Unbetrothed by Candice Pedraza Yamnitz

Author:Candice Pedraza Yamnitz [Pedraza Yamnitz, Candice]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction
Published: 2022-02-07T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 24

MY EYEBROWS SHOT UP. Does the old man know me? I took a shaky step forward into the dimly lit cabin. Sunlight peeked through the curtains of a small window, casting a warm glow over the bearded man who sat on a wooden stool and sprinkled herbs into a kettle. Behind him, a fire danced on the hearth, filling my ears with an inviting crackle. Blas lay on a sofa, rasping in uneven breaths. He wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for me.

Lured by curiosity, I continued forward and curled my fingers around the leather sofa. How did this man know both my real name and the one I created on this journey?

On closer inspection, the man’s hazel eyes, a mix of green, gray, and brown flecks, reminded me of Papá’s. Even the shape of his face and laugh lines resembled Papá. Is this man from Giddel? I held my tongue. Best not to risk sounding silly.

But what if he was my lost uncle? Uncle was the reason Papá would never let me pursue this quest, despite the command from my whyzer.

The door slammed shut as if by invisible hands, and my heart leaped into my throat. Zichri had not moved from my side.

Breathing hard, I said, “What is your name?”

“Uly. Whyzer Uly.”

I flinched. My uncle’s name was Uly. But Papá had never said his brother became the whyzer of Valle de los Fantasmas. “How do you know me?”

“I think you have an idea.” Uly grabbed a clay jar from a shelf and sloshed a thick red liquid into a cup. He tipped Blas’s head forward to drink.

A pungent odor attacked my nose. I cringed and forced my cheeks to relax, trying to maintain a semblance of ease. “Uncle Uly? You’re alive? Why are you living in this forsaken valley?” Blood-colored liquid dripped onto Blas’s tunic. “What is that?”

“Some say I am a blessing. Your father thinks I am a curse. Believe me when I say I do not wish you harm.” Uncle Uly shifted on his stool. He pursed his lips and twitched his nose. “It was not I who withheld your gift. There is another whyzer in the valley.”

Firelight danced on Uly’s long, peppered hair. How should I feel about this man? His gaze reminded me of Papá’s, yet softer. He even twiddled his fingers over his knee like Papá.

Blas groaned in pain. His eyes pressed shut and sweat beaded on his forehead. My insides twisted into a growing knot.

“Your friend will surely die if you do not get him the antidote. My ministrations can only keep him alive for a little while.”

Zichri stepped forward. “Where can we get the antidote?”

“It seems you are destined for the ruins. The margus plant grows like a weed in that blessed land. I dare not go unless I am invited.” He pulled out a red book from the shelf behind him and thumbed through its pages until he found a drawing scrawled in black ink. A castle was drawn near a waterfall, and a forest labeled Chupalma surrounded the ruins on the east side.

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