Kyle didn’t know how long he slept, but he was awoken by a gentle shove by Jareth.

“Kyle, get up. We’ve got to go,” Jareth whispered.

The sun was high in the sky. Everything was already packed up, and the horses were ready to go. Kyle sat up from under his blanket.

“Is something wrong?” he asked sleepily.

“Shhh,” whispered Jareth. He held out his hand, and Kyle took it as he got up off the ground. “There are a few men nearby on horses. Look like some soldiers from Aurumist. Probably out patrolling the forest while the sun is still up. I don’t know what they are looking for, but we definitely don’t want to be found by them.”

Kyle nodded and walked over, mounting his bay mare. Jareth did the same with his dark stallion. Soon they were journeying on, Jareth leading the way. They rode swiftly, sneaking in between trees, Jareth eyes darting all around, always looking for something. Kyle didn’t dare speak. He just followed Jareth on his horse. All of his weariness was gone, replaced with tension.

They rode on for hours in this quiet unease, and the time seem to crawl by. The sun was low in the sky when Kyle thought perhaps the danger had passed because Jareth was looking less tense.

“Do you think we are safe now? Are the soldiers still around?” asked Kyle quietly.

“Probably not. I haven’t heard anything in a while, and it will be dark soon. Most non-magical people don’t like being in the forest after dark. Hopefully, they are finding their way out as we speak, but we should keep moving for a while. I don’t think stopping in the open is something we should do again.”

Kyle wondered what this would mean. He hoped Jareth wouldn’t expect him to ride on for three more days with no rest, and no chance to eat or relieve himself? Almost as if Jareth was reading his mind, he spoke on.

“I know a place we can go to rest, but it will take some time to get there. I hope you are able to make it. We can only take a few short breaks until then, but I will feel much better if we can rest for a longer period indoors somewhere.”

“Indoors? Is there a house around here?” asked Kyle looking around and seeing only trees. “Do people actually live in the forest?”

“I don’t know if I would use the word house, but yes there are a few dwellings in the forest. Unfortunately, there are even fewer that have owners that I know and trust. It will be a while before we can take a real rest.”

They rode on for a while, taking one short rest to stretch, drink water, and relieve themselves. The silence was getting to Kyle, and he was curious about where they were going. He didn’t feel comfortable around Jareth as Jareth seemed constantly annoyed and worried. He didn’t seem an easy man to get to know, but eventually Kyle’s curiosity won out.

“Where are we going? I mean, where will we rest?”

“A tree dwelling of a sorceress I know. She usually lives within the village of Abscon, but she comes out here to work.”

“Hopefully, we are lucky, and she is out here working then and not at home,” said Kyle.

Kyle saw Jareth give a little smile, the first he had seen since they had left Clarton.

“Actually, we may be luckier if she is out,” Jareth muttered. “It’s no matter if she is there or not. I can get in if she isn’t in her tree dwelling. It will be a warm safe place to stay for a rest.”

Kyle didn’t quite know what to say at this. He wondered about this sorceress they were going to meet? He might have been imagining things, but to Kyle it seemed as if Jareth was more fidgety now; he seemed very unsettled.

“You trust this sorceress?” asked Kyle.

“Yes, undoubtedly. If she is there, she will keep us safe. She is much better at protection wards and charms than me. If she is not there, her place is hard to find for someone not looking for it.”

“Oh, It just seems like you’re a little nervous,” replied Kyle. “Like you aren’t really sure about this yourself.”

“I’m sure. Clara is just, well, she can be a little unnerving. You will see.”

“Clara?” asked Kyle.

“Gryphon Keene. She is one of the most powerful sorceresses I have ever met.”

“You call her a sorceress, what does that mean?” asked Kyle.

“There are different types of magic users. Clara is a sorceress. She is a very advanced magic user. Sorcerers and sorceresses usually are. They are very skilled in potion making as well.”

“What other types of magic users are there?” asked Kyle.

“There are mages. Mages tend to be very good at elemental magic. They can manipulate weather, and things in nature. They are very good with fire and water. Enchanters and Enchantresses are known for persuasive magic. You have to be careful around them. Most magical users are witches or warlocks. They are usually proficient with most magical spells and curses.”

“What are you?” asked Kyle

“I’m a little different. I’m a protector. Much of my magic comes from my duty to protect the King or Queen of Regventus.”

“So, if I can use magic, do you know what I might be?”

“Not yet,” replied Jareth. “If you are like most of your ancestors, you will be a sorcerer.”

“This sorceress, Clara, what is she like?” asked Kyle.

Jareth gave a small chuckled and shook his head slightly.

“She comes from a very powerful magical family. Her family has been very influential with magical folk for many years. Her father was on the Ring of Nine. She should have followed in his stead after his death, but she’s a little different.”

“Different? How?”

Jareth huffed. “Some would call her crazy or untamed, and for magic-folk to say it, you know it means something. She doesn’t like following rules. She has her own ideas for the future, and what we should do.”

“Is she against me? Does she not believe I should be king?” asked Kyle. He wouldn’t fault her if she did. He didn’t believe it himself.

“She won’t be against you. She will make you earn her trust though. She won’t accept you as king just because the Ring declares it so. She’s not big on prophecy.”

“She doesn’t seem crazy at all. She sounds quite sensible.”

Jareth laughed a little. “Maybe to you, but to magical-folk she is a sort of oddity. Our world is built on history and prophecy, and we cling to old tales for hope. We look to the Ring and our diviner for the way. Clara is more about choices, earning your way.”

“Like I said, she sounds quite sensible.”

“It probably comes from her mother’s side. Her mother was non-magical. She was from one of the villages in The Great Surrounding, I believe. She didn’t last long after Clara’s birth.”

“How long have you known Clara?” asked Kyle.

“I was learning under her father when she was born. I was thirteen and trying to learn potion making. Potions never was my skill, really. I held her the night she was born, and I was there when her mother died. I have known her all her life. I watched over her when her father died. She’s grown now,” said Jareth quietly.

Kyle thought perhaps Jareth had gotten lost in his own thoughts and forgotten Kyle was there for a moment.

“She sounds pretty young for a powerful sorceress,” said Kyle.

“Yes, I suppose she is still considered young, but you would never know it. You’ll see for yourself soon. Watch yourself though as she has a biting tongue, and she won’t hold back.”

Kyle was a little excited to meet this Clara. She sounded quite interesting. It would be good to be around someone who didn’t insist he was this king they were looking for. Maybe she could convince Jareth this was madness. It seemed like Jareth knew her very well.

They rode on mostly in silence as darkness started to fall. This deep in the forest, the night seemed even colder than the one before. Kyle shuddered and was once again dreaming about warm, cozy nights around the fire in his old home. He even thought fondly of nights burrowed in the hay as he nursed a sick horse. He would have loved a hot cup of tea or some warm bread. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t notice that Jareth had stopped riding.

“Kyle,” Jareth called softly. “Wait a moment.”

Kyle turned to see Jareth dismounting his horse and cautiously walking in a wide circle, his hands up, ready as if to fight. Kyle started to dismount himself, but Jareth stopped him.

“No, stay there. If something happens run straight, and find a dense area of trees or some brush to hide. I will find you.”

Fear and apprehension started to creep out on Kyle. He felt the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. It wasn’t just Jareth’s words; the air was charged. He felt it; there had been a change around them.

“Jareth, what is it?” asked Kyle.

“Shh, I think I know. I’m not sure, it’s just….”

“If you’re going to be riding through a dark forest with the king, you should at least attempt some kind of stealth charm,” came a voice full of sarcasm. “Though sadly I think I remember that is not exactly your strength.”

Kyle saw Jareth’s shoulders drop as his hands went down to his sides. “Gods, Clara, why do you have to sneak up like that?”

“I didn’t really sneak. You just weren’t being vigilant,” said Clara as she stepped closer to Jareth and into Kyle’s view.

It was dark, but Kyle could almost make out a face and a lot of curly hair. Clara was clothed in a simple dress and cloak. Kyle could see that she carried some kind of staff, but it was too dark to get a good look.

“Clara, we need some cover. A place to rest for the night,” explained Jareth.

Clara turned to look at Kyle, “I see. Well, better come in then. I was out gathering some herbs, but I have all I need.”

Jareth nodded. He didn’t get back on his horse. He brought the reins down so he could lead it. Jareth walked by Clara’s side and motioned for Kyle to come.

Kyle urged his horse forward and hoped it was at least warm, wherever they were going.