Trust Issues

By Rachel Dib

I don’t like Dycin.

It’s not the guide’s superior attitude that makes me dislike him either. He was raised by the Knowledge Keepers. Of course he’s smarter than me. No. I dislike Dycin because despite his knowledge, he has no idea what he’s doing but presses on anyway. In fact, I suspect we’re lost. We’re just roaming the forest, relying on hope and sheer luck to guide us to our destination.

But it’s all about the journey, right? That’s what Master Flamux says anyway. “Slow down, Kameri. Experience the journey. You’ll never learn anything if you rush through life.”

I get that. I do. But I bet Master Flamux’s guide was nothing like Dycin.

I cross my arms as Dycin pauses at a fork in the road. He glances both ways several times before choosing a path. I bet he played eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Too bad it landed on the uphill route.

“How long before we reach the temple?” I ask.

“As long as it takes.”

I let out a calming breath. “Yeah, but, like, do you think we’ll reach it tonight? Or…”

“Maybe so. Maybe say.”

I blink. What does that even mean?

Before I can question him, he smacks a tree with his staff. Instead of a thwack, it dings. I expect Dycin to explain, but he only nods and continues onward.

So, maybe we’re not completely lost.

I still don’t trust him.

After about five more steps, something grabs my ankle and whisks me off my feet. Panting, I glance wildly around to see Dycin hanging suspended barely a foot away. Considering our inverted positions, I’m thankful I wore trousers rather than my traveling dress.

“He’s completely worthless,” I grunt through gritted teeth.

“What did you say?”

“I said, I think you smacked the wrong tree.” I tug on my pant leg to reveal the wand hidden inside my sock.

“I did no such thing.”

“Well, you alerted something to our presence.” Sucking in a breath, I lunge toward my ankle. Before I can grab my wand, a vine snaps out and winds around my hand, fastening it to my leg.

“Instead of questioning my abilities, why don’t you use yours to free us?” Dycin snaps.

“Well, I would but…”

Three faces pop up from the underbrush. Twisting my head to examine them better, I realize the childlike beings are wrapped in a conglomeration of vines with funnel-shaped flowers hanging from them. I sigh. Of course, we’d run across a group of anthousai.

As the beings dance and giggle beneath us, I try to remember what I’ve learned about the nymph sect. All that comes to mind is the rhyme:

Little anthousai love to play.

In rain or shine, they’ll make a game.

But give them a task, and cross they’ll get.

So, always make a game of it.

Not helpful. Unless…

“Let us down, you little imps!” Dycin demands.

I roll my eyes. “Yes, because name-calling will persuade them to obey you.”

“I don’t see you trying anything.”

Waving my free hand, I catch the nearest nymph’s attention. “Very good. You caught me. I applaud your skill.”

Smiling, the anthousai twirls and bows. The action draws the attention of the other two nymphs who glance up at me, grinning.

“I’d clap, but…” I nod at my trapped hand.

The nymphs giggle again, but I still have their attention.

“I wonder if you’d help me with something.” When all three anthousai tilt their heads at me, I continue. “I’m searching for the Temple of Ages. I must attend a ceremony if I want to become a full mage. Do you know where it is?”

Jabbering something unintelligible, one of the nymphs points at Dycin.

“Yeah, he’s supposed to be my guide, but I think we’re lost.”

“No, we’re not!”

“Shush! Do you know the temple?” I ask.

Nodding, all three anthousai point back toward the way we’d come.

“They’re playing another trick.” Dycin scowls. “I’ve studied the maps. I know the way.”

Two of the nymphs place their hands on their hips while the third shakes a finger at him.

I bite my lip, hiding a smile. Annoying or not, at least the nymphs and I have something in common.

“Ignore him,” I tell them. “He thinks he knows everything.”

“I do know everything.”

I lift a brow. “Except the way to the temple, apparently.”

“I know that, too!”

“Fine.” I shrug, turning back to the nymphs. “Want to race him to the temple?”

All three anthousai nod emphatically.

“Great!”

As the nymphs gently release me from their trap, Dycin visibly pales.

“You can’t leave me here!”

“Oh, right.” Retrieving my wand, I focus my will on Dycin’s restraints.

I smile at the prospect of him landing on his head once released, but Dycin must have studied the art of falling out of trees. He manages to flip in the air and land on his feet. I’ll admit it’s impressive.

The nymphs must think so too. A couple of them let out quiet “ooo” sounds.

Brushing himself off, Dycin meets my gaze. “Kameri, come. We must journey to the temple together.”

“Must we though?”

Dycin lifts his chin. “It’s tradition: two apprentices helping each other reach the Temple of Ages for the Summoning of Ceriso. Now, stop this foolishness and come.”

“Yeah, I’ve got a better idea.” I turn away. “You go your way; I’ll go mine. We’ll see who gets there first.”

Then, taking an anthousai’s hand, I skip back down the path, leaving the gaping Dycin behind.

When an hour of wandering the temple’s grounds yields no sign of Dycin, I give up waiting. According to the sundial, it’s been five hours since I left him—plenty of time.

I try not to feel smug as I reach for the door, but who am I kidding?

As my fingers brush the handle, the temple door swings open.

“Oh, there you are.” Dycin’s lips lift in a smirk. “What took you so long?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Dib is a stay-at-home mom of three small children. After marrying a soldier and becoming a military wife, she left her home state of South Carolina to live in random places across the U.S. In her limited spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and playing board games. Her published work can be found in a few online journals and magazines.

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