The Petal Kingdom (Bringing Life, Falling Ash Book 2) Read online

  “Well, let me make you another deal then. If you can get me through the Petal Kingdom, I will help you find a house there.” She decided. “You tell me where you want to live and I will make an arrangement to get you a place.”

  “That’s unnecessary. You don’t need to get me a home just because I don’t have one!” Silas insisted. “Besides, I’ve caused nothing but trouble. I don’t think your friend will forgive me if she finds out that I’m still alive.”

  “Don’t worry about her. I will explain everything. You have no home and you need one. Help me again and we can get you a place to stay. I have the coins to buy a piece of land if needed,” Lavinia explained. “You don’t have to pay me back afterwards either. That home is all yours.”

  Silas blinked when he heard that. “Just who are you really? And why would you ever want to help someone like me out?”

  “My name is Vinnie. I come from Themasa and I’m traveling to the kingdoms in search of something.” She began. “Unfortunately, I don’t know much beyond Themasa so I would like some help.”

  “From Themasa, huh?” Silas murmured. “I’ve heard of that kingdom. Supposedly, the princess is supposed to be celebrating their eighteenth birthday but she ran away. People are looking for her and there’s a reward for anyone that finds her.”

  Lavinia felt sick at that moment. “Did they tell you what she is like?”

  “No. I have no idea how anyone can get a reward if they know nothing about her,” Silas shrugged. “I just know that her family wants her back. They feel bad about whatever they did to her.”

  “They feel bad?” Lavinia wanted to find out more without revealing too much. She wasn’t comfortable telling Silas who she was yet. “Have they said why the princess ran away or why they feel bad?”

  “I’m guessing they kept the princess locked way for too long and they feel that they are to blame. They think they were harsh with her and didn’t allow her to experience things. I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean but they do feel bad. Wherever she is, I hope she understands that they only want her to come back safely.”

  Inside, Lavinia began to breathe sharply and tried not to reveal anything to him. “Are you on the hunt for the princess as well?”

  “I was. I didn’t have much to go on, but I did want to find her for the money. I don’t have much of it and that reward would certainly help me out,” he admitted. “Anyway, that isn’t so important right now. I just want to get to a warm place and maybe something to eat.”

  “You read my mind. I’m feeling famished as well. We should be there soon.”

  Inside, she kept thinking about revealing the truth about her curse to him as well. He hadn’t seen her actually turn those vines into ash so he was in the dark. The only curse he knew about was Alice’s and he still couldn’t make sense of it. All the same, Alice’s curse did have some good to it. She could bring life into a dead ground and create crops for those who needed it. She could make flowers and plants to bring some color and beauty. The only thing Lavinia’s ashes did was cause a mess.

  “I still don’t understand why you would do something like this. Why would you help a stranger?” Silas asked. “You don’t even know me but you’re willing to take me with you? Don’t you think that’s risky?”

  “It might be but doing anything in life means taking a risk. Besides, I can tell you are not harmful. You don’t look much older than I do. How old are you anyway?”

  “I will turn sixteen in two months. I know I don’t look that old but I promise you that I am.”

  “I believe you. Anyway, I think we’re here.” Lavinia slowed the horse down. “It’s very cold so let’s try not to spend too much time outside.”

  “You don’t know how cold it can get here,” Silas murmured. “I’m glad you were able to get me out of there. I was certain I was going to die in the cold.”

  “Well, now you are with me and you don’t have to go back to that old life. Stay with me and my friends and we’ll keep you safe.”

  “Safe?” Silas chuckled at that. “You are very kind but I don’t need any protection. The only reason I got stuck over there was because I’ve never seen vines like that before. I was just taken back by that because they don’t grow in this kingdom.”

  “In any case, I want you to stay with us,” Lavinia said. “I think you will find it better than hanging around with thieves who don’t have your back.”

  Silas wanted to snap back but stopped himself. He knew she was right and that she still had his freedom in her hands. “All right. I will help you as much as I can. It’s not like I have a choice, do I?” He looked over at where the inn was. “Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get something to eat before we do anything else.”

  “Then let’s go.” Lavinia led him toward the inn, wondering if she had made a good choice. Now she was traveling with two thieves and she had both of their lives in her hands. She wanted to trust them because they were her only companions for the time being. However, she was missing Alice. She just had to hope that Alice was still alive and that Silas was right. Alice would survive. She would find a way to survive.

  Wait for me, Alice. She looked out into the distance. There was a long way to go but she would get there. They would be reunited. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be on my way soon.

  Chapter 7

  Alice woke up with almost no idea of where she was. The floor that she was sleeping on wasn’t a bed nor was it warm. In fact, it was nothing but cold stone and dust. Her bare skin could touch against this yet nothing was growing out of it. For a second, she didn’t know how she had gotten this far or where Lavinia and Kian were. The only ones she felt by her side were Elias and Madelyn with the larger dragon in the corner. Slowly, it dawned on her that she had left the camp a long time ago. She was far from everyone and she didn’t know how to get back.

  “That’s right. I’m out here and I don’t know how to get home or to the Petal Kingdom. I’ve got to come up with a new plan.” She told herself. Over in the corner, she heard Coryn groan and roll over. Her new friend had found a place far from the light and was huddled up in the darkest corner. No doubt she was still scared of light and the little bit of sunlight pouring in wasn’t helping. “Good morning, Coryn. I trust you slept well?”

  “I slept as well as I can on a floor like this. It’s not soft but it’s the best I can do.” Coryn sat up and rubbed her eyes. “I apologize that this isn’t what you are used to, Miss Alice. If I find an inn on the way, you can stop there for the night.”

  “Never mind that. I have more important things to think about than sleep. The main thing is to get out of here first. Will you be able to get me where I need to be in one piece?”

  “I can do that. How are you feeling this morning, Miss Alice?” Coryn asked.

  “I’m very nervous. I’ve been thinking about what you said last night about The Spider Lady. I think I can stay composed, but I’m afraid I might accidentally show some emotion,” Alice explained. “Right now, I’m extremely worried about everyone else. I can’t stop thinking about my friends, Kian and Vinnie. What if they never find me or figure out where I went?”

  “That’s where the messenger bird will come in. These birds will know who you are talking about if you give them a description. You know what your friends look like, don’t you?”

  “I could never forget. So let’s get this message sent out. Where are the messenger birds?”

  “Come down here with me.” Coryn motioned her to follow her outside of the cave. “Some people don’t even know about this messenger bird post. They normally don’t come up here because of the snow and ice. I think these birds will be happy to see you have a message for someone.”

  She took Alice down to a birdhouse where several birds made of ice were squawking and flying around in their cages. Like all the other animals in the Frost Kingdom, they were cold to the touch and looked like they could break if anyone knocked them over. However, they seemed like i
ntelligent creatures that went silent when Coryn went close. She reached into the birdhouse and took one out. This bird was a small one but his wings were long and it looked like he had done this before.

  “He’s been on many journeys throughout the Frost Kingdom. He’ll know where to go and what to do. You have your note, don’t you?”

  “Right here.” Alice held it up and Coryn tied it to the bird’s leg. “How will he know which village to go to?”

  “Simple. You tell him to look for something and he will find it,” Coryn said. “I know it seems silly but these are very smart birds. They keep a lot of things in their memories. Is there anything in particular you want them to look for? You just tell him.”

  “Well, um… look for an inn nearby that might have a sick person inside.” Alice thought aloud. It was hard to give a description since she didn’t know what inn Vinnie and Kian were staying at. “It is in the Frost Kingdom. If you go past several vines poking out of the snow, I’m sure you’ll be able to find them.”

  The bird cooed to say he understood and took off with the message. Coryn watched as it flew away. “He seemed to make sense of that. You didn’t tell him much.”

  “In truth, I don’t know much. If I knew the name of the inn, that would probably help a lot. I’m not even sure what village they are in or if they’re still there. However, if he can’t find them, maybe he’ll find someone who saw them.”

  “Now that this is taken care of, let’s try to face the Spider Lady.”

  “Wouldn’t it be safer to fly over the forest? My dragon can carry all of us. He doesn’t seem so tired right now and he can probably take us.”

  “You could but here is the thing; you would never be able to get into the Petal Kingdom. It is locked to people from the outside. The Spider Lady has a key that can unlock the kingdom.” Coryn explained. “If she deems you worthy, she’ll give it to you. She has to open the gate for you to walk out. The dragon can probably fly on his own and make it there. She doesn’t worry so much about them. It’s the people that she worries about more. She doesn’t trust them.”

  “A key? That might explain why I can’t see much on this map.” Alice looked at the map that Light had gotten her. “It probably explains why we weren’t getting anywhere earlier. We saw land masses all over the map but nothing that was labeled. Now I know it’s because it’s locked. I don’t suppose you have a key to the Petal Kingdom.”

  “I did a long time ago. I don’t anymore.”

  “Did you lose it?”

  “No, it was more…” Coryn shook her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t have good memories in the Petal Kingdom. That’s why I was a little hesitant to go in there with you. I’m willing to lead you up to that point but going inside is different. I was scared to enter the light and the Petal Kingdom is full of it.”

  “I’ll protect you if you are scared. And if that’s still not enough, you don’t have to enter the Petal Kingdom with us.”

  “No, I don’t but I want to. I think it’s time to get over some fears and I think you can help me with that. You’re one of the few people who has been nice to me over the years so I feel like I should do something for you.”

  “Are you sure she lets people go?” Alice asked. “Everything you’ve told me about her tells me she isn’t that friendly.”

  “She’s not friendly at all but that doesn’t mean she’s a ruthless killer. She gives you a chance to get away. Don’t try to attack her or her children because you will lose your chance. Watch where you walk. Do not panic if you see spiders. The more of them you see, the closer you are getting to her. If needed, let the spiders walk on your skin.”

  That might be difficult giving how nothing can touch me without sprouting leaves. Alice wanted to reply. “That is going to be hard but I will try to stay calm. I know what spiders look like but I never felt one crawl up my arm.”

  “It’s not too bad. They might tickle but you will be fine. As for your light friend here, make sure he isn’t shining too brightly in the forest. The spiders don’t like that much light and that’s another thing that would get the Spider Lady angry. We don’t want to hurt her children in any way.”

  It didn’t take them very long to make it to where they needed to be. Alice gulped as she looked into the forest. In a way, she wished that she was a dragon so she could fly over it but she needed some answers. Her dragon was right behind her so she had to assure it to stay quiet. She calmed the animals down so they didn’t try to cause any distractions. It would be wiser to let it fly but she didn’t know where it would go. She didn’t know how she could find it again. So it would be better if he just walked right behind her. The forest was big enough for all of them. He would get by.

  “Just walk with me and don’t make a sound, okay?” She whispered. “Stay behind me the entire time. I know it may be scary but try to stay calm, okay?” The dragon snorted as if he understood. “Good boy. I won’t let anyone hurt you. We’re going to get through this.”

  “Are you ready, Miss Alice?” Coryn asked.

  Alice nodded. “If not now, then it will never happen. Let’s go.”

  The forest that they were going through was dark even with Light helping guide them along the way. Alice could feel several little creatures crawling by her feet and she shivered. Coryn wasn’t wrong when she said this place was too dangerous to wander into alone. She could see all the spiders crawling on trees and in the ground. Normally, she wasn’t frightened by them but too many spiders in one place was enough to make anyone’s blood go cold. The worst part was that she couldn’t hold onto Coryn for fear of accidentally hurting her. She had to stay composed and walk like she was going down the street.

  Keep it together. You will be fine. She told herself with each step. It felt like a million eyes were on her and she could hear the strange sounds of creatures she had never seen. Still, she had to pretend that she was not scared. These spiders will not hurt you if you don’t hurt them. Keep walking and don’t make eye contact.

  “Are you all right?” Coryn asked.

  “I am fine. I just have to keep moving forward,” Alice whispered back. “Try not to step on anything or make a sound.”

  “You don’t need to tell me, Miss Alice. I have been through these woods before and I have survived to see another day. I need you to survive now.”

  “Right.”

  Alice kept walking while making sure she didn’t step on anything. The spiders were growing in numbers so she knew they were getting closer to the Spider Lady. Coryn had said they would know how far they were by the number of spiders in the forest and the light in the sky dying out. Not even Light seemed to shine as brightly now. He was as scared as they were but he didn’t dare try to cause any problems. They all had the same thought in mind; find the Spider Lady, get the answers they needed, and get out.

  There was another rustling nearby but Alice kept moving and made sure her face was blank. No emotion was what would save her. Both Light and Coryn were close to her and they were watching their own moves. It was strange that the further they went inside, the more trees were growing around them.

  A voice suddenly called out to them as they stepped closer. “Who dares to enter my forest?! State your purpose!”

  Alice didn’t need to be told that this happened to the Spider Lady herself. Just the sound of her voice could freeze the blood in anyone’s body. She didn’t scream that demand, yet she was loud enough to terrify the creatures that were nearby. She worried about the animals and Coryn but they also froze in place, either out of fear or because they heeded her instructions. Several spiders even crawled away when they heard her voice. “My name is Alice from Themasa. My friends and I wish to make our way into the Petal Kingdom.”

  “Is that so? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a face as lovely as yours enter this forest. Unfortunately for them, they were never able to get out. Tell me, Alice of Themasa, do you think you can make it out of here alive?”

  “If
I want to get to the Petal Kingdom, then yes, I can make it out alive,” Alice replied, hoping that the answer was good enough for the Spider Lady. She could hear that rustling through the leaves and saw several branches shaking. Normally, she would back up but she stood her ground. The Spider Lady could probably sense fear. “I have business to do with the people in the kingdom.”

  “Is this so? I’ve heard that reason many times from other travelers. What makes you so different from the others? Is it because you lack fear? Does nothing scare you?”

  “It is not that. It is that I have friends I must help and a curse I must cure.”

  “A curse? That’s a new one. Are you sure that you don’t have fears? No snakes?”

  At that, Alice could feel something slithering all over her feet and she took a quick look down. There were plenty of snakes circling her and their scales were brushing against her ankles. A bite from any of them could prove to be fatal but she didn’t want to run. She had to pretend that she was not affected by them and kept her gaze straight ahead. Behind her, she saw that Coryn was frozen in place as the snakes tried to slither up her legs. The snakes were trying to go through Light but he stayed still.