Page 112 of The Mating Quest
Gideon studied his one remaining hand. “Ilana found mytalisman.”
“And buried it when she found it. Had Ilana not done the right thing, there is a chance she could have been destroyed. Surely if Cormac found it while alive, he would have destroyed her for certain, for your talisman is that powerful.” Caderyn gave him a significant glance. “The goddess could not risk losing twowizards.”
He understood. “The consequences of our actions have longroads.”
Gideon studied Caderyn, the oldest and most powerful wizard. No one knew, except Danu, how long he’d existed. Perhaps many centuries. Caderyn guarded manysecrets.
“The women are the ones who will save us,Caderyn.”
The Shadow Wizardnodded.
“You should find yourself a mate, and you will see the real truth ofthis.”
Caderyn scowled. “I will never fall for anotherwoman.”
Gideon wondered. “What about that woman who was bold enough to ask you to dance at the wedding? The prettyredhead.”
The Shadow Wizard’s gaze grew soft and he murmured wistfully, “Danica…”
Ah, so there was a tidbit. Wisely, Gideon did not press the issue, but changed subjects. “And speaking of women, let us hope that Ilana will not fall into the trap of grabbing power as Cormac oncedid.”
“She is a brave warrior. I trained her well,” Caderyn said, but he lookedtroubled.
Gideon only hoped Ilana would have the power, and the courage, to do the right thing once more and save themall.
The acrid smellof smoke filled her nostrils. Ilana raced through the forest, leading the way. She knew these woods, knew the gentle creatures inhabiting them and how defenseless they were against Cormac’sevil.
She zigged and zagged around giant trees with gnarled roots and outstretched branches. Bright green ferns and brown underbrush slowed them, but she cut a pathway through with her sword. The smoke grew thicker now. They came to a mountain, a dark cave embedded in the rock yawning beforethem.
Ilana hesitated and glanced backward at Ethan. “If we go through this, it’ll be quicker. I’m not fond of caves after the spider incident,but…”
He nodded. “I’m right behind you. I’ve got yourback.”
Someone had her back. A novel and heartwarming sensation. Ethan would watch out forher.
No light existed in this cave. No torches, either. A cool breeze blew through the cave, a welcome change from the thick smoke. Hard to see to navigate through, water dripping from the roof, sliming the floor. As they proceeded inside, her boots slipped a moment and Ethan caught her elbow, steadyingher.
Risky here, and if they broke a bone it would slow them even more. Ilana hesitated a moment. If she showed her powers, would Ethan, despite everything, view herdifferently?
“Wish we had a torch. I can go find a branch, make one,” hemused.
Ilana made up her mind. “Noneed.”
Stretching out her arms, she let her magick surge. A bluish white light glowed from her hands, illuminating thedarkness.
Ethan didn’t look shocked or dismayed. He grinned. “Damn Mage, that’s some flashlighttrick.”
He sounded impressed. Never had any man respected her powers after she siphoned them from Cormac. They always acted either afraid or angry, because she had more magick than theydid.
Her hands lighting the way, she led them through the inky black cave. The air grew colder and she shivered. Up ahead she saw a faintlight.
Then as they neared the light, she realized it wasn’t daylight but a brilliant white and blue glow, similar to her hands. It flickered like a lantern, growing brighter as she neared. Ilana went to the source, between two largerocks.
Awe filled her as she sawit.
The starlight diamond Danu had instructed her to find. It radiated power, a five-pointed star smaller than her palm, with brilliant white light that turned a deep blue. Transfixed by the diamond’s beauty, she stared and went to reach for it. Then pulledaway.
Ethan joined her. “What’swrong?”
