Fragments - Book One of the Missing

Chapter 29 - Rowan

They sparred, hiked endless trails, and completed the obstacle course several more times over the course of a few more weeks. The trees were now bare, and the frost lingered on the ground throughout the day. They had been away for the remainder of autumn.

Rowan was tired. So tired. It was day after day. Week after week. She was practically dragging her feet as she climbed up the hill to the summit.

The hill had become her favorite place while out in the woods. From her vantage point she could look out over the rolling valley. She could feel the dying grass and leaves beneath her fingers. To the east was the Emolo River, looking calm and moseying its way through the hills and mountains.

Out in these mountains there were no people, no noise—just peace. It was the perfect place to think. And she needed that quiet in her head to ruminate over everything Hamza had told them.

Her gift... it was frightening but empowering. No wonder she had always loved to read. She understood now that she wasn't just engrossed in her books, she became them. Her gift wasn't one of pain, but of empathy. If only she could tell her mother that now.

But why would the Officials want her gift so badly? As far as she had figured out, the Officials or Darus and his army were not concerned with understanding each other. Were they more concerned with winning the war and gaining the power for themselves? If it wasn't her gift the Officials were after, and as Hamza had said, rather her father - then who was her father? How powerful could he be that he could have sway with the Auctor?

Wasn't it Taniel's gift that could change the course of the war?

Taniel. Somehow he was gaining more and more room in her head. When she first met him, he was shy, anxious, and fidgety. A true fish out of water. It was so at odds with who he was becoming.

Rowan blushed. She'd known for some time she was developing feelings for him but didn't know when or how it started. It was like a slow burn. She thought back to the first day she saw him—he was rude. Then when she moved into the loft, he was standoffish. Then that kiss. What happened between them?

It was his eyes, she decided. Those warm brown eyes were windows to his soul. She could see there was so much more than his rough exterior. There was something good in him, more than she had given him credit for in the past. But she didn't know what it meant for her. For them.

As if on cue, she heard the footfalls behind her. She knew it wasn't Hamza; his leg dragged with his limp.

Rowan determinedly stared forward, and waited for Taniel to sit next to her, afraid of seeming anxious.

"Almost time to go."

"I don't know if I'm ready to leave," Rowan said. She surprised herself by meaning it. This cabin in the woods, her spot on the hill had become a sanctuary, the first place she could ever truly be herself. The place she learned who she was.

"Me either. But you're ready. And we need to figure out what is going on in Fenesmere."

She ignored him. She knew he was right, but would they ever have these peaceful moments to themselves again? She pressed her hands into the ground, searching for the life of the grass and plants beneath her. When she found a spark of life, she pushed her emotions through her hands and into the ground. She didn't want to leave this place that made her feel alive.

Life sprouted around her and Taniel. The grass grew long and green, wild flowers danced in the wind. Suddenly the valley around them was alive with life, and Rowan was pulsing with it.

She was rocked back into her human body suddenly by Taniel. Taniel's lips on hers. Was she dreaming this?

His warm lips made her feel a totally different kind of alive. As if by some miracle, some small part of her was still connected to the valley, and it fed this new energy to the flowers. White, purple and yellow flowers wrapped around her legs, her hands.

Taniel pulled back, and so did the flowers. "You are amazing," Taniel whispered.

His eyes were bright, looking at her. And she smiled. Because for once, she felt it.

****

Taniel held her hand all the way back to the cabin. She reveled in the fact she could touch him without reading him, or hurting him. In fact, the contact left butterflies in her stomach. This new strange thing was a blessing for her. Something positive in a world of pain.

Back at the house, they packed while Hamza reiterated to Taniel to meditate and keep an eye out for his dream signs. She could tell Taniel was stressed about something as Hamza talked, but she guessed it was because he hadn't managed to dream walk yet.

She watched Hamza as he shook Taniel's hand and put the other hand on his shoulder. "Remember Taniel, any path you choose, you will be hunted. Choose the way that brings you the most light, the best hope. Your gift is rare. Make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands."

Hamza turned to her and embraced her. She hugged him tightly back, grateful for the chance to discover herself. "Thank you for the Majestic. And for everything."

"Thank you for bringing some life back into the cabin. And the valley." He winked.

Taniel grabbed her bag for her and started towards the door but turned back. "How can we reach you again?"

"Your friend can make that happen. Be careful, you two." He walked them to the door, his limp foot dragging more than usual. "We will be meeting again," he said, closing the door.