Page 62 of Winds of Darkness
“What if there was proof?” Talwyn cut in.
“What do you speak of?” Ashtine asked, and even she could hear the desperation in her tone.
The concerned looks from around the room told her everyone else could hear it too.
“There are … rumors. Of a weapon hidden in the mortal lands,” Talwyn said.
“Rumors?” Sion asked with a frown. “We cannot act on rumors.”
“The source is credible.”
She ventured east, the winds whispered.
“You spoke to the Oracle,” Ashtine said in realization. “That is why you went to the Witch Kingdoms.”
“When did you go there?” Prince Azrael demanded, turning to the Fae Queen. “And who escorted you?”
“I went myself, Az,” Talwyn sighed.
“To the fucking Witch Kingdoms?”
“Yes,” Talwyn snapped. “Maliq was with me,” she added, referencing her wolf spirit animal.
“By the gods, Talwyn—”
“Who or who did not accompany her is not important,” Ashtine interrupted, the chatter around the table falling silent. “What did you learn, Talwyn?”
“I was told that a weapon hides in the mortal lands. I was told how to retrieve it, but that the time is not right,” she explained.
“And when will the time be right?” Azrael asked.
“I was only told I will know. That’s it. That’s all she would say. But the weapon will determine the outcome of centuries of conflict.”
“A war that was not won but only sleeps,” Ashtine murmured.
Feelings of relief at knowing she wasn’t losing her mind warred with dread at learning the winds weren’t just chattering nonsense.
“So where does that leave us?” Azrael asked.
“On the precipice of salvation and destruction,” Ashtine answered.
“That is … not helpful.”
“You believe now is not the time to seek this weapon?” Renly asked, sitting forward to peer at Talwyn down the table.
“The Oracle was clear the time is not now. She insisted I would know when the time was right to retrieve it,” the queen answered.
“And how will you find such a thing? Let alone retrieve it? Do you even know what it is?” Sion asked.
“I am still working on the strategies, but when the time comes, I will be prepared,” she answered, sitting taller and lifting her chin. “In the meantime, we use the time we have to prepare.” She met Ashtine’s gaze again. “And if you learn anything more, Ashtine …”
“The information you have provided may be useful,” Ashtine said, the burden and expectation of what she was weighing on her once more.
“We will help her,” Ermir added. “As the princess said, your information helps us narrow down our search.”
Talwyn nodded, glancing at Ashtine quickly before saying, “While this is pressing, we have time. None of us need to stress over it.”
“Understood, your Majesty,” Ermir answered.
