Hidden Motives

The convoy moved on. The daystar settled behind us.

The remaining daylight shimmered between the trees like candlelight caught in a prism. The air was thick with heavy tension. Like even the wind didn’t want to disturb the balance of fragile peace.

Why is everyone on edge?

Riye eventually ordered for the carriage flap to be left open so I could get fresh air. Pan argued it was only done so Riye could monitor that Pan wasn't doing anything suspicious. The bickering made me laugh.

Eventually, the caravan stopped again.

‘Migrants,’ Riye said, riding back. ‘Selestags. Thousands of them. Magic heavy. We wait.’ He didn’t sound angry. Just efficient.

Oh! Is that why everyone is on high alert?

Everyone moved according to their roles with a focused determination. Although I wanted to ask about the creatures, the heavy air and their utter silence stopped me.

Very interesting! Are these Selestags animals we couldn’t spook by making noises? Questions for later.

The group dismounted. Pan helped me to a soft patch of grass. Elliot had already laid herself in a circle on Celphi’s foot, who now slept with a fevered flush across his brow.

Is he upset it wasn't me beside him anymore? Sorry Celphi. Let me stretch my legs.

As I sat there, in the middle of carriages and guards, I looked up and saw the same beautiful night skies starting to come out. And one by one, the three moons assembled.

I love it. I really do.

I felt a blush form on my cheeks as I gazed up. For a moment, I was lost in the moment. The wind was warm and calm. There was no need for any fire or any light source. The stars and moon illuminated everything perfectly fine.

Last time I admired the night skies on earth, I fell to my death, er, to Meu.

After being lost in the skies, and my neck starting to hurt, I looked down only to see every single person or creature around me, gazing at me.

Oh oops…

I slowly buried my face towards my knees in embarrassment. As I did so, however, at the corner of my eye, I saw something jump out of the medical carriage.

Celphi!

I shot upright and speedwalked to the wide open carriage. Running would’ve startled all the guards who already jolted while observing me suddenly shift from embarrassment to concern.

Oh he’s still here! Thank goodness!

Celphi was surrounded by two foxes. One was Elliot and I assume the other one would be her twin.

Wait a minute. I saw someone or something jump off this carriage. Not go in. So who left? 

The fridge looking compartment that Pan occasionally looked into earlier was now wide open, with nothing but a small cushion inside it. I looked around the carriage and saw a small creature paddling away towards the darkness behind a huge tree.

Was that it?

I speedwalked again, towards the creature. To my surprise, not a single guard watching me stopped me.

Must be a safe enough creature to catch then?

After reaching the last point I saw the creature, I couldn’t regain sight of it. There were only specs of grey dust where I thought it would be.

Darn! What was it doing in the medical area! If it came from another carriage, was it meant for food?

I walked a few paces to the right a bit further. It was dark but I am sure the guards could see me just fine.

Only I have human vision in here. A poor one at it.

Up the slope, not far from the front end of the convoy, Riye stood with arms crossed, speaking quietly to Pan. Just before them, by a small stream, I saw a small bird, wings blackened, chest trembling.

‘Oh…that must be it!’ I whispered and approached very carefully so as not to scare it.

‘You don’t look like noisefowl.’ I said as I knelt down to pick it up.

It let me catch it. Almost even jumped to my palms. I cupped it gently in my hands. The creature's feathers seemed to be still in the process of growth.

It must’ve been bald just a few days ago, the poor thing.

Its eyes opened. Red, perceiving and too intelligent. It yawned and a small fire ignited from its throat. I was surprised I didn’t flinch.

Well this one is definitely not food. Could it be a type of dragon bird or something?

‘Why do you ask?’ said Riye.

My head almost twisted to the source of the voices.

Of course! Riye and Pan were speaking privately.

I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. But I also hadn’t meant to be marked three times or nearly die, so… there we were.

Pan’s voice was calm, but edged with curiosity. ‘That outpost was buried behind layers of misleading aura and magical barriers. Her scent was masked by Marik. Even Mede, having a bond with her, couldn’t track her precisely.’ A pause. ‘So how did you?’

Riye didn’t respond right away.

My fingers paused midstroke along the tiny bird’s head. I barely breathed in fear of being found out.

‘You’re not trained in tracking unlike the birds,’ Pan continued. His sweet whispered voice not entirely hiding his suspicions.

How did Riye do that then? I passed out in his arms as we surfaced so I didn’t see much of the outside and how hidden the place actually was. But knowing Marik, he’d do everything in his power to keep me safe. Well, the the evil queen’s soldier did manage to find us somehow, so...

‘I just felt it,’ Riye interrupted gently. ‘I don’t have any mark on her, but I felt her.’

There was silence. Then Riye spoke again, voice low and even.

‘I felt something. Could be the moment she was fighting the poison. I knew the direction, not the exact spot. But I knew she was west, near Solkari’s border. That she was afraid. That she was barely alive.’

‘You felt her,’ Pan echoed with an arched brow. ‘Without having a bond? Amidst all the energy and aura pulling us left and right? And under those defenses?’

Also why is Pan questioning him? Is it because Pan was working for someone in the scorpion kingdom?

Riye didn’t answer.

My grip on the bird tightened just slightly. The little creature stirred in my hands.

’Sorry’. I mouthed.

Pan stepped closer to Riye, dropping his voice.

‘You’re betrothed to her, yes. By orders. It wasn't because there was a connection between you both that transcends any promise bond.’

Riye’s jaw tensed. ‘You don't know that.’

Pan didn’t press further. Just nodded slowly.

‘She’s already marked thrice,’ he said. ‘Two times in the span of 2-3 days.’

‘One more, and her soul could destabilize. It’s not like they're basic men who are accessing her mind and soul. They are all powerful creatures that stand on top of Meu as the next potential leaders. I need you to be careful.’ Pan warned. His sweet voice carried a concealed threat.

Riye’s voice softened just enough to punch right back. ‘I have never been careless with Ina.’

I slowly backed off upon hearing that. I didn’t know anything about this world and I have always been open to learning from those I have encountered. I didn’t know why Celphi loved me, but I believed in his genuinity. I trusted Mede. I even learned to understand Marik. And in this instance, I still wouldn’t question my gut feeling.

Riye is lying.