Elven Legacy

Chapter 22

Day 2

Jaden

Normally they would've ridden two by two, but as they crossed the Miriath Forest, the path narrowed as it meandered through trees and thickening brush, and only allowed for one horse's width.

And so, Kitera took the lead, with Tessa just behind on her well-behaved mare, Dawn. The fabric of her dark blue cloak settled in loose folds about her, and for once she'd slipped off the hood. Jaden, riding behind his sister, watched absently as the afternoon sunlight dappled over her black-streaked blonde curls.

Perhaps others have them too, Jaden mused. If Dharkan, for instance, had gotten these same pigment-altering marks on his scalp whilst he was a dark mage, they'd never know since his hair was already jet black.

The Miriath was a vast forest of cypress, fir, pines, maples, oaks, and birch trees, stretching across the south side of the East River. Their progression was considerably slower here than on the main road, but they'd thought it best to avoid the Azurian border patrols. As it were, they'd officially crossed into the Azurian Empire without anyone giving them trouble.

Jaden had forgone his uniform today, instead he wore a short-sleeved beige shirt with loose strings at the collar, with his black riding pants and boots. They could already reap the benefits of traveling south – the air was mildly warm, a balmy wind rustled the leaves, and the sun was a welcome companion, caressing Jaden's skin in between thickets of trees.

Vibrant clusters of leaves in reds, oranges and yellows clashed with the piney shades of the evergreens – those always reminded Jaden of Kili's hair. And below, lining the path their horses trekked, a rich forest bed with some late-season blossoms, like white daisies or purple clematis, swaying in the wind.

The forest air carried fresh and earthy scents, which Jaden breathed in deeply. He listened to the trickle of a distant waterfall, and to the high-pitched songs of birds from the canopy, enjoying it all as best he could. Only a few more miles, and it was back on the roads until Azuria. The thought of Zemisha, alone and vulnerable with her captors – whoever they may be – sent jabs of unease down his chest and stomach.

Jaden glanced over his shoulder at Moira, who rode snug behind him on Chestnut, the tip of her oak-stave bow jutting over her shoulder. She smiled at him, looking radiant and vigorous, her copper braid shining as fiercely as the autumn leaves. Behind her, Dharkan rode his tall black, Strider, and also led their pack pony.

Dharkan seemed in a significantly less cheery mood, today. Jaden suspected he was hungover. He'd looked a bit better after they'd paused for a quick lunch of bread, sausages and cheese. Yet now, Dharkan's broody aura was back with a vengeance.

I ought to talk to him about Fredrick's budget, Jaden decided as he turned back around in his saddle. We can't just go around spending money on ale when we're supposed to focus on rescuing Zemisha.

Or perhaps I'll have Kitera talk to him. Yes. Her choice to recruit him, her responsibility.

Tessa worried him, too. More or less. His eyes went to her now, as she glanced reflexively to the side at the sudden snap and crack of twigs and leaves. Jaden followed her gaze, and saw nothing there but trees – probably just squirrels capering about.

Her dark blue eyes studied the woods some more, then she turned back around, her marked profile hidden away from him. From the obvious tension in her shoulders, though, she seemed ever keen and alert of her surroundings.

She did that a lot.

Ever since they'd led their mounts into the forest, it was as though Tessa felt they were being watched. Jaden pondered asking her about it, but he'd kept quiet thus far.