Free Enflamed (Book 2) by R.M. Prioleau Page A

druidic arts. Look, why don’t we just find someone that might give us
some insight on what this thing is?”
    Zarya sighed. “I still do not
think we should take that from here.”
    “Well nothin’ bad’s ’appened
to us yet, ’as it, beautiful?” Nester asked.
    “Nothing except those nasty
burns you and Aidan received?” Zarya responded.
    “Aidan might suggest
consulting Celestran aurorium in Faywald about it,” Aidan broke in.
    Nester blinked. “Wait! We
can’t leave! We ’aven’t even finished explorin’ the rest of th ’
place, yet!”
    Zarya frowned. “You have done
enough in desecrating these grounds with your thieving. What Kaijin is holding
may very well be cursed.”
    “If it is cursed, then ...
then I will take that chance.” It’s too intriguing to ignore.
    Zarya looked at him in
disbelief.
    Aidan huffed. “Enough trinkets. Enough exploring. Aidan would rather rest. It is late.”
    Nester stamped his foot. “Nay! We came all this way, and—Oy! Put me down!”
    Aidan had grabbed Nester by
the back of his jerkin collar and lifted him off his feet. He raised the
brownie to eye-level and scowled. “We are leaving. Now.”
    Both Kaijin and Zarya gazed at
the creature, wide-eyed.
    Nester’s face paled. “Ah ... Ah ... Aye! Of course. W – whatever you
say. I think leavin’s a great idea. I was only jestin’ before, y’know?” He gave
a nervous laugh. “All in good fun, aye? Uh, p – please don’t ’urt me!”
    Unamused, Aidan set the
brownie down and pointed. “Lead us out of this marsh.”
    Color returned to Nester’s
face as he took a moment to catch his breath. He scrambled ahead to lead the
group.
    Aidan beckoned Kaijin and
Zarya to follow with a slight tilt of his head.
    After exchanging a glance,
Kaijin and Zarya proceeded to follow Nester without protest. As Kaijin tucked
the orb in his haversack, the voice in his mind said, “Kaijin Sora ... my
greatest treasure.”

 

 
 
 
 
    VI

 
 
    After leaving the swamp,
Kaijin, Nester, Zarya, and Aidan rested for the night, camping out in the woods
not too far off the main road. The following morning, they set off again and arrived
in Faywald’s vicinity by midday.
    When they were within view of
the city gates, Nester sprinted ahead of the others, rushing past the guards
and disappearing into the city. Miele hovered high above, trailing Nester. She
soared over the gates and was soon out of sight.
    “Did he forget that I’m the
one carrying the orb?” Kaijin muttered aloud.
    Zarya chuckled. “Looks like something else has caught his attention, instead.”
    “The festival begins tonight,”
Aidan said absently. His gaze drifted toward the lush countryside.
    “Oh, yes, I forgot,” Kaijin
said. “Nester did make mention of that. Well, hopefully, he’ll be distracted
long enough for me to finish my business and leave.”
    “Where are you going next?”
Zarya asked.
    Kaijin thought for a moment, then shrugged. “I don’t know, yet, but I hope I will get
some direction, soon.” Very soon.

 
    * * *

 
    Nester arrived at the plaza
and skidded to a halt. The place was heavily decorated and lighted from the colorful
lanterns hanging from overhead lines. The booths, however, were devoid of
customers. He deflated.
    “You’re a few hours early,” a
man’s voice said from behind him.
    Nester jumped, then spun around. He gazed up at an armored guard, and his
eyes widened in shock. “I didn’t do it! I swear on my pa’s grave, I didn’t!”
    The guard scoffed. “Oh, it’s
you, Nester. Look, the festival won’t begin for another hour, so find something
else to keep your grubby little hands preoccupied—and that doesn’t mean
thieving!”
    Nester was about to speak out
in protest when he spied his other companions in the distance. He brushed past
the guard and ran to meet them. “Looks like there won’t be
any festival yet.”
    “Lovely.” Kaijin rolled his
eyes. “Whatever will you do in the