Deathspell - Chapter Nine

Making Our Escape

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With the first rays of dawn, I emerged from the barn alit with energy still crackling underneath my skin. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end, and prickles waxed and waned with every purposeful step I took back toward my brother’s house. Jeffrey was in the fields, tending to his crops, allowing me the chance to slip into my room and gather my things. Whether or not my departure would be premature was of no concern to me. Whatever fate awaited me back in town, I was finished hiding from it.

Anne slipped me some food for the travel when I insisted I would not be staying. Ida and Ivette belabored me with kisses, and between the three of them, they kept me detained long enough for my brother to catch up to me as I readied my horse for travel. I took a deep breath when I heard his footsteps encroaching on me, not turning away from the task of saddling the mare and fitting her with bit and bridle. “You didn’t have to abandon work just to see me off,” I said.

The horse shifted her stance uncertainly as Jeffrey approached. I ran a hand along her mane to soothe her while my brother paused nearby. “Where are you going?” he asked.

“Back into town. You’ll forgive me if lingering has sat poorly with me.”

“Isn’t that a risk for you to be doing? Your friend hasn’t yet called for you.”

I sighed, making a final adjustment to Tempest’s reins before mounting her saddle. She shook her head as I settled into place and I held back my response until both beast and rider were situated. Jeffrey watched all the while, a sickening form of concern in his eyes. “Whether or not it’s a risk,” I answered, “I’m heading back just the same. Let the authorities seek me out if they so desire. They won’t find me willing to go quietly.”

Using my heels, I nudged Tempest forward. Jeffrey walked forward, though, touching her snout and forcing her to stop. She whinnied in protest and I glowered as he walked up to my side. “Please don’t do this,” he said. A shimmer overtook his eyes, an unspoken prayer contained within. “This is power that comes with a price. You and I have seen its cost firsthand and your fate won’t be any different than Father’s in the end.”

Despite the sincerity of the plea, I found myself apathetic toward it and unwilling to apologize for the chill which entered my words. “I’ll be careful, Jeffrey. That’s all the promise I’m willing to offer.” Giving Tempest a harder nudge, I gripped onto the reins when the mare surged forward, my posture stoic and only relaxing once I had passed my tree. I spared it one last glance, tempted to unearth the treasure box, but managing to resist the urge. I wouldn’t be depositing anything inside it this time. In fact, my thoughts stole to the scroll left to me by my father, wondering if at last I might understand it.

“Another time,” I murmured to myself before coaxing Tempest into a gallop.