The Source (Chronicles of the Elements #1)

Chapter 8

They emerged on a mountain where a calm wind was blowing that held the scent of pine, woodsmoke, and moss. The sky was cloaked in darkness lit only by stars that appeared like perfectly placed diamonds. Aiden noticed a small cottage with its windows shining like beacons as candles on the sills suddenly lit inviting them in.

"Where are we?"

"The outer edge of the realm. This is my cabin. You need to rest before we head to Fire Kingdom."

Liam lead the way up a stone path and used magic to unlock the front door. Aiden didn't know what to expect, but everything inside seemed warm and comforting. The entire structure, including floors, was made from wide cedar planks filling the place with its fragrant aroma. There was a floor to ceiling stone fireplace in the center of the farthest wall with an animal hide floor covering in front of it along with two wooden chairs. A small, basic kitchen was to the left and a hallway to the right.

"This is nice."

"It is not a palace, but I am sure you can survive the night," he remarked over his shoulder as he began removing his weapons before magically lighting the hearth.

Aiden rolled her eyes at his revert back to the assumption that she was the pampered royal and replied, "I meant what I said. It feels peaceful here. I like it."

"Thank you. I built it myself."

"Seriously? That's impressive."

"Building things helps me clear my head sometimes, and being in remote places like this gives quiet when you need an escape from the noise. There is some bread in the kitchen along with water that can be heated over the fire if you want tea. The first door on the left side of the hallway is yours. There is a small bathing room attached, but be warned that it is not much."

"It'll be fine. Thank you for getting me out of there, Liam. I promise I'm not always that dramatic."

"It is your business and does not concern me in any way."

"Right," Aiden whispered suddenly embarrassed.

"However, if you want my opinion, it serves him right for getting his ass handed to him. You are a queen and have every right to do whatever it is you feel is right for your kingdom and yourself. Aside from that, you do not ever look at a warrior and tell them you would rather them go soft than be who they are, especially not a warrior that you claim to love."

"Love is complicated. Training is simple. I have felt weak my whole life being riddled with self-doubt and fear of failure while constantly having to hide it from everyone because of my title. I was my own monster in my head. I never want to feel that way again," she declared with determination shining in her eyes as she met his stare.

"Good. I will treat you only as a warrior and nothing more or less. First lesson is that warriors need to care for their bodies, meaning you need an ointment on those wounds. We have no time for infection and weak, human immunity."

Liam went to a cabinet in the kitchen and took out a tin of something that smelled like soothing herbs when he removed the lid. He walked back over and grabbed her hand assessing the cut before using a strong finger to spread the ointment on it liberally immediately easing the stinging soreness that had begun to set in. He then took a strip of gauze and wrapped it around the wound tying it in an efficient knot.

"Let's take a look at your hip," he said as he sat down in one of the chairs by the fireplace and placed a hand on her uninjured hip turning her so that he could assess the other.

Aiden removed the chest piece of her fighting leathers when asked and looked down as she lifted up her ripped, bloody tunic exposing the area that was wounded and part of her trim waistline. Liam placed his palm on her bare waist as he looked at what was, thankfully, a minor injury. His hand warmed against her skin that it came in contact with letting her know he must have some healing abilities with his water magic like Beck did. He dipped a finger into the ointment again and began rubbing it gently around the now almost mended skin as his magic finished closing the wound.