Nydewin

Chapter 14

Chapter 14 

It wasn’t until we were close enough, to see the people that I started to panic. I looked down at my attire, I would not fit in, not looking like this.

“Cormac.” I pulled on his shirt sleeve

He turned to look at me “What is it.” He whispered

“I think that I might stick out in a crowd.” I answered directing him to look at my cloths.

He frowned down at me. “Your right.” I watched him trying to figure it out

“I know!” I exclaimed

He looked at me unconvinced

“Look.” I said pointing to a young man leading a wolf on a lead and another young man with a fox around his shoulders.

I smiled up at a worried looking Cormac

“I don’t know.” He said hesitantly

“Come on, once inside we can find me some more appropriate clothing.”

I watched as Cormac tried to come up with another plan “Fine,” he said shaking his head “Just make sure no one sees you shift.”

Before Cormac could say another word, I quickly shifted into a fox. I allowed Cormac to pick me up and help me get comfortable on his shoulders. Fully aware of how close we were becoming.

“Why couldn’t you have been a wolf?” He asked as he made his way to the line of people waiting to be let into the town.

“Didn’t think that was a good idea, not after what happened this morning.” I answered. Digging my claws in to his shoulder.

“A cat then.” He groaned

“Why did Benita ask us to get the horses?” I asked, changing the subject

Cormac greeted one of the gates guards who granted at him in response before granting us entrance.

“Because we are the only ones that can talk to both human and animal minds.”

 I continued to watch as, cute girl after cute girl all but threw themselves at Cormac. I started growing annoyingly jealous at the affection the shifter was giving the girls. To the point that I bit one of the girls that dared to pat me.

“Amelia.” He cried out loud. “I’m sorry,” Cormac started to apologise to the petit blonde.

“It is okay.” The girl said holding her hand “I should know better than to pat a strange animal, especially a fox.” She smiled up at Cormac, “They can be unpredictable and extremely territorial.”

“Show her unpredictable” I snarled, from Cormac’s shoulder

Before Cormac could apologise, the little blonde hurried off.

“What did you do that for? We are meant to be keeping a low profile.” He said sounding annoyed

I growled at the shifter, sinking my claws into his shoulders before jumping off his shoulder, to walk beside him.

“Amelia, what has gotten into you?” he asked as he stopped in front of what looked like a temporary stall

“Just get me some cloths so I can shift back.” I snapped

A few minutes later I was walking around next to Cormac, in my human form. I was still filled with jealousy and tried very hard not to show it. But I knew by Cormac’s silence he was still not happy with me either.

“So, where are the stock yards?” I asked

He pointed past the throng of people in the square to the far side. Where I was greeted with the sight of hundreds of pens filled with livestock, everything from pigs, goats and horses. We walked over to one of the horse pens, that was filled with very large horses, most of which stood over eighteen hands.

I looked at Cormac in wonder

“They are a special breed of horse, only found in Nydewin.” He lent closer to whisper in my ear “Some of the horses from your realm where originally breed from these.”

Clydesdales were the first that came to mind. I noticed a slightly smaller mare standing at the edge of the pen, looking out at the people that walked past. I walked over to her seeing the longing in her eyes.

“Hello, sweet girl.” I said both out loud and in the mare’s mind, as I put my hand out for her to sniff.

I heard Cormac’s laughter and turned to find him smiling at me “You are a natural when it comes to animals, hot so much people.” He frowned then “We might have to work on that.”

I frowned at him “People are liars.” I retorted

Pain washed over Cormac’s face at these words, as he knew full well, they were directed at him.

“Amelia,” he paused, changing his mind “I’m going to get the tack that we are going to need, you can pick the horses.” He turned to walk away head bowed

I sighed heavily before turning back to the mare, feeling bad about how I was treating him.

“he will forgive you.” The mare said when I entered her mind again.

I looked at her stunted form for a moment, not knowing how to respond.

“You have a strong mind, good.” She spoke again. “You will need it.” The mare’s voice was soft and sweet.

“why?” I asked confused

“Weak minds can be broken.” she answered

Before I could ask why that mattered the mare spoke again

“Now your companion asked me to help you require at least four horses.”

I nodded, wondering when Cormac had had the time to communicate with the mare.

The mare neighed at a couple of bronze coloured geldings that responded by coming to introduce themselves. The mare that I had been communicating with was called Little Bee, and the two brothers names were Tapia and Kenna. Once the three horses were informed of who I was, they were more than happy to help me find another two horses that would aid my friends and myself.

Little Bee asked Kenna to fetch Twig a small black and white filly, with a fiery temperament, and intelligent eyes that seemed to see right into my soul. It wasn’t until Little Bee called Rain over that I realised that Little Bee had not included herself.

“Little Bee, will you not join us?” I asked

The mare simple answered by shaking her head.

I felt eyes watching me and turned to find an elderly man with a great grey beard, and slight limp, walking towards us.

“That be our keeper.” Kenna said nibbling at my shirt

I laughed at the feel of the gelding’s whiskers on my arm.

“I see my horses have taken a fancy to you, young lady.” The elderly gentleman said, sounding amused “It has been a long time since I have seen Little Bee take fancy to a stranger.” He looked from me to the horses,

“I just have a thing with animals.” I answered innocently

The man nodded “What brings you to Wercast?” he asked patting the mare on the neck

“My friends and I are looking to purchase some horses,” I answered

Knowing the best lie is one that uses the truth.

The elderly man stroked his beard thoughtfully, as he examined the horses in front of him.

“Where are you headed?” he asked

I knew he was trying to get more information, to see if I would be trustworthy. However, I looked at the mare, unsure if I could trust the old man.

“You can trust him, he longs for Nydewin’s true heir to come and save us all.” The mare responded to my worries.

Before I could answer the man, I heard Cormac calling my name.

“Is this your friend?” The old man asked when Cormac stood beside me

“Garth, sir.” Cormac introduced himself by another name.

“Polite young man.” The elderly man frowned at us both “Quart,” the elderly man said reaching his hand out to Cormac.

Cormac embraced the man’s forearm. A gesturer I had come to realise was much like a handshake.

“Your friend, says you are after some horses?” Quart questioned Cormac

“Yes, sir.” Cormac smiled at the old man “We need at least four horses.”

“But there are only two of you?” It was more a question then a statement

“Our friends will be riding with us.” Cormac answered

Quart was nodding, with a look of concentration on his face.

“Little Bee has just informed me that you are both beast speakers.” The old man finally said

Shocking both Cormac and I into silence. I felt Cormac grab my wrist.

“Get ready to run.” Cormac warmed

The old man’s eyes widened in realisation

“Please forgive me, I did not mean to frighten you.” He smiled down at me and in a voice so low only the three of us could hear he bowed his head and whispered “Princess.”

“Sir.” Cormac’s words were stern “We best be going.” He said as he started dragging me away

“Stop please.” The old man said, “I won’t say anything.” I saw sadness in the man’s eyes

“Cormac.” I looked up into his blue eyes “We can trust him.” I said

I watched as he struggled with himself. With the decision he now had to make “How do you know?” he asked

“I don’t know,”

Cormac frowned

“Do you trust me?” I asked, and he nodded “Then trust me when I say that this man can be trusted.”

Cormac was silent a while before he nodded “Okay, I trust you.”

I smiled up at the worried looking Shifter, and on impulse reached up and kissed him on the cheek. Before walking back over to the elderly man.

Without another word, the elderly man handed me a handful of ownership papers. I went to hand him the few coins that Benita had given us. But the old man refused, asking only that we cared for the horses as best as we could. I refused to take the horses, explaining that I would feel extremely guilty. Quarts finally gave in and took only five silver, ‘One for ever horse.’ He explained. Confused he explained that I would be taking Little Bee with me.

Not long after the exchange Cormac and I were leading the five horses out the town gates and down the dirt path.

“Shouldn’t we wait for the other?” I asked Cormac

“There is an inn  not far from here, we are to meet them there.” He answered

I could hear and feel the anger in his voice. I stayed silent while we road to the inn. It wasn’t until we were in our shared room for the night that I had, had enough of Cormac ‘s shortness towards me.

“Have I done something.” I asked tonelessly

He turned on me, his chest heaving, his jaw clenching and unclenching, his eyes dark staring into mine.

“Do you really not know?” he asked through clenched teeth

“why else would I be asking?”

He let out a heavy sigh and turned away from me again. I reached out and grabbed his arm, so he would face me again.

“Please stop.” He whispered

I pulled my hand away, still not knowing what I had done. I bit my lip, trying to keep myself from snapping out.

I felt my inner wolf howling, she wanted to comfort him, she wanted to be with him. I fought with this instinct. I didn’t know what was happening with me, what it was about this man that confused me so much. I sat on one of the two beds staring up at Cormac’s stiff back, willing him to look at me and tell me what was going on.

Moments past and as the silence grew stronger, I grew more impatient and restless, when I couldn’t take it anymore, I went to the door, intending to go for a walk. I turned to let Cormac know my intentions.

however, before I could utter a word, I was pinned against the door. Cormac kissing me deeply. He stopped to look at me when I didn’t respond to him. I could see him searching for answers, to the same questions I was asking myself. I felt my inner wolf, clawing at my chest, begging me to give in, urging me to give myself to this man.

I smiled shyly up into Cormac’s face, his dark blue eyes, filled with longing. I reached up and kissed Cormac softly, then pulled away.

“I,” before I could continue, Cormac placed two fingers to my lips and shook his head.

“I will wait,” he smiled softly at me “When you are ready, I will be here.” He lent down and kissed my cheek then

“Cormac.” I could feel the tears starting to burn my eyes now.

He smiled and shaking his head again “I know you have a secret that you aren’t ready to tell me, and that it is keeping you from letting me into your heart.” He grabbed my hands and held them in his “When you are ready, I will be here waiting.”

“Why?” I asked not knowing what else to say

His smiled broadened “The truth?” I nodded “I don’t know what it is about you, but the more time we spend together, the more I come to care about you.” He shook his head “No, that’s not right, it’s more than that,”

I smiled up at him, knowing exactly what he was trying to say. “I feel it too,” I confessed, I watched Cormac’s eyes widen “I felt it the first day I spotted you, watching me from the forests edge.” Cormac’s hands tightened around mine “I felt a pull towards you, I didn’t know what was happening, I just knew that I needed to go to you, that somehow being with you would fix everything.” I chuckled slightly “I didn’t know at the time how a strange fox could help me.” I watched Cormac’s eyes fall away from mine.

I pulled my hands out of his grasp and placed one on his cheek, so he would look at me again. When he did, I saw the pain and anger in his eyes.

“I know better now that you weren’t just a fox,”

“Amelia,” He said my name in a way that made me ache.

“Shhh,” I reached up and kissed his cheek “I know there is a connection between us, just being around you, I find that I am more in control on myself, I am calmer then I have been for as long as I can remember, but Cormac, you also ignite, something in me that makes me crave your touch.”

Cormac interrupted me “If you feel this way, this connection, why are you fighting it, fighting me?” I saw his bright blue eyes flash black for a second before returning to their beautiful sapphire blue. “I don’t understand how you could deny, whatever this connection is that seems to want us together.” He placed his free hand on my cheek and smiled bleakly “What is it that scars you enough not to believe in love.”

I pulled away from his embrace, shaking my head “Cormac please, I can’t.”

“Fine!” he spat the word at me, his eyes black, with anger

I flinched, knowing I deserved his anger.

I spent most of the night downstairs at the inn, drinking a local ferment that had an addictive spicy flavour. More than once I had to scare off, unwanted attention from men that thought I would be an easy target.

It was way past midnight when I finally made my way back up the stairs to bed. I made no attempt at trying to be quiet. I was feeling angry and annoyed at both Cormac and myself.

“How much have you had to drink?” I heard Cormac ask somewhere in the darkness

“What’s it too you.” I replied, my words a little slurred.

“Whatever, don’t complain to me, when you can’t keep your stomach in the morning.”

I poked my tongue at him, knowing he couldn’t see it. I heard a soft chuckle coming from the next bed.

“What?”

“Nothing, just get some rest already.” He replied I could hear the amusement in his voice.

I lay in bed, feeling the anger and annoyance growing. How could he be acting like nothing happened. It was him that had made me take to drinking! I laid on my back arms crossed, wondering how just one man, could make me feel so many different feelings all at once and all so strongly. I wanted to kiss him and throttle him all at the same time.