a newfound trust in Ren’s skills.

While the fog had slightly cleared from our vision, the mist's power remained overwhelming, reducing our world to eerie silhouettes and muted sounds. The deeper we ventured, the more it seemed to pulse with life—voices, ethereal and haunting, began to weave around us, enveloping us with an almost palpable presence the deeper we pushed into the heart of the mountain. Some called out like the familiar echoes of loved ones long gone, while others murmured dark forebodings and chilling secrets, each gust carrying fragments of past regrets and unspoken fears. Each step seemed to draw out fears and memories, testing our resolve with every whispered word.

As it thickened around us, its haunting whispers began to probe the corners of my own soul, stirring up the shadows I had long tried to bury. The voices seemed to know my deepest insecurities, taunting me about my role as the second prince, a title that came with expectations but not the respect accorded to my elder brother.

Here beneath the same suffocating darkness that had cursed my kingdom for most of my life I experienced the same desperation to prove my worth, to show that I was more than just a spare hidden in the shadow of the throne. Each whispered doubt from the fog felt like an echo of the court's whispers that questioned whether I could ever do anything to help the kingdom it was my duty to protect, my fears that I would fail the quest the king had entrusted to me.

I startled at the touch of a hand on my shoulder. “Do you want me to lead for a while? I think I may be able to discern the path a little better.”

I hadn’t realized how my steps had begun to falter as I’d become distracted by the fears swirling through my head. I wasn’t sure whether Ren’s salve was losing effectiveness or whether the darkness clouding my vision was as much mental as it was corporeal, but I adjusted the rope so that the herbalist was now ahead of me.

Ren moved with a cautious, deliberate grace, his figure a steady constant in the shifting haze. His body stiffened each time the mist's whispers grew louder, a subtle tension in the set of his shoulders visible even through the dense fog. But despite the eerie voices that seemed to target our deepest insecurities, his focus never wavered, his gaze fixed forward, cutting through the fog with unwavering determination.

His hidden strength helped anchor my own faltering courage. As I followed Ren's steady steps through the swirling fog, we cleared a path not just through this mountain but also through the exposed doubts stirred up by the mist’s whispers clouding my heart. I resolved that this mission would be my testament to prove to myself and to my people that I was worthy of more than the sidelines—I would become a leader forged not from birthright but from bravery.

The path steadily grew steeper and more treacherous, forcing Ren to eventually slow, but unlike the previous times he didn’t seem to pause from exhaustion. Concentration furrowed his brow as he studied the foggy path, as if pondering the puzzle before us.

“I’m beginning to wonder if the mist isn’t just a barrier but a sentient entity, reacting to our emotions and thoughts. Perhaps our fears and doubts are feeding its strength, giving it power to disorient and mislead us…though whether it’s borne from the ancient protections put in place to guard this mountain or is part of the lingering effects from the cursed darkness, I cannot say.” Ren motioned for his satchel and pulled from it a series of small vials, each containing an elixir he’d prepared from his vast knowledge of herbal lore. “These concoctions should shield our spirits from the mist’s prying whispers, anchoring us to reality so that we can successfully press through.”

We formed a tight circle as Ren distributed the vials. Under his guidance, we dabbed the tonic on our temples and beneath our ears, the scents of pine and wintergreen cutting through the mustiness of the mist. Ren then began to chant in a low, steady rhythm from a language I didn’t recognize, though I possessed some understanding of what it was—when I researched his family’s apothecary I learned that their family’s magic created their enchanted tonics by infusing their brews with power from an ancient magical language, an element that would prove invaluable in the task I needed them for.

The words were old, resonating with a power that seemed to draw directly from the land itself, a mantra that contained an aura of protection and strength. As Ren’s voice rose the mist began to swirl violently around us, as if agitated, before it slowly yielded to the ancient spell. As it started to recede, a rugged path slowly cleared before us, a tunnel through the mist that spiraled upwards towards the summit.

Emboldened, we followed Ren’s lead and stepped onto the cleared path. The mist lingered restlessly at the edges, but it no longer felt oppressive or overwhelming. Upon reaching a flatter ledge, we paused to catch our breath. The temple’s ancient gates were now visible through the thinning fog just a few hundred meters ahead. In response to Ren’s presence, it fully revealed itself as the last of the mist fell away, bathed in the late afternoon light and the promise of ancient secrets, standing majestic and untouched by time.

While the others approached the temple’s threshold Ren held back, studying the archaic symbols carved into the stone with a mixture of triumph and wariness. He stiffened at my approach and I felt remorse for having been so harsh towards him since he’d entered our entourage. Though his presence remained mysterious, I could no longer deny his strength had guided us through our first obstacle.

My gratitude mingled with a newfound respect. He wasn’t the frail man I’d initially assumed, but a leader who had brought us through one of the quest’s many tests with a knowledge and quiet confidence that had proved invaluable. “Thank you, Ren. When the whispers of the mist momentarily shook us, it was your strength that guided us through. Your knowledge and your courage led us here.”

At my praise he visibly relaxed. “I will do my best to be of use to you, Your Highness.” Something lingered beneath the sincere promise, as if he possessed his own reservations. My conscience prickled in reminder that whatever he kept from me, I too withheld truth of what our quest truly entailed.

“Ren, there’s something—” The words burned on my tongue, eager to be spoken, but the unspoken words faltered when his piercing gaze met mine, held back by my lingering doubts.

I released a whooshing breath and turned to stare up at the gilded tori gates. Whatever my comrade’s secrets he kept as deep as those that lay within these ancient walls, I would dispel them one by one so that for the sake of the kingdom I could use him for the task that lay ahead.