A Coursing Passage (A Life of Magic Book 3) (25 page)

***

Fairies were not born into this world by nature. We are a race that must trace ourselves back to you humans. For whatever reason a mad mage worked spells that changed nature and how things worked in his valley. Birds talked, animals made things, and we were born. We were a failed experiment, he wanted to create intelligent creatures, not miniature people who flew. He cast us out and attempted to work his magic again. He failed time after time until he destroyed himself. From what our people have learned he used his own flesh and mixed it with the local wasp to try to create intelligent wasp. Perhaps he imagined using them in battle or as guards. Whatever his reasoning he destroyed himself and all his writings in a sudden blaze one day. My people had been cast out into the world, refugees among other failed magical experiments. Shortly after his destruction other mages raided the valley and took away everything they could. Our people hid, scared of these mages. Shortly only a few creatures resided in the valley. Mainly us and a few cats. We lived in peace for many years, hundreds in fact. It could never last though.

One day humans returned and started to develop the valley. The cats left first, abandoning any hope of living in peace. We tried at first, but they captured some faeries and chased us from our homes. We rescued those captured and escaped from the valley, a mass exodus of fairies Thousands flew from the valley, I imagine it looked like a thundercloud. It most likely sounded like one also. We were a people adrift, with no home. Finally we found a place that humans could not live. It was a rocky coast, full of caves and mist. We dug deep into the rock and built homes. From the outside no sign is visible, yet our homes are as complex as your cities. For years we lived this way, but our home has grown too full. We are being forced to leave and to seek more places to live. We sent out scouts, groups, even whole families. Each was to establish a colony. My family has been working the past few years to establish a home in this area. We have avoided most humans but have exposed a few to our existence. Our home is in the ravine that Ott entered. We feared his presence but watched him and his poofy friend. When he went to approach the bush he grew close to the entrance. When he failed to be scared but was respectful we decided to allow him to complete his errand.

When he had finished and been respectful during his time in our ravine I felt it was prudent to follow him. I was curious as to who this human was and what he meant to my people. We followed him and found ourselves just outside of your camp, which is protected against human attackers. We came into the camp carefully. Listening to your group I thought it would be interesting to introduce myself.

***

We sat there for a few moments considering what Marik had told us.

"So your people were created?" Raven asked.

Marik nodded, "The mage worked quite hard to try to perfect his design, yet he ended up with us instead."

Raven shook her head, "That would be hard for me. To know that a crazy mage created my entire race."

Marik grinned, "But perhaps that is what happened? There are many more mages other than humans. Maybe back in some forgotten time a crazy mage created humans as an experiment." His voice held humor.

Stain laughed, "That is possible. But until we know I think we will not worry about it." He looked around. "Is there anything you need from us or did you simply follow Ott out of curiosity?"

Marik's expression turned serious. "At our home we have learned to survive and to trade for the few things we lack. However, with living in a different location the things we lack are different." He flew up and hovered. "Our bodies work differently than your own, we need many of the same things however. One such item is hard for us to find in our current location. Our home was on the ocean and we gained a need for high levels of salt, however we lack a good quality source here. We wondered if there might be some trade we could offer for a sack of salt?"

Stain looked thoughtful, "We do have some salt, just not in large quantities. I would gladly trade some, but perhaps we might lend more help than that." He stood up and went to Tag where he retrieved his spell books. Coming back to the fire he grinned, "I know of a spell that pulls minerals from the earth. I am wondering if it might be modified to pull salt from the earth also?" He flipped through the book for a moment before stopping on a page. "Ott, could you help me here?"

I stood and went to sit beside Stain. He had the book open to the correct page, showing the spell for calling minerals and gems. "What do you need me to do?"

Stain grinned, "Why cast this spell, but focus on calling salt instead."

I nodded and dug a small hole in the ground. Looking into this hole I focused on what I needed. Raising my hand I cast the spell, attempting to call salt. Magic dripped from my hand and down into the hole. Fiosrach leaned against my leg, adding his power to my own. The magic became a torrent falling into the hole. We waited much longer than normal.

"Okay, that should be enough." Stain touched my shoulder.

I cut off the spell and rested. The hole was only half full of a dark substance, looking nothing like salt.

Marik flew down and leaned over the edge of the hole. "That does not look like salt." He looked up at Stain.

Stain leaned over and took a small bit of the powder and touched it to his tongue. "It might look different but that is salt." He coughed and spit.

Marik leaned down and took a pinch of salt and tasted it. "That is salt, alright." He also coughed and spit.

Stain took a drink of water, "I will freely share that spell with you and your people. No trade is required."

Marik shook his head, "That is not our way. Is there anything you might take in exchange for this spell?"

Stain thought a moment while he sipped his water, "Perhaps we could work out something. Spells for spells? You could share some of the more exotic spells your people have collected over the years."

Marik again flew up to confer with other fairies. Again a sound like soft thunder rang through the camp. The fairies conferred for a long moment. Finally Marik flew back down, this time with another faerie with him.

"This is Sven. He is the eldest of our spell masters. He has agreed to share spells with you that might be helpful. He will not share spells of war or destruction. These are our terms." Marik stated this sternly.

Stain nodded, "I am sure we already know enough ways of destroying ourselves. Thank you for your assistance." He pulled a blank piece of paper out and laid it on the spell in his book. A soft glow and a gently noise and the page was copied. "Here is a copy of this spell. Perhaps with practice the salt will be of the kind you desire?"

Sven took the page and looked it over. "A simple spell, yet powerful in it's simplicity. Thank you. This will lend us aid for ages to come." He whistled and a young faerie flew forward. "Take this to my library." The young faerie took the rolled page and flew off in a flash of light. Sven turned to Stain, "Now my elderly friend, what spells would you desire to learn?"

Stain grinned, "I would desire to learn any you might share with me that I do not currently possess." With that he handed over his spell book. "Perhaps the simplest solution would be for you to read through this and to make suggestions of what I might find helpful. Those that focus on healing and creating medicines would be most useful in our current guise."

Sven smiled, "That sounds reasonable. For me to peruse this will take some time. I will travel with you so as not to delay your journey." He turned to Marik. "I will need a guard. Say five warriors and a scout?"

Marik sighed, "As you wish Sven." He whistled a complex medley and a handful of fairies flew down to the rock. Marik talked to them quickly and soon had six picked out. The five warriors were well armed, two were male while three were female. The scout seemed to be a harder selection, however eventually one was picked. She was the smallest fairy, yet she seemed confident in her abilities. She carried only a bow and a quiver over her back. Once they were picked the rest flew off, back towards the ravine. "These will serve you as a guard."

Sven looked them over and nodded, "I will trust your judgment" He looked at the scout. "Maria, I am surprised you desired to help guard me."

Maria ducked her head, "We might disagree, but you are still worthy of protection. I will do my duty."

Sven grinned, "Very well said." He turned to Stain. "While we travel with you perhaps some discretion is in order. I would rather the rest of the camp not know of our existence"

Looking around Stain nodded, "That can be arranged. We have wagons that would provide ample space for you and your guard. You could rest in them by day while we travel."

One of the guard flew up and over to the wagons. He flew in through the window and we could see he was inspecting the design. Coming back he nodded, "There is enough space for such an idea to work."

Sven nodded his appreciation, "Then we shall do that. During the day we will travel in the wagons, at night we shall rest in the trees." He looked around. "There are many wagons. Which ones shall we use?"

Stain looked over at Tulip. "Which one would you suggest?"

Tulip considered. "The largest is Ott and Raven's. Mine is cluttered with a lifetime of living. Ruth also. Amelia and Robert's might work, but theirs is smaller."

Raven looked at me and grinned, "We would be willing to share our wagon with you and your guard while you travel with us. We have plenty of spaces to rest."

Sven looked at Raven and then me. "I appreciate your offer. We shall be gracious guests." He turned to Marik. "Time for you to return also. We shall report in on a regular basis."

Marik hugged Sven, "Be safe. I will look for you each evening."

Sven smiled, "Then I will make sure to arrive early one morning."

Marik laughed and flew away, alone.

Sven turned to Raven, "Which wagon is your's?"

Raven pointed and the guard faeries flew into it. We could hear things being moved and cabinets opened.

"What are they doing?" I asked Sven.

He turned and grinned, "Checking for any dangers. There are a few animals, insects, and plants that are dangerous for us."

"They just better stay out of my hammock." Pat called down from atop the wagon.

Sven looked over at Pat and gawked. "I have never seen such a creature!" He flew up and hovered above Pat. "What are you and what are you called?"

Pat looked amused, "I am Patrick, but please call me Pat. My people are called dragonetts."

Sven settled beside Pat and bowed. "It is my pleasure to meet you Pat." Looking around he grinned, "Do you have any other surprises Stain?"

Stain grinned, "I believe we might, however, they can wait till later." He sat down beside the fire. "It is getting late. How can we best help you settle for the night?"

Sven smiled, "We will camp in the trees. We do so enjoy it." A few groans came from the wagon.

A faint faerie voice called out, "You enjoy it. I always get a kink in my wings. Stupid hammocks." Laughter met this comment. Sven just rolled his eyes.

"These younglings, thinking everything is about comfort." He flew over to the wagon and landed in the window. "Maria, I would ask you to find us a good place to sleep tonight. Preferable inside the shields placed by Stain and his friends."

Maria flew out and up into the trees, just a twinkle of silver as she flew through the air.

Tulip stood up, "Well, I think I have had enough excitement for the night. I am going to bed." She turned to Sven. "Good night. May you rest in peace."

Amelia and Robert stood also. "We also are heading to our bed." They linked arms and walked to their wagon.

Ruth looked over at Stain, "I feel tired, but not yet sleepy. I will tend the fire if you desire going to bed."

Stain nodded his thanks, "Thank you. I am quite sleepy." He patted my shoulder as he walked past. "Good night."

Raven stood, "I am quite sleepy also. Time for bed my husband." She pulled me to my feet as I realized I was actually quite sleepy.

We all took to our beds, thinking on tonight's revelations.

Chapter 4: A town and a pass

The fairies were awake before the rest of the camp, waiting to fly into our wagon. Raven and I roused ourselves and opened the window to find the fairies waiting just outside of the window.

"Good morning!" Sven chirped cheerfully. The rest of the fairies seemed less awake. They sat on limbs near the wagon, some propped up to stay awake.

"Good morning, how was your night?" Raven addressed the fairies.

Sven smiled, "I rested quite well. Some of the others not so much. They are used to a softer existence But, we will fix that." The tone of his voice showed he was teasing the other fairies

"You might be made of old tree sap, but some of us are made of muscle." One of the guards grunted. He was stretching, seemingly trying to work out a sore muscle.

Sven grinned broadly, "Well, by the end of this trip perhaps you will be as tough as myself."

Maria shook her head, "I hope not. I would never find a mate then." The fairies all chuckled.

I shook my head. "So today all of you will be riding in our wagon?"

Sven nodded, "We will. I will be reading through Stain's spells while the warriors will be keeping watch. Marie might leave occasionally, but she will also be helping me at times." He flew into the wagon and landed on a cabinet.

Marie flew into the wagon followed by the rest of the fairies. "We already have food, but water would be nice." She stated as she landed above Sven on a handle.

Raven grinned, "Water will be just a moment." She opened the door and exited the wagon. I could hear her opening the water cask under the wagon.

"So, Ott. What guided you when you were in our ravine? Your behavior was different than most humans." Sven asked this question very nonchalantly.

I thought a moment. "My father raised me in the woods. His lessons often had a component of respect for the way things were in nature. I guess I gained an understanding of how things work. I have respect for the system that keeps nature in balance."

Sven nodded, "I thought that might be the case."

Raven walked in with a bucket of water which she hung from a hook near the table. "This should hold enough for quite some time."

The fairies flew up to the bucket edge and dipped small mugs into the water, taking deep drinks of the water. When they each were satisfied they flew off to different locations in the wagon, some sitting while others pulled out weapons and practiced.

"Ott, we need to get going." Raven stated this as she strapped on her knives. "Food will be on the road today. The group wants to get along the road quickly." She stepped out of the wagon.

I stood and finished gathering my herbal tools. "I hope the ride is smooth for all of you." I followed Raven to a chorus of fairly well wishing. Stain was standing outside the wagon, smiling.

"Today I think we will both ride with your bride. I can teach you both that way." The sparkle in his eye seemed to add meaning to his words.

I nodded and unhooked my herbal tools. Turning I placed them in a chest beside the steps. "I can get these later if I need them." I followed Stain around to the drivers seat and climbed up beside Raven. "Stain is riding with us." She nodded and scooted over a little.

Stain climbed up as the call to move out rang across the camp. "Well, they are in a hurry today." He settled himself down and leaned backwards. "Shall we discuss the accepted practices involved in healing people for compensation?"

We spent the morning learning about all the different ways that healers were paid for their services. Money was the least common method evidently. Barter, trade, and services seemed to be the most normal methods.

"Now remember, anytime you are in a new place, find the local healer and sit down and talk. They might have herbs you need and you might have herbs they need. Plus it would be wrong to take their business. They might have a case that you can help with or even point out where the best location to go onto next. If you travel a circuit, much like I have in the past, you can keep yourself supplied well with herbs to trade. You will become the main way each healer along your route gets those rare herbs that grow in differing areas. That is just one way to make sure you have a steady income." Stain was winding down towards lunch. "We will eat outside of Shadow's Edge today. We will leave the wagons outside the city and enter so that we might explore. After our evening meal we return to the wagons and head on down our path in the morning." He climbed down from the wagon. "Just remember, stay close to Tulip and myself." He walked over to Tulip's wagon and climbed up to the driver's seat.

"What do you think Shadow's Edge will be like?" Raven asked. She was looking ahead of us, trying to catch a glimpse of the city in the distance.

"I imagine it will be much like most large towns. Dirty, loud, and full of people." I found that I disliked most large cities. Being on the road and in the woods was better for me.

Raven chuckled, "I can tell you were raised in the woods. There are good things about cities also."

"Like what?" I grinned at her.

"With all those people you get to try all sorts of new foods. Those meals brought from their homelands. Then there are all the travelers passing through. Each brings with them new stories, new items to trade." She smiled, remembering times past.

I smiled at her, "Well, you have a point. Perhaps I could grow to enjoy some cities. But the dirty aspect is annoying."

She shook her head, "To me the woods are dirty. All those leaves and plants everywhere." A smile crept across her face.

I laughed, "But it smells good. The city smells of foul things."

We continued talking in this way for a while. Comparing the good and bad of large cities. Suddenly a call rang out.

"Time to stop for lunch." Stain called out to us. "The campground is just ahead, follow us." Tulip's wagon rolled off the main road and through an archway in the trees. We followed and soon found ourselves in a Wanderer's campsite. Everyone took up the same arrangement as the night before. "A guard is being established by those who maintain this site. We are walking in the rest of the way, maybe an hour from here." Slowly each person secured their site and we all gathered to one side of the camp.

"Time to move out!" A voice called out. The entire group walked down a path that exited from the side of the campsite, heading in the opposite direction as the road into the site. Suddenly a lone voice started singing, a rather haunting song, but with a rhythmic beat. People started joining in until most of the walkers were singing. I looked over at Raven and saw she was smiling as widely as I was. I reached out and took her hand. We walked like that for quite some time. Our new family singing through the woods as we walked.

We came around a turn in the path and it widened out onto a broad field. A massive city wall raced across the field, our path leading to a small gate in the wall. Standing high above the wall was a mass of roofs and towers. Guards walked along the wall, carrying spears and bows. One turned and saw our group emerging from the woods. He cried out a warning and all the guards turned to watch us. As we grew closer another guard called out again. The gate was opened and a man stepped out, waiting for us to grow closer. Once we were within bow shot of the wall he called out.

"Announce yourselves! Who are you and what is your business in Shadow's Edge?" His voice carried across the field easily.

Our group stopped and a spokesperson stepped forward. "Wanderer's and we desire to bid this night inside of your walls." Her voice carried all the way to the wall where some guards started talking among themselves.

"Any warriors amongst you? Any travelers?" The man called out again.

The spokesperson turned and looked through the group. "One apprentice who doubles as a guard for a traveling healer. No travelers outside of our family."

The man nodded, "Very well, approach and I will have words with this healer and guard."

We walked down to the gate, everyone walking through until our smaller party waited outside the gate. The man watched everyone walk through, seeming to check for danger. He finally turned to us.

"Which one is the healer?" He looked over Tulip, Ruth, Stain and ignored us younger people.

Stain stepped forward. "I am the healer."

The man nodded, "All healers are welcome. However, if it is discovered that you are not a true healer you will be jailed and flogged." The man waited for Stain's response.

"Is there a test that I should pass to assure the city of my abilities?" Stain asked.

Another man suddenly stepped from the gate. "Yes. You may convince me of your abilities." This man seemed older and arrogant

Stain looked at the man. "How shall I do that?" He was not impressed by this stranger.

The man smiled, "By showing your knowledge of healing." He pulled out three vials. "Identify these three compounds. That should prove your abilities."

Stain nodded and took the first vial. Opening it he looked inside and examined it's contents. He lifted it gently to his nose and took a soft smell. "The essence of the evening. A medicine to aid in sleeping." He handed back the vial.

"Very good. But any common person might know that one. Let's try a more rare one." The stranger handed Stain another vial.

Stain once again opened this vial. He examined it in the same manner. "You are quite right that this is a more rare medicine. I do not know what name you might call it, but where I come from it is called, 'Death's Handshake'. It causes one close to death to revive for a time. Yet it can not prevent death."

The man nodded, "We call it, 'Death's Friend'." He handed the last vial over, "Now for a true healing master this one should be easy."

Stain opened the vial and examined it once again. He stoppered the vial quickly. "A tool most healers avoid, poison. This one from the core of the fire apple. It causes the patient to burn from the inside. The only good use I know it can be used for is when the person is grievously wounded and facing death from bleeding inside. It can sometimes stop the bleeding. But just as easily it can kill."

The stranger seemed surprised that Stain would pass this last test. "Many lately have claimed to be healers. Some pass the first test, some even pass the second, rarely has one passed the last one."

Stain nodded and handed back the vial. "And what is the punishment for failing?"

The stranger's smile took on a darker twist, "Why to drink each vial correctly identified."

Stain looked serious, "That must weed out the fake healers quite well."

The stranger nodded, "Fewer and fewer people claim to be healers. We had too many that were causing problems instead of healing the people. Now, as to your guard." The stranger turned to me. "I assume you are armed?"

I smiled, "I am armed with a short sword and a staff. But I am not the guard. I am simply his apprentice."

The stranger's eyes scanned the rest of the group and I could tell he was trying to identify the guard. Robert he passed over as he carried no weapons. Finally his eyes rested upon Raven, as the only other person carrying an obvious weapon. "Young lady, are you the guard?"

Raven nodded and stepped up beside Stain. "I am."

The stranger snickered, "A woman guard. Funny."

Stain reached out and grabbed Raven's arm. "I would suggest you not harm an official of this fine city."

Everyone looked down and saw that Raven had already grabbed a throwing dummy knife and was preparing to throw it at the man.

The first man smiled, "That would be an unfortunate mistake. However, I share his disbelief. Perhaps a demonstration of her skills? Otherwise we will be forced to ask for her to either turn over her weapons or remain outside the walls."

Raven grinned and called out loudly, "You on the wall! Hold out your shield!"

The man looked down with a questioning look. The stranger nodded and the man held out his shield. Suddenly Raven spun and launched a series of knives. The man's shield rattled from multiple impacts. A circle of knives now stuck out from his shield. His eyes widened when he looked closely.

"Care to return my knives?" Raven called up. The man pulled the knives out and tossed them gently to Raven, who caught them easily and sheathed them in fluid motions.

"Is that enough of a demonstration?" Stain's voice bubbled with humor.

The stranger nodded, "She is quite deadly with those. Then some rules. Firstly, you may protect your master and those he deems needing your protection. Secondly, keep your knives sheathed in public unless forced to draw. Thirdly, aim to disable, not kill. Finally, if any of the city watch asks for your permit to carry them simply tell them Rathe authorized it for a period of two days. The young man also with his sword and staff."

"Master Rathe." Stain nodded, "Thank you for your assistance."

Rathe smiled, "Thank you for that sir. Enjoy your time in the city." He turned and headed through the gate.

The other man grinned, "That was impressive! I have never seen Master Rathe surprised. That was a pleasure. In return, if you visit the Wounded Gull, ask for Skyler and tell her Xavier owes you a meal." He turned, chuckling to himself, and walked to the gate. "If you would cross over, I need to lock the gate." We entered through the gate and into the courtyard on the other side of the gate. A wall surrounded the courtyard, also guarded by armed men on top. "Across the way is where you want to go. That gets you into the city proper." Xavier closed and locked the gate, a heavy metal bar sliding across the entire door.