Page 63 of Light and Shadow
She giggles and releases her hold. “Maybe not. I do want to know the answers.” Once I stand, she pulls on her jeans and shirt.
While I fold the clothes she cleaned for me, I say, “The oracle’s magic was enough to keep the witch queen from the western continent. When she took you from Clandunna was the first time I’ve heard of her breaching that magic.”
“But the curse reaches Tús Nua. And that fact that she created a portal and came through it to get me is a bad sign.” She straps the dagger to her belt as if she’s been wearing a weapon all her life.
“The curse has affected most of Domhan. Though it would seem the Aracan took longer to be harmed. I wonder about the fairies, but they keep to themselves. Dwarves were only a few years behind us. They have not seen a female born in almost twenty-five suns. I’ll admit, we have been consumed with the plight of elves.” I have many things to discuss with my parents when we return.
She cocks her head. “Shortsighted. Are you certain that whatever we’re doing will save the other beings living here? What about the animals? Have only male deer been born, male rabbits? Is the food supply growing scarce?”
In truth, I have no idea. “This might be a question for the oracle or my mother.”
“Your mother seemed kind and strong. Is she science-minded or more politician?” There’s only curiosity in her tone.
I open my mind to search for blame but find none.
She bats me out of her mind. “You can’t pop in here whenever you don’t believe me or want more information.” She points to the side of her head. “You either want the connection or you don’t, Aaran Riordan. There is no halfway.”
Despite her desire for information, her anger wins, and she moves to storm from the cabin. I reach out and block her path. “I apologize. You’re right.” I open my soul to hers and let her feel all I feel.
She melts against me. “You can block me in battle if that’s easier.” Whether angry or mollified, she’s sensible, my beautiful human.
“My mother is very complicated. She doesn’t always share her knowledge, perhaps because she doesn’t want to burden us with things we can’t control. The prophecy is something we can act on.”
Cheek to my chest, she nods.
“I have not noticed a lack of female animals, and we had a filly born just before I left home to find you.” The idea of the curse going that far haunts me. “It would be a disaster if those short-lived creatures didn’t bear both sexes.” I wish we had a few dozen horses to carry us home once we reach land.
Pulling back, she grins up at me. “I heard that. Horses would be nice, though I’ve only ridden a few times, and that was when I was a teenager.”
“I’ll teach you to ride.” I actually can’t wait to see her astride a horse. She’d be magnificent. “Today, swords and knives. Perhaps a bit of archery. Later we’ll talk about your magic with Jax.”
She rolls her eyes, and I don’t need to know her mind to gain her feelings about sharing time or details with the warrior. “He doesn’t like me.”
“He is cautious about things he doesn’t understand. You are a puzzle to him. Perhaps talking through your magic will change that.” I shrug. “However, that’s not my purpose. He’s very knowledgeable about magic.”
“Then why is he a warrior and not a mage or whatever you call your magicians?” She props her fists on her hips. Adorable.
“His magic is strong but focused on healing, accuracy with a bow and arrow, and physical strength. Still, he’s a wealth of information, as I’m guessing is Cara.” I give her a long look that fills me with more joy than I deserve, and I’m wasting precious time to be alone with her. “My mother and father are both strong with magic. My younger brother, Liam, is a warrior, while I have a bit of both.”
“And your youngest brother?”
“Raith.” I sigh. “It’s unclear where his gifts lie. His magic is strong, but often unfocused, and sometimes it goes wrong. He means well and tries, but his mind is a jumble of many thoughts at once.”
Eyes wide, she stares. “And he’s been sent to collect a human woman?”
I share her fear. “It’s part of the prophecy that all three of us had to go.”
She blows out a long breath but doesn’t share her thoughts aloud. Inside, I hear her relief that it was me and not Raith who came for her.
My agreement has nothing to do with the uncertainty of my brother’s magic. It’s unimaginable that Harper wouldn’t be in my life. “Let’s get you a sword.”
Holding up a finger, she drops to her knees. “I found this when I was looking for something to wear during laundry.” Headhalfway under the bed, she mutters a curse before backing out with a wooden box in tow. Its polished wood has a fine layer of dust broken up by several clean places where Harper has handled it. She unhooks the latch and pushes back the cover.
Within lies a sword that gleams in the sunlight coming through our small window. The hilt is wrapped with fine leather, and the blade is perfect, as if it was meant to be a gift but had never been delivered. It’s smaller than my broadsword, so it might have been made for a woman or a child. My first training sword was similar, though not as fine. An amber stone gleams from the base of the hilt.
“This is very fine.” I pick it up and feel the perfect balance of the workmanship. Next to the blade is a fine leather scabbard embossed with an intricate pattern I’ve never seen before.
“Too good for me to learn on. We can put it back.” She waits for me to return the weapon to the case.
