Chapter 2

Hyacinth stared at the trinket the shopkeeper gave her. It resembled a dreamcatcher with colored feathers and beads. "It wards off evil, one in a million of its kind." The old witch said with a satisfied nod. Hyacinth pushed the trinket back and glared at the witch. "Your current form gives me the chills Beryl." She said folding her arms.

The witch grinned exposing her yellow teeth and wrinkled visage. "You know it's for protection's sake Hyacinth and look at your ridiculous form!" Beryl laughed then changed to a young woman with long blue hair and brown eyes. "It looks like a worthless trinket to me." Hyacinth said eyeing her suspiciously.

From the corner of her eye, she saw an elf-like sprite flying with a potion in its tiny hands coupled with two creeping vines chasing after the sprite."No, no it's a precious trinket. I would never lie to you Hyacinth." Beryl shook her head and gestured the sprite in her direction. She shot the two recalcitrant vines a ball of smoke poison making them fall limp on the ground. The sprite squealed watching the source of her discomfort perish.

"Don't mind those things. Anyways here's the potion you asked for." She said handing the glass bottle over to Hyacinth. "Be careful of those humans. Some 'royal dogs' have been sniffing around my domain for weeks now. It's a shame I couldn't turn them into my slaves or perhaps toads." Beryl rolled her eye making the sprite nod her head in agreement.

So characteristic of a nature witch. Hyacinth mused then she took the bottle containing the green slimy liquid. It gave off an effervescence anytime she shook it. "Made it to your taste. You know your curse has kept way too long. I'm afraid these power supplements would stop working one day." Beryl stated watching Hyacinth consume the liquid in one gulp.

Hyacinth made a face at the bland taste that hit her taste buds." At least it does a good job of hiding it and helping me with power...I've forgotten how this works." Hyacinth uttered mumbling the latter while taking a look at her original form. Beryl could only sigh worriedly then as if in a trance she spoke suddenly.

"Oh those dogs should be lingering around so be careful. Nature just whispered to me." Beryl grinned tapping the side of her head. She turned to the vine creeping close to her and swatted it away with a scoff. It coiled back into the wall. "Thank you and I'll be taking the trinket." Hyacinth said snatching the object away earning a chuckle from Beryl. "I knew you'd take it but hurry up and leave." Beryl said shooing her away.

"I'll be out now Beryl. Maybe I'll send Regal next time." Hyacinth added draping her hood of her cloak over her face and disappeared out of the shop.

***

How long do we have to wait?" Cassien queried eyeing the entrance of the forest. Garnet held the reins of Cassien's dark mount as she scouted the area. "Your Grace it's just been five minutes since we got here." Garnet reminded him which earned him an impatient scoff from the prince.

"Which person in their right mind would live in these forests?" Cassien asked no-one in particular and came to a stop when he found a figure walking in their direction. Garnet noticing the figure turned sharply tugging the reins roughly. Casein's mount neighed at the sharp pain it felt around its muzzle.

"Hyacinth stopped and cursed watching the two strangers with a group of Knights surrounding them stare at her with a dubious gaze- especially a golden-haired man which she assumed to be the prince.

"Stop wherever you are miss!" Came in a command from Garnet. "Unveil yourself." Cassien said unsheathing his sword and pointing it in her direction. Hyacinth sighed and walked to them. She slowly removed the hood of her cloak and bowed respectfully. "Long live the light of Avalon." She greeted and still maintained her position.

"Stand up." Cassien said to her. She stood up and faced him-she heard several gasps coming from the Knights. Cassien was met with fiery red eyes and long raven hair. The tiny woman before him had a skin as pale as snow. To say he was surprised was an understatement. She had this ethereal aura.

Hyacinth stared at him quietly wondering what was going on in his head. She had to admit she was drawn into his unusual hue of eyes. Cassien and Garnet exchanged looks before Cassien broke the long silence.

"Sorry to waste your time but why are you heading to the forest mat this time?" He asked drawing his sword back. "I don't think it will be of any use to you Your Grace." She replied staring at Garnet. "Then maybe if my sword does the talking then the information will be of use to me." Cassien said walking to her and stop two meters away. "You jest, Your Grace." She replied. "But there would be no need for you to use that." She eyed the sword with a shiver.

She swore she heard the souls of the bereaved call to her, and it was an unsettling feeling. His sword glinted in the sun anytime he twirled it. "I'm actually a herbalist. I gather herbs rare plant species in making medicines for diseases." She answered. "I was on my way to gather herbs when I saw you Your Grace." She added quickly when he remained quiet.

His eyes gazed her quietly. "A female herbalist? I never heard of such occupation before." Cassien said with a frown as he gave her a strange look. A female herbalist was unheard of in Avalon because most women despised such lowly jobs - it got their hands dirty. They preferred to be arm candies, ladies in waiting or mistresses. For her appearance it seemed too good to be true- she didn't look like one.

"Do you really come from here?" He asked walking to his mount. Did she really? She thought sourly. She wasn't human to begin with she smiled, but what could a small lie cost a lowly witch like herself, nothing.

"No, Your Grace." Hyacinth answered watching him mount his horse and Garnet followed suit. "I see." Cassien said eyeing her once again. She has a soft smile gracing her features. "Sorry for taking up your time miss." He said then in one swift movement, he hit the side of his horse urging it to a trot.

She released a deep breath and turned back to make sure no one was watching. "How uncomfortable." She mumbled holding her chest. She swore she felt the intensity of his gaze prick her skin- it felt like a predator watching its prey. She shook her head and ventured into the forest wondering if he really fell for her blunder; she had a feeling he did not.