Spindleheart by T.I. Avens

Author:T.I. Avens
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: T.I. Avens
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

15

Wise

“MISCHIEF! PYE!” SAFFRON CALLED FROM the steps of the Grand Hall. She grunted as she heaved her much larger pack onto her shoulders. Calla walked up behind her, the cool morning air hitting her face.

“Are you sure you need all that?” Calla eyed her sister.

“I wouldn’t if you’d packed better,” Saffron said. “These supplies are for both of us.”

Calla sniffed and folded her arms. “Yeah, it’s not like I was rushed or anything.”

Saffron ignored her and called out from the top of the steps again. Further ahead, the twig-trots continued to wrestle in a crop of wildflowers that sprang from the road. They chased and nipped at each other’s tails.

“Mischief! Pye!” she called.

They didn’t even glance at her.

Saffron shook her head. “Those two still never listen.”

Calla couldn’t stop herself. “Mischief, Pye,” she called more softly. The two looked up, then dashed over and playfully hopped around her shoes.

“Well, I guess they do have a favorite,” Saffron muttered.

Calla bit her lip to keep from laughing. Then, she remembered her fleeting thought the day prior.

Maybe things could go back, just a bit…maybe I can change things between us.

“It was a lucky call,” Calla said. “When they’re this excited, they hardly listen to anyone.”

“Perhaps.” Saffron sounded unconvinced.

Calla turned and watched the Keepers, and Nia looking over their large packs and supplies. Thimble sat in Rowan’s arms as he helped them check supplies once, twice, and thrice again.

Calla searched her mind for something to brighten things.

“Well, at least we’re ready for the journey,” Calla said. “We probably had enough practice for this growing up.”

Saffron looked at her. “What do you mean?”

“Remember when we used to take walks around RedHeath with Mom?” Calla said. “Sometimes we’d go pretty far.”

Saffron shuddered. “Oh, yeah I remember. So many crawly bugs and burrs, and worms, and dirt.” She frowned. “Also, in hindsight, it probably wasn’t that safe. Even if Mom was a caster, there’s a lot of mean wilders in the Awlt.” She then gave a small smile, much to Calla’s surprise. “But it was fun when we got to where we were going.”

Calla nodded. “Mom did always find the greatest spots. Remember that pond with the orange frilled-fish?”

“Not this again!” barked Spruce.

The two flower-elves turned to see Spruce shaking her head at the Keepers. “Must you take so much? The ruins aren’t that far.”

Oakbur huffed, ruffling his leafy mustache. “We don’t know how long we’ll be out there. It could be a week.”

For a moment the two sisters watched as Spruce and Oakbur bickered and squabbled. Eventually Spruce threw her hands up, and Nettle and Nia stepped in to cool things over between them.

“Nice to know Oakbur is still as Oakbur as ever,” Calla said.

Saffron chuckled. “Yep, and with Spruce along this will make for an interesting trip.”

Calla watched her yawn. Clearly the last few days had Saffron and the other Keepers drained.

“Sorry about yesterday,” Calla said, “and thanks again for convincing them to let me tag along.”

Saffron waved it off. “Don’t mention it. Just promise me one thing.

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