“Atheas put a ward on it to keep it dormant until the Rising. It was the only way to keep you from flaming up again.”

  I guess that makes sense. “Can I have some water?”

  “Sure.” As he turns to reach for a pitcher and cup, I look around the room. A thela; we’re in a thela.

  “Here.” Andrew passes me the cup and I drink from it greedily. The water tastes so good.

  “More, please.” I hand the cup back to him. “By the way, you didn’t say. Is Reiko all right?”

  “He’ll be fine. He’s actually been up since this morning.”

  “This…this morning? How long have I been out?”

  “Since we arrived last night. The elves gave the two of you something to help you heal. Reiko was in better condition, and the potion worked for him almost immediately. Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”

  “I thought I was feeling better. Haro gave me something to drink when we were at the bunker at Coit Tower. I didn’t think anything of it after that…and I think the relic was helping me, too. I’ve been on the move since Konè sent me to the city. I figured I’d rest once we were safe…I thought I was safe at the apartment.” I shrug. “Guess I was wrong.”

  “How do you feel now?”

  “Better.”

  I feel my eyes roaming to keep from looking at him. Before the moment becomes awkward I clear my throat. “So why didn’t you tell me about the prophecy?”

  He shrugs. “Just didn’t see any point to it.”

  “Seriously?” If I wasn’t so weak I’d smack him right about now. “So if you go through with the Rising you could die, and you didn’t see any point to telling me? Okay, sure, why not?”

  “What are you really upset about? That I’m going to die or that you were left out on the big secret?”

  I throw the covers aside and step off the bed, which is made of the tree’s branches. It’s the same as the one at Alorn’s thela. In fact the entire room is similar, except this one isn’t as bare. The smooth wood floor feels warm beneath my bare feet, the temperature in the room is the same as the floor, and yet, the thin sheath I’m wearing keeps my body cool.

  I let out a sigh, feeling tired. “I give up.”

  “What?”

  I turn to face him. “What do you want me to say? You chose not to tell me you’re going to die, why? Because you were afraid that I would…what? That I would finally realize how I feel about you? Or is it because you’ll finally have to admit how you really feel about me?” When he doesn’t answer I continue. “We’re not kids anymore, Andrew. I can make my own mistakes without your help. What I can’t do is make you do or say anything you don’t want to. And I’m not going to chase or beg you for every thought or feeling you’re going through. You’ll have to come to me. Until then, I’m done.”

  I don’t know what I expected, but I didn’t expect him to get up and walk out.

  ~ * ~

  Chapter Thirty- Eight

  ~ Andrew ~

  “Andu, are you ready?” asks Lyrthan.

  I let my hood fall into place as I pull my coat around me. I turn to see Reiko, Haro and Grace putting on their weapons, coats and gear. I turn to Lyrthan and nod. “How reliable is your source?”

  “I trust Kurlaith. As Summoner, he was able to locate the mage’s essence when he scried the Water Glass. He also made a calling to the elements. Vilzen is at Zenala’s grotto. Are you sure this is the route we should take?”

  “Yes, the Rising is in a few days and it won’t happen without the mage. Will your men be close by?” asks Reiko.

  “They will remain hidden until I call for them,” replies Lyrthan. He turns to Grace. “How are you feeling?”

  She nods, a soft smile on her face. “I’m good, thank you.”

  He holds out a small vial of blue liquid. “This is latha. Drinking it now will help your body regulate while underwater. It’s like a jolt of energy. By the time we reach the grotto you should be warm as if you never entered the water.”

  She takes the vial, glances at Lyrthan briefly, then downs the liquid. She smacks her lips when she’s done. “It tastes like grape juice.”

  I watch her discreetly, noticing the color returning to her cheeks. She has her hair back in its usual braid, wisps of loose curls framing her face. I shift my gaze when she glances briefly my way; her words are still ringing in my ears. It’s what you wanted, I remind myself.

  “Let’s go,” I say, walking out of Lyrthan’s war room and down a hall that will lead us to the main foyer.

  Lyrthan is at my side and he reaches out to me. “I take it your time with Grace didn’t turn out as you wished.”

  I keep my eyes forward. “Actually, it went the way I wanted it to.”

  “Hmmm, but the result you had hoped for is no longer what you want?”

  I think about that before answering, “No.”

  We are in Lyrthan’s main “thela,” which is about the same size of the palace in Kalorii. His father, Naithlyr, continues with the tradition of the Thirteen Clans of Velesi. Although they have been in Omakei for centuries, Lyrthan once told me they are still considered part of the Thirteen. Like the head clan there, the Oak Clan, their main building here is called the Tower, the Zenala Tower. Even the giant table in the war room seats thirteen.

  As we pass others along the way, I notice the women casting shy, and some not so shy, looks at their prince. “What of you, friend? Have you met your betrothed yet?” I remember he mentioned he was already betrothed to a princess in Velesi.

  “I will meet her on the day of her birth.”

  I turn to him with a raised brow. “Seriously? She’s not born yet?”

  “As far as I know, she’s not yet been conceived.” He gives me a side look, then shrugs. “We elves don’t consider age like you do. Time only has meaning with the elders; they deserve our respect and we honor them. Take Vilzen; he has lived for millennia, and who is to say he wasn’t ancient before he came through the rendering of Velesi? Yet, he loves a human, a being whose lifespan is but a blink of an eye to him. My bride will be young, but we will wed when she comes of age. Like me, she has no choice. It’s her destiny to carry the Dragon Seed and it’s my destiny to give it life.”

  Dragon Seed? I’m about to ask what the Dragon Seed is when he cuts me off. I guess it’s a sore subject with him.

  Destiny.

  Is there such a thing? Lyrthan is tied to someone who hasn’t even been conceived, and because he is honor-bound by birth he will forsake all others. It won’t matter if he falls in love with his bride or not; he will do what he is destined to see through. Not for him, but for whatever the future he and his bride will set forth through their union.

  Destiny.

  Prophecy.

  I’m an idiot.

  I fight the urge to glance over my shoulder at Grace. Maybe she’s right and I have this dying thing all wrong. Maybe she is my destiny, but it’s more than that; I love her. Damn it. To hell with the prophecy. I am about to turn to her when someone calls out.

  “Andu!”

  I’m startled when I recognize the voice before turning to face her. “Seelah? What are you doing here?”

  I look at her face: red eyes and panic. “It’s Aunt Cohnia. Andu, Morfais is dead.” She throws herself at me and I catch her in a hug.

  “I know,” I say soothingly.

  She leans back, staring up at me. “You know?”

  “It’s why we’re here. Where’s Cohnia?”

  “She’s with King Naithlyr and the queen.”

  “How’d she find out about Morfais, and how’d you guys get here?” asks Reiko from behind her. Seelah turns to him but remains in my arms, glancing at Grace for a moment before casting her eyes downward. Reiko gives her a perplexed look when she doesn’t answer him right away.

  “Seelah,” he tries again, “how did you get here?”

  “A runner came with the news that Morfais’s body was found at the docks. Aunt Cohnia called the other Elders to help locate you. She was distraught and I couldn’t let her come alone.”

  “But why are you here?” asks Lyrthan.

  She turns to the prince, a blush touching her cheeks. Her reaction is the usual response from women who come in close proximity to Lyrthan.

  Seelah shrugs, still holding onto me. “I don’t know. She said she needed to see you.” She stares up at me. “She’s also hurt. When she got the news she fainted and fell against that table with all the crystals. She’s hurt pretty bad. Not only that, but she dislocated her shoulder.”

  I step back. “Were you there?”

  She nods. “Yes, it was awful. You should have seen her, Andu. I’ve never seen her cry before.” I gather her in my arms again as she chokes back the tears.

  I pull her from me, taking her by the shoulders. “Listen, we have to go. Will you be okay?” She nods, wiping at her eyes. “Good. Take care of your aunt; you both will be safe here.”

  “I know,” she says, looking at Lyrthan.

  Lyrthan turns from us, directing an order to a nearby guard. “Take her to where her aunt is.” He turns back to Seelah. “I’m sure my mother has arranged a feast for you and Cohnia.”

  “Thank you,” she says quietly. She turns to the guard, who offers her his hand. She takes it hesitantly, stealing a glance at Reiko before being led out of the room.

  We turn to go, but I stop when I see Reiko remain where he is, watching after Seelah. I signal Haro and Grace to go ahead with Lyrthan. I move to stand beside Reiko.

  “You okay?”

  “Did she just ignore me?”

  “Looked that way.”

  “Why?” he asks, turning to me.

  “She saw you and Grace kissing.”

  “What? Why would she be upset about that? It was nothing.”

  I stare at him…it was nothing? I let it go and stare after Seelah. I understand he doesn’t feel the same as she does, but he has to realize how it would still hurt her. I shake my head, slapping his shoulder. “Come on. Let’s go save us a mage and maybe he can give you a clue.”

  “A clue about what?”

  “Never mind. Let’s go.”

  ~ * ~

  Chapter Thirty- Nine

  ~ Grace ~

  I glance behind me at Andrew and Reiko talking softly. I take this opportunity to speak with Haro alone. I tap him on the shoulder. “Can we talk privately?”

  “Yes, Grace?”

  I smile at him. “Thank you. There’s something I’m not sure about.”

  “And what would that be, Grace?” Funny, I can feel his smile in my head.

  “If all this is to prevent Karas from rising, why not kill Vilzen? Without him the relics can’t be united.”

  His answer comes quickly. “They cannot kill an all-realm mage, especially THE all-realm mage. There are only three now, but the other two are novices compared to Vilzen. With his knowledge and the power he’s attained from each realm, his death, even if natural, could destroy any one of them. The last time an all-realm mage died, half of Sutha was demolished. And he was the least experienced of them at the time. It has taken centuries for Sutha to heal itself. They won’t take the chance.”

  Wow.

  “I see. So basically they just keep him imprisoned until the Rising has come and gone, right?”

  “Yes, that’s right. But the Rising will happen as it was prophesied to happen, with Vilzen.”

  “Do prophecies always come true? I mean, is there any way to get around them? Or are they set in stone?”

  When he doesn’t answer, I glance his way to find him staring at me. “Prophecies have a way of reading one way, only to come true in another. It’s hard to say, Grace.”

  A tinge of anger flares within me. “But you’re supposed to be his Cumro, his protector. You can’t tell me that after all this time keeping him safe, you’re just going to let him die?”

  “Trust me, for years I have been searching, reading and investigating any leads that would tell me how to save him while he saves his realm. I’m sorry, Grace, there is no other way.”

  The grotto consists of a series of caverns situated partially underwater. Giant stone figures of Manui warriors guard the entrance to the four main caverns. According to Lyrthan they wear the traditional clothes of the royal guard, including headgear designed like the head of a fish. I realize it’s not an actual fish head, but a helmet with a wreath design on it, a wreath of oak leaves.

  As far as the eye can see, the hills above the caverns are covered with assorted trees, and lush pines that remind me of the California redwoods. Streams of water pour over the grotto, pulled out to the sea by strong currents. The water is gray in the mist and fog, crowned with angry foam as it crashes against the grotto. The surf fills the caverns only to rush out, eager to be part of the sea again.

  The mist from the ocean and the low fog from the hills cause the cold air to freeze upon my face. I welcome the healing coolness, despite its frigid caress. I am instantly in love with this breathtaking haven. If I stay here in Omakei, this is the place I want to live until my final days.

  Alone.

  “You ready?” asks Andrew from beside me.

  I nod, not looking at him. I lift and set the mask provided by the elves over my mouth and nose. I turn to join the others, but I’m held back. I look down at Andrew’s hand wrapped around my wrist.

  “Be careful, Grace. You and I are not done.”

  I turn to meet his eyes, confused by his words. He doesn’t elaborate on his comment, but lets me go and walks away.

  Once I’m at Reiko’s side, we wait for Lyrthan’s signal, the signal to hit the water…again. The first time he took us under I only had on jeans, a t-shirt and a hoodie. This time I am wearing Elven clothes that will regulate my body temperature, and the potion Lyrthan gave me earlier should keep me warm.

  “The clothes will give you protection from our climate’s cold weather,” said Lyrthan when he first offered them to me. “However, they can only protect you as long as you’re not in the water too long. A day or two is all you’ll have, until you’ll need to change or at least let the ones you have dry out completely.”

  That was yesterday, and his words still give me comfort. The distance from the cliff we are standing on to the entrance of the farthest cavern where we need to go should take us no more than ten minutes to cover. I should be okay this time around.

  The signal is given and we move forward. Our dark-green, almost black clothing provides us with camouflage. Silently we leap from the cliff, diving into the angry waters below. When we break the choppy surface, Lyrthan swims north to the last of the large caverns, moving swiftly with the current. We stay close, and I can’t help but wonder where all the fish are. As if reading my mind, Andrew turns back to look at me, indicating I should keep up.

  It’s another few minutes before we come up for air in a massive cave. Unlike the others, it takes me a second to catch my breath as I stare above us. If I didn’t know better I would believe we were still outside. The rock ceiling is as black as the night, with tiny stars twinkling throughout. I realize the twinkling is ice. The frozen bits reflect off the glowing white algae.

  “Southside,” whispers Lyrthan, connecting our thoughts.

  We move silently, cutting through the water until we make it to the south shore. Quickly we follow Lyrthan through a tight tunnel, making our way to another open cavern. Unlike the first cavern we came through, this one is full of light…as if the is sun out. I take a step forward, hypnotized by the sun’s rays, and realize how much I miss the light.

  I am held back. Andrew has me by the arm, his finger to his lips. I nod, then take another look when he lightly taps the walls…false light. It’s not the sun…gold? A cavern made of gold. Providing the light are what looks like hundreds, no thousands, of worms. These strange little creatures glow as they move along the ceiling like miniature light bulbs. Although Haro and Lyrthan have the means, it was decided before we left the tower that for the sake of stealth no light would be used. So this lit room is a welcome relief.

  “Stay focused,” says Andrew. Aware the others are listening, I keep my thoughts to myself.

  “We’re exposed out here in the open,” says Lyrthan.

  Again we sink into the water, moving along the bottom of the deep pool. We stick close to the underwater shelves, using the shadows formed by the reflections from above. I begin to panic when I see a tunnel ahead of us, and Lyrthan moving directly toward it. However, before entering, he moves to the wall and goes up for air. They each take a deep breath, while I take three before heading back down. Andrew waits for me, only entering after I pass through. To my relief it’s a short tunnel.

  “Reiko, Grace and Haro to the east. We’ll take the west wall.” Andrew gives the command, but before he and Lyrthan move on he holds me back once again. “Be safe,” he whispers before he leans in and gives me a kiss. It takes me a moment to realize that he has already moved on, leaving me standing dazed and confused.

  I gather my senses and follow after Haro and Reiko. This cavern is a mixture of the first two. There is enough of the glow worms and gold on the walls to give light while the ceiling is black with ice. I look one last time behind me but Lyrthan and Andrew have already disappeared. I get the feeling this isn’t the first time these two have been on a dangerous mission together.

  “Grace, to the left,” calls Haro in my mind, and I immediately hit the wall, sticking to the shadows. I watch as Reiko plaster himself against the opposite wall, disappearing from my sight. “Up ahead, on the second ledge,” directs Haro. On the ledge, huddling within herself, is Seelah. Her knees are drawn up, her head resting on folded arms, and she’s crying softly. What the hell?

  “Seelah!” cries out Reiko, no longer in the shadows but on the move toward her. At the sound of his voice, Seelah’s head jerks up, terror in her eyes, and she’s on her feet. It’s then I notice a small silver knife in her hand. Is that a butter knife?

  “Stay away from me, demon!” she screams, backing further from the edge. She lifts her arm, covering her face, with the butt of the hilt up, the blade in a reverse grip aligned with her forearm. It’s one of the first defensive positions with a weapon Andrew taught me.

 

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