I paced the length of my room, studying my book of mythology. No matter how many times I looked at it, the words wouldn’t change.

  Nearly every story I had read about humans that could use magic had two things in common. The first was a mark. The second was a price.

  Sarcas, tattoos, or birthmarks in unusual patterns and shapes. Eyes of mismatched or unusual colors. Hair with shocking color like the fey’s, from a full head to a lone streak. And, in one story, a singular pointed ear decorated with scars shaped like the power the person possessed. As for the price…

  I looked down at my book, studying the passage once more. It told of a guardian that had erected a magical barrier around a castle that stopped time itself. The massive amount of power used had cost her dearly though. After casting the spell, she had collapsed and slept for a hundred years.

  The myths were full of prices to be paid just like that. I hadn’t read about anything like what had happened to Ronan, but still…

  Ronan can’t have used magic. Humans don’t have magic. It’s impossible!

  I had written a letter to Friar Tuck the second I had returned to my room, finishing just in time to send it off with one of the groups of villagers heading to the Grove. He was an expert on this sort of thing, having studied it extensively during his religious studies. If anyone knew what was going on, he would.

  I slammed the book shut and set it on my desk, on top of the pile of notes and lists I had made.

  I should just go to the Grove myself instead of sending letters back and forth. But I haven’t seen Robin or Marian or anyone today, and I’d need their permission to go.

  I heard the door open, then shut with a soft bang.

  “Wren?”

  Perfect.

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  Robin’s voice echoed through the house, cheery and light.

  I opened my door and stepped out of my room. “Robin! There you are. Can I visit Friar Tuck at the Grove for a week or so?”

  Robin paused mid-step and stared at me, squinting at me with a look of bewilderment comparable to if my skin had turned sparkly blue before his eyes.

  “You hate the Grove,” he said slowly.

  “I thought it would be a good place for Ronan and I to train,” I said, smiling and doing my best to look happy and cheerful.

  I guess I will have to take Ronan with me after all. I was hoping to leave him behind.

  Robin rubbed at his forehead. “What did you do this time?”

  My act wasn’t working. But I couldn’t very well tell him the truth. Not when I didn’t have all the facts.

  “Whatever do you mean?”

  Robin sighed and walked across the living room, passing me as he entered his and Marian’s room.

  “If you really want to go to the Grove, you may.” he said as he dug through a drawer in his dresser. “Friar Tuck did send me a letter today asking for some help for an upcoming event. I was going to send some of the trainees, but if you want to go…”

  “I’ll leave tomorrow morning!” I said, grinning. “Thank you!”

  “Now, can you help me find my packet of bowstrings?” Robin asked, closing the dresser drawer he had rifled through and opening the one below it. “Marian hid it after I beat her in archery at practice this morning.”

  ***

  I watched the plant life of the forest closely as Ronan and I made our way through Sherwood. Thankfully, the foliage was acting as it should. It was so convincing, I could almost convince myself that the morning before had never happened. Almost.

  I reached up and touched the tip of my pointed ear, the shape so strange and foreign under my fingertips it seemed almost fake.

  I looked back at Ronan. He turned his head, not meeting my eyes, his face cold and blank as it was before.

  He was embarrassed about collapsing. I knew it somehow, though I couldn’t read the expression on his face. However, I didn’t know how to fix the situation.

  I needed Ronan to at least tolerate me. I was stuck with him for who knows how long, and I couldn’t have a lack of teamwork ruin a mission. Plus, it would be easier to figure out the pointed ears thing if he was more engaged.

  At least he won’t ask questions I don’t want to answer if he’s not talking to me.

  I spotted the fairy circle through the trees, and picked up my pace.