Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
I look both ways as we press forward. The left path doesn’t seem too bad. More light is coming from that way than the middle; however, the right is ominously dark. Clumps of long moss hang from the branches, floating like bodies that have been maliciously strung up. Branches croak, and the wind carries an eerie melody from that direction.
Out of instinct, I move closer to Rynthea but end up bumping into her arm. She glances at me with a note of concern.
I force a smile. “Sorry.”
“All good.” She says that, but her scythesword is gripped tighter in hand now, like she’s expecting something to attack at any minute.
Up close, I see that the scythesword’s blade is made of gleaming silver with a clean-cut edge and a dangerously sharp tip. It isn’t your typical farmer’s scythesword. Hers is crafted delicately, the polished black handle half of its usual size. The handle is crafted in a rope-like design and is truly impressive, especially since not many people fight and kill with scytheswords. They are much heavier than your usual sword and require not only great strength, but a unique set of skills.
“So why are we going through Delchester Forest if it’s not safe?” I ask. “There are other routes, right?”
“Delchester is the quickest route from Winstoft to Bernwood,” she answers. “We could have traveled to Junsho and hiked the mountains or waited at the ports, but the steepness of the mountains would slow us down, and who knows how long it would take just to get someone to let us ride their ship? Junshorians keep to themselves and aren’t always inclined to go out of their way. If you want to beat that curse you mentioned, we can’t afford to spend time begging for a ship ride to Bernwood ports. That could take days.”
“Oh.” I try matching my pace with hers. She has long strides, and her hooves stamp into the ground hard enough for me to consider being careful where I step. I’m lucky to not have broken spectacles. The last thing I need is a broken foot.
“I’ve heard way too many stories about Delchester,” Algar says behind me. “Where I’m from, they call it Deathchester.”
“For good reason,” Thane mutters, leading Pearl, who is packed up with our rucksacks and satchels.
“It’s not too bad if you know where you’re going.” Rynthea scans the area ahead as she steps over a thick tree root.
“How long will it take to get to Bernwood from here?” I ask.
“Two hours, give or take.”
“Hmm.” Silence lingers between us before I clear my throat. “Well, while we’re having a rare moment of tranquility, I was thinking I might need a weapon of my own.”
“For what?” asks Thane.
I glance over my shoulder at him. He’s frowning.
“Because if I’m traveling with people like all of you—”
“Whoa! Come on now!” Algar says as he feeds Zephra a slice of jerky.
“No offense,” I add, looking between him and Rynthea, who simply laughs. “But we have to be honest here. You’re a thief, Algar—not to mention you have an incredibly rare creature occupying your shoulder that people will pay a lot of coin for, especially when they realize she can steal on command. You told me that.”
Zephra squeaks and bobs her head as Algar shrugs. “Fair point.”
“And Rynthea, you’re part minotaur.” I gesture to her as she looks down at me again through the corner of her eye. “If the wrong people come across you, they’ll try to kill you on sight.”
“In their dreams,” she grumbles.
“And Thane, well…you know what kind of threat you bring.”
He provides a jaded blink.
“My point is, I’m traveling with a targeted group of people. We could be attacked at any time. I want to be able to protect myself somehow. So, if any of you have a spare dagger, a knife, or anything, I’ll be happy to take it.”
“Would you even know how to use it?” Thane chimes in.
“I can try,” I shoot back. “I’m a quick learner.”
“Okay. Say someone is about to kill you. Would you be willing to kill them to save yourself?” he asks.
I hesitate with my response, holding his gaze.
I can tell he’s smirking underneath that damn mask.
“You don’t strike me as a person who can steal a life and live with the consequences afterward, sweet one. If we give you a weapon, the enemy will likely turn it against you if you hesitate. There’s no point in having one if you don’t know how to use it or if you’re not willing to use it at all.”
“Then show me how,” I counter. “You’re the savage sorcerer with the blades, right? Show me where to strike so I can save myself.”
Thane contemplates this as he rearranges Pearl’s reins in one of his gloved hands.
“If he doesn’t teach you, we will.” Algar gestures between himself and Rynthea, tossing me a wink. “We’ve got your back, princess.”