Page 27 of Light and Shadow
“We don’t know that she can’t either, and I suspect she’s a bit busy with other matters at this moment.” Selina opens a cupboard under the stairs and pulls a glass bowl nearly two feet in diameter from the shelf. Bringing it to the table, she says, “Broc, fetch some water.”
The eldest boy jumps from the steps and runs to the kitchen. A few moments later, he returns with a pitcher of water.
Taking it from him, Selina smooths his hair. She pours the water into the scrying bowl until the vessel is nearly full, then backs away. “Do you know the magic, or do you need me to begin?”
I stand over the bowl. “I know the magic.” Closing my eyes, I focus my thoughts, pushing the strain and worry over Harper to the back of my mind. It takes all my training to move her out of the forefront, and the image of her stepping through the dark portal is the last thing to budge.
Calling the magic, I open my eyes and think of my mother. The water in the bowl wavers as if someone spilled a drop at the center. My mother’s blue eyes and the feather made of goldthat she wears in her hair are the first things I see. Her image is murky but becomes clearer until she’s smiling up at me, as comforting and beautiful as ever.
“Aaran, you are well?” The relief in her voice warms me.
My father’s face slides in next to hers. “We’re happy to see you. Where are you? Did you find her?”
“It’s more than good to see you both too. I’m fine. We came through with Nainsi and her man Bert.” My burden feels a bit easier seeing my parents and knowing they’re well. “We’re in Clandunna. Have Raith or Liam come home?”
Mother shakes her head. “We’ve not heard from either of your brothers yet.”
“Did the human woman come back with you?” My father is all business, even though I know he’s glad I’m alive and well.
“That’s why I’m scrying for you. Mother, Venora took her. She threatened the village to get Harper to go with her. I have to go after her, but I don’t know the magic to get me to the old city without being detected.” The hint of desperation in my voice isn’t something I’m proud of, but there’s no help for it. I feel as if my heart has been torn in half.
Sorrow shines in Mother’s eyes. “That poor woman. Venora will try to change her.”
“She may already be a shadow demon.” My father curses.
Nainsi says, “No. I don’t think it’s that simple to change the chosen one, Brion. If she could have, she’d have done it while we were all watching. That would have ended all our hopes. If should could have made us think Harper ran off, she’d have taken the girl without any fuss. Instead, a tree exploded. One of the very old ones, as if it was giving its last to send out a warning. I think Venora attacked Harper and somehow the tree was the casualty. Whatever magic is in that girl, and I’ve seen the beginnings of it, it may be stronger than the witch queen’s.”
That gets Father’s attention. “You can use the ancient gates. Venora can’t control the magic of the old gods. I’ll warn you, the ride is pretty rough, but you can land less than a mile to the west of the old city. It’s on a hillside, and there will be some cover, but not much.”
Mother nods. “From Clandunna, the nearest gate is twenty miles east. There you’ll find an old stone gate hidden in a stand of trees. Use caution, Aaran. Your magic has to be pure and full of light if you’re to get to her without losing yourself. If Selina can part with a few good soldiers, take a small party.”
“I will give you what you need,” Selina says.
Father’s frown says it all. He knows trying to gain access to the old city and the castle is near to suicide. Once it was our capital, and we called it Priomn Bhail; now it is Tobhtá, ruin. I was born there but feel few ties to the place. The valley where my mother and father hold the peace is my home.
Father says, “Without the chosen ones, we are doomed, son.”
“I promised her I would come for her and protect her. I’ll not waver on that promise.”
Mother cocks her head as if she’s looking inside my soul. Her smile is soft and knowing. “I know you will always do what is right. We don’t doubt you, Aaran. We are parents who fear losing our oldest child.”
I swallow down the knot in my throat. “I’ll see you soon.” As I let the magic go, the water dims, and the images disappear.
Nainsi slaps me on the back. “I thought for a moment you would let her go.”
“No.” I grip the hilt of my sword.
“I didn’t hear you make her any promises in the woods.” Jax slips his sword into the sheath at his side.
“We can speak without words.” It seems personal, but if I’m going to gain a few warriors from Clandunna, I’ll have to be as honest as I can.
Selina steps close and cups my cheeks. Looking deeply into my eyes, she examines me as if I’m new to her. “You have a bond with Harper?”
I nod. “Though I didn’t know such a thing was possible without other intimacies.” Most people only gain such a bond after sex on the night of their promise.
Cocking her head, Selina says, “No. Nor did I. I must stay here and protect the people. Jax will go with you, and he will choose four more of our best warriors. I don’t imagine you will want too large a group.”
I bow. “Thank you, Selina. The eight of us will be more than enough and small enough to slip through unnoticed.”
