CACKLE- Book 1

Chapter Eighteen

The crunch of the gravel beneath her horse was the only sound Remi would hear for what felt like hours. Her horse had satchels across its flank and Remi reached in to pull out a bright red apple. They were in such a rush this morning she didn't have time to grab some breakfast. She began to snack on it. It was sweet and juicy, she relished the taste.

Growing apples was never an option back home. Their garden had been small and they didn't have the resources. Remi savored every bite now, deciding to herself that apples were her favorite fruit.

Three apples, some cheese, some sliced vegetables, three small buns and a few strips of dried meat were what she had been given for the day. She decided she was not a fan of the dried meat. Never having tasted much meat throughout her life, the texture and taste were too foreign.

Huxley was at the head of their group. Anna's horse kept pace behind Remi and Elio was seated on the wagon, steering the two horses attached at a safe distance behind Anna.

Huxley would turn occasionally to survey their group, letting his eyes linger over Remi. Once when he turned around he caught a glimpse of an unfortunate sight. Remi tried to bite a piece of the dried meat, her face scrunched up as her teeth pulled a piece free and she chewed. Disgust painted plainly across her features. He had laughed, the sound scared several birds from nearby trees. Remi flush with embarrassment.

As they began to pass fields of farmland Huxley called back, "Remilia, bring your horse up here."

Remi turned to look at Anna who nodded in encouragement. She squeezed the sides of her mare just like Anna had shown her and came to a steady pace at Huxley's side. He pointed to the fields they were passing.

"Some of these fields here are corn, but towards the far side they grow grapes. We ferment them and they're turned into wine, or mead. Much nicer than anything you would have tried in Prilani. The crops we grow here have better soil than what's down closer to Drilis. Although we're lucky our lands are fertile, the land closest to the wall is too dry for cultivation. You must be used to eating a lot of fish down there. What crops are you able to grow?"

Remi hesitated. She wasn't sure what crops they grew in Prilani, but she knew what they were able to grow in the cave.

She shrugged, trying to fain disinterest. "A lot of berries. Raspberries and blueberries. Sometimes we would grow large strawberries which were absolutely decadent. Lettuce and spinach were common also, and so were potatoes. We had a lot of potatoes." She laughed. Remembering a time when she had (completely by accident of course) set fire to the cave. The garden burned and only the crops underground survived. They ate potatoes for weeks while they waited for the plants to re-grow. Although no witch can make something out of nothing, it was easier to encourage fast growth and sooner harvest times with a little magical assistance.

"Have you tried pumpkin or corn? Watermelon? How about peaches?" Huxley asked.

"No, I haven't." Remi said.

"Well, you're in for a real treat! Since you'll be dining at the castle, I'll see to it that we get you a good variety to sample. I can see you're not a fan of dried meat." He pointed to the satchel on her horse.

She unlaced the pocket and pulled out the bundle of dried meat. "Not a fan is putting it lightly. She said.

He chuckled. "Dried beef. It's a common traveling food, when fresh meat isn't an option. The seasoning chef uses to make it is excellent."

Remi sniffed the bag again and her stomach turned.

"Are you going to finish that?" He asked.

Remi handed him the bag and watched in awe as Huxley shoveled the contents into his mouth. It was gone so fast if she had blinked she may have missed it.

"Wow. You must be starving!" She said.

Remi thought back to how fast she was eating her dinner last night, wondering if she shoved it in as quickly as Huxley had now. He gave her a crooked smile that made her neck feel entirely too warm.

"I like to eat." He said. "We train every day for long hours and the practice can be draining. It's important to stay strong."

Remi nodded. Her legs were getting sore from riding the horse. A feeling she wasn't used to, being on a horse. But this feeling, her body's lack of strength, of being weak... she didn't like the feeling at all. "Will I be training too?" She asked.

Huxley's eyes lingered on her own, a smile unwavering on his lips. "We do have women in our guard. If it doesn't interfere with your duties, or your aunts then I don't see why not." He gestured with his thumb over his shoulder at Anna.

Remi looked back to see that Anna's face looked stern. Anna pointed from Remi to Huxley and made a chopping motion with her hand. She shook her head and the message was clear. Remi had to be careful around him. She couldn't get too close or reveal too much. Remi gave a quick nod of her head by way of response.

Remi spent the rest of their journey listening to Huxley explain the many facets of Eloricia. It was clear he was passionate about the kingdom he served. Aside from the occasional nod, Remi didn't say much. She tried to keep most of her questions to herself. Though it was hard to ignore, Huxley was very easy to talk to. The hours began to fly by as they traveled.

When they took breaks to water the horses Remi would speak in hushed tones with Anna. Gaining valuable feedback on her social skills, her confidence began to grow. Huxley would share stories of his time with prince Ryker. Though he was head of the princes personal guard, they were also close friends. They had known each other for a long time and it was evident in Hux's' stories that he was passionate about his position as captain.

Remi felt a twinge of longing in her gut. Her only companion had been Anna, for all her life. She longed for the relationship a sibling, or close friend, would bring. Someone else to share her stories with. Someone besides Anna. Though, she wouldn't trade Anna's friendship, her mentorship for anything. Still, the feeling was there. A feeling she would have to go without, in this lifetime. Though, with any luck- her infant self would have a much better life. A life with friends and family, companionship and experiences beyond meeting the needs of essential survival. Perhaps one day, that little girl will know peace.