Into the Land of Valentia

Chapter the Fifth

V

The next morning, they set off as soon as the birds began to sing. Vivica was grateful to have woken with her sight back. Journeying wouldn’t be very pleasant otherwise. Then again, with Cayden as a travel partner, pleasant didn’t seem all that possible in any case.

They began heading in the opposite direction that they had travelled to reach the magus’ hut. Cayden took the lead once more. Vivica could hear him grumbling about something under his breath but didn’t care to ask him what it was about. 

Soon, Vivica settled into the rhythm of Garrett’s smooth strides, relaxing in the saddle. Though her mind was at ease, she made sure to keep an ear out for any suspicious sounds.

By the time evening began to approach, the greatest threat the group had encountered was a small rabbit that Sun nearly trampled under her hooves. The silence and overall calm drove Vivica nearly mad. 

The next four days played out more or less the same. Vivica was about ready to beg for something interesting to happen. Normally, she would be seeking out danger; however, with Cayden, she was trying to avoid any threats. Before bedding down one night, as Cayden was using his knife to shave away the scruff on his chin, she had even attempted to make conversation. He’d been so startled by the sound of her voice that he’d drawn blood. Their ensuing quiet took on a more tense edge. 

Finally, tired of the silence that hung about in the air, Vivica decided to try for a conversation again. They had come to a part in the path where it was possible to travel abreast. Nudging Garrett next to Sun, Vivica pictured Naleena. If anyone could work a conversation, it was Naleena Strong.

“What was it like, living in Ashe?” she asked Cayden in an interested voice. She had travelled to many places while hunting dragons, but Ashe was free of the creatures’ threats. It was a busy, strongly fortified town crowded with merchants, street artists, and soldiers-in-training.

Cayden looked at her oddly for a second before answering. He was probably completely comfortable with riding in silence. “It was alright. I spent the days with my mates, practicing our sword fighting. Nights were for dances and gatherings.”

Ashe was known for its frequent galas, filled with drinking and wooing. Vivica should have assumed Cayden was the type to like that kind of thing. “And the castle? What do you think of that?”

“The castle was . . . well, I despised it at first. I didn’t want to be there, but at the same time I knew my life in Ashe was over. With my mother dead, there was nothing to go back to.” He seemed to somewhat forget he was talking to Vivica and took on a mourning look. “To be honest, I still hate the castle. No one there ever has time for anything other than looking good and exerting their power. I dislike everyone there.”

“Except your father and the princess,” Vivica said.

Cayden’s eyes snapped to her face as he remembered where he was. “Right, obviously.”

Just like that, things became incredibly uncomfortable between then. Cayden seemed uneasy with her statement, and Vivica felt as though she had just trampled on painful territory. 

When the sound of a loud cracking came from the forest, Vivica nearly welcomed the quickening pace of her heartbeat. Rolling back her shoulders, she took her bow off her back and fished for an arrow.

A slithery voice said, “Hungry,” sending shivers down Vivica’s spine. This was no ovnid, as she had assumed. 

“We need to get out of here,” Vivica ordered, putting back her bow. She was debating over whether they should rush forwards or turn back the way they came when the sound of beating wings made up her mind for her. “Now!”