Page 10 of Ghosts and Ginger Tea

“You are the cursed one,” I said, watching his expression change from intensity to curiosity. “And if someone were to lend you their days–I’m assuming that means the days of their life–then they have one month to break the night marchers’ curse. If they lift the curse, then they get their days back, but if not…” My voice trailed off.

Night shall know your name.

Then they would die.

The night marcher nodded, then his eyebrows furrowed. “Night marchers are a cursed lot, but there is a way to free them from their curse. It takes the right person and you, Oliana, could be the right person to help me.”

“Excuse me?” A lump formed in my throat.

“Any night marcher can make a bargain with a mortal to return from the dead, but Kāne grants only one month. One month to make things right. One month to repent and try again.”

“One month?” What was he getting at?

“Give me your days, Lady Oliana.”

I frowned, realizing he was striking a bargain. My head reeled. And why did he suddenly call me “lady” Oliana? Was he trying to persuade me, suddenly, that he was a gentleman?

The night marcher is bargaining with me. Think, Oli, think! I couldn’t just give him the rest of my life, allowing me only one month to live. What would I do in that one month? I couldn’t spearfish or raise enough money to get Kiki and mother out of poverty. But I couldn’t let this young man take me to that other night marcher whom I disrespected. He would kill me!

Bargain then! My mind screamed at me. So I had to do something…

An exchange… This young man was a chief. He ignored the gods, and for this reason, they punished him. Could I help break his curse in one month?

But then I’d have to give him the remainder of my life to start with… Did I have that many days anyway? Who knew if I had a long life left to live?

I shook, half believing that this was some nightmare, and I’d wake up at any second… but I had to act and decide. Now.

“If I give you all my remaining time, you will cut off my betrothal to Pulu,” I said, and before the young chief could speak, I added, “And you will ensure that my family–my sister and mother–will live out their days in good care.” I didn’t want to die in a month and then he tossed them out onto the streets. “You are a chief, and you can do that, no?”

The man’s lips parted slightly, then closed. I swallowed hard, watching him think about it.

“I’m not from your tribe or your island,” he said. “The only way I could break off your betrothal…” The golden color in his eyes almost sparkled, as if he found this situation amusing. “Is by marrying you, Oliana.”

I blinked. Was he lying?

He folded his arms. “You wouldn’t have to worry. We’d only be married for a month–”

“Unless I can break your curse,” I interrupted, and when the corner of his lip turned up, my face heated. If I break his curse, I’d be married to him much longer than a month… So either way, I was stuck. I had one month to either free him from his curse and be his wife for the rest of my days, or not figure out a way and die.

The chief studied me for a moment, then nodded, a warmth growing in his eyes, eyes that seemed devoid of compassion. But yet it was there… somehow.

“In exchange for your days, I will break off your betrothal to Pulu and ensure that your mother and sister have a comfortable living in my kingdom,” he said.

“Deal.” I held out my hand, and he shook it, not giving any of it a second thought. I knew Kiki would be devastated to hear this, but as I gave away my life—literally—I still had a chance to break the young chief’s curse.

A bright white light swirled around us, and something in me suddenly felt… strange. It was as if the white light was leeching something from my body and giving it to the night marcher.

My life… It was taking the rest of my days. I suddenly felt like I’d be sick and held my stomach to keep from vomiting.

The chief took a shaky breath as the white light circled him, and when it finished, he looked at me, his golden eyes, once again, so intense, my legs were about to collapse under me.

“A bargain is struck then, Oliana.” He nodded. “I will send my messenger to retrieve you and your family. We will be married within the week.” With that, he bowed and turned to leave.

“Wait!” My voice was hoarse. “What is your name?”

The chief turned, his eyes showing amusement again. “Keanu.”

I blinked, and he didn’t wait for a response. He marched down the path, my eyes following his dim torchlight until he disappeared. I sank to the ground, realizing the lantern was still in my hand, my knuckles white on the black handle.