9. Olivia

CHAPTER 9

OLIVIA

I can't believe I'm actually back out exploring Fablewood, even if I am dressed like some kind of eccentric forest hermit. Kalen insisted it was the safest disguise, and I have to admit, it's effective. The best of the three we've tried so far, I think. The oversized robe he pulled from his closet, now covered in dirt and leaves, does a great job of hiding my human features. But it's not exactly comfortable. I keep getting poked by sticks, and it's hard to see with no peripheral vision to speak of.

Part of me is still freaking out - I mean, hello, magical hidden village full of mythical creatures! - but mostly I'm buzzing with excitement. We have a mystery to solve!

"Okay, so the symbol-seal thing was on that building over there," I say, pointing across the square. "And on the map, there were more scattered around town. We should check those locations."

Kalen nods, but I can tell he's distracted. His eyes keep darting around, like he's expecting trouble.

"Sure thing, Forest Hermit. But let's be quick about it, alright?"

I frown, adjusting my hood. "If it's between ‘Forest Hermit' and ‘Fuzzwhip,' I think I will go with Fuzzwhip. Regardless, what's the rush? This could be the key to understanding how I got here. Don't you want to know?"

He sighs, grabbing at a horn as he does when he's nervous. "Of course I do. It's just ... complicated."

There's that word again. Complicated. I'm starting to hate it.

"What's so complicated?" I press, trying to brush maybe just a little of the dirt off my robe. "You said your friend Thokk has a human mate now, right? And everyone knows about her?"

Kalen winces. "Well, yeah, but-"

"So, what's the big deal if people see me?" The words come out sharper than I intend. "Am I that embarrassing to be seen with?"

Oh god, where did that come from? Way to let your insecurities show, Liv.

Before he can reply, I spot a group of what look like trolls heading our way. Kalen immediately stiffens, stepping closer to me.

"Hey there, Kalen!" one of them calls out. "Great opening bash at the tavern!"

"Yeah, couldn't have gone better! Just wait! I plan on putting in more seating and a firepit too!"

"Whatever you touch seems to turn to gold, Kalen. Can't wait to see it!"

As they pass, one of the trolls eyes me curiously. "Who's your friend? An old crone?"

I clear my throat before I can stop myself.

A crone? Up until the last few days I was beginning to fear that ‘spinster' might be in my future, but crone?

Kalen laughs, a bit too loudly. "Oh, no, no, no crone here. Just an old forest dweller passing through. Doesn't talk much, you know how they are. Come by the Bullhorn again soon boys. "

I nod solemnly, trying to look as forest dweller-like as possible while leaves tickle my nose.

Once they're out of earshot, I turn to Kalen, frowning. "Crone. He's lucky I didn't kick him. Meanwhile, all you gotta do is turn up the charm and it's smooth sailing.

He looks confused. "What do you mean?"

"That, I don't know...just what I said, you just sort of turn it on and off ... And when it's on, boy is it on."

"So that's good right?"

Is it me or is he getting a little defensive?

"Well yeah, it sure helped just now, but sometimes it can be a little jarring maybe. You know, like even with that. One minute it's you and me, and then the next you were suddenly all charm and smiles – and me hidden under a dirty old robe."

Kalen shrugs. "Just being friendly. It's good for business. And you know the robe is necessary."

I bite my lip, not sure how to express what I'm feeling. "I guess. It's just ... different from how you are with me."

His expression softens. "That's because with you, I can be myself."

I know he's right, and that what he's saying should sound sweet, but somehow it still hurts a little.

"I know. Sorry. Maybe I am a little too used to people overlooking me too. Okay?"

Kalen looks stricken. "Olivia, listen to me. I am not embarrassed of you at all. And if I want anyone overlooking you it is for your safety. Are you kidding? You're the best thing that's ever happened to me! It's just ... not everyone is as accepting as Thokk and his friends. There's still a lot of tension in town."

I can't decide whether or not I want to argue more, when a flash of movement catches my eye. "Look! Is that ... a cat? There's cats here?"

Kalen follows my gaze. "Of course there's cats! That's probably Othrix. Thokk's cat. Sneaky little guy. "

I watch as the tabby rubs alongside a nearby building. It is almost a temple looking structure itself, kind of neo-Romanesque, with columns all around the periphery. And there, right above where Othrix is cheeking - "The seal!"

Before Kalen can stop me, I'm darting across the street. The cat, Othrix, looks up at me, meows once, then darts inside through an open archway.

"Olivia, wait!" Kalen calls, but I'm already squeezing through a pair of columns to follow the cat inside.

I pass inside and pause to allow my eyes to adjust to the darkness withing. The interior is both musty and silent, with no sign of Othrix. The place doesn't seem to get many visitors. But the walls are covered with writing that reminds me of the map, and the seal is again repeated here too. The little secret smile on the woman's face somehow looks even more secretive now. Of course, I know it hasn't changed. Has it?

No, Liv, it hasn't. That's you losing what's left of your mind.

Sighing, I turn back to the entrance. " Kalen, you've got to see this!" But as I poke my head out, I see him chatting animatedly with a group of what look like elves. His charm is on full blast, all easy smiles and effortless banter.

I feel a twinge of ... something. Annoyance? Jealousy?

Don't be ridiculous, Liv.

We just went over this.

He's just being friendly. It's good for business, remember?

Still, I can't help but feel a little, what, judgy ? Why? Because you don't have that confidence?

Hey, I am working on it.

I haven't even looked at my flash cards all day.

Still, probably some truth there. Mostly just all my insecurities pushing to the surface ... I mean, popping into a hidden magical town and literally riding a minotaur ... a lot of room for doubt to creep in there ...

Shaking off the feeling, I head back inside. Focus on the seal, Liv. This village would be a lot cooler if you knew you at least had the option to get home too ... if only for the occasional visit ...

As my eyes roam the inner walls, I spot the seal again, this time etched above a large stone door that's slightly ajar.

"Well, hello there," I murmur, running my fingers along the carving. The door pivots at my touch, revealing fine craftsmanship but also a hidden room beyond.

"Seriously, what is it with this place and hidden spaces?" I mutter, stepping inside.

The space within is only dimly lit by some high windows. It looks like it's been used for storage, but not for what, the last hundred years?

But still no cat ...

I scan the room, looking for any other clues.

Maybe there will be a chalice?

That would be too easy.

There are dusty shelves lined with what look like old books and artifacts. My inner librarian is itching to examine every item, to catalog and organize this treasure trove of knowledge.

I fight the urge to pull out my little notebook.

Focus, Liv. Just do a quick sweep.

But even as I scan the old tattered books and forgotten scraps that lay about my heart sinks. It looks like it's a dead end. I suppose I could take a look at the books. Perhaps there will be something there to tell me what the hell the significance of that seal is.

Oh wait, what's that?

I spot a few cat toys scattered around among some scraps of fabric in a corner. Looks like Othrix has a little bed here. Cute.

Then as I move a few old crates around, I spot what looks like a little nest he's made. There's a few more cat toys scattered around some scraps of fabric.

"You around here, kitty kitty? "

Nothing. Not even a meow.

Well at least there are some books. Maybe they will have something in them. Deciding there really is nothing more to see beyond that though I absently call to the cat again, "Meow, meow, meow...?

Suddenly, the room lurches. Or rather, I lurch. I feel a wind, then a crack of thunder...and then the whiteout is fast approaching...

"Oh no, not again ..."