The Crimson Claymore

The Crimson Claymore: Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Starlyn saw everything, from the two of them dueling to kissing at the end. Most wouldn't expect such an event from a human and a kheshlar, but Starlyn knew it was inevitable. She knew Anaela wasn't strong enough to resist Searon, and only a matter of time would have her losing control. However, it did happen sooner than Starlyn thought. Kheshlars were weak when humans were involved. There were no rules with humans, and they were full of temptation. Freedom wasn't evident until humans came in the picture. Without rules, there would be chaos, and that's exactly what humans were: chaos.

She needed to be break free of the bonds that held her. In Sudegam, she was a pawn to the larger picture of the kheshlars. How would they look at her if she left? Fear clouded her mind, and yet she could feel the pull that drove her away. She knew if she stayed there would be nothing for her but death. Flashbacks of her mother growing ill and dying illuminated her mind. Tears painted her face as they fell in streams. She had to be strong; it was something she had to do. There was no other way.

"Starlyn," a raspy voice whispered.

She spun and stared at her friend. He was the only one she knew she could trust. For years, he had been there for her when she needed him the most. He came only in times of need, but so many years ago he had saved her life. She owed him. The forest around her cabin looked lonely with only the two of them standing there. He had found her...somehow he knew.

"Starlyn, you need to at the least say goodbye to him. He cares for you, as a friend, like a sister. If anything, tell him you will see him again," he said.

"Shronan..." Starlyn whispered.

"He deserves that much, Starlyn," he insisted.

She knew the mage was right; he did deserve to know that she was leaving, even if she could not tell him why. That was the reason she dreaded it so—because she didn't know how to tell him. How could she put into words the gratitude that she felt for him, for all the things he showed her, for uncontested friendship? She knew that she could trust him to not ask questions or tell anybody if she asked. Saying goodbye to him would be the hardest thing she'd ever done, and she dreaded it.

"I know...and I will," she sighed, wiping tears from her face.

* * *

Searon sat alone on Starlyn's porch as he smoked from his cedar pipe. The smoke kept him warm on the cool morning while he pondered his thoughts. He continued to think about the previous night that he spent with Anaela. She kept him infatuated but seemed to stay distant. At least, she'd tried to until she leaped at him with a kiss. Searon hadn't thought she was interested in him, or at least not enough without pursuit. He smiled when he remembered the night. Warmth spread through him at the thought of her; there was something about her that kept his heart and mind racing.

The peace and quiet appeared short lived when the wizard walked up to the porch. Karceoles sat down at Searon's side and lit his own long-stem pipe. Smoke encircled his face with a long puff before his exhale turned into a bow and arrow. Searon smiled at the smoke representation and rather enjoyed the extra company, especially since the wizard hadn't opened his mouth yet.

"So...how does she taste?" Karceoles asked.

"Excuse me?" Searon shot a glance at the wizard.

"Anaela, how does she taste?"

"You saw us?"

"No, but you've been grinning like an idiot. By the serene look on your face, which is a first time I've seen you happy since your wife. Adding to that the way you can't take your eyes off of her shows me that she would make you happiest. Then of course the fact you are sitting on a porch alone, and she isn't here, and the fact that you're smoking a pipe. This leads me to believe she didn't spend the night, but something else happened with you two last night, the final conclusion being a kiss. So I ask again...how did she taste?"