Huntress in the Caste: Chapter Five (rough draft)

I am flying through the trees, holding tight onto the horns coming from his shoulders. Trees whiz by at a speed I have never witnessed. I have to wrap my arms around his neck as he goes nearly sideways on an embankment and then he climbs up it. He scales all the way to the top and from his back, I can see the entire world.

“Oh wow…” I whisper, lowering down and hugging onto his neck again. “Thank you for bringing me here.” I give him a squeeze. “It’ so beautiful.”

“It’ll be dark soon.” He tells me, one hand comes up, squeezing my forearm. “I don’t want to scare you on the way back. It’ll be too dark for you to see.”

“No. Please. I want to see the stars.” I bounce excitedly.

He reaches up, and with one hand plucks me off his back then holds me, sitting on his arm against his chest. I loop my arms around his neck and lean my head against his shoulder, watching the sunset.

“If I could, I’d show you the world.”

I look up at him, his eyes glowing brilliantly in the dimming light. “I don’t need to see the world.” I put my hand on his chest. “This right here, is all the world I will ever need.”

His arms engulf me, cradling me close. “I had no world until you came and made one for me.”

“I am a small world.” I murmur quietly.

“You have not seen yourself fully.” He lets go, and the cold night air reaches me again.

I look back up to him and smile.

He buries his face in my hair, and I feel his warm breath on my scalp, bleeding down to the back of my neck. He kisses my hair, his hand on my small of my back.

I feel the cold air touch my cheek, almost searing against his heat.

I tug then on his collar. “Let’s head back. It’s cold. I don’t want you to freeze.”

He removes his cape then and wraps me up in it before placing me on his back again. “Hold on as tight as you need, you won’t harm me. The ride will be quite bumpy.”

I hook my arms around his neck. “I’m ready.” I say excitedly.

The rush of cold air that hit my face as he began to run made my eyes burn and my cheeks ache so I buried my face into his neck. The hiss the trees whizzing by and the dirt he kicked up behind us sounded no more like the wind. I looked up momentarily to see if I could see anything, but the most of could make out was the blur of the moon above us. I placed my face back in the protective warmth of his neck.

He jumped the wall around the garden and landed with a graceful thud. He then reached back and picked me up, setting me gently on the ground. “Are you ok?”

I caught my breath and laughed, tightening his cape around me. “Oh yes! Better than ok!”

I don’t know if it was a trick of the eye or the light of the moon, but his eyes seemed to glow brighter. He reached out, taking my hand and helped guide be back into the castle.

“Fun trip?” Nadine asked with a smile.

I nodded. “I wish you could of seen it, Nadine.”

She nods sadly. “There is hot coco waiting for you in the library.” She said. “I thought you might enjoy it.”

“Yes, thank you.” I say as Vered leads me away.

We sit before the roaring fire in the library and he pours me a cup of the steaming, syrup like mixture. As the days began to get colder, I had taken more and more refuge in the library. Vered would read to me and I would curl up beside him.

“I’m glad you had fun tonight.” Vered replied.

I looked up at him from my cup. “Did you think it would go any other way?”

He shrugged. “I’m still learning. I didn’t know if it would scare you or not.”

I wanted to tell him the only thing he could do to scare me at this point would be to turn me away. “You should know by now I don’t scare easily.”

He chuckles. “Yes. I know that now.” He reaches out and runs his sharp claws through my hair, removing the bits of sticks and leaves that had gotten tangled in the curls during our run. He had taken up combing my hair while we read. His hand would come up and then his claws would go through my hair, easily parting knots and tangles. It was scary at first to realize that those claws could probably open my skull, but now it was soothing.

I caught his hand as he began to pull it away and I cupped it to my cheek. His paw was cool and smelled like earth. My heart was pounding so fast . What was he doing to me?

“I-” His voice choked off in his throat.

“My cheeks were cold.” I sputtered.

I’m sure to him they were scalding.

Vered put an arm around me, wrapping about my back and waist and pulled me into his side, burying me in what I had begun calling my nook.

“I always thought I was damned.” Vered murmured. “That this castle would be my tomb. But I never thought, that perhaps, it was supposed to belong to someone else.” His chest shudders. “It was meant for you. All of it. This castle, my sister and me…we were all just waiting on you.”

I look up at Vered, his eyes that still make my soul clinch, his face that had once seemed monstrous now seemed so beautiful to me. “I was always told that I had a fate in the forest. A destiny just for me.” I turn slightly, just enough to wrap my arms around him. “My Granny told me this from the moment I could understand. I am so sorry I kept you waiting.”

Vered’s hand covered my back. “That is your one flaw, Fianna.”

I laughed, feeling some tears in my eyes, I hid my face in his tunic.

“In the past…before I came here, you probably would have hated me.” He was pulling me up, placing me in his lap. “I would not of seen you at all. That’s how blind I was.”

I raise up on my knees and place my hands on either side of his face. The Vered he was, the real monster Nadine had told me about, I would of wanted to see him too. That’s how much I cared for Vered now.

“Blind or no, you’d still be my Vered.” I kissed his cheek, then wrapped my arms around his neck. “Because we were always meant to be together”

Vered embraced me, holding me tight. A sigh escaped his throat, a deep painful sigh of relief.

“If only…” He’s voice broke.

I pull back, putting my hand on his soft cheek.

“I wish I could be beautiful for you.”

I frown at him, wanting to cry. “Don’t say such things!” I snap, shaking my head back and forth slowly. “You are beautiful. Don’t you dare ever say that again.” The tears were hot and painful as they came to my eyes. How could I make him see? I loved him so, no matter what.

He smiled softly. “What you must see when you look at me…I wish your eyes could be mirrors.” He reached up, batting the tears away.

I let out a gasping laugh and I hugged him again. “Will you say it again?” I asked.

“I love you.” He whispered into my ear.

I giggled. “I love you too.” I whispered back, kissing him.

He shook his head, pressing his forehead to mine. “I should never be so lucky again,” he muttered. “Will you still love me even if this curse never ends?”

“I will love you until the worlds ends and even longer.” I replied, kissing the tip of his nose. “Stop worrying so much.”

We curled up then, lunging by the fire in each others arms. It was the same as any night, but it had all changed. Something so small but so infinite.

I woke the next morning, still wrapped up in Vered’s cape and my head resting on his arm. The fire had gone out and the air was frigid. I curled up closer to him, pulling his other arm down to block the cold that was clawing at my back.

“It snowed in the night.” He whispered.

I blinked my eyes open and looked up at him, then I rolled over, my back to his chest, looking out the wide windows on either side of the fireplace. It was all white out, bright and crystalline.

“Oh wow.” I gasp as his arms tighten around me. “Why didn’t you get up to stoke the fire?”

“I didn’t want to disturb you.” He murmured.

I placed my hands over his, hoping he couldn’t feel how hard my heart was beating. “Is the garden ok?”

“I’m sure it is. It has survived worse weather than snow.”

I sit up, rubbing my eyes. He then moves, going to the fireplace to place wood inside, and after he had gotten it roaring again he came back and pulled me into his arms.

It had been the first night I had actually slept beside him. Normally, after I fell asleep, he would carry me off to my room and tuck me in. Right now, curled up beside him I felt like the world had stopped.

His claws comb through my hair, pushing it away from my ear. “You need to write your letter today.”

I look up at him, surprised. Had it been another month? It felt like no time had passed at all. “Already?” I mumbled, still quite sleepy.

He chuckled. “Nadine should have the supplies ready in your room.”

I grunted defiantly. I didn’t want to leave, it was so warm, he was holding me. But he picked me up and set me on my feet.

He kneeled before me, holding my hands. “This is one of the few things I’ll ask of you, Fianna.”

I sigh, realizing I should probably change as well. “Alright. I’ll be right back.” I lean forward, kissing him before I leave down the chilly hallway and to my room.

There was a fire keeping it warm, and like last month, there was parchment, ink, and a quill, and the pigeon waiting outside. But this time there was a small rolled up parchment tied with string.

I opened it first, and inside was a letter written by Niall.

“Dear Fianna

We were overjoyed to receive your letter and learn that you were being well cared for. But it still does not ease the ache of your leaving us. We have all suffered in your absence and learning to carry on each day without your smile has become an ordinary burden. We weren’t prepared. Granny still won’t tell us what has become of you. She probably misses you more than most of us.

I don’t wish to worry you, and he told me not to tell you anything, but shortly after you left, on our way to the sea, Finn was bitten by a monstrous fish in the ocean. He has healed, but he becomes weaker and weaker each day. I am afraid that the coming frost may be his undoing.”

I put the letter down, my heart pounding violently. Finn was sick! I leapt up from the desk and rushed to Vered, grasping onto him.

“Fianna, what’s wrong?”

I shakily handed him the letter. “My brother…Niall…he wrote me a letter.” I was shuddering and shaking. “My brother Finn…he’s sick! He’s dying.” I whimpered.

Vered smoothed out the letter, reading it over carefully. “I see…” he whispered. He put his arm around me. “Finn…he was one of the boys who was here with you when you came.”

I nodded against him, crying into his chest.

His paw cupped the back of my head. “You should go to him.”

I grow cold all over and I look up bleary eyed at him. “What?”

He sets the letter down and puts his hands on my face. “You need to go to him. You need to be by his side.”

I shake my head. “But you said I couldn’t…” Tears are falling fast and free now. I knew what he was going to say, what he was going to do.

He smoothes his hand down my hair and onto my cheek. “You need to be with your family.” His eyes meet mine and I see that he too has tears in his wonderful eyes. “I release you.” He whispered.

I jump up wrapping my arms around his neck. “Oh Vered.” I squeeze tight, not ever wanting to let go. He knew what I needed, knew what was best.

He pulls me back, draping his cape around me once again. “To remember me by.” He muttered as he clasped the cape around my neck. “There will be a horse waiting for you outside. Inside his saddlebags you’ll find medicine for your brother.”

I comb my fingers through his mane. “I will not be gone forever. I am coming back as soon as Finn is well.” I smile through the tears. “I’m coming home to you.”

I placed his head between my hands as he nuzzled my cheek. And for a moment we sat like that, not moving, barely breathing. Even if it was going to be just for a few days, I couldn’t fathom it. In two months, this castle had become my home, Vered my sun and moon.

After I had changed into warm riding clothes I went to the foyer where Nadine was waiting by the front door.

“I will miss you.” Her voice was hushed.

“I’ll miss you.” I sniffled, my eyes still damp with tears. “And while I’m gone…please, talk to Vered. He’ll understand. And perhaps the truth will save you.”

Nadine‘s eyes were fluttering, and she was holding her breath. “I will try.” She didn’t want to cry. If she cried it would freeze, and that would be no good for the castle.

I reached out, touching her cheek as best I could. “I’ll be back. I promise.”

The doors opened and I ran out. Just outside the gate was a grey, speckled mare. Her mane as pure white as the snow. I checked her saddlebags, finding inside bottles and vials. Surely these could help Finn.

“Fianna.” I turn to see Vered coming to me from the palace.

I rush into his arms. “I’ll be back. I promise.” I hold onto him so tight, I didn’t want to let go. I wanted him to go with me.

“Stay home as long as you need.” He murmurs quietly to me. “Put me out of your mind and stay focused on your family.”

“That would be impossible, you know?” I laugh sadly.

He smiles. “What will I do without you?”

I stand on my tiptoes and kiss him as hard as I ca muster without tears, pressing to him, holding him to mold to him. “To remember me by.” I gasp as I pull away. “I love you.”

Vered puts his hands around my waist, lifting me up off the ground and placing me on the horse’s back. He wraps the cape tight around me and puts the hood over my head and pulling my scarf up around  my nose and mouth.

“Be safe, Fianna.” He quaked. “I love you too.”

I nod. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back real soon.”

He pulls away. “I know.”

I have to force myself to look away as I urge the horse on, digging my heels in and racing away.

The village was blanketed by snow, it seemed that it had snowed there already for the snow was packed, thick and crispy. I led the mare into the barn and then removed the saddlebags. I raced for the front door and burst inside. Everyone stood from the table, all ready to face the being that had flown into their home.

“Wait!” I gasped, removing the hood and scarf I had worn. “It’s me.”

“Fianna!” Niall gasped, rushing to me and scooping me up in his arms.

“It let you go?” Craig gasped as he grasped onto me.

“His name is Vered.” I am almost smothered by my brothers. “He let me go, and he even sent medicine.” I try breaking my way out of their arms, raising up the heavy saddlebag.

“Where is Finn?” I gasp, finally managing to break free.

“We put him in your room.” Niall answered.

I broke away from them, Niall grabbing the saddlebag from me as I raced down the short hallway and into what was once my room. Finn was there, laid on my bed and as pale as a sheet. His eyes opened slowly as I sat down beside him, petting the hair away from his damp forehead.

“Am I dreaming?” He groaned.

I beamed. “No. I’m here.”

He reached up shakily, cupping my cheek. “Look at ya…you’re glowing.”

I cupped his hand in both of mine. “My poor Finn. What happened?”

“We continued on to the sea,” he wheezed. “We were all still pretty wounded…what with what happened at the palace.” He coughed and I reached for the water on the side table and propped his head up to he could drink.

“Thanks.” He swallowed. “I wasn’t really paying attention and I got stung by something in the ocean.”

I smiled softly. “It’ll be ok. Vered sent me with medicine.”

Finn took a shaky breath when I said his name. “He has been good to you? Like he promised.”

I nodded. “He’s been wonderful, Finn.”

D’Arcy came in, holding a couple of bottles in his hand. “I think I found what he needs.” He sat down on the edge of the bed, pulling up the sheet to reveal the wound on Finn’s foot. It looked like something had stabbed him through.

“What…” I trembled, covering my mouth,

“It wasn‘t this bad when it first happened.” D’Arcy whispered to me. “Some poison barb, we think. It was just a small spot. Then it just started getting worse and worse.” He pushed a black curl from his face.

I gripped onto his arm. “And you’re sure these medicines will help?”

D’Arcy nodded, applying the medicine to Finn’s foot with a cloth. Finn jerked and yelped, gripping tight onto my hand.

“The doctor said these were what he needed to treat Finn, but he didn’t have them.” D’Arcy explained. “Hold him fast! Hold him!”

I clamped my hands down over Finn’s shoulders. “Be still, ya demon!”

D’Arcy looked over his shoulder, smiling at me. “It’s good to have ya home.”

I looked at him, returning his smirk. “It’s good to see you too.” I release Finn as D’Arcy removes the cloth. “Where’s Granny?”

D’Arcy look at me and sighs. “Probably out at market. She’ll probably die of fright, seeing you.”

I nodded, chuckling at the idea. “I can’t wait to see her. To tell her everything that’s happened at the castle.”

“We’re all waiting on that story.” He laughed, patting my cheek.

When Granny came home and saw me, she threw everything she held at Peadar and ran to me, scooping me up in her arms and hugging me tight. She sobbed into my hair and smothered my face with kisses.

“What on earth are you doing back, child?” She laughed happily, tears falling down her cheeks.

“Vered sent me home.” I rejoiced. “I got the letter about Finn and he told me I could come home.”

She smoothed her hand down my forehead and cheek. “Oh how you’ve changed! I knew you’d change.” She kissed my forehead again. “He has brought out the light in you.”

For a moment I was angry at Granny. She knew what would become of me, what I would find in the woods. I wanted to yell at her for keeping Vered and I apart all this time. But instead I embraced her, falling into her warm hug as she pet my hair. And then I realized, she was still crying.

The evening as D’Arcy and I tended to Finn’s wound, it began leaking a yellow, foul smelling goo. Then later, out popped what looked like a stinger.

“This is good!” D’Arcy laughed. “The medicine is bringing it all out.”

“Oh thank goodness.” I sighed.

D‘Arcy sighed, patting Finn‘s freshly covered foot. “But the poison left will have to work it’s way out on its own. Finn will just have to hold on a bit more for that.”

I look back at his pale face and nodded. “Hear that? You have to hold on for me for just a bit longer.”

Finn squeezed my hand as hard as he could. “But once I’m better, you’re just going to leave again.”

I smile sadly.

“She doesn’t belong to us anymore,” Granny said as she came into the room, pushing up her sleeves. “We are her family, yes, but this isn’t her home. She has found where she’s meant to stay.”

“Granny,” I murmured thankfully.

She nodded at me. “Niall and Peadar have made dinner. Go on out and eat something. It’s been a long day for you.” She patted me on the back, pushing me out.

I lay awake in Finn’s bed, staring up at the ceiling, and wrapped up in Vered‘s cape. I wasn’t used to sleeping in my own house anymore. I was homesick for the castle and the library. But it was Vered  was worried about. All alone in that castle again, just when I had come to knock those cobwebs away.

There was a knock on the door then, and Granny opened the door. I sat up in bed and watched her come in, setting a candle on the bedside table as she sat down by my feet.

“Granny, what are you doing up?” I asked.

She reached out, cupping her hand over mine. “I came to talk to you. I knew you couldn’t sleep.” She rubbed my knuckles gently. “You miss him don’t you.”

I nod slightly, clasping onto the cape around my throat. “I do.” I watch her eyes, looking for some sort of sign again. There was still something she wasn’t telling me, something she was hiding despite how painful it was.

“Granny,” I started, “I know the curse on Vered and Nadine is bad, but you always said there was an evil that was meant for me.”

Granny nodded slowly. “You’ve met that evil already, but it isn’t ready yet.”

I suck in a cold breath.

“I can’t tell you anything, you know that.” She’s still gently rubbing her thumb across my knuckles. “I came here to ask you something.”

I nod to her. “I understand Granny, go on.”

She held my hands tight, her eyes narrowing on me. “This creature, this Vered, you love him don’t you?”

I feel as if Vered is looking at me. That heavy weight of his eyes goes through my blood and crushes my heart.

“Yes.” I whisper and Granny’s hand grasps mine strongly. I felt relief rush through my bones, away from my shoulders, and I laughed. “Oh god, yes!” I sang.

“Oh, child.” She beams.

“Granny, he’s so wonderful. He may look like a beast, but trust me he isn’t. I don’t even see it. All I see…all I see is…”

“Him.” Granny chuckled with a shrug.

“Yes!” I gasped.

“Now go to bed, child. You need some rest.” She picked up her candle and stood.

I lay my head back down and closed my eyes, finally feeling sleep wrap itself around me.