Weaver's Curse

Isaan’s life had improved greatly since meeting Kaedwyn. His curse was still in place, but on the blank days, she was always there to fill in the gaps. He didn’t feel quite like he was losing his mind anymore.

She told him of Telare as they journeyed. Of their language, and the vast community of witches. According to her, there were plenty that specialized in curse breaking.

Maybe I’ll be free of mine, soon, he thought.

They had crossed the Zircon border a day ago, and he’d been observing the different fashions.

By the look of their clothing, the Zirconians were less wealthy than the peoples of Reganne. They favored homespun clothing in more muted colors, with longer sleeves and hems to match Zircon’s cooler weather. They looked less shifty than the average Reganne citizen, however.

When he pointed this out to Kaedwyn, she answered with: “That’s because it’s illegal to enslave witches here. More or less.”

It was legal to do that in Reganne?

Today, he remembered that he was a witch. As were his sisters, though he still couldn’t quite remember their names.

“More or less?” Allie asked, eyes wide.

“It probably happens to plenty of peasant witches.” Kaedwyn said. “If they don’t have ties to any of the noble families, not enough of a fuss would be made that an outsider would ever know. But it’s technically illegal.”

“Perhaps Reganne should take some notes.” Allie muttered.

“Take that Sedine Malachite girl for instance,” Kaedwyn said. “I’m sure you’ve all seen her posters by now. Someone snatched her, a daughter of a noble house, and her family’s kicked up a huge fuss. But if any plain old Sally were grabbed, I doubt anyone would ever know.”

“You don’t believe the conspiracy theories?” Allie asked.

“Nah. There wouldn’t be much point in killing her off.” Kaedwyn said. “She’s a girl. I doubt her father would pick her over her cousins.”

Who on earth is this person?

Isaan hadn’t paid attention to any of the missing or wanted posters.

“Good point.” Allie said, looking thoughtful.

“Picked her for what?” Isaan asked.

“To inherit.” Kaedwyn said. “She’s a duke’s daughter.”

For some reason, a knowing smile crept onto Allie’s face.

“But if she was kidnapped, shouldn’t the abductors have tried to extort money from her family?” Toby butted in. “I think she probably ran away.”

“Maybe.” Kaedwyn said. “She could have been kidnapped after she ran away, and they’re unaware of her identity. That might be why she hasn’t come back.”

“Hm. Didn’t consider that.” Toby said, nodding to Kaedwyn. “Anyway, Hexing sent me to tell you three that we have the afternoon off.”

“Oh, sweet!” Allie said. “Let’s go take a look around the town.”

“Okay.” Toby said.

“Are you two coming?” Allie asked.

“Sure.” Isaan said.

And so he found himself walking the streets of the Zirconian village of Kestrel with Kaedwyn, Allie, and Toby.

“We should try some Zirconian food,” Toby said. “I hear it’s good.”

“It’s not much different from Reganne food.” Kaedwyn said. “A few different spices on the meat, I guess.”

“Joy kill.” Toby said.

“Let’s do it.” Isaan said.

“How about that tavern over there?” Allie suggested, pointing to one whose sign read “The Swooping Falcon”.

They entered the building, and shoved their way through the crowded common room to try and find a table. Isaan bumped into a girl that had been haggling with an employee over what looked to be a sack of jerky, nearly knocking her over.

He caught her and set her on her feet.

“Sorry!” he said. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” She said, fixing her piercing grey-green eyes on him.

She had delicate elfin features and a face that wore a permanently guarded expression.

“Isaan!” Toby called to him. “You coming?”

“Isaan...” the girl said, studying him.

“Yep. Good to meet you.” He said, sticking out his hand.

“...Sedna.” She said, shaking it.

“Anyway, sorry for knocking you over,” he said. “I’ve got to go now.”

He hurried to join his friends, who’d already ordered some sort of chicken dish for him. When he looked back to where she’d been standing, she already left.

“Who was that?” Allie asked.

“Her name was Sedna. I crashed into her on accident.”

“Yowch. Poor thing.” Toby said, slapping one of Isaan’s biceps. “Amazing you didn’t break any of her bones.”

“Who’s to say he didn’t” Kaedwyn said, smiling slightly.

“She disappeared too fast for someone with broken bones.” Isaan defended himself.

“You’ll get em’ next time.” Kaedwyn said consolingly, giving him a pat on the shoulder.

“Yeah, Isaan. Sometimes we all fail to kill our targets.” Toby said.

“It’s no big deal, you just have to find them later and slip them a little monkshood.” Allie joined in.

Isaan sighed, frowning around the table at them, and they all began to giggle.

Well, at least they’re having a good time.

Their food arrived, and they all dug in.

I need to find them, he thought suddenly. He almost through down his utensils and got up to walk to the door.

He forced himself to settle down and keep eating. You don’t even know who you’re looking for.

The only people he’d remembered today were his sisters, and King Deled.

If I were looking for the King of Selah, how did I end up in the Loann swamps?

Speaking of King Deled, I should ask Kaedwyn about him. There’s a chance he and I might have both disappeared, and this is somehow connected.

He wished he could remember more about the king. Like if they had been friends, or if Isaan had been one of his underlings.

He finished his food, and stood up.

“I’m going to step out for some air.” He said, giving Kaedwyn a meaningful look.

He leaned against the wall outside, and a few minutes later, she joined him.

“Did you remember something else?” she asked.

“I think so.” Isaan said. “First, I’m definitely looking for someone.”

“You’ve told me that before.” Kaedwyn said gently.

“And I think it might be my king.” Isaan said.

“That’s new information.” She said.

“Can you tell me what happened to King Deled of Selah?” Isaan said. “Is he alright? And still ruling?”

“Isaan... the king of Selah’s name is Oren. And his father was Jensen. I’ve never heard of a Deled.” Kaedwyn said. “Are you sure he was the king of Selah?”

“Never... heard of him?” Isaan repeated.

“I’m sure he was king of Selah.” Isaan said. “Oh! He had a younger brother! I think his brother was trying to usurp his throne.”

“King Jensen had a sister. No brothers.” Kaedwyn said, narrowing her eyes. “Oren has no siblings.”

“Could Deled have been cursed? Like me?” Isaan asked. “A curse that could make an entire country forget him and his rule?”

“Maybe.” Kaedwyn said dubiously. “But it wouldn’t be easy for him to get cursed. Selah’s royalty wear wards that are supposed to prevent that, and the punishment for trying is being drawn-and-quartered.”

Then... what happened to my king? Where is he? And why does a citizen of his country not know his name?