9

Thimble

“COME ON THIMBLE, COME HERE,” Calla coaxed.

Thimble growled from under the desk. As Calla stooped down, she could see Thimble’s small eyes gleaming in the shadows as her long, leafy tail lashed against the floor. Leigh stood beside her in her room, watching nervously as Calla did her best to persuade the old twig-trot to come out.

“Careful,” Leigh said from her side.

Mischief and Pye crouched behind Leigh, watching Calla’s unsuccessful attempts. Even they knew not to mess with a grumbly Thimble, especially when woken from a midday nap.

Leigh scratched her head. “Maybe you can lead her out with a treat?”

Calla frowned as the twig-trot shuffled further back till she was against the wall. “No, that won’t work.” Something is bothering her, but what? She carefully reached in, only for the twig-trot to bristle. She stopped. Lack of teeth or not, a bite from Thimble would hurt. She pulled away and sat on her knees. She would have to think of something else.

“So this is what we’re waiting for?” said an annoyed voice. The two larks turned to see

Spruce and the nettle-like guard, who loomed in the doorway.

“I thought I told you all to wait outside,” Calla told them. “Thimble doesn’t like strangers.” Despises is more like it.

“We don’t have much time Witfirth” the guard curtly replied. under her breath, she added, with contempt, “We already wasted enough time in this village.”

Calla got up and dusted off her cloak.

Leigh looked at them, irritated. “Thimble doesn’t like strangers. She’ll stay under there all day if she has to.”

Spruce scowled. “I don’t see why you can’t pull her out from under. In fact, I could probably get her out in seconds.”

Calla felt her annoyance rise. Like she’d let any of them yank her companions around. She steadily met the guard’s gaze. “Look, either you two wait outside, or you can go back to Runnelloom without the two of us.”

“Spruce, please respect Witfirth’s commands,” said a voice behind them. The guards turned to see their captain walk up behind them.

“Captain…” Spruce said sheepishly.

The captain continued, “If the small wilder needs time, then allow for it.”

Spruce gave Calla one more glance before turning, the other guard following. The captain calmly looked at the two young larks. “Apologies,” he said. “Spruce is rightfully concerned, though she could’ve used more grace with her approach.”

Calla frowned. “What’s with the rush anyway?” She glanced over at her hastily packed pack, stuffed to the brim with clothes, a blanket, another pair of shoes, dried herbs for spell casting, and other things she deemed essential. It slouched under its weight near the headboard of her bed.

The captain hesitated and stroked his small, scraggly-leaf beard. “There’s much we need to discuss regarding your summoning,” he glanced at Leigh. “But I’m afraid it’s only for certain ears.”

He looked back at Calla. “Do take heed of the time,” he said, and with that he left the two.

As soon as the captain crossed the doorway, Thimble curiously poked her head out from under the table. She trotted up to Calla and watched the door cautiously.

“Huh,” Leigh said, she scratched her head, “so she was hiding due to the guards.”

Calla scooped Thimble up in her arms. Thimble’s head leaf bobbed as she did so. “She probably felt cornered.”

Pye walked in front of her and looked up with pleading eyes. Calla shook her head. “No Pye, I can’t carry both of you.” Pye persisted and let out a small whimper.

Calla fought to keep hold as Thimble began to wriggle in her arms. She turned and pointed at her pack.

“Please pass me my bag,” Calla said.

Leigh nodded. As she lifted it a small tattered blue book toppled out and landed on Calla’s bed. Leigh leaned over and inspected it. Calla felt her stomach bubble with nervousness. The last thing she needed was Leigh finding out she was studying for the trials.

Leigh glanced back at Calla curiously. “New spell book?”

Calla stammered, “Just to kill time.” She hurried over and picked up the book, stuffing it back into her bag and closing the flap. “It’s always fun to learn a new spell.”

Leigh shook her head. “You and magic, Calla. You need to try some new hobbies sometime.”

Calla forced a laugh as she turned and headed for the doorway where the guards waited. “Well, what can I say? It’s a part of me.”

Leigh glanced at the guards and looked back to Calla. “Are you sure you feel comfortable traveling alone? I mean, this is all so sudden.”

Calla nodded. “I must. It’s serious if it’s a summons from the Keepers of Runnelloom.” In times of crisis the Keepers were always consulted, whether by the guard or the High Court themselves. Due to their vast knowledge and collection of past calamities and threats in Runnelloom’s history, it made sense to seek their guidance.

And for Saffron, of all Keepers, to summon me, Calla thought with a pang of worry. It must be dire.

Pye and Mischief trailed after them as they exited. Thimble gave an annoyed grunt in Calla’s arms.

Leigh threw her arms around Calla as they hugged. “Be safe, all right?” she said with a tinge of sadness.

Calla grinned. “Of course.” She stepped back and glanced back at her small wooden cottage. Long curled vines twisted and wove along its wooden sides, twisting around beams and cascading down the small, rounded archway of her red-wooden front door. The evening sun gently tinted the round glass windows a soft orange. A little way away, the guards watched as they said their farewells, Spruce with her arms crossed.

Leigh sniffled. Calla turned back to her friend to see her pull out her handkerchief and dab her eyes.

“It won’t be the same without you,” Leigh said.

“Hey, I’ll be back before you know it,” Calla promised.

Leigh nodded, tucking away the handkerchief. “I promise I’ll water the plants twice—no, thrice,a day while you’re gone.”

Calla shook her head. “Twice is fine.”

Leigh looked at her. “Maybe one more hug—just in case.”

Calla shook her head and glanced back at the guards. “I should go—they’ve waited long enough.”

And with that Calla whistled and along came Mischief, Pye, and much more slowly, Thimble. Calla bent down and scooped up the old twig-trot as Pye watched enviously.

Calla gave her friend one last grin and began to walk away. “I’ll see you soon!”

Leigh nodded and mustered a half-hearted wave. “I’ll see you.”

Calla gazed at the guards.

What the future had in store, she had no idea.