Aden stared hard at the fallen tree branch. He looked
up. Looked around. Saw nothing. He shrugged and walked on.
Two hours later and two more trees, a rather large
hole in the ground and one fairly lethal looking sign and Aden was
sure he was having more than just bad luck. Tapping his sandaled
foot lightly on the ground he considered. He had no real way of
knowing if he had pissed off any spirits (being as magic blind as he
was), offended any gods or stepped on any fairies. He’d never been
under a curse, but studying two years under his uncle had to be good
for something.
A rather substantial rock fell from the sky. As he looked up
he noticed that the shadow was big enough to block the sun. He
sighed and stepped out of the way. He really was going to have to do
something about this.
******
“What are you doing?” Caes said, peering over the top
of the book he was reading.
The object in question was splayed flat against the
wall, the long bangs framing a tense, pale face, brown eyes a little
harried. Aden didn’t even turn to address him.
“I’m going to the bathroom.”
Caes raised an eyebrow. “Not in here you’re not.”
“Of course not! I’m just waiting for the right moment.
I usually get a pause in between attempts.”
Caes didn’t know quite how to interpret that. He
hesitated between his book and the fact that some obviously weird
shit was going on (not that Aden was ever remotely normal). He
reluctantly lowered the book to inquire as to what the hell his
partner was going on about when he saw a flash out of the corner of
his eye. The small object zipped past his face like a darting insect
and imbedded itself in the wall where Aden’s head had been. Had
been...? Caes blinked. His partner was kneeling on the floor with an
ecstatic look on his face. Decidedly cheerful for a man who had
nearly been killed.
Aden shook a fist in the air triumphantly. “Finally! I
didn’t think I was going to make it!” And then ran from the room.
