The Ore Monger by Zaid Hasan

Author:Zaid Hasan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, sci-fi, high fantasy, epic, journey, faeries, shapeshifters, nymphs, pixies, winged humans, flying humans, underwater city, catacombs, political, war, grief, loss, nudity, violence
Publisher: Zaid Hasan
Published: 2024-11-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 32: “The Falcon”

Continent of Panaerth

21st Day of Month 6, Year 1628 DG

A new day dawns upon Ona’s light.

Zakia and Salessa enter the clearing again, and the pixie inactivates the cloaking circle. The pair find Gina and Naina strategizing the mission, while Symin extinguishes the morning bonfire.

Where were you? Naina asks Salessa.

Early morning perimeter check, Salessa responds, as Zakia instructed her to.

When Gina verbally asks Zakia the same question, she delivers an identical response, followed by a knowing glance to Salessa.

Salessa forces memories of the night out of her mind, in case Naina decides to telepathically probe her.

“We have to be at the processing center by afternoon,” Gina commands. “Let’s get moving.”

One by one, the travelers cross the threshold, into the forest where the Radiance is void. They stay close together as they travel, eyes wide for Bravers. Gina safeguards the rear of the pack, with Zakia leading and Symin in the middle with the twins.

Without her access to the Radiance, Gina remains on edge, a dagger in each hand. Symin and Zakia, however, appear unfazed. They’re alert and guarded, but exude a calming aura, focused on the path ahead.

When the Four reach their peak overhead, Salessa hopes the protests in her stomach aren’t audible to the remainder of the group.

“It’s midday,” Gina announces. “We should stop to eat. The center isn’t far now.”

Maybe she heard.

Gina moves quickly around the surrounding trees and secures their perimeter, while Symin and Zakia take to the branches and gather fruit.

Salessa sits with her back against a tree, and Naina plops down next to her.

We have to finish our conversation from last night, the wolf demands.

Salessa juggles offering her the truth: Zakia knows who they are now, and the others are ignorant of the prophecy. They have no reason to hide the falcon.

But when she meets Naina’s eyes, her nerves take over.

My feelings haven’t changed, Naina. It has to be me. A wolf can’t safely complete this mission, and I won’t put you in danger.

We will be in danger if we reveal who we are. Did you forget, it’s the reason we’re on the run? We can’t trust Mega, they’ll want to use our abilities, or the Goddess herself.

Salessa breathes deeply to temper her anger. You’re lying to yourself. I’m in your head and I know your feelings have changed. I don’t know how or when, but this untrusting, tough exterior act has started breaking down around Symin. I know you’ve seen through his windows.

There’s a long, silent pause as Naina tries to form a response, a denial.

Salessa continues. Change champions, remember? What greater change is there than relieving ourselves of the things holding us back?

Hiding the prophecy protects us, Lessi.

Hiding the prophecy HAS protected us. But not anymore. Now all it does is isolate us. We’ve been alone for twelve years.

She turns to the Mega around them and Naina follows her gaze.

I told you before, we need community. We don’t need to protect ourselves alone anymore, when we have a community who will protect us.

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