Page 1 of Wind and Water
Prologue
The night before the oracle sends the sons of Riordan to the human world
Liam
Because the prophecy has been found, and the oracle is deciphering it, my brothers, the bulk of our army, and I have been ordered to remain in the city in case we need to deploy. Other than locking myself in my rooms, the garden is the only place I can find some peace in the bustling castle. Lounging atop the high garden wall gives me some privacy. It’s a clear night, and the stars are bright before the second moon rises.
I should be strong-minded enough to sit still and wait, but I’m bored and anxious. It feels as if I’m standing on the brink of something, and I don’t like not knowing my future.
Sensing my older brother’s approach, I jump down. It’s a little reckless, but my magic and my elven strength allow me to land with ease. Behind Aaran, our younger brother, Raith, jogs awkwardly to keep up.
Our father often yells at Raith to be more disciplined like me or studious like Aaran, but Raith is his own person. He’s kind and funny but not suited to soldiering or command, at least not yet. As unpredictable as Raith is, it’s impossible not to like him. Even Aaran, who is most like Father, sees that there is something special about our little brother beyond his lack of control with his magic or what falls from his lips at any given time.
“You’re looking for me?” Since this is the place I often go for solitude, the answer is obvious, and I see no point in them pretending they didn’t wish to disturb me.
Aaran nods and steps through an archway made of shrubbery to the seating area beside the wall. “The prophecy has been deciphered.”
Tripping over the flagstone, Raith leaps in the air, does a flip, and lands on his feet between Aaran and me. His long red hair flops into his face, and he brushes it back. “Oops.”
With a shake of his head, Aaran sighs. “Try not to hurt yourself. We have orders.”
“What orders?” My heart speeds, glad to have something to do besides wait.
“We are to go see the oracle in the morning.” Aaran sits on the bench to my left. There are three in the small court, and it’s familiar for us to meet here as we did when we were younger.
“Why not now?” I sit.
Raith lies on his back on the third bench, and his long legs drape over the armrest. “Who knows why the oracle decides one time rather than another?”
Laughing, Aaran says, “He’s right. They have their reasons even if we can’t fathom them.”
“What time do we go to the mountain?” It’s a weakness not to be patient, but one I’m constantly working on.
“The mystery continues.” Raith makes a spooky sound. “We’re to go separately and in the order of our birth. Woooo.” He wiggles his fingers in the air and laughs.
Unable to resist his enthusiasm, I chuckle too. “You should take it more seriously.” I turn to Aaran. “What about the army?”
He shakes his head. “They only called for the three of us. I will go after we break our fast. Then they will send for you and Raith.”
“I have a serious question.” Raith points to the other side of the garden without rising from his reclined position. “Why is Dierdre hiding in the bushes?”
It’s not that I didn’t know that she was there. I just hoped she would leave when I didn’t acknowledge her presence for long enough. “I assume she wishes to speak with me.”
Aaran shifts to his side, leaning on his elbow. “I thought that relationship had ended.”
“Months ago,” I confirm, and a long sigh follows that I hadn’t meant to share.
Raith’s grin is sinister, which doesn’t suit him. “Do you want me to scare her off?” He rubs his hands together, and a blue light sparks between his palms.
Laughing, Aaran lifts his hand and sends a spell to quash Raith’s magic. “Leave her be. You and I will go inside and let Liam deal with his former lover.”
With an unnecessary leap, Raith gets up and hugs me. “I think we should have a drink together tonight, but if”—he twitches his head at Dierdre’s hiding place—“is going to take all night, we’ll see you in the morning.”
It’s impossible not to be amused by him, but I force a scowl. “I’ll meet you in the library shortly.”
Aaran slaps my back and pushes Raith down the path toward the house.
When they reach the doors, I walk in the other direction. “Come out now, Dierdre.”
