There was an awkward silence. Terakiel was completely unwilling to talk about the Strand, especially with someone who could very well have sensitive information about his past. Not only was he reluctant to give in and accept the nature of his powers--but he was wary of what uncomfortable topics they might explore.
Casnie cleared her throat in an ostentatious fashion. "Ahem. Well, I suppose it might be worth considering what we should be doing next. Do you. . .think you might tell me just where we are?"
Grateful for the change of subject, Terakiel considered for a moment before responding. "We're in a cave."
"I'm afraid I'd already arrived at that conclusion myself," Casnie responded sardonically.
"I wasn't finished," Terakiel laughed. "In truth, I cannot tell you much more than that. The vast stretch of woodland ringing this mountain is known as Lakara. Despite calling it my home, much of it is not known to me."
"I suppose you weren't much for exploring when you were a child?"
"Not as such--but there's more to it than that. Lakara is--well, it might sound strange to an outsider, but there are. . .stories."
"Stories? What kind of stories?"
"No one really believes the stories to be true, but myths abound about what lurks in the depths of the forest. It is said that the town of Tombolin was founded in an effort to escape the evils of the forest's farthest reaches--although that strikes me as nonsensical. Why not found the town in another location entirely?"
"What kind of things lurk in the forest?" Casnie asked, her deep brown eyes open wide.
"Not a thing. In my opinion there's nothing strange in the forest--except for these stones, of course."
"Well, that's not so strange. Sidea is positively littered with them. I hear they are rarer in other places."
"There you have it, then. The myths are just that. They are tales crafted by storytellers--to teach lessons, I suppose. 'Don't wander into the forest alone' and so forth."
"You have made your position on these stories clear, Terakiel," muttered Casnie. "But you're not really answering my question. Tell me about these stories."
The shirtless man laughed, coughing from the strain it put on his lungs. "I'm not sure why you find it so fascinating."
"But I do!" she exclaimed. "I like to know about other cultures--and forgive me for saying so, but this traditions of yours seems rather peculiar. I think it is interesting."
"I suppose so. The legends tell of an ancient race that once inhabited the forest. Their name has been lost to time but as far back as I can remember we simply called them Lakarans."
"Is that what lurks in the forest?"
"According to the lore, the Lakarans were pulling the strings from the shadows. They were capable of conjuring beasts great and small--and these beasts were used to torment humans. Eventually, a group of humans called the First Priests found an area that seemed immune to the Lakaran influence so they decided to found the town of Tombolin there. Ever since, warnings of venturing too far beyond the clearing have been passed down through the generations."
Casnie gasped. "What if that's all true?"
"It's not true," he scoffed in reply. "I have lived all of my days in Tombolin and although I've never ventured as far afield as I have these past few days--I have spent a significant amount of time in the forest. Not once have I encountered anything unusual--unless the Lakarans are summoning deer and squirrels to torment us."
"Aw, that's no fun. Where's your imagination?"
"I just want to know what's really out there. I have such an unclear picture of what it's like beyond Tombolin."
"I am sure you will have opportunities to find out! I would be pleased to share with you anything I know, as well."
"Thank you. . .I suppose."
"After all, you can't go back to Tombolin now."
What?
"I mean, it would be too difficult to backtrack all that way," she quickly amended.
Does she know? Aisen had sensed Terakiel was running away from something. Perhaps the same was true for Casnie, but they had shared so much more in their momentary bond. It was clear she did not know the specifics or else she'd be fleeing in fear. He had to make sure their conversations did not lead in that particular direction lest she uncover the truth. He imagined her inquisitive nature would make things very difficult for him in the coming days.
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