The Day Human Way Read Free

tradition. Most don’t even know why or when the rules they follow began. Don’t let that deter you. Be the man you’re meant to be. The rest will just have to deal with it. That’s the burden that comes with power.” The old man hobbled back to the door. “Feel free to stay as long as you’d like.”
    Devin didn’t respond as the old man shuffled out the door and to his waiting cart. He wanted to ask what the man meant, but Old Man Winters’ horse was well now, and there was really no excuse Devin could make to go help the man. And he was right, Devin needed to think, needed to decide what to do next.
    This wasn’t what he planned, and even if his plans kept changing he definitely never wanted to be in the situation where the girl he loved was begin sought after by other men again. He had done that before and lost. He didn’t want to repeat it.
    Devin took a drink of the tea in front of him. He could taste a handful of different herbs in it, but the honey did well to blend everything together to keep Devin from analyzing it too much. He looked around the meagerly furnished house. There was a hearth with a fire that seemed to be well stocked. Also, a small set of kitchen cupboards that were mostly empty. The tiny bed was only inches off the ground, and a well-worn blanket was neatly made across the bed. There was one thing on the walls, a picture of an older woman Devin had never seen. There had been a Mrs. Winters at some point. Beyond the picture, there were no more decorations. The old man had very little to himself. Were all the common sidhe like this? Devin had to wonder about the village. The elite had rooms upon rooms packed full of stuff, but this old man, who supplied the milk to the villagers, had close to nothing.
    Devin stood and walked around the small space. It was too closed in to think. He needed to be outside, even with the slight nighttime chill still in the air. Finding a second door in the house he opened it. It led outside to the back of the house. Devin stepped through into the overgrown pasture. It must not have been used recently as the grass was waist high. He walked through the meadow to a spot by the side of the house that allowed him to see when the old man returned. He didn’t want to leave without thanking him.
    Devin sat down in the grass, and it covered him while he could still watch the house. People didn’t come past the house as it was the last one before the lane ended, but Devin could still see the commotion of people up the road. The old man was right that it was slowing down. The day would be the best time for Devin to wander more in thought. He would have to stop and find a place to rest eventually, but his mind was too busy for sleep at that moment. He needed to plan. Devin didn’t like to do anything in life without a plan, and a backup or two.
    Devin glanced up beyond the trees where the sun was beginning to rise. The lighter streaks in the sky told him the day was coming, and the village would be quiet again.
    He felt the tingles as Nessa walked down the street before he could see her. Devin had blocked his mind from her since he found her saying yes to being courted by someone else. He could still feel her through the bond, but he was sure the only thing she felt was his location.
    Nessa walked up to the door of the Winters’ house. She paused and raised a fist to knock on the door. Quickly, she lowered her hand and stepped two steps back. Devin wanted to eavesdrop into her mind but decided against it. Nessa paced a few steps, and then returned to the door. This time she knocked. Devin didn’t reply as he wasn’t in the house, and he didn’t really want to hear her excuse.
    Nessa placed her hands on her hips and blew her curls out of her face in frustration. She knew he was there and not replying. Devin found himself longing to touch the stray hair that wouldn’t stay in place.
    Nessa reached up and knocked again. Still no response. Her anxiety turned to anger as