Amber Wolf by Lauren Searson-Patrick

Author:Lauren Searson-Patrick [Lauren-Searson-Patrick]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Lauren-Searson-Patrick, AMBER WOLF
Publisher: Wildful Writings
Published: 2022-04-07T14:40:55+00:00

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We walk at a steady pace out of Elenlea, Niamh's shod hooves clopping on the cobblestones, reminding me of the walk in but, this time, we go in a different direction. A small bag of food and an extra knife is strapped across my back, the slightly larger one of Ciara's Lochlain gave me at my waist, under my cloak.

Ciara skirts around the outer edges of the centre of the city and I push down the disappointment at not seeing the heart of Elenlea. But the houses we pass are whimsical and I smile at the thought of the lives inside. In Rhyton, I have simply imagined easier lives; here, I imagine lives filled with laughter, and children learning magic together, and the chaos that must cause for everyone around them. The flowers that grace the balconies and gardens of all the houses we pass feel like a homage somehow. To nature, the Mother – the giver of their magic.

A small picket fence inside one of the yards captures my attention. The lushness of the vegetables it contains making my stomach grumble.

'Is that normal?' I ask Ciara.

'What's that?'

'For people to have their own vegetable gardens?'

She's quiet for a moment, as if she's not quite sure how to answer but there's a knowing in her eyes when she glances at me. 'It is here. For now.'

I look back as we leave the edge of the city and my chest tightens. Looking at the city from a slight distance, there seems to be a shadow that hangs over it somehow. Slightly dulling its sparkle. But it has left an impression on me, and I already regret my too-quick goodbye with Lochlain.

Ciara can obviously see my expression and she employs her skill of directing conversations to distract me. As I laugh at her imitation of Lochlain, I realise it's working.

'You know,' Ciara says, thoughtful suddenly. 'My mother used to tell Lochlain and me that, if we were lost or unsure of the best way through a problem, the Mother would help us.'

'Nature?' I ask, trying not to look doubtful as I turn to her, Niamh walking at her shoulder.

'She said we should trust in her – give our hearts to her – and she'd send a sign to help us on the right path.'

She smiles at me suddenly. Gently. 'I trust she'll help you, too. If you let her,' she says, coming to a stop earlier than I would like. But there are no more houses around. When I look back, I can now only see the generously sized backyards that back onto the grass plain we now stand on the edge of. The river meandering along to my right, away from the city.

'This is as far as I'll come, you should be alright from here,' she says, patting Niamh's shoulder as I look over the impossibly green expanse.

'Be safe, please,' she presses her hand to her chest. 'The Realm will always be open to you, Lish, should you choose it. It's been so lovely to meet you.

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