The Untold Forest by Elisa Menz (web ebook reader txt) 📗

for an escape. He then noticed he was following the same path as before. It didn’t make sense. Finn remembered to have left that trail way behind.

But he stood on it again, now clear and safe.

If the centaurs were following the same path, they would catch him in an instant. He dared peer over his shoulder, only to find the same path disappearing under his feet. Finn stumbled and fell flat on his face. No one chased anymore.

Finn rolled on the ground and scanned his surroundings. He couldn’t believe he had outrun a herd of four-legged beings. He sat, trying to control his breathing and make sense of what had happened.

“Did you save me?” he asked, between ragged breaths.

Oh, wonderful! He was talking to the terrain now. But it all made sense when he remembered his mother’s stories. This was not just a path. This was the Path. “It has a will of its own... it will take you to where you need to be...” he whispered. Finn stood, groaning. “Well... any chance you could lead me to my home?” He dared hope.

And he started walking.

And no, the Path was definitely not leading him to his home or anywhere near human lands. After weeks of following it, that much was obvious. The Path also made sure he could find food, water, and no other dangers along his journey.

“Stupid Path. Stupid, lovely Path.” Finn missed his family, and he knew they probably thought he died. It broke his heart to think he made his mother cry. He was the stupid one.

The landscape changed, and the tall, ancient trees gave way to gnarled ones. The air smelled sweet, and wildflowers covered the ground. In the distance, a massive tree loomed over the horizon. The Path led him there.

After all those days in the open, the weird cabin at the base of the tree appeared most inviting, and Finn wanted to hug the man sitting by the doorsteps. Clutching his fists, Finn walked towards him. Coming to this point, he knew the Path was smarter than him and would never lead him to any harm. “Hi.”

That’s it. He was officially stupid. His first encounter with an elf and all he could say was hi.

“You have to be kidding me. A human?” The elf rubbed his brow, warding off a headache. “Ninety-five years of waiting, and the next Warlock is supposed to be a human!”

“Well... my name is Finn. I do not understand what you are talking about, but it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. If you don’t mind, I would love some help to get home.”

The elf stood, stretching under the sun before scowling at him. “Well, Finn, my name is Ystävä, and I’m sorry to tell you... this is your home now.”

CHAPTER XXII

TEA AND FLOWERS

Maeve

Maeve didn’t notice when the tears started to fall, but by the time Finn finished his story, she was a crying mess. She understood her brother committed no fault. He wanted to return home, but he couldn’t do it. She knew she neither blamed Ystävä. The elf didn’t keep her brother from leaving and cared for him all these years. Anger was futile. Finn was meant to become the next Warlock.

But she remembered the grief in her mother’s eyes; all the nights she cried to sleep for losing her child. She thought about her father’s silent despair; how heartbroken he must have been.

And the memories of her pain slipped back. Maeve always hated crying. There was no relief after the anguish left her body, only void. And not even the stillness of void helped her. The pain always returned as a debilitating burden.

Maeve bent over, holding a fist over her heart, and letting out a cry. How was it after all those years she still suffered because of how her family had fallen apart?  How could everything be so raw? Her brother sat right in front of her; shouldn’t she be happy?

The men around her drew near, distraught. Finn was the one who reached first and held her. “Maeve, please, don’t cry. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” She wrapped her arms around him while he gently stroked her back. “I’m here, mushroom, I’m not going anywhere. We will be together now.” Will they? Would this finally close the wound? She had her brother back, they could live together again, and she would have a home. It would chase away the loneliness eating her all those years. There would be someone by her side who cared about her, someone she cared about.

Her sobs subdued and breathing ceased to be a struggle. Maeve was no longer a child, and practice taught her to collect her emotions.

Out of impulse, she searched for Hakken, finding him slumped on a chair, pale as his mouth hung ajar. He, too, heard Finn’s words, and he appeared concerned. But he shouldn’t be. Maeve realized she already had a home. No matter how unexpected and unconventional, Hakken had become the closest thing to a family after Finn’s disappearance.

Her brother spoke again. “They are dead, right? Mom and dad. There is no way you would be here if they were still alive.” His voice trembled. The warm light pouring from the windows lit his face, and his cheeks glistened with tears. A sad smile tugged his lips. “Gods! I wanted to see them one last time.”

The siblings leaned into each other, mourning in silence. The room grew quiet, and a soothing hand landed on Finn’s shoulder. Maeve looked up to find Ystävä staring fondly at her brother, before landing his eyes on her. “I’m sorry,” the elf muttered.

Maeve smiled at him. “You don’t need to be. This is not your fault. Thank you for looking after my brother.”

Finn let out a heartfelt chuckle while wiping his runny nose with his palm. He turned to grin at the elf, reaching for his hand. “Yes! You are the best, Ystävä.”

“You little shit, you wiped your filthy hand on mine!”

And just like that, Ystävä went back to his grumpy