A Devious Exchange

And So It Begins

Bump.

Bump.

Bump.

Curse these trails. My neck jolted left at another odd angle, a crack of pain running down the bone between my shoulder and neck. I hissed, pressing my palm to soothe away the sharp ache, knowing it would be fruitless until we arrived. To the infamous cave. The ride was slow and irking in all ways imaginable; instead of the mild, gravel dips of the main road, the trail in the countryside hadn't been used apart for a few passengers on horseback. It left the pathway to mother nature's hits and caresses, and my patience running to the thinnest of threads.

Perhaps I was overreacting. I had ridden and walked pathways like this hundreds of times before, but none of those journeys held that same pulsating anticipation. I knew what was coming, what my destination would be, but not the outcome. Nicholas reminded me a few hours back that the trail was narrowing to the entrance of the underground, only a few paces till arrival now. I had ground my tongue against the back of my teeth so harshly that it drew a slight taste of metallic.

I wrung my hands constantly while sitting in the carriage, pondering deeply about how to get through the inevitable alive. I figured staying with the group was a no-brainer, but possibly staying somewhere in the middle of the bunch will be the most ideal. I wouldn't have my back nor front at the mercy of the unknown, giving me at least a few seconds to prepare if something went wrong.

I brushed my fingers against a hard silhouette in my dress pocket, a wooden dagger mom graciously found for me in dad's stuff. She said he used to talk about it 'bringing rain when the crops grew dry', as well as getting him out of trouble a time or two. I smiled unconsciously at the memory, gripping it tight in my palm. I needed every bit of luck I could get. Of course, I brought other things with me- a water canister, strike-a-light, a few packs of food, the essentials. My hair was tied back tight, my boots laced in an equal tension. I was prepared, I was ready. I just wished I felt so.

"I wish you didn't have to go." Mom brushed a piece of hair out of my face, distraught not being enough to describe the look on her face. I know she went from 0 to 100 real quick, but this time she dwelled in sorrow.

"Me too, but I'll be back before you know it." I smiled reassuringly, though it only reached to half-mast.

"Did you pack extra socks in case the trails are muddy? Or that extra water flask like I told you-"

I turned back to her, interrupting her ramble by hugging my arms around her tight, bringing her close to my chest. "I have everything except a hug from the both of you."

Mom's breathing slowed, shaky gasps rising and falling from her chest as her arms squeezed me tight. "I know. And this won't be the last time, you hear me?" Her voice was muffled, but her implication was strong. I vow to keep that promise.

"Loud and clear." I murmured, squeezing her again before pulling away slightly. Mom's tears began to fall once more, my own wanting desperately to spill over too.

"Wait here." She smiled, running back out to the main room. I wondered briefly what she was getting, maybe more food? I glanced over to my already-overflowing pack, thinning my lips to keep back a laugh.

She returned with her hand closed tightly in front of her, aiding to my confusion.

"Turn around."

I followed, though crouching down a bit as her hands maneuvered around my shoulders. A silky chain glided along my neck and collarbone, its coolness making me flinch slightly as her fingers clipped it into place on the back of my neck.