Chapter 29 CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
AERIS
“We are looking for something,” I said carefully, remembering Kael’s silent guidance. “A herb. A root, actually. Silvervine Root.”
The man’s brow furrowed. “Silvervine?” He muttered the name like it was tasting something bitter. Then his eyes narrowed. “Rare. Dangerous, if handled incorrectly. Why do you need it?”
Kael’s hand brushed my shoulder lightly, a silent reminder to keep it simple.
“It’s… for research,” I said, keeping my voice calm, steady. “Healing research”
The man’s gaze lingered on Kael, suspicion flickering like a shadow. Then he let out a soft huff. “Healing research, huh?” He leaned on his lantern, considering. “You don’t strike me as scholars. Still, maybe you’re sincere. Silvervine Root grows far from the town, in the north valley. Dangerous paths, and… you won’t find it easily. Even the locals avoid it unless they know what they’re doing.”
I felt my pulse quicken. The excitement…the thrill of a challenge lit through me like sparks. “North valley… I’ve only read about it. Never seen it. But I need to. Can you… guide us?”
The man’s lips twitched, uncertain. “Maybe. For the right reason. And the right pay.”
“We’ll manage,” Kael said.
The man studied us both for a long moment, then sighed. “You’re brave, I’ll give you that. Foolhardy, maybe. Fine. I can point you in the right direction. But the Silvervine doesn’t grow near paths, and it doesn’t grow for the weak-willed. It tests anyone who seeks it.”
I blinked, heart racing. “Tests…?”
“Roots, soil, even the air,it resists tampering. Takes what it will, and leaves only what it deems suitable,” he said gravely. “Many have tried to harvest it and failed. And some… some never return.”
I swallowed hard, excitement and apprehension mingling. Every fiber of my being screamed with curiosity. This was exactly the kind of challenge I lived for.
“We’re careful,” Kael said softly, not breaking eye contact with the man. “And we know what we’re looking for.”
The man finally nodded. “Head north, past the western ridge. Follow the river until you reach the moss-covered stones. Silvervine doesn’t hide there but it watches. Don’t disturb it unnecessarily, and whatever you do, respect it. Take only what’s needed. Now go, before the first workers begin their rounds.”
I nodded eagerly, mentally storing every detail. “Thank you,” I said, almost breathless.
Kael dug into the hidden pocket of his cloak and pulled out a small leather pouch, the coins clinking softly as he passed it into the man’s calloused hand. The stranger gave a quick nod, tucking the pouch away without a word. Then, without another glance, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, lantern swinging faintly as it faded into the dim light of the early morning.
Kael exhaled lightly, his hand brushing against mine for a fraction of a second, grounding me. “That went… as expected,” he muttered.
I bit back the urge to bounce in place, unable to contain the thrill.
“Do you… do you still want to continue? It sounds dangerous, if you want to back out now..I can continue on my own”
Kael’s words hovered over me, heavy with caution.
“Of course I want to!” I responded sharply, spinning to face him, eyes wide and sparkling. “There is no way I back down now. I mean… it’s Silvervine Root. The plant itself! Not to mention everything else we might find along the way. Roots that twist like serpents, leaves that… I don’t even know! Petals that glimmer like they’re hiding secrets. I might get poked, scratched, or mildly poisoned but I live for this! Honestly, I think I might even enjoy getting a little hurt while working! Isn’t that the point?!”
“You… do realize how insane that sounded just now, don’t you?” Kael said.
I shrugged, still bouncing on the balls of my feet. “Insane? Perhaps. Excited? Definitely. I’ve been waiting to see something like this for… forever. If I don’t jump at it now, I’ll probably combust from boredom later.”
He shook his head then gestured toward the narrow path that hugged the river. “Well, then. Let’s see if your enthusiasm survives the north valley.”
I followed eagerly, matching his stride as best I could. The path was uneven, the ground slick with dew, roots poking up like jagged teeth, and the river’s faint babble guiding us westward. Each step brought a new scent…wet stone, pine resin, something almost metallic in the air. My fingers itched to brush along mossy trunks, examine every leaf, and note every oddity.
Kael’s eyes scanned everything with silent precision. I could feel him noting every curve of the path, every shadow that might conceal danger.
A branch snapped underfoot, and Kael’s hand found my shoulder in a grounding touch. “Stay close,” he murmured. “It’s not just the plant that tests the weak-willed.”
I flushed with excitement, not fear. “I’m ready,” I said, grinning, and maybe bouncing a little.
The north valley opened before us gradually, the trees thinning, the river widening into a clear, cold stream, moss-covered stones glinting faintly in the pale morning light. And there it was, even from a distance—the Silvervine. Thin, silvery leaves glimmering like liquid metal, winding roots twisting into the soil, emanating an aura that seemed almost… sentient.
I stepped forward, heart hammering, ready to cross the stream that cut through the moss-covered stones. But the moment my foot touched the first stone, the world shifted.
“What…what—” I stuttered. The path ahead warped, the stones stretching into unfamiliar angles, the river twisting as if alive. Kael’s eyes widened beneath the mask, just slightly, and he grabbed my arm.
“Careful! It’s not stable,paths are… moving!” he said.
I stumbled, catching myself against a tree, and when I looked up, the Silvervine was gone. In its place… a bustling street, cobblestones worn smooth by countless feet, lanterns swinging in the faint light, townspeople moving with purpose. Merchants shouted prices, children chased each other between stalls, and the scent of bread and smoke filled the air.
“We are in another part of Eryndor,” Kael said calmly, unbothered, as if wandering into an entirely new district in the dead of pre-dawn was perfectly ordinary.
Then it hit me fully. We weren’t in the north valley anymore. Not even close. In its place… was a bustling town. Alive, chaotic, utterly unfamiliar.
Alright… Holy godsssss