Shadow Hunter: Forest Guardians, #5

By Ali Ings

When you're one of a kind, you go where you're needed.

Scouts are the best trackers in the world, with or without magic, and they followed the Dark Magic south. Since her unique abilities let her face Darkness and trap it, Aili and her friends are on their way to help. This might be a chance to stop the Darkness from spreading, once and for all.

The land has dangers she never dreamed possible. Who knew snow got so deep, the cold could hurt you, and bears got so big? At least tracking in snow is easier. That's assuming she doesn't die of hypothermia, get eaten by a bear, or get caught in an avalanche. Will she even survive long enough to find the Darkness she seeks?

If she survives long enough to hunt down the source of Darkness, what will she find? Will she and her abilities be enough to keep her friends safe? Can one little light really dispel the Darkness, or will Aili be overwhelmed and snuffed out for good?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ali Ings
• Release date: Dec 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781777695163

Book preview

Chapter 1

Fighting for Her Future

Sparks sprayed off the boulder, blowing over and raining down around her. Aili tucked herself as small as she could, her arms over her head. Feel for them, she scolded herself. Where are they? She opened herself to her surroundings, feeling for their steps, their weight on the ground. Tiny vibrations pulled at her attention. There, walking towards her, step by slow step.

She peeked around the boulder. Sparks flew at her, glancing off the rock above her head. Aili spun and rolled, landing crouched on the boulder’s other side. She threw the ropes at him, her abilities controlling their flight.

Ropes wrapped around his wrists and ankles, coiling up his limbs. She spun the rope down over his hands, trapping his fingers. He was not about to cast a spell on her now. Aili redirected the air around his face. Don’t suffocate him, she reminded herself. Just stop him from chanting. There. That’s it.

Aili gasped. Her body hovered over the ground, flipping her upside down. She squirmed and reached for the ground. How could they still cast a spell? Wait, the magic felt weaker, barely a tingle on her skin. She opened herself again. Two can play this game.

The ground under him rolled and tossed him around, bending under her direction. Disorient him, she grinned. The magic stopped and Aili fell. She cried out as she hit the dirt, her outstretched hand landing under her. Air rushed from her lungs and wouldn’t flow back in. Her chest muscles tightened.

Enough. Andvari dashed over and kneeled beside her.

She rolled onto her back, cradling her hand against her chest. Breathe slowly, she told her own lungs. Aili let her magic go, freeing her captive.

Are you alright? Andvari peered down at her, his brow wrinkled.

Kyson kicked the last rope free and moved to her other side. His hand covered her forehead, his skin warm against hers. She felt air flowing freely into her lungs and out again, as Kyson breathed for her with his magic. Her chest muscles ached and still felt tight, but were loosening quickly with the extra air.

Nice and slow. Kyson’s dark eyes met hers.

He pushed a larger breath into her lungs. Aili relaxed and let it fill her.

That’s it. Take a moment.

Andvari eased her hand into his. She chewed on her lip, biting back a whimper.

Let’s get this fixed for you. Andvari’s healing spell flowed into her hand, easing the ache until the stabbing pain was gone. Use your kit when you’re ready.

Kyson pulled his magic back, letting her breathe on her own again. Aili pushed herself up with her good hand. Andvari shifted and let her lean against him. She unclipped her healing kit and pulled it from under her shirt. Her fingers gripped the little vial of green liquid. Aili flipped the cap off with her thumb and downed the contents of the tiny vial in one swallow.

She replaced the cap and watched the vial refill. Aili smiled. No matter where she went, she remained connected to Ilia and her herbalism workshop back in the capital city. They made this kit together when Aili was younger, so Aili would always have help on her adventures if she needed healing. She tucked her kit away, back on the harness she wore under her shirt.

How would you rate your progress?

Aili glanced up at Andvari. Well, I didn’t get mock-killed right away this time, so that’s something. She wiped her forehead with her sleeve. What did I miss?

Kyson chuckled. He folded his legs and sat facing her. You almost had me. Excellent work containing my hands, and disrupting my air stopped any chanting. How else might a Master Mage cast a spell?

Aili stared into the surrounding trees, her mind casting back for any memory to help her. University mages chanted everything, always. Most mages did, since they typically learned in the academies, or from teachers who studied there. She remembered her delight at meeting the Scouts and seeing so much magic cast without making a sound. They used finger movements instead, since it was silent. What else? She shook her head.

How do you do it? Andvari rubbed her shoulder.

Easy, I just focus my mind and— Was that it? Are you telling me you can use magic with no focus movement or sound or anything?

Kyson grinned. A high-level Master Mage can. It takes all my focus and can drain me fast, but it’s possible.

Remember the former Grandmaster at the University? Andvari unwrapped an energy bar and handed it to Aili. She tried Mind Magic on you, and I didn’t know.

Aili took the bar. She nodded. That moment was memorable for a lot of reasons. Only the crystal in the medallion she wore that time kept her from being controlled by the woman’s Mind Magic.

We got our smartest researchers looking into it and they discovered how it works. Our experiences with you gave us somewhere to start. Now, how about an early lunch for you both? We can discuss this more while you eat. Andvari took Aili’s hand and steadied her as she stood.

She still felt dizzy from flipping about like that. Aili stood still, clinging to his hand, until her balance steadied again. She let his hand go and nodded. I’m good.

Andvari stayed beside her, his hand still there if she wanted it. Aili felt for Leya. The horses were still close, grazing as they waited just outside the trees. Aili stretched and felt her body. Everything felt okay. She had no other injuries that she noticed. She led the men to the edge of the forest.

Did you have to drop me? Aili smiled at Kyson.

Hey, you disrupted my spell. It’s an excellent lesson in consequences. He grinned back, showing his bright white teeth gleaming against his dark skin.

She shook her head, her eyes up at the sky. There was a time that smile scared her to her core. Let me get this straight. Any spells you cast normally will keep working when you’re done, but any you cast without a sign will stop when you stop focusing?

So far. We’re still learning more about how it’s done, so it’s not likely you’ll encounter it often, if ever again. Still, it’s good to be aware of. What did it feel like? Andvari held his hand out and Charger ambled over, leaving the tasty grass to greet him. He stroked the dark horse’s neck.

Aili stepped beside Leya and scratched her withers. It felt weak, almost not there. I was hanging there, but it felt more passive than his other spells.

Leya took a deep breath, her sides rising with the effort, and let it all out. Hot air blew over Aili’s legs. She petted the golden-haired pony, leaning against her solid body and firm muscles.

Do you get anything from our practice other than an appetite? She vaulted onto her pony.

I get practice, too. Kyson stroked Trickster’s long black nose. His horse leaned his head against his chest. I get to try different things with you. It keeps me sharp and makes me think quickly. You don’t think like most mages do.

What? Aili gripped Leya’s blonde mane in her fingers. She wasn’t wearing her rope bridle today, but she didn’t need it.

Andvari laughed. He settled into Charger’s saddle and picked up his reins. Your education wasn’t like most mages, so you don’t think like a spell caster. We’ll teach you how they think, so when you face them in battle, you’ll be ready. Just don’t lose your unique way of thinking and doing things. Now, who’s hungry?

***

Aili wandered to her bed and settled cross-legged on it. She held her full belly and relaxed back against the wall. Andvari crossed the room towards the window. His magic mailbag, as Aili named it months ago, sat on his desk. Letters poured from the overstuffed bag and spilled onto the floor, hitting his boots as he passed. He opened the window. A breeze flowed into the room, sending more letters to the floor.

I guess you’ll be busy for a while. Aili grinned, watching the crisp envelopes tumble to the floor and land in a heap.

Andvari leaned down and gathered the pile in his arms. He stopped, his eyes on one envelope in particular. Someone addressed this one to you. Do you want me to go through it?

Aili glared at the envelope he picked up, noting its thickness and size. Would her mother never give up? They didn’t want the same things; couldn’t she see that? I only want letters from Father or Darik.

Andvari tapped the envelope, and the flap popped up. He pulled a handful of smaller envelopes out and scanned the names on the return label. What about a letter from your sister?

Aili arched an eyebrow. Why would her sister ever bother writing to her? They were too many years apart in age to do things together, or even have anything in common. Aili held her hand out.

He passed her three envelopes, all in different coloured paper. He tucked the rest in his trunk, part of the growing pile from her mother, all from different mages she wanted Aili to date or marry.

When the letters take too much space, you can burn them or something.

Andvari chuckled and shook his head. He lowered himself into his desk chair and began sorting the rest of his mail. No, they’re your letters. You can burn them, though.

Aili grinned. Can we make a proper bonfire?

Only if you start it with magic and keep control of it.

Aili cringed. Fire Magic? Did she have to? It might be worth it to burn all those letters, though.

She stuffed her feelings down and picked up the envelope from her father. She’d know the dark blue envelopes anywhere. Aili pulled out the thick parchment and scanned his letter. It was mostly everyday stuff. They kept each other updated on their lives, but she smiled at the note at the bottom. He’d found some books she was looking for and was sending them to her. He shared her appreciation for books, and always kept Aili supplied with things to read, even now.

She folded his letter and set it on her night table. Her sister’s letter sat in her lap, the shiny ink with her name staring up at her. Her brow furrowed as she slid the envelope open.

Dear Aili,

I can’t tell you how happy I am for you. You found your magic, and you’re a student now. You’ll get to experience life fully and join society, just like you always wanted.

Aili gripped the paper, her fingers creasing the crisp parchment. That was months ago. Many months ago. She’s so much like mother, Aili sighed. No. Adopted mother. Those two women were a lot alike, but not Aili. No, she wasn’t like either woman at all.

Are you okay?

Aili blinked and looked up. Huh?

He nodded at her letter, nearly ripping in her grip. You look ready to crumple that and toss it.

I’m fine. She dropped her attention back to the letter, skimming past the boring details of her sister’s life. The last paragraph grabbed her attention. A name she recognized well in the glittering blue ink stood out to her.

I understand you travel with Kyson Solin. He’s only one of the best Mind Mages in the entire country. I would love to meet him and have you both for a visit, even talk with him about advanced Mind Magic. He’s no doubt heard of me. I’ve added a formal invitation for you to pass to him. It would be so wonderful to see you both, Dear Aili. I look forward to you coming home and escorting him here as my special guest.

With much love, Your Sister.

Typical.

The mattress sank as Andvari settled beside her on the edge of her bed. Everything okay?

Aili pulled the small envelope with Kyson’s name from her sister’s letter. She stared at the fancy lettering. I’m fine. Is it possible to divorce from a family?

He rested his hand on her knee. The Scouts are family to a lot of us. I thought you got on well with your father?

I do. Aili stared at his letter, folded on her night table. He and Darik are the only two I miss. Well, the horses, but they don’t write.

He choked back his laugh, a hand over his mouth. It’s time we talk seriously about your future, and what you want out of life. You’ve been through a lot, more than most students ever see, and you’ve grown so much. You’re not the same girl who left home now, are you?

Aili shook her head, her eyes on her lap. I’m just so damaged, though. I don’t know how to have friends my age. I got struck by lightning. I’ve seen things no student should see, and I’m not even a full mage yet.

He ran a finger along her neckband, tracing the gold strands. There were so few silver strands left. Not for long. Bad things happen to everyone. We can all heal, no matter what happens. Maybe we’re not the same, but that’s okay, too. I’ve seen you with several mages, and you fit in and get along just fine.

Aili smiled, her hand over her heart. Some Scouts have become like the family she never felt she had, like Jeril and Hana, and Rei, Gavi, and Niru. Not a single one was under forty. Still, they were all there for her, no matter what she was dealing with. They were real friends. Devoss was fun, and he was under thirty, probably.

What’s that? He nodded at the little envelope.

Aili handed him the white envelope.

What does she want with Kyson? He held the envelope up, the sparkly ink catching the light.

Who wants me? Kyson poked his head in the door.

Andvari held the envelope up, showing him the name.

A party invitation? Kyson stepped inside and closed the door behind himself.

How can you tell without reading it?

The envelope colour and the way it’s addressed, Andvari explained. How does a high-born girl not know that?

Aili laughed. We didn’t get much mail in the forest, where I preferred to hide. Fancy parties are boring.

Kyson took the envelope and pulled out a folded card. His eyes moved across the writing inside, his body stiff and unmoving. He stared out the window, his gaze unfocused.

Aili glanced between the men. Did they know what was going on?

Kyson turned to Aili. Are you and your sister close?

She shook her head. Not at all. I don’t plan on going back to see her. She picked up her sister’s letter and reread the last paragraph. She said you’ve heard of her.

Kyson cocked his head and examined the card again. No, I don’t know her name at all. You share a family name, but that’s all I recognize, and only because of you.

Aili grinned. Her sister may know High Society, but she knew nothing of life outside the big city.

I’ll send a polite reply. Don’t worry about it. Kyson tucked the card and envelope in his pocket. So, are you up for more training?

Aili glanced at Andvari, her eyebrow raised.

Go learn something useful. I’ve got this mess to take care of. I’ll be there soon, I hope. You know the routine. Listen to your teachers. Kyson is as much responsible for you as I am, so go make me proud. Andvari waved at the mess on his desk and sighed. You can beat him up a bit, though.

Aili eased from her bed and followed Kyson to the door.

It’s time you met other Apprentice Scouts. Kyson held the door for her.

She slipped her boots on, the leather conforming to her foot perfectly. I’m not an Apprentice Scout yet. Aili stepped into the hall and headed for the stairs.

You’re as good as one. He snorted. Would you have preferred a normal student and teacher relationship with him?

Aili gripped the smooth railing as she descended the stairs. What do you mean?

He barked out a laugh. You think every student here learns how to track, and does lessons in the field like you do? Seriously? How many students did you see out there on missions?

She glanced up and back at him. I’ve never spent time with other students, except that once in the forest. How would I know?

That’s kind of my point. Kyson held the main door for her and let her pass through first. You’re about to start. These aren’t magic students, they’re all full mages. He led her down the stairs and down the main road. They’ve all been Scout Apprentices for a few months at least, some closer to a year now.

She followed him through the camp, avoiding the massive supply wagons as they turned past the blacksmith workshops and toward a field. The grasses were in full seed now, with fall passing quickly, though most of the trees in the nearby forest would stay green all year. Some types would drop their browning needles or leaves, but most did not.

A small group of mages stood beyond the shield around the camp, out far enough stray magic wouldn’t hit the shield and bounce back. They gathered around a man Aili recognized, had even eaten beside at the officers’ table in the dining hall, though she didn’t know him well. He wore the brown clothing of a Border Guard, not the green of a Scout.

I got our straggler. Kyson steered Aili to the group, an arm around her shoulder.

She’s still a student. A tall and skinny young mage peered at her neckband. Sort of. I’ve never seen a band do that before.

She may be a student, Egget, but she’s had more actual battle experience than all of you combined. Kyson flashed his toothy grin, the one that used to make Aili tremble. Treat her like any other apprentice. Remember, you’ll be working together for decades, so play nice.

The Border Guard raised his hand, and the small group turned to him. Today we’re practicing wards. Get into pairs. One of you will throw a harmless spell at the other. Whoever is under attack, practice throwing a ward or shield up and block it. Pick any ward you like. Begin slowly and move faster when you’re ready. It’s about getting comfortable moving quickly and developing your reflexes with wards.

Kyson moved away from the group, his eyes on the Border Guard. They faced each other and saluted. Kyson shifted his weight back, his feet spread, his body angled and ready to attack. The Border Guard mirrored his movement, hands up in front of himself.

Aili shivered. Her skin prickled with the gathering magic. Neither man said a word as the power built on their fingertips.

Kyson threw his hand out, a cloud of white smoke hurling towards the Border Guard. The Border Guard raised his hands and spread them out before him. His ward shimmered, creating a large shield around him. Kyson’s smoke curled and flowed over the shield, dissipating in the air behind him. Kyson turned his hand, palm towards himself, and the smoke vanished completely, not a wisp left.

Most of you can’t cast without chanting yet, so don’t feel you have to try. Use any spell you’re comfortable with. We want it ready to use in the field at a moment’s notice. The Border Guard paced slowly in front of the group.

Egget, you and Aili will work together. Come over here. Everyone else, pair off and begin. Kyson pointed to a patch of grass away from the others.

Please, legs, stay steady, she pleaded in her head. Aili moved to the spot Kyson pointed at. Egget stepped beside her. She glanced up at him. Aili stuffed her hands in her pockets, willing them to stop shaking. Why were Scouts so darned tall, mostly? Egget winked at her.

You’ve had the most practice dueling like this. Kyson met Egget’s gaze. Aili will give you a new challenge. She doesn’t chant, and you won’t see her move her hands like we do. Also, as Andvari’s student, I’m sure you can guess at the quality of her shields.

Yes sir, Egget saluted.

At ease. Now, Aili, this is your chance to throw spells at someone. Help him out a little and only throw one thing at him each time. Try to make it visible, so if you send a breeze, put some dust in it or something, so he can see it coming. You’ve been under attack before, so you know what it’s like.

Aili worried her lip between her teeth.

Kyson set a hand on her shoulder. His eyes met hers. You good?

Aili let her breath out and nodded. I’m good. What shouldn’t I throw at him, or use against him?

Kyson barked out a laugh. Don’t weave his clothing together or unweave it.

Hey, that was only once. She crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes at him.

And I hear you did it with excellent control for such a new mage. You can use Earth Magic, so don’t be afraid to battle him like you did with me. Use wind and water as you see fit. Just try to push him or knock him off balance. As long as he can see it coming, you’re doing well.

She glanced up at Egget again. His gold band held the emerald crystals of an Earth Mage. Not surprising, since about half of all Scouts were Earth Mages.

Come on, kid. Let’s play. Egget walked a dozen long paces away. He turned and faced her, his arm across his chest and his right hand on his shoulder.

Aili saluted back, her hand on her shoulder. She bent her knees and brought her hands up, turning her body to make a smaller target. Let him see magic coming? Her mind blanked on her. What should she do?

He chanted, his voice low, the words getting lost in the distance between them. Her skin tingled. Aili opened her mind and felt for the pattern, her senses watching it form between his hands. Dust rose from near his feet and flew at her.

Aili raised her hand and opened it, palm towards him. Her ward formed like a dome, covering her completely. His dust cloud settled on her magic, making the shape visible to anyone watching.

Egget raised an eyebrow and smiled. Yes, that looks like one of his wards. You’re good. Ready to attack?

With what? She didn’t attack people. It’s not who she is. No, but it’ll help him practice, so it’s a good thing right now. Aili nodded. Let him see it. How do I do that?

‘Wind funnel?’

‘Thanks.’ Aili swirled the funnel up to her shoulder height, gathering dust and dirt in her little swirling vortex of air. She thrust her hands out at him. Too fast! Aili curled her hands, pulling it back. Half the dust fell to the ground. Half the dust continued on, flying straight at him. What happened?

He raised his hands, his ward half formed. Aili winced. The dust flew apart, bouncing off another shield in front of him. Eggert stared at her with wide golden eyes.

Where’s your control, Aili? Kyson snapped his fingers and his shield dissolved, leaving Egget standing unprotected.

She bit down on her lip. Aili knew this was a bad idea, that she shouldn’t be here. She closed her eyes and slowed her breathing. Control. Emotions will pass. Calm and collected. We’re all safe and alive, and we can recover from this. There, control the breathing, and calm the emotions. That’s it.

Kyson rested his hand against her back. Are you being dramatic again? Calming magic flowed into her.

The soothing washed over her. She took another slow breath. When I work with you two, I know I won’t hurt you. What if I hurt him?

Egget took slow steps towards them, his gaze on her.

He’s good, too. This is a chance to work on your control. That’s why you’re here, when we know your wards are fast and strong already. One day, you could face a young mage who’s vandalizing something. You want to stop or distract them without hurting them, right? This is how you practice.

Aili played with the hem of her sleeve, her fingers tracing the stitches. Right. Control.

Hey, I’ve seen you do amazing things and control them with precision. If you can do all that, you can send a cloud of dust at him without killing him, right? Besides, Kyson narrowed his eyes and leaned down. You can always heal him if you mess up, he whispered.

She bit back the laugh, her shoulders shaking. Right. He’ll hate me forever, though.

Now, I’m watching, and I won’t let you kill another promising Scout. Go for it. Kyson stepped back, breaking the link as his hand left her back. His calmness left her.

She faced Egget. He backed up to his spot and nodded. He’s an Earth Mage, so I‘ll use Earth Magic. Aili focused on the soil below her, damp and soft. She sent a burst of power into it. The ground rolled and shifted, a mini earthquake as wide as she was streamed towards him, the grass lifting and lowering again as the shock wave passed at a brisk walking pace.

Egget grinned. His hands circled in front of him, and he chanted, his words lost in the space between them. His magic sunk into the ground in front of him. Her little earthquake hit his barrier, and she let it dissipate harmlessly into the soil.

‘See, you got this.’ Kyson nodded at her.

Aili smiled and nodded back. She was really doing it. She grinned wider.

Magic sparked to life on Egget’s fingertips. She watched his hand movements, felt for the pattern, opened herself