Chapter 4

"Aye, little lassie. Land ho." Jack said, pointing towards mountains in the distance. I smiled. I'm almost there. But now that I'm here, where will I go? There's human troupes on Homeland shores, I'm not completely clear yet. Knowing the prince; he's already sent word to all soldiers under his command to be on the lookout for me. I can't go back to my home tribe. They'll just sell me again. It's been so long since I've been home it made my heart ache. I sighed racking my head for an answer. As we got closer to the shore I looked up and saw the Dragon Den in the distance. Then it hit me. That's it! The safest place from humans is in the den of dragons. The ruler of all demons and the strongest of them all. I hurried over to Jack, wrapping my arms around him in a hug before he could react. "Thank you so much Jack," I whispered into his shoulder. He stayed froze in place for a moment before wrapping his arms around my shoulders. "Not a problem lass. Just be free," he said, patting my back. I stepped back and looked at him. I still need to pay him back. As the boat rocked from the waves Jack instinctively grabbed his knee. "Damn thing always hurts when the boat rocks too hard." He muttered.

I smiled brightly. I knew how I was going to pay him back. "Jack, hold still." I instructed as I closed my eyes and began to focus. This wouldn't take as much energy as the cloaking spell did, but it takes extreme focus. As I harnessed the magic in my demon blood, I directed the magic to my palms. I grinned as I felt the heat of the magic. Then I opened my eyes and released it. As soon as the spell was cast I felt exhaustion tug at my body. I leaned up against the side of the boat and looked to Jack to see his reaction. His stormy gray eyes widened in astonishment as he stared down at his knee. "What in the-" he murmured to himself, he then leaned forward on his leg with a limp and started to smile. After a few seconds of testing the strength of his knee he looked at me. He let out a loud and boisterous laugh. "I'm not sure what you did lass, but my knee, it doesn't hurt anymore!" He exclaimed, as he danced around on the boat.

I laughed in amusement at his silly jig. "It isn't much, but I knew that a 'thank you' was in order." I said, smiling happily. He grabbed my hand and shook it enthusiastically. "Thank you lass, this is more than I could've ever asked for," he exclaimed. I nodded. For once, I did the healing. Not the harming. In that moment it felt like the large weight pressed against my chest lessened, just a little bit.

At the dock I had placed the hood of my cloak on my head and said my good-byes to Jack. Before I left, Jack placed a small pouch in my hands. "Just in case you need it." He said, happily striding back to his boat. I didn't get the chance to open it until I was out of the port and behind the cover of trees. Curiously, I opened the pouch to find it filled with precious gems and jewels. I smiled. That old man knew that human currency would be useless in case I ran into other demons. "Thanks again, Jack." I whispered to the wind, hoping it would carry my gratitude back to him.

I had no more time to waste. I need to keep moving. Before I went too far from the sea port I stopped by a small shop, and bough a small pack which I could carry food and other various items in. The merchant seemed excited when he saw the jewels. After I left the shop and was back within the thick wood, I removed my cloak and placed it in my pack along with my pouch of jewels, change of clothes, and a bit of food. After securing it on my back I began my trek. I groaned as I looked at the large distance between me and the Dragon Den.

I made camp when the sun set. As I laid on my back on the mossy ground with the sound of the fire crackling beside me, I could feel the connection between me and the land itself. It felt as if it was welcoming me back after my long absence. I smiled, is this what happy feels like? I closed my eyes and held onto the feeling for as long as possible and was lulled to sleep by the sounds of the forest.

"Nika, looks, a teeny kitty cat," a hoarse voice croaked. A cold and clammy finger made contact with the skin on my cheek, which caused my entire body to start to feel sick. My eyes snapped awake and I jumped up from laying down. I was wide awake and alert. Adrenaline pumping through my veins. "Ooh what an agile kitty," the voice grunted. My eyes fell upon the short and stout creature that spoke. Its hair was matted and had twigs sticking out in every direction. There were mushrooms growing out of one of its shoulders and moss growing on both arms. As I studied the small creature, it's intense smell wafted towards my nose. I gagged. The smell was so rancid that it stung my nose and brought tears to my eyes. I clamped my hand over my nose.

"Yes, Elai tends to have that effect on others." A new voice piped in. I quickly swung around in the direction of the voice, to find a tall, well dressed woman leaning against a tree, looking incredibly bored with the entire situation. Her hair was light red and was tied tightly on top of her head. She looked like a normal human, except for one thing. The two markings on either side of her jaw. I looked at this strange woman confused. "Who are you?" I demanded