Page 15 of Dryad’s Treasure

Was I? I wasn’t entirely certain. I’d planned on keeping my concerns regarding this job private, but my latest attempt let me know that probably wasn’t possible. What did it hurt to let Henry in on my little mishap?

“There are too many,” I answered.

“Too many what?” Henry asked, small head cocked to the side and eyes inquisitive. I knew the moment he figured it out. “Treasure? There’s too much hidden treasure?”

I considered the phrasing before shaking my head. “Not quite. The number isn’t important. It’s the fact that there are so many different, unrelated ones. A single treasure—even if it contains innumerable objects, will call out with one voice, one song. Hidden together, they take on a symbiotic type of relationship. But this… There are so many, and each and every one has its own story to tell. It’s overwhelming.” It was more than that. It was dangerous. “I thought I could handle it.”

“If what I just saw’s any indication, I don’t think that’s true.”

Great, now I had a witness to my close call. “You shouldn’t spy on others.” My rebuke lacked much force.

“I was concerned, not spyin’. Get over yourself. You’re not that interestin’.”

My aching heart eased enough for me to find Henry’s defensive posturing amusing. “I see. My mistake.”

“Ain’t the only one.” Henry waved a hand in my general direction. “You look like you just narrowly escaped an encounter with the reaper. This place has lost enough souls recently. Don’t add yours to the pile is all I’m sayin’.”

Maybe Henry really did care. “I’m sorry. You’re right. What I’ve been trying to do is foolish.” I tilted my head, staring up at the ceiling. My stamina was waning now that the adrenaline was wearing off.

Henry maintained his silence until he finally asked, “Could another will-o’-the-wisp do it, or will they run into the same problem? I’m not tryin’ to make you feel bad or nothin’. I just⁠—”

“It’s not just me.” Of that I was certain. “A less experienced will-o’-the-wisp would probably be dead by now.” I wasn’t being flippant or exaggerating.

“Shit. I was only half serious earlier when I said you looked like you’d gone a few rounds with the reaper. Why dead?” Henry crouched down, his fingers gripping my jeans as he stared up at me, genuinely curious.

Inhaling, I took a moment to center myself and figure out a way to explain. “When I’m in my wisp form⁠—”

“The fire?”

“Mm-hmm.” I nodded. “That form runs on pure instinct. Treasure’s call is like a song, each one with a different melody. My wisp form follows that song. It grows louder and more intense the closer I get. Typically, it’s a joyfully rewarding experience. I love being in my wisp form, following the trail of treasure’s song. However, when there are this many melodies, each one vying for attention, each one calling just as strong as the other, they can pull apart my wisp form.”

Henry shifted uncomfortably. “That don’t sound so good.”

“It’s not. My wisp form is me. It contains all of me and can’t be dismantled like that. If even a single flame is separated from the group, I’ll be unable to reform. Take away enough, and not even my wisp form can sustain itself.”

“I’m still gonna go with shit here.”

I chuckled. “Sometimes it’s the word that fits the situation the best.”

Henry sighed, running his fingers through his cottony tuft of hair. Dust particles floated around, getting caught in the light. “Is there anythin’ that can be done to…I don’t know, stabilize you or somethin’?”

Henry’s question made me flinch. “Possibly.” It wasn’t an option I was eager to pursue. However, I’d tried it my way and that obviously wasn’t feasible if I wanted to continue living.

“And that would be?” Henry rolled his hand in the air as he irritatingly encouraged me to continue.

“I need an anchor.” I cringed just saying the words.

“Sounds simple enough.”

I barked out a disbelieving laugh. “Yeah, no.” I ran my hand over my face, brushing away the cooling sweat. “Not simple at all.” Not for me and not for my anchor. “The requirements are not easy to find. It has to be an individual who’s exceedingly steadfast, someone comfortable and secure in their own skin. Someone who doesn’t bend or break. Someone who can hold on, no matter how much my wisp form tries to pull away.” I swallowed hard. “And they would need to bind their magic to mine. I’d need to be able to hear them, to heed their call. That sound needs to be stronger and more insistent than any treasure’s song.”

Chin resting in his hand, Henry’s gaze appeared distant before lighting with something that sent a shiver of unease down my spine.

“I can think of a few possibilities.”

“Not Keir,” I said, knowing that would be exactly where Henry’s mind tracked. “He’s got too much on his mind. He’s too preoccupied to⁠—”

“Nope.” Henry waved me off. “The old Keir could have done a proper job, but not now.” Henry’s grin intensified before he scrambled down my leg and darted across the room. “Rest up and get ready,” Henry threw over his shoulder as he disappeared into the wall.