Our father had been away from home for two whole days. It was several days after the curse incident and my mind was on many other things. I am glad Sorrel is gone, but Moss became upset enough to check at his usual haunts. He came back from the Dog and Bell with news that our father was spending time with a widow. A woman named Bea, who lived above a clothing and rags store in the Old Market. Possibly he was sleeping in her rented room. Joy creeps into my heart at the idea of not seeing him for a good long while. I hope she loves him and keeps him. Moss is hurt and madder than I've ever seen, so I hide my happier feelings from him. Even in his dark mood he makes quick work of our errands and chores. I rush as well because I have to get us into the woods today. I absolutely must check on my illicit plants.

We take the game trail nearest the cottage. There are snares and traps to check. More foraging the bounty of spring. Both of us carry large sturdy bags and a variety of pouches and containers. Also armed with daggers and a small ax each. Not for the first time I wish I knew how to shoot a bow.

"I don't like it, Jax."

I glance at my brother's eyes. They are dark, more purple in the blue. His eyes get that way when he's worried or extremely sad, or very rarely, furious. I turn to kick some debris off an old fallen log. There are a few good Spring King mushrooms.

"I agree it's a slight risk but I'm going near the river. Further from the city." Once the shrooms are collected and store them away in my bag. "You know they prefer hanging near the markets or fair. Especially during spring bouts." The "they" being the bullies.

North of the city and the castle are fair grounds and an arena. This week it is military bouts for prizes and entertainment. Small units of guards and warriors compete in the arena. It draws a crowd and gambling. A small fair and temporary market happen alongside. There will be solo bouts later in the week. We usually go inspect stalls and see what is happening, but not this year. Even if we had the free time.

After next week the nobles will join the crowd in larger numbers are knights and lords compete in martial competitions. There will be a tent city of visiting competitors and sponsors even further north. Extra people will crowd the city and the palace.

"Moss, you need to work the traps. We don't have time to stick together and get done before dark."

"Be careful." His voice rough, almost deep.

Once out of sight I walk quickly. I still listen carefully to the woods around me and keep on hand on my ax. It's a good thing Moss can handle the slightly bigger ax. The extra weight would hinder me more. I spy a man hunting with a bow, fair south of me. Possibly hunting deer. I give them wide berth and they're moving away from me. Hopefully he never realized I am here. That is the only person I have seen since leaving my brother. Game is thicker south, further from the city and deeper into the woods. Less reason for folks to be out here.

When I reach my spot at the shroud, I gasp. The (bean) vines have grown towards each other and made an arch. Blossoms fill the vines. Amazing. So beautiful too. My body is tight with excitement. Are the vines old enough to make a portal? Is the portal story even true? Only one way to find out.

I step closer to the vine arch and the glimmering Shroud. The surface surrounded by the leafy vines does seem... less opalescent. The difference is slight. Maybe I'm just willing myself to see the change. I hold my hand an inch or two from the magical wall. A bit of warmth. No pressure. Like many adventurous children, I had touched the Shroud. The memory is clear. Pressure near the surface, to warn you away. Then a huge jolt knocks you onto your butt. my hand had been needles and thorns for hours. It had been thrilling but nothing I wanted to repeat. Ever again.

One. I breathe. Two. Breath. Three. Deep breath, Jaxsi. I push my hand, my left hand, towards the wall. Can't go around with my primary hand not working. Nothing. Then my hand felt like it's touching warm, comfortable water. What the hells?! I jerk my hand back and inspect it. Seems fine, and dry. Again, deep breath, then I reach. The sensation is the same. My hand moves further. My hand is in the Faelands! Oh gods! It worked. The book's bloody right. A portal of vines straight into another world. While growing flowers, and maybe later more magic beans.

Nervous, I scan both sides of the woods intently. Birds and a squirrel are the only creatures I see. No humans. No fae. Still, I am fearful as I step fully into the lands owned and populated by Fae. And gods' willing, full of bounty enough for me to sell just a bit. Past the Shroud slight resistance, I crouch a bit and move from bush to tree, to another tree, a bramble surrounding a tree, another bush. Slow and cautious. Occasionally, I drop a small white and red painted rock. A return trail I can follow without leaving any permanent markers. I'm not going far. Not today. Just to scout a bit. Make sure there isn't a city or house just beyond a thin screen of trees. So far, nothing but more forest. Many of the trees and bushes are similar to ours, but not all. I can hear a stream somewhere ahead but I've gone far enough. I don't want to lose sight of the Shroud.

I find more Goddess Stars and collect some. Also a strange purple shroom I will not pick without checking my books. My books! I should fetch those today from the ash tree. I've dug out more room under my floor boards in my room. I've even lined it with cedar plank scraps I bought, then some waxed cloth. A ready cache for books and contraband. I almost trip over a tree root and yank my attention back to here and now. Surely I've come far enough. I haven't even seen smoke rising above the trees to indicate a settlement or home. Something golden catches my eye. Its in the detritus near my feet. Using a dagger, I clear it of bits of leaf and soil. A snakeskin!? Shimmering gold and transparent in places, and fairly long. I've never seen such a thing. Unable to resist, I touch it with one finger. It feels like a normal snake's shed. Carefully, I wrap it in a rag and find a safe place for it in my bags. I want so badly to explore further but I know it's time to head back. Moss might already be waiting and we still have errands.

I only collect one each of leaves, blooms, a strange orange rock, two kinds of berry, and a few unusual feathers. I'm pretty sure I recognize the bright green leaf and the bush it came from, and one of the berry brambles. Not positive in my memory though, I will check myself before loading up. One of the flowers I collect looks like foxglove, but not quite and my curiosity is piqued. I want to check my books on the plantlife before I handle too much of it. I think I need to go to Thyme's shop as well. If he has any books on Fae forest animals or plants, I need to see if I can trade for them. Or even buy them outright if the snakeskin is marketable enough. Once home, I will have to send a pigeon to Pol. I need to go to the Shadow Market.

Pol arrives after dark that same day. His dark gray cloak blended so good with the shadows of our oaks, even with a lantern just inside the door it was hard to see him. Standing in front of my door he looks bigger. He fills the space. I smile, still nervous about this excursion. I'm so grateful it is him and not Fen. Not yet anyway. He pushes his hood back enough I can see his grin. "Hello." My voice is the barest whisper.

"Good eve, Jaxsi." He speaks a bit louder. The deep tone sweeps across me. So strange at my cottage, in the dark of a waning moon. I put a finger to my lips so we don't wake Moss. Maybe I should have told him to meet me at the lane, away from the room where my brother sleeps. His grin pulls wider and he looks over my shoulder. "Evening, Moss. You have grown a lot."

I spin jerkily. Sure enough, my brother is right behind me. He must have been faking his snores or I woke him somehow. "Moss!"

His auburn head nods. "Pol." The blue in his eyes is dominant but dark and his face is serious. Is he trying to threaten Pol? The big scarred man at the door who does things rogues do, whatever that is? Not that I've ever seen my brother try to intimidate anyone. "You'll keep her safe? Protect her?"

I'm definitely not telling him Pol won't be the only one taking me to the market. Maybe I shouldn't have tried to sneak out. How did he even know? Turning back to Pol, I see a similar expression. The grin is gone.

"With my very life, Moss."

What in the gods' golden fields? Like I'm not even here in the conversation. I refrain from stomping but not from glaring.

They stare at each other intently for what feels like an entire season. Then Pol holds his hand out to my brother. They clasp each other's forearms. What kind of handshake is... Then I remember I've seen soldiers greet like that. Some traders and guards too. "I will return her home as quickly as I can."

Then my brother hands me my bag I had left on the table and walks back to his room. I roll my eyes before turning back to the doorway that Pol fills too much. My voice sounds more irritated than I want when I ask, "Shall we go?"

My overly gallant escort looks down at me. Enough that the lantern light shows me his delicious warm brown eyes. Delicious? That doesn't seem right for eyes. But then I think of the expensive chocolate Moss once bought me. It had been the same shiny, rich brown. The sweet treat melted so delectably in my mouth with the barest hint of bitterness. It was gone too soon and I've never wasted money on a second taste, but easily remember that decadent piece of chocolate. Maybe that's why I think of his eyes as 'delicious.' Weird but it makes a bit of sense. Another grin grows on his face. This time the left side of his lips is higher than his right. Apparently I'm amusing him. Wonderful. He's probably going to tease me about Moss being so overprotective, or worse, about me wearing the same clothes, again.

"Let's break a few laws," he speaks so quietly, I can barely hear him.

My snort isn't as quiet. I push out the door, past him, and pull it closed. We set off towards the lane. His hood's back up; I swiftly follow suit. I'm pleased he doesn't offer to carry my bag, which is also strange. It made me uncomfortable at first when Baxter did it the other day. Maybe it feels like as adults it would mean something. The moonlight makes the walk towards the city easy. When we were near the gate, I'm surprised that there is no guard. Usually when the bouts and faire are happening, the guard rotations are not lax. Too many foreigners and chances for visitors to be harmed or cause harm I suppose. There are always more fistfights outside and inside all the taverns. More pickpockets and ladies willing to sell their bodies for coins, as well. I had been nervous about passing Lars or any guard really, next to Pol. It's unlikely he is highly hunted by the crown or anything. I've never seen a decree with his name or likeness. Even so, a rogue at my side seems risky near the Guard.

There's more late night foot traffic than usually. We even have to avoid some horsemen before getting near the Southeast Gate. One such time, Pol pulls me closer without breaking his stride. Then immediately removes his hand from mine. Once we are past Thyme's, he pushes down his hood. He glances at me saying, "Leave your hood up."

My nostrils widen at the order but I know he is right. "Can I talk?" I force myself not to grit my teeth.

"Quietly like that, yes."

He is looking around. Alert, but not tense as far as I can tell. He strides briskly forward and I have to keep my own steps long to keep up without jogging from time to time. My legs are tired from my hike to and in the Faelands. I had to run back to Moss because of my time spent past the Shroud. I shouldn't allow myself to think about it. The risks are that high. Tossing those dangerous thoughts away I return my attention to the city around me. Four drunk men stumble towards us and Pol uses his body to herd me to one side. They pass without a glance our way.

"Do you..." I swallow softly. Casting a stealthy look towards him I indulge my curiosity. "Do you enjoy your work?"

"What?" Eyes wide he looks at me, almost like I am a strange and new bug. Or at least that he finds my question very bizarre.

"It's just that, well, someone talked with me about enjoying work." Struggling for a second to find the right words, I touch his arm softly, just for a second. "Never really thought about it before, but when I did, I realized that my work is enjoyable. For the most part, I love my plants and the woods, and all of it."

His laugh is soft. "I've never thought about it either." I wait. He is quiet for a while. We are passing the warehouse looking buildings, guards standing at attention. "Who were you talking to about it?"

Expecting an answer about his work, this question rattles me. I don't want to answer it for some reason. We have our no lies policy though. "One of the Hackberrys. I helped them with the orchard earlier this week." He peers at me, I feel his stare's intensity. He doesn't feel like I answered his question to his satisfaction. I twist my tongue behind my teeth as a distraction and think for a second. Does he know about the offer between my father and at least Huck Hackberry? Has my father been yelling it from rooftops? That would be horribly embarrassing. Frantic, I change the subject. "Have you ever heard of someone buying Fae fingers?"

Pol's body swings in front of me and I run right into it. He gently pushes me back a step. "What did you say?!" His voice is still a whisper but his tone is alarmed. "Nevermind. Don't repeat that!" He rubs a hand down his face. My eyes are drawn to that stupid scar again. It isn't ugly though, nearly the opposite. "Why in fuck all would you ask that?"

I flinch. Well, he is distracted from that other question. Good me. I don't know if I can tell him. I trust him but it isn't my family that was cursed. I bite my lip, and I hear him huff out a loud breath. "You don't gossip do you? Like if I told you something secret it would stay with just you?"

I realize how stupid my question might seem when he laughs at me. Not softly either. It's a long laugh and he bends a bit with the power of it. I look around nervously. There is a man at a door nearby but he ignores us utterly. He seems to anyway. "Do I keep secrets?" He chuckles down at me and lifts a hand. "Don't get mad at me, Jaxsi. I haven't laughed like that for a while. I quite enjoyed it." His smile is wide, his teeth flashing in the moonlight. "I will keep your secrets. As I always have. And always will."

Those words. So similar to our childhood oaths it causes me to smile a bit myself. "Sorry, it's just that it's not my secret."

"I'm intrigued. Will you tell me? I won't... gossip."

I lean in so I can speak even softer. "The Hackberry family and orchard was cursed."

"Gods!" Brown eyes wide, his face is serious now. "What happened? Did they find the person who cast it and break it?"

"Um. No."

"Can they afford..."

"I figured it out." I clear my throat. "Mother had notes on it. It's a curse that doesn't require a caster."

"There aren't many of those."

I stare at him. Does he know curses? Can he DO curses? That's a strange thought. Frightening, if it is standard training in the guild. "No. I suppose there wouldn't be. I only know this one. Well then another from old wive's tales." I wonder if that one is true too. Truth in poems and stories, who'd of thought. He leans towards me as I continue. "This one was potent and insidious. Which is why it needed a strong catalyst. 'A Fae finger freely given' which I don't know why anyone would give away a finger." My nose wrinkles as a thought occurs to me. "Do you think they can grow them back?"

Realizing my eyes are unfocused and pointed away from Pol, I move my attention back to his face. He is just staring at me. A bit of hair tickles my cheek so I push it behind my ear. It is freshly re-dyed and smells a bit like spices. An odd smile lights his face. "A night with you is never dull, Jaxsi Sweetbriar."

"As compared to your usual boring evenings."

"That occasionally happens." He surreptitiously checks our surroundings. A pair of drunks stumble around a corner a ways in front of us. Once they disappear he speaks again. "I suppose if the Fae had enough of the right magic it might be possible. They certainly don't announce it if they can regrow digits. I can tell you why someone might give one up. Money, power, fear, or love."

I snort. "Who would ask for a finger for love?"

"Would you give a finger to save Moss' life?"

A chill runs through my whole body. "In a heartbeat." That someone would give a body part for money is bad enough. Threatening to kill someone's family for it? Evil. "But how is that 'freely given.' I don't understand."

"Magic, from what I gather, is much like Fae diplomacy. Wording and meaning are important. If the person isn't imprisoned, if they are given a choice... Maybe that's free enough." His voice is steady and sure. Has he dealt with a lot of Fae? I swallow. How terrifying that a twist of words can be so dangerous. He pulls a flask from under his cloak, frowning a bit. "Here." When I hesitate he adds, "It's just water."

I drink deep and hand it back. "Would someone be able to buy a finger... like that, at the Shadow Market?"

He pinches his nose. Is he thinking? His eyes are dark when his hand drops. "I suppose it's possible. I've never asked. And you will not either. You're not going tonight to investigate or something?" There is a roughness to that question that makes me tense up.

"No!" I hiss. "It hadn't even occurred to me. I'm not that brave!"

"You are too brave." He grabs one of my hands. With a grin he bows and kisses the back of my hand. "Lady Jaxsi Curse-breaker. Amazing."

I slap his other arm with my free hand. "Be serious. We should get moving."