Threads of Fate

Chapter 10 ~ Renewed Resolve

    It was with much discontentment that Tissaia opened her eyes to glare up at Kaius, who ceased shaking her when he noticed she was awake. She batted his hand away while he just grinned. "If you prefer, I can always have Azael or Talarion wake you when they're back from scouting," he teased.

    "Oh piss off," Tissaia grumbled. "Why are both of them scouting? Did you have another dream?" She sat up and rubbed the last grit of drowsiness from her eyes.

    Kaius shook his head. "No, but I heard something out there this morning. Not an animal. I told them I didn't think it was anything to worry about, but they insisted on double checking the area."

    Tissaia cocked her head as the male pulled something from a small pouch fastened to his belt. Kaius laid his palm flat, letting her look at the strange, glossy stone. It was a deep slate gray interwoven with rivers of green.

    "It's beautiful. "Where did you get that?"

    Kaius's smile warmed. "It was by my foot after I heard that sound. It's how I knew there was nothing to worry about."

    "The Little Gods," she realized, and he nodded. In all her years, she'd never once seen one of the famed creatures.

    The Little Gods, or Wisps, as they were also called, were beings that had existed from the birth of the land, and would likely exist until the end of it. All the stories she'd heard portrayed them as mischievous, but wise creatures, capable of offering help to those deserving, or bringing ruin to those who were not. They could guide the lost, or make one lose their way.

    They were also rumored to leave gifts for their favored few, though Tissaia had always been forewarned as a child not to touch any strange artifacts she found lying around, lest she take a gift that was not meant for her. But Kaius need not fear such things. Many times, he had told her about his kinship with the Wisps, and the several different ones he had met while living in the forest.

    They had first appeared to him after the Blood Fae attacked him and his parents. They were the ones who had healed his numerous wounds and provided him with gifts of food and water to keep him alive. Kaius had always said he owed them his life, and he believed they had saved him because they knew of some purpose he had yet to fulfill.

    He slid the stone back into his pouch while Tissaia rose and gathered up her cloak. "Did you see what kind of Wisp it was?" She asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

    Kaius shook his head. "They don't usually show themselves when I'm with others, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're still around here somewhere."

    "Did you tell Talarion?"

    "Of course, but you know how overprotective he is."

    Tissaia chuckled at that. "Like you're any better. And Azael?"

    "I'm not entirely certain he believes in the Little Gods."

    "Well, he's always been skeptical of most things. Why should they be any different?"

    "Who's skeptical?" Tissaia and Kaius both started at the sound of Azael's voice. He strode into the camp with Talarion on his heels and a faint look of annoyance in his eyes.

    "I'm skeptical that we'll make any progress today if you two insist on scouting every inch of ground we try to cross," Kaius replied with a somewhat forceful laugh when Tissaia remained silent. He kicked dirt over the last few embers of their fire and began gathering his things. Talarion followed suit while Azael set to work saddling the horses.

    Tissaia collected her own belongings before approaching her mare. She began fastening her gear into place and listened as the males discussed their plans for the day. All three of them seemed to be in agreement for once. They would ride far enough today that they could reach and cross the river tomorrow.