A Touch of Magic

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten
Brikwood

The vepo were a people most never got the chance to witness. Those who did were never heard from again. Our travels led us into another forest with an active stream running through it. It's likely home of the vepo people. I knew not if my companion knew of the danger that lurked in these waters. I prayed I wouldn't have to tell her.
We were walking in silence until Evergreen spotted a group of people in the distance. They appeared to be men on horseback wearing heavy suits of armor.
"That's them!"
she exclaimed.
"The queen's army?"
I asked.
She nodded. She approached them and bowed as if they were anyone worth bowing to.
"My name is Evergreen."
She addressed the leader of the army, who dismounted his steed and removed his helmet to greet her.
"My mother was murdered by the opposing clan. I am here to avenge her death by joining you in your fight against these monsters."
Something in my gut twisted. My clan was a lot of things, but they definitely weren't the monsters here.
"I am Sir Demetry, leader of the queen's royal army."
He shook Evergreen's hand.
"Battle is for men, for warriors. Not for young maidens. Go home, Evergreen."
She stood her ground.
"Sir, if you would just let me prove myself to you -"
He cut her off.
"You have broken the law. You were to stay in your own clan and not cross over the wall. Do you realize the penalty for such actions? Go home now or face the consequences of your actions."
That was all I needed to hear of this guy. I walked up to Evergreen and pulled on her arm.
"Sorry for the trouble, sir. She gets lost in her mind sometimes. She gets all these ideas-ow!"
I pulled her away from the army even harder than she slapped me.
"What are you doing!?"
she demanded. I glared at her.
"Rescuing you."
She breaks away from me.
"For your information, sir, I'm not some damsel in distress that is waiting to be saved. I can take care of myself."
I rolled my eyes.
"Sure you can."
What she was going to say next, I don't know because I slapped my hand over her mouth the instant I heard their song. Before she could slap me again, I pointed toward the water.
The once empty stream was now filled with vepo. Lots of them. Their translucent bodies and long scraggly black hair pale in comparison to their soulless black eyes.
While their appearance is revolting, their song is enchanting. Legends say they lured many villagers to their watery graves with their melodies. The sound is a mixture of quite cooing and unlegible whispers.
"Don't listen!"
I demanded as I covered my ears. Evergreen does the same. Unfortunately for Demetry, he wasn't fast enough.
Entranced by the sound, he waded into the stream, now gazing at the hideous beats as if they were angelic women of beauty.
Without hesitation, Evergreen dashed to his side, and I had no choice but to follow her. She was tugging at Demetry and yelling at him with great force, but he walked right past her like she was invisible.
"He can't swim!"
called out one of the men still on the shore. I saw her run over and pluck my spear off of my belt and dive in the water.
"Evergreen, no!"
She ignored me. Without thinking, I jumped in the water with her. As soon as I came up, blood splattered on my clothing as Evergreen swung at the vepo.
I joined her with one hand, still covering one of my ears. Evergreen pointed to the bottom of the stream and then to her ears. I understood. I dived down and frantically pulled two clumps of seagrass free. I stuffed them in my ears.
I came up beside Evergreen and threw the biggest rock I could find at an approaching vepo. Evergreen promptly slashed its head off. We did this for what felt like hours, though it couldn't actually have been that long.
We spotted Demetry struggling in the water, now released from the vepo song. We dragged him to the shore as he choked up water. The stream washed red, and Evergreen knelt before Demetry. His vision focused on her.
"You -"
He coughed up more water.
"You saved my life."
Evergreen smiled.
"As a warrior would do,"
he continued.
"Welcome to the army!"
A cheering arose from the army members as Evergreen helped Demetry to stand. As he returned to his men, Evergreen slipped the spear back into my hand. I clutched her fingers for a brief moment before letting her go.