Free A Turn of Curses by Melanie Nilles Page A

you better than to trust rumors. Go on. I'll be at the inn shortly." Selina had heard a few stories—most of them conflicting about the nature of the intelligent, magical creatures.   She saw no reason to avoid the feyquin, despite the warnings reported of recent, questionable activities by Faldon's band.
    Beth hesitated but held the lantern out to Selina.
    Selina waved the offer away.   "Moonlight is enough for me."
    "I don't like this. I should stay with you."
    Exactly what Selina didn't want. "I need time alone, Beth. I don't get that in the carriage. I mean no offense."
    "All right. You win." Beth shook her head but turned and walked away with the lantern dangling before her.
    Selina took a deep breath and walked the opposite direction. A small walk before bed was what she needed, and she should be safe there. Safe enough for a little walk. She wouldn't wander far.
    No one understood what it was like to know one's life would soon end. Such was the fate of any bearing the mark of their god. Selina had only been fifteen, younger than most, when it appeared with the healing power; betrothed but not married, nor did she marry. She would have no children, no family. Beth would. Seeing the mother's adoration for her child cut through her sharper than Selina cared to explain. She needed time alone. Time to think and forget. After four and a half years, the mark around her neck was nearly complete. She would die before her twentieth birthday.
    Selina passed the soldiers in their armor and helmets, who acknowledged her with nods. She held a hand up to stop them from following. Always someone. Even alone she was never truly alone.
    Cast in moonlight, the trees beyond the clearing at the edge of the small town took on a new life and bowed under the weight of their fruits, a fresh treat to savor and maybe a few for their journey. The people wouldn't mind. She was touched by a God. Any offering to her was as good as those to Y'dom for his favor. There was one benefit of being Na'Y'dom .
    She reached for one of the largest of the yellow, oblong fruits, her mouth watering with anticipation for the freshness.
    A movement among the shadows stopped her. She watched but saw nothing. Only the wind. She plucked several fruits. Beth would enjoy the sweet ponan, too.
    Selina turned—
    And gasped. The fruit tumbled to the ground.
    "Go back." The strange man wore a scowl on a face shadowed by wild black and gray hair. She had seen no one approach, nor heard any sound. Where had he come from?
    "What?"
    "You're not safe here." He brushed his hair aside, giving her a clear view of his features. Shadows defined the strong lines of a face too young for gray hair.
    "Who are you?" Untucked shirt and oversized pants... Who dressed him?
    "Go back, Na'Y'dom . Do not set foot in Vastorn."
    "Why? Who are you?"
    He took a step towards the trees.
    He wasn't getting away until she had an answer. Selina grabbed his arm. "Tell me why I should return. I've almost reached Vastorn."
    "It's not your concern. Go back!" He yanked his arm away and turned to the trees.
    She refused to let him go without answering her and hurried to step into his path. "Tell me, so I can understand. Otherwise, I'm going, as I promised the lord of this land." Who had sent the invitation to her specifically of many Na'Y'dom in Hallor, her home country.
    Besides, the soldiers must have seen him. They should arrive soon. If she could delay him, the soldiers could take him into custody for answers.
    "Don't argue! I know your purpose. Sorvin is a coward. You will not help him. If you go on—" He turned his head, his body rigid.
    Selina peered past him at the faint clink of metal from the approaching guards. Finally!
    Before they could arrive, the stranger rushed into the trees and vanished. No! He couldn't escape like that. It wasn't fair! She wanted to know why he didn't want her continuing her journey. Now she might never have that answer.
    " Na'Y'dom !"   The soldiers ran past her to