“Who was that guy?” Ferdinand asks. “What just happened? Why are we outside?”
“My friend, the Piper, helped me get you out that doomed castle.” She pauses and tilts her head. “Offerings, I know your numbers are now very small—”
I cut her off. “Why didn’t you tell us who you are? You’re the goddess Bergot!”
She clasps her hands together and hangs her head. “It is better if the Offerings do not know, and I hate the look of disappointment on their faces when they find out. I am not the powerful goddess you were all taught to believe in your entire lives. My sister stole my crown, and most of my powers along with it.” Bergot takes a deep breath and continues. “Hexegot demanded the Offerings; there was nothing I could do except hope that one day I could get my crown back. I am very sorry, but the Offerings were the only way to ensure the valley’s safety.”
“But she wants to possess me! What can you do to help?”
“I told you, my powers are weak.” Bergot sways back and forth. “Hexegot grows stronger every year. Her curses are everywhere and threaten to kill me.”
“Can you give us something?” Brahm asks. “Or give us any information?”
“Yeah, you used magic to give us gifts,” Ferdinand says. “Give us something to defeat her. Do you even know where the crown is?”
Nothing.
I step toward her, making the goddess float back a little. “We’re putting our lives on the line for you, and your sister wants to possess me. What can you give us to help?”
“Let me think.” Bergot sways her shrouded head. “I told you, her tricks change every year…but I do know a few things about her castle. I once was able to go near. Never have so many Offerings made it this close. I believe if you work together, you could rescue my crown. It must be inside the castle because that is where her darkest curses lie.”
“How do we find the castle?” Brahm asks.
“Keep following the ashes through this expanse of forest.” She pauses to point behind us. “There is a bridge guarded by a nasty troll. He can be distracted with two things only: human flesh to eat or shiny pearls.”
“Pearls? Where the fuck do we get pearls?” Ferdinand asks, gesturing to the vast landscape around.
“In the forest, there are many hidden pearls. If you look closely enough and are patient, you will discover them. You will each need one pearl as payment to the troll.”
“And then we’ll get to the castle?” Brahm asks.
“Not yet. You will find the castle on a mountain covered with so much snow it looks like glass. There is a gate surrounding the castle—taller and deadlier than the one that protected Prince Franz’s castle. The only way in is with a special key that can be found at the bottom of Hex Lake. You will find the lake beyond the bridge and must dive for the key.”
“Then what?” I ask. “Is that all?”
“No. The key will gain you entry to the castle complex, but inside there are more dangers.”
“Like what?” Ferdinand asks.
“The only one I know about is the lion that guards the door. A few of the early Offerings I was still able to help tamed it with food. I smell it on you; what do you have?”
Both Brahm and Ferdinand rummage through their satchels. Brahm holds out some fruit and nuts while Ferdinand holds out a loaf of bread.
“The bread should do—at least enough to get you past the dangerous creature.” Bergot points at the loaf as Ferdinand returns it to his bag. “Please be careful. No Offering has ever survived the castle. I do not know what horrors await inside, only that at the heart of the castle should be a fountain containing The Water of Life. If you drink from this fountain, she cannot kill you.”
“Why don’t you come with us?” Brahm asks. “Why can’t you get your own crown back?”
Bergot hangs her head. “I once was able to get near the castle, but I would be of no use now. My sister has grown strong and has surrounded the area with dark magic to harm me. I will try, but I am unsure if I can go much farther. Even this forest pains me so. You should go; the fog is coming.”
“Wait. The closer we get, the more my head hurts.” I touch my sore temple. “Is that because of her curses, too?”
Bergot offers a single, slow nod under her veil.
“Why does she want to possess me?”
The goddess offers no response.
“You know more than you let on.” I step closer. “Cleaning me, the magic dress, and you knew I could survive the fog. Did you know she wanted me? What is it you’re not telling me?”
“Get through the castle obstacles and drink from the fountain. Goodbye and good luck.” Bergot fades into a cloud of black smoke.
The Pearl Earring
WE BEGIN OUR TREK THROUGH A vast expanse of forest, scanning for pearls with our eyes. Ferdinand walks ahead and begins to set off in a different direction.
“Wait,” I call out, “If you’re going off on your own, at least give us half of the loaf.”
“No way, Red.” Ferdinand spins around to walk backward, staring at us. “This is my only insurance. That witch wants you. Plus, you two look like you want to kill me. I’m safer on my own. I’ll meet you on the other side.”
Ferdinand waves and jogs out of view.
“Wait!” Brahm shouts. “Damnit!”
“It’s useless. Why would Bergot let him keep all the bread?” I shake my head.
“I don’t know. And I don’t like how she avoids answering you.” Brahm takes me by the hand, rubbing his thumb inside my palm. “What do you think it all means? The way the fog has targeted you? The way your eyes turn black when you’re angry?”
“Both Bergot and Hexegot have even commented on my hair.” I run my finger through a wavy, red lock, and think about my foggy and angry headaches. Fresh tears sting my eyes as a horrible thought comes to mind. “Do you think I’m…evil?”
Brahm shakes his head and wraps his arms around me. “I told you that’s not possible. I wouldn’t be in love with an evil person.”
I hug him back. “No, I suppose you wouldn’t.”
Brahm takes my arm, and we walk through the forest, searching for pearls. He grins at me. “This reminds me of finding pretty stones and crystals for you near our creek. There was always something I wanted to do with you in the woods but never had the courage.”
Brahm guides me to lean against a tall tree and kisses me, running his fingers through my hair. I slide my hands to Brahm’s hips and kiss his neck, making him moan. He jerks his body rigid and places his hands on my shoulders.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Look,” he says, gesturing to the tree.
I twirl toward the bumpy, knotted bark where the sunlight shines on an iridescent orb inside a hollow. With his forefinger and thumb, Brahm plucks it out. We both stare with wide eyes and grin at the beautiful pearl.
“No way!” I shake my head. “I thought it would be impossible.”
“For you,” Brahm says, handing it to me with a peck on the lips. “You take it.”