《Soulless》


 Prologue

    I am no one. I am nothing.


    My existence is a curse that must be kept hidden, though doing so causes me unyielding torment. I''ve wished to end this suffering more times than I can count. I don''t mean death. That''s not possible for someone like me.


    A man without a soul cannot die.


    I am a Soulless, an immortal abomination, created by the greed and hunger of one like me. I can never escape what I am. There are ways, however, to rid myself of the pain I am forced to endure, the pain of a monster within trying to break free. All I must do is give that monster what it yearns for¡ªthe soul of another.


    Its warmth would fill my emptiness. I long for it. I¡¯ve contemplated the act numerous times, going over in my mind how it might happen.


    I would select a criminal who deserves no mercy, yet grants him a swift and painless death. As his soul left his body and soared toward the great afterlife, I¡¯d simply snatch it and make it my own. This method, the most common among my kind, dilutes much of the soul''s warmth and power, though I suppose it is the most humane. The thought almost makes me laugh. There is nothing humane about it. And one soul is never enough. The hunger burns continuously.Stolen novel; please report.


    The other way to obtain a soul is the way mine was taken. The intended victim is rendered helpless while his soul is ripped out of his body. The process, as I¡¯ve experienced for myself, is excruciating, yet guarantees maximum potency from the soul since the victim is alive when it happens. The greedy Soulless gets what he wants and, should the victim survive, a new Soulless is born.


    The idea repulses me. I could never do that to someone else. Instead, I force myself to live with the pain, all the while wishing for an end. The conflict is eternal.


    I¡¯m a man dying of thirst, who stumbles upon a well of poisoned water. To drink is to die. If I give in to my desire, I will become something I loathe above all else. I would be no better than the vile creature that created me. I may be a monster, but I don¡¯t have to act the part. I refuse to.


    The reason? I ask myself every day. Perhaps I¡¯ve retained a tiny portion of humanity; a form of compassion or guilt. A conscience. As far as I know, I¡¯m the only Soulless who has ever resisted.


    I like to think I was an honorable man before the change and perhaps that''s why I''ve been able to fight. Unfortunately, I have no memory of my former life. No name, no recollection of identity or family. Even the details of the moment my soul was taken are a blur, all except the excruciating pain. Such a thing will never be forgotten. There are times when I awaken from my dark, hollow slumber consumed by the same fire, the same horror. I''ve conditioned myself to not cry out anymore.


    I am alone with my aching emptiness. I will always have this craving, this longing to be whole again. But the soul I truly desire is my own.

 Chapter 1

    Today is an important day.


    After decades of isolation, I have convinced myself to test the strength of my resolve. That itself has been a struggle. I''ve been afraid to be near civilization, knowing temptation might overpower my tenuous self-control.


    Two months ago, I made my way north, where the skies are often veiled with clouds, keeping a comfortable shade over the landscape. Sunlight is harsh to my pale skin and eyes. Here, I am free to roam at my leisure. The nearest town is Nikom, situated between two mountain ranges and encompassed by lush forests, all of which I''ve familiarized myself with, learning every possible path and passage in and out of the area. Nothing must come as a surprise if I am to succeed in my endeavor.


    For the past few weeks, I have watched the town from a distance. Not more than three hundred people reside within its walls. They live simply, taking care of the needs of everyone around them. They know the faces and businesses of each of their neighbors, which will make it impossible for a stranger like me to remain unnoticed. Yet, their generosity might be enough to keep them from turning me away. Over time they might even grow accustomed to me, though the process will be slow and meticulous. This is necessary, especially for me.


    Every soul I encounter has an aura that is visible to my eyes. Its warmth touches me, giving brief respite to my emptiness. I cannot help but be drawn in. Will I ever become immune to its allure? If I cannot escape what I am, I am determined to conquer it. This is the thought that drives me onward.


    Donning my hooded cloak, I exit my sturdy hovel situated deep in the shade of the trees and head toward the western edge of the forest.


    Today I will enter the town and attempt to purchase goods at the general store, even though food is not a necessity for me. My body no longer requires the nourishment. I don''t get ill and I haven''t aged since that fateful day. I look like a young man in the beginnings of adulthood, though inside I feel ancient with weariness. That is yet another thing I must hide so I may appear normal like everyone else. And since I''ve kept myself away from people for almost three decades, I need the practice.


    Coins jingle in my pocket as I traverse the leaf-strewn path. I duck beneath low branches, hearing distant birds making their morning calls. The sounds stop as I draw near to their nests. Animals have a keen sense of who is lurking about. They know what I am. Most people are easier to fool as long as I am careful. There are some, through years of training and perfecting a few simple spells, who are able to see the subtle signs.


    Noble-lords.


    This group of wealthy elite makes it their duty to hunt the abominations of the world, being heralded as heroes for their efforts. They distinguish the monsters from the men by looking into the eyes. There, they can see a difference. A faint ring of red surrounds the irises of the Soulless, as if we suffer from a lack of sleep. In truth, it''s because the soul is ripped out through the eyes, leaving the distinguishing mark in its wake. Most people don''t notice the abnormality. Ironically, it''s more prominent at night. But a discerning look into my pale blue eyes would tell a Noble-lord exactly what I am.


    If captured, I would be subjected to their spells. My mind would be stolen, rendering me helpless. I''d become nothing more than a slave, doomed to do their bidding, helping them capture more of my kind. I''ve heard rumors that the second change can make a Soulless even more dangerous. If this happens, the Soulless'' limbs are severed and his useless torso is tossed into the sea or a deep pit to exist in misery for eternity. We Soulless, however, are not easily captured.


    A few advantages come with our curse. Heightened senses, speed, strength. And we can usually tell when we''re being hunted by all but the most seasoned of Noble-lords. They used to be much more successful, utilizing the unique skills of people who were able to see what we are without any sign or clue. The Sikari. They are gone now, pursued and killed by the Soulless more than a century ago. That hasn''t stopped the Noble-lords from continuing the hunt.


    Here in the less-inhabited north, I''m relatively safe. For now.


    The town comes into view as I leave the cover of the forest. Clouds blanket the sky, giving me leave to lower my hood. Without direct sunlight, I appear as normal as any man. Pushing strands of black hair away from my face, I walk with my head high as I pass through the open gate.


    I smell bread. I''m sure the scent once made my mouth water. Now it has little effect. I gaze from one side of the main street to the other, seeing shop owners through their windows, preparing for a day of business. I stop in front of the general store. A tremor of nerves runs through my stomach. I climb the steps and reach out to open the door. A bell jingles overhead.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    The shop is empty. The owner must be in one of the back rooms. I suspect I''ve arrived earlier than his regular customers. Trying to appear as casual as possible, I start perusing through the merchandise, keeping my ears sharp.


    ¡°Good morning, sir,¡± a jolly voice says behind me.


    I glance back, offering what I hope is a friendly smile. ¡°Good morning,¡± I say, doing my best to ignore the inviting glow of his aura. ¡°I wish to purchase some of your fine goods.¡±


    He gives me a look as if I''ve said something odd. I suppose my greeting was a bit formal. ¡°Very well,¡± the man says. ¡°Let me know if you need help with anything.¡±


    He busies himself with some barrels near the counter. I walk around again, taking mental notes of the items I believe normal people would buy. Sugar, flour, oats, leather, candles, spices, and tools. I pick up a sack of flour and a bundle of dark-brown leather that gives off a heady scent of tannin. Taking my items to the counter, I fish out my coins. The shopkeeper, seeing my readiness, joins me. He totals the price.


    ¡°That will be five Silvers.¡±


    I stiffen. None of my coins are silver. I don''t recall the equivalency for what I have. Feeling the man''s eyes on me, I set my handful of coins on the counter. The man pauses before scooping up all but three of my copper and bronze pieces.


    As he puts his share into a metal box, he says, ¡°You''re not one of us, are you?¡±


    A wave of alarm washes through me. Dozens of thoughts race around my mind, including the strong possibility that I''ll have to kill this man to maintain my secret. The urge to pounce knocks the breath from my lungs. My muscles tense and I feel the monster within me growl.


    ¡°I''d guess you''re from the south,¡± the man continues, unaware of his imminent demise. ¡°Haven''t seen these coins in years.¡±


    His words somehow penetrate my feral brain. He doesn''t know my secret. He only meant I''m not a northerner. Calming myself takes great effort. ¡°Yes,¡± I manage to say, my voice hoarse. ¡°I came to the north for a more peaceful life.¡±


    The man nods, chuckling. ¡°Wish I could find that. Are you boarding with someone in town? Widow Swen, perhaps? She takes in the rare traveler for a price.¡±


    I don''t like all the questions, yet I can''t afford to incite any suspicion. ¡°No, I have a hut in the forest. I . . . enjoy the scent of pine.¡±


    ¡°Well, she''s an excellent cook should you change your mind. Just look for the big house around the bend. And if you need some work, Jemson the stable master could use a hand. Tell him Ory sent you if you''re interested.¡±


    I thank him, though I have no intention of pursuing either offer. I''m not ready to be near people full time, and horses would sense my abnormality right away. It''s best if I remain in the forest.


    With my purchases in hand, I leave the shop feeling rather good about the experience¡ªexcept the brief moment when I nearly took the man''s life and perhaps his soul as well. A sprig of confidence has sprouted and I decide to linger in town a bit longer.


    More people are out now. Many curious eyes follow me. Once in a while, I see a person I recognize from my distant investigations. Or, rather, an aura I recognize. Everyone is different, whether by color or brightness. Children, I''ve discovered, are usually the most bright and pure. The older a person is, the more faded his aura. Much of it is based on the way they''ve lived their lives.


    It''s always the first thing I notice when I see a person. It might be wise to train my eyes to focus on faces instead. I pause on the side of the street, out of the way, and fix my attention on two men across from me. It takes great concentration to look past their glows enough to see the features of their faces. One man is thin and bony, his eyes set close together. The other man is similar, though with more flesh in his cheeks. I assume they''re related. Brothers, perhaps? A tiny pang hits me in the chest. I''ve often wondered if I once had a brother or a sister. I must have had a family; one I cannot remember. It doesn''t matter now.


    I practice my face-watching a while longer, pleased with my progress, before retracing my steps to the open gate and making my way home.


    I look at the sack of flour, not sure what to do with it now that it''s mine. I should have gotten the leather alone. I set the sack in the corner of my hut to deal with later. The bundle of leather will become a new sheath for my knife. I set to work, cutting the necessary shapes and saving the leftover strips to stitch everything together.


    Within a few hours, the project is complete. I slide the blade through the opening. The stiffness of the leather will ease over time. Satisfied, I attach it to my belt.


    Tomorrow I will return to Nikom with the flour and give it to someone anonymously. I''d hate for it to go to waste.


    I leave the hut and make my way to the edge of the forest, this time to the northern side, which is closer. I''ve made a habit of watching the sky just after sunset to see the painting of colors. With the added texture and depth from the abundant clouds, the scene is always different.


    I like to think I did this in my former life. I suppose one benefit of not remembering my past is that I can create one to include whatever I choose. The possibilities are there, but I never delve too deeply. My life is already too much of a lie.


    Pushing these thoughts aside, I rest on my back, picking out images in the clouds until there''s not enough light to distinguish one from another. A few stars peek through the gaps. An unexpected calm settles over me. For this small stretch of time, I''m not running from or fighting against my curse. I''m simply here. I''d almost dare call it peacefulness. I shut my eyes, eager to hold in these feelings for as long as possible.

 Chapter 2

    I make three more visits to Nikom in the days that follow. A few people have spoken to me, if only just to say hello, but it''s a good start. I''m getting better at focusing on their faces rather than their auras. Though my progress is encouraging, I must not forget to use caution at all times.


    As my fourth visit comes to an end, I pause to watch several young boys play some sort of chasing game in an open area at the end of the main street. The smallest boy, who seems to be doing most of the chasing, stops to catch his breath.


    ¡°You guys . . . are too . . . fast,¡± he says, holding his sides. ¡°Can''t someone else be chaser?¡±


    His friends gather around him, some of them laughing. ¡°We''re just trying to help you get faster, Arem,¡± one of them says.


    Glaring, the boy Arem pounces forward, grasping the arm of the nearest boy. ¡°There!¡± he shouts, darting out of the way. ¡°Now Ric is chaser.¡±


    His strategy impresses me. I watch a moment longer before moving on. As I pass a group of people huddled outside the post office, I overhear something that stops me mid-step.


    ¡°It''s official. Noble-lords are headed this way and should be here by the end of the month. They''re convinced a number of Soulless have moved north. They say the monsters are to blame for the plague that is slowly covering the land, killing crops and livestock. It won''t be long until our fields, and our people, are infected as well.¡±


    The conversation continues, but I hasten away, the words pounding in my head. Noble-lords. If some are truly on their way, I''ll have no choice but to move on. A time will come when I will have nowhere else to hide. There is one part of the conversation, however, that makes no sense¡ªthe supposed connection between the Soulless and the scourge creeping over the land. I have never heard such a thing before. My kind have no effect on crops, and although animals can sense us, they do not simply drop dead in our presence. None of this matters, however. The Noble-lords will use any excuse to hunt us down.


    I enter my hut and take a moment to look at my few possessions. None of them are necessary or sentimental. I could leave them all behind right now and not give them a second thought. Yet, for the first time in a long time, I don''t want to move on. This forest has been kind to me, and my interaction with the people of Nikom, however brief, has been a relief to my loneliness. To leave now would mean having to start over somewhere else, perhaps in a place less welcoming, or forcing myself into seclusion again. But what other choice do I have?


    Turning on my heel, I make my way to the northern edge of the trees, hoping the sunset will inspire me.


    I settle into my regular spot with a clear view of the sky, which catches more oranges than pinks tonight as if the heavens are lit with waves of fire. Letting out a long breath, I make my decision. I will go farther north beyond the mountains. The lands there are colder and less hospitable in more ways than one, but if I wish to stay out of the Noble-lords'' clutches, it is the only solution.


    ***


    The sun has come, glaring at me, yet it doesn''t burn like it''s supposed to. It is warm and pleasant. My heart begins to race with a strange excitement. My eyes fly open. I''m still lying on the soft ground beneath the night sky. Light is nearby, but not from above. I sit up, looking to the southeast. I stare at a strange gleam piercing through the darkness like a beacon.


    It''s an aura.


    Leaping to my feet, my entire body tensing, I run. I''ve never seen anything so glorious. My pace increases with each step; the monster inside me is in control. I won''t be able to stop it even if I want to.


    I pause at the edge of a meadow. The source of the aura is lying near the center, welcoming me like a hearth fire. My desire to take it is impossible to withstand. Any humanity that has stopped me on previous occasions no longer exists. I move slowly despite my eagerness, drinking in the golden brightness, feeling its effects even at a distance. I will soon be whole again, if only for a short time. I will need another.


    I drop to my knees beside the motionless figure lying on the dewy grass. I reach out, breathing deeply, savoring this moment when my suffering will finally be lifted. As my fingers brush against warm flesh, a trace of the precious aura jolts through my body. A vivid shock of emotion throws me backward, silencing the monster within me.


    I lie on my back for ages, unable to make sense of what happened. Trembling, I push myself up and force my eyes to see past the brilliant aura to the face behind it. A maiden, young and beautiful, lies there. Twigs and leaves are tangled in her auburn hair. Her ivory skin is bruised and spotted with dirt, the sleeve of her left arm torn, revealing a gash caked with dried blood.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The all-consuming urge I felt before is replaced with something I did not think I possessed¡ªthe same emotion that shocked me so violently when I touched her skin. Compassion. It must have come from her.


    Moving slowly, I crawl closer to her, confused and fascinated at the same time. The warmth of her aura washes over me once again, but instead of wanting to take the helpless soul before me, I have a desire to protect it. I do not understand this feeling, but it is there all the same.


    For what seems like hours I continue to watch her, not sure what to do next. She cannot stay here. Another thought slams into me, making me inhale sharply. If I was able to detect her brilliant aura from a distance, other Soulless will do the same. They could be amassing this very moment. I can''t allow her to be harmed.


    I lift her in my arms and carry her from the meadow. She weighs next to nothing, yet touching her has its own effect on me. I feel powerful with purpose and also terrified that this frail creature has somehow usurped my carefully constructed willpower.


    As we near my hut I know I cannot bring her here. She needs someone more experienced to tend to her wounds and, deep down, I fear that my desire to protect her will vanish at any moment. I decided to take her to Nikom. The shopkeeper mentioned a woman named Swen who rents rooms. I hope she''ll be able to look after the girl.


    I sense the approach of dawn. My gaze flits upward, seeing only a few clouds to obstruct the first rays of light. I must hurry.


    I make it to town just as the sun peeks over the mountainous horizon. The streets are empty, for which I''m grateful. I don''t know what I''d say to explain my predicament. The two-story house around the bend comes into view. I climb the porch steps, the girl still motionless in my arms. Should I knock and leave the girl while I disappear into the shadows? After a moment of debate, I do just that.


    I set the girl down carefully, feeling an immediate sense of abandonment as she leaves my arms. Squaring my shoulders, I rap my knuckles against the wooden door and then hasten to the cover of the bushes at the end of the walkway.


    The wait is agonizing. Every moment she''s exposed is an opportunity for another monster to appear. The door finally opens and a small, frizz-haired woman peers out. Her eyes widen at the sight of the girl on the porch. She ducks back into the entryway, calling for someone. Moments later, a middle-aged man joins her. The two of them gesture and whisper, both looking up and down the street. Another moment passes before the man picks up the girl and takes her inside.


    I expect a feeling of relief to come, but it doesn''t. Though she is safe for now, it won''t last. Her aura is simply too noticeable. I can see traces of it shining through the windows, and I still feel its warmth. But what more can I do?


    If I wish to protect her, an endeavor which seems to have abruptly become my sole purpose, I must somehow integrate myself into her life without drawing too much attention.


    Widow Swen better have another spare room.


    ***


    By the time I return to my hut to collect my few possessions and arrive back at Nikom, the sun is full in the sky with not enough clouds to offer much shelter. Even with the cover of my cloak and hood, the sun''s rays make a brutal effort to burn my skin. I hasten to the widow''s home and knock on the door for a second time. The man who carried the girl inside opens the door.


    ¡°Yes?¡± he says stiffly, looking me up and down.


    I resist the urge to glare at him. ¡°I''ve heard Widow Swen takes in travelers. Do you have room for another?¡±


    ¡°May I ask how you heard about this place?¡± he asks, leaving my own question unanswered.


    I frown for a moment, trying to remember the name of the shopkeeper. ¡°It was Ory, the merchant.¡±


    Looking disappointed, the man steps back. ¡°How kind of him to mention us. Come in.¡±


    I follow him inside, taking a quick assessment of my surroundings. The foyer leads to a wide hallway that connects to a staircase. She''s up there. I move toward it but the man steps in my path.


    ¡°The first night is free,¡± he says, ¡°but anything after will be a Silver per night. Hot meals are extra.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± I say, holding onto my patience. ¡°May I see my room?¡±


    ¡°How long do you plan to be here?¡± he goes on.


    ¡°Near a month,¡± I reply. ¡°I''ll be getting a job here in town to pay the rent.¡±


    ¡°Not many jobs available, I''m afraid,¡± he says, not sounding the least bit sympathetic.


    My patience will not last much longer.


    ¡°Stop pestering the poor man, Hermis,¡± a voice says. The two of us are soon joined by the widow. Her aura is dimmed by age, yet the warmth it gives off is as strong as anyone''s. She looks at me with twinkling eyes. ¡°Forgive my nephew. I''m sure you''ll find work somewhere. You are welcome to stay here for as long as you like.¡± She suddenly gives me a wink. ¡°I''m not one to pry, so your business shall remain your own. All I ask is for you to keep a civil tongue and be inside at an honest hour.¡± She offers her hand. ¡°Agreed?¡±


    I hesitate before grasping her hand, which is cool to the touch. ¡°Yes. Thank you.¡±


    She smiles and then turns to her nephew. ¡°Take him to the blue room.¡±


    Without another word, though with a noticeable scowl on his face, Hermis turns and leads me up the stairs. We stop at a room that is called the blue room for obvious reasons. Everything¡ªfrom the carpet to the curtains¡ªis some shade of that color. I feel as if I''ve stepped into the sky. Hermis doesn''t linger, to my relief. I don''t know why the man is so disagreeable, but the less I see of him the better.


    Turning away, I arrange my few belongings, all the while trying to determine where the girl is in comparison to my room. She is near, that I know. I wonder if she has awakened yet. I wonder if I''ll ever be able to focus on anything else. It''s strange, and almost comical, that for a second time someone has managed to change the course of my life, and there seems to be nothing I can do about it.

 Chapter 3

    An eagerness to see the girl again rattles my bones, causing me to pace from one end of the blue room to the other. I mustn''t act rashly, though. I will wait for nightfall and be content to merely check on her to see how she fares. In the meantime, I need to find some means of employment.


    As I move about the town, keeping to the shadows as much as possible, I soon discover Hermis'' words to be true. No jobs are available, at least not for a stranger like me. I''ve passed the stable during my quest, each time lingering a moment, wondering if it might be the only option.


    I find my way there again. Feeling rather desperate after so many rejections, I enter the long wooden building, the scent of warm hay and the tang of manure in the air. I move cautiously along the stalls, expecting the horses to become agitated by my presence. Large, dark eyes peer at me over the waist-high gates as I pass. A few whickers of warning spread down the building, but none of the horses panic. I clear my throat.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I call out.


    A burly man dressed in a stained smock and dark trousers saunters into view, a shoeing tool in his hand. He stands a foot shorter than my own slender frame, and most of his face is obscured by a thick brown beard. This must be Jemson.


    ¡°Looking for work?¡± he asks, walking forward.


    His intuitive guess surprises me. ¡°Yes. How did you know?¡±


    He looks past me. ¡°You ain''t got a horse with you and I''ve never seen you before, so the only logical option is you need a job.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± I say. ¡°Ory told me you might be looking for help.¡±


    ¡°True. My previous hand decided to seek his fortunes elsewhere. You got experience with horses?¡±


    I shake my head, guessing that alone will be enough of a reason for him to send me away.


    ¡°Not important,¡± Jemson says, to my surprise. ¡°What''s important is how you and the beasts get along.¡± He gestures to a stall on my right. ¡°This is Henrietta. A more timid mare you''ll never meet. Wary of her own shadow. Go ahead and say hello.¡±


    I swallow with difficulty. Taking the few steps to the gate seems more like miles. My hand reaches out and lifts the latch, my fingers shaking. I can see the brownish-red mare huddled near the back, one wide eye fixed on me. I open the gate and enter the hay-strewn stall. Henrietta flicks her tail, her large head swaying from side to side. She snorts, causing her nostrils to flare.


    ¡°Steady, girl,¡± I say, hoping I sound calmer than I feel. I inch closer to her, prepared to leap back if she panics. She tries to back away but she''s already wedged in the corner. I stop and raise a hand toward her. She looks at it and then lifts her gaze back to my face. I can almost see myself in her dark, fearful eyes. I furrow my brow, knowing I am the cause of that fear. ¡°I won''t hurt you,¡± I whisper.


    After what seems like ages, and what might turn out to be a complete failure, the mare takes one step forward. Then another. With a gaze that never wavers, she moves close enough that my outstretched hand is only inches from her tawny muzzle.


    ¡°Hello,¡± I say, offering a smile of encouragement meant for the both of us.


    Her head bounces a few times, almost as if she''s testing her courage. Taking one more forward step, she nudges my hand with her nose before quickly darting back to her corner.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    It might not be much, but for me, it''s an astonishing success. I exit the stall, seeing the stable master nod approvingly.


    ¡°I''ll expect you at sunrise tomorrow.¡±


    ***


    Night comes at last. I listen to the stillness of the house as all the occupants settle. In addition to Swen, Hermis, the girl, and myself, there are two more lodgers: two men on their way to the western mountains to take the passage to the northern coast. I haven''t seen them yet, though I''ve sensed their auras. Neither is very bright.


    I slip out my door and move soundlessly to the room where the girl rests. I stand still, seeing her glow shining beneath the door, spilling out to the hallway. My heartbeat quickens. I twist the doorknob, but it resists. Having anticipated this obstacle, I pull out a small key I pilfered from Hermis'' pocket over an hour ago.


    Sliding the teeth of the key into the lock, I give it a turn. The door swings open without a sound. I dart into the room, shutting the door behind me, and face the figure lying on the bed. Her brilliance is more magnificent than I remember, illuminating her as if she were bathed in sunlight. I savor the warmth of her aura as I move closer. Her hair is smooth, her ivory skin clean, though still discolored with bruises. A white bandage is wrapped around the wound on her left arm. I''m pleased with the improvement.


    Seeing a chair beside the bed, I move to it and lower myself. I watch her sleep, hypnotized by the perfect rise and fall of her breathing. If angels exist, surely she is the loveliest among them. Part of me wishes she would awaken so I might see the color of her eyes or hear her speak.


    A sound in the hall makes me stiffen. Someone is just outside the room. In one leap I''m at the door again, my ear pressed against the wood. I hear breathing. Every muscle in my body tightens. I sense an aura, which means it''s not another Soulless. It''s familiar, though, belonging to one of the unknown lodgers.


    ¡°Keep moving,¡± I mutter under my breath. If he doesn''t, I already know what will happen.


    Seconds tick by and footsteps finally take the unwelcome aura away. I don''t relax until I hear nothing more.


    ¡°Plea...please don''t hurt me.¡±


    The voice is soft, yet filled with tremors of fear. I whirl around. The girl is sitting up, holding her blanket up to her chin, her face drained of all color. My hands shoot up to show her I''m unarmed.


    ¡°Don''t be afraid,¡± I say, my heart pounding. ¡°I''m not here to hurt you.¡±


    Her wide eyes stare at me. I can''t tell if she believes my words or not. ¡°Where am I?¡± she asks.


    ¡°Nikom,¡± I say. ¡°This house belongs to a woman named Swen. I found you unconscious outside the nearby forest last night and brought you here to rest.¡±


    Her gaze doesn''t falter, yet a portion of the fear has ebbed. ¡°Do you live here too?¡±


    ¡°For now. Swen rents rooms to travelers.¡± I lower my hands and clasp them together, my insides twisting with embarrassment. It was foolish of me to come here. I clear my throat. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    She takes a moment to look herself over, noticing her bandaged arm. ¡°All right, I think. I don''t remember much.¡±


    The fact that we have something in common almost makes me smile. ¡°You don''t know why you were near the forest?¡±


    Her forehead scrunches up as she thinks. ¡°I was afraid. Someone was . . . chasing me.¡±


    My jaw clenches. Soulless? No. If a Soulless had been on her heels she would be dead. Or worse. ¡°You''re safe here. I''m sorry I startled you.¡±


    Her head tilts to one side as she studies me more intently. ¡°I''m sorry I was such a bother. I''m sure you have better things to do than rescue maidens in the forest.¡±


    Sweat coats my palms and my throat tightens. How can I express my unyielding concern for her without sounding like a lunatic? Just hearing those words in my head convinces me that I''ve probably gone mad. ¡°It was no bother.¡±


    She smiles, adding extra brightness to her aura that I didn''t think was possible. My knees almost fail me.


    ¡°Then allow me to thank you . . . What is your name?¡± she asks.


    The answer to that question is one of the many things I don''t remember and, having been alone for so long, haven''t bothered to create a substitute. My gaze shifts to the window where a crescent moon shines in the dark sky. I say the first thing that comes to my mind. ¡°Call me Cress.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Cress. I''m Syndel.¡±


    The name is like a sweet melody to my ears, as golden as her aura. I say it to myself three or four times. ¡°You''re welcome,¡± I say, a smile finding its way to my lips, perhaps for the first time since . . .


    ¡°I should let you rest,¡± I say quickly, backing toward the door. ¡°I''m sorry for intruding.¡±


    I retreat to the hall and lean against the closed door. Shutting my eyes, I whisper her name simply to hear it spoken out loud again.

 Chapter 4

    I stare up at the dark ceiling, my hands behind my head. I haven''t even bothered attempting to go to sleep, knowing my thoughts will be otherwise occupied. Her face, her voice; I can''t get them out of my mind. I''m being foolish, but it can''t be helped. Whatever is happening to me is out of my control.


    Getting out of bed, I wash my face at the basin and then don my spare outer tunic and breeches. Both garments are clean, thanks to Swen, but are faded and in need of stitching. I never cared much about my appearance, but now I feel self-conscious, like it reflects the fact that I''m not normal. When I earn my first payment from Jemson, I''ll spend some of it on new clothing.


    I head downstairs, hearing voices coming from one of the rooms.


    ¡°I tell you,¡± Hermis hisses, ¡°one of them must have taken it. My vote is the stranger in the blue room. He hasn''t even told us his name. I don''t trust him.¡±


    ¡°This isn''t the first time you''ve misplaced a key,¡± says Swen calmly. ¡°I''ll not have you accosting the guests until you''ve searched for it properly.¡±


    I hastily reach into my pocket and take out the key to Syndel''s room. Stooping down, I set in on one of the steps¡ªan easy find for Hermis¡ªand continue out the door before either the widow or her nephew has a chance to see me.


    I arrive at the stable before the sun has risen. Jemson is nowhere in sight, though new bales of hay are stacked at the entrance. Guessing my first task will be to distribute the hay among the horses, I locate a pitchfork and get to work.


    To my surprise, none of the horses shy away when I enter their stalls, though they are on their guard, as if not entirely sure what to expect from me. I end with Henrietta.


    ¡°You know what I am,¡± I say to her, ¡°yet I believe you sense I''m different. Thank you for giving me a chance.¡±


    The mare whinnies in response, batting her large eyes. I study her more carefully, looking past her sleek coat. Though she has no visible aura, as with all animals, I sense some kind of soul inside her. Is that why she hasn''t judged me too harshly? If only others would give me the same opportunity.


    Nearby noises catch my attention. Leaning out of the stall, I see a boy, not much older than eight or nine, hefting a large shovel and a bucket into one of the first stalls. Curious, I leave Henrietta to investigate. I keep my distance as I watch the boy scoop up piles of droppings and dump them into the bucket. I thought Jemson said his previous hand had left.


    The boy turns around and, seeing me, lets out a shriek. The shovel thuds to the ground. ¡°Who are you?¡± he asks, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.


    ¡°Cress. I started working here just this morning,¡± I say, hiding my amusement. I recognize the boy from one of my previous visits; the same boy who tricked his playmates during the chase game. I don''t recall his name. ¡°I assumed that would be my job,¡± I nod at the shovel and bucket. The boy looks down at his tools.


    ¡°Jemson lets me take what I want to use as fertilizer,¡± he says, reclaiming his hold on the oversized shovel. ¡°We give him a portion of our crops as a trade.¡±


    ¡°I see. Well, that''s actually a relief. I wasn''t looking forward to that particular task. What''s your name?¡±


    The boy puffs out his chest to make up for his earlier reaction. ¡°Arem. You''ve been in town before, haven''t you?¡±


    ¡°A few times. I''m staying at Widow Swen''s.¡±


    Arem wrinkles his nose. ¡°Her house smells funny.¡±A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    I chuckle. ¡°I haven''t noticed anything unusual.¡±


    ¡°Just wait till she makes her special stew.¡±


    The bucket is soon full and as Arem carries it to the exit he glances back at me. ¡°If you want, you can come to my house for dinner sometime. My mom''s the best cook in Nikom.¡±


    He leaves before I can give a response, though I don''t know what I would have said. Pleased to have met the boy, I find other tasks to take care of.


    My thoughts often stray to Syndel, wondering what she might be doing. The anticipation of seeing her again runs through my blood. I want to know everything about her, yet I fear she will expect me to reciprocate with answers about my own life. Lying to her fills me with dread. If only she could look at me without judgment or fear the way Henrietta does now. Such a wish is foolishness.


    I''m once again in Henrietta''s stall brushing her coat when the building is suddenly bathed in golden light. I know at once she''s here. I''m torn between excitement and anxiety, both pulling at me from different directions. Is she here to see me? What will we talk about? How will I make it through without acting like a fool?


    Steeling myself, I exit the stall and meet her face to face. My tongue is heavy and thick in my mouth, preventing me from speaking. Luckily, she fills the silence.


    ¡°Finding you wasn''t easy,¡± she says, giving me one of her hypnotizing smiles. ¡°I overheard Swen and Hermis saying that the mysterious guest from the blue room left without eating breakfast or taking anything for lunch. I assumed she meant you, so I offered to bring you something.¡± She holds up a small basket. ¡°I thought it would be a good way to show you my thanks for helping me.¡±


    I should be thrilled that she thought of me, but I''m more confused, and a little alarmed. ¡°Did you tell them about my...visit last night?¡±


    She shakes her head. ¡°I had a feeling it would bring up questions and a few concerns. They don''t know you were the one who found me, do they?¡±


    I look at the ground. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Yet you decided to take a room at Swen''s to make sure I was all right?¡±


    I keep my gaze fixed downward, feeling heat crawl up my neck. ¡°I suppose that seems strange.¡±


    ¡°Strange or very considerate.¡± She sets the basket on a nearby barrel. ¡°Enjoy your lunch.¡± She turns back to the doorway.


    I should let her leave. I''ve let it go too far as it is, but I find myself saying, ¡°Will you stay to share it with me?¡±


    She blinks as if the invitation was unexpected. ¡°If you wish.¡±


    We find a clean area to sit, using the barrel as a table. Syndel arranges the simple portions of bread, cheese, and fruit. I begin eating my share, casting glances at her like a shy schoolboy.


    Her gaze moves to the stalls where many of the occupants watch us from their gates. ¡°I''ve always loved horses,¡± she says. ¡°I had one when I was younger. Frost was her name.¡± Her face falls, causing her aura to flicker at the recollection. ¡°She was old, poor thing.¡±


    Her emotion touches me and I feel the ache of her loss. ¡°I''m sorry,¡± I say, the words sincere. ¡°I''m not very experienced with horses, but I''m already learning how intelligent they are.¡±


    Syndel nods. ¡°They are unlike any other animal. The bonds they form are lifelong.¡±


    We fall into a pensive silence. A lifelong bond is something I''d like to have, but not with a horse. Yet I''m fooling myself if I believe I could have such a connection with anyone, let alone Syndel. I''m pushing the limits just by being with her now. I should end it, but deep inside I know I cannot.


    ¡°Cress, may I ask you something?¡±


    I''m on guard, waiting for a question I can''t possibly answer without revealing too much. ¡°Yes.¡±


    She brushes crumbs from her hands, taking her time to continue. ¡°Don''t be offended when I say you seem out of place. People have a right to live where they want, but I''m curious. Why are you here?¡±


    I almost want to laugh. Such a question leads to every secret I possess. ¡°To escape something that haunts me.¡±


    Her brow furrows. ¡°Have you succeeded?¡±


    Have I? I shake my head. ¡°It''s something I must work at every day, but I hope there will be a time when I can break free completely.¡±


    ¡°And then what will you do?¡±


    The possibilities are endless. I''d have eternity to do anything I desire. Create a new life for myself that might even include a measure of peace and happiness. My eyes fix on her and I suddenly know nothing I do will mean anything unless she is near me. It''s a silly notion. I barely know the girl. Yet an ache forms in my chest at the thought of being without her that I struggle to take a breath. ¡°I don''t know.¡±


    She reaches out to pluck a few strands of straw from my sleeve. Her sudden nearness makes my entire body become rigid and I must hold back the urge to take her hand in mine. ¡°You are a unique person, Cress,¡± she says. ¡°I wish you luck.¡±


    Getting to her feet, she begins gathering leftovers. I watch her, not wanting the moment to be over. With everything packed, she gives me a smile. ¡°I''ll see you back at Swen''s.¡±


    She leaves the stable, waving to me over her shoulder. The moment isn''t over. The Noble-lords are not here yet. I will spend as much time with her as possible before I am forced to leave her forever.

 Chapter 5

    I drift to sleep, entering the same dark emptiness I''m accustomed to, yet something is different. I''m not alone. She''s here with me, her aura quickly chasing the darkness away. It''s not possible. Soulless do not dream, yet here she is. A gentle breeze plays with her auburn hair, bringing her sweet scent to me. I suddenly double over, my insides writhing with a familiar hunger. No . . .


    Control is no longer mine. Growling, I fly forward, grabbing her with both hands. She makes no sound; she doesn''t react at all. She simply looks at me, our eyes locking together as if she''s been expecting this moment. I think we both have. One of my hands moves up, hovering above her face. The light of her soul is brightest in her eyes. I must have it. It''s my true nature. The decades I spent resisting have been futile.


    ¡°Forgive me,¡± I whisper as I lower my hand.


    I manage to stop myself from crying out as I bolt upright in my bed, my face stricken with horror and grief. I know what I saw was not real, but the frightening reality is that it could be. It''s a warning. I''ve deluded myself into thinking she is safe with me¡ªthat I can protect her from monsters. But who will protect her from me? I should go to her room and say my goodbyes right now.


    I can''t. I''m too weak to be without her.


    I head to the stable, my mind in turmoil, and immediately go to Henrietta''s stall. The mare whickers a greeting and then, as if sensing my mood, touches my arm with her nose. ¡°I don''t know what to do, Hetty,¡± I say, bringing a brush to her flank. I tell her about the dream, shuddering as the images replay in my mind. The mare nudges my arm sympathetically, though I can''t imagine she understood half of what I said.


    ¡°Cress, are you here?¡±


    It''s Arem. I go out to meet the boy, who is accompanied by an older man dressed for travel. Arem looks glum.


    ¡°This is my father,¡± the boy says. ¡°He needs a horse.¡±


    The man steps forward, offering his hand. ¡°I''m Gars. I have a wagon of produce ready to take south to Tiffly, but my own horse is not up to the journey.¡±


    I frown. Jemson has yet to tell me how much to charge to rent out a horse. I don''t even know where the stableman is. I head over to the stall of a chestnut mare and open the gate. ¡°She''s strong and reliable. You can pay when you return.¡±


    Gars seems surprised by my generous offer. ¡°Are you certain? I''ve come with some Silvers¡ª¡±


    ¡°I insist.¡±


    I help him hitch the mare to his wagon and watch him ride off. Arem kicks at the dirt.


    ¡°I thought I''d get to go with him this time,¡± he mutters, ¡°but he said maybe next year.¡±


    This explains his sour expression. ¡°Your father must trust you a great deal to leave you behind.¡±


    Arem looks up at me questioningly. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Well, with him gone, you''re in charge of watching over your family. That''s a big responsibility.¡±


    The idea seems to appeal to him. ¡°Yeah. I have to make sure they''re safe.¡±


    ¡°Come on,¡± I say, ¡°you can help me bring in the hay.¡±


    We work through the morning until Arem decides he''d better check on his family now that he''s the man of the house. He skips out of the stable, his spirits lifted.


    As noon approaches, I can''t help but wonder if Syndel will come again. I''ve put the dream out of my mind for now, hoping it''s just a manifestation of my anxieties rather than an omen of what''s to come.


    Her aura approaches and my heart soars. She enters the stable, another basket of food in hand. ¡°Ready for lunch?¡± she asks.


    We sit at the barrel as we did yesterday. She divides the portions; I watch every move she makes. ¡°How is your arm?¡± I ask, seeing a fresh bandage.


    ¡°It''s healing well,¡± she says. ¡°Swen puts a salve on it that smells terrible, but it''s like magic.¡±


    ¡°Have you been able to remember anything else about how you came to be here?¡± I almost don''t want her to.


    ¡°No,¡± she says, her gaze fixed on the bread in her hand, while the other hand absentmindedly touches a thin gold chain around her neck, something I hadn''t noticed until now. ¡°All I know is I was running from something. Much like you, I suppose.¡±


    I want to assure her that I won''t let any harm come to her, but I keep the words to myself. ¡°How long do you plan to stay in Nikom?¡±


    She shrugs. ¡°I don''t have anywhere else to go.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    ¡°What about your family?¡±


    A smile tugs at her lips. ¡°You''re full of questions today. Truth is, I have no family. I''m quite alone.¡±


    Another thing we have in common. ¡°I hope you don''t feel completely alone,¡± I blurt out. I quickly look away, not wanting her to see the fervor in my eyes.


    ¡°You''re right. Swen is a dear and Hermis is kind in his own way. And I have you, of course. Who knows where I''d be now if you hadn''t found me.¡±


    I think my heart stops for the briefest of moments. She does have me, until I must flee for my life. The thought is torture. I suddenly leap to my feet. ¡°Would you like to go for a ride?¡±


    Joy beams in her eyes. ¡°I would love to.¡±


    We saddle two horses, including Hetty, and lead them out of the stable. My hasty invitation seems less than ideal when I realize I don''t know how to ride. I watch Syndel out of the corner of my eye to see how she mounts and mimic her as best as I can, losing my balance for only an instant. I lean forward and pat Hetty''s neck. ¡°Help me to not fall off,¡± I whisper, ¡°I beg of you.¡±


    The mare swings her head back to look at me, her eyes reproachful, as if telling me falling would be my own fault.


    Syndel and her cream-colored gelding move beside us. ¡°Where to?¡±


    ¡°Out of town,¡± I say. ¡°There''s a stream near the forest with a waterfall. I think you might like it.¡±


    She smiles. ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    I do my best to hide my inexperience as I urge Hetty forward. Syndel keeps up easily. We pass through the open gate and head toward the expanse of trees to the east. More clouds have found their way north, providing me relief from the sun. I shut my eyes for a moment, focusing on the rhythm of my mare''s trot and the air moving against my face. Riding is wonderful.


    The stream comes into view, winding its way out of the forest, making a path for itself farther north. We follow it as it turns toward the base of the nearest mountain range, hugging the rock wall until it suddenly drops out of sight. The waterfall is not grand in size, but its simplicity has a beauty of its own.


    I slide down from the saddle and tie the reins to a low branch. Syndel does the same. ¡°The horses won''t be able to make it to the bottom of the falls,¡± I say. ¡°We''ll have to go on foot.¡±


    We pick our way over the rocks, descending slowly. Syndel fares well over the rough terrain until a large gap impedes our progress. I can jump the gap easily, but Syndel cannot.


    ¡°Should we turn back?¡± she asks, looking disappointed.


    I''m not ready to give up. I''m strong and fast enough to get us both across. I square my shoulders. ¡°Do you trust me?¡±


    She blinks at me for a moment and then nods.


    My heart swells with pleasure at her response. I whisk her into my arms, remembering how light she is. She seems to guess my plan. Her arms tighten around my neck and she buries her face against me. I''m certain she can hear my racing heart. Taking a few steps back, I dash forward and fly over the gap, landing lightly on the other side. Syndel doesn''t release her hold right away. She peeks down at the solid rock beneath us before raising her eyes to mine. Our faces are close enough for me to count the freckles on her flushed cheeks.


    I could hold her forever.


    Coming to my senses, I set her down on her feet and take a step away. ¡°It''s not much farther,¡± I say, resuming the descent.


    We reach the bottom where a pool surrounded by mossy rocks and tall reeds collects the falling stream. From above, the stream itself is narrow, yet deviations in the cliff split it in several places, creating a dozen individual waterfalls that merge back together in the pool and continue onward.


    ¡°It''s beautiful,¡± Syndel says.


    I watch her, smiling as she moves around the pool to see everything from different angles. ¡°When I first discovered it,¡± I say, settling myself on a smooth rock, ¡°I stayed here for two days straight.¡±


    ¡°You must have seen the moon and stars reflected in the pool,¡± she says, stooping down to see her own reflection. ¡°It must be extraordinary.¡±


    I''m tempted to extend our visit so she can see it herself, but I already know the idea is unwise. ¡°There''s something else I''d like to show you.¡±


    She joins me and together we draw nearer to the cliff, sliding through a narrow space between the rock and the waterfall where an opening takes us into the side of the mountain. The cave is not large, nor does it go very far, but the reward is clear. Thousands of tiny crystals embedded in the walls and ceiling twinkle at us as if mimicking the stars. Syndel is transfixed.


    ¡°Unbelievable,¡± she breathes, running her fingers along the rock, which glimmer even more with her aura. The effect is breathtaking. I wish she could see it the way I do.


    ¡°We should probably head back now,¡± I say reluctantly.


    ¡°So soon?¡± she says, frowning. ¡°Will you bring me here again someday?¡±


    ¡°If you wish,¡± I say, pleased that the outing was a success.


    We make it back to Nikom and return the horses to their stalls. Syndel lingers to help prepare the horses for the evening. ¡°The other horses need some exercise as well,¡± Syndel says, setting the reins and bridles back in their places. ¡°Perhaps we can go out again tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I''d like that,¡± I say, making a mental list of other landmarks in the area I can show her.


    We leave the stable and make our way to Swen''s. The air has cooled and the overhead clouds have shifted to reveal the first stars of the evening. Beside me, Syndel rubs at her arms. In one motion I remove my cloak and set it around her shoulders. She smiles at me.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    The house comes into view, but I don''t want to go inside, as if doing so will break the spell of contentment we''ve created together. I glance at her from the corner of my eye, wondering if she feels it too or if I''m deluding myself.


    We pause on the porch, yet neither of us reaches for the doorknob. She leans over the railing, her eyes turned to the sky.


    ¡°When I was young,¡± she says, ¡°I had a doll with golden hair, blue eyes, and a simple green dress. I''d take her with me everywhere. My mother told me she arrived one night just for me so I would always have a friend. I lost the doll not long after that. It was the same night I lost them all.¡±


    ¡°Your family?¡± I ask quietly. ¡°What happened to them?¡±


    She looks at me. Her aura dims just enough for me to know the answer involves great sadness. ¡°They''re dead. Our village was attacked and very few people escaped.¡±


    I don''t need to ask about the source of the attack. Soulless. Does this mean the souls of her family have been stolen? Are they monsters now themselves? I feel responsible somehow, as if I should have been there to protect her from the start. ¡°I''m sorry,¡± I say, speaking for my kind, though I know it can''t even begin to make up for her loss.


    She shakes her head. ¡°You have nothing to apologize for. They are still with me.¡± She lays a hand on her chest. ¡°In here.¡±


    Her bravery touches me, easing my tension. Yet, if I ever find out who was responsible, there is nothing I wouldn''t do to make them suffer.

 Chapter 6

    I greet each horse with a good morning, receiving a neigh or whicker in response. In the week that has passed, I''ve come to learn and appreciate the personality of each animal, like which ones prefer oats instead of hay in the morning and the few that have become too old to do much exercise. Of all of them, Hetty will always be my favorite.


    Jemson has shown his face at the stable only a few times, complimenting me on my ability to run the stable on my own and giving me the pay I''ve earned. I don''t mind that he''s left things to me. I prefer not having someone looking over my shoulder. It comes as no surprise that he''s absent when I arrive.


    My regular routine begins, all the while I''m counting the minutes until Syndel will arrive with our lunches. Afterward, we''ll take out two horses, probably Toby and Hugh this time, for some exercise. During our daily outings, we speak of things that might seem trivial to anyone else, like Swen''s latest cooking disaster or trying to remember the names of the townspeople we''ve met, but I''d be content even if neither of us said a word. As long as we''re together.


    I haven''t been able to determine how she feels about me. It''s clear she enjoys my company or at least prefers it more than that of anyone else. Then there are moments when she looks at me and I can almost believe she sees me as a man. These moments are bittersweet. I long to be what she expects, but it''s an aspiration I can never truly reach.


    Noon comes and goes. I look at the stable entrance every few minutes, waiting for it to be lit by her glow. Has she forgotten? The more time that passes, the more I think of other possibilities. Someone else has claimed her attention. Or her safety has been compromised. I''m not certain which one fills me with more dread.


    Unable to stand it any longer, I set down my tools and head to Swen''s house. As the old building comes into view Arem appears in front of me, looking excited.


    ¡°You''ll never guess the news I have!¡± he exclaims, waving a slip of paper like a banner.


    Normally I welcome his visits, but now it''s difficult for me to mask my impatience. ¡°What is your news?¡± I ask, trying to hurry him on.


    ¡°Got a letter from my father. He''ll be home later than he expected because Tiffly''s crops haven''t done well, but that''s not the news. He saw them there, even spoke to one of them. They''ll be here in three days!¡±


    ¡°Friends of your family?¡± I asked distractedly, looking past him in the hopes that Syndel will emerge from the house and put my worries to rest.


    ¡°No,¡± Arem says. ¡°The Noble-lords.¡±


    A maelstrom of panic engulfs me. I cannot think clearly. This can''t be. I should still have three weeks before I must leave Nikom. Three weeks to spend with Syndel. My heart constricts. I have to leave her now.


    ¡°Cress?¡± Arem says, touching my arm.


    I flinch back to reality, quickly masking my distress. ¡°Thank you for telling me,¡± I say, my voice shaking. If he hadn''t, I would have been trapped. I walk past him without another word and continue to Swen''s. I have to find Syndel.


    All is quiet when I enter. I inhale deeply, unable to sense a single aura. No one is here. I search the rooms anyway but find nothing. I am anxious and agitated. Where is everyone?


    As I return to the door to leave, I hear voices coming from the porch. I freeze in place. She''s out there with Swen. She''s safe. Relief weakens my knees. Leaning on the door for support, I catch their muffled voices as they continue to speak.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    ¡°I don''t want to hurt his feelings,¡± Syndel says, ¡°but I can''t spend time with him anymore.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± says Swen. ¡°I noticed from the start he had eyes for you. Would you like me to speak to him?¡±


    ¡°No. I should do it myself. We''re just too different. I hope he''ll understand.¡±


    ¡°Is there someone else?¡± Swen asks, teasing in her voice.


    ¡°I can''t say for certain, but . . .¡±


    I don''t want to hear any more. Despair fills me. I was wrong to hope. All this time she has simply been sparing my feelings. Movement returns to my legs. I back away from the door, desperate to escape.


    I collect my things from my room and move to the window, knowing I cannot go out the front door and face her. Without bothering to make sure no one is watching, I drop to the ground and run to the nearest shadows. Concealed in darkness, I fall to my knees and bury my face in my hands. A Soulless cannot weep, but I feel as if I''ve lost my soul all over again.


    ***


    I wait for the sun to set before leaving my hiding place. I glance at Swen''s house for the last time as I walk the empty streets toward the stable. There''s one more thing I need to collect.


    Entering the building, I go directly to the fourth stall on the right. Swaying sleepily, Henrietta peeks at me, letting out a low grunt.


    ¡°Sorry to wake you,¡± I whisper. ¡°I''m leaving and I want you to come with me.¡±


    The mare doesn''t hesitate. Joining me at the gate, she nudges my shoulder as if encouraging me to lead the way. I open the gate to let her out but abruptly halt. We are not alone. A warm glow shines at the stable entrance. ¡°Syndel?¡± I stammer in disbelief.


    ¡°You were going to leave without saying goodbye?¡± she demands, sounding angry.


    I stiffen. ¡°What does it matter?¡± I ask defensively. ¡°My actions no longer concern you.¡±


    She folds her arms across her chest. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±


    Her question confuses me. Is she tormenting me on purpose? ¡°You don''t need to patronize me any longer. I heard you and Swen.¡±


    Her eyes widen for an instant before she lets out a laugh. The sweet sound cuts me deep.


    ¡°If you''re going to eavesdrop,¡± she says, stalking toward me, her eyes narrowed, ¡°you should at least listen to the entire conversation. Hermis has been watching me like a love-sick schoolboy for days now. He brings me flowers and leaves little notes for me at breakfast. He finds me in Swen''s garden when I''m not with you at the stable. That''s who we were talking about. Not you.¡±


    I blink at her, dazed by the anger in her voice and the realization that she doesn''t dislike me. I hope my foolish misunderstanding hasn''t changed that. Not that it matters. ¡°I still have to leave,¡± I say, shifting my attention to prepare my ride.


    ¡°I know,¡± she says, sounding less angry. ¡°I saw Arem while I was out looking for you. He told me about the Noble-lords.¡±


    I freeze. Does she know they are the reason I''m leaving? Slowly, I turn to face her. ¡°How did¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know what you are, Cress.¡±


    I cannot speak. My gaze drops to the ground. Taking several steps backward, I bump into Henrietta, who, for some reason, pushes me forward again. I dare not look at Syndel. ¡°Will you warn the town or send word to the Noble-lords? You have every right to.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    My head jerks up. ¡°Why not?¡± I snap, not sure why her response provokes me. ¡°I''m an abomination. I should be tied up and served to the Noble-lords like a feast.¡±


    She seems unfazed by my outburst. ¡°You''re different. You''re not like other Soulless.¡±


    ¡°How could you know that?¡± I demand. ¡°You know nothing about me.¡±


    ¡°That''s not true,¡± she says. ¡°I admit you''re difficult to read, but you''ve let your guard down more than once, just enough for me to see.¡±


    ¡°You can read minds?¡± I stammer, afraid of all the other things she might know.


    She shakes her head. ¡°It doesn''t work like that. Your thoughts are your own. I sense emotions and changes in mood. I read intentions. All of these are connected to souls or the lack thereof.¡± She drops her gaze this time. ¡°I''m a Sikari.¡±


    Of all the things she could have said, I never expected this. It''s not possible. ¡°But they were wiped out by the Soulless more than a hundred years ago.¡± I cringe at my own words.


    ¡°Some of them survived,¡± she says calmly as if not bothered by the deaths of thousands of her kin. ¡°My mother was a Sikari, and her mother before her. I''m the last of my family and perhaps the last of all the Sikari. Which is why I''m going with you.¡±


    I start to laugh. Not out of amusement or cruelty. Everything that has transpired in the last few minutes is madness and I choose to laugh instead of scream. Her glare returns.


    ¡°The Noble-lords aren''t coming here to hunt Soulless, Cress,¡± she says, and I see the fear behind her glare. ¡°They''re coming for me.¡±

 Chapter 7

    A heavy silence fills the stable. Even the horses refrain from making a sound as they watch from their stalls. My hands are shaking. I stare at her in disbelief. ¡°Why would they be after you?¡± I ask, unable to hide the alarm in my voice. ¡°I thought Noble-lords and Sikari were allies.¡±


    ¡°They were, at first,¡± she says. ¡°But some Sikari did not like the way the Noble-lords were handling the partnership. Noble-lords coveted the Sikari''s abilities. They wanted all of the control. The Sikari resisted and, as a result, they were hunted down. It wasn''t only the Soulless who killed them. Noble-lords, afraid of the revolt that might occur, started killing them as well. Those that remained were either enslaved or hid themselves and their abilities. My own started to manifest when I was six. My mother did her best to keep it a secret, but some secrets can''t be kept forever. Mine was sold for a price. My village was attacked, just like I told you, but I didn''t escape. I was taken by Noble-lords.¡±


    Outrage heats my insides, but I keep it in. Syndel continues.


    ¡°For the last twelve years, I''ve been nothing more than a slave, forced to seek out Soulless and even act as bait. I''m fully aware of how bright my aura is. It comes with being a Sikari. I tried to escape my captors more times than I can count. I finally managed it and came north, knowing not many Soulless have come this way yet. But it was only a matter of time before the Noble-lords did.¡±


    ¡°So when you told me that you couldn''t remember why you were in the forest where I found you . . .¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry I lied,¡± she says. ¡°Keeping secrets is something I''ve had to perfect, and the memory isn''t a pleasant one. My captors heard about a Soulless near the eastern coast who was terrorizing the surrounding villages. They claimed he was killing their animals and destroying their crops. I''d heard this type of rumor in other places as well.


    ¡°I found his exact location and positioned myself to lure him out. He came, and he wasn''t alone. I didn''t realize this until it was too late. I''m not sure why, but the horde of Soulless never seemed to notice me as they attacked. As far as I know, all the Noble-lords were slaughtered. I took the chance and ran.¡±


    Another mention of Soulless and the scourge, but this is not what captures my attention. A group of Soulless working together? I''ve never heard such a thing. ¡°How many were there?¡± I ask.


    She raises an eyebrow at the question. ¡°At least a dozen. They did very well to keep their intentions hidden from me, at least until the last second.¡±


    I start to pace, shaking my head. ¡°A dozen. It makes no sense. Soulless rarely band together, especially in groups of more than three or four. Their greed for souls does not make them willing to share. And what made them ignore your aura?¡±


    There are too many questions for me to get a grasp on. I run my fingers through my hair, needing to deal with the most immediate dilemma. Syndel can''t stay here, but can I allow her to come with me? I suddenly face her, trying to convey the seriousness of the situation. ¡°Being with me won''t guarantee your safety, Syndel. I''m not as benevolent as you think. Never forget I''m one of those monsters, with the same hunger to take your soul.¡±


    She holds my gaze with hers, considering me carefully. ¡°I understand,¡± she says, ¡°but I''d rather take my chances with you than become the Noble-lords'' slave again.¡±


    I scowl for a moment, caught between uncertainty and relief that I won''t be parted from her after all. ¡°If you''re certain, we must go now.¡±


    ***


    Despite Syndel''s objections, I break into the general store, gather food and supplies in a sack, and leave a handful of coins on the counter. I attach the sack to Hetty''s saddle. ¡°We''ll head to the forest first. We can rest and move on from there.¡±


    ¡°Do you have an idea where we should go?¡± she asks.


    ¡°The mountains,¡± I say. ¡°If necessary, farther north.¡±


    We leave Nikom behind and head for the eastern forest. I''m surprised by how much I''ve missed the trees. The scent of sap, the sway of the branches. Though I call no place home, here is where I feel most welcome. We stop in a small clearing. In a flurry of motion, I construct a simple shelter out of branches and large leaves. ¡°I hope you''ll be warm enough,¡± I say. ¡°I dare not make a fire until we''re beyond the forest. Rest as much as you can.¡±


    Syndel nods, her eyelids heavy as she pulls a blanket from the sack. She crawls into the opening, disappearing from sight. I place myself between the shelter and the rest of the world, my senses picking out every sound and movement. Hetty stands nearby, her tail flicking back and forth in a rhythm that matches her deep breaths. After a time, I start to relax.


    It begins again. I see her in the distance, her aura like fire. It draws me in; resistance is impossible. I''m at her side in an instant, pulling her into a fatal embrace, my hand poised. I stare into her eyes, those beautiful windows to her soul. I hear her voice saying my name, pleading. I want to stop. I mustn''t harm her.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    The monster laughs and moves to take what it wants.


    ¡°NO!¡± I scream into the night as I jerk awake from the nightmare, the muscles in my body contorting with horror.


    Syndel is beside me, her face white. One of my hands is clutching her wrist, my fingernails digging into her skin. There is blood.


    Horrified, I release her and dart to the cover of the bushes on the other side of the clearing.


    ¡°Cress,¡± she says, getting to her feet.


    ¡°Don''t come near me!¡± I hiss, wiping her blood from my fingers. She slowly advances despite my warning. ¡°Syndel,¡± I growl.


    ¡°Hush,¡± she says, pausing just beyond my reach. ¡°It was my own fault. I shouldn''t have startled you.¡±


    I laugh, the sound hollow. ¡°Don''t you dare blame yourself. I''m the one who must be careful.¡± My voice catches. ¡°I could have killed you. Or worse.¡±


    She drops to her knees. ¡°Why didn''t you?¡±


    She asks as if the answer is easy. The hunger is rooted so deeply. Keeping it buried forever is next to impossible. ¡°The monster is too strong,¡± I say, looking away. ¡°There may come a time when I lose control and not even your pleading will reach me.¡±


    She regards me silently for a moment, perhaps trying to read me. ¡°Then do it now,¡± she says softly. ¡°I give my permission.¡±


    Shock and anger fill every inch of my body. Before I can think, I''m on my feet and out of the shadows. I stand above her, teeth bared in a snarl. She stands to face me. My eyes begin to burn; hers are wide with a trace of fear. She should be afraid. My anger changes to greed and desire, surging through my veins with the same force that drew me to her the first time. The monster rumbles with satisfaction. Seizing her, I bend her backward, positioning my hand above her face. Just like my dream. The monster cackles with glee, urging me to do it. Yet, we are frozen. My hand doesn''t move.


    I can''t do it.


    I won''t.


    I fight back, substituting the monster''s forceful greed with something else.


    I see her face, its softness and beauty. I feel her kindness. I cannot defeat the monster, but she can. Letting out a strangled gasp, I shove her away, doubling over in pain as the monster howls in protest. Syndel says my name, though keeps her distance, waiting for me to regain control. It seems to take hours. Finally, the pain subsides and I''m able to stand upright again. Breathing deeply, I look at her. ¡°Why?¡± I whisper hoarsely, watching tears slide down her cheeks. ¡°Why are you doing this?¡±


    She wipes at her eyes. ¡°Because I believe in you. The monster, as you call it, might be a part of you forever, but so will your heart. It is stronger. I can see it.¡±


    Does she realize what she''s saying? The strength of my heart comes from her. I think I''ve known for a while, perhaps from the moment I looked beyond her aura. And it''s something I don''t deserve. ¡°This is a dangerous game you''re playing,¡± I mutter in exasperation, mixed with a bit of awe.


    ¡°I know,¡± she says with an apologetic smile. ¡°But I''ve never been one to give up easily. It''s how I''ve been able to survive.¡±


    With morning on its way, I disassemble the shelter to throw off anyone who might come here looking for signs, while Syndel stoops at the edge of a trickling stream to clean the wounds on her wrist. I flinch at the sight of them.


    ¡°I''m fine,¡± she says, noticing that I''m watching her. ¡°This will be a reminder to let a sleeping Soulless lie.¡±


    I know she means to lighten the mood, but her words make me think. I''m not supposed to dream, yet it has happened twice now, all since Syndel has come into my life. What if her presence, and my refusal to harm her, has triggered the dreams? It could be the monster''s way of trying to force my hand. Does this mean no matter what I do, the monster will find a way? I keep this troubling thought to myself.


    With Henrietta between us, we begin our journey just as spears of sunlight make their way through the overhead canopy. The forest begins to awaken. I hear the songs of birds and the hungry screeches of their young. Wild dogs, which are harmless to people, yip at each other as they start their hunts. To my surprise, the sounds don''t stop as we draw nearer. Either the animals do not sense me or they''re no longer afraid. I have no idea why either would happen.


    I glance at Syndel over Hetty''s shoulder. She wears a look of concentration. ¡°You''re doing it, aren''t you?¡± I ask.


    ¡°What?¡± she says, startled by my question.


    ¡°You''re doing something to the animals so they won''t be afraid.¡±


    She opens her mouth to protest but smiles sheepishly instead. ¡°I sensed their wariness. My ability as a Sikari is not just to read emotions, but also to influence them. I simply told the animals you''re a friend.¡±


    I''m not sure if I''m upset or pleased. Being feared is not something I enjoy, yet telling them I''m a friend is not an exact truth. ¡°They can ignore their instinct just because you tell them too?¡±


    ¡°Most of the time. Watch.¡± She turns her gaze to the trees just ahead. Seconds later, the bushes rustle and out step a doe and her fawn. They watch us as we approach. The doe''s eyes are wide with a jumbled sort of apprehension; the fawn seems merely curious. I wait for them to realize the truth and bolt from sight. They remain still.


    ¡°Go on,¡± Syndel says, stopping on the path. Hetty stops with her.


    Swallowing hard, I obey, moving closer to the two animals. The doe fidgets nervously, knowing something isn''t quite right. I come to a halt just a few feet from them and slowly raise my hand. The fawn takes a step toward me, but the doe suddenly moves ahead, blocking me from her young. She nudges the fawn back toward the bushes. I let my hand drop to my side, knowing I shouldn''t have expected anything more. I glance back at Syndel.


    ¡°Some instincts are harder to break,¡± she says with a shrug of her shoulders. ¡°Like yours, for example. You''re not making it easy for them. Can''t you try being less negative?¡±


    My eyebrows rise as I consider the question. ¡°Honestly? I don''t know. Negativity has been a companion of mine for some time now.¡±


    She frowns at me. ¡°Not anymore. I''m going to take its place.¡±


    I stiffen, my expression becoming like stone. I can''t let her read me anymore. Turning on my heel, I continue along the path. ¡°If we want to reach the mountains by nightfall we mustn''t linger.¡±


    Syndel and Henrietta remain a few steps behind me.


    ¡°Don''t worry, Hetty,¡± I hear her say, using the pet name I''d given the mare. ¡°I don''t give up easily.¡±


    I sigh. I don''t want her to give up, but maybe it would be better if she did.

 Chapter 8

    We rest at noon. Syndel sits on a large rock, eating bread and dried meat. Neither of us has said much since the incident with the deer. I think back to what she said about trying to be less negative. I didn''t realize there was another way to feel. My circumstances don''t warrant much optimism. Yet, since meeting Syndel, I''ve been . . . happier. That must be a good start.


    Syndel suddenly rises to her feet, staring at something through the trees. Though I see and hear nothing, I''m immediately alert. ¡°What is it?¡± I ask.


    She holds up a hand, signaling for me to wait. ¡°There''s something out there, about a half-mile away.¡±


    ¡°Is it dangerous?¡± I imagine the worst.


    She shakes her head. ¡°I don''t think so. It''s small and old. Not . . . human.¡± Her head moves slowly as if following it with her eyes instead of her mind. ¡°It''s gone now. I''m not sure what it was.¡± She bites her lip, looking worried even though she said it wasn''t dangerous. ¡°I think it was watching us.¡±


    I don''t like it. I must be more vigilant in the future.


    Both of us are silent again as we continue onward. I assume she is doing the same thing I am; waiting to see if the thing will return.


    It happens about an hour later. Syndel stops on the path. ¡°It''s back,¡± she says.


    I''m prepared to defend us both if necessary. ¡°Where?¡±


    She points to a section of trees to our left. ¡°A hundred yards.¡±


    I start to move in that direction, but Syndel grabs my arm. ¡°Wait. I''m going to try talking to it.¡±


    I frown. ¡°You can do that?¡±


    Nodding, she shuts her eyes. Her lips move, though no sound comes out. I assume communicating with her mind is just another of her abilities as a Sikari. She jerks slightly and opens her eyes. ¡°I asked if it''s an animal from the forest or mountains. It laughed and then fled.¡±


    ¡°You should have let me go after it,¡± I mutter, glaring at the trees.


    ¡°And leave me alone?¡± she asks. ¡°What if that''s what it wanted?¡±


    I see her point. ¡°Do you think it will come back?¡±


    She nods.


    ***


    As the day ends we arrive at the eastern edge of the forest. The mountains are in full view. We''ll continue on to the northern pass in the morning. I construct another shelter for Syndel.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she says.


    ¡°You''re welcome,¡± I say, settling myself beside a group of sap-pines a fair distance from the shelter; close enough to protect her from harm, but far enough that I won''t be the cause. I don''t plan to sleep tonight. Like food, sleep is not necessary for me. I do it out of habit. Not anymore.


    My eyes move constantly, my ears are tuned to the slightest sound. Nothing will get by me.


    Hours pass with nothing to show but a cool breeze and mosquitoes. They don''t care if I have a soul or not. Just as long as I have blood for them to siphon.


    ¡°Cress!¡±


    I''m on my feet and at the opening of the shelter in seconds. ¡°Is the thing approaching?¡±


    ¡°It was here,¡± she says.


    I look around, unable to believe it could have come without alerting me. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Syndel says, crawling out. ¡°I didn''t notice until it was running away.¡±


    ¡°Did it hurt you?¡±


    She shakes her head. ¡°But I felt something else this time. Whatever this thing is, I didn''t sense a soul, but I''m certain it''s not a...¡± Her eyes meet mine before darting to the ground. ¡°It spoke to me as it fled. He said the journey for me and my Soulless has just begun.¡±


    My jaw clenches. What is going on?This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Syndel sighs, moving her hand to her chest. She lets out a gasp, her hand searching for something. ¡°It''s gone! My necklace.¡± She darts back inside the shelter and then out again, her eyes scanning the ground.


    ¡°What necklace?¡± I ask.


    ¡°It was my mother''s. The only thing of hers I had left.¡± Her eyes widen and her aura dims. ¡°The creature must have taken it. That''s what it wanted all along.¡±


    ¡°But why?¡± I ask.


    ¡°I don''t know,¡± Syndel says, wiping at the tears sliding down her cheeks. ¡°It was a pendant of amber stone with three small red jewels. Not worth much, other than sentimental value.¡±


    I raise my hand to touch her shoulder, wanting to offer comfort, but my arm falls back to my side. ¡°I''m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It''s not your fault,¡± she says. She is silent for a moment. ¡°Cress, what if the creature knows something about my mother or the Sikari and that''s why it took the necklace?¡±


    The necklace is not my main concern. I want to know how the creature was able to get past me without me noticing. If it had meant her harm . . .


    ¡°If you want to get your necklace back, I''ll help you,¡± I say.


    She seems torn. ¡°The Noble-lords will be on our heels if we stay in the forest. I can''t risk our safety for a piece of jewelry.¡±


    ¡°But it''s important to you,¡± I say. ¡°And you''re important to me.¡± The words are out and can''t be taken back. She now has a small glimpse of my feelings for her and I''m terrified of how she''ll respond. Her head is bowed, but I can see a smile pull at her lips.


    ¡°I feel the same about you,¡± she says, her fingers playing with a loose string on the end of her tunic. ¡°Which is why we have to move on.¡±


    If I possessed an aura it would be shining like the sun. I''m important to her. This could mean many things. For now, just knowing is enough. ¡°We''ll make for the mountain pass at dawn as planned.¡±


    Syndel returns to the shelter to try to get a few more hours of sleep. Getting to my feet, I roam around the area, half wishing the unknown creature would return so I might ask questions in my own way. I glance around the trees until I pick out the tallest. In seconds, I''m at the base. I scale the trunk, using knots and cracks in the rough bark as hand and footholds. I stop at the highest branches that are able to support my weight.


    Settling myself in a relatively comfortable position, I gaze back at the large expanse of trees we came from. Not only is the creature in there somewhere, but the Noble-lords will soon come through as well. How did they know where to look for Syndel? She could have gone anywhere after her escape, yet the Noble-lords are headed straight for her. Someone must have betrayed her. Who else would know her secret? Did someone discover her whereabouts before I found her in the meadow? An idea comes to me. The creature. Is it in league with the Noble-lords?


    I look down through the crisscross of branches below, seeing Syndel''s aura through the shelter. It doesn''t seem to glow as brightly as when I first saw her. The distress of losing her mother''s necklace has had an effect, or perhaps my sensitive eyes have adjusted to it. Its warmth, however, hasn''t changed.


    The veil of night begins to recede; I''m still in the tree. I study the area that lies ahead. I can see where the mountain pass begins. Small doubts have crept into my head. The route we take may not lead us to safety.


    I blink quickly, squinting at the new light. I should retreat to the protective cover of the trees, but I don''t. The last time I watched the sun rise must have been before I became a Soulless. Bracing myself, I wait for it to come.


    The first rays light the sky on fire. They touch my face, burning my eyes and skin. It hurts, but I remain motionless. Red splotches dance in front of my eyes. I allow my eyelids to fall shut and I bow my head. Something about the heat feels different. My head is light, almost free from worry. I suddenly pitch forward and tumble from my perch. My body crashes through numerous leafy boughs and then lands with a thud.


    The impact hasn''t injured me, though the breath has been knocked from my lungs. I let out a groan, looking at the broken limbs above me. Why had I fallen? Too much sunlight? Dizziness? No, it was something I felt inside. It has a name and I almost didn''t recognize it. It''s a contradiction to everything I''ve known and believed. Yet I''ve felt it before. Since Syndel came. Rubbing my eyes to chase away the lingering sting from the sunlight, I let out a long sigh.


    Hope.


    It has no place in this cursed life of mine.


    I hear Syndel stir and give a sleepy yawn. Lifting myself off the ground, I dart back to my original location near the sap-pines and wait for Syndel to emerge. When she does¡ªher hair flattened on one side and her clothes crinkled¡ªshe looks around expectantly, not once looking in my direction. I scowl for no reason except I''m obviously not the first thing on her mind.


    Getting to my feet, I take a few steps forward. Syndel finally glances at me and gives a smile that seems forced. Whatever is on her mind, I don''t think she''s planning to share it with me. I''m annoyed, but I''m also a master at hiding my feelings, even from a Sikari.


    ¡°Did you get some more sleep?¡± I ask as I unload another bundle of food and hand it to her.


    ¡°A little,¡± she says, breaking her piece of bread in half. ¡°What about you?¡±


    I haven''t told her that I''m no longer sleeping at all. ¡°Same as usual,¡± I say.


    We''re silent as she eats her breakfast, giving me time to dwell on whatever it is she might be hiding. Just hours ago she said I''m important to her, now it''s as if she doesn''t trust me enough to share what''s on her mind. I nearly laugh at the stupidity of my thoughts. What have I done to earn her trust? She learned my secret, but not because I was willing to tell her. I haven''t said a word about my nightmares. And I don''t have the courage to tell her the tender feelings I hold deep inside. If I want her to trust me, I have to take the first step. ¡°I watched the sunrise this morning.¡±


    Her eyes widen as they focus on me. ¡°You did? Didn''t it hurt?¡±


    I nod. ¡°I thought my eyes would melt out of their sockets. Yet, I felt peaceful and,¡± my cheeks become warmer than I''m used to, ¡°hopeful. Then I fell out of the tree.¡±


    She nearly chokes on her mouthful of bread. ¡°I thought I heard a crash. Are you injured?¡±


    I smile. ¡°No, but I think I left an indentation in the dirt where I landed.¡± I point to the area of broken branches and crushed leaves. She laughs. I join in, waiting eagerly for her to be the next to share something. She resumes eating, saying nothing else.


    I have an urge to pound another crater into the earth.

 Chapter 9

    We pass the last trees of the forest, out to the sloping valley leading to the mountains. I stop short. The sun is uncovered, shining in full force. My hands dart up to my face to shield my pathetically vulnerable eyes. Even putting up my hood will not be enough. It''s much worse than ever before, all because I decided to watch the sun rise.


    ¡°We should wait,¡± Syndel says. ¡°Clouds could come at any moment.¡±


    I shake my head. ¡°I''ll be fine.¡± Even as I say the words I know they''re not true. In an hour''s time, perhaps less, I won''t be able to see anything. And the damage could be permanent.


    ¡°Stubborn,¡± Syndel murmurs. ¡°If you think I''m going to watch you go blind, you''re a dolt.¡±


    In spite of myself, I chuckle. ¡°What else do you suggest?¡±


    She turns away for a moment, tapping her chin. I can almost hear her weighing our options. She doesn''t seem to like any of them. When she finally faces me again, her expression is resolved and somewhat apologetic.


    ¡°You''re going to ride Hetty,¡± she begins, ¡°and you''ll be blindfolded.¡±


    At first, I want to laugh, but as the words sink in I see their merit. She is, after all, just trying to help. I nod. ¡°Agreed.¡±


    She seems surprised by her easy victory. ¡°Good.¡±


    Tearing a long strip of fabric from the bottom of her tunic, she walks behind me. I feel silly as I stoop down and hold perfectly still. The layers of cloth appear before me and tighten around my head. I stiffen as Syndel''s hands brush against the sides of my face. My hands clench in front of me, my breath catches. Bliss and agony whip at me mercilessly. The monster is always ready to pounce. It takes all my self-control not to whirl around and snatch her in my arms, either to take what the monster desires or...


    The other option brings me back to my senses, but not for long. My sluggish heart expands within my chest, though it feels weightless. In my mind I see myself holding Syndel, not in a posture of attack, but as a true embrace. Our faces flush and, as slowly as time will allow, my lips touch hers. The image is so vivid it frightens me.


    This has been my true desire since the moment I saw her face. The angel. My angel. I don''t want her bright, glorious soul. I want all of her. The monster scoffs, stomping on this tiny sprig of hope with doubt, fear, self-loathing, unworthiness, and so many other emotions I can barely contain them. Somehow, I''m able to push through, burying my feelings for her deep beneath reality. I will never deserve her.


    Using my hands, I find Hetty and climb into the saddle. I clutch her mane with shaking hands. My swollen heart shrinks, sitting beneath my ribs like a stone. ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    ***


    The dips and rises of the valley make my ride uncomfortable. I know Hetty is trying to watch her footing, but, not being able to anticipate the terrain, I jostle around like a doll. I''ve taken my sight for granted.


    The fabric obstructs my sight enough to protect it, keeping me from seeing anything but the faintest of shapes and outlines. One shape belongs to Syndel. Yet, I don''t need my eyes to know exactly where she is at all times. My awareness of her has increased, and it has nothing to do with her aura. I continue to see and feel the strength of her soul, but it no longer has the same draw. This doesn''t mean I''m immune. The monster will always be waiting.


    I quickly change the course of my thoughts before they do more damage. I can''t allow myself to dwell on the impossible and insane. I have one duty and that''s to protect her. I will never be the Soulless in my nightmare, no matter how hard the monster fights. I''ll willingly give myself to the Noble-lords and become their mindless puppet if it means keeping her safe. For some morbid reason this makes me feel better.


    The dimness of my blindfold is suddenly assaulted by an orange-yellow glare, brighter than Syndel''s aura¡ªbrighter than the sun. I throw my arms across my face, but it does no good. ¡°What is this?¡± I holler as pain rips through my eyelids, penetrating my brain. I can''t breathe. Streaks of red swim in the light, dripping like blood. My muscles seize and I fall from Hetty''s back, slamming my head against a rock. The pain doubles.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Through it all, my thoughts focus on Syndel. I can''t tell where she is. Ripping off the blindfold, I try to find her, but my useless eyes see only the fiery light and its blotches of red. I''ve lost her, and now I''m about to lose my mind to the fire. Is this what happens when the Noble-lords win . . .?


    Noble-lords.


    If they''ve done this to me, what will they do to Syndel? With a snarl, I leap to my feet. ¡°Show yourselves!¡± I bellow. ¡°If any harm comes to her, I''ll break your bodies one by one!¡±


    My chest heaves and, to my surprise, the searing light threatening to consume my mind and body fades away. Within seconds, I''m free. Blinking a dozen times, I look around. The valley is covered with thick grass and thistles. The mountain pass is mere steps away. Above me, the sun is blocked by a merciful cloud.


    Both Syndel and Hetty are gone.


    I drop to my knees. A different pain comes, one that only takes hold of my heart. I failed to protect the one person who matters more to me than anything else. My breath shudders as something hot and wet touches my cheeks. Reaching up, I feel tears on my fingers. Real tears. It''s not possible.


    My head jerks up. Slowly, I inhale through my nose. The air holds two scents I recognize¡ªSyndel and Hetty¡ªand a third, less noticeable, mixed with them. Getting to my feet, I follow them.


    The scents take me back to the trees. I travel a mile or so until I come to a hillside. I climb, vaulting over patches of weeds and piles of gray-violet rocks. The scents grow stronger. I increase my speed until I hear the unmistakable sound of shod hooves coming toward me. ¡°Hetty!¡±


    My relief is minimal. Syndel is not with her. The mare trots to my side, her nose bumping against my shoulder. I grasp the sides of her face. ¡°Where is she?¡± I whisper.


    Moving her head away from my hands, she retraces her steps, leading me to a broad crack in the top of the hill. The fissure seems to split the mound in two. I stare down at the darkness, unable to see the bottom, yet I know Syndel is in there somewhere. If she''s alive, I''ll save her. If she''s not . . .


    Vengeance.


    I pat Hetty''s flank and then, without a second thought, I jump down.


    The floor of the fissure isn''t as steep as I expected. My feet hit the sloping side and skid along the smooth rock until it levels out. Standing up straight, I gaze along a tunnel. It is empty, save for a faint orange-yellow glow flickering non-threateningly at the far end. A torch? Candles? I have a feeling the light belongs to neither. It''s similar to the light that assaulted me earlier. I strain my ears for sound. Nothing.


    My instincts tell me it''s a trap.


    Trap or not, my feet take me forward. I''m not afraid. At least not for myself.


    The tunnel makes a slight turn at the end, opening up to a chamber that strangely resembles a sitting room complete with bookcases, tables with knickknacks and ceramic vases, a fireplace, and cushioned sofas and chairs. One of the chairs is occupied by Syndel, whose gaze is fixed on the floor. I stare at her, my mind processing what my eyes see. She seems unhurt and she''s alone. Where are her captors?


    She lifts her head. Her eyes are red and puffy. She''s been crying.


    ¡°Cress?¡±


    Her voice is scratchy, yet it''s like music to my ears, making all other sounds obsolete. ¡°Are you all right?¡± I ask, waiting for my relief to be dashed by an ambush.


    She nods, yet her hands are clutched tightly in her lap as if she too is waiting for something terrible to happen. ¡°I''m sorry,¡± she says, the words barely audible. ¡°I wanted to tell you . . .¡±


    I take a step forward, but no more than that. The room explodes. The same blood-drenched fire consumes everything, giving me no time to react.


    Unspeakable agony engulfs my entire body. My screams are hollow, my spasms earth-shattering. There is no end. It is unyielding, unchanging. I am fixed in this moment of eternal hell. The Noble-lords have won.


    Then why hasn''t my mind been stolen? And why, through the tortuous glare of light, can I still see her face? I focus on her, taking in every detail. Tears stream from her eyes; one of her hands is reaching out to me. If only I could take hold of it . . .


    My feet are moving again, each step stiff and slow, yet the distance between us is shrinking. I''m going to make it.


    The fire''s rage suddenly increases, pushing me back. My insides are disintegrating, but I will not give up. Not until I''ve touched her one last time. With great effort, I lift my own hand and reach. Our fingertips are inches apart. I can''t get closer. I try again, to no avail.


    Syndel''s gaze leaves mine and she says something I cannot hear.


    ¡°No,¡± a low voice declares somewhere in the chamber. ¡°He must do it himself.¡±


    I want to know who spoke, but I dare not break my focus. Syndel''s eyes find mine again and instead of seeing more tears, I see encouragement. I see hope.


    Part of me feels like laughing. Hope actually makes sense when Syndel is involved. She is, after all, the source of my hope. A smile graces her lips. I look at my outstretched hand. No. Our outstretched hands, now joined together. I did it. A different kind of fire sweeps through me. Anything is possible now. Wearing a smile of my own, I fall into nothingness.

 Chapter 10

    My body feels light; the air is cool. I''m in a bedroom furnished with grand furniture and silk trimmings. The owner of such a place must have extreme wealth at their disposal. I notice a young man standing at the window, gazing at a nearby beach. The sand shines like silver beneath a full moon. He wears fine garments embellished with jewels and beads and a smile that lightens the gray of his eyes. I freeze where I stand, ready to apologize for my intrusion when a knock sounds at the door.


    ¡°Enter,¡± the young man calls out, turning from the window. His face is alight with some secret eagerness. The door swings open and another man, slightly older, though with similar features, strides in. A brother? Cousin? Either way, neither of the men seems to notice my presence. I don''t think they can see me at all.


    ¡°Can''t sleep?¡± the newcomer asks, joining his kin near the window. The latter shakes his head.


    ¡°I can''t believe Lenna will be my wife in just a few short hours.¡±


    The elder claps the younger on the shoulder. ¡°I don''t think I''ve seen two people more in love. You''re a lucky man, Your Highness.¡±


    The young man frowns. ¡°We are cousins, Hamish, and in the privacy of my room. Call me Bronek.¡±


    The two of them laugh until the door suddenly flies from its hinges, crashing to the floor. Three men dressed in uniform storm into the room. The one in the lead gives a hasty salute, though his expression bodes ill news.


    ¡°What''s the meaning of this?¡± Bronek demands.


    ¡°Forgive us, My Prince,¡± the saluting guard says, ¡°but haste has distracted us from decorum. There''s been another attack.¡±


    Bronek and Hamish exchange looks. ¡°Where?¡± the prince asks, his voice losing much of its forcefulness.


    The two other guards bow their heads as the lead one says, ¡°Hender. It''s been demolished. No survivors. I''m sorry, Highness.¡±


    Bronek sways to one side, color draining from his face. His eyes roll back and, as he falls, one word escapes his lips.


    ¡°Lenna . . .¡±


    ***


    I''m outside now. The sun shines above, yet the air is cold and thin layers of frost cling to almost everything. Bronek walks along a deserted dirt road in the middle of twisted wood, his gray eyes focused on each step he takes. His cousin is nowhere in sight. I''m guessing time has passed. The prince is thinner now and stooped in the shoulders. His clothes are that of a pauper who cares nothing for warmth or cleanliness. A pack is strapped to his back; it appears to be nearly empty. Behind him is a bronze-colored mare pulling a wagon. Something lies in the bed, covered with a white shroud. The only sound in the murkiness is the horse''s clopping hooves and the steady clicking of the wagon wheels. I follow close behind.


    Bronek rounds a spire of rock, which leans toward the road as if ready to collapse, and comes to a fork. One direction continues through the gloomy forest while the other swerves toward a meadow rich with life and sunlight. Bronek stops and reaches for his pack. From within, he pulls out a misshapen scrap of parchment, yellowed with age. It''s a map. The details are astounding if a bit faded, but the area is unfamiliar to me. He studies it for several minutes and then glances at his surroundings. Finally, he rolls up the parchment and stows it away. Taking hold of the reins, he leads the mare along a new course¡ªa path concealed between the roads. The narrow opening slopes downward, making it a tight fit for the wagon. Though the going is slow, Bronek seems to have gained new determination.


    The dimness beneath the trees gradually deepens, taking us into near-total blackness. Night has fallen. Bronek puts his arms out to feel for obstacles and to catch himself should he trip on some unseen root or rock. The mare whimpers, but the prince ignores her. I, too, have a bad feeling about this place.


    A flicker of light appears ahead. A strange smile comes to Bronek''s lips and he mutters something I can''t hear. He nears the source of the light¡ªa torch secured to a pole at the entrance to a cave. Neither the mare nor the wagon can continue. Turning, Bronek walks to the back of the wagon. With deliberate care and attentiveness, he lifts the form without displacing the shroud and approaches the cave entrance.


    I want to warn him, to shout that whatever awaits inside is evil, but it won''t do any good. I''m just a spectator is this strange vision.


    I follow as he enters.


    The tunnel is not dark, yet there is not just one source of light this time. It seems to be coming from every direction. Bronek looks at the smooth walls where numerous unfamiliar creatures are sketched with charcoal or carved with incredible skill. He frowns at the images. They''re grotesque things with deformed bodies and lifelike expressions of agony or rage. Fixing his attention back on the path, Bronek moves onward.


    The mysterious light grows stronger and the tunnel opens into an antechamber. At the other end is another opening trimmed with open-mouthed skulls. Candles flicker in their empty eye sockets. Bronek halts at the center of the chamber. To his left is a stone table littered with dried weeds and a thick layer of dirt. After a moment''s hesitation, the prince approaches the structure and carefully places his burden on top. He stands there for another few seconds before making his way back to the center, facing the skulls. Taking a long, deep breath, he walks forward and vanishes through the ominous opening.


    The adjoining chamber is smaller than the first and much more crowded. Tables, cabinets, strange instruments and tools, bottles of murky liquid, bundles of plants, frayed lengths of rope, books, cracked mirrors, iron cauldrons of various sizes, and other indistinguishable shapes fill most of the space. Bronek swallows hard.


    ¡°Hello?¡± he calls out.


    One of the dark shapes against the far wall suddenly moves, leaving the shadows of its hiding place. Bronek stares; a pair of gold eyes stare back.


    It''s a man, standing no taller than Bronek''s hip, but he''s not human. His skin is pale, like ivory, and smooth. He''s made of polished stone. He wears a vest and breeches of ragged brown material, but no shoes. A few strands of black hair hang down to his forehead, curling above his eyes.


    Bronek takes a step closer, his hands fidgeting together. ¡°Are you Mulogo, the legendary sorcerer?¡±


    The little stone man grins widely, showing rows of rounded teeth, and then glances over his shoulder. ¡°Master,¡± he says, his voice unexpectedly deep, ¡°you have a visitor.¡±


    Bronek follows the little man''s gaze. The only thing on that side of the room is a broad glass cabinet, its shelves laden with an assortment of containers. A swirl of dark mist suddenly gathers in front of the cabinet, growing tall and slender like a cyclone, yet nothing around it is disturbed. The mist settles and dissipates. In its place is a man draped in a black-violet robe with a floor-length hem and high collar. Only his bald head and pallid, bony hands are visible. His yellow eyes narrow as they shift from the little stone man to Bronek.


    ¡°How did you find this place?¡± he demands in a hiss that ends in a sneer.


    The prince swallows hard. ¡°A map,¡± he stammers, ¡°bought at a high price. I''ve come to ask a favor.¡±


    A rumbling laugh vibrates within the sorcerer''s chest. ¡°I know what it is you desire, Highness. Did you bring her with you?¡±


    Eyes widening in surprise, Bronek nods his head. The sorcerer''s gaze flickers to the little man. Nothing is spoken between them, yet the latter seems to know what his master wants. With a bow, the little man crosses the chamber. As he nears the exit, his body inflates, growing taller and wider than that of a normal man. He has to stoop to fit through the opening. Seconds later, he returns carrying the shrouded form. Bronek tightens his fists as he watches the giant place the form on one of the less crowded tables. Backing away, the stone man shrinks to his previous size and scurries out of the chamber once again.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°I heard about the attack on Hender,¡± the sorcerer says casually, strolling to the table where the form lies. ¡°You''ve come a long way. War continues to rage in your kingdom, yet here you are. The maiden was to be your bride, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Bronek says through clenched teeth. ¡°Can you help me or not?¡±


    One of the sorcerer''s thin eyebrows rises, wrinkling his already creased forehead. ¡°That depends. This favor will require an output of extreme power, something even I can''t do on my own.¡±


    ¡°I know what it is you need,¡± Bronek says firmly, regaining his confidence. ¡°I''m willing to do anything.¡±


    Mulogo purses his lips together thoughtfully, trailing his fingers against the side of the shrouded body. ¡°Very well, Highness. Come lie beside your beloved.¡±


    Bronek moves forward, never taking his eyes from the sorcerer, who simply smiles, showing misshapen, mossy teeth. When the prince is in position Mulogo leans over him.


    ¡°Try to relax,¡± he says, rubbing his bony hands together. ¡°This is going to hurt.¡±


    Splaying his fingers, he lowers his hand over the prince''s face. An ebony mist forms between them, seeping into the prince''s wide eyes. Bronek screams. The sound does nothing to convey his agony. His fingernails dig into the table, scraping gashes in the wood, drawing blood as the splinters fight back. His limbs twitch and seize, yet they are held down by some unseen force. The mist begins to retreat from his eyes, which stream with blood-stained tears, bringing with it a golden mass shining like sunlight.


    His soul. I cringe as I watch, knowing the same was done to me.


    Bronek''s screams grow louder and more wild, begging for an end. Mulogo ignores him, smiling as the golden glow swirls around his outstretched hand. It expands, changing shape until it resembles the body of a man. The sorcerer moves his hand away, pulling the black mist with him. Sighing, he fixes his full attention on the golden soul.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± he murmurs, reverently beckoning to it. ¡°A soul given willingly holds the most power.¡± The glimmering figure glides toward him, sinking past his dark robe, joining him. He tips his head back, letting out a long sigh of pleasure, his expression trance-like. After a moment, he looks down at the prince, who trembles and moans pitifully.


    ¡°You are to be congratulated, Highness,¡± Mulogo scoffs. ¡°You''re the first to have survived the ordeal of losing his soul.¡± Inhaling slowly, savoring his new boost of power, he moves around the table and lifts the white shroud that covers Lenna''s body. She is beautiful, even in death. Dark hair frames her delicate ivory face, which seems frozen in peaceful slumber. Mulogo traces the edge of her jaw with his finger.


    The whimpering prince manages to open his eyes. A ring of crimson encircles each iris. He turns his head to watch as the sorcerer places both hands over the young lady''s chest, directly above her motionless heart. A string of strange words pass his lips and his arms begin to shake. He suddenly steps back, frowning as he gazes at his weathered hands and gnarled, spindly fingers.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Bronek asks, his voice strained and weak, conveying a lingering pain.


    ¡°The power of your soul is not enough,¡± the old man says with a sneer. ¡°I need another.¡±


    Bronek''s hands clutch at the table again. ¡°That . . . wasn''t . . . our bargain.¡±


    Eyes flashing, Mulogo snarls. ¡°Then she''ll remain in death''s clutches forever!¡±


    The expression of pain on Bronek''s face hardens into anger. ¡°What must I do?¡±


    Glaring in return, Mulogo looks at the ceiling, muttering more strange words. When he looks back at the prince, he says, ¡°There is someone in the forest not far from the cave entrance. I''ll send my servant to fetch¡ª¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Bronek says, pushing himself up to a sitting position. ¡°I''ll do it.¡±


    He swings his legs off the table, wobbling for a moment, and strides to the exit. I follow yet again. The little stone man is crouched beside one of the skulls around the opening. He looks up as Bronek passes, his gold eyes shining with something like concern.


    Ignoring him, Bronek leaves the cave.


    He narrows his reddened eyes as he scans the dark expanse of trees. To his left is a distant glow, like a small fire. He rushes toward it. When the source of the light comes into view, Bronek halts, staring. A young boy is sitting on the ground putting handfuls of round mushrooms into a basket. The alluring light emanates from his small body. Bronek crouches down without a sound, his face pale. ¡°A child?¡± he whispers, his eyes transfixed by the aura that beckons so persistently.


    Still making no sound, the prince slithers closer to the warmth of life.


    The boy gets to his feet, his basket full, and turns to leave. His youthful face and innocent eyes make Bronek pause again. He tightens his fists. ¡°For Lenna,¡± he mutters to himself, springing forward.


    He tackles the slender body, pinning him to the ground. Mushrooms fly everywhere. Clamping a hand over the boy''s mouth, Bronek gazes at him, the red in his own eyes flashing. The boy looks back in terror. He doesn''t struggle. The two of them stare at one another, neither blinking more than once or twice. Bronek''s stoic expression begins to falter.


    ¡°You can''t do it, can you?¡± asks a deep voice from behind.


    Turning his head, Bronek sees the sorcerer''s stone servant walking toward him, his golden eyes still holding a trace of concern. Is it for the boy or for Bronek? The prince glares at him. ¡°I have no choice. Mulogo needs more power.¡±


    The stone man shrugs. ¡°But the boy will die.¡±


    Bronek''s gaze flickers to the boy and then back to the servant. ¡°I survived. Perhaps the boy will too.¡±


    ¡°And become a creature without a soul, just like you. Unlike you, who gave yours willingly, he will have no memory of who he was before. He will be alone with his biting hunger forever. Look at him again and tell me you can do this terrible thing.¡±


    Hesitating, as if wary to meet the boy''s frightened eyes again, Bronek obeys. Seconds pass. The prince suddenly leans closer, baring his teeth. His grip on the boy tightens possessively. ¡°His soul is so warm.¡± He laughs, though the sound is void of humor. ¡°I want it for myself.¡± His laughter stops and he pulls away, breathing hard.


    ¡°The boy will die or become like you,¡± the stone man repeats. ¡°Would your beloved wish for such a thing to happen on her behalf?¡±


    Growling, Bronek lifts the boy and tosses him away. ¡°Get out of here!¡±


    Leaving the basket and mushrooms where they lay, the boy turns and runs, taking his bright aura with him. Bronek watches until the light is swallowed up by the shadows of the forest. He puts his face in his hands, his shoulders trembling, but no tears are shed.


    ¡°Your grief is deep,¡± the stone man says quietly. ¡°But you might be stronger than you think.¡±


    Bronek shakes his head. ¡°I''m nothing now. The woman I love is dead and I''m a monster. There''s a craving inside me . . . I wanted to rip that boy apart.¡±


    ¡°But you didn''t. And you didn''t take him to Mulogo. Even without a soul, you still have compassion.¡±


    ¡°That means nothing!¡± Bronek roars, leaping to his feet. He whips back his cloak, revealing a dagger strapped to his waist. He grabs the hilt, holding up the blade. With his other hand, he rips through the front of his tunic, exposing his bare chest. ¡°If Lenna can''t come back to me, I will go to her.¡±


    Closing his eyes, he plunges the tip of the dagger into his chest, making no sound as it pierces his heart. Seconds pass. Lifting his eyelids, he looks down at the fatal wound and its river of blood. His mouth falls open. There is blood, yet his heart still moves in its slow, steady rhythm. He''s still alive.


    Retracting the dagger, he watches the wound close and the skin knit back together, leaving behind not even a hint of a scar. Muscles tensing, Bronek puts the blade up to his neck and, with determination to end his suffering, makes one swift slice. Again, he makes no sound. Blood seeps from the wound until, as before, the gash seals itself as if it never happened.


    Lowering the dagger, Bronek turns and retraces his steps to the cave, his expression rigid with unspent fury. The stone servant trails behind, his ivory fingers tapping together.


    Bronek traverses the tunnel and passes through the skull-lined opening, knocking one of the disembodied heads off with his shoulder. His gaze sweeps around the chamber, finding Mulogo at one of the cabinets. The sorcerer turns to look at him, his eyes and lips pulling down in a scowl.


    ¡°You''ve brought nothing. How can I¡ª¡±


    Before he can finish, Bronek is across the room, standing face to face with the old man. ¡°You never intended to help me, did you?¡± he asks, his voice dripping with venom. ¡°It''s all been for nothing.¡±


    The sorcerer smiles. ¡°Not for me. Your soul is most invigorating. It will sustain me for a long time.¡± He glances at Lenna. ¡°I''m afraid she is lost to you forever.¡±


    Growling in fury, Bronek lunges forward, reaching for the sorcerer''s face, but his hands find nothing but a cloud of black mist. The old man is gone.


    Blind rage takes over. Bronek shrieks with madness, racing around the chamber, tearing objects from shelves and tables, breaking glass and scattering books. He doesn''t stop until the entire room is in shambles. Breathing hard, he inspects the destruction with a satisfied smile, until his gaze falls upon a motionless body tangled in a white shroud, lying among flickering candles on the cold floor.


    ¡°Lenna . . .¡±


    Distraught, he collapses beside her, pulling her close. He rocks back and forth, cradling her head against his chest, begging for forgiveness.


    Hours seem to pass. He finally sets her back on the floor. He arranges the shroud back over her body and then kneels over her, his face a mask of sorrow. His hand once again reaches for his dagger and sets the point at his chest. ¡°If I must live for eternity,¡± he says, ¡°I will rid myself of this heartache.¡±


    The dagger plunges again, deeper this time. Ribs crack, but he doesn''t seem to feel it. The wound is wide, the blood runs freely. The blade comes out, clattering to the floor. Before his flesh has a chance to mend itself, he reaches into the cavity and rips out his heart. Three droplets of blood trickle down, landing on the flame of a single candle. He holds his heart out at arm''s length, looking at it curiously, and starts to laugh.

 Chapter 11

    I open my eyes. The ceiling above is oddly shaped, consisting of stalactites that look as if they''ve been skillfully carved and polished.


    My mind is fuzzy, yet whole. Somehow, I''ve avoided becoming a slave to the Noble-lords. Syndel saved me. That, however, doesn''t mean we''re out of danger.


    I try to sit up, but my muscles are weak and ache with the slightest movement. Wincing, I turn my head, seeing Syndel beside me. She is kneeling on the ground, her head resting against the edge of the sofa where I lie. Her eyes are closed and one of her arms is on my chest. Our hands are entwined just as they were before I lost consciousness. I''m not sure I understand what happened, but if Syndel and I are still together, as well as alive, I''m starting to doubt Noble-lords are involved.


    With deliberate slowness, I lift our joined hands and tentatively touch the back of hers to my lips. Heat fills my face and my heartbeat sings, urging me to do it again. I resist.


    Her eyes open and immediately find mine. We stare at each other. I have many things to say and questions to ask, but for the moment I simply wish to see my reflection in her eyes. But we mustn''t stay. There''s no telling what might be waiting for us next. Getting to my feet, I pull her up with me.


    ¡°Let''s leave this place,¡± I say, turning toward the opening where I''d come from. Syndel doesn''t move with me. I look at her again, but her eyes are fixed on our clasped hands. ¡°Syndel?¡±


    She doesn''t look up. Her free hand moves across her cheek, wiping away fresh tears. ¡°I''m sorry,¡± she says, almost too quietly for me to hear. ¡°He told me we had to come here, but I couldn''t tell you.¡±


    This is the second time she has apologized as if all this is her fault. Did she know what would happen? Is this what she was hiding from me this morning? Uncertainty creeps into my heart, making my insides cold. ¡°What''s going on, Syndel?¡± I ask, trying to hide the desperation I feel.


    ¡°The two of you have been chosen,¡± a deep voice says from somewhere in the chamber. ¡°And now you''ve been found worthy.¡±


    I know that voice. It spoke to Syndel while I struggled to reach her. And that''s not all. I heard it many times during my strange vision of the prince. I pull Syndel behind me and stand as a shield, ready to use my enhanced strength and agility as a Soulless to fight. ¡°I know who you are,¡± I growl. ¡°You''re the sorcerer''s servant.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± the voice says. ¡°You witnessed it all, did you? Good. It will save me the trouble of having to tell you myself.¡±


    ¡°What do you want with us?¡± I demand, searching the room for the stone man''s hiding place. I see nothing, but now I can smell him. The scent is like old earth with the slight decay of dead plants. ¡°Is your wretched master on his way?¡±


    ¡°No. I haven''t seen Mulogo in almost a century. You''re here for a very different reason. I wish to help you.¡±


    I shouldn''t trust him. Every instinct tells me to grab Syndel and run. Yet for a reason I can''t explain, I''m compelled to stay. I look at Syndel again and she nods.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I mutter. ¡°Say what you must, but if I don''t like it, I will not hesitate to rip you apart.¡±


    ¡°I have no doubt you''ll try,¡± the stone man concedes, still unseen, ¡°but at least you''ll know what awaits you. Please have a seat.¡±


    Releasing my hand, Syndel is the first to obey. Losing the heat of her touch is almost painful, but I quickly follow suit.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± the stone man says. ¡°First, a question. Why do you think you were allowed to witness the transformation of the first Soulless?¡±Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    I raise an eyebrow. So Bronek really was the first. I shrug. ¡°I have no idea. It''s in the past. Why should it matter now?¡±


    ¡°Don''t be a fool,¡± the stone man retorts. ¡°It may be in the past, but it is connected to the impending fate of us all. Tell me about the end of the vision.¡±


    I have to force myself not to roll my eyes. The stone man should know; he was there, after all. ¡°The prince went mad. He destroyed the sorcerer''s chamber, knocking the body of his beloved to the floor in the process. His grief was too much to bear, so he cut out his own heart.¡±


    ¡°Did he die?¡±


    I shake my head. ¡°We cannot die. He just didn''t want his heart to ache any longer.¡±


    ¡°You and the prince have something in common. You both resisted the urge to take the soul of another. Unfortunately, losing his heart didn''t free him from heartache. Instead, he lost all trace of humanity. His sole desire was to make others suffer as greatly as he does. Using a method similar to that of the sorcerer, he gathered souls, filling his black emptiness with power, but not relief. So it is with all Soulless. Except you. Your compassion, Crescent Moon, is rare indeed. That is why you were chosen.¡±


    I''m startled that he knows the origin of my adopted name. He seems to know a great deal about me. ¡°Chosen for what?¡±


    From the shadows of the room, I feel the approach of something hot and bright. The blood-fire. Gritting my teeth, I watch it float closer and anticipate a wave of pain to come with it. The light, however, doesn''t attack. It merely hovers in the air like a miniature sun. I''m confused.


    ¡°You see it, don''t you?¡± the stone man asks.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I ask, my throat tightening.


    ¡°When the prince removed his heart, three drops of his blood fell upon a candle flame. Do you recall?¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°The flame solidified and the blood crystallized, creating an amber-colored talisman.¡±


    Syndel and I look at each other. ¡°My mother''s pendant,¡± she whispers.


    ¡°Sikari of old kept it safe,¡± the stone man goes on, ¡°passing it down for generations, knowing it was important, but not its true purpose. It has offered Syndel a measure of protection more than once over the years.¡±


    Her eyes widen. ¡°The Soulless attack in the east. It helped me escape?¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± says the stone man. ¡°It waited for the right moment to ensure you and Cress would cross paths. The blood of the first Soulless is ripe with emotion and humanity. It has been waiting for a kindred heart. You, Crescent, have that heart. You have fought long and hard against the life thrust upon you. The talisman will now fight with you in order to save us all.¡±


    The silence that follows deepens with every second. There must be some mistake. I clear my throat. ¡°What, exactly, am I saving us all from?¡±


    ¡°Have you not witnessed the scourge creeping over the land? The death and darkness? He is responsible. He must be stopped.¡±


    ¡°He?¡±


    ¡°The Soul Thief. The more he takes, the faster the world will fall.¡±


    I assume he means Mulogo. The thought is laughable. Me, save the world from that deranged sorcerer? My head moves from side to side. ¡°How can I save anyone when I''m forever damned?¡±


    ¡°Syndel was right. You are too negative,¡± the stone man says, finally moving into view.


    He''s just as I remember. His golden eyes twinkle beneath the glow of the pendant. He reaches up to grasp it and carries it toward me. Pausing a step away, he releases it again, allowing it to hang in the air directly in front of me. It''s light slowly grows until it encompasses my entire body. I''m suddenly awash with fear, unable to move or think. I can''t survive another assault. Pain doesn''t come, nor does the brightness hurt my eyes. I blink as I gaze into the center of the light, seeing the distinct outline of a face. The image becomes clearer. It is a young man, though there are creases in his skin like that of someone old and worn. Deep sorrow shimmers in his gray eyes.


    It''s Bronek, or at least a shadow of him. A remnant of what he once was, left behind by the blood of his heart.


    He opens his mouth. ¡°The cycle must end where it began. Only you can do this.¡±


    His image begins to fade.


    ¡°Wait!¡± I yell. ¡°I don''t know what to do.¡±


    ¡°You will.¡±


    The light suddenly shrinks, collapsing into itself until only an amber stone and its three red gems are left. Without thinking, I reach for the chain and place it over my head. A jolt passes through me. My heart gains momentum, pumping warmth through my veins. A sense of peace envelops me. I feel alive, almost whole. Blinking, I quickly turn to Syndel. Her eyes are wide, her hands clutching at her chest.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± I ask in concern.


    Her mouth opens, but no sound comes out.


    ¡°Perhaps you should see for yourself,¡± the stone man says, offering a framed mirror with a jagged crack down its center.


    I take it from him, my hands shaking. I peer at my reflection. My eyes have no trace of red, and the subtle glow of the talisman at my chest is identical to the aura of a soul.


    After nearly three decades, I once again look like a normal human.

 Chapter 12

    I know it isn''t real. The pendant merely gives me the appearance of normalcy, yet I feel a clear difference inside. Though I can still see Syndel''s aura, the gnawing, ever-present hunger I''ve felt for so long is dimmed. Now, her glow is just something that adds to her beauty. My eyes and skin that were always so sensitive feel stronger, more durable. If a Noble-lord, or even a Sikari, were to look at me, they would have no idea what I truly am.


    This doesn''t tell me what I''m supposed to do, though.


    ¡°In order to defeat Mulogo, you must weaken him,¡± says the stone man as if hearing my thoughts. ¡°That can only be done when the prince gives up his desire to spread his suffering. He and Mulogo are forever connected, yet Bronek doesn''t realize it. The more souls he takes, the more it fuels the sorcerer, making Mulogo all but invincible.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying I must find the first Soulless and simply convince him to stop taking souls?¡± I ask in disbelief. ¡°You obviously have no idea how strong the hunger and hatred are.¡±


    The stone man glares at me. ¡°Then do nothing and leave the world to fall into utter destruction.¡±


    My face flushes. I would never turn away from those who need help, especially if I''m the only one who can provide it. ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± I ask, wishing to change the subject. ¡°Mulogo was your master. How do I know this isn''t some elaborate trap the two of you have concocted?¡±


    ¡°You can''t know for sure,¡± he says. ¡°But are you willing to risk what could be at stake? Mulogo is blinded by the power he has obtained. Souls were never meant to be used this way. It goes against nature and humanity. The world has been struggling against this dark degradation from the beginning, but she is losing the battle. We will all suffer unless you do something.¡±


    When I don''t respond, he continues. ¡°The talisman will lead you to the prince. After you succeed in convincing him, the change will be felt by Mulogo. He will come to you.¡±


    I wonder how he can be so confident that I will succeed. ¡°And what about Syndel?¡± I ask, imagining the danger that lies ahead. I don''t want her anywhere near it. ¡°What is her part in all this?¡±


    The stone man looks at her. ¡°She knows.¡±


    I look at her as well, waiting for the answer, but she says nothing. It must be something so terrible she dares not tell me. Yet, it can''t be any worse than what my mind can conjure.


    ¡°You may stay here to rest for as long as you desire,¡± the stone man says, ¡°but don''t forget you''re being hunted as we speak.¡±


    The Noble-lords. Have they arrived in Nikom and learned of Syndel''s departure? Are they making their way through the forest even now? I look at Syndel again. ¡°We shouldn''t linger.¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± she says, avoiding my eyes.


    We head to the exit, but I pause and turn back to the stone man. ¡°Are you coming with us?¡±


    He shakes his head. ¡°I cannot do too much or Mulogo will be warned before you are ready. However,¡± he scurries toward us, ¡°should you need assistance, you may call upon me once.¡± Reaching up to his face, he extracts one of his golden eyes and offers it to me. ¡°Throw this against something made of stone and say my name. I will come.¡±


    I take the golden eye from him. It is smooth and heavy. It''s probably made of pure gold. ¡°What is your name?¡±


    He''s silent for a moment as if he can''t quite remember. ¡°Garreg. Good luck, Crescent.¡±


    Syndel and I take our leave, saying nothing as we make our way through the tunnel and back out the fissure in the hill. Hetty is waiting for us. She grunts in impatience, nudging Syndel in the chest first. Turning to me, she hesitates, one of her dark eyes fixed on mine.


    ¡°It''s me, Hetty,¡± I say, guessing she has noticed the difference in me as well.


    The mare sniffs at me to make sure and then pushes her nose into my shoulder. I scratch her head, pleased that I''m still acceptable.


    ¡°Which way?¡± Syndel asks, her voice muted with sullenness.


    I flinch, feeling the emotion. I don''t know how to make it better, especially since she won''t tell me. ¡°Syndel, whatever is expected of you during this quest, I will support you no matter what.¡±


    She gives a small smile, though I still see a trace of gloom in her eyes. ¡°You promise?¡±


    I force myself to nod, hoping it''s a promise I can keep in the end. Shifting my attention to the pendant, I wait for it to give a sign as to which direction we should go. It does nothing. I hold it in my hand, rubbing my thumb against the side. The smooth surface feels hot on my skin as if the candle flame is still alive. My thumb moves to the three red gems, touching each one by one.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    An image suddenly flashes in my mind. A large city on an island in the middle of a clear blue lake. The image disappears, leaving me lightheaded. I bend over to wait out the dizziness. Syndel''s hand touches my back.


    ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    ¡°I think so. The pendant showed me something. I think it''s where we''ll find the prince.¡± I describe the city to her.


    ¡°That''s Heldra,¡± she says quietly. ¡°I''ve been there.¡±


    ¡°You have?¡± I asked.


    She nods. ¡°It''s the first place I was taken after being abducted as a child. The headquarters of the Noble-lords.¡±


    My stomach drops. The prince is there? It''s not possible unless he''s become one of the Noble-lords'' slaves. Somehow I doubt he would let himself be captured. So why would he intentionally place himself in a city full of people who would destroy him on sight?


    Going there will be risky for us as well. I might be able to hide what I am, thanks to the pendant, but there''s no guarantee I won''t make a mistake that gives my secret away. With Syndel, she might be recognized. I''m tempted to persuade her to stay behind, but I know she won''t consent. I have another idea that might be more agreeable. ¡°What do you think about changing your appearance?¡±


    Her hands automatically touch her long auburn hair. ¡°I suppose that would be wise,¡± she says.


    At the bottom of the hill, I stoke a small fire with the two striking stones from my pack to blacken some wood into charcoal while Syndel gathers and crushes a handful of fat black beetles. When the sticky concoction is mixed, we both look at it, frowning. The smell is terrible.


    ¡°We should cut it first,¡± Syndel says, reaching for her hair again, weaving it into a long braid.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± I ask, sensing her trepidation about losing part of her identity.


    She nods, shutting her eyes. I retrieve the small knife from the leather case at my belt and stand behind her, gathering her soft tresses. ¡°Ready?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she whispers.


    The blade slices through her hair, which now brushes the top of her shoulders. The braid hangs loosely in my hand. ¡°Do you want to keep it?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    I should let it go or drop it into the lingering embers of the fire, but I can''t. While her back is still turned to me, I hastily stow the braid in my pack and put my knife back inside its sheath. When I return to Syndel''s side she''s already spreading globs of the thick black dye all over her head. It''s a messy job, and soon her hands are coated and smudges dot her face. She notices me watching her.


    ¡°I probably look hideous,¡± she mutters.


    To me, it wouldn''t matter what was done to change her appearance. She''ll always be beautiful. I should say these words to reassure her, but I''m too afraid to take the chance. ¡°It will take some getting used to,¡± I say.


    Her forehead crinkles and I know it wasn''t what she wanted to hear. ¡°I''m going to rinse it out now,¡± she says, moving toward the creek bed.


    I feel like a fool. I had the perfect opportunity to make her feel better and I squandered it all because I''m a coward.


    She comes back soon after, her hands and face clean, her short dark hair dripping. The change is dramatic, but the color suits her fair complexion. ¡°I like it,¡± I say, hoping to make up for my earlier stupidity. She doesn''t seem convinced but smiles anyway.


    ¡°Does it make my aura dimmer?¡±


    I blink at her, searching for a change in her glow. She laughs.


    ¡°I was joking.¡±


    After burying the remnants of the fire, we move away from Garreg''s hill and head south.


    ¡°There''s only one main entrance into Heldra,¡± Syndel says. ¡°A bridge across the lake from the western shore. But there''s another way used by smugglers and bandits. A swamp on the opposite side of the lake. We should be able to find a boat there.¡±


    Both ways have their risks, but I''d rather deal with a few miscreants than be confronted by a troop of Noble-lords. ¡°To the swamp.¡±


    ***


    We camp for the night, the forest and mountains a good distance behind us. The air grows cold, more so than previous nights. And the land itself is darker. Bushes and trees are brown, their limbs drooping. I also notice the remains of several animals, picked clean by scavengers and the heat of the sun. My first real glimpse of the scourge of Mulogo. If it has been creeping over the land for the last century, how have I failed to notice it until now? Being preoccupied with my own struggles has made me blind to those of everyone else.


    Our fire is kept small as to not attract attention, though I''m confident even if the Noble-lords have discovered which way we started out, they won''t catch up anytime soon. Syndel huddles near the flames, wrapping our only blanket around her shoulders. I never expected to need one, but now that I have the amber pendant, I feel the cold biting at my skin. I hide my discomfort until it''s time to sleep. I can''t seem to keep my eyes open, yet the shivers running through my body prevent me from drifting off.


    ¡°Cress,¡± Syndel says sleepily, ¡°you''re going to freeze to death.¡±


    We both know that''s not true, but I like the concern I hear in her voice. ¡°I''ll be fine.¡± My teeth chatter, giving away my lie.


    ¡°We can share the blanket,¡± she says, lifting one of her arms to make an opening for me.


    I don''t move, though my mind swirls with a myriad of thoughts. Some are questions, wondering and analyzing. Most are the long-awaited hopes I''ve kept in my heart. Now that I''m different, in a way, do I deserve for my hopes to come true?


    I get to my feet and move toward her, telling myself over and over this is merely a way for us to stay warm. I sit next to her, keeping a small space between us. She, however, scoots closer and wraps one side of the blanket around me. My shivering stops and I begin to relax, her scent lulling me into a peaceful stupor.


    Syndel is in the distance, calling my name. I run to her, my hands reaching out. Instead of grabbing her the way a predator might seize its prey, I pull her close, our heartbeats synchronizing like the melody and harmony of a song. I feel as if I haven''t seen her in ages. Her hair is once again a golden auburn, long and flowing. I run my fingers through it as she rests her cheek on my chest.


    My true feelings for her can no longer be held back. The words flow from my lips. I''m neither nervous nor ashamed to tell her. She responds, though her voice is muffled and unintelligible. She suddenly pulls away, her face frozen in terror.


    Before I can ask what''s wrong she is wrenched from my arms, engulfed by a cloud of black mist. A voice from somewhere, perhaps everywhere, laughs as I scream her name.


    My eyes fly open. I hold back a strangled cry, my insides writhing. It takes a moment for me to realize she''s not really gone. She''s here in my arms. My sudden awakening hasn''t disturbed her. I look down at her face. Wisps of black hair curl around her cheek. I lower my head just enough to press my lips against her forehead.


    Nothing will take her away from me.

 Chapter 13

    The lands are increasingly barren. There are fewer rodents and birds and no livestock at all. Fields are empty, yellowed by the menacing scourge.


    A small town nestled between two grass-bare hills holds the prospect of a warm bed and something to eat. The timing couldn''t be better since we''re almost out of food.


    We locate the inn, which is actually just a few rooms at the rear of the alehouse often used by local drunkards too inebriated to walk home. We''re fortunate to secure one of the rooms for a few coins.


    The wife of the barkeep, a pleasant woman who reminds me a bit of Widow Swen, allows Syndel to use their bathtub. While she gratefully takes the opportunity to scrub off the visible signs of travel, I meander around the town, pausing at the stable to check on Hetty before stopping at a shop that sells trinkets and mementos; souvenirs for the few travelers who pass through. I glance at a shelf of various animals carved from wood or talcum and then move on to rows of jewelry adorned with painted beads or polished rocks.


    ¡°Looking to buy something for someone special?¡± asks a voice behind me.


    I look over my shoulder at an elderly man with tufts of gray hair and the milky-white eyes of someone who is blind. ¡°Perhaps,¡± I say, glad the man can''t see the sudden red in my face. ¡°Did you make all of these?¡±


    ¡°Every one,¡± he says with a proud grin. ¡°Even blind men can be useful. Might I make some suggestions?¡± He motions for me to follow him. We cross the small space to a glass cabinet. Inside are little pillows, each holding two matching glass-spun hearts used as brooches, rings, necklace pendants, or button pins.


    ¡°With these,¡± the old man says, ¡°you and your sweetheart will be forever linked.¡±


    I''m impressed by the intricacy and detail of the trinkets, yet I''d like to find something that would be meaningful to Syndel, not just a pretty bauble anyone could get. A sudden idea comes to me. ¡°Do you make dolls?¡±


    ¡°Used to. What do you have in mind?¡±


    I think back to Syndel''s description of the doll from her childhood. ¡°Golden hair, blue eyes, green dress.¡±


    The old man taps his chin. ¡°I think I can whip something up. How long will you be in town?¡±


    ¡°Just till morning.¡±


    ¡°Come by before you leave. I''ll have it ready.¡± He holds out one of his gnarled hands. I grasp it, impressed by his firm grip.


    I make my way back to the alehouse. The scent of some kind of soup greets me as I enter; so do a few surly glances from the patrons sipping from their tankards. They must be upset that one of the rooms has been let out to strangers. Ignoring them, I head to the rear of the building and enter our rented room. Syndel stands at a tarnished mirror, her hands mussing with her black hair, trying to put it in some sort of order. She grumbles in frustration.


    ¡°It has a mind of its own now,¡± she says, her hands dropping to her sides in defeat.


    I like how it hangs to her shoulders with a slight curl at the ends, framing her face. In fact, I wouldn''t mind if her hair remained this way permanently.


    ¡°Did you find anything exciting while you were out?¡± she asks.


    ¡°Not really,¡± I say. ¡°Though Hetty was grateful to get a proper brushing. I think supper is ready. Would you like to eat in the main room or shall I bring our meals back here?¡±


    ¡°Back here,¡± she says, sounding relieved.


    Leaving the room, I retrace my steps to rejoin the men and their drinks. The barkeep''s wife is behind the counter dishing up steaming helpings of soup¡ªwhich seem watered down and limited on ingredients¡ªinto good-sized bowls.


    ¡°Two, please,¡± I say.


    She winks at me. ¡°Not surprised the two of you wish to eat away from the riffraff. Lovebirds need time to themselves.¡±


    My face fills with heat. I open my mouth to correct her but decide her assumption is better than any falsehood I could come up with. Besides, I rather liked the sound of it.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I say, picking up the bowls and turning away. A large man stands in my way, knocking the bowls and their contents to the floor. The entire room goes silent. I look up at the man, who stands a full head taller than me. His eyes narrow, his upper lip sneers.


    ¡°You dropped something,¡± he drawls.


    A few whispers race around the room. My gaze moves to the mess on the floor and then back to the man. ¡°We both know that''s not true. I suggest you clean it up.¡±


    He snorts. ¡°Are you going to make me?¡±


    ¡°Only if I have to,¡± I say, my muscles tensing.


    Laughing, the man looks around the room at his comrades. ¡°What do you think, boys? Can he make me?¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Cries of disagreement and ridicule are the response. The man turns to face me again, cracking his knuckles one by one. ¡°And for your insolence, when I''m through pounding you, I''m going to pay a visit to your lady friend.¡±


    Something erupts inside me. Before the man can blink, my fist is lodged in his face, sending him crashing to the ground. I leap on top of him, my teeth bared. ¡°For your insolence, I''ll crush each of your bones until you beg for mercy. Then I''ll rip out your tongue so I won''t have to listen to your useless pleas. And as you die,¡± I say, lowering my voice for only him to hear, ¡°I''ll set loose a monster from the darkest of nightmares to take your pathetic excuse for a soul.¡±


    The man, blood streaming from his broken nose and mashed teeth, sputters words I can''t understand. My rage is jolted when I recognize the terror in his eyes. Using every bit of self-control I have, I get to my feet and walk to the counter to get two new bowls of soup. I continue to the rear room without looking back.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Syndel asks the moment she sees me.


    I shrug, setting her bowl on the bedside table so I can discreetly wipe the man''s blood from my knuckles onto the back of my trousers. ¡°A small disagreement, but I took care of it.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Your mood is . . . on edge.¡±


    ¡°I''m fine now. Are you hungry?¡±


    She takes the bowl from the table, her eyes searching mine. I look away before she can read too much. We eat in silence.


    None of the men from the bar will bother us now, but I''ll be restless until the moment we leave this place.


    ***


    Syndel offers to collect Hetty, giving me a chance to return to the shop for her gift. I enter, calling out, ¡°Hello?¡±


    The old man appears from another doorway, a small package in his hand. ¡°Just finished wrapping it,¡± he says. ¡°I hope your special someone will be pleased.¡±


    I take it from him, hoping the same thing. ¡°How much do I owe you?¡±


    He shakes his head. ¡°No charge. Just promise to take good care of her.¡±


    I''m not sure if he''s referring to the doll or its intended recipient. ¡°I will. Thank you.¡±


    As I walk back outside, I see a group of familiar men standing on the opposite side of the street. They watch me warily but make no move to advance. The large man I assaulted last night is not among them. Syndel soon joins me with Hetty, who looks sleek and well-rested. I hastily stow the package in the saddlebag without Syndel noticing. As I turn to ask her if she''s ready to leave, I see that she''s looking at the group of men. I know she''s reading them.


    After another moment she looks at me, her eyes wide. ¡°Cress,¡± she whispers, ¡°what did you do?¡±


    I don''t like the alarm in her voice.


    ¡°The man you attacked has been telling everyone you''re a Soulless,¡± she continues. ¡°They''ve sent for Noble-lords.¡±


    I swallow hard. My actions could lead our pursuers straight here, and then on our trail to the south. I should have just ignored the brute and walked away. ¡°Then we should leave immediately.¡±


    My response leaves her dissatisfied, as well as pale with uneasiness, but she says no more about it. We leave the town and continue south toward the awaiting swamp.


    When I''m not looking back to see if Noble-lords are on our heels, I''m glancing at the saddlebag, each time wondering if I should give Syndel the doll now or wait for a more special moment. The only problem is I don''t know what makes a moment more special than another. And I''m nervous because it''s more than just a gift. She has allowed me the use of the pendant given to her by her mother, a sentimental bond not easily broken. Will a simple doll make up for it?


    ¡°You''re quieter than usual,¡± Syndel says as we pause briefly for lunch. ¡°Is something else wrong?¡±


    I''m just going to do it. I walk to the saddlebag and retrieve the package. ¡°I got something for you back in town. It''s . . . I hope . . .¡± I clamp my mouth shut to halt the stuttering and simply hand the package to her.


    She looks at me for a moment before carefully tearing through the wrapping. The doll rests in her hands. It''s just as I described to the old man. I hope it fits her memory. She stares down at it, saying nothing. My hands fidget together.


    ¡°I know it''s probably not exact,¡± I say, needing to break the silence. ¡°And it can''t replace the one you once had or the pendant, but¡ª¡±


    She throws her arms around my neck. ¡°Thank you,¡± she says softly, touching her lips to my cheek.


    Bits of light flash in my eyes. I feel strong and feeble at the same time. My arms encircle her, tightening to bring her closer until her feet no longer touch the ground. ¡°You''re welcome.¡±


    I reluctantly set her back down, though my arms remain around her. She looks up at me, her eyes searching. I''m prepared to hide all my emotions from her probing gaze, but I let the walls and barriers I''ve perfected over the years fall away, baring everything to her. Does she see? Does she know how much I love her? A sudden ache in my chest makes it difficult to breathe.


    I love her.


    The weakness I felt moments ago intensifies, overcoming my strength. I can''t breathe at all now. Stumbling backward, I fall to the ground, my sight blurring.


    ¡°Cress?¡± Syndel cries, kneeling at my side.


    I try to reach for her, but my arms are useless. Pain spreads through my body. Panic sets in. What''s happening? A shroud of darkness comes, blocking Syndel from my view, taking me away from her against my will.


    I''m not alone. Someone is with me in the darkness.


    ¡°Do you think she could ever love you, Soulless?¡± a voice says, coming at me from all directions.


    ¡°It''s possible,¡± I say, though I don''t entirely believe my own words.


    The voice laughs; I''ve heard it before. ¡°You''re right. It is possible. Shall I tell you how?¡±


    I know the question is a trick, but I can''t help myself. ¡°Tell me.¡±


    The darkness around me shifts, moving like ripples on the surface of water. ¡°She must become like you.¡±


    Anger boils inside me. ¡°Never. I''d rather have her hate me.¡±


    ¡°We both know that''s not true. Your pathetic existence is nothing without her. You long for her in every way. Don''t fight it. Not when you can be together forever.¡±


    His words have power. They tempt me despite my objections. I struggle to fight against his influence. ¡°I''m different. She sees that.¡±


    ¡°Fool,¡± the voice hisses. ¡°Then I shall have the great pleasure of taking her from you. The pain will be unbearable, and you will witness every moment.¡±


    My anger rekindles, sweeping aside any doubts and enticements. ¡°Not if I fight you.¡±


    Malicious laughter fills the air, pounding in my ears. ¡°We shall see.¡±


    A blinding light replaces the darkness. Syndel''s face hovers above mine, relief washing away her expression of distress. ¡°Cress, can you hear me?¡±


    I manage a nod, though doing so sends pain shooting through my skull. I don''t want to move. ¡°Stay . . . with me,¡± I croak, letting my eyes fall shut again.


    ¡°I will,¡± she says earnestly.


    She carefully cradles my head in her lap, her fingers gently smoothing my hair. She hums a sweet melody. Everything she does is soothing, though I can''t completely banish the nightmarish vision from my mind. I know the source of the malicious voice; it''s a voice I''ve contended with for three decades.


    The monster inside me.


    It grows increasingly restless, but I''m strong, even more so than before. It can haunt me all it wants. I will never give in.

 Chapter 14

    ¡°I think we''re almost there,¡± Syndel says, though her words are unnecessary. I can already smell the putrid stench of stagnant water mingled with constant decay. I don''t know how I''ll endure the swamp once we''re inside it.


    Soon we''re meandering around great puddles of brown water. The damp air sticks to our skin and clothes like the mud clinging to our shoes. I hate everything about this place. Hetty whines the most. Flies the size of acorns buzz around her head, biting when they get the chance.


    The mare rears back as another fly nips at her skin.


    ¡°The only thing I can think of is to slather mud all over you,¡± I say, rubbing the new bite with my thumb. Her head bobs a few times, which I take as consent. Stooping down, I gather handfuls of thick wet goop and spread it over her coat. Syndel helps as well. The mare is soon unrecognizable, but at least the flies leave her be.


    ¡°Cress,¡± Syndel says as she washes the mud from her hands, ¡°I need to ask you something.¡±


    I stiffen. I haven''t given her many details about what happened after I gave her the doll. If she asks about it, I don''t know what I''ll tell her. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°There''s something I need to do once we get to Heldra. Will you let me go on alone while you search for Bronek?¡±


    This catches me off guard. Let her out of my sight in a city full of Noble-lords? If I say no, which is what I want to say, I''d be no better than the slavers she escaped from. ¡°I don''t like the idea,¡± I say honestly, ¡°but I will not stand in your way.¡±


    She gives me a strange look, as if my answer is not what she expected. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    We move deeper inside the swamp. The spaces of dry land become narrower, forcing us to walk single file. I lead, with Syndel behind me giving directions and Hetty at the rear. My senses are bombarded with strangeness. I breathe through my mouth to avoid most of the stench, which means I cannot use my nose to detect anything that might be lurking nearby. The echoing croaks and screeches from the nearby animals impede my ears. The dim landscape blends with itself, making it hard to maintain an accurate course. Yet, I see shadows that seem to creep in the distance.


    ¡°Do you sense anyone?¡± I ask Syndel in a whisper.


    ¡°No, but the animals are wary. And it''s not because of you.¡±


    I want to turn back. Not being able to use my senses to find danger is in every way the perfect trap. But a trap set by whom? I open my mouth to convey my worries when I see a figure appear on the path just ahead. It has no aura.


    ¡°Syndel,¡± I hiss, ¡°get on Hetty and go back the way we came.¡±


    She peers over my shoulder, letting out a gasp. ¡°Cress . . .¡±


    ¡°GO!¡± I shout, turning back to the lone Soulless, ready to rip it apart.


    Only now it''s not alone. Two more have joined it. I whirl around. Four others are positioned on the path behind us. Syndel cannot escape. I grab her arm and pull her close. ¡°Whatever happens,¡± I say, looking into her eyes, ¡°don''t let go of me.¡±


    I swing her onto my back. ¡°Hetty,¡± I say without looking at her, ¡°follow if you can.¡±


    I run, leaping over bogs and bushes, slamming into Soulless who are taken by surprise by our sudden flight. Syndel clings to me, her fingernails digging into my tunic. I hear growls of anger and thudding footsteps of pursuit behind us. They are driven by mad hunger, drawn to the power of Syndel''s aura. I know it well. It drives me as well, but not in the same way.


    The path takes a sudden drop. I whip Syndel around and slide on my backside, coming to a stop at the edge of a deep pool. The stench of decay rolls over me. Staggering, I set Syndel on her feet and then double over to retch on the bank.


    ¡°Cress, they''re coming!¡± Syndel says, grabbing my hand. She pulls me away from the hill where the Soulless are amassing. They charge down the slope, their red eyes blazing. I gag on the putrid air, unable to find my footing. I stumble in the mud, sinking to my hands and knees. Syndel pleads for me to keep moving, pulling on my arm in vain. The Soulless will be upon us at any moment, and I won''t be able to stop them. My hands clasp hers, bringing her down to the mud with me. Our eyes lock. There''s so much I need to tell her.


    The world explodes in a flash of white light.


    I''m sprawled on the ground, a strange buzzing in my ears. Spots of light twinkle before my eyes like stars in the night sky. There''s movement around me, the squelch of footsteps in the mud. And voices.


    ¡°They''re all unconscious, sir. The wagon will be full this time.¡±


    ¡°Good. Bring the girl to my horse.¡±


    A figure stands over me, nudging me with his boot. ¡°This one''s alive.¡±


    ¡°A Soulless?¡±


    ¡°No, though his aura is faint.¡±


    ¡°Leave him.¡±


    The figure moves away. I try to get up, but my body refuses to obey. Who are these men? What happened to all the Soulless? Where''s Syndel? One of the men said something about a girl. They''ve taken her. My insides scream with rage, desperate to move, but nothing happens. Whatever they did to knock out the Soulless is working against me as well, though I''m not unconscious. The pendant must have prevented the worst. I switch my focus to the warmth of the jeweled amber resting on my chest, pleading for it to free me.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    I feel something, though it moves slowly, working through each muscle one at a time. Impatience gnaws at me, urging the process to make haste. It pays no heed. Night falls by the time I''m able to clench my hand into a fist and lift my head off the mud. I push myself up and look at my dark surroundings.


    Something lurks nearby¡ªa large shadow watching from behind a clump of rocks. ¡°Hetty?¡± I call out.


    The mare whinnies in response, trotting over until her nose bumps against my shoulder. Her warm breath blows my hair back. ¡°They took her, Hetty,¡± I whisper. ¡°She''s gone.¡±


    The men, most likely Noble-lords, must have taken her to Heldra. I squeeze my eyes shut, wondering if they were the same men who have been pursuing us. Do they know who she is or has her disguise fooled them? I can only hope. I get to my feet, patting the mare''s neck. ¡°Even if I find a way into the city, I don''t think I can do this on my own.¡±


    I reach into my pocket, glad to find the golden orb nestled at the bottom. I roll it around in my hand a few times before turning to the pile of rocks where Hetty had been hiding. I throw the orb against them with a loud crack. ¡°Garreg,¡± I say loudly, ¡°I need your help.¡±


    The rocks begin to shift and undulate, melding together to form a small body. His golden eyes, now restored, blink at me. ¡°Sooner than I expected,¡± Garreg says, brushing extra bits of dust from his vest and breeches. ¡°Have you lost her already?¡±


    I glare at him, in no mood for such levity. ¡°We were ambushed by Soulless. Then Noble-lords came. They did something to immobilize the Soulless. They took the creatures and Syndel to Heldra. I don''t know the way.¡±


    Garreg folds his arms across his chest. ¡°I can show you. Once you get there, what then?¡±


    I''ve considered reducing the entire city to rubble until I find her, but that will most likely lead to my capture and mindless enslavement. ¡°I''ll make my way through the Noble-lords'' stronghold, pretending to be one of them.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Garreg says. ¡°Forgive me, Crescent Moon the Soulless, but you don''t look like a man from a wealthy family. And even if you did, I doubt you could act the part.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a better idea?¡± I growl.


    Garreg smiles. ¡°As a matter of fact, I do.¡±


    His body quivers, expanding to my size. His stone flesh changes colors and textures, resembling real skin. A fine set of garments wraps around his new body. Thick dark hair sprouts from his head and his golden eyes darken to a hazel-green, settling themselves beneath thick brows. ¡°I shall be the Noble-lord and you can be my servant.¡±


    The little wretch is toying with me. ¡°How will that help me get Syndel? Servants can''t just roam wherever they please.¡±


    ¡°Ah, but you''re wrong. Those in the upper classes, such as Noble-lords, take no notice of servants. It''s beneath them to even acknowledge someone who is so far below their status. That will give you an opportunity to move about and eavesdrop. If you''re found in a place where you don''t belong, I will make up some excuse. What do you say?¡±


    I still think he''s playing a game where he gets to make up all the rules, but I see no other way. ¡°If this doesn''t work, I''ll fulfill the promise I made when we met and break you into tiny pieces.¡±


    ¡°If it doesn''t work, I just might let you. Now let''s get going. You''ll need some cleaning up before we make our presence known.¡±


    He turns to his left and starts walking through the murky swamp, humming a merry tune as if this is the grandest day of his life. Glaring after him, I call to Hetty and we trail behind.


    ***


    A small boat, hidden among the lakeside reeds, takes us across the blue water, with Hetty swimming beside us. I paddle to the wall surrounding the city, finding a patch of ground large enough for us to disembark. I look up and down the length of the wall where we stand, but see no way inside. As I open my mouth to ask where the secret entrance might be, I stop as Garreg approaches a section of the barricade. He places both palms against the stone and, moving his hands slowly apart, creates an opening. Giving me a wink, he enters. Too stunned to question the strange event, I follow, leading Hetty behind me.


    The city is unlike anything I''ve ever seen. Morning light sparkles on the pristine white stones of each building. The streets are clean, free from beggars and malnourished children. The people moving to and fro, either on horseback or in carriages, are dressed in fine garments and have an air of superiority about them that dims their auras. It''s as if the scourge has left Heldra untouched. Despite the beauty of the city itself, however, it is an ugly place; more so than all the dead lands around it.


    The pendant is warm as it pulsates against my chest, telling me Bronek is indeed here somewhere. He''ll have to wait, though. Syndel comes first.


    After taking Hetty to a stable to be cleaned and fed, Garreg speaks to the keeper of the finest inn in Heldra and somehow secures the main suite on the top floor. I watch as he hands over a stack of ten gold coins. I''ve been instructed to remain at a distance behind him, as any servant would do. It''s all I can do to suppress my indignation. I can''t help but think we''re wasting time. Garreg joins me again, nodding toward the grand staircase at the other end of the lobby.


    ¡°Shall we?¡±


    I wait until we''re in our lavish room before asking the obvious question. ¡°Where did you get the money to pay for this?¡±


    The stone man grins, his round teeth now looking perfectly human. ¡°Watch.¡± He takes a rounded pebble out of his pocket and clasps it in his fist. When he lifts his fingers I see a single gold coin.


    Another trick, like what he did back at the wall. I hate to admit I''m impressed. ¡°You''re going to need a lot more than that to gain an audience with the Noble-lords.¡±


    ¡°I''ll take care of that while you take a bath.¡± He wrinkles his nose at me and my filthy attire. ¡°And I''ll see to some new clothes.¡±


    He leaves the suite, once again humming a tune. His jovial mood does not match the seriousness of the situation. I choose to assume he''s just excited to be doing something to thwart his deranged former master. Either that or Garreg is just as deranged.


    Grumbling to myself, I wander through the numerous rooms until I find the washroom. There are two large, square tubs, both already filled with steaming water. I can''t quite decide why there would be two of them. I disrobe, setting my mud-stained clothes in a neat pile on the floor and then climb into the nearest tub, sloshing a bit of water over the rim. As I sit there, soaking in the heat, I understand the need for the second tub. All the dried mud from my skin and hair is now mixed with the water, making it a useless mess. I hop out of the first tub and sink into the other, reaching for the nearby bottles of scented soap. The suds multiply and float on the surface, nearly covering my entire head. I might enjoy something like this if circumstances were different, but now I just want Garreg to return so we can find Syndel.


    After drying myself with a soft towel, I wrap it around my waist and exit the washroom. I can only assume that, for the price we''ve paid, someone will come by to clean up later.


    The stone man returns with a stack of boxes, each tied with silk ribbons. I try not to roll my eyes at such pretentiousness. ¡°I hope they fit,¡± Garreg says, setting them on one of the tables in the sitting room. ¡°They cost a fortune.¡±


    He winks at me, but I ignore him as I untie the ribbons and cast them aside. Inside the boxes are well-stitched garments. Not as flamboyant as Garreg''s or the people''s I''ve seen outside, but enough to prove I''m in the company of high class. ¡°Isn''t this kind of pointless?¡± I ask as I don the finery¡ªan undershirt, long-sleeved tunic, vest, breeches, stockings, and knee-high boots. ¡°You said no one will look at me.¡±


    ¡°Not you, no, but they can''t help but notice your clothing. All eyes secretly gauge a man''s wealth by the way he presents those in his service. It''s all very illogical and pompous.¡±


    I agree with that. The clothes fit well, though the vest is stiff. Garreg looks me up and down, nodding with approval.


    ¡°Perhaps you could pass as a Noble-lord,¡± he says. ¡°Too late now. Shall we make our grand entrance at the stronghold and find your precious maiden?¡±

 Chapter 15

    The stronghold is by far the largest building in Heldra, and perhaps the largest I''ve ever seen. It spans at least five acres, forming a half-circle with a thick triangular tower at its center. Unlike the rest of the stark white structures in the city, the stronghold is made entirely of ebony stone blocks. Rows of guards line the sides of the building, standing at constant attention. None of them are armed with a weapon.


    Garreg and I stride past them to the main entrance. I half expect them to stop us and ask questions, but they don''t move. Even their eyes remain fixed straight ahead. Something else about them causes me to slow my pace and take a closer look.


    They don''t have auras.


    They are Soulless. The Noble-lords use their mindless slaves to guard their headquarters. No wonder they don''t have weapons. How many are from the same group that attacked us in the swamp? Shuddering, I catch up with Garreg, staying a step behind him. He glances at me over his shoulder.


    ¡°Not your fate, Crescent,¡± he whispers.


    I give a nod, forcing myself not to look back at the Soulless puppets as we enter the building.


    The spacious foyer with its sleek marble floor leads to a raised platform where three elderly men in gray robes sit in high-backed chairs. I frown at them. All three are identical.


    ¡°The triplets,¡± Garreg murmurs, holding out an arm to stop me. ¡°The first of our obstacles.¡±


    ¡°What do they do?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Inspect the paperwork.¡±


    This doesn''t seem like a major problem, unless, of course, Garreg has no paperwork. As if reading my thoughts, the stone man reaches into his elaborate robe and pulls out three rectangular stones.


    ¡°Let''s not keep them waiting,¡± he says striding forward again, his head raised importantly.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± he calls out, his low voice booming. All three men look at him.


    ¡°Papers?¡± the one in the middle croaks, his jowls quivering.


    From where I stand I can see that the stones in Garreg''s hand have been replaced by three long sheets of parchment. I cannot make out the words written on them, but I assume they identify Garreg as some noble, offering proof of his wealth and status. He hands them to the old man in the middle, who sets a pair of thick spectacles on his droopy nose. We wait as the false documents are inspected. The old man suddenly jerks, peering closely at something on the page and then looking up at Garreg, his eyes wide. He leans to the brother on his left, whispering something. He does the same with the brother on his right. All three, in unison, get shakily to their feet.


    ¡°It is an honor, Your Excellence, to finally welcome you here,¡± says the middle brother. Each bows his head. Garreg seems unaffected by their reaction. I, however, stare at them in confusion.


    ¡°I wish to see the High-Lord as soon as arrangements can be made,¡± Garreg says, taking back his papers.


    ¡°Of course,¡± says the left brother. ¡°Someone shall take you to your quarters while you wait.¡± He motions for a young man, who stands at attention nearby, to come over. ¡°Please take this gentleman to room four hundred twenty-two.¡±


    Nodding, the young man turns and leads the way around the platform, heading toward the wide corridor beyond it. Garreg and I follow.


    ¡°What just happened?¡± I ask quietly.


    ¡°According to my papers, I am Frand Sosuman, Mid-Lord of Wellind in the southeast. If I remember correctly, I look like him as well. Only the High-Lord himself is above the Mid-Lords, so we should be able to gain an audience without much trouble and get any information we need.¡±


    Impersonating a real Mid-Lord is either a stroke of genius or even more dangerous than if I were to remove my pendant and let the Noble-lords see what I truly am.


    We move into the tower portion of the building. Distinguished looking men and a few women pass by, bowing their heads to Garreg and ignoring me, just as they should. A spiral staircase takes us upward.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Once we reach the fourth floor, the young man moves to a hallway and stops at the second door on the right. With a key he extracts from the folds of his robe, he unlocks the door and pushes it open.


    ¡°If you need anything,¡± he says, ¡°send your man to the first basement where he can relay messages to our staff. I don''t expect your wait to see His Eminence will be long.¡±


    Garreg nods, shutting the door. Turning to me, he says, ¡°I have your first assignment. If Syndel''s identity has been discovered, she will be in the dungeons found on the lowest basement level. Do not ask for her by name. Make up some excuse, like you''ve been sent to see if a runaway servant of mine has been apprehended.¡±


    His plan seems thrown together, with more potential problems than I care for. I''d be more comfortable with interrogating someone for answers. ¡°And what will you be doing?¡±


    ¡°I''ll start making subtle inquiries. Once I meet with the High-Lord, I can discover more.¡±


    ¡°You mean you''ll just ask him for Syndel outright?¡±


    He shrugs. ¡°Why not? It''s not uncommon for a Mid-Lord to makes lavish requests.¡±


    I like his plan less and less. ¡°What do you know about the High-Lord?¡±


    Garreg grimaces. ¡°Only that he has dedicated his life to the eradication of Soulless. So take care while you''re out there.¡±


    Before I can think about it too much, I leave the chamber and make my way back down the spiral staircase, keeping my gaze fixed straight ahead as I pass more robed figures. More than once I reach up to my chest to feel for the slight lump beneath my tunic and vest, making sure the pendant that masks my identity is still there. It throbs with a persistent heat; it''s been doing that since I entered the city, reminding me to find Bronek. For now, I ignore it.


    The basement levels are cold and smell of mildew. The stairs come to an end at a long corridor leading to a thick metal door with a barred window. I try the handle, finding it locked. Peering through the bars, I see a large man seated in a chair, leaning back as he reads from a scroll.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± I say, swallowing the sudden lump of nerves in my throat.


    The man looks up at me and then back at his scroll. ¡°State your business.¡±


    My mind goes blank, forgetting the story I''m supposed to use. ¡°I''ve come to . . . inspect . . . for rats.¡± The words are out. I have a faint hope that he didn''t hear me and I might get a chance to say something intelligent. The man''s eyes narrow. I''m certain he''s about to call for assistance and have me apprehended. I''d have no choice but to fight back, revealing my true nature. And since I can''t possibly defeat everyone in the stronghold, it would only be a matter of time before the Noble-lords got to me. Syndel would be lost forever. My muscles tense as I wait for my fate.


    ¡°''Bout time,¡± the man says, spitting a glob of tobacco against the wall across from him. ¡°Prisoners keep complaining and I''m tired of hearing about it.¡± He hefts his ample body from the chair and waddles to the door to unlock it. The metal door squeals as it swings inward. Hardly believing my luck, I step through the threshold.


    ¡°Where should I start?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Don''t know, don''t care,¡± the man says, returning to his chair and the scroll.


    I take a quick assessment. The majority of moans and groans are coming from the left, probably from those that have been here the longest. Which means Syndel would be elsewhere. I move to the right, following a torch-lit tunnel that takes me to the first set of cells.


    Auras are almost non-existent. The absence of hope depletes a soul''s brightness. As I pass one cell after another, I don''t see Syndel''s familiar glow. I know she isn''t down here. Perhaps I''ve thought about this all wrong. A Sikari would be a major prisoner, unlikely to be kept in the general area of thieves and ruffians. So where would they keep her? I look up at the ceiling. Probably somewhere in the tower.


    I return to the entrance where the large man is still looking at the scroll. I wonder if he has it just to give the appearance that he''s doing something important. ¡°There''s a nest of rats in the southeast corner,¡± I say, adding to the story. ¡°And holes throughout the walls. Are there any other prison holds outside the dungeon, like in the tower?¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± the man says without looking up. ¡°When can we expect the vermin to be exterminated?¡±


    My shoulders slump. So much for my theory. ¡°Next week,¡± I say. ¡°Could you let me out now?¡±


    Grumbling, the man struggles to his feet and unlocks the door again. I walk out and head to the stairs, planning my next move. It''s time to see how invisible I really am to the high-class snobs in the stronghold.


    On the ground floor, I wander from one area to another, finding chambers for training and teaching, meeting rooms with several round tables, and the dining hall. The latter is congested with people, snobs and servants both. I commandeer a tray of strange-smelling pastries and move around the enormous dining table, catching bits of conversations, most of which are not worth the air it took to utter them.


    ¡°The bathwater was too cold.¡±


    ¡°I''ve enjoyed a rare Gurnel egg for breakfast. Just don''t tell my Mid-Lord. He likes them for himself.¡±


    ¡°So I had him beaten as an example to the rest of them.¡±


    ¡°I have two Soulless slaves now, though I rarely use them. Most of the time I keep them chained together where the sun can reach them. It amuses me to hear their whimpers.¡±


    ¡°Do you think His Eminence will finally make a choice? He''s sent so many away already. I''m beginning to wonder if there''s anyone out there who can make him happy. I guess we''ll find out later today.¡±


    Frustrated, I return the tray to the serving area and leave the hall.


    No one pays me any attention as I move through the tower, relying on my senses to search. I carefully assess the souls I encounter, though most are in rooms, making it more difficult to distinguish if she''s among them. As I reach the sixth floor, I suddenly halt as a strange sensation tickles the back of my head.


    Cress, is that you?

 Chapter 16

    The sweet, familiar voice passes through my mind with a jolt that travels through my entire body, swirling around my heart. I had forgotten she can communicate this way; it''s the first time she''s done so with me. Are you all right? I ask in a rush. Did they recognize you? Are you hurt?


    I''m not hurt, she says. And they don''t know who I am. After a moment''s pause, she adds, I knew you''d come.


    I swallow hard, touched by the certainty I hear in her voice. Where are you being held?


    I''m not sure. I was blindfolded when they brought me here. But from the window, I can tell we''re high in the tower.


    I start moving again. How many others are with you?


    Twelve. And they told me why we''re here.


    Why?


    The High-Lord is looking for a wife. He''ll choose from one of us.


    I frown, remembering the conversation I heard in the dining hall. Is this what they were talking about? My hands tighten into fists. I should be relieved that her secret is still intact, though the idea of the High-Lord choosing her sickens me. I know I don''t deserve her, but I can''t allow some decrepit old man to have her either. And that''s not the only thing to worry about. What if the High-Lord knows exactly who she is? Garreg is here with me, I say. We''re going to get you out.


    Wait, Cress. What if this can help us?


    I frown as I pass a group of Noble-lords on the sixth floor. Not one of them looks in my direction. What do you mean?


    What if the High-Lord knows something about the prince?


    The thought hadn''t even occurred to me. It''s likely he knows everything that goes on in the city. Can I let Syndel put herself at risk?


    ''ve never met the High-Lord before, she says as if guessing my concern. He won''t know who I am.


    Are you sure? I ask, liking this plan even less than any of Garreg''s.


    Yes. We''re supposed to be presented to him in his chambers at sundown. I can make sure he chooses me.


    She plans to use her ability of persuasion. The image it brings makes my blood boil. I force myself to remain calm for her sake. Be careful.


    I will.


    Feeling wretched, I turn on my heel and walk back down to the fourth floor.


    ¡°You''re back sooner than I anticipated,¡± Garreg says when I enter the room. ¡°Did you find her?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I say, telling him everything I''ve discovered, including Syndel''s plan.


    ¡°She''s a brave young lady,¡± Garreg says. ¡°I''m sure she''ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°I plan to make sure of that,¡± I say. ¡°I''m going to be there when it all happens.¡±Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Garreg taps his chin thoughtfully. ¡°A hasty move, but I think it could work. I''ve been waiting to hear when our appointment with the High-Lord will be. I''m beginning to think it won''t happen until after he inspects his choices for a wife. Perhaps we''ll arrive unannounced as the sun sets. It might make him angry, but I doubt he''ll have us arrested.¡±


    ¡°And if you can ask him about Bronek yourself, Syndel won''t have to.¡±


    Garreg nods.


    For the first time since coming here, I agree wholeheartedly with the plan.


    ***


    The sun is low in the sky, telling us it''s time to make our move. Garreg holds his head high, stopping the first servant we see as we leave our room.


    ¡°Where can I find the High-Lord''s chambers?¡±


    The young man blinks at him as if this is the first question anyone has ever asked him. ¡°Tenth floor, Your Excellence.¡±


    Garreg nods curtly, brushing past him the way a disdainful superior would. I have to admit he plays the part well.


    We climb the staircase.


    Our way is unchallenged until we reach the tenth floor. I suddenly halt as the burning of the pendant doubles. Something is wrong. Rubbing at the spot on my chest, I find out the reason. Only one hallway meets us, and it''s lined on both sides with Soulless guards standing rigidly at attention.


    ¡°Now what?¡± I whisper to Garreg.


    The stone man squares his shoulders and moves forward, keeping his eyes fixed straight ahead. I follow, resisting the urge to look to my left or right to see if the Soulless are even aware of our presence. The door at the end of the hall is blocked by more mindless guards. Garreg clears his throat.


    ¡°I am Frand Sosuman, Mid-Lord of Wellind. I wish to speak with the High-Lord.¡±


    None of the guards move; they don''t even blink. Then, from within the room beyond the thick door, comes a slightly muffled voice. ¡°Let him enter.¡±


    As one, the guards step aside, making the door accessible. Garreg reaches for the knob and turns it. We enter the spacious room, looking around for our host.


    ¡°Forgive the intrusion, Your Eminence,¡± Garreg says, moving forward, ¡°but I cannot stay long in Heldra and I wished to speak with you before departing.¡±


    ¡°Your apology is not necessary,¡± comes the voice, though the speaker is still not in view. ¡°I knew of your arrival and should have sent for you sooner. Please sit. Both of you.¡±


    I''m surprised that he''s acknowledged me. Perhaps he is more tolerant than the rest of them. We take a seat among a semi-circle of cushioned chairs, still waiting for the High-Lord to reveal himself. I suddenly see movement behind a sheer veil hanging from the wall to the right.


    ¡°Now,¡± comes the voice, from the same direction as the veil, ¡°let''s begin with you telling me who you are.¡±


    Garreg cocks his head to one side. ¡°I thought you knew. I''m Frand So¡ª¡±


    ¡°No,¡± the High-Lord interrupts, ¡°who you really are.¡±


    I stiffen. He knows we''re imposters. Garreg, however, doesn''t flinch at all. ¡°What do you mean, Your Eminence?¡±


    ¡°You look like Frand. A clever trick of some sort. Yet, as a boy, Frand was in a riding accident which twisted his left leg, giving him a permanent limp. So unless his leg has miraculously healed, you are not Frand. Which begs the question: why shouldn''t I call my guards and have you escorted to the dungeon?¡±


    ¡°You''re right, Your Eminence,¡± Garreg says, still remaining calm. ¡°I am not Frand. But the ruse was necessary. We''re looking for someone who is rumored to be here in the city and we hoped you might be able to help us.¡±


    Silence fills the room for several seconds. ¡°I''m listening.¡±


    ¡°He''s a Soulless. A very dangerous one.¡±


    A laugh. ¡°A dangerous Soulless? In Heldra? You must be mistaken. As you''ve seen, every Soulless here is a slave, unable to do anything unless I tell them to. It is not possible for an unfettered Soulless to be in my city.¡±


    Garreg persists. ¡°The Soulless I speak of is much different than any other. He is clever enough to hide right under your nose.¡±


    ¡°Impossible,¡± the voice retorts in anger. ¡°I suggest you leave now or I''ll use my better judgment and have you arrested.¡±


    I rise to my feet, determined to get Syndel now and leave this place for good, but I freeze in place. The pendant suddenly goes cold against my skin.


    ¡°Wait,¡± the High-Lord says. ¡°You. Have we met before?¡±


    I know he''s speaking to me. My throat constricts. ¡°I don''t believe so, Your Eminence.¡±


    More movement from behind the veil, as if he''s pacing. ¡°There''s something familiar about you, something I''ve known from the past. Almost like. . .¡± The pacing stops and the veil is suddenly thrown back. A young man, not old as I envisioned, stands there, his narrowed eyes fixed on me. My mouth falls open as I stare back at the High-Lord of Heldra, leader of the Noble-lords who have hunted Soulless for hundreds of years.


    It''s Bronek.

 Chapter 17

    ¡°I don''t know who you are,¡± Bronek says, ¡°but I think you have something of mine.¡±


    My hand automatically moves to my chest, feeling for the now-cold pendant. ¡°It is no longer yours,¡± I say. ¡°You threw it away, along with your heart.¡±


    His eyes widen briefly before returning to their glare. ¡°How do you know about that?¡±


    ¡°I know everything,¡± I say. ¡°I saw it all. You showed me. Or at least your memory did.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± he says guardedly. ¡°And you came to Heldra looking for me? Why? Did Mulogo send you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Garreg says, moving next to me. ¡°I did.¡± His body quivers as it reverts back to its original form. Bronek blinks at him and then laughs.


    ¡°Marvelous!¡± he crows, looking pleased. ¡°A friendly reunion with the wretched sorcerer''s stone lackey. I have wondered about you over the years. Why have you come, if not on your master''s behalf?¡±


    I''m not prepared for this. I have no idea what to say to convince this monster to give up the hatred he''s held for hundreds of years. ¡°Do the Noble-lords know they serve a Soulless?¡±


    He smiles. ¡°Of course not. I''ve gained this seat of power with lies and manipulation, a specialty of my kind. My long existence has allowed me to seek out ways to hide what I am when necessary. That, however, shall remain my own special secret.¡±


    ¡°But why?¡± I demand, angered by his deceit. ¡°Why take part in hunting others like you?¡±


    His glare returns. ¡°They are nothing like me. They are animals, unable to control themselves, creating more Soulless without thought. I take what they do not deserve.¡±


    I frown, realizing he doesn''t just take their minds when they''re enslaved. ¡°You take the souls they''ve stolen?¡±


    ¡°Why not? They should belong to me anyway. I am the first Soulless, after all.¡±


    This is how he continues to feed strength to Mulogo. Bronek takes the souls from his slaves, which then follow the link he has with the sorcerer. Bronek has no idea he is empowering the madman who created him.


    ¡°You still haven''t told me why you''ve come,¡± Bronek says. ¡°I suggest you hurry. I have special guests who will be arriving any moment and I''d like to dispose of you before they come.¡±


    Syndel and the other girls are not potential wives but victims. Bronek may not need to take souls, but I''m certain he does it anyway out of sheer pleasure. Not tonight. I take a step toward the prince. ¡°I''m here to stop you.¡±


    Bronek seems amused by my declaration. ¡°You? A pathetic human with nothing but a stone puppet to help you?¡±


    ¡°I''m not a puppet,¡± Garreg declares.


    I reach beneath my tunic and grasp the pendant, pulling the chain over my head. The amber is still cold, and without it around my neck, the world around me seems darker. ¡°And I''m not a human.¡±


    Bronek looks from one of us to the other, the veins at his temples twitching. ¡°You''re a Soulless.¡± He cocks his head to one side. ¡°And you''ve not taken a soul. Too cowardly?¡±


    ¡°The cowards are the ones who give in. The ones who let tragedy warp their humanity.¡±


    The red around Bronek''s eyes flash. ¡°What do you know about tragedy?¡± he hisses. ¡°I lost everything. No, it was taken from me. Why shouldn''t others suffer as I have?¡±


    I shake my head, knowing this isn''t going well at all. ¡°You have to stop or he will win.¡±


    Bronek blinks at me, saying nothing else. I can tell he knows of whom I speak. The one who took his tragedy and twisted it into something nearly impossible to escape.


    The door of the chamber suddenly opens and four human guards escort a dozen young ladies, all dressed in fine silks and jewels, inside. I immediately seek out Syndel. Our eyes meet.


    The High-Lord is Bronek! I say with my mind, hoping she can hear me. He''s going to kill one of you!


    She doesn''t respond. The guards, taking no notice of me or Garreg, bow to the High-Lord and leave the room.


    ¡°Ah, ladies,¡± Bronek says, his demeanor changing completely as he walks toward them. ¡°I welcome you here with all my heart. One of you may become my long-awaited bride, but first¡ª¡±


    He stops in front of Syndel, his eyes widening. She won''t need to persuade him. Her aura will do that for her. I open my mouth to warn her out loud, but her voice stops me.


    Let it be.


    Confused, I look from her to Bronek, seeing something I never expected. There is hunger in his eyes, but not the hunger of a Soulless about to devour a bright soul. It''s deeper; more personal. I imagine it''s the same way I look at her.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°The rest of you may leave,¡± he says, not taking his eyes from Syndel''s face. The other girls seem disappointed as they move back to the door. If only they knew they''ve just escaped a monster. Bronek moves closer to Syndel, stopping inches from her.


    ¡°I know you,¡± he says, his voice hushed. He lifts a hand and gently strokes her hair. ¡°Your hair is different, but I would know you anywhere.¡± Leaning even closer, touching his forehead to hers, he whispers, ¡°I thought I''d lost you, Lenna.¡±


    His hand, still entangled in her hair, pulls her forward until their lips meet.


    My insides explode in fiery madness. I move to break them apart, but Garreg holds me back. ¡°Wait,¡± he hisses.


    I glare at him, fuming. Did he know this would happen? Is this the secret part Syndel was to play? Tricking Bronek into thinking she''s his long-dead love? Then I recognize how perfect it is. She may be the only person who can convince him to stop taking souls. That doesn''t make me hate it any less.


    The two of them pull apart, both smiling. ¡°How is this possible?¡± he asks, cupping her face in his hands. ¡°How is it you''re here?¡±


    ¡°Your love brought me back,¡± Syndel says, her voice soothing and tender. It''s the way I''ve longed to hear her speak to me. ¡°But I cannot stay.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asks.


    She steps back, out of his reach, casting her eyes downward. ¡°I know what you''ve done, Bronek. What you''ve become.¡±


    Horror fills the prince''s eyes as if he''s just realized it all for himself. ¡°I . . . I can explain. It wasn''t my fault.¡±


    ¡°You intended to save me,¡± she goes on, ¡°but when that failed, you discarded the very thing that kept me close to you.¡±


    He lifts a hand to his chest¡ªto the emptiness where his heart once beat. ¡°The pain was too great,¡± he mutters. ¡°But removing it only made things worse.¡±


    ¡°That''s why you must stop,¡± Syndel says. ¡°It''s the only way we can be together in the end.¡±


    His eyes widen. ¡°You mean I''m not damned for eternity? Even after all I''ve done?¡±


    ¡°We both know who is responsible,¡± Syndel says. ¡°He can be defeated, but only if you''re brave enough to fight against what you are.¡±


    He begins to pace, murmuring words that make little sense. When he stops, he looks at me, his eyes narrowing. ¡°This is a trick, isn''t it? I know Lenna is lost to me forever.¡± His gaze shifts to Syndel. ¡°You are not my Lenna.¡±


    Syndel flinches, but her face remains calm. ¡°I am not Lenna, but the things I have said are true. You can be with her again.¡±


    ¡°LIES!¡± Bronek bellows, his hands tightening into fists. ¡°I am a monster who cannot die. Lenna is beyond my reach. Why are you really here?¡±


    ¡°We need your help,¡± I say, drawing his attention back to me. ¡°Mulogo''s power grows every time you take a soul. He''s been using you all this time, just like he did when he took your soul in the first place. The stronger he gets, the closer we are to destruction. Haven''t you seen what''s been happening outside the city? The lands are dying. In order to defeat him, we must weaken him first. But that part is up to you.¡±


    He turns his back to us, pacing, muttering. After several long seconds, he stops and faces me. His eyes, still narrowed, search mine, seeking truth in what I''ve said. ¡°Your words are sincere, I''ll give you that, but they are pointless. I''m too far gone to stop now. I need them.¡±


    ¡°Then you will remain a tool of his evil for eternity.¡±


    I can see that my words have left him conflicted, which is better than outright opposition. The pendant in my hand suddenly grows warm again. I glance at it, wondering if it''s trying to tell me something. In my mind, I see a flash of the prince''s face as he was before his tragedy, reminding me of his caring personality, his generosity. The love he had for his Lenna. Each emotion flows through me. I know what to do. Taking a step closer to the prince, I hold out my hand, offering the amber pendant.


    ¡°Take it,¡± I say.


    Bronek''s eyes dart to it warily, as if expecting it to lash out as punishment for his betrayal. After several seconds, he lifts the chain from my hand, slowly clasping his fingers around the pendant. A quick gasp flees from his mouth, his eyes stare ahead at nothing.


    ¡°I . . . I see her,¡± he utters, his voice cracking. ¡°Lenna . . .¡±


    Then a voice speaks aloud, soft and gentle.


    ¡°Dearest Bron, I''m waiting.¡±


    Whether from a ghost or merely the voice of a distant memory, it penetrates us all. Bronek shudders, his face pale and drawn, as if all the energy within him has been drained. He shoves the pendant back into my hands and staggers away, reaching for the nearest chair to regain his balance. ¡°No more, please.¡±


    I''m not sure if it worked. Putting the chain back over my head, I face the prince. ¡°Will you help us?¡±


    His head turns in my direction, yet his eyes are distant, looking past me at something only he can see. ¡°I don''t know how.¡±


    ¡°But you do,¡± I counter. ¡°You''ve done it before. Remember the boy picking mushrooms in the forest. You spared him.¡±


    He frowns, shaking his head. ¡°Not out of kindness or compassion. I don''t know what stopped me from taking his soul.¡±


    ¡°The reason doesn''t matter. All you need to do is remember the moment when you made the choice not to.¡±


    His frown fades, his expression softens. ¡°I remember.¡± He looks at Garreg. ¡°You asked me if taking the boy''s soul would be something Lenna would want.¡±


    ¡°Yes. What would she want?¡± the stone man asks.


    A smile spreads across Bronek''s face, brightening his red-rimmed eyes the same way an aura might. One hand moves to his chest. ¡°I feel it,¡± he whispers. ¡°It''s beating again, though it''s so far away.¡± He looks at each of us and, without another word, drops to the floor. Syndel hastens to him, crouching at his side.


    ¡°Is he dead?¡± I ask, though I know a Soulless cannot die.


    ¡°No,¡± Syndel says, standing up straight again. ¡°Asleep. He will dream of her until they''re together again.¡±


    I don''t understand how that will be possible, but keep the query to myself.


    ¡°We should go,¡± Garreg says.


    We leave the chamber, but pause in the hall, staring. Each of the Soulless guards lies on the floor, sleeping just like Bronek. With no time to wonder, we make our way down the tower. The place is in a panic. More Soulless guards are lying motionless on the floor and Noble-lords are scurrying around trying to figure out why, making it easy for us to slip out unnoticed.


    The night is cold. Though I wish to leave the city now, Garreg suggests we stay until morning. The suite at the inn is still ours. As we approach the building, Garreg hangs behind.


    ¡°This is where we must part ways,¡± he says. ¡°Mulogo will soon realize what has happened.¡±


    ¡°Why can''t you stay and help us?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Because I''m a product of Mulogo''s power. I cannot fight against him.¡±


    I''m surprised by how much this troubles me. It seems the little stone man has brought us nothing but trouble, yet it''s only been for our good. ¡°What will happen to you if we succeed in defeating Mulogo?¡±


    ¡°You mean when you succeed? I don''t know.¡±


    I think we both know what the answer might be, though saying it out loud seems cruel. Defeating Mulogo means ending his power and anything connected to it. I hold out my hand to the little stone man. ¡°Thank you for all you''ve done.¡±


    He looks at my hand for several seconds before putting out his own. We shake. ¡°Good luck,¡± he says.


    He faces Syndel, his golden eyes shining. Though neither of them says a word, I can tell something is shared between them. Nodding slightly, the stone man steps to the street and walks away.

 Chapter 18

    ¡°Did you know all along that Bronek was the High-Lord?¡± I ask as we leave the inn. The early morning streets are empty. I expected the opposite after what happened in the stronghold. Perhaps the majority of the city still has no idea. I don''t suppose that will last much longer. At least we''ll be gone before the worst begins.


    ¡°Not until you warned me,¡± Syndel says. ¡°Why?¡±


    I keep my eyes fixed ahead. ¡°Just wondering,¡± I mumble. To my surprise, I hear her giggle. Frowning, I look over at her. ¡°What''s so funny?¡±


    ¡°You''re upset that I let him kiss me,¡± she says. ¡°Making him think I was Lenna was the only thing I could think of in such a short time.¡±


    ¡°I know, but . . .¡± The subject is unpleasant to me. Even though it was necessary to further our mission, I''ll never be able to get the image out of my head, forever wishing her kiss had been saved for me.


    ¡°Don''t be angry,¡± she says. ¡°I didn''t want to do it, but I doubt it would have had the same effect if you had been the one to kiss him.¡±


    I laugh, but quickly stifle it. I know she''s teasing me. ¡°How do you know he''ll be with Lenna again?¡± I ask, wanting to change the subject.


    This time she looks straight ahead. ¡°I just know.¡±


    ¡°That''s not an answer.¡±


    She sighs. ¡°I just need you to trust me. Can you do that?¡±


    Her words, and the serious expression on her face, stop me from pressing for more. ¡°Of course I can,¡± I say slowly, sad to think she might have thought otherwise. ¡°Forgive me.¡±


    She touches my arm and I know from this simple gesture that everything will be all right, even if I don''t have all the answers right now.


    We collect Hetty from the stable and head to the gate leading to the bridge that will take us out of Heldra. I long to put this cursed city behind me.


    ¡°Cress,¡± Syndel says, ¡°I can''t leave yet.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± I ask, trying not to sound impatient.


    ¡°I was going to do something while you searched for Bronek, remember? Though things didn''t go as we planned, I still would like to do it before we leave.¡±


    I do remember. ¡°Do you still want to go alone?¡± I ask.


    She shakes her head. ¡°I''m actually glad you can come with me.¡±


    Pleased, I nod. ¡°Where do we start?¡±


    She breaks away from the main road and heads along a narrow side street that runs parallel to the city wall. Hetty and I follow close behind.


    ¡°Heldra hasn''t always been the center of the Noble-lords,¡± she says, glancing back at me. ¡°It was once the place Sikari came to train and learn. I heard many stories as a child about the different skills Sikari had to master before they were allowed to hunt Soulless. One of the skills was a type of magic.¡±


    Hearing this makes me think of Mulogo. I wonder if his magic is similar. Has it already started to weaken? Has he felt the change? He will come to me soon. A shiver runs down my back.


    ¡°When the Noble-lords decided to take over,¡± Syndel continues, recapturing my attention, ¡°they also tried to steal the magic, but were only able to harness the weakest spells, which is why they can enslave Soulless. The magic they were unable to obtain is rumored to be sealed away beneath the city. When you found out we would be coming here, I knew I had to look for myself.¡±


    We stop at an alley surrounded by walls. A dead end. I glance at Syndel. She looks from one wall to the other, her eyes narrowed in concentration. ¡°One of the bricks is false,¡± she says. Reaching out, she touches a few of them, but none seem to be the right one.


    ¡°What about that one?¡± I ask, pointing to a brick at eye level whose color is slightly different from those surrounding it.


    Syndel places her fingertips against it and pushes. The brick moves inward, releasing a hiss of musty air. A section of the wall, the size of a doorway, shifts to one side, revealing a dark staircase. My eyes adjust enough to allow me to see the outline of each step.


    ¡°Let me go first,¡± I say, holding out my hand to her. ¡°Don''t let go.¡±


    She obeys, grasping my hand. I glance back at Hetty. ¡°We''ll be back.¡±


    The mare snorts at us, her large eyes wary. I move through the opening and descend the passageway. Syndel tightens her grip on my hand, staying close behind.


    The air is old and my senses detect some kind of warning, though nothing strong enough to make me turn back. I wouldn''t be surprised if there are latent traps set up to stop unwanted visitors from finding the Sikari''s hidden secrets.


    ¡°Syndel,¡± I say, my voice echoing, ¡°what do you plan to do if you find what you''re looking for?¡±


    ¡°If the magic is here and I can access it, I believe it will help in the fight against Mulogo.¡±


    I should have known. I don''t want her anywhere near me when my confrontation with the sorcerer occurs, but I will probably need all the help I can get.


    When I reach the bottom of the staircase, my feet abruptly stop. I''m unable to move forward. Something I can''t see is pushing me back.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Syndel asks.


    ¡°I can''t go any farther,¡± I say. ¡°You try.¡±


    With my help, she takes a few slow steps forward, passing me. Looking over her shoulder, she says, ¡°I can move just fine.¡±


    ¡°Probably because you''re a Sikari and I''m not.¡± My jaw clenches. ¡°You''ll have to go on alone from here.¡±


    ¡°But I can''t see anything,¡± she says.


    I look past her, focusing on what lay ahead. I can''t see much. ¡°There''s an arched doorway about twenty steps in front of you. Attached to the arch is an oil lantern.¡± I fumble through my pack until I find the striking stones. ¡°Use these.¡±


    With the stones in hand, Syndel faces the darkness. ¡°You''ll have to guide me.¡±


    ¡°Take ten steps forward,¡± I say, ¡°but move slowly.¡±


    I watch her feet hesitate with each step.


    ¡°Now turn a little to your left,¡± I add. ¡°There. Take another ten steps and you''ll be at the doorway. The lantern will be right in front of you.¡±


    She moves again, reaching out for the lantern. ¡°I got it.¡± Kneeling on the stone floor, she opens the glass door of the lantern and proceeds to strike the stones, creating sparks. The oil ignites, chasing away the darkness. Syndel stands up again, holding the lantern''s top handle, and turns to me. ¡°There isn''t much oil left.¡±


    ¡°You''ll need to hurry.¡±


    Nodding, she turns to the doorway and walks through, disappearing from sight. The light from her lantern is swallowed up. I wait, my stomach twisting. I attempt to move forward again, but the unseen force continues to hold me back.


    The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end as a scraping sound echoes from somewhere up the dark staircase. Has someone discovered the passageway? Or is the door closing, sealing us in here forever? I should investigate, but I don''t want to leave Syndel down here alone.


    ¡°Syndel?¡± I call out.


    She gives no answer, but the scraping sound comes again, louder this time. An odor like rotten breath wafts through the air. I have no more doubts; I''m not alone. My eyes search the darkness, but too late. A figure pounces, knocking me against the wall. Its grip is firm, though its fingers are thin. I push against it, finding resistance. Whatever it is, it''s strong. Growling, I manage to gain the upper hand, shoving the creature away. It stumbles on the steps, falling to the bottom, past the force that has held me back. I can see from its outline that the creature might once have been a man, though he has no aura. A Soulless? Here? Yet, there''s something different about him.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    He scrambles to his feet, crouching to prepare for another attack. I mimic the pose, ready to defend myself. The creature cups his hands together and, a moment later, a bright ball of light appears, hovering above his palms. Caught off guard, I barely manage to leap out of the way as the glowing orb flies toward me. It slams against the wall, melting a hole in the rock.


    This Soulless has magic.


    With no time to make sense of what''s happening, I focus on dodging more fiery attacks as I gradually move up the steps. If I can draw the Soulless out to the sunlight above, I might have a chance. The effort to evade the attacks quickly becomes exhausting, which has never happened to me before. Parts of my clothes are singed from close calls. The exit is not far. The creature continues to advance as if unaware of my desperate plan. He suddenly stops and turns, looking down the stairs. Ignoring me, he races down the steps, cackling with ecstatic triumph.


    Syndel.


    I follow, forcing my tired legs to run. I reach the bottom and, once again, I''m stopped by the unseen force, while the Soulless is able to go beyond toward the arched opening. A faint light appears and Syndel emerges with her lantern in one hand and a glass vial filled with shimmering liquid in the other.


    ¡°Syndel, stop!¡± I yell.


    She halts, her eyes widening as she sees the Soulless waiting for her. There''s nothing I can do. The creature will take her from me and all I can do is watch. I drop to my knees, my insides crumbling. The Soulless takes a few steps forward, his lithe body swaying from side to side as if entranced by the glorious aura. Syndel is frozen, her expression terrified. Raising his arms, the Soulless suddenly falls forward, prostrating itself.


    ¡°One hundred years,¡± he says with a voice like screeching gravel. ¡°I''ve done what I promised. May I go now?¡±


    Syndel''s eyes find mine. She is as shocked as I am. ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asks, looking back at the Soulless.


    He raises himself up again. ¡°Our ancestors sealed away the magic to protect it, but it needed a guardian. I volunteered.¡±


    ¡°Our . . . ancestors?¡± Syndel breathes. ¡°You''re a Sikari?¡±


    The Soulless nods. ¡°And now that you''ve come, I can be released.¡±


    ¡°You want me to let you out of here?¡± she asks, still confused.


    ¡°I want you to let me die,¡± the Soulless says.


    I leap to me feet. ¡°But Soulless cannot die,¡± I say.


    The Soulless turns to me. ¡°There is a way. If your soul can be reclaimed. Mine was extracted by my kin to ensure my immortality until one of our own could set me free. It is hidden somewhere, waiting for me.¡±


    ¡°What must I do?¡± Syndel asks. ¡°Where is it?¡±


    ¡°A place where I could never find it, to prevent me from trying to reclaim it before my time here was complete. Being without it is . . . difficult.¡± He looks back at me as if he knows I understand the feeling. My false aura has not fooled him.


    He turns back to Syndel. ¡°The vial you hold is all that remains of the magic our kind once possessed. They gave up everything to keep the greedy Noble-lords from stealing powers they would not be able to control. Drink it. You will know what to do.¡±


    Syndel looks at me, seeking reassurance. I cannot deny the unease I feel. Why should we trust this man? He may have been a Sikari long ago, but he''s been a Soulless for much longer. His mind could be twisted by madness. Yet, this could help us defeat Mulogo. Not knowing what else to do, I nod.


    Setting the lantern down, Syndel carefully removes the glass top of the vial and lifts the shimmering liquid to her lips. It''s gone in one gulp. Lowering the empty vial, she glances down at herself, as if waiting for something to happen. Her body twitches. Doubling over, she clutches at her stomach, gasping. ¡°What''s . . . happening?¡±


    The Soulless seems unconcerned. ¡°Your body is adjusting. It will pass.¡±


    I cannot bear to see her in pain. ¡°Syndel,¡± I say firmly, ¡°look at me.¡±


    Raising her head, she focuses on my face. Her pained expression rips at my heart. One of her hands reaches out to me. ¡°Cress . . .¡±


    Her body rises off the ground; her arms and legs are rigid from the pain. Her aura flickers, becoming dimmer with each pulse.


    ¡°Make it stop!¡± I bellow at the Soulless, but he does nothing.


    With a snarl, I slam against the invisible barrier, trying to get to her. Syndel suddenly freezes. A light, brighter than her aura, erupts from her body. The power of it throws me back onto the steps. Dazed, I look down in time to see her crumple to the floor.


    My insides explode. Leaping to my feet, I barrel forward, somehow passing through the barrier. I''m at her side, pulling her motionless body close to mine. ¡°Syndel,¡± I whisper, terrified she won''t respond.


    Her eyes flutter open, focusing on my face. She smiles. ¡°I''m all right,¡± she says. ¡°It feels strange, but familiar somehow. I feel like . . . I can do anything.¡±


    I force myself to smile, but, in truth, I wish we''d never come here.


    ¡°Now,¡± the Soulless says, sounding impatient with the delay, ¡°find my soul and let me leave this world.¡±


    Syndel looks around the chamber as I help her to her feet. Cress, she says to my mind, do you see anything?


    I look around as well, my eyes narrowed to detect even a hint of an aura. No. What if it''s not here?


    Her eyes meet mine briefly, but it''s long enough for me to see her concern. If the Soulless Sikari doesn''t get what he wants, he might take out his anger on us. My brow furrows as I try to think of where his kin might have hidden it. A place where he would not be able to find it himself. I turn and gaze up the long staircase. Perhaps the door was meant to only open from the outside. Could his soul be out there somewhere? If so, why didn''t I notice it before? ¡°I have an idea,¡± I say, ascending the steps. Both Syndel and the Sikari follow.


    The closer we get to the sunlit opening, the more the Sikari lags behind. At a point where light spills onto the topmost steps he stops completely. ¡°It''s too bright,¡± he says, cowering in the last of the shadows.


    ¡°We''ll look around outside,¡± I say. ¡°Just wait here.¡±


    With a growl, the Sikari reaches out and grabs Syndel, pulling her down beside him. ¡°You''re not leaving me here alone. Not when you might seal me inside without fulfilling the promise. You go, she stays.¡±


    I glare at him, but Syndel speaks first.


    ¡°Go on, Cress. I''ll be fine.¡±


    I turn my back on her, hating myself for doing it, and exit the tunnel. My eyes blink, adjusting to the daylight streaming into the alley. Hetty whinnies at me. I rub her head. ¡°We''re not done just yet.¡±


    I look around, searching for a trace of brightness that might belong to the elusive soul.


    Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, I turn and face the opening, not ready to give up. My gaze shifts to the lone brick which seemed different from the others, the one Syndel pressed to open the doorway. I noticed it before because I thought the color was different from those around it, yet, taking a closer look, I see that it''s not the color that''s different. It''s the material. The brick is not a brick. Brushing my fingers against it, I immediately know it''s hollow.


    Something is hidden inside it.


    Now that it has been pushed back from those around it, retrieving it would be impossible, unless someone closes the doorway. I move back to the staircase.


    ¡°I think I found it, but I can''t get it,¡± I say. ¡°Only Syndel can.¡±


    The Soulless utters a low growl. ¡°Do you think you can trick me?¡±


    I shake my head, walking down the first few steps. ¡°I will stay in her place. She can get your soul. Isn''t that what you want?¡±


    With eyes narrowed at me, he releases his grip on Syndel''s arm. ¡°Hurry,¡± he hisses.


    Syndel moves up, joining me on the same step. ¡°Where is it?¡± she asks.


    ¡°The brick you pressed to open the doorway. Close the door to get the brick out.¡±


    She frowns at me. ¡°What if I can''t get back through?¡±


    ¡°You will,¡± I say, hoping rather than knowing. Surely the Sikari who hid the soul provided a way for this task to be accomplished. If the worst should happen, the Soulless will not be able to kill me in his rage. But being trapped in here with him forever, away from Syndel, will be worse than any death.


    Syndel hesitates, her hand brushing against my arm, leaving a trace of her warmth on my skin, and then turns and walks out of the tunnel. Moments later, the opening in the wall closes, confining the Soulless and me in a prison of complete darkness. I hear his quick intake of breath, a rise in panic.


    ¡°She''ll come back,¡± I say, more confident now. I shut my eyes and wait for the sunlight, and the woman I love, to reappear. The Soulless moves behind me, fidgeting with agitation. I try to think of something to say to keep him calm. ¡°Do you have a name?¡± I ask, though I know it''s likely he can''t remember it.


    ¡°Not anymore,¡± he replies. ¡°There are times when I don''t even recall I was once a Sikari.¡±


    His memories may be out of reach, but I can tell that his thoughts are much more lucid than those of other Soulless I''ve encountered. I wonder if he might be more like me. I hear him move again and sense that he''s now beside me.


    ¡°She has what she came for,¡± he says, sounding frustrated. ¡°What if she doesn''t return?¡±


    ¡°She will,¡± I say quickly, my voice sharp and definite.


    After moment''s silence, he says, ¡°You love her.¡±


    If he''s aware of my feelings, it confirms in my mind that he hasn''t given up to the monster within him. ¡°Yes.¡±


    He chuckles. ¡°You must realize how foolish that is.¡±


    I stiffen. ¡°No. Please enlighten me.¡±


    ¡°Take no offense. I know you wear the blood of the first Soulless around your neck. The task that lies ahead of you will not be easy, especially if you harbor an attachment to the girl. Those feelings will only make it more difficult to fulfill the task.¡±


    He means facing Mulogo. I''ve thought the same thing. How can I face him and worry about her safety at the same time? Yet, now that she has acquired the magic of her ancestors, she will not be helpless.


    The sound of moving stone and brick screeches down the tunnel, followed by a glorious burst of sun. The Soulless leaps backward to avoid contact with the light. My heart leaps as well as Syndel appears, carrying the false brick in her hands. Our eyes meet.


    ¡°I knew you could do it,¡± I say.


    She smiles, handing the container to me. I turn it over in my hands, inspecting it from every angle. There seems to be no cracks or fissures, no lip or indentation to pry it open. I glance back at the Soulless. He stares at the object.


    ¡°It''s in there,¡± he breathes. One of his hands reaches for the container. I set it in his grasp and watch as his fingers deftly tap against various places on the outside, following a pattern only he seems to know. With a click and a sizzle of heat, the container disintegrates into a puff of dust, revealing the golden aura of a soul. It''s not particularly bright or impressive, but we all watch in fascination as the small globe hovers in the air. My gaze shifts to the Soulless'' face. His expression conveys the purest of joy. His eyes meet mine.


    Give her up, he says to my mind. It will be easier that way.


    Before I can reply, he touches one finger against the glowing globe. It melts into him, seeping deep beneath his skin. He lets out a long sigh, finally finding the peace he has longed for. Shutting his eyes, he falls backward, crashing into the stone steps. On impact, his body, like the container that held his soul for one hundred years, disintegrates into a cloud of dust.


    His parting words pound in my head. I already know I cannot obey them. I cannot give her up. Turning to Syndel, I offer my hand and she takes it without hesitation.

 Chapter 19

    We make our way back toward the city gate. I am eager to finally put this place behind me. Syndel walks with her head bowed. ¡°I might truly be the last now,¡± she says quietly.


    I frown, wishing I could think of something comforting to say. ¡°You shouldn''t give up hope.¡±


    She looks up at me, her eyes shining. ¡°I know. My village probably wasn''t the only one that was attacked. Other Sikari could have escaped. I just wish I knew for certain.¡±


    Her hands are cupped together. Between her palms is a faint orb of crackling green light. I wonder if she even realizes it''s there. I turn my gaze to the city around us. Who would know better about the fate of the Sikari than those who did the attacking? If we returned to the stronghold, I''m certain with all the chaos happening there I could easily find a Noble-lord or two and pose the question to them. Depending on their cooperation, I might not even have to resort to violence. ¡°Syndel, what if we¡ª¡±


    I stop as I realize Syndel and Hetty are no longer beside me. Turning, I find them back a few paces. Syndel''s face is pale, her eyes wide as they stare at something across the street. I follow her gaze to a group of three Noble-lords speaking to people among the hordes with carts and carriages now clambering to get out of the city. The panic from the stronghold has made its way to the streets and Noble-lords are trying to find answers. I had hoped to avoid this. The men give me no qualms¡ªour disguises should afford us safe passage¡ªyet Syndel is clearly unsettled.


    ¡°Do you know them?¡± I ask, moving back to her side.


    He is one of my captors, she says to my mind, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and anger. The tall one with the gray beard. Thremas. I don''t know how he survived the attack in the east. She turns her head, her eyes locking onto mine. He must be one of the Noble-lords who''s been on our trail.


    A loud voice cuts through our silent conversation.


    ¡°All wagons to one side and those on foot to the other.¡±


    It takes a moment for the crowd to adjust. I consider our options. We could move away from the gate and try to find the secret route out of the city back to the swamp, but something tells me that exit is being watched. Perhaps if we move forward, blending in with the masses, we can slip by Thremas unnoticed. I share this idea with Syndel. After a moment, she agrees, taking her eyes off the man who had enslaved her.


    We make it to the shorter line, which is now moving more quickly. It''s then that I realize there are more Noble-lords at the gate, inspecting all who pass by. I look to Syndel, but she merely nods and continues moving up the line. Only four people are between us and the Noble-lord inspectors. My jaw tightens. I will make Syndel flee on Hetty if something goes wrong.


    Three people.


    I will likely be subdued, but not before I give her a chance to escape. Then what? I have no idea if Syndel can face and defeat Mulogo alone, even with her new magic.


    Two people.


    I lean close to Hetty. ¡°Get ready to run with Syndel,¡± I whisper. ¡°Don''t stop until you are miles away.¡±


    The mare grunts, her head bobbing up and down.


    One person.


    I take a deep breath and step forward.


    ¡°Open your bags,¡± the Noble-lord says, his tone conveying his boredom. His gaze shifts to Syndel for a moment before returning to me.


    I oblige, showing him the contents of each bag. He seems satisfied until he looks at me again. A frown pulls on his features. ¡°I''ve seen you before. Weren''t you with a Mid-lord up at the stronghold yesterday? Where is he now?¡±


    ¡°You must be mistaken,¡± I say, moving forward, silently cursing Garreg for claiming no one would look at a servant. The Noble-lord throws out an arm to stop me.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°No mistake,¡± he says and then, looking past me, gestures to someone behind us. ¡°I may have a problem up here.¡±


    Moments later Thremas himself approaches. From the corner of my eye, I see Syndel flinch.


    ¡°What''s the problem?¡± Thremas asks, glaring at each of us.


    ¡°This man was at the stronghold,¡± the other Noble-lord says. ¡°I think he needs to be questioned further.¡±


    Thremas faces me. ¡°Is this true? Do you have information about what has taken place here?¡±


    I look directly into the eyes of Syndel''s captor. ¡°No. We were visiting family and now we''re returning home. Nothing more.¡±


    ¡°And where is home?¡± asks Thremas, looking skeptical.


    I flounder for a moment, trying to recall the name of the town where I got Syndel''s doll.


    ¡°Lokir,¡± Syndel says behind me.


    Thremas looks at her again, his eyes narrowing. I hold my breath as he takes a step past me. Syndel stands there calmly, her gaze fixed on the man''s face as if daring him to recognize her.


    ¡°You''re from Lokir?¡± he asks slowly. ¡°I was there once, about twelve years ago.¡±


    The air around us suddenly crackles as green light gathers in Syndel''s hands. I stare at her, wondering what she''s doing. Thremas takes a step back. The other Noble-lords at the gate turn to look at the commotion.


    ¡°So was I,¡± Syndel says, her aura blazing. The green light explodes, knocking everyone to the ground, including me. I hear people screaming in fear. Dust stings my eyes as I scramble back to my feet. I leap to Syndel''s side, grabbing her arm.


    ¡°We must go,¡± I urge, but she doesn''t move.


    Trembling, she stares down at the man who ruined her life. The man who had a hand in the murder of her family and enslaved her for twelve years. She has every right to hate him.


    ¡°Syndel,¡± Thremas says, his eyes wide. Blood drips from his nose. ¡°How you''ve changed, my dear. I''ve been searching for you since the Soulless attacked us. I was the only other survivor. When I was summoned home to deal with this chaos I never thought I''d find you here as well.¡±


    ¡°Don''t speak to me as if you care,¡± she says, her face taut with fury. ¡°I cannot count the number of times you put my life in danger.¡±


    The Noble-lord shakes his head, raising a hand to her. ¡°But we succeeded in capturing countless abominations because of your gifts. I never would have let any real harm come to you.¡±


    Syndel laughs. ¡°What about the times I was starved and beaten, oftentimes at your command? You''re a monster, worse than the Soulless you dedicated your life to hunting. I should¡ª¡±


    Another rush of crackling air comes, but this time it''s not from Syndel. Four other Noble-lords have joined us, their hands outstretched, glowing with energy. We''re surrounded. My muscles tense, ready to spring into action. The Noble-lords don''t know what I am. Surprise will be my ally.


    Syndel closes her eyes, her arms moving in swirls and twists in front of her. The energy from the men suddenly dart from their hands to Syndel and enter her body. More flashes of light come from all directions, including from Thremas and the other Noble-lords at the gate, each one flying directly to Syndel. She inhales deeply and then opens her eyes. Startled, the Noble-lords try gathering more energy, but nothing happens.


    ¡°My powers . . .?¡± one of them whispers, looking down at his empty hands. They all look at each other with wide eyes.


    ¡°The might of the Noble-lords is no more,¡± Syndel says calmly.


    Thremas scrambles to his feet, his face red. ¡°What have you done?¡± His arms move wildly, his face contorts in concentration, but he merely looks like a fool. Breathing heavily, he turns his gaze to Syndel. ¡°You''ve stolen our magic!¡±


    Syndel''s aura flares again. ¡°Your magic?¡± she thunders, her voice deep with the fury of a thousand dead Sikari. A fierce wind whips at us, shrieking and stinging. Dark clouds gather overhead with streaks of lightning in their wake. More screams echo from the crowd as they push each other in an effort to get away. Syndel''s body seems to grow, towering over us all. ¡°I took back what was stolen from us!¡± Energy pulsates through the air, flashing red to match her anger. The Noble-lords cower before her.


    I, too, am afraid, but not for myself. As much as she hates these men, she would despise herself even more if she took their lives. It would destroy her as well. I reach out to her, grasping her shoulders and turning her to face me. The energy burns my arms and hands. ¡°Syndel,¡± I shout over the tumult, ¡°no more, please!¡±


    Her expression slowly relaxes as her eyes focus on mine. The energy fades. Syndel''s head falls forward against my chest. Gathering her in my arms, I lift her to Hetty''s saddle. I turn back to Thremas, lifting the pendant and its chain over my head. I immediately feel the difference.


    ¡°Do you know what I am?¡± I ask quietly.


    Thremas'' eyes widen as he nods.


    ¡°Good. Then you know if my next question is not answered to my satisfaction, you will regret it. Is Syndel the last?¡±


    He blinks at me as if he wants to look away but is unable to. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Though I do not like his answer, I believe it is the truth. Leaning closer, enjoying his tremors of fear, I whisper, ¡°I once promised myself that I would punish the people responsible for hurting Syndel. Though you are not worth the effort, now that you''re broken and helpless, remember that I now know who you are.¡± Turning on my heel, I slip the chain back over my head and urge Hetty through the gate without looking back. I hope to never come to this city again.

 Chapter 20

    We set up camp in a secluded place a few miles from the lake and its wretched city. The Noble-lords are finished now, but our troubles are far from over. I''ve contemplated where we should head next. It''s difficult to know the best place for a confrontation with an insane sorcerer. Returning to the forest in the north was my first thought. If nothing else, I know the area, which might offer a slight advantage. Yet, that could put the people of Nikom in danger. I''ve also considered going back to Garreg''s hill. The stone man could provide more information on what I might expect from his old master, even if he can''t aid in the fight itself. But again, it would be too close to Nikom.


    Syndel sleeps fitfully beside me, clinging to the doll I gave her with both hands. I don''t suppose her encounter with Thremas and the other Noble-lords will leave her anytime soon. Despite her hatred toward them, especially now that we know she is the last of her kind, I know she would hate herself more if she had given in to those feelings. I know the conflict well.


    My mouth opens in a great yawn. I seem to be more affected by tiredness with the pendant around my neck, as if it''s slowly making me more human-like the longer I wear it, but I refrain from sleeping in order to keep watch. Mulogo could come at any moment.


    Well into the night, Syndel awakens, finding me staring off at nothing.


    ¡°You should get some rest,¡± she says, sitting up with the blanket around her shoulders.


    ¡°I''m fine.¡±


    She gives me a stern look. ¡°You''re tired and you know it. Just for a few hours.¡±


    The idea of getting some rest is appealing, especially after the difficult time in Heldra. ¡°Two hours will be enough.¡±


    I take her spot on the softest part of the ground and shut my eyes. It doesn''t take long for sleep to claim me.


    The usual darkness breaks after a time, taking me to a place I''ve been before. I stand beneath a thick canopy of leafy boughs with the same stillness in the air, the same murkiness, though it is warm beneath the trees this time. I turn around, half expecting to see Bronek appear with the wagon carrying the body of his beloved Lenna. But I''m alone.


    A light flashes around me, changing the setting. I''m in a dark chamber; I know exactly where I am. Mulogo''s lair. Everything is how I remember¡ªbroken and smashed.


    Then I hear a gentle thumping, repeating in a steady rhythm. A lit lantern rests on a table beside me. Grabbing it, I cast the light about, searching for the source of the sound. I pause, my eyes widening. On the floor, surrounded by a dark stain, is an unmistakable . . .


    I awaken to Syndel nudging my shoulder. Morning light frames her face.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± she says with a half-smile. ¡°I let you sleep longer than two hours. You needed the rest.¡±


    I sit up, rubbing my eyes. The events of my dream are still fresh in my mind. If I truly saw what I think I saw, I know where we need to go. ¡°Do you remember Bronek''s words before he collapsed?¡±


    Syndel gives me a strange look. ¡°Yes. He felt something, though it was far away.¡±


    ¡°I think I know what he was talking about. I dreamed I was back in Mulogo''s lair and I found something that was left behind, something that might help us.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Bronek''s heart.¡±


    Syndel''s mouth falls open. ¡°How is that possible? Wouldn''t it be withered to nothing after all this time?¡±


    I shrug. ¡°Perhaps it awakened after Bronek chose to let go of his hatred.¡±


    ¡°But, Cress,¡± she says softly, ¡°it was just a dream.¡±


    I open my mouth to protest, but I know she has a point. If I trusted everything that came into my dreams the monster inside me would have won long ago. Why should I treat this dream any differently? I wish I had a better explanation. Yet, the more I think about it, the more I''m certain it''s what needs to be done.


    Syndel suddenly reaches out and takes my hand. ¡°I will go wherever you decide.¡±


    I can see she''s still not convinced, but she is willing to trust me. I hope that trust is warranted. Unfortunately, I have no idea where the sorcerer''s lair is. I think back to the dream, as well as the vision of Bronek''s venture to the cave. ¡°The forest was warm this time, even in the shade. I''d guess it''s farther south. And Bronek''s map, though it was faded and I only saw it for a moment, was quite detailed.¡± I shut my eyes, conjuring the image in my mind. ¡°Mountains to the east and . . . a great expanse of water to the west. The forest seemed to connect two large land masses.¡±


    Syndel''s hand falls away from mine. ¡°It sounds like Braddagh Wood.¡±


    ¡°You know it?¡±


    She nods, her eyes downcast. ¡°It''s near Lokir. I went into the woods many times myself when I was young to pick wild mushrooms.¡±


    I stare at her. ¡°I''m sorry,¡± I say, feeling responsible for once again dragging her back to a time and place of such pain.


    ¡°Don''t be,¡± she says, giving nothing away in the tone of her voice. ¡°On the bright side, I know exactly how to get there. The northern edge of the forest is not more than two or three days'' journey from here.¡±


    She''s hiding her pain, though I know it''s there. Seeing Thremas again, and now the prospect of heading near the home she lost, might be too much. Maybe she was right from the beginning. A dream is just a dream. ¡°You don''t have to come with me.¡±


    She flinches as if I''ve said something insulting. Getting to her feet, she walks away from the camp, disappearing among the trees and shrubs.


    I should go after her and try to explain. I glance at Hetty, who eyes me reproachfully. ¡°I just want to protect her,¡± I say. My efforts so far haven''t been outstanding. I push myself up and trail after her. ¡°Syndel?¡±


    She''s not far. I find her sitting at the edge of a small stream, her hands cupped together, supporting a ball of blue light. Her hands move slightly, changing the color and appearance of the light. Sometimes it''s the crackling green she used in Heldra or a hissing red, but it always returns to the calm blue.


    ¡°I didn''t mean to upset you,¡± I say, my hands wringing together. ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°I have endured many hardships,¡± she says, the light in her hands vanishing. ¡°I''ve lost so much. But everything in my past has brought me to this point. I wouldn''t change anything.¡± She suddenly stands and faces me, her eyes shining. ¡°There''s no place I''d rather be than with you.¡±


    I''m not sure if I heard her correctly. ¡°Is that true?¡± I ask.


    She frowns at me. ¡°How can you not know that?¡±


    Know what? What is she saying? My tongue is too heavy for me to speak. Yet, I cannot let this moment pass without some kind of response. Now is my chance. I raise a hand and lightly brush my fingers along her cheek.


    I am ambushed.


    My lungs seize within my chest, my vision blurs. I stagger backward. It''s happening again. Darkness falls around me, joined by the cruel voice of the monster.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Tell her every pathetic feeling you hold in your worthless heart. She obviously feels the same way about you.¡±


    I grit my teeth. ¡°Then why are you interfering?¡±


    He laughs. ¡°Because the moment you say the words, your emotions will break like a dam, weakening your defenses. I will not hesitate to use that opportunity to strike.¡±


    ¡°You''re lying,¡± I say, though even I hear the doubt in my voice.


    ¡°By all means, put it to the test. Tell her you love her and risk destroying everything you''ve worked so hard for. I''m sure she''ll understand.¡±


    With another hateful laugh, the voice and the veil of darkness disappear.


    I''m lying on the ground, my chest heaving. Syndel kneels beside me, her face white with worry. When she sees I''ve regained my senses, she grabs one of my hands, holding it in both of hers.


    ¡°Cress, what happened? Are you hurt?¡±


    I push down everything, swallowing my unspoken words and the new fear I have about uttering them. ¡°I''m fine.¡± Extracting my hand from hers, I clumsily get to my feet, ignoring her offer of assistance. ¡°We have a long journey. No more time should be wasted.¡±


    I head to camp to put our things together, not daring to look back at her. She soon joins me, folding the blanket. I catch a brief glimpse of her face. She''s been crying. Shame and regret stab me in the heart. I am the monster.

 Chapter 21

    I look over my shoulder, frowning. The road is empty, yet I have a nagging sense we''re being followed. If Syndel shares my suspicion, she hasn''t mentioned it. We''ve said little to each other during the past two days. I''ve been expecting her to change her mind and say she no longer wishes to be in my company. I wouldn''t blame her. She was about to tell me something important. Dare I hope? But my abrupt change in attitude must have seemed like a rejection. If only I could be certain the monster''s threat is false . . .


    ¡°Hetty is limping,¡± Syndel says, pausing on the road.


    I join her beside the mare, bending low to inspect Hetty''s left rear hoof. She lifts it for me. ¡°There''s a splinter,¡± I say, gently touching the shard of wood lodged in the sole. Hetty whimpers, pulling her foot from my grasp. ¡°It must be taken out and the wound cleaned before it becomes infected.¡± I remove our bags and the saddle from her back, setting them on the road.


    ¡°I . . . I think I can do it,¡± Syndel says.


    Of course. She used to have a horse and must have some experience with their care. I watch as she gently coaxes the mare down to the ground and then moves to the injured hoof, holding it in both hands. Instead of pulling the splinter out herself, she surrounds the whole hoof with her glowing blue light. The splinter slowly moves out, though it doesn''t seem to cause Hetty any pain. The light brightens as it fills the wound. Within seconds, it closes and the light fades away. The hoof is whole again.


    ¡°You healed it,¡± I say, amazed.


    Both Syndel and Hetty get to their feet. ¡°Since obtaining the magic, I''ve known how to do many things,¡± she says, rubbing the mare''s shoulder, ¡°but I''ve been too afraid to try more than a few. I almost lost control in Heldra. The power inside me is strong and I don''t want to do anything without careful consideration. But I need to be ready.¡±


    ¡°You don''t¡ª¡± I stop myself from saying something else that might upset her. ¡°Just take it slow.¡±


    ¡°I can''t. Time is running out. Mulogo could appear at any moment.¡±


    Taking a few steps away, Syndel breathes deeply, raising both arms over her head, creating an arch of silvery light. It gathers above her, forming a jumble of tiny crystal-like beads. Each one elongates into a thin spear. Flinging her hands forward, she sends them darting through the air. They attack a nearby tree, embedding themselves into the thick bark.


    Without hesitation, she moves her arms again, this time summoning red light that quickly changes into a ball of fire. The flames dance above her hands, growing taller, their heat spreading. For a moment, I''m afraid the fire will consume her. Yet it does her no harm. The ground directly beneath her, however, begins to smolder.


    ¡°Syndel?¡±


    She looks at me through the flames as if forgetting I''m here with her. The fire instantly dies down and vanishes in a column of smoke. Syndel blinks a few times, swaying where she stands. I''m there to catch her before she can fall.


    ¡°Do you need to sit down?¡±


    She shakes her head, pulling away. ¡°It''s just a little dizziness.¡±


    I''m worried. She was right to say that time is running out, but how will she be ready when she''s still so inexperienced? And what about me? Despite my abilities as a Soulless, I''m only one person. It''s almost comical to think that we''re planning to take on a sorcerer who could destroy anything with one flick of his wrist. ¡°We should keep going,¡± I say, burying my concerns.


    ***


    The feeling persists. I look back, seeing no one, but sense watchful eyes. I don''t like it, especially now that we''ve reached Braddagh Wood. I don''t want any surprises. We follow a trail which winds southward toward the heart of the forest. Nothing is familiar. Doubts creep into my mind, telling me this was a mistake.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°They''re following us,¡± Syndel says behind me.


    I swing around to look at her. ¡°Who is?¡±


    ¡°Eight Soulless. Maybe more. They''re keeping their distance, for now.¡±


    I clench my jaw. I should have been able to sense them. ¡°What are they waiting for?¡±


    ¡°Their intentions are hidden.¡±


    Swallowing with difficulty, I debate within myself, wondering if we should make for the sunlight beyond the trees or continue forward in the hopes that all our problems will be solved once I find Bronek''s heart. Still looking at Syndel, I make up my mind. ¡°If we turn east here, we can reach the edge of the forest and escape under the cover of daylight.¡±


    To my surprise, she shakes her head. ¡°We should go on. I think this might be exactly what you need.¡±


    I''m not sure I heard her correctly. This is quite the opposite of her opinion during our initial discussion. ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I hesitate a moment longer before facing forward again and continuing along the trail.


    After another hour of walking, something ahead makes me pause. It''s the first thing since entering the forest that stirs my recollection¡ªa leaning spire of rock. The fork that divides the road, as well as the hidden path, is just around the corner. Mulogo''s cave is not far.


    We round the bend and move between the two roads. The path between them is even more overgrown than I remember. Extracting my small knife, I cut at the thin, crisscrossing boughs and vines to make way. Progress is slow, especially for Hetty, who gets tangled in the thick underbrush. She whines and grunts in frustration.


    ¡°Cress,¡± Syndel says, ¡°Hetty wants us to go on without her.¡±


    I frown at her. Though I''m certain the Soulless won''t harm the mare, I don''t like the idea of leaving anyone I care about behind. Walking to Hetty''s side, I run my hand down her neck. ¡°It''s not much farther. Please hurry as fast as you can.¡±


    The mare''s head bobs up and down.


    Syndel and I press forward. I glance back a few times until Hetty, still struggling along the path, is swallowed up by the trees and bushes. I stow my knife away and rely on my hands to tear through the obstacles. We move steadily downward, just as I remember until we come to a small, sunlit clearing and a sheer, rocky hillside. There are no torches or strange internal lights coming from the opening this time, and no eerie feelings of evil emanating from the darkness. It''s just a cave, left dormant for decades.


    As we approach, Syndel sparks a small flame that dances on the palm of her hand, lighting the way. We venture inside, passing through the tunnel with its strange writing and grotesque pictures.


    The antechamber is littered with the skulls that once surrounded the opening to the sorcerer''s main room. Many are crushed beyond recognition. The altar against the wall is broken as if cleaved down the center. Did Bronek do this? I can''t recall. Stepping over shards of skull and chunks of stone, I enter the main room.


    The air is old and has a metallic taste. Everything is just as the prince left it. Syndel stays in the doorway, her eyebrows furrowing at the scene, while I meander around the debris, searching for the area where Bronek removed his heart. The first thing I find, however, is the once white shroud that covered the body of his beloved Lenna. I hesitate before lifting it. Beneath are the bones of the long dead girl left to decay in the darkness. He didn''t even bother to bury her. His madness was too far gone. Setting the material back over the remains, I look around it, knowing the heart should be nearby.


    A dark stain on the floor shows me the exact spot where blood was spilled, yet there doesn''t seem to be anything else there. Stooping down, I search with my hands, ignoring the rise of frustration that the heart might not be here. My fingers brush against something small and hard, like a stone. Picking it up, I turn it over in my hands, studying it from every angle.


    The pendant resting at my chest grows warm.


    I frown at the seemingly worthless object. ¡°This can''t be it.¡±


    Yet, why else would the pendant react? Lifting the chain, I hold the amber pendant in one hand and the stone in the other. Nothing happens. I feel like a fool.


    ¡°Put them together,¡± Syndel says from across the chamber.


    Letting out a sigh, I cup my hands, letting the two objects roll towards each other until they meet, causing an explosion of light and sound. I jump backward, jerking my hands away. The pendant and stone remain suspended in the air, merging together and expanding, creating an undulating orb of red light. It pulsates as if beating once again. I stare, transfixed, as it floats closer to me. A voice, softer than a whisper, speaks.


    ¡°Your own heart will be tested, but it is strong. Trust it.¡±


    The voice of Bronek''s memory.


    Before I can reply, the red light lurches forward, passing through my chest. My breath catches, making me stagger. The sensation is not painful, nor is it pleasant. After a moment, the light fades and I feel nothing. The pendant is alone again, hanging in the air in front of me. I grasp it and slip the chain over my head. Is this the answer? Will I be able to defeat Mulogo now? The only way to find out is to face the sorcerer.


    I put a hand on my chest where the light entered me, feeling a slight prickle of cold.


    He is coming.

 Chapter 22

    When we exit the cave I half expect to find the sorcerer there waiting for us. He is not, but Hetty is. I walk to the mare and wrap an arm around her neck, glad she arrived unscathed. As I rub at her mane, dislodging twigs and leaves, Syndel moves forward, staring into the trees.


    ¡°There are more of them now,¡± she whispers. ¡°Dozens. They''re surrounding us.¡±


    My heart races with panic. There''s no escape. I glance back at the cave, wondering if we should barricade ourselves inside. That will only prolong the inevitable attack. Perhaps I can lure them away. Even as the thought comes to me, I know it won''t work. Syndel''s aura is much too enticing. I look at her, knowing this could be my last chance to tell her everything . . .


    She suddenly spins around and grabs my arm. ¡°They wish to speak to you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I ask, confused by such a ridiculous idea. Do they wish to state their terms for our assault? I want to laugh, but the seriousness in Syndel''s expression stops me. ¡°What choice do we have?¡±


    Moments later, the bushes around us quiver as waves of Soulless invade the small clearing. Their wide, red-rimmed eyes leer at us, their arms jerk with obvious anticipation, yet they remain at the edge away from the glimmer of sunlight. Most are adult males, with a few women. I flinch when I notice three are mere children. It doesn''t matter what age they were when their souls were taken. All of them are equally dangerous. I try to put myself between them and Syndel, but there are too many. ¡°What do you want?¡± I say, my voice firm.


    One Soulless, thin and gangly, takes a step forward. ¡°You are the anomaly, the one who takes no souls.¡±


    They are not fooled by the false aura of my pendant. I hold my head high. ¡°I am. Now answer my question. What do you want?¡±


    Many of the Soulless twitch and glance around at the others. The thin one speaks again. ¡°You wish to defeat the Soul Thief. Is this true?¡±


    I have no idea how they got this information. Have they come to stop me? ¡°That is my intention.¡±


    A murmur sweeps around the clearing. My muscles tense, waiting for them to declare their own intentions. They do so in a way I never would have expected. As one, the horde of Soulless drops to their knees. I blink at them, unable to believe what I''m seeing.


    ¡°Then what he promised will come to pass,¡± says the thin Soulless.


    ¡°Who promised?¡± I ask.


    ¡°The first of our kind. He came to us in our empty dreams, freeing us from our captivity. He implored us to find the anomaly and do all we can to help him.¡±


    I blink rapidly, realizing some of these Soulless, if not all, were once enslaved by Noble-lords. ¡°You came . . . to help me?¡±


    The thin Soulless, as well as the others around us, nod emphatically.


    It''s too strange to believe. In fact, I''d be a fool to trust them. Even if Bronek did somehow speak to their dreams, I know as well as anyone that a Soulless does nothing unless he can gain something for himself. ¡°What was the promise Bronek made?¡±


    ¡°You don''t know?¡± The Soulless tilts his head back to look at the blue sky above the clearing. ¡°We shall all be released from our torment.¡±


    A jolt runs through me. Released? This can mean only one thing. We shall die. It was once something I longed for. But now . . . I force myself not to look at Syndel. I can''t help but wonder if she''s known all along. It must be why she told Bronek he could be with Lenna again.


    To protect the world, I will be taken from the person I hold most dear. Perhaps I was never meant to be with her. I think I already knew that. My destiny lies elsewhere. And her task is to make certain I fulfill it. ¡°There isn''t much time,¡± I say, squaring my shoulders. ¡°The Soul Thief is on his way.¡±


    ***


    The Soulless, totaling thirty-six, divide themselves into groups of four and take positions in the trees surrounding the clearing as daylight fades and the unknown of darkness gathers. At least we have some moonlight above.


    Though I feel a sincere earnestness from the Soulless, I know it won''t take much to drive them to their innate hunger, especially with Syndel around. She, however, seems unaware of the potential danger. After insisting I take the time to gather my thoughts, she meets with each group to get an idea of strengths and strategies. I sit on the grass at the center as I watch her move around, trying to keep myself from giving in to the fears I feel inside.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    On a whim, I reach into my pack and remove the remnants of her braid I kept as a memento. Much of it has become unraveled. Keeping it now would be pointless. Sighing, I dig a small hole in the ground and place the braid within it. After smoothing dirt over the top, I look up, my gaze finding the lone aura in the darkness. I wish I could spend my final moments alone with her. I wish to have one last chance to look into her eyes. I might even gather enough courage to pull her close and kiss her.


    ¡°Cress, everyone is ready,¡± Syndel says, walking to the center.


    Inhaling deeply, I reach for her hand and pull her down until she''s kneeling on the grass beside me. I choose my words carefully. ¡°I''ve always known I am different from the others. I made a vow that I would never give in. That resolve was tested when I found you near the forest. Yet you are the reason I am here now.¡± My throat constricts, but I force myself to continue. ¡°You helped me become the person I was meant to be.¡± Our eyes meet. She clutches my hand between both of hers.


    ¡°There is one more thing for me to do,¡± she says. ¡°Perhaps you''ve figured it out and that''s why you''ve pushed me away.¡± Her gaze drops. ¡°Cress, it''s time¡ª¡±


    A great shadow passes overhead and a frigid wind sweeps down through the trees. I leap to my feet, bringing Syndel up with me. The shadow descends like mist, blinding us with its darkness. I cling to Syndel''s hand, but something jerks her away. I scream her name as I''m thrown backward, slamming against a tree. The black world spins. I thud to the ground, face up, unable to catch my breath.


    The darkness suddenly vanishes, yet the chill lingers. A figure towers over me. I try to sit up, but something I cannot see is holding me down.


    ¡°Well, this is not what I expected,¡± says the figure, his voice cold. ¡°A Soulless in disguise, using the pitiful blood of a worthless prince. What else have you been up to? Are you to blame for stopping the flow of power from Bronek and the souls he steals from the other abominations?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± I say without hesitation. ¡°And I will bring an end to the darkness you hold over this land.¡±


    The sorcerer laughs. ¡°You think you''ll survive long enough to try? I applaud your bravery. Or is it foolishness? Either way, I will give you one chance to change your mind and be on your way.¡± He clasps his thin hands together and circles me like a predator. ¡°You cannot begin to understand. I need the power, I crave it more and more, but I don''t need Bronek. It was mere convenience for me to use him. I will take souls with my own hands if I must. It''s been a long time since I''ve had the pleasure, but I''m certain I haven''t forgotten how.¡± His head turns away from me, his attention focusing on something across the clearing. I follow his gaze, my insides freezing.


    Syndel.


    She stands alone at the trees'' edge.


    The branches around her shift and Soulless emerge, surrounding her. Their red rimmed eyes glare at the sorcerer. He, however, seems unfazed.


    ¡°Are these your defenders?¡± Mulogo asks. ¡°Is this how you will stop me?¡±


    With a growl, the Soulless charge. More come from the trees, leaving their hiding places, all moving toward the sorcerer. Snorting, Mulogo raises a hand to the sky, gathering a fistful of black mist. He spreads his fingers, sending the mist out in every direction, all toward the Soulless. Some of them stagger to a halt or try to dodge, but the mist finds them. In seconds, every Soulless is lying motionless in the clearing.


    Mulogo turns back to me, an amused expression on his creased face. ¡°I hope you have something else in mind. No?¡± Laughing again, he stalks toward Syndel.


    Still unable to move, I shout at her to run, though I know she will not get far. Her eyes find mine before focusing on the approaching sorcerer. She, too, raises a hand and a globe of silvery white light surrounds her fingers. Aiming at Mulogo, she sends the light slamming into his body. He stops, completely frozen in place. Syndel dashes past him and drops to my side.


    ¡°We don''t have much time,¡± she says, placing her hands on my chest, freeing me from my unseen prison. ¡°You must do it now.¡±


    I sit up. An urge to grab her and flee through the trees courses through me. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Your strength alone cannot defeat him. That''s why I acquired the magic of the Sikari. You will need it, along with the power you get from me.¡± Her brows furrow; tears shine in her eyes. ¡°It''s the only way.¡±


    I stare at her, comprehension jarring me with the force of a landslide. Her role in this has finally become clear. ¡°You want me to take your soul.¡±


    She nods, tears falling freely now. ¡°A soul given willingly bestows the most power. You must take¡ª¡±


    ¡°No!¡± I shove her away, clambering to my feet. The thought leaves me ill, and yet, deep within, the monster growls with triumph. ¡°I won''t do it. I can''t.¡±


    ¡°If you don''t, he will.¡±


    I know she''s right. There is nothing I can do to stop the sorcerer from taking her soul. With it, he will destroy me and continue to drown the world in darkness. The only chance I have is to do as she says. But how can I? The monster cackles.


    ¡°Do it.¡±


    I have a feeling he knew all along it would come to this. But it won''t be for him or myself. Surely that will make a difference. ¡°Is there no other way?¡± I ask, the steadiness of my voice hiding the turmoil I feel.


    She shakes her head.


    I move to her side, pulling her into my arms. The time has come to do what I wanted from the moment I saw her angelic face. Leaning forward, I press my lips against hers. Her sweetness is more wonderful than I could have imagined. She responds, her arms tightening around me.


    The air in the clearing is assaulted by another blast of frigid wind.


    We pull apart, eyes wide, both of us knowing Mulogo is fighting to free himself. To my surprise, Syndel smiles.


    ¡°Trust me, Cress. This is not the end.¡±


    Perhaps she''s right. In death, we might finally get the chance to be together. I trace the edge of her face with my fingers. There are too many things to say, but not enough time to say them. I hope she knows. I hope she can forgive me for what she''s about to endure.


    I place my hand over her eyes and let the monster loose. It is both terrifying and liberating to finally embrace what I am.

 Chapter 23

    I hear her screams only for a moment. All sounds and feelings within me seem to dissipate as her soul is dragged out of her body and drawn into mine. The power, both of her pure soul and the magic imbued within it, takes my breath away. My eternal emptiness is filled with warmth and light. I see things, flashes of memories that do not belong to me. I see a young girl laughing as she rides a white horse. Next, she spins in an open field with a homemade doll held high in her hands. I witness the attack of a town by Noble-lords; the girl, sobbing, is taken while her family is slaughtered. My insides shudder. Bowing my head, I look down at the limp body in my arms. The reality of what I''ve done hits me.


    ¡°Syndel?¡± I say, lowering her to the ground. ¡°Syndel?¡± Either she is dead or she has become a feral monster. She may have no memory of her former life, no memory of me. And it''s my fault.


    Cress.


    I blink at her. It was her voice that spoke, yet her eyes are closed and her lips have not moved. My eyes focus on the slight rise and fall of her chest. She''s alive. ¡°I''m here,¡± I whisper.


    And I am with you. Together, we will defeat him. He has broken free!


    I look up in time to see Mulogo''s body quiver with renewed movement. He slowly turns to face me, glowering with rage.


    ¡°You fool! I will end your pitiful existence. It is only a myth that a Soulless cannot die and I will take pleasure in proving it to you!¡± Spreading his arms wide, his cloak billowing like wings, he swoops toward me, a mass of black mist gathering in each hand.


    I don''t know what to do to defend myself, but that doesn''t matter. Syndel is with me. My own arms seem to rise of their own accord, creating a shield of silvery light in front of me. Mulogo barrels into it and is thrown backward. Staggering, he rights himself and looks at me with genuine concern in his cruel eyes.


    ¡°How?¡± he gasps. ¡°A Soulless cannot use magic.¡±


    ¡°Unless he takes the soul of a Sikari who can,¡± I say, casting a glance at Syndel''s motionless form with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. How I long to see her bright eyes and the golden glow of her aura. Frowning, I look back at the sorcerer, realizing I have not seen his aura. I strain my eyes to see past the black cloak and evil power. His ancient body is frail, his insides withered, held together by swirls of the frigid black mist. If he has a soul it is nothing but blackness. And yet, deeper still, I sense the souls of thousands, shrunken and crammed together without care. Their auras are faint, their hope all but gone.


    I suddenly know what I need to do.


    The sorcerer faces me fully, his filthy mist amassing around him. I feel its biting chill. I wait. There may only be one chance. The mist moves, but not toward me. It flies in every direction, once again finding each of the Soulless who lie scattered throughout the clearing. A tremor runs through their prone bodies, lifting them to their feet. They jerk and twitch as if controlled by puppet strings. I have no time to think before the first wave advances. I spin where I stand, letting loose a blast of silvery light, just as Syndel had done to momentarily freeze Mulogo. The Soulless halt, but are replaced by the next wave. I repeat the spell, but the Soulless keep coming. I start feeling the draining effects of the magic. I need a new strategy.


    Think of all you have, says Syndel''s soft voice, sounding more distant now.


    All I have? My own strength, the power of her soul, the magic of the Sikari, and . . .


    My hand goes to my chest, feeling the pendant beneath my tunic. What more can it do? I suddenly lift it out and hold it up. Using what energy I have left, I pour it all into the pendant, calling for the blood fire that had once nearly destroyed me. If it doesn''t stop the Soulless, nothing will. The flames erupt, spewing from the pendant and racing around the clearing. The Soulless, despite the sorcerer''s control, cower and scream. They fall back to the ground, writhing in pain. Mulogo, connected to them by his mist, shrieks loudest of all.


    My chance has come. Darting forward, passing through the flames unharmed, I grab the sorcerer by the shoulders and shove him to the ground. I lean over him, my hand poised above his face. Pain and fear shine in his yellowed eyes. I almost pity him.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°Now that you''ve given in to what you are,¡± he says, spittle running down his chin, ¡°you won''t be able to stop.¡±


    ¡°But I''m not like the others,¡± I say. ¡°I''m not like you.¡±


    He glares and I feel his hatred. ¡°You''re wrong. You will soon wish you had let me kill you.¡± One of his skeletal hands juts upward, piercing through my chest. My whole body stiffens. With a jeer, he grabs the heart beneath my ribs and pulls it out. He holds it up with a victorious cry. I blink at it, watching it beat steadily in his grasp. It begins to glow and dissolve, leaking between his fingers like soft, glittering sand. I know instantly the heart he took is not mine. Mulogo''s expression falters.


    ¡°What is this?¡± he says.


    I almost want to laugh. ¡°The heart of a man who gave his soul for the woman he loved. And now I will set his soul free.¡±


    I lower my hand over his face and spread my fingers, willing the souls to come. The sorcerer''s screams shake the ground. He claws at my arm, his body twisting with agony. The imprisoned souls begin to emerge, their auras flickering. They come faster, filling the air around me. Most of them are nothing more than orbs of dim light, while others have more human shapes and features. As the last of them break free, something grabs hold of my hand. My eyes widen as cold, biting mist entangles my wrist and creeps up my arm. Mulogo''s screams turn to laughter.


    ¡°If this is my end, I will not go alone,¡± the sorcerer declares, his crimson eyes flashing as the mist envelops both of us, crushing and burning. The blood fire is extinguished and the pendant at my chest shatters.


    I scream, feeling parts of me decay into nothing. The rest of me will soon follow.


    I am no one. I am nothing.


    I am a Soulless, and I am about to die.


    My eyes fall shut. I try desperately to imagine a face. I must see her one last time. Syndel?


    She doesn''t respond, though I know her soul is still inside me. What will happen to it when I''m gone? Will it find its way back to her? Will she¡ª


    Mulogo''s crazed laughter suddenly halts as small dots of light break through the shroud of mist. The dots widen into holes. Light shines down on us¡ªlight from a thousand souls. Their presence gives me relief from the pain, though Mulogo is terrified.


    ¡°No!¡± he bellows. ¡°You cannot do this!¡±


    The souls move and stretch toward each other until all of them are joined. As one, they dive. They pulsate with one last burst of light, shattering the mist. Mulogo is silent, motionless. I''m able to move my hand away from him. I look at his stricken face, seeing nothing in his reddened eyes. Whether he is dead or merely stunned, I do not know. But his power is undoubtedly broken.


    I shift my attention to the souls, watching as they separate once again. After hovering near me a moment longer, they flit away like shooting stars. Some don''t go far. I watch in fascination as about a dozen souls remain in the clearing, each sinking into the trembling body of a Soulless on the ground, taking the place of the souls stolen by the creature out of hunger and greed. The newly liberated souls fly to where they belong.


    They are returning home.


    I get to my feet, turning one way and then another. I watch the darkness, waiting for it to come. My soul.


    We shall all be released from our torment.


    That was Bronek''s promise. He did not necessarily mean death. Our torment will end when we are whole again.


    Minutes pass. More souls come, finding their way to the remaining Soulless, making them Soulless no more. Only a few rise from the ground as if waking from a long and terrible sleep. The others, abused and separated for far too long, are granted the freedom of death. I continue to wait, knowing it will come.


    I feel it before I see it. To my left comes a light, dimmed after our many years apart, but it is enough. Shutting my eyes, I spread my arms as if to welcome an old friend. Peace and warmth enter my body. Memories I know are my own fill my thoughts. My parents and my brother and sister, my friends and home. I know who I am. Tears spill down my cheeks.


    I know my real name.


    Yet, as these things come flooding back, I feel a loss of something else. My eyes open, seeing a familiar aura leave me and float across the clearing to the last figure lying on the grass. I rush to her side just as the light of her soul fills her once again.


    ¡°Syndel!¡± I say, grabbing her hands in mine, willing her to open her eyes. The wait is excruciating.


    Her head moves from side to side, her expression tight as if pain still lingers. She opens her eyes, blinking up at me. Only a trace of red remains around her irises. ¡°Cress?¡±


    I breathe out with relief. ¡°It''s over. Mulogo is finished.¡± My throat tightens. ¡°We''re whole again.¡±


    She smiles weakly. ¡°Forgive me for not telling you. I knew the meaning of Bronek''s promise, and that my part would be more difficult for you than for me. Our actions had to stem from complete selflessness . . . and love.¡±


    I blink at her. ¡°Do you love me, Syndel?¡± I ask earnestly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replies without hesitating.


    My heart swells, pushing warmth through each of my veins. ¡°Even when I was certain you cared for me, the monster threatened to take you away if I said the words. But now . . .¡± I get to my feet, pulling her up gently. I cup her face in my hands. ¡°I loved you even before I knew the emotion still existed within me.¡±


    Our lips meet, softly at first and then with a power that can only be shared by the purest of souls.

 Epilogue

    I look down into the fissure at the top of the hill, wavering about whether or not I want to go inside. Syndel takes my hand.


    ¡°You''ll never be content until you find out for certain,¡± she says, giving my hand a squeeze.


    It has been two weeks since Mulogo''s end. There is still evidence of his scourge, but changes are already happening. It''s not uncommon to see former Soulless in villages, trying to start a new life. It will not be easy. We''ve also heard rumors of Bronek''s fate. He, like so many others, died the moment his soul returned to him. I can only hope that he and Lenna are together again, just as Syndel promised. My thoughts, however, have been focused on the fate of someone else, yet I haven''t had the courage to find out. Until now.


    Nodding, I pick my way down the slight slope, guided by a globe of blue light directed by Syndel. We walk along the tunnel and enter the main chamber. Exhaling slowly, I look around. ¡°Garreg?¡±


    The little stone man gives no response.


    With Mulogo''s power gone, Garreg must be nothing more than a stone figurine somewhere alone in the dark. It''s as I suspected, though it would have been nice to see him once more. Perhaps I still can. Releasing Syndel''s hand, I search the room until I find his motionless form standing near the hearth. I kneel next to him, studying his frozen face and lifeless gold eyes. One of his hands is stretched out toward the empty hearth, as if he had been tending to the fire the moment the power that animated his body left him. ¡°Thank you, my friend. I wish there was something I could do for you in return.¡±


    I reach into my pocket and pull out a small pouch. Loosening the drawstring, I shake out a few amber shards that once were the pendant. Returning them to the pouch, I tighten the string and set the pouch in his hand. ¡°It''s not much, but we think you should have this.¡±


    Standing up straight again I turn to Syndel, who waits at the chamber entrance. She gives me a comforting smile. I join her, setting my hand back in hers. As we head through the opening, the sound of cracking rock makes us pause. For a moment I think the chamber is caving in, but as I look back, I see a flash of blood fire and the stone man crumbling to pieces. As the ivory stone falls away, something else stands in its place.


    A soul.


    Its aura is the dimmest I''ve ever seen, almost more like a shadow. I blink at it, wondering why I can see it now that I''m no longer a Soulless. ¡°Who are you?¡± I ask.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    The soul, barely able to keep itself in the shape of a man, looks down at himself in wonder, and then looks back at me. ¡°It''s me, Crescent Moon,¡± he says, his voice like an echo. ¡°It''s Garreg.¡±


    Syndel and I exchange glances, neither of us able to believe it. Looking back at Garreg, I say, ¡°You had a soul this whole time? Why didn''t you tell us?¡±


    ¡°I did not remember. I did not remember anything, but I do now. I was one of Mulogo''s first attempts. My body did not survive the ordeal and my soul was not powerful enough to tempt him, so he put it in a stone body. I lived as his servant for years, never remembering who I was, yet a part of me always despised him. Now I know why.¡± He laughs, filling the chamber with the echoing sound. ¡°Thank you for coming back.¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry I didn''t come sooner,¡± I say, thinking of the time I wasted feeling anxious about what I would find.


    ¡°I must go now,¡± the soul says, rising above the floor. ¡°We shall meet again someday, my friends.¡±


    The soul darts upward, disappearing through the ceiling. We stand there a moment longer before retracing our steps through the tunnel and out the fissure.


    Syndel shields her eyes from the sun''s brightness. ¡°It''s strange that we''re no longer running from something, isn''t it Cress?¡±


    I smile. I haven''t told her my real name. If she asks I will tell her, but I don''t think she will. To her, I will always be Cress. ¡°It will take some getting used to.¡±


    Her gaze moves downward as she clasps her hands together. ¡°You could return home now and find your family.¡±


    I hear sadness in her voice and I know she''s thinking of her own family. I must admit similar thoughts have crossed my mind. I am torn between my desire to see the people I lost so long ago and wondering if I should let the life I once had stay in the past. Would it be cruel for me to suddenly reappear, looking the same as I did the day I disappeared? Perhaps it is enough to simply cherish the memories we have of each other.


    Syndel is my family now.


    ¡°The only thing I know for certain at this moment is that I need you by my side.¡± Taking her hand, I pull it upward and press it to my lips. She smiles, squeezing my fingers.


    ¡°Now,¡± I continue, ¡°I know of a waterfall with a glistening pool where you can see the stars and moon reflected on the surface when the night is clear. Would you like to see it?¡±


    She laughs. ¡°Sounds like a place we''ve been to before. You did promise to take be there again.¡±


    We descend the hill and join Hetty on the path leading through the trees. A rustling sound ahead makes us pause. Moments later a doe and her faun step out to the path. Both regard us curiously. I have no doubt that they''re the same pair we encountered the last time we were in the forest. This time, with no sign of fear in their dark eyes, they approach us. I extend my hand slowly and wait. The doe stops, yet the faun moves closer, her ears twitching, allowing my fingers to brush against her soft head. With her curiosity satisfied, the faun returns to her mother''s side and the two of them continue through the forest.


    Syndel and I do the same.