Threads of Fate

Chapter 27 ~ At the Edge of the Forest

They continued traveling through the forest for three days in total. In that time, Azael had gradually relaxed around Kahari and Vael. The female was seemingly sweet and had a genuine desire to help if she could. As for the Shifter, his knowledge of the area was proving valuable. He'd already helped them remain undetected by another group of Blood Fae, and had begun to open up about himself a bit too.

To Azael's surprise, he was finding himself able to relate to the male. Vael was his aunt's Heir Apparent, and was expected to one day lead their village after her death. He already felt the pressure of the role as he strove to prove himself worthy to his elders and those who already respected him.

Azael knew better than anyone how unbearable that weight could be, especially when you didn't actually have the power to make any decisions of your own. Vael had also apologized for his initial words about him, before he pieced together that he was the Prince. Azael assured him no apology was needed. He understood it hadn't been meant as an insult to him, just a statement of a fact.

There likely wasn't much he'd be able to do to help the Forest Dwellers if his father overrode his decisions, but he would try anyway as soon as he could. That had seemed to earn him a sliver of the male's gratitude, and he had felt the tension within the group lessen thankfully.

That had been earlier in the day, and the sun was beginning to set once more. Talarion was already reining his horse to a halt up ahead. Azael slowed his own mount's pace and glanced back to see Tissaia and Kahari doing the same. Vael and Kaius rode over to Talarion before they halted and dismounted.

"We'll camp here tonight and leave the forest tomorrow," Talarion said. "But two of us will scout ahead in the morning before we set off, to make sure there are no Lochren warriors nearby."

"I'll go," Vael offered. "I know where the most recent sightings of bandits have been and the Lochren warriors are bound to be near those areas."

"I'll go too," Azael added. "Probably best if you three stay out of sight until we're certain it's safe." Understanding and thanks reflected in Talarion and Kaius's gazes, although Tissaia appeared slightly put-out, and he wondered if she had meant to volunteer as well.

Their camp was made within the next thirty minutes and a brief meal was eaten. Vael then announced he would scout their perimeter and ensure there was no sign of activity around them. Kahari and Tissaia were going with him for part of the way to gather their supply of firewood for the night.

The rest of them remained at camp, and shortly after the others left, Kaius took his draught of tea that Kahari had continued to provide him, and was soon locked in sleep. Talarion remained at his side, one hand curled through the ends of the male's hair.

"Is it good for him to drink that stuff every night?" Azael asked hesitantly.

"Kahari says it's all right, and she seems to know what she's talking about," Talarion answered. "If you're meaning you're worried he's going to miss some important sign that we need to guide us, I've thought of that too. But honestly, I'd rather him get the rest he needs than worry about those visions."

"I don't blame you, but Kahari won't know if she's able to help him out of one if he doesn't have one that she can test her theory on."

Talarion sighed, his gaze falling to the Phoenix. "He knows that, but he's more afraid of what will happen if she fails than he is of never finding out."

"How do you bear it?" Azael asked, the words coming out quieter than intended. "Seeing him go through that so many times, and the effect it has on him even now, and not being able to help."