Sember (Forestfolk, Book 2)

Chapter 4

I sat with Remi in his cabin, watching Siena sleep. It reminded me of the first time I had done so, after she had drained herself saving my parents from their burns. The burns I had caused. I had wanted to make sure she didn’t perish, not that there was anything I could have done about it if she had. But I didn’t want someone dying because of me.

“Isn’t she beautiful?” Remi whispered as he gazed at her, a serene smile on his face.

“I always thought so.” I resisted the urge to touch the wisps of hair around her face, to reassure myself that she was really here. After brief greetings with some of the Forestfolk, she had immediately gone to the quarantine cabin and healed the sick. Then she healed my parents. Healing no longer drained her as it once had, but after such a long journey where everyone needed her powers, she was quite exhausted.

A light snore began and we both grinned. “She doesn’t believe me when I tell her she snores,” he said affectionately.

I shook my head. “No girl wants to hear that.”

He chuckled, and then I asked him, “How bad is it? Out where the tribes are?”

His smile disappeared, and I felt guilty for taking it away. The weariness in his sigh answered my question. “It’s hit them so hard, I honestly don’t know how they’ll survive.” He rubbed his stubbly cheek. “We can’t be everywhere at once. I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s unnatural. Siena’s strength . . . ” He glanced at her sleeping form. “She’s told me before that it comes from nature itself. Whatever natural thing is ailing you, she can fix it. But this . . . ” He shook his head slowly. “Whatever is causing this, it can’t be natural.”

“You think it might be a Gifted causing this?” I couldn’t imagine someone so powerful, or evil.

“It’s crossed my mind, but we have no clues about its origin.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I’m going to talk to Galen and see if he’s sensed anything new.”

Galen had the ability to sense immediate danger, and sometimes danger from afar, if it might affect Foresthome. People looked up to him.

I sat back, thinking. It had to have started somewhere. There had to be a solution.

“We noticed one other thing,” Remi said as he pulled Siena’s blanket higher. “This doesn’t seem to affect the Gifted.”

“Really?” My eyes widened, and then I realized it was true. Goben and I had been tending to our sick parents. I had even entered the quarantine with Ruba, where the black rashes and bloody coughs were prominent, but I hadn’t gotten sick, and neither had Goben. Even Ruba had started a fever just before Siena arrived. “What does this mean?”

He shrugged. “I wish I knew.”

I traced the edge of the chair seat for a few moments, then stood up and put a hand on his shoulder. “You should rest too.”

He nodded, and I headed out into the dusk.

* * *

I was halfway through breakfast the next day when Siena and Remi arrived at the commons. I felt my face light up when I saw them, then disappointment brought me back down when they chose to sit at a small table away from everyone else. A flash of irritation struck me, and I struggled to hold it at bay. Of course they’d want to be alone. The rest of the day was going to be spent surrounded by people. Mornings and nights would be the only time they’d get to be alone.

I sighed and threw a berry into my mouth. I was pathetic. I used to get jealous of Remi for taking Siena away from me. Now that I was older, I was just envious of what they had with each other. I watched them covertly as I ate. They spoke to each other in hushed tones, so I was unable to hear anything, but Siena seemed like a different person with Remi. Her normally reserved demeanor was replaced by an animated one. She never seemed to giggle around anyone but Remi. Her eyes sparkled, and she touched his hand frequently. He tenderly brushed a tendril of blonde hair behind Siena’s ear, and she gazed at him with such love that I suddenly felt like just watching them was an intrusion.

I dropped my eyes down to my plate. Siena had been my rock for most of my life. She taught me how to stabilize myself, and kept me safe. Or rather, kept everyone safe from me. Now that I wasn’t a small child anymore, I needed to stop clinging to her. People joked that I was her shadow, but . . . what was I without her?

I stood up. Time to run. Siena caught my eye and gave me a little wave. I smiled, pleased that she hadn’t forgotten I was there. I gave her a quick wave in return and took off.

To my consternation, I found Dozan at the lake again, stupid fishing pole in hand. I ignored him and sprinted past. After what seemed like a safe distance, I slowed to an average pace. I couldn’t figure this boy out. One moment he was asking me where girls hung out, practically drooling over Nirrin, and the next moment he was trying to kiss me. Or “console” me, as he’d put it. I snorted. I had heard of womanizers, but never actually met one before.

I jumped over a rotting log, enjoying the feel of my legs pushing me off the ground and clearing the obstacle with ease. When I landed, my thoughts turned back to the plague sweeping the land. What was causing it, and why was it only hitting non-Gifted people? We needed to find a solution, or Siena would be run ragged, if she wasn’t already.

A murky mudhole loomed ahead, and instead of skirting around it I jumped again.

Siena said all the tribes were affected, and Dozan had said pretty much the same thing. I wondered how far his family had gone to trade. How far did this plague reach? Did any of the other tribes have any more insight than we did? And then I thought of something . . . why wasn’t he sick?

When I finished my lap, I decided to ask him. I slowed when I reached his predictably empty bucket.

“We must stop meeting like this,” he said with a smirk.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “Dozan, how far does your family’s trade route reach?”

He raised his eyebrows. I guess most of the girls he knew didn’t care about such things. “Well, um . . . ” His eyes turned skyward as he thought. “The farthest has to be up north. The Iceling village, called Odavik.”

I gaped. “Icelings? Like where Siena’s mother is from? You’ve seen where they live?”

“If you’re talking about blue eyes and blond hair, then yes. The girls are stunning there, let me tell you.”

I sighed with irritation at his one-track mind. “How long ago were you there?”

“Well, it’s the worst place to be during winter, so I would say about four months ago? Why?” His head tilted with curiosity.

“Was the plague there too?”

“Plague? You mean the sickness? Yes. Nasty business. I’m glad we left.”

It reached so far north. Wait, at least four months ago? “Dozan, why haven’t you gotten sick?”

He shrugged. “Why haven’t you?”

I narrowed my eyes at him. What was he not telling me? Something didn’t feel right. Yet when I looked at him, his eyes seemed innocent. In fact, they seemed to . . . beckon to me. It made me think about that time he was looking at my lips.

I mentally shook myself. Now was not the time for girlish fantasy. Instead of pressing him further, I told him “never mind,” and left him standing there, likely confused. I needed to bring this information to Siena.

I found her at the quarantine cabin, talking to Ruba. They were discussing different herb combinations when I entered.

“Sember! How are your parents?” Much of the tension had eased from Ruba’s face, who was able to smile now that Siena was back.

“They are well for now, thanks to Siena.” I cast her a thankful glance.

“What brings you here?” Ruba dipped a cloth into a bucket of water.

“I just learned something from that trading family.”

“What trading family?” Siena asked.

I told her about Dozan and how his family was staying here for the winter. Then I told them about the Icelings struggling with the plague.

“Four months ago?” said Siena. “I’ve been making tribe rounds about once every two months, but didn’t see anything until this past visit.”

I picked up on what she was saying. “Do you think it might have started there, in Odavik?”

“It’s possible.” She nodded, then murmured, “The Icelings . . . ”

Having been a captive growing up, Siena had never seen another Iceling besides her mother until she came to Foresthome, and even here, there was just Zelly. The two of them were the only ones I’d ever seen myself. Whoever these Iceling people were, they seemed to keep to themselves.

“I’m going to talk to Zelly,” Siena said. “Maybe she’ll know something.”

“I’m going to go talk to this trader family,” I volunteered. “I have a feeling Dozan is hiding something. They’ve been through several sick tribes, and they’re still not sick themselves. Don’t you find that fishy?”

After a thoughtful moment, she said, “Maybe they’re Gifted?”

My brows drew together. “That would be odd, then, because he referred to me as ‘one of those’ people.” I grit my teeth in annoyance.

“Then find out what you can.” Siena placed a soothing hand on my arm. She knew all about being “one of those.” To Ruba, she said, “Send for me if you need anything.” Then we left.

I felt a familiar comfort as we walked side by side toward Zelly’s garden. We used to walk this path daily when I was growing up. Siena enjoyed helping Zelly tend the garden, and I had just wanted to be with Siena. I ignited the plants sometimes, so they usually put me in charge of moving dirt or scorching weeds. It was never my thing though.

I glanced over at her. “I’ve missed you, Siena.”

She smiled and looked up at me. It felt so strange to be taller than her. I’d been the shorter one for most of my life, but last year, I sprouted past her. “I’ve missed you too. I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to catch up with you. What have you been up to?”

“Oh, you know, I run and practice every single morning. My energy has been pretty stable. No accidents. Well, maybe one . . . but that wasn’t my fault. The i***t shouldn’t have sneaked up on me.”

She chuckled, then concern crept into her tone when she asked, “What about friends? Are you making any?”

I picked at a fingernail as we walked. “Well, there’s Nirrin . . . ”

She smiled. “You know I love you. You’re the dear sister I never had. But you need to connect with people. These times are uncertain, and I may not be able to see you as often, if people become more desperate.”

I pouted as resentment invaded my thoughts. “Can’t you just . . . stay here?”

She sighed as if the weight of the world lay on her shoulders. “My gift isn’t just for me or Foresthome. It’s to serve everyone. All life is precious, and I must do what I can to preserve it, even if it means being away longer.”

I exhaled in defeat. Selfless Siena. Trying to be like her was impossible. I was simply too selfish. I wouldn’t go traipsing off into the plains helping complete strangers. I would stay here, helping the ones I love. The ones who mattered most. I felt a twinge of sadness—not at the awareness that I was selfish—but at the realization that she was gently trying to push me away.  

“I understand,” I said, though I didn’t really.

She looked at me sideways, as if deciding whether or not to say something else. When you’ve known someone for ten years, you become pretty good at reading their moods. But she said nothing. 

We found Zelly leaning heavily against a shovel, having a coughing fit. We rushed to her side to steady her. Within moments of Siena touching her arm, the coughing subsided, Zelly’s flushed cheeks normalized, and her skin no longer felt clammy. 

“Miraculous as ever, Siena. Thank you.” Zelly straightened herself, then she hugged her. “It’s so good to see you again.” 

“I’ve missed you too, Zelly. How long have you been sick?” 

“Oh . . . ” She waved her hand in the air. “All this plague business. I don’t get sick. It was just a cough.” 

Siena frowned a little, then asked, “Do you know anything about the origin of this plague? Before you came here, did you ever see anything like it?” 

Zelly tapped her chin in thought, then shook her head. “Can’t say that I have, I’m sorry. Icelings are pretty resistant to disease.” 

“Do you happen to know where that trading family is staying?” I asked her. 

“Trading family?” Zelly’s brow crinkled in puzzlement. 

“Dozan. And his family. He told me they were traders.” 

“Oh! Well, it’s just the boy and his father.” Zelly gave me directions to where they were staying. 

I thanked her and left Siena to catch up with her friend.

So it wasn’t his whole family. Why would Dozan lie to me? What was he up to? If he meant harm to Foresthome . . . heated anger seeped into my blood.

I followed one of the less-used trails and eventually found a large tent set up in a small clearing. Dozan had just opened the flap to step outside when he saw me. He jerked a little in surprise, but then recovered and smiled as I approached.

“Now who’s stalking whom?” he asked, that irritating smirk back on his face.

“We need to talk,” I said, ignoring his teasing. 

“Oh. What every guy wants to hear.” He gestured toward a thick cluster of trees, and I stalked toward it.

He followed so close behind me that he nearly bumped into me when I stopped and whirled around. His proximity unnerved me a little, and I stepped back. “Why did you lie to me?”

He frowned. “About what?” 

“You said you were here with your family for the winter, but there isn’t a family, is there? It’s just you and your father.” 

He tensed, his shoulders visibly squaring. “My father is my family. My mother got sick on the way here.” He plucked a leaf off a branch. “She didn’t make it.” I saw the pain in his sad eyes before they dropped to his shoes. 

I suddenly felt like such a boar’s butt.

“Dozan, I’m so sorry.” All my anger dissipated, replaced by an incredible urge to console him. I touched his arm and felt a strange current. He lifted his big, brown eyes back up to mine, and I felt . . . drawn to him. I shook my head, trying to clear it, but now he was touching my arm too, tugging me closer. My mind filled with fog . . . and desire. 

When he pressed his lips against mine, I did not resist. When he leaned into my body, I closed my eyes. And when his hands slid around my waist, my heart began to gallop. I twined my hands into his hair, and the kiss deepened.

My blood caught fire. I couldn’t think, couldn’t stop. I didn’t even know if I wanted to stop. 

His hands roved over my body as he pressed me against the tree. I let my hands slide down his back. Kissing him was all-consuming. I barely noticed him tugging my shirt up. 

“Mmm, so hot,” he mumbled against my lips. He shifted his shoulders and grunted a little. “Ow. Ow! My back is burning!” He jerked away from me and began hopping around.

I blinked, ripped away from the blinding passion. The fog lifted from my brain, leaving me with just the fiery blood coursing through my veins.

What just happened? 

Dozan frantically craned his neck over one shoulder, trying to see his back, arms flapping at his sides like a ridiculous bird. A bird with a huge black hole in his shirt and blistering skin beneath. I immediately felt guilty.

Then angry.

What did he do to me? One moment I was mad at him, and as soon as I felt sorry for him, all my good sense flew away. I may have been prone to impetuous moments, but never anything like this.

I felt violated. Dirty. My ire trampled the guilt into the dirt.

This boy wasn’t charming.

This boy was Gifted.