A Touch of Magic

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

Evergreen

When I woke up, he was gone. My stomach growled, forcing me to my feet. The forest led out into a small village market. Food. They were selling food. My stomach growled again.
Shit. I brought no money. I contemplated the situation. I had brought Glade, though. On my command, Glade flew towards the fruit stand and grasped an apple in his claws, much to the annoyance of the vendor.
Soon, the apple is in my hand, and I'm taking a bite. I stroked Glade's feathers in appreciation.
Where should I go now? How would I be able to find the queen's army? A hand clasped down on my shoulder from behind me, and I swung around, ready to throw hands.
"Did I frighten you?"
Brikwood asks with a smirk. I don't answer his question. Instead, I ask my own.
"What happened to the whole protecting me thing?"
He pats my shoulder again.
"You seem to be doing just fine without me."
I shrug him off.
"Where were you?"
He shrugs.
"I had some business to attend to. It doesn't concern you."
I raised an eyebrow. What did that mean?
"Anyway, do you know where the queen's army might be?"
I don't know why I'm asking him. It's not like he would know.
"They passed through the forest while you were sleeping. I think I know where they were headed."
Bingo!
"Alright then. You lead. I'll follow."
I don't know if I should be trusting him, but as he leads me in the direction of the army, I realize Brikwood is my best shot at avenging my mother.