As the sun rose high in the sky, I said my goodbyes to Judeiras and promised to meet up with him and Uncle Cas later on – maybe after I took care of my errands and made sure my mother had eaten.

I took the main road through the village, striding into the southern residential area with my hands in my pockets. It was practically deserted, as everyone was preparing for the supply train next week.

I turned down my street, parallel to the southern wall. Tucked into the far west corner, sat my little house. Right next to it was the Medicinal Winds apothecary, owned by Cera’s mother.

Mrs. Storm looked up at the bell’s cheery chime. She smiled, though it held a gentle reproach as I walked to the counter. “Now, Dulsie, I try not to meddle too much, but it wasn’t even a full school day. Cera tells me you didn’t come back after Lord Willows had called you into his office.”

Footprints thudded down the stairs in the hallway past the counter. Cera’s pretty eyes met mine as she poked her head past the pale green curtain. A second later, Eiran’s head popped out above hers.

“Tell us everything,” Cera gushed. “If you didn’t come back to finish your exams, then does that mean…?” She trailed off, bouncing on her heels.

Staring into her large, hopeful eyes, a little of my trepidation melted. Even if she paid more attention to Eiran than ever before, this was still my Cera. I smiled and gave a little shrug.

“Yeah. It means I’m exempted from the written and practical exams to take my Qualifying Quest early. I’ve got to leave in less than two days, though.”

Cera and Mrs. Storm’s faces fell and they exchanged a glance. But Eiran, who stood behind them, flinched and turned away. I fought a sharp pang in my chest. Did Eiran know that his father was sending me to the Forgotten Forest?

I plastered a smile on my face. “Yeah, I’ll miss the festival. I’m sorry Cera, I know you really wanted to see me in a dress.”

She crossed her arms. “I wanted you to see you in a dress.” She shook her head. “But that’s not what matters. Dulsie, the festival’s your favorite time of year. It’s not fair that you have to miss it.”

“Or that you’ll have to leave your mother earlier than scheduled,” Mrs. Storm added with a frown. “Oh, she’ll be so upset.”

“I know. But when I get my license, it’ll be worth it. I can join the Golden Lily, and Mom can live in a Sky Country, again. Phycus is a long way from Lyridon, but at least…I mean, she’s always said that when she dies, she wants to be close to the sun, again.”

Mrs. Storm’s gaze softened. “I’ll take good care of her while you’re gone, Dulsie. You know I will.” She wrapped me in a tight embrace, and as much as I wanted to be comforted, my skin crawled with the contact. Bile rose to my throat as Cera and Eiran joined in.

I fought to control my breathing and keep my skin from sparking as they squeezed me. Every nerve in my body screamed for me to run away and stay away.

Then, it was over. They let me go. I cleared my throat awkwardly before they could say anything. “Before I get too distracted, I need to pay for my mother’s medication.” I dumped a handful of silvers onto the counter as Mrs. Storm went to fetch the next two months’ worth. Uncle Cas had arranged to pay for the supply after that.

“Eiran, why don’t you carry this for Dulsie?” Mrs. Storm suggested as she set the crate on the counter and pushed my hands away. “It’s not every day a kid gets exempted from her exams, Dulsie. Don’t argue with me.”

I wrinkled my nose as she tweaked it. She turned to Cera. “I need you to help me here, though.”

“But—”

Mrs. Storm shook her head. “No, get back to extracting the magic from the unicorn hairs. Too long away and you’ll upset the process.”

Cera sighed and gave me a sheepish smile. “We’ll talk tonight. Maybe you and your mom can come over for dinner.”

“I’ll ask.”

Eiran picked the box up and I held the door open for him. As soon as the door closed behind us and we couldn’t be seen from the windows, I cornered Eiran against the wall of my house and blocked his path.

“What do you know?” I hissed.

“About—”

“You’re a terrible liar, Eiran. I suggest you work on that, if you want to be the kind of leader your father is.”

He pressed his lips together, body tense like a loaded bowstring. He slumped with a barely audible puff of air. “I don’t know all the details. But Father told me to tell you that he’d left Leivarre – that’s the spider – in your hideout. And that, yes. He knew exactly where it was.”

“So, you don’t know the details.” He still didn’t meet my eyes. “Do you remember what I said about your lying skills, Eiran? Or are you just a second-rate copy of Dear Old Dad?”

His eyes flashed. “Stop insulting my father, Dulsie. You always get like this when things don’t go your way.”

“Don’t talk to me like I’m a child throwing—”

“Then don’t act like a child throwing a temper tantrum!” His cheeks were flushed, words spilling out so fast they slurred together. “Every time something is out of your control, you get mean about it. So, you can’t go to the festival this year. You don’t have to take the exams—”

“Enough, Eiran. Don’t put this on me.” I snatched the box from his hands. “I guess you got more than your daddy’s money, right?”

His fists trembled at his sides. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

I looked him up and down and snorted derisively as I turned on my heel. “You still haven’t looked me in the eyes. Even if you don’t have all the details, you’ve got enough to be ashamed of. See you later.”

He was gone by the time I closed my front door behind me. “Mom, I’m home,” I called, kicking my boots off. I set the box down on the kitchen counter and began loading the tinctures into cabinets over the stove.

Though she didn’t reply, she was shuffling around in her bedroom. I went ahead and started on a pot of soup after putting the tinctures away. I took care to measure my breathing so I wouldn’t break any spice bottles.

“You’re back, then.” Mom sat at the table, a book in hand. “The latest issue of the Golden Lily Chronicles was distributed yesterday. The carrier falcon dropped it off this morning, straight from Phycus. Early birthday present.”

I turned, grinning. “Thanks, Mom. I can’t wait to read it.”

“On your quest?” She asked, an edge to her voice. “The secret, very important quest?”

My fingers twitched against the bottle of rosemary in my hand. Her eyes had the familiar distance when they met mine.

“Your uncle stopped by earlier. Said he’d tried to talk to Lord Willows, but he couldn’t find him. You’ll be leaving in the next two days. Were you going to tell me.”

I laughed nervously. “To be fair, you didn’t really give me the opportunity—”

“You had plenty. Had you come straight home, I wouldn’t need to hear it from one of your father’s lot.” Her bottom lip curled.

I turned away and concentrated on seasoning the broth. “I needed to sort my thoughts,” I said slowly.

“Oh, you mean lunch with Judeiras? He takes up more of your time than an engaged man should.”

My nose instinctively wrinkled. “Are you implying that Judeiras would cheat on Uncle Cas with me, given the chance?”

“I’m just saying, he should spend his time with Caspkar, and you should spend your time at home.”

I wanted to ask if I should start ignoring all the times she’d screamed at me to get out, but decided against it. Regardless of her mood, I’d be on the road soon. I didn’t want to spend what could very well be the last two days we had together arguing.

“I’m sorry,” I told her. “I didn’t want to come home without clearing my head, first.”

She rubbed her shoulder and I looked away again. “I suppose you have a point there.”

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The silence was an almost physical weight on my shoulders as I let the broth simmer and put on some tea to mix her medicine in.

Once stirred together, the doctored tea shone pale gold with swirls of pink, purple, and blue.

“So. You leave in two days.” She sipped her tea. “You didn’t even try to argue with Lord Willows? Isn’t it enough that I could die before you come home?” She flexed her hands, brows furrowed.

“I didn’t have much opportunity.”

“So, you’ll smart off to Tompas, but not to Lord Willows? At least you have some modicum of sense in that thick head.”

I sighed. “Mom, can we not do this? I don’t want to leave on my quest like this.”

She looked up at me. Her eyes, once as vibrant and golden as mine, were a dull, watery yellow. “I suppose you’re right.” Her grip tightened on her teacup. “Of course, you’re right. I’m sorry.”

I smiled and sat next to her. “Thank you for the book.”

“I know how much you look up to the Ryktors. I knew Ilara’s mother when I was a girl. We were in training for the royal guard before I went off to get my Adventurer’s License. She was several years older than me, and always looked after the younger recruits. But of course. You’ve heard this.”

I leaned my head on her shoulder. “I like hearing you talk about it. I miss all the talks we used to have.”

She didn’t answer, just staring into her tea when she wasn’t sipping it. I eventually sat up when the flame sigil on the stove top emitted faint red steam. I took the pot off and let it cool before I filled two bowls.

“I don’t think we’ll ever have those talks again,” she said quietly. “Too much has happened.”

I set her bowl in front of her. “Maybe the distance will be good for us, then. Maybe when I get back, we can start fresh—”

“I won’t be alive when you get back,” she snapped. “This medicine and the residual magic from the forest are the only things keeping my magic alive. Keeping me alive. But even now, I’m slipping away. You aren’t going to be here when it happens.” Her lip trembled. “I’m going to die alone.”

“I will—”

I flinched away as she smacked my bowl across the table and it clattered to the ground. Her fists shook, tears rolling down her cheeks. On days like this, I could never keep up with her mood swings. Even though I knew how much pain she must be in, I couldn’t help the bubble of resentment deep in my chest. I was doing the best I could, and it didn’t seem to help matters at all. She only saw the worst in me.

“I gave everything to raise you and I will die alone for my sacrifice!” She glared up at me. “You knew that, and you still decided to be an adventurer. Take your book. Take your quest. You might as well leave tonight. I mean, what’s the difference, right?”

“Mrs. Storm is going to take good care of you. You’ll live for several more years, yet; I’m sure of it.”

She shook her head. “You’re only telling yourself that to make it hurt less. I know you, Dulsie. I raised you, after all. That’s the thing when you’re as sick as I am; your life will always revolve around what your caretaker wants. You’re always going to settle. I hope you never wind up in my position. I don’t think you’d be able to handle it.”

I opened my mouth, but really. What could I even say?

I cleaned the soup and the bowl. Not hungry after all, I sealed the soup and placed it in the ice pantry.

“I love you, Dulsie,” my mother finally said. “But you make it so hard, sometimes. You’re as stubborn as your father. If you’d just gone into the agriculture curriculum, you could have stayed here. You could be here when I die. You have other options.” She gestured to the book. “But you chose your idols over me.”

“If I join the Golden Lily, then you’d be in a Sky Country again—”

“I don’t want to die in Phycus! I want to die in Lyridon – my home. But because I chose you and your father, my family will never accept me again. And now, you are the only thing I have left in this world and you’re going to leave me just like they did. I hope you’re proud about being singled out for a special mission. It’s the last achievement I’ll be here to see.”

She stood and stalked to her room. I took a deep breath as she slammed the door behind her. I leaned my head against the door of the ice pantry and sank to the ground.

My mother didn’t come out of her room for breakfast, so I left it on the heating stone and went out to buy supplies for my journey.

Uncle Cas was at his stall before the dew even dried off the grass. He looked up as I approached. “You fight with your mother, then?”

“What?”

“You have that look about you.”

“It didn’t help that you told her before I could,” I said sourly, walking behind the counter and settling in Judeiras’s chair.

He grunted as he set a glittering ruby into an intricate gold locket. Even with thick, meaty fingers, he had little trouble with the delicate work. He passed it to me and I held it up to the pale yellow rays of the rising sun.

“Pretty,” I remarked. “So, why’d you tell my mom?”

“I’m sorry, Dulsie. I was so worked up when I couldn’t find Lord Willows, I didn’t think.”

I looked over and softened as his ears turned a bright, cherry red. I placed the locket in its display case. “Maybe I get my temper from you, then.”

“You forgive a lot faster than I do,” he said gruffly. A single caterpillar eyebrow raised as he looked over at me. “But seriously. Are you alright?”

I shrugged. “Yesterday was a bad day for her.”

“She has a lot of those.”

“She’s sick, Uncle Cas.”

“You barely sleep in the same house as her. And you won’t explain why to anyone.”

I scratched the back of my head. “It’s no one’s business. Besides. I didn’t come over to talk about Mom. Well, not just about that, anyway. I wanted your advice for crossing the White Wing Mountains.”

“I hope your quest doesn’t have you out there in the winter. That’s suicide.”

I shook my head. “I’m just passing through them. I have to cross the sea.”

“Pearl Dagger?”

“Yeah.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “Please tell me you aren’t going to the Forgotten Forest.”

“Why is that your first thought?”

His eyes drifted to my hand, and I quickly let go of his counter. “You have a lot of the same ticks as your father. Anyone ever tell you that?”

“I’m not going to the Forgotten Forest.”

“Even going near it is a death wish, Dulsie. That forest is pure evil. Your parents had to skirt around it on their quests and even that proximity left them weakened.”

I clenched my jaw. “I’m not going there.”

“Then where are you going?”

“I can’t tell you. You know I can’t tell you.”

“You can’t tell me because of Lord Willows, right? And he is mysteriously unavailable. He can’t have left the village that quickly.”

I shrugged. “He’s rich. I bet he has his own personal pegasus or something.”

Uncle Cas shook his head. “Somebody would’ve seen it. I know something’s wrong. I don’t think you should do this, Dulsie. Enter another program for your license.”

“It’s not that easy. I have to do it, now. Mom won’t make it for much longer.”

“You are her child, not the other way around.”

“I owe her everything.”

“Is that what she tells you?”

“It’s none of your damn business what she tells me,” I snapped, hair rising as my skin threatened to spark. “You shouldn’t have interfered yesterday, and it’s not your place to interfere, now!”

He was quiet for a while, just watching me. But instead of the usual reproach in his eyes, they were soft. And sad.

He sighed. “I know I can’t tell you what to do, Dulsie. I’m not much older than you are. I don’t know how to be the father figure you need. But you wanted advice on the Ice Wing Mountains, so let’s go back to that.”

I crossed my arms and slouched in the chair. “Yes. Let’s.”

“Don’t try traversing them in the winter. Only the most hardened dwarves stand any chance during blizzard season. You should spend those months in Drazkgar. It’s a chance to get to know your father.”

“And his new family?”

“Don’t be unfair. Ember is a good woman. And Ruby, from what I hear, is positively adorable. Didn’t you say you’d always wanted a little sister?”

I relaxed, unable to help the smile that pulled at my lips. “Yeah. How old did you say she was?”

“Should be about three, now. Just the right age to drive you up the wall so much you loop right back around to being absolutely smitten with her.”

“Still…I’ll lose a lot of time by staying in Drazkgar.”

“Better than losing your life by trying to brave blizzard season. Irrigore doesn’t take kindly to fools.”

“Right, the Guardian of the mountains.”

He nodded. “He isn’t nearly as lenient as Zatarri.”

“Have you met him?”

“Only once. He isn’t a tyrant, but his eyes will freeze you right down to your soul. Respect the rules of the mountain and you’ll be fine.”

“What are those rules?”

“Don’t go out in blizzard season. Don’t kill without reason, and if you must kill, waste nothing. The king’s word is an extension of Irrigore’s word; don’t disobey the king.”

I nodded and stood, but he caught my wrist and pulled me back down in the chair.

“Not yet. I’ve got early birthday gifts.”

I raised my eyebrows as he bent under the counter and pulled out a large parcel, a small box, and a long box. He pushed the long box to me.

“From your father. For your quest.”

It was simply made black leather with a big red ribbon sealing it. I couldn’t help but think of my Questing Journal.

Inside, a beautiful short sword caught the sunlight. It was entirely unblemished, and I could see my reflection perfectly. I reached for the hilt and drew it out. My eyes found the words engraved on the handguard.

To my beloved Eltha. Always and forever. The excitement died a little. It wasn’t truly mine, after all. Just regifting what my mother had abandoned.

“You don’t like it?”

“No, it’s beautiful,” I said quickly, picking up the sheath. Its leather was dyed an elegant deep blue. I put the sword away and tied it to my belt.

“Well, here’s the second gift,” Uncle Cas said quickly, ears flushing again. “It’s from your step mother.”

The parcel was soft, but oddly hefty. I ripped the brown paper and gasped as silvery white fur peeked through the tear. I yanked the paper away and ran my hands across the soft, warm fur. “Is this what I think it is?!” I breathed.

“Alabaster Saber tooth fur. Don’t try it on, now. You’ll boil in this heat. But even inside the mountain, you’ll have some very cold nights.”

“I’ve always wanted one of these!” I gushed.

He chuckled. “Ember has wanted to meet you for a while, now. She hoped she’d have the chance once you got done with school and were gallivanting around in the world.

I’d wanted to meet Ember too, but I’d never admitted it aloud, in fear of it getting back to my mother.

“And your third gift. That one’s from Judeiras and me. He helped with a lot of the design. And he went out and got the crystal. Well, you’ll see.”

He pushed the little box in my hands. This one was encased in a dark blue velvet with a dainty yellow ribbon.

I opened it, eyes widening. The most beautiful necklace I’d ever seen. A strong cord of woven silver slinked through my fingers as I picked it up. At the center hung a delicate crystal with suspended grains of shadow magic. They formed a tiny version of Wildflower with my arms around him. It was only our heads, but the precise shaping had to have taken Judeiras forever to craft.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathed. “By far the best birthday present ever! Thank you! And where’s Judeiras? This is amazing!”

Uncle Cas smiled. “Judeiras is out getting your cake. Your mother didn’t answer her communication crystal, so we were hoping you’d be able to get her to come out and have lunch and birthday cake with us.”

“She’s not really happy with me right now. She did give me a new book, though. The Ryktors’ latest.”

“Well, maybe her sweet tooth will draw her out. And even if it doesn’t, you can still enjoy a spot of cake with us before you leave on your quest.”

I kissed his cheek, and his ears went magenta. “I can’t wait.”