As the sun broke the horizon, and Misteria emerged from its perilous darkness, Anna packed up with the rest of the group and set out toward the glade to search for survivors. Henry and Thaddeus collected the boat from the brush and dragged it down to the river bank.
“The river doesn’t look safe,” Anna said, staring at the continuous whitewater and strong rapids.
“We’ve no choice,” Tobin replied. “We’ll never make it out of dese woods and da Lady of da Lake by nightfall on foot. We have ta take da river.”
“He’s right,” Thaddeus agreed. “I don’t want to spend another night in these woods with Hellhounds around.”
“What about those other creatures . . . the Howlers?” Anna questioned. Her mind envisioned those hairless dog-like creatures with spikes down their backs—as Tobin had described them—and the thought of running into one was horrifying.
“We haven’t seen Howlers in this area for some time,” Thaddeus said. “But it’s just another reason to take the river.”
Will threw his satchel into the boat. “It doesn’t look like the river’s gonna get any better, so we better get going.”
They all agreed and piled into the boat. This time, Thaddeus took the rear to steer, and Will took the second oar to paddle.
The currents carried them quickly, tossing them back and forth, nearly tipping them over several times. They were drenched and holding on for dear life.
“We need ta be stayin’ ta da left,” Tobin urged, repeating the words over and over. “Or else we’ll be going down da falls.”
“We aren’t far from the glade now,” Thaddeus hollered over the nearly deafening sound of the river.
Thaddeus and Will fought to steer the boat to shore. After making it safely, they pulled the boat up to a safe spot on the shoreline, then exited and followed Thaddeus up a slippery, muddy slope, through a copse of trees, until they came to an open glade. Each of them pulled their weapons, preparing for anything.
The area was empty and disturbingly quiet, aside from some smoldering logs in the center.
Anna kept her eyes and ears open, her fingers tightening around the hilt of her dagger, knowing that anything could jump out at any moment.
Thaddeus called into the dark woods surrounding them. “Is anyone here?” But there was no answer.
“Ewww.” Henry squeaked as he stepped into a puddle. As he raised his sneaker, his face paled. “What is that?”
Anna stepped closer and examined his shoe. “Blood,” she exhaled, throwing a hand over her mouth.
“Gross!” Henry attempted to wipe his sneaker on the surrounding grass, adding mud to it.
Near the bloody puddle, was a piece of garment which had been torn. Thaddeus bent down to pick it up. Grief filled his eyes as he raised the torn vestment and placed it to his nose, breathing it in deeply, then hugging it tightly to his chest.
“Whose is it?” Will questioned, knowing it must have been someone close to him.
“My father’s,” he answered, his lips trembling.
Will shook his head, trying to think of something positive. “Maybe he was just injured. Maybe he was taken away to the castle.”
Thaddeus shook his head. “No. There’s too much blood.”
“I’m sorry.” Will placed his hand on Thaddeus’s shoulder, and they all stood around him—still and quiet—allowing him a moment of silence.
Out of the dark woods flew a colorful butterfly. Will watched as it fluttered across the glade and came to land on Thaddeus’s shoulder.
“No one is left,” the insect spoke. Its tiny voice was high-pitched but loud enough for them all to hear. “They’re all gone.”
Will was stunned, watching Thaddeus lift his finger to his shoulder, letting the butterfly climb onto it. Then he held the insect in front of his face. “Did you see what happened?”
“Yes,” it answered. “Those evil beasts with fire eyes came and killed many. I’m sorry about your father.” Its voice was sad.
Thaddeus clinched his eyes shut. “What about my mother?”
“She’s still alive. They’ve taken her. Taken all the survivors with them.”
“What is that thing?” Anna asked, pointing at the talking insect.
“Thing? I am no thing,” the butterfly scolded.
Then . . . poof! The butterfly transformed into a perfect little being with iridescent wings. She had short blonde hair, pointed ears, and a small outfit made from miniature flowers and leaves.
She didn’t look happy. Her tiny brow was furrowed and her hands were fisted on her hips. “My name is Ashlyn, and I’m a Pixie,” she puffed.
“I’m sorry,” Anna apologized. “I didn’t mean it as an insult. It’s just that I’ve never seen a Pixie before.” Ashlyn rolled her eyes. “But I think you’re beautiful,” Anna added.
A smile rose on the Pixie’s perfect little lips.
“Lil’ one. Have ya seen Lady Talia?” Tobin asked.
“Yes,” she answered. “Not long after the fire eyes destroyed everything, the vile Goblins came in and captured all the survivors. The dark warrior ordered them to be taken to the castle.” Her tiny finger pointed due north.
“We have to save her,” Anna exclaimed, grabbing Will’s arm and tugging him back toward the boat.
“Wait.” Will took hold of her arms and twisted her to face him. He wanted to save her just as much as she did, but he also knew they had to be smart. “We can’t leave here without a plan. If we do, we’ll risk being captured . . . or worse.”
“Yes. Ya can’t go runnin’ off. Who knows what’s out dere,” Tobin added. “We mustn’t stray from da quest. We have ta find Rhyder so he can help unlock yer gifts.”
“If you two are indeed the saviors of Misteria, you will need to master your gifts. Then, we can save the others.” Thaddeus held up his palm to set the Pixie free. “Thank you for your help, Ashlyn.”
But the Pixie did not fly away. Instead, she stood firm with her arms crossed over her chest, shaking her head. “I’m coming with you,” she announced with a mischievous glint in her eye. “You’ll need the help of someone as cunning as I. The dark warrior has captured many of my kin. They say he’s keeping them in cages in his dark dungeon, and I am going to rescue them.”
Will turned to Thaddeus and shrugged. “She might be useful.”
Thaddeus paused, then nodded. “All right then. You can come.”
“Well then, what are you all waiting for?” Ashlyn took to the air and fluttered down the hill.
Will followed after her, with the rest of the group in tow. When they arrived at the boat, Ashlyn stood on the bow, waving at them to hurry.
“Easy, lil’ one,” Tobin panted. “Most of us don’t have wings.”
Ashlyn giggled. “That’s most unfortunate.”
The Forked-Tongue River carried the small boat swiftly down its dark and violent rapids, knocking the vessel back and forth.
This time, Henry took the oar at the center of the boat and Will was at the back, steering.
The sun was soon shrouded behind dark, dispiriting clouds. Thunder crashed overhead, and rain beat down on them. As the river swelled, the boat became nearly uncontrollable.
Will noticed Henry appeared tired. His arms were struggling to paddle and keep the boat to the left of the river.
“Henry, give Thaddeus your oar,” he yelled over the thundering rapids.
Relief washed over Henry as he handed his paddle to Thaddeus, but the rapids were worsening. As much as Will tried, he could barely keep the boat in control. Not wanting to risk their safety, he yelled, “We have to get to land!”
“Yes, yes. To land,” Tobin agreed, hugging the seat between Henry and Thaddeus.
Anna covered Ashlyn with her cloak while Will and Thaddeus paddled furiously, but the river kept forcing them toward the middle.
“The river will soon break into two,” Thaddeus bellowed to Will. “We have to stay to the left.”
“I’m trying,” Will hollered back.
His body was nearing complete exhaustion, but he knew the lives in the boat were dependent upon him and Thaddeus. He pulled whatever strength he had left to keep the boat to the left.
Rain continued to pour from the sky, making it nearly impossible to see.
Henry began scooping water from the boat with cupped hands, while Tobin stayed tucked behind him, whimpering.
“Watch out!” Anna bellowed, her finger aimed directly in front of her. But it was too late to steer clear of the sharp rock jutting out of the river.
Will pushed his oar into the water to divert it, but the boat struck the rock with a merciless force. Everyone jerked forward. Anna and Ashlyn were thrust out of the boat, landing in the dark, daunting waters.
Horrified, Will watched the whitewater yank his sister under the surface.
“Anna!” he screamed. Without thought, he jumped into the river to save her. The rapids were strong and unrelenting as he struggled to keep his head above the water. He watched Anna surface and gasp for air. “Anna!” She was pulled down again and he swam in the direction he’d last seen her. “Anna, you have to keep your head above the water!”
“Will, help!” Her inner voice was terrified.
“Hold on. I’m coming.”
She surfaced again, only yards away from him. As he reached for her, a sapphire light shot from the palm of his hand, bursting through the water. It was so powerful, it propelled him backward, slamming his body against the side of the boat.
Henry lunged forward, grabbing hold of Will’s arm, and Tobin grabbed a fistful of his shirt. Thaddeus jumped to the back of the boat to steer.
“Let me go!” Will cried, trying to pry free from Henry’s grip. “I have to save my sister!”
“We can’t lose you both,” Henry yelled back, holding him tightly. He locked his arms across Will’s chest and yanked him back into the boat.
“Ashlyn will take care of her,” Thaddeus added.
Their eyes scoured the dark, violent water, but Anna never resurfaced. The river had taken her, and there was no way to bring her back.
“I could have saved her,” Will cried, still fighting to get out of the boat.
“No, you couldn’t,” Henry countered. “None of us could have saved her.”
Guilt, remorse, and pain filled Will to the brim, making it difficult to breathe.
“Anna? Anna!” he called in his thoughts, over and over again, hoping to hear her voice. But there was nothing—just a deafening silence.
Will finally fell limp. There was no use in fighting anymore. Flashes of Anna raced through his mind. She wasn’t only his sister—his twin—she was his best friend. “Anna,” he sobbed.
Henry grabbed the second oar and paddled. He and Thaddeus fought long and hard against the current to get the boat back to the river bank. Soon, they came to a halt in another alcove. After hopping out, they dragged the boat from the water and collapsed onto the soaking ground, exhausted, trying to catch their breath.
Will climbed out and dropped to his knees. The tears streaming down his face were hidden by the rain as he sobbed in anguish. It was the first time he’d been away from his sister, and he wasn’t even sure if she was still alive.
His mind was tormented by the vision of Anna being taken by the unforgiving river. His heart was crushed beyond repair. He laid down and curled into a fetal position, and could hear Henry’s soft cries and sniffles.
After some time, Tobin walked over and placed his hand on Will’s back.
“Child, we must leave dis place. In a few hours, it’ll be dark. We need ta find shelter.”
Will didn’t answer. He couldn’t. He felt as if he’d never be able to speak another word again. The thought of leaving his sister behind was unbearable.
“William, we must push on. We have to save the others,” Thaddeus said, kneeling down beside him.
“I can’t,” he sobbed. “I’m her brother. I was supposed to protect her.”
“There was nothing you could have done, Will. Nothing any of us could have done,” Henry added, choking on his own words.
Will lifted his head. His eyes were red and swollen. “We could have saved her. No one even tried!”
“The river would have taken us all,” Henry replied. “How are you supposed to save Misteria if you’re dead?”
“I don’t want to save Misteria. I want to save my sister,” he sobbed, dropping his head back into the mud. “I wish the river had taken me instead.”
“We saw a glimpse of your power,” Thaddeus added.
“It was worthless. It did nothing to help save her. If anything, it made me lose her. I don’t want the power. I want my mom and sister, and I want to leave this place.”
“Child,” Tobin breathed. “Remember what da Seer said.”
“I don’t care what the Seer said! We never asked to be part of this world or the stupid prophecy.” Will looked up at all three solemn faces. “How are we supposed to save a place we never knew existed, never knew anything about? I wish we’d never come,” Will snapped. “Since we’ve arrived in Misteria, it’s been one huge nightmare. It’s my fault. I told Anna to come, and she trusted me.”
“It’s not your fault, Will,” Henry said, wiping his eyes. “She came because she wanted to find your mom.”
“I know what it’s like ta lose family. We’ve all experienced loss, but we can still save many. Yer mudder is still alive, child. Da Seer said dat one will be lost, but dat it’ll take both of ya ta defeat Malzador. I think you’ll be seein’ yer sister again,” Tobin said, patting Will on his shoulder. “Don’t give up. Dere is still hope.”
Thaddeus stepped forward. “And she is with Ashlyn.”
“That little bug? What could she do?” Will huffed.
“Pixies may be small, but they have magic,” Thaddeus said. “They allow you to see only what they want you too, but there is much more to them.”
Will’s head dropped back down. “But I called to her in my mind and she didn’t answer.”
“Maybe she’s too far away,” Tobin encouraged. “But we need ta keep goin’. Ya just have ta believe in da power of dis place. Ashlyn knows our plans, an’ she’ll make sure Anna gets ta where she needs ta be.”
“William.” Thaddeus stepped forward and held out his hand. “I will assist you to the end, even if it means risking my own life. Like you did for me.”
“As will I,” Tobin added with a bow. “Well, maybe not riskin’ me life an’ all.”
Henry laughed and shook his head. “You know I’ve got your back, Will,” he added, also holding out his hand.
Despite the pouring rain and the dark looming clouds above, there was a small glimmer of hope which overcame Will. Maybe Tobin was right. The Seer did say that one would be lost. She also said it would take the two of them to defeat the enemy. Anna couldn’t be dead. He had to believe that.
Will reached up and grabbed Henry and Thaddeus’s outstretched hands, and they pulled him to his feet.
“Thank you,” Will said. “If you all believe there’s a chance my sister is alive, then I’ll believe too.” He held onto that hope, feeling a tiny spark of optimism.
“How’s yer leg?” Tobin asked.
“Fine.” The only pain he felt was the lingering ache in his heart. “Nothing I can’t handle.”
Tobin reached into his pack and pulled out two green leaves and handed them to Will.
“What are these?”
“Medicine. Jus’ chew ‘em up,” Tobin replied.
Will threw the leaves into his mouth and chewed. “These aren’t too bad. They have a lemony flavor,” he said in between chews.
Tobin nodded and smiled, and after a minute, Will’s face twisted.
“What’s wrong?” Henry asked.
“My mouth is numb, and my body is tingly all over.”
“Tis a painkiller. It’ll help while we travel.”
“It won’t slow him down, will it?” Thaddeus questioned.
Tobin shook his head. “Nah, he’l
l be jus’ fine.”
Will slung his satchel over his shoulder and inhaled a deep breath, while Tobin handed him his bow and quiver of arrows. His clothes were drenched, and he was cold, but he wouldn’t let it diminish the new hope he had of seeing his sister again.
The four of them set out to find the Lady of the Crystal Lake, realizing the river had carried them further than expected during the storm.
“We might be able ta make it to da Crystal Lake befer nightfall,” Tobin said.
Will nodded. “Then, let’s go.”
A ray of sunshine broke through the dark clouds, warming their bodies and spirits.
Anna battled the rapids, her mouth barely breaking the surface as she gasped desperately for air. The Forked-Tongue River was ruthless and merciless, playing a constant game of tug of war, and she was losing. It tossed her like a rag doll, over and over, against its rocky bottom then back to the top, only to pull her back down again. She didn’t have much strength left inside to fight—her body bruised and exhausted.
Ashlyn had been knocked unconscious as soon as they were thrust from the boat; her tiny body floated recklessly atop the rough whitewater. The current pulled them right when they should have gone left, sending them directly toward the deadly Razor Falls, a three-hundred-foot drop over razor-sharp rocks below.
Fighting as long as she could, Anna finally didn’t have any strength left to keep her head above water. Her body was spent, the river too strong. Thoughts of her mom and brother flashed through her mind, wondering if she’d ever see them again.
At the point of total exhaustion, she finally let go, relaxing her body as darkness crept into the corners of her eyes. She was losing consciousness. But right before her eyes shut completely, she witnessed a brilliant light.
Something grasped tightly to her wrist and propelled her through the water.
Had she imagined seeing a quick swish of a long tail, right before darkness overcame her?
Anna shot up, disoriented and dizzy, trying to figure out where she was.
The cuts on her arms and legs were bandaged with leaves and twine, and her clothes were dry. Blinking rapidly, she cleared her vision, only to find glowing balls of light all around her.