Chapter 16
“Yes, yes, I’m really all right,” Sorcha muttered as she buttered a hunk of bread. “Just like I was the first five times ye asked that question.” She had unloaded all the food from the basket, and now they were eating while sitting on the grass, since Brody had the blanket wrapped around his torso.
“Yes, but now you can answer honestly.” He bit off another piece of ham and motioned toward the path that led around the lake, where the Woodsman was headed to his tree house. “Now that we’re finally rid of the grouchy, pointy-eared elf.”
“Shh, he might hear you.” She glanced at the Woodsman, who was not that far away, and lowered her voice. “Is that why ye asked him to bring you some clothes?”
“Mmm-hmm,” Brody mumbled with his mouth full. “Why am I not seeing Aleksi? Where is he?”
“He’s . . . busy at the moment.” Sorcha propped the butter knife on top of the crock of butter.
“How busy can he be? Isn’t he injured?”
“He’s healing quickly,” she muttered, then gasped when Brody snatched the bread from her hand and bit into it. “Hey, that was mine.”
“And it’s delicious.” Brody drank straight from the pitcher of wine, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
Sorcha frowned at him. “Ye’ve spent too much time as a dog.”
He shrugged. “Can’t be helped.”
She winced, regretting her words. Brody had no choice but to spend most of his life as a dog or some sort of animal. A witch had put a curse on him, so he was only able to take his human form for a few hours each day.
A sudden thought popped into her mind and she sat up. “Morghen is a witch!”
“What? Who?” Brody took another bite of bread.
“Morghen. She’s the healer here. And a witch. Maybe she can undo the spell for you?”
Brody shook his head. “I learned a few years ago that only the same witch who put the curse on me can remove it.”
“Oh. Do ye know which witch did it?”
“Which witch?” He snorted. “No. But it happened in the sea.” His face grew grim. “I heard her voice, so I know it was a female. That bitch has a great deal to answer for.”
What all had this witch done? Sorcha wondered. “Did she do more than curse you?”
Brody waved a dismissive hand. “I didn’t come to talk about myself. I needed to make sure you’re all right. Everyone is very worried—”
“But didn’t the Kings of the Forest tell Gwennore that I’m fine?”
“They did, but since their message came from the mysterious Woodsman, we weren’t sure it could be trusted.”
Sorcha rolled her eyes. “Ye can trust the trees. The Woodsman told me they don’t lie.”
“But if he lied to the trees, they would pass it—”
“No! He wouldn’t do that. He relies on the trees.” They helped to keep him safe. She glanced at the nearby oak tree. Was it telling the Woodsman everything they said? Goodness, if trees all over Aerthlan were able to talk to the Woodsman, then he had the largest network of spies in the world! That certainly explained how he managed to know so much.
Brody jammed the rest of the bread into his mouth. “The Kings of the Forest said he was trustworthy—”
“He is.”
Brody gave her a dubious look. “Silas heard a different opinion from Aleksi.”
“What?” Sorcha sat up. “How?”
“Didn’t you know the dragons can communicate telepathically with each other?”
Sorcha’s mouth dropped open. Why had her brother kept that a secret from her? Aleksi, too. Dammit, even Annika probably knew. “So Aleksi has been talking to Silas?”
“Whenever he could.” Brody took another bite of ham. “Unfortunately, the medicine he’s been taking is causing him to sleep a lot. Even so, he warned Silas that you needed to be separated from the Woodsman as soon as possible.”
Sorcha gasped. “Why that—he really should mind his own business.”
“From what I could tell, Aleksi might have a point.” Brody pointed a carrot stick at her. “I heard the Woodsman say that he kissed you. And you suggested an affair.”
“Brody!”
“Twice.” He bit off a piece of the carrot.
Sorcha huffed. “Were ye spying on me?”
“That’s what I do.” He tossed the rest of the carrot into his mouth.
“There’s nothing going on,” she declared, but when Brody just kept chewing and looking at her, she added, “It’s a long story.”
He snorted. “How long can the story be? You’ve known him three days.”
She gritted her teeth. “I’m not going to get involved with him. I know I’m leaving soon.”
Brody leaned toward her. “Who is he exactly?”
“The Woodsman.”
“That doesn’t tell me much.”
“I know what ye mean.” Sorcha sighed. How much should she say? She didn’t want to cause any trouble for the Woodsman.
Brody adjusted the blanket that was looped around his waist. “Right after the elfin army took you prisoner, Silas sent a message by carrier pigeon to Leo and Luciana, requesting that they dispatch their army for a joint attack on Woodwyn. I immediately flew to Silas’s army encampment, and that’s when I learned that a message had come from the so-called Woodsman, claiming that he had rescued you.”
Sorcha nodded. “He did. And he protected us from an army search party. Did he pass on my message about the spy, Paxell?”
“Yes, but when they were interrogating him, Paxell claimed that the Woodsman is an outlaw with a price on his head. You can see why Silas was worried. Gwen asked the Kings of the Forest about it, but they would only say that he’s a good man.”
“He is a good man.”
“Then why does he live in hiding?” Brody frowned. “The trees seem to be protecting him. They refused to tell Gwen the location of this place.”
“How did ye find us?”
“Aleksi told your brother.”
Sorcha winced. “Aleksi talks too much.”
Brody rummaged in the basket for more food. “Aleksi is simply doing his job. Protecting you.”
“I don’t need protecting. But Haven does. There are a lot of innocent people here. Aleksi should have never given away this location.”
Brody pulled out a bowl of cherries. “The elves here are not really any of your concern.”
“Of course they are! If the army finds this place, all these people could be killed.”
Brody popped a cherry into his mouth. “If the people here are harboring a criminal, then they are guilty.”
“He’s not a criminal!”
“Paxell called him the most infamous outlaw of all Woodwyn.”
She groaned. “Paxell murdered Lieutenant Kashenko. And he’s working for the Circle of Five. Anything he says will be suspicious.”
“He’s not saying much anymore. He attempted an escape and was killed.” Brody spit out the pit and helped himself to another cherry. “Tell me what you know about the Woodsman.”
“Am I being interrogated now?”
Brody arched a brow. “Are you being defensive? If you truly believe the Woodsman is a good guy, then tell me why.”
“He risked his life to rescue me and Aleksi. General Caladras and his son are the true enemies of the people of Woodwyn. Caladras has been sending the army to steal all the food from nearby villages, and if the villagers protest, their homes are burned to the ground. The Woodsman has been stealing the food the army takes and giving it back to the people. And those who are homeless are allowed to live here in Haven.”
Brody’s eyes widened. “So he’s a folk hero?”
Sorcha smiled at the thought. “Yes, ye could call him that.”
“Have you fallen for him? A man who lives in hiding with a price on his head?”
Her smile faded. “Nothing is going to happen.”
Brody spit out another pit. “Silas will make sure of that. If you don’t leave for the Eberoni border soon, he will fly here himself to pick you up. I’ll be able to give him the location.”
“That’s not necessary. The Woodsman has given his word that he’ll take me to the border.”
Brody nodded. “Then we expect you to start the journey tomorrow.”
Tomorrow? She glanced toward the woods and saw the Woodsman coming back, a parcel of clothing in his hands. How could her time with him end so quickly?
Brody leaned toward her. “Why don’t you look happy at the thought of seeing your family again?”
“I’m not sure Aleksi is well enough for the journey,” she hedged. “And I’m disappointed at how suspicious my brother is acting. He really should trust me more than that. The Woodsman and a few of his men risked their lives to rescue Aleksi and me. They have earned my trust. Silas should respect that.”
“You like him.”
She glanced at the Woodsman. His lavender eyes were focused on her as he approached. “I do like him.” Was it her imagination or did his eyes suddenly flare with heat? He must have heard her.
“We leave for Eberon in the morning.” Brody rose to his feet and turned toward the Woodsman. “Did you hear that?”
“I heard.” The Woodsman frowned as he handed Brody the parcel of clothes. “I also heard that Aleksi told Silas the location of Haven. Who else knows?”
“Gwen and myself.” Brody tilted his head, thinking. “I’m not sure about this, but I believe when a dragon sends out a message telepathically, all the dragons can hear it.”
The Woodsman hissed in a breath. “Then there could be many.”
Brody shrugged. “Perhaps, but no one will tell.”
“You can’t know that for sure,” the Woodsman ground out. “There are traitors around Silas, and Caladras would pay dearly for that information. Do you understand how many innocent people here are now at risk?”
Brody winced. “I don’t think Aleksi realized the danger. He was simply trying to protect Sorcha.”
“I’ll talk to Aleksi,” Sorcha offered. “He can send another message, warning all the dragons that this place must be kept secret.”
“And I’ll ask the Kings of the Forest to pass on a message to Gwennore.” The Woodsman sighed. “That is the best we can do for now. The Living Oaks will warn me and Morghen if any soldiers advance on Haven. The people here have been trained on how to handle an attack.”
Sorcha hoped it wouldn’t come to that. Haven was the last resort for these people. They had nowhere else to go. She knelt on the grass to load the empty dishes and cups back into the basket.
“Did you get enough to eat?” the Woodsman asked.
Sorcha nodded, and a sudden urge to cry swept over her. She was leaving tomorrow? If the trip took two days, then that would be all the time she had left with the Woodsman. She glanced up at Brody. “Are ye traveling with us to Eberon?”
“Yes.” Brody slipped behind the large oak tree to get dressed. “I’ll be watching over you two.”
“Like a hawk,” Sorcha grumbled.
“More like an eagle.” He tossed the blue blanket toward her.
With a sigh, she picked up the blanket and started to fold it. Once again, tears threatened to overflow.
“What’s wrong?” the Woodsman whispered.
She dropped the folded blanket on top of the basket. “I thought we would have more time.”
“We will.” The Woodsman took her hand. “Will you eat with me tonight?”
She looked at him and saw the desire burning like blue flames in his lavender eyes. How had she thought him so cold before? “Yes.”
Brody cleared his throat as he stepped toward them, still buttoning his shirt. Sorcha moved back a step, but the Woodsman kept his hold of her hand.
Brody frowned at them. “I’d like to rest now. I can sleep in canine form outside Sorcha’s room.”
“I don’t need protecting,” Sorcha muttered.
Brody ignored her and asked the Woodsman, “Where is she staying?”
“A tree house. This way.” The Woodsman headed toward the path that circled the lake, still holding on to Sorcha. He smiled at her. “I hope you like it.”
She smiled back. “I’m sure I will.”
“I hope this isn’t your tree house, Woodsman,” Brody grumbled as he followed them.
“No, mine is next door.” The Woodsman squeezed Sorcha’s hand. “But there is a bridge connecting the two.”
Brody snorted. “That’s where I’ll be taking my nap.”
* * *
Sorcha loved her tree house. It was surprisingly comfortable, with gleaming hardwood floors and furnishings, a soft and cozy bed surrounded by white gauze to keep any insects at bay, and even a washbasin and small tub that were fed water from two rain barrels higher up in the tree.
Since she’d hardly slept at all the night before, she crawled into the bed and promptly fell asleep. The cool breeze that swept through the open windows was refreshing, and knowing that Brody and the Woodsman were nearby made her feel completely safe for the first time in days.
When she woke up, she washed and changed into another borrowed gown from Bronwen. She glanced out the window and saw Brody in dog form curled up on the bridge, still asleep. With the sun beginning to set, the air was becoming cool and crisp.
A movement caught her attention, and she spotted the Woodsman at a window in his tree house. He waved, then pointed down at the ground.
She nodded and headed for the ladder. As she descended, she glanced over at the Woodsman’s tree house and saw him sliding down a rope. At the base of the rope, he’d left a basket filled with food.
She reached the ground. “Are we going on a picnic?”
He put a finger against his mouth as he glanced up at Brody on the bridge. “Shh, we don’t want to wake up your guard dog.”
“You’re right,” she whispered. “He would eat all of our food.”
With a smile, the Woodsman picked up the basket. “Let’s go.”
She headed into the forest with him. As the sun made its descent, it shot rays through the trees, making the different shades of green grow brighter. “It’s beautiful.”
He nodded. “It is. I’ve always loved the forest.”
She smiled to herself. Not surprising for a woodsman. “Do all of the trees talk to you?”
“Only the oaks and redwoods.”
She brushed her hand against the rough bark of an oak tree. “They’re your network of spies, aren’t they?”
“I prefer to think of them as friends.”
“Then you have more friends than anyone I know.” She gathered up her courage and asked what she really wanted to know. “Are you planning to lead a rebellion against the elfin army?”
He stopped with a jerk, his expression turning wary. “You heard about that?”
She nodded. “Must you do it?”
“I’d rather not discuss it. I don’t want you involved—”
“Must you do it?” she cried. “Don’t you know how afraid I will be?”
“I can’t leave my country in the hands of people like Jenetta and Caladras.”
“I understand they’re evil, but why you?” She stepped toward him. “Why do you have to risk your life?”
“It’s my destiny.”
She scoffed. “That sounds as ridiculous as the Telling Stones.”
“No. This is not some random coincidence. I have to avenge my—” He stopped himself. “The responsibility is mine. And mine alone.”
She blinked. For whom was he seeking vengeance? “Are you saying you have a claim to the throne?”
He started walking once again. “I didn’t bring you here to talk about myself.”
With a huff, she followed him. “You should be honest with me. And trust me. I have connections who could help—”
“No!” The Woodsman glanced back at her. “Don’t worry about me, Sorcha. I have a plan already in place. If all goes well, there will be no violence.”
“You . . . you’re planning a peaceful takeover?”
“I have the king’s support. That’s all I can say for now.” He stopped again and gave her a pleading look. “Please understand that I don’t want you involved in this. If, for some reason, the plan goes awry, Woodwyn could become an extremely dangerous place. I will not be able to do what I must if I am worried about your safety.”
“I’ll be fine. It’s you who—”
“You will be fine. For you will be safe with your family.” He extended a hand toward her. “And when all is done and settled, I will come for you. If you will have me.”
Tears stung her eyes. How could she resist this man? But the goddesses help her, her worst fear was coming true. She was going to be worried sick. “I will wait for you.” She put her hand in his. “Can you at least tell me your real name?”
“Is it important? You know me, Sorcha.”
“Yes, but—”
“I will tell you when I know for sure that the knowledge will not endanger you.” He gave her hand a tug, and they started walking once again.
How could knowing his name be dangerous? Sorcha contemplated that as she walked, and she recalled her conversation with Morghen. If the Woodsman’s name carried the sacred sound, then it would signify he was a nobleman. But she already knew he was, since he was Lord Daelen’s nephew.
Her breath caught. If the sacred sound began his name, it would mean he was a member of the royal family.
“Here we are.” He led her into a clearing. “It’s called the fairy glade.”
“I don’t see any fairies.” She looked about the clearing. Bluebells dotted the green grass, and butterflies were flitting about. “But it does look magical.”
She noted the blue embroidered blanket stretched out on the grass and a lantern placed nearby on a flat rock. “You were here before.”
“Yes.” He dropped the basket beside the blanket. “I wanted everything to be ready.”
Ready for what? she wondered as she glanced at the blanket. Was he still thinking about a quick affair?
The last of the sunlight faded away, and she hugged herself as the air grew chilly. “I should have brought a shawl—” Her mouth dropped open as a thousand golden lights began to rise from the ground.
“This is what I wanted you to see,” the Woodsman whispered.
She pivoted in a circle, watching as the golden lights rose higher and began to dance about. “How? Are these the fairies?”
“People call them fairies, but they’re actually fireflies. They gather here each evening at dusk.”
She smiled. “I feel as if we’re floating in the heavens, surrounded by stars.” The fireflies swirled around them, then slowly dispersed into the woods. “They’re gone.”
“Yes. It’s a performance they put on every night for only a few minutes.”
“I’m glad I saw it. Thank you.” The stars and twin moons shone down on them, glinting on the grass and bluebells with a silver hue, and suddenly it felt as if she was exactly where she was supposed to be. She sent up a prayer of gratitude to the moon goddesses.
“We’ll need some light in order to eat and find our way home.” He picked up the lantern and opened the metal grate to reveal the candle inside. “Could you make a flame?”
“Of course.” She snapped her fingers, then lit the candle. The flame flickered, illuminating the Woodsman’s face with a golden glow. How could a man be so beautiful?
He set the lantern down as she blew out her flame. Then he took her hand in his and examined her fingers. “Still warm, but no sign of damage. I was so amazed when I first saw you make a fire to burn the ropes that were binding you.”
“And you used your gift to slice through the cage that held me prisoner.”
He smiled, lacing his fingers with hers. “And then you tried to knee me in the groin.”
She winced. “You must have thought I was terribly ungrateful.”
“I thought you were beautiful. But unpredictable like wildfire, a real threat to the calm and controlled existence I was accustomed to. But you ignited a spark in my heart, and the flame has been growing till I no longer want the calm. I want the fire. I want to burn with you.”
Tears stung her eyes. Why couldn’t this man be the one? Why was she letting the Telling Stones and her stupid fear of falling in love keep her from following her heart?
It has already happened, she realized with a start. While she had been fighting it in her mind, her heart had quietly surrendered on its own. She was already in love. “I don’t want to leave in the morning. I don’t want to be parted from you.”
“This is not the end for us.” He kissed her hand. “It is only the beginning.”
A tear rolled down her cheek. She no longer cared what the stones said. “You are the one.”