The Fire Maiden's Desire Read online

  “What’s up Jack?” Rachel asked as she bounded up beside him. She seemed to be in a great mood. He wasn’t happy about it but at the same time he was. He just felt better knowing she was happy, even if it was because of Dave.

  “Not much, just wondering what kind of monster we’re going to have to fight this time,” he said with a forced laugh. If she wanted Dave, she could have Dave. Anything that made her this happy was worth any discomfort on his part. It didn’t mean he was going to give up but if Dave was who she wanted and Rachel was happy…he would be happy for her, or at least he’d try to be.

  “Dave tells me that it’s a witch,” she beamed. She scraped her bowl into the grass beside his and then took the water container and rinsed her bowl.

  “A witch? So we’re going to kill an old lady?” Jack asked as she handed him back the water and he took a swig.

  They headed back toward the fire and Rachel waited to explain. When she was sure Chuck was listening too she started.

  “Our contract is for a witch’s head. It’s not going to be easy. And no, it’s not an old lady.” She looked at Jack with a silly grin and his spirits lifted. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.

  “A witch is like a vampire. They look like people because its camouflage. They are really clever beasts. Deadly and cunning. A witch’s magic is very powerful. We’ll need some shields or something. Maybe we can get some from Teralane. I don’t have much to trade but we do have twenty silver between us. Well nineteen now,” she looked at Jack knowingly. He smiled back. At least she trusted him with this secret. That was something.

  “Shields should be about a silver each. I might even be able to talk em into doing a package deal for four,” Chuck added.

  “Chuck is a master negotiator. He sells all his dad’s swords. If anyone can talk them down, it’s Chuck,” Dave beamed.

  Rachel could see it on Dave’s face. It was the one thing Chuck was truly good at and Dave would praise him until Chuck could see it for himself.

  “Small price to pay since we’re getting twenty five each if we succeed.” Rachel looked around waiting for anyone to object but they all nodded.

  “We’ll succeed. I have faith in you,” Jack said looking at Rachel.

  She looked back at him appreciatively and then got her pack ready. The others took their cue from her and they were soon on their way to Teralane.

  “Any soldiers?” Rachel asked quietly as she walked beside Dave.

  “Nope, they moved on early this morning. I waited for them to go before I brought back you’re present,” Dave said, hinting.

  Jack listened and grew sad again. Bringing her presets. Why hadn’t he thought of that? What kind of presents did she want? Dave was good. Maybe he should just give up. He’d been trying for months. Dave shows up and in days he was miles ahead.

  Jack moped along behind them as they approached the shop with many swords and pieces armor out front. There were a few shields but Rachel was looking for a specific kind. The large door shaped shields were too heavy, the ones they needed had to be small and easy to wield. Although Jack could manage one of the larger shields, she doubted any of the rest of them could. Besides Jack was quick. He probably didn’t even need the shield. She looked at Jack and watched him run his finger across a sword.

  “They’re dull until you buy one,” Rachel teased.

  “Ok,” his face filled with joy at the sound of her voice. “I was wondering why they would sell dull swords.”

  “Keeps people with wandering fingers from getting cut,” she laughed.

  “I guess it’s working,” Jack looked back at her guiltily then smiled.

  Damn she knew a lot. Where had she learned all this? She knew about swords and shields. How to kill creatures he’d never even heard of and so much more that he had no clue about. She was amazing and far beyond anything he could ever hope for. Dave was more Rachel’s type. Dave was smart and kind. Rachel was too good for a stupid, homely looking thief like himself.

  Rachel found the type of shield she was looking for in the back corner. They weren’t very popular with soldiers because they were too light to block many blows and a spear would go right through them. They were thin and very shiny but covered a good portion of the upper body. It was more of a buckler than a real shield.

  “Four of these,” she said to Chuck who stepped forward full of confidence.

  “Good sir. We’d like to purchase three of these,” he said pointing at the shields.

  “Three silver,” the man behind the counter said grumbling.

  “Three silver?” Chuck asked, his face full of exasperation.

  “Three,” the man replied.

  “How long have you had these? This one is a bit rusty. Not really sure it will do. Maybe we’ll take two.” He flicked one of them with his finger and then made a disgusted face. “Did you use pure steel for these?” He asked knowing the answer.

  “No, they are a mix of steel and tin,” the man sounded worried now.

  “No no no, these will not do. I’m so sorry, Rachel. I thought this place was better. We’ll have to go to the next town. I’m so sorry,” he said and put his arm on her shoulder. He started to lead her out but the merchant quickly came around the counter and picked one of the shields up.

  “I’ll give you all three for two silver,” the man pleaded.

  Chuck stopped.

  “Well, that might do. We could use them until we found a more solid shield for you,” he said looking at Rachel.

  “They’re for her?” the man asked.

  “Why yes,” Chuck’s voice almost went up a full octave. “The fighting fire maiden. We’re bound for the pits next week. She needs a shield that’s light and easy to use but also strong enough to stop those brutes. You should see this lady fight. It’s like watching a dance. If we can find a man willing to make decent shields, he might become just as famous as her. Everyone will want to know where her shields came from.”

  The man grabbed all four shields and put them at her feet.

  “They are built strong. One silver for all four. I’ll even make more if you like.” The man was practically groveling at her feet. She took pity on him.

  “I’ll give you two for four. It’s a fair price. She handed him two silvers. Don’t make more just yet. I may need to make modifications.” She walked confidently out the door. “Would you grab those please men?” She held her nose up on the way out and the men grabbed the shields.

  When they were all outside Rachel couldn’t hold it in any longer.

  “Did you see the look on his face?” Rachel laughed. “Chuck! I had no idea. You’re a master.”

  Chuck did a small bow and Dave smiled, full of pride.

  “I thought I was good at talking people out of stuff,” Jack mused. “You could have gotten anything in the store.”

  “He’s a working man,” Rachel scolded.

  Jack looked at her guiltily.

  “You’re right. We got a fair price for shields he’d never sell. He probably has a family to feed.” Jack looked at his feet. He had done it again. He let his greed and excitement cloud his better judgement. He wasn’t good enough for Rachel.

  “Hmm, a far cry from the unscrupulous thief I met a year ago,” Rachel laughed. “You’re learning.” She put her arm on his shoulder and he forgot all about disappointing her a second ago.

  Then he realized. It had been a little over a year. He thought carefully. He counted the days in his head. Next week was Rachel’s birthday. She’d be twenty seven. Oh it would be perfect. Now he wouldn’t have to worry about giving her the draught. He could disguise it as a birthday gift without giving away his real intentions. If she chose to use it with him it would be her decision. This was completely and totally perfect.

  They walked along the road out of town, Jack took up the rear, deviously plotting how he would give it to her and imagining her response. Chuck and Dave walked beside each other and Rachel was up ahead of them all. She kept an eye out for signs of a witch. They
were usually found deep in the forest but this one had been seen near farm houses. It seemed like she’d been chased from her den and was looking for somewhere new to stay. It was the only explanation that made much sense. Witch’s despised civilization. They would eat the occasional child if forced to hunt near humans but preferred wild game. Some idiot had disturbed her den and forced her out into the open. The daft person probably hadn’t even realized what he’d found. Witches would often steal shiny trinkets, coins and jewelry then hoard them. The simplistic fool who had disturbed her probably thought he’d come across an abandoned bandit hideout or something.

  Three children had gone missing lately and they were headed toward the third house the witch had hit. Each of them had reported missing trinkets as well as their missing children. The houses were all in a straight line heading south. The witch was feeding and gathering along its way to find a new home. If they could just figure out where she was before the next house was hit they’d have their reward and be headed off once again, one hundred silver richer.

  As they passed the last house that had been hit Rachel noticed a trail in the tall grass leading toward the woods.

  “I see the trail,” she called to them and the three men followed her. Each had a shield and Jack had his sword. Chuck and Dave had small daggers. They were not going to kill her, just help corner her. Then she remembered her promise. As tough as a Drahlbeere was, a witch was another thing entirely. A witch was fast, very fast. It had magic and sharp claws. ”Chuck can you do me a favor?” she asked and gave Dave a knowing look.

  “What’s that?” Chuck asked.

  “Can you go to that house,” Rachel pointed behind them toward the house of the last victims. “Knock on their door and get some more information. Anything they can tell you. Even the smallest detail might help. I’m going to see if I can pick up the trail.”

  Chuck looked around nervously.

  “Can Dave go with me?” Chuck asked. He searched the trees, fearful that the witch might get him at any moment.

  “Sure,” Rachel said with a smile. “Dave’s pretty sharp. He might pick up on something you missed.”

  Chuck breathed a sigh of relief.

  “But that will only leave you and Jack?” Dave argued. “We need to earn our cut.”

  “We’re a team. You have your jobs, Jack and I have ours. You two each have your own skills. Skills that Jack and I would be lacking if it wasn’t for you coming along. This is what Jack and I are good at,” she said looking at Dave kindly.

  Dave accepted this begrudgingly and led Chuck toward the house.

  “You mean the job you’re good at,” Jack winked at her.

  “You have your moments,” she smirked.

  “I guess I am your sidekick. Someone’s gotta watch your back.” He started into the forest and looked around.

  “You can’t watch my back if you’re in front of me,” she laughed.

  “Right, boss.” He did a silly salute and then followed her. “Not like I had any idea what I was looking for anyway,” he laughed.

  Rachel walked cautiously through the dim forest and Jack followed her closely. His eyes darted around quickly as every shadow seemed to hold a secret. He had no idea what Rachel was following but he trusted her. His job was to make sure that nothing snuck up on her and that was fine with him. It was a job he could handle and even liked. He didn’t have to worry about the monster or where to find it. Just keep Rachel safe.

  Jack noticed the remnants of a farm house ahead of them. He wanted to ask Rachel if it was the right place but was afraid to even speak. He followed her as she stepped over a fallen tree branch and then crept toward the house. It looked like the roof was still intact. There were branches all over it but inside the doorway the house looked hollow and dark. The door had been removed from its hinges and was laid out on the ground. There were holes in it. Rachel flipped the door up and the claw marks were clearly visible. This was the place.

  Rachel eased the door back down and stepped inside. A low hissing sound, like a cat could be heard. It was much lower and more menacing than a cat but the sound was similar. Then the hiss turned to a growl. Jack walked through the door and saw what had frozen Rachel in place. Two deep red eyes were staring back at them from across the large room. In the corner Jack could make out a few trinkets and even a couple silvers along with human bones. The bones of the most recent victim.

  The witch looked almost human but not entirely. Its silhouette in the dim light reminded him of a human but the way it moved and its stance seemed more like an animal.

  Rachel held her shield up and Jack followed her lead. She whispered quietly.

  “No sudden movements. Keep your shield up and ready.” She spoke so quietly that Jack had to replay it in his head to make sure of what she had said. The growl from the witch was far louder than Rachel’s voice and very distracting.

  Without warning the witch lept at Rachel. Instinctively Jack shot out his sword and caught it on the arm. The creature bounced off Rachel’s shield and hid in the opposite corner of the house. It was really fast. Rachel hadn’t expected it to be that fast. Luckily for her Jack was nearly as fast as the thing was. She thanked anybody listening for Jack being the one with her today. Jack was amazing. She wasn’t nearly the monster hunter Jack said she was. She had the knowledge but she’d be lost without Jack.

  Rachel eased her way toward the creature again and saw its eyes dart from the stash of trinkets back to her several times.

  “It’s guarding its stash,” she whispered and the creature lept at her again. This time she was ready and jabbed with her sword as she pushed hard with her shield. She hit its leg and it went scampering back to its stash.

  “Why isn’t it using magic?” Jack asked right as the witch blasted him with a powerful beam of energy. He had been looking at Rachel and wasn’t ready for it. The beam hit him square in the chest and he flew backward.

  Rachel rushed to him and he got up with a smile.

  “Close one,” he lied. “Caught my shield.”

  “Be more careful,” she scolded. Did it really catch his shield? She could have sworn he’d taken it squarely in the chest. She felt like her stomach had fallen on the ground and someone had stomped on it. What would she do without Jack? Jack was her only link to the man and…he was Jack. She’d come to depend on him being there. Cheering her up when she was depressed with her horrible life. What would she do if something like this witch killed him? She tossed the link to the man aside. She didn’t care about the man. Losing Jack would be worse than losing this mysterious rogue. Jack made her life bearable. She could lose the man, even her life. If something happened to Jack…that would be worse.

  The witch unleased another beam as she was distracted by Jack’s new importance to her. Jack shot up and caught it with his shield. He didn’t fly backward this time. The magic just shot off the shiny metal. Rachel looked at him, stunned. The first beam had hit him. How was he still alive? Witches had been known to stop a full grown man’s heart with one beam. Someone as large as Chuck’s dad would be dead in an instant. Jack wasn’t small but he shouldn’t have been able to survive that. Maybe she had been thinking about their partnership all wrong. Maybe she was his sidekick. He had saved her from the Drahlbeere and now saved her from the witch. Then again, maybe they both had this wrong. Neither of them was the sidekick. Perhaps their partnership was simply that, a partnership.

  The creature lunged again and Rachel shot toward it, sword peeking around the edge of the shield. She aimed the shield more carefully this time and Jack slid to the side. The witch bounced off his shield then into hers. Rachel caught it right in the chest with her sword. It shuddered for a second then its red eyes went black.

  “We did it!” Jack exclaimed.

  “We sure did partner,” she said.

  “Nah, I’m just the sidekick. You killed it,” he rebutted.

  “Bullshit! You bounced it right at me. It was as much you as it was me. And you saved me again.” Sh
e looked at him gratefully and he turned away. In the dark house she couldn’t see the redness on his face but he could feel it. He couldn’t let her see this. He was making some progress with her, she could at least see him now. She just didn’t see him as a man she might want to be with.

  “That’s what sidekicks do. We save the important one. The heroine. That’s the job of the sidekick,” he explained while he sifted through the junk the witch had left. He pocketed two silvers and Rachel noticed.