Catalyst(7)

“What?” My voice was a croak.

“I'm not afraid of you. I never will be.”

I released the breath I didn't know I held. Thank the gods.

“Why would I be? You risked your life to save mine, knowing nothing about me, hero.” Her stern expression disappeared and was replaced by a beautiful smile.

I smiled back. Since I was being so honest, I thought she might possibly open up herself. I risked the chance of facing her wrath.

“Krystal, what in the Inferno are you doing out here and why were those dangerous men chasing you?”

Krystal didn't say anything, absorbing herself in tying her hair up in a bun. “You're so worried about me, Hellsfire, and you don't even know who I am.” She said it as if her identity was a burden.

“I'd like to know you, if you’ll let me.”

She finished with her hair and seemed to weigh my request. She nodded. “I owe you that much at the very least. I was on a…sightseeing trip, when they kidnapped me. I think they wanted to hold me for ransom. I was with them for four days, until I escaped.”

“How did they get hold of you?”

“I'm not used to being questioned.” She looked furious again.

I didn't understand her. One minute she was kind to me, the next she was angry. It was infuriating.

“I'm tired of having you yell at me,” I said. “If you don't want to talk, you don't have to. We can just sit here until morning in silence.”

“I don't want that,” she whispered. “I'm sorry, Hellsfire. I'm not angry with you; you saved my life. I'm angry with myself for letting it happen and for almost getting you killed. I won't get upset with you.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“I promise,” she said.

I nodded.

Krystal continued her story. “I went off without my guards. That's how the men took me. I knew it was foolish to do so, but I did it anyway. Sometimes I need to be alone and clear my head. I don't know if you understand that.”

“I do. More than you think.”

We shared a tentative smile, understanding passing between us for the first time. I wanted to capture this moment, just the two of us in the firelight. From the softness in her smile, she wanted the same thing.

But, like all things, it couldn't last forever. My curiosity got the best of me and shattered the peaceful moment.

“Who are you, Krystal? Really.”

Her eyes filled with pride and sadness. “Krystal of Alexandria, only child and heir of King Furlong, defender of the Northlands.”

I gasped. “You're the princess!”

She nodded. “I’m afraid so.”

It all made sense now—the clothing, the fighting, the way she could weigh and judge a person, but what was she doing here? I had no idea what to do now. Should I bow to her, kiss her hand, not sit so close to her? I was lost. I never thought I would be sitting next to a princess.

“Hellsfire,” she said, snapping me out of my thoughts. “You've been quiet.”

“I'm sorry, Krystal—Your Highness—Princess. I'm not sure what to call you anymore.”

She sighed. “Just call me Krystal. You don't have to walk on eggshells around me when it's just the two of us. In fact, I would rather you didn’t.”

I grinned. “Is that an order?”

“A suggestion.”

“All right, Your—Krystal. I can't promise you that I won't be nervous, but I'll try.”

“Thank you.”

“So what do we do now?”

“Go to sleep. It's been a very long day. Tomorrow, will you help me find my guards? I know I ask too much of you. If you don't want to help me, I understand. You'll be well rewarded, of course.”

I shook my head. “I'll help you, but I'm not doing this for the reward.” I stared into the surrounding darkness. “Should one of us keep watch?”

“I’ll sleep with my sword. And you have your powers.”

“How do you know I'll be able to use them again?”

“I know. Now get some rest. Until we find my guards you can be my protector, Hellsfire of Sedah.”

“As you command, Your Highness.”

I lay down, still stunned that I had met and rescued a princess. The stories about her were wrong. She was beautiful, to be sure, but they failed to mention how radiant and strong she was. And she was a lot more approachable than I would have thought any princess would be.

My heavy eyelids closed. My body was exhausted, but I didn’t find a restful slumber.

I dreamt of fire and death.





CHAPTER 3



I was awakened by the thunder of hoofbeats shaking the ground beneath my head. I rose to my knees and peered through the underbrush. A dozen well-armed men rode out of the fading mist and rising sun. They pulled up near where I had hit the man with the branch, talking excitedly. They must have seen the body. At a sign from their leader, they dismounted and started a search. They would be on us in a few minutes.