Labyrinth: A Darker Season

Chapter 12

Sarah walked into the market and stocked up on her dry goods and would come back for fresh when she left town. She then went to the bakery and got pastries, cookies, and some honey glazed almonds and walnuts.

Sarah walked back to the inn and sat at the counter. Keynan walked up and asked, “What would you like, pretty Ash?”

Sarah blushed and smiled at him. She thought he was so nice. Sarah asked, “Can I get a tea, please? Would you join me and have some cookies and a pastry or two?”

Keynan said, “I think I will.” Keynan came back with two teas and a jar of honey and spoons. He sat next to her and they shared her treats.

Keynan reached for a pastry and asked, “If you would like, I can start showing you some spells like healing and defensive out behind the inn later, say an hour or two? I can have Jamie watch the counter for me.”

Sarah leaned over and nudged him and said, “That's nice of you. Good people need to stick together and help each other out.”

He smiled and said, “I like that. You are right. Ash, you are polite, not many people are. You get used to it, and it is so new when someone like you comes along.”

Sarah smiled at him and said, “I was taught manners, is all. It's how I was brought up.”

Keynan said, “By the humans you were raised by?” Sarah nodded.

He said, “I am glad they took care of you.” Sarah sipped her tea and smiled at him.

Suddenly, a girl burst into the inn's front door with red hair to her shoulders and a gray peasant dress on and a green cloak. She shouted, “What is this I hear about you spending time with someone else who walked into town last night, Keynan?! I have been trying to get you to court me for three years, and you will not give me the time of day!” Keynan got up and faced the girl. Sarah stayed where she was. The three other fae got up and watched, stepping away from them.

Keynan said, “What the hell are you yelling about, Leela? I never encouraged you or asked you to go anywhere with me ever. I can talk to anyone I please. It is none of your business. My wife died whilst having my baby. I don't have to choose you because you want me too. Ash, is my friend and a lot better company than you talking about yourself all the time! So leave me the hell alone!”

Leela shouted, “How dare you go after the first trollop that slithers into town with her legs open! She looks like an elf or human anyway with that nasty hair!”

Keynan said in a low voice, “I am warning you. Get out!”

Leela lobbed a crystal at Keynan trying to hurt him. They started throwing magic at each other, and Leela tried throwing attacks at Sarah. Sarah stood up, looking at the girl, Leela. She couldn't do any magic against Sarah at all. So, Leela ran up to her with a knife and tried to stab Sarah in the stomach where her kittens were in the bag.

Sarah was struggling with the crazy woman to make her drop the knife. It was iron or silver, and Sarah didn't know whether it would kill her or not. Sarah swept her knees from behind and the girl fell forward, though on her knees and then to the floor on the knife. She didn't move. Keynan rolled her over to show the knife went all the way to the hilt in her chest where her heart is. It killed her instantly. Sarah stood there and stared at the girl.

The three others went to get her family. A little while later, the father of the girl and her aunt who was there earlier that morning were there looking at the dead girl. Sarah leaned up against a wall out of the way. The father demanded what happened.

Keynan said, “Leela was jealous of me spending time with Ash, who came in last night. She attacked us both with magic and then went after Ash with an iron knife. During the struggle, she fell on the knife. I did not know she was like that. It was scary how out of control she was.” The three other people said it was exactly like that.