The Dark Forest Read online

  “Hope is all we have when death is approaching, dear Emeri.”

  “I’m not in the mood for one of your adages at the moment.”

  “Well, then you’re going to thoroughly loathe my next question,” Sari said, sweeping to the shelf of potions and pulling a round bottle full of burgundy liquid from it. She withdrew the cork and sniffed before shaking her head in disgust. Recorking the bottle, she floated it using her wand across the room and into the fireplace. The bottle dropped into the orange flames. Billows of blue smoke and a rancid smell exploded in the room.

  Emeri covered her mouth. “Did you have to dispose of that now?”

  Sari pursed her lips at her daughter. “There’s never a good time to get rid of a hair regrowth potion that’s gone bad.”

  Emeri shook her head. “Mother, you’ve never needed a hair regrowth potion,” she said, eying the old woman with her full head of lavender hair.

  “That’s what you think,” Sari said, shaking her head, her bob swaying with the movement. “Now for my question. Seeing Richard in the scrying bowl, was that difficult?”

  “You’re only asking because you already know the answer,” Emeri said, watching her mother remove another potion from the shelf and swirl it to check its color.

  “That’s true. It’s an awful game I play,” she said as she placed the bottle labeled “Goodnight Cream” back on the shelf. “You know the people of Virgo will never allow him to live here.”

  Emeri sucked in an exasperated breath. “I don’t want him here!”

  “Oh, no, you just loved him enough to breed with him and were ready to lose your crown to stay with the man,” she said, plucking another bottle from her potion shelf.

  “I was younger when I made those choices. And Richard, well, he stupidly told Phillip about us. If he’d not done that, I wouldn’t have been forced to surrender my soul stone. He knew what kind of man his brother was and still he trusted him with our secret.”

  “That’s because we don’t always see those close to us clearly. Richard always wanted to believe his brother was good at the core,” Sari said, pushing up her half-moon glasses, her nose nearly pressing into the bottle as she studied its contents.

  “Yes, and Phillip has nearly run the Land of Terran into hell. He’s evil to the core.”

  “I don’t disagree, my dear.” Sari turned, giving her full attention to her daughter.

  “Mother, we’re running out of time. I need the people to accept Azure as queen.”

  “Then do something drastic.”

  Emeri nodded. “Yes, that was my thought. I’m going to call a meeting in the main square, inviting all Virgoans.”

  “You’re going to tell them about the virus and your soul stone,” Sari guessed.

  “Exactly.”

  “Our people will hate the humans of Terran.”

  “Which means they will love the princess who escaped from them,” the queen said.

  “Everything will depend on timing,” the old witch warned

  Her daughter rose to a standing position and moved toward the door, her long dress sweeping the ancient wood floors of the House of Enchanted as she walked.

  “Yes, so keep an eye on Azure. I’ll go and arrange the meeting for tomorrow morning,” Emeri said, taking her leave.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Azure was grateful to have her pack back. She’d had to leave it with Monet when she went into Terran, but now she could change the ridiculous wedge heels for her more practical boots. Her stomach rumbled, but she ignored it for the moment. There would be time to eat once they made it to the beach. Beside her Richard strode, his eyes flicking to her every now and then.

  “Go on, then,” she prompted.

  “Excuse me?” he asked.

  “You obviously want to say something. Spit it out,” Azure said.

  “I have so many things I want to say. Like for instance, that I never wanted to give you up, but we had no choice. Phillip found out and blackmailed us. And when Sari discovered the secret, she advised your mother not to make your true identity public. But losing your mother and you, it…well, it took away much of my drive, both as an emperor and as a man,” Richard said in a rush, the speech sounding rehearsed.

  “Wow, you were so upset that you went and had Fredrick?”

  “I did that to protect the crown from Phillip. He could control me because of you and Emeri. However, if I had an heir he couldn’t take my role as Emperor. His mother died many years ago.”

  “I’m sorry,” Azure said, noting the pain that flickered in his eyes. “And you don’t think Phillip will try and take Frederick out now?”

  “Actually, I fear he will, but I’m a bit helpless at the moment,” Richard said.

  “What I don’t get is why you didn’t change the laws, fix relations with the people of Virgo, or do something to stop your people from becoming wasteful dimwits,” Azure said.

  Richard’s eyes fell to the forest floor. This part of the woods had thicker growth, making their progress slower. “I tried, but I had taken over for my father and he’d brainwashed our people into these practices. Emeri and I wanted to change all that, but we didn’t realize how shortsighted we’d been. You can’t simply erase hatred. And then after you were born, Phillip took over. He ran the government from the inside, and used the Consumer Party to maintain his hold.”

  “I kind of figured he was behind that.” Azure turned to face Richard directly. “Why don’t the rogue dryads turn Phillip into a statue when he’s in the Dark Forest?”

  Richard’s face fell in shame. “I’m sorry to say it, but my brother entered into a partnership with a flock of harpies some time ago. That’s how he and his crew were able to go into the Dark Forest and extract a tree for the Harvest Celebration.”

  Azure remembered the gigantic redwood tree that had been hauled into the stadium for the humans to leech. “The dryads are afraid of harpies?” she asked. Every creature was afraid of something, and from what she’d heard, harpies were an incredible threat.

  “Yes, and he supplies them with who-knows-what in order to maintain their cooperation,” Richard said.

  “Well, we’ll just have to find a way to take out the harpies. I’m going to break down the walls of Terran and lead the dryads in there,” she told him, raw conviction in her voice.

  “You can’t do that! Most of the people of Terran are innocent. They shouldn’t have to pay for what my brother has done. They don’t know any better,” Richard said, his face flushing red.

  “They’re wasteful humans who take and take without concern for the forest or others. They’re allowing a silent war to go on, one that’s killed Charmsgood and others of my people,” Azure said, aware that everyone was listening to their conversation, although Ever was pretending to look especially interested in the canopy overhead.

  “Look, just like other species, humans are flawed. The people of Terran don’t represent humanity. And if the things I’ve read about the history of Earth are correct, then societies evolve. My people, the people of Terran, can change. You can’t just send in the dryads to turn them all into statues. And they would—you know that. They’ve been trying to get past our borders for ages, which was why the wall was enchanted—to prevent intruders,” Richard said, looking at Monet and Ever, who had scaled the wall. They apparently had a magic the dryads didn’t, which meant that Azure absolutely could lead them into Terran if she so desired.

  “No, you look—” Azure began and then froze, feeling a cold wind sweep across her face.

  “What is it, Princess?” Gillian asked from his position at her back. The group halted.

  Ever came over to her, inspecting the forest in front of them. “We have company.”

  Monet slid behind Azure. “I believe you’ll make a fantastic shield.”

  “So noble of you,” she said, but stepped forward, not sensing danger.

  “What are you doing?” Ever asked as she strode past him.

  “Can’t you hear that?” she
asked, turning her head as she listened to the soft sounds in the distance.

  “Of course, now that I’m listening for it. I’d been paying attention to you and Richard before,” Ever admitted.

  “It’s crying,” Monet said. “I hear it.”

  A figure stepped out from behind a tree several yards away. Her beautiful face was visible through the veil she wore, and her silver hair flowed over her black robes. And although her face was as pale as the moons, her eyes were red. She turned and faced the group, and burst into tears again.

  Ever reached out, clasping his hand on Azure’s shoulder and pulled her backward.

  “I’m fine. She’s not going to hurt me,” Azure said, stepping forward.

  “You know what that is?” he asked.

  “She is not a that. And yes. She’s harmless,” Azure told him.

  “She’s not what I’m worried about.” Ever scanned the forest.

  Azure took another step forward, pressing her hands down to calm the crying woman. “Shhh. It’s okay. Are you here to see us?”

  The woman burst into another round of tears, pressing her slender hands to her face.

  Azure nodded. The woman was here for one of them. She leaned over slightly to look up at the lady, who wiped tears from her bloodshot eyes and stared back at Azure.

  “Would you please tell me which of us you are grieving?” she asked the woman.

  “Azure?” Monet called her name from several feet away. “I’m not sure it’s wise to be that close to a crazy, crying lady who’s dressed for a funeral.”

  Spinning around, Azure scolded him with a single look. “She is dressed for a funeral. One of ours. This is a banshee.”

  The color drained from Monet’s face, but he didn’t reply. Banshees visited someone before their death in some circumstances. They grieved the death that would happen.

  Turning back to the woman, Azure offered her a look of comfort. “It’s going to be all right. If you can just tell me who will die, we can protect them.”

  The banshee shook her head. “All of you!” she wailed, bursting into tears again. “All of you die!”

  CHAPTER NINE

  “It’s the humans. Phillip is probably sending the harpies after us.” Azure pivoted to face Richard, blame heavy in her words.

  He nodded slightly, dropping his gaze in shame.

  “Well, I’m not going to sit back and be hunted. Who here knows how to find the dryads?” Azure asked, studying the group.

  No one made a sound; all of them turned away from her penetrating stare. “Oh, come on. If we don’t do something, we’ll be a feast for harpies.”

  “Well, I think that’s my cue to take my leave,” Gillian said, his voice tense.

  Azure spun around. “You’re abandoning us?” she asked, appalled.

  “Yes, but I’m also helping you,” he said, straightening his hat on his head. She could have sworn that the flower on his bowler had changed slightly.

  “I’m failing to see how,” Monet said, his hands on his hips.

  “Take away one from the group, and the prophecy changes. Use that to your advantage,” Gillian said, then disappeared.

  “Wow, what a fantastic advantage that little guy gave us. I totally don’t get why gnomes have such a bad reputation.” Monet buried his hands in his hair.

  “He’s right.” Ever paced back and forth. “If we change the group’s dynamics, it’s possible we can undo what is supposed to happen.”

  “What is this hocus-pocus you speak of?” Monet asked.

  “The banshee.” Ever indicated the woman in the distance, her robes swaying as she moved away. “She’s grieving our deaths. But if the group splits up, then we change the future. We won’t all die if we don’t stick together.”

  “So you’re leaving us too?” Azure asked, realizing these guys were a bunch of cowards.

  “Well, honestly, a trip to Earth would be good. We’re running low on provisions. I could pop over using an illegal portal and get some things to tide us over, and to leave with Richard while he camps at the beach,” Ever said.

  Monet slid up close to him, throwing his arm around his shoulder and pulling him in tight. “I’d be happy to accompany you to Earth. Thanks for the invite!”

  Azure narrowed her eyes at the pair before her. “You’re leaving us to fend for ourselves?” she said, indicating herself and her father.

  “We’re almost to the beach, so I’m sure you’ll be fine. The Agoura River is coming up. Follow it to the ocean, and we’ll meet you at Lifeguard Station One-Hundred-Twenty-Six,” Ever said, like the plan was a done deal.

  Lifeguard stations had been set up on the beach eons ago by humans who thought that they were a good idea to protect vacationers who might get into trouble. However, soon they were abandoned because no one wanted the responsibility. Just another example of bringing over an idea from Earth that didn’t work there on Oriceran.

  “Fine, get out of here, you fucking cowards. I don’t need your help. I’m going to find the rogue dryads.” Azure crossed her arms on her chest and tried to believe her own claim.

  “Well, since you put it that way… Let’s go, Ever.” Monet waved him forward.

  Ever nodded and turned his back, creating a portal that looked like a bright light spiraling in the air. He held out a hand to Monet, who eyed it suspiciously before taking it. The pair stepped through the portal together. Monet turned when on the other side and waved over his shoulder and said in a sing-song voice, “Don’t die, dear Azure.”

  “Fuck off,” Azure sing-songed back. She reluctantly turned to find Richard staring at her. “Well, it looks like we very well could die together.”

  “I won’t let that happen,” he said with a good bit of conviction in his voice.

  “Let’s hope not. I’ve got to return my mother’s soul stone back to her.” Azure pulled her pack off her back and set it on the ground. She only had to rummage inside it for a moment before finding what she was looking for. Pulling the knife that the orc, Drago, had given her from the bag, she handed it to Richard. The blade was curved, and it had a bone handle. “Here, this might come in handy. I have no idea how to use a knife, but you probably do.”

  “I do, actually. Thanks.” He took the knife.

  CHAPTER TEN

  The roaring sound of the Agoura River soon met their ears. Azure dropped her pack on the ground and climbed down the steep banks. She’d been out of water for over an hour now, and this was the perfect place for a refill.

  “Do you think that’s wise?” Richard asked, remaining on the forest path.

  Azure turned her head toward him, giving him an annoyed look. “It’s better than dying from dehydration.” She sank her canteen into the water. When it was full, she dipped both hands into the river and splashed cool water onto her face. Soon she’d need to eat. Monet and Ever had better return with something good, because fishing sounded like a horrible idea.

  Azure sank her hands into the rushing water again, enjoying the way the current massaged them. Just then, something bit sharply into her finger. She yanked her hands to her chest, stumbling back several feet.

  “What is it?” Richard asked, hurriedly sliding down the sloping banks to her.

  “Something bit me,” Azure said and examined her hand to find a neat bite-mark on it. “That fucking asshole.” She peered around, shaking her head.

  A head of black hair broke the surface of the water and large brown eyes stared at her. The face didn’t rise up all the way, but she could tell that the eyes belonged to a beautiful mermaid, who was smiling.

  “You fucking bit me. You should know I’m a witch,” Azure said.

  The mermaid rose until her chin was above the surface of the water. “That’s why I only bit you. I tasted your poison immediately.”

  “Well, now I need something to combat your poison. Do you have anything?”

  “Of course I do, but why would I give it to you?” the mermaid said, flashing a mouthful of pointy teeth at Azur
e. Her eyes swiveled to Richard, who was behind her. “A human isn’t poisonous, though. Why don’t you come over here?” The mermaid batted her long eyelashes at Richard, puckering her ruby-red mouth. In a sudden daze, Richard stepped forward like he was considering the idea.

  Azure grabbed his forearm. “Are you crazy? She’ll eat you.”

  “I’m okay with that,” he said, his voice subdued.

  The mermaid opened her mouth and started to sing. It made Azure’s ears ache, but didn’t have the same effect on Richard. He tugged at the arm she had grabbed, trying to free himself.

  “Stop!” Azure yelled. “Look, I’m friends with Farrah in the lakes bordering the Land of Terran.”

  The mermaid’s mouth slammed shut and she tilted her head, regarding Azure with new interest. “Why didn’t you say so before?” she said, and disappeared.

  Mermaids are so fucking weird, Azure thought. Richard still gazed at the water as if he were unable to break free of the trance. “Come on, let’s get out of here,” she told him. However, Richard didn’t move. She snapped her fingers in front of his face, finally rousing him from his daze.

  “Seriously, don’t slow me down by falling for a mermaid who will make you part of a five-course dinner. I would not grieve your death.”

  He turned, but didn’t look at her as he gulped. “Right. Yeah, sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

  Just then a soggy green plant popped out of the water, landing at their feet. A moment later the mermaid’s face surfaced. “There you go. Wrap that around where I bit you and you’ll be fine.”

  Azure studied the mermaid for a moment. She was astonishingly beautiful, but also appeared mischievous. Finally she picked up the plant. “Thanks,” she said, wrapping it around her finger, which was presently bleeding a great deal.

  “I’m Tabby. I’ll keep an eye on you until you get to the sea. There are things along your journey that… Well, just keep your guard up.”

  Azure wanted to thank the mermaid, but the banshee’s words sang in her head, haunting her. She merely nodded, climbed up the bank and put on her rucksack.