Engines of Alchemancy (The Alchemancer Book One)

Chapter 22. Friendship

AARON PICKED HIS WAY DOWN the rocky slope. The old cliffs—the Breakers—were gone, replaced now by new ones far more amicable to foot traffic. So many thin, rocky walkways crisscrossed the sheer cliff face it was as if a master trailsman had plied his trade here. The routes were not without fault—Aaron had bruises and scrapes on knees and palms to prove that much—and many of them ended in sheer drop-offs. But once he'd found a safe path, they served, allowing him access to shoals during low tide. If anyone had come to ask, he'd have told them he fished for spotted anglers or speared for crabs. The former was a good, hearty fish. A mature one might feed a family for a day. Aaron's own father caught them regularly. But no one came to ask. No one but Ensel Rhe and Serena, neither of whom Aaron was ready to speak with yet.

Three days had passed since Shanna had died. After that first night and well into the next day, the survivors of Norwynne had returned. Many had broken down at the sight of the destruction, which was absolute and complete now. Some had no reaction at all, simply looking on with empty-eyed stares and blank expressions. Many left. They organized into groups, stated their intended destination, whether nearby Kirschnick or Bromsgrove or more distant Brighton, and departed. Even after the first earthquake and flooding over a week ago, much of the keep had still remained. While a monumental task to restore and rebuild, it had given the survivors purpose. Now, there was nothing left, and no more reason to stay. Still, some did, though each day there was more talk of leaving as full realization of their predicament sank in. Soon, they'd all leave. Aaron wondered if he'd go with them.

Folk were wary of him. Many had witnessed his return. All had seen the result. While he'd not brought with him the triumph they had expected, no one blamed him outright. But they kept their distance. No one looked him in the eye. It was just as well, Aaron thought. He didn't want their company anyway.

Most times, Ensel Rhe joined him. The eslar said nothing to him. He just sat and watched. Sometimes, his gaze followed Aaron's movement. More often, though, he spent his time peering off at the distant ocean. Aaron thought to ask him what he looked for, but the desire for silent thought seemed mutual, and Aaron kept his questions to himself. Besides, Serena talked enough for all three of them. The girl had spent far too long with only Ansanom for company, for once she'd warmed to some others and they to her, there was no quieting her. She talked to anyone who'd listen. She talked when she woke. She talked through meals. She talked while she worked. She talked all the time until, finally, she went to bed. Even then, Aaron wondered if she talked in her sleep. He didn't begrudge her any of it. For Serena, tragedy had led to liberation. Though she'd not really been a prisoner, tutelage under Ansanom must have seemed so, and so Aaron indulged her newfound sense of freedom. He seldom offered much in reply. That bothered her not at all. In truth, Aaron found her voice soothing. He almost imagined it was Shanna speaking to him and that when he looked at her, she was his friend, come back to life.

This particular day, Aaron had come down early, rising before most to catch the tide at its lowest. The moon was still up and the sun a few hours away still. With the trail steeped in darkness, he made his way down to his usual shoal with careful steps. He held a rod in one hand, it being too dark for spearing. He'd never been very good at the latter, anyway. Fishing, on the other hand, was simply a matter of patience. Some skill, but mostly patience. That was what his father had taught him. It was a lesson Aaron now embraced. He gave most of his catch to Serena to bring to the temporary camp of lean-to's and small, covered spaces. He kept the rest for himself and Ensel Rhe. They ate together, neither saying more than a few words, passing the time by eating and staring into the small fire lit between them. Aaron saw Shanna in those flames, burning. He'd no idea what Ensel Rhe saw.

At the shoal, Aaron was surprised to find Ensel Rhe already there. Stopping at the sight of him, Aaron said nothing. He was just about to go about his business of baiting his hook and stringing out his line when the first howls pierced the early morning darkness. They'd both first heard the sound while fleeing through the wilderness. As the second round of baying rose up, Aaron sighed and took a seat near Ensel Rhe. The hook and line lay dormant in his hands as he pulled his knees closer and dipped his head between them. That not working, he used his hands to cover his ears.