Page 101 of Light and Shadow
The magic builds, and I draw a long breath, then break free of Aaran and slam my hand into the pool.
He screams. “No!”
There’s a moment of knowing surprise on Venora’s reflected face before she and her magic disappear from the pool.
Scrambling away like a crab, I make it ten feet, then lean on my elbows to catch my breath.
With a growl, Aaran pulls me into his arms. “You shouldn’t risk yourself that way,mo chroi.I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.”
“We couldn’t just leave her floating in your spring. She had to go.” Venora in the water, magic in the damp ground, magic on the flats. The fire demon. “That’s how she followed us. When she has her strength, she can sense me through the water.”
He stares for a long moment until the realization hits him too. “We have to go back to the house.”
“Castle,” I correct. “We need to tell your mother what we’ve learned. I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but it’s knowledge.”
“I think we need to see the oracle sooner than planned.” He hauls me to my feet, and we run back down the path.
Within the hour, we’re riding to see the oracle. The countryside is awash with every color of green, and flowers bloom as if painted on the landscape. At this speed, it’s all going by like a blur, but I try to take in some of the beauty of Domhan.
I don’t know what to expect. But my imagination has run amok with notions of a withered old woman wrapped up like a nun in black. Tucked in front of Aaran on his horse, there’snothing for me to do but worry. I should learn to ride again. When we get back to the castle, I’m questioning Rían about his assessment of Cormac and four others whose magic’s return revealed loyalty to Venora. I’ll visit the prison and judge for myself. Staying in Domhan would mean giving up an entire life. However, it also means gaining a new one. I’d make a terrible queen.
Aaran leans close to my ear. “Stop. You’ll make me go the wrong way if you keep thinking a dozen things at once. Besides, Rían is preparing to leave, as you commanded, to find those taken in the marshes.”
“I commanded.” I laugh, though I’m pleased that the captain is going and a rescue is nearly underway. “I merely asked if he was going.” I should remember that he hears my thoughts if I’m broadcasting. While I could block him, we’re beyond that now.
“I know you worry over Tal. I can’t stop thinking about how she put her trust in us. I failed her and the others. Rían will find them and bring them home if he can.”
I don’t need our connection to feel his guilt and sorrow. Pushing away the darker thoughts, I say. “You’re following your parents. I hardly think you can make a wrong turn. How far is it?”
“The oracle is near the mountains.”
“That’s more than a day’s ride.” My gut twists, and my poor ass will not make it that long in a saddle.
“Don’t worry. There’s a shorter way.” He guides the horse into a trot, then a walk, as we turn left and stop at the mouth of a cave. Once dismounted, he helps me down before tying the reins to a tree.
Elspeth and Brion secure their mounts before entering the cave.
It’s dark and damp within. I can’t see anything and stumble on the uneven ground.
Gripping my arm firmly, Aaran whispers something in elvish, and the cave illuminates, though I see no light source. I’m almost used to this whole magic to do everything business.
Gray ground, gray walls, and a musty smell leave me wondering why in the world we’ve come to this empty cave. “Are we waiting for something?”
Warm and loving, Aaran wraps an arm around my shoulder. “Mother must summon the bell, and hopefully the oracle will agree to see us.”
“Agrees? What do you mean? She might tell us to go away?” The idea that anyone in this world would turn me away after what I’ve been through to get here sends indignation rushing from my brain. I open my mouth.
Aaran gently lays a finger over my lips. “Patience,mo chroi.”
Brion gives me a sharp look, but he can’t hide his amusement and his lips twitch, ruining the effect. “It’s unlikely the oracle will refuse to see us.”
I keep my they-better-not response to myself.
Elspeth steps to a plain wall, and her magic skitters over my skin, powerful and warm. It’s the strongest magic I’ve felt, other than Venora’s, and it makes me wonder how the witch queen ever gained the upper hand.
Part of the stone shimmers, revealing a one-foot-square opening in the cave wall. A patina brass bell hangs in the alcove.
Elspeth pushes the bell, and it chimes deep, then in a higher pitch. It sounds as if there are several bells all ringing at the same time rather than just the one old one, which reminds me of an old cowbell.
