The White Shadow

4. The Hunt

"Firmin and Roxanne," said Gutherd, "Since the two of you seemed to have had luck together before, we shall pair you together. And Douglas as well."

His father winked, bringing a smile to Firmin's face. Ever since his father had convinced the mayor to let Firmin go with them and Gutherd had deemed him worthy, Firmin could see pride swell behind his eyes.

In this moment, Firmin felt an urge to tell him about the demon he may have seen, but dreading he'd lose that look on his father's face and fearing he'd think him incompetent or just a fool, he stayed silent. And then Gutherd spoke again.

"Yes, Aethelu, Tris shall be aiding you, as well as Briston. Carson and I shall be the final group. Now we shall not leave far from camp. Do not hesitate to use the black powder. Aethelu can make more, but she cannot fashion life."

"Also," said Carson, "it is important to note, that though caution is above all else to be used—for this is a very dangerous mission—the shadow cannot hide from us. We have an advantage. Do not forget that."

Firmin couldn't help but wonder if withholding the information of her human form could be lethal, but as he thought about mentioning it, his father spoke.

"And to finalize it, do not try to fight it," said Douglas. "Knives, swords—they shall do nothing. It is a shadow. The one and only defense we have is our powder. Coat your weapons if you like but the physical blade shall not penetrate."

If he could catch her human form once again, Firmin believed that was his only chance.

Her screams echoed in his mind. She'd been afraid of him. But also, she'd seemed weak.

She'd even shown kindness. His leg had nearly healed—he could not believe how only a night later, he hardly felt any pain. It was as if he'd scratched himself. He could only hope that Gutherd wouldn't question the state of his quick recovery. If he knew he'd come into contact with the demon herself—Firmin grimaced. He'd rather not imagine the things they would do to ascertain he wasn't cursed. Beyond Gutherd's intense superstition, what he was more worried about was losing everyone's faith in him.

Firmin grew determined to find the shadow himself. Perhaps it wasn't all selfish, but clever, for he was the one the demon showed her vulnerable form to. He tried convincing himself that it wasn't her own magic that had healed his wound, rather the leaves and moonlit water. If he had a chance this coming night, he would sneak some of the healing waters into Briston's flask. A very distant part of himself yet wondered if he should ask the demon to heal his granduncle.

"Firmin?" Roxanne was staring at him. "Are you ready?"

He nodded. "Let's find this demon."

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In the dark of the trees, Firmin followed behind Roxanne and his father. He glanced behind them, to his right and left, but couldn't shrug away a feeling like spiders crawling on his back. Like they were being watched.

"I still believe in bait," Roxanne whispered to Firmin.

"That's us," he told her.

She frowned. "I hope the shadow won't take it then."

He shrugged. "We'll just have to know what to do if she does."

"She?" his father whispered.

Firmin pretended he was checking his surroundings once again. Really, he was trying to figure out a way to separate himself from his father and Roxanne, somehow certain the shadow would never show herself with them around—not in a friendly way at least.