Shades of Prophecy

by Tessonja Odette

  “Any signs of the dragons?” I asked.

  “Now and then, over the mountains.” Her voice sounded hollow. “None have come near the castle again though.”

  “Good.” Silence stretched between us.

  She sighed and faced me. “How are we ever going to get home? It isn’t safe to travel until these dragons have been dealt with.”

  My words wouldn’t come. Do I tell her the truth? Or do I lie?

  A year ago, the choice would have been easy. I would have pushed her away like I’d done many times before. A harsh word would have been enough to widen the chasm and keep her at the distance I wanted her. But now that I’d opened up to her, now that I was beginning to enjoy the newfound ease between us, I was pulled toward another choice.

  The conflict must have been clear on my face because Mother stepped closer, frowning. “What is it, Mareleau?”

  My heart raced. “I’m going home tomorrow.”

  She put her hands on her hips. “That isn’t possible. Did you not hear a word I said? It’s too dangerous.”

  I met her eyes. “It’s so much more dangerous than you know, and you won’t be able to come with me.”

  Fury swept over her face, and for a moment she looked as if she would shout. Instead, she sat at the edge of the bed, shoulders hunched, eyes locked on mine. “Don’t shut me out, Mareleau. Please, tell me what you’re talking about.”

  I bit my lip and began to tremble. “There’s more I need to tell you. So much more. About Father. My uncles. Morkai. Cora.”

  She nodded and reached for my hand. “I’m listening.”

  * * *

  Teryn

  “Are you sure you can do this?” I asked.

  Cora paused brushing her hair and met my eyes in the mirror above her vanity, lips lifting into a slight smile. “Would it make you feel better if I said yes?”

  “Are you sure you have to go?” My voice caught on my words, throat painfully tight.

  She set the brush down and turned to face me. “You know I have to. I’m the only one who can travel quickly and safely between our kingdoms. It would take too long to wait for anyone else to find and deliver that book. Besides, Larylis and Mareleau need to return home to warn their council about the dragons.”

  “You’re really going to try to take them with you? All at once?”

  She nodded. “I have to try.”

  “You’re sure I can’t come too?”

  Her face fell. “You know I want nothing more than to have you at my side, but you are needed here as King of Kero. We may know nothing about these dragons until we find that book, but someone needs to stay here and at least try to come up with a solution. It’s the only way our people will feel even the slightest bit safe.”

  I heaved a sigh. “You’re right. I also need to investigate further into Darius and any threat he could pose from Syrus.”

  “How will you do that?”

  I rubbed my jaw. “I’ve planted an idea with the council that rumors have reached Lela about dragons being spotted in the Northern Islands and that the King of Syrus could be responsible for them. It was a stretch, but the councilmen seemed to believe the possibility. They agreed to send scouts north to Risa to gather more information about the Northern Islands and Darius. I thought it was a good way to spread awareness about the possible threat without revealing anything about magic or El’Ara.”

  Cora regarded me with a look of pride, making me blush. “I love it when you talk like a king.”

  I tried to keep the guilt off my face. How would she respond if I told her I was emulating a sorcerer, not a king? While trapped in the crystal, I had witnessed Morkai’s carefully crafted manipulations and saw how he’d gotten others to do his dirty work for him. It was he who inspired the idea to plant my rumors with the council.

  I decided to change the subject. “How will you do it? How will you get to Dermaine?”

  She furrowed her brow, deep in thought. “Since I’ve never been to Dermaine, I don’t think I can Travel there directly. As far as I know, I can only Travel to a place or person I am familiar with. The first time, I Traveled to Salinda. Next, I Traveled to you. When I escaped El’Ara, I Traveled to the cliff where you told me you loved me.”

  “Then how will you get there?” I asked.

  “I’ll take us somewhere I’ve already been first. My only options that are close enough to Dermaine are either Verlot Palace or Centerpointe Rock. Since the dragons have only been reported in northern Kero, we should be safe to travel the rest of the way to Dermaine by horse or coach from either location.”

  I bristled at the mention of Centerpointe Rock. “Verlot would be safer, wouldn’t it? You could bring guards to guide you—”

  “And welcome plenty of prying eyes and unwanted questions,” Cora said. “I don’t want to risk stalling our journey to Dermaine, which makes me favor Centerpointe Rock.”

  I pressed my lips together to keep from begging her not to go there.

  Cora raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Don’t tell me you’re superstitious. The Rock itself poses no threat, other than the memories of what happened there. It’s harmless. Besides, Centerpointe Rock is closer to Dermaine than Verlot is. We can get a traveling coach for Mare and the baby at the nearest village and make it to the palace in just a few days.”

  “You’re sure it’s safe?”

  Her face fell. “Nowhere is truly safe until we figure out what we’re up against. We need that book.”

  “What if it tells us nothing?”

  She rose from the chair at the vanity and stood in front of me. “What if it tells us everything? What if it answers all our questions? What if it leads us to Ailan and shows us how to use the prophecy to protect Lela?”

  I sighed. “I’ll never understand how you continue to be the bravest person I know after all you’ve faced.”

  She took my hands in hers. “It helps me be brave when I have someone I love at my side. Even though we are forced to part, I will continue to be brave, knowing I’m doing what I’m doing to protect our kingdom, our land, and our future together.”

  Our eyes locked, and I searched for words to match the pain that seared my heart. “Over the past few months, I was starting to think I’d never have to say goodbye to you again.”

  Cora gave me a sad smile. “You should know by now that goodbye between us is only temporary. I’ll be back as soon as I find the book.”

  “So, this is our last night together, isn’t it?”

  “It is.” She let go of my hands and brought her arms around my waist, tilting her head to keep her eyes on mine. “We should make this a night to remember then, shouldn’t we?”

  As heavy as my heart felt, the glint in her eyes sent a ripple of lightness through my chest. I could forget about my worries for one night, couldn’t I?

  With a sly smile that matched Cora’s, I shook the dark thoughts from my mind, reached for Cora’s legs, and pulled them around my waist. She squealed with surprise as I lifted her, and her arms went around my neck. She was so small, her weight felt like nothing in my arms. “I can give you a night to remember, all right.”

  Her fingers stroked the back of my neck and tangled in my hair. “Then show me.”

  My lips met hers, her breath melded with mine, and nothing—neither dragons, nor Darius, nor goodbye—seemed to matter.

  * * *

  Cora

  By the first light of dawn, I crept from the castle and into the stables. My quiver of arrows hung over my shoulder, its weight as comforting as an old friend. In one hand I carried my bow; in the other I held a lantern. I came to the stall I was looking for and set the lantern down. Hara whinnied and tossed her mane as I approached her.

  “Hello, dear one,” I said. “I think we’re due for an adventure like old times.” I stroked the side of her neck, regretting how seldom I’d been taking her for rides. We’d only been on a few rides over the previous months, either to strengthen our relationships with the council or to entertain
nobles and allies. But my favorite rides—no cares, no worries, no agendas—had been reserved for Valorre. Hara didn’t seem to hold it against me.

  I got to work saddling her, not bothering to wake the stablemaster for assistance. My mission required secrecy anyway. Once Hara’s saddle was secured, I began to stuff her saddlebags with supplies. At the sound of approaching footsteps, I whirled around and saw Teryn strolling into the stables.

  He eyed me from head to toe, smiling. “You almost look the way you did when I first met you. Same braid. Same beautiful, determined face. Same weapons. New cloak, though.”

  “And no pants this time,” I said, tugging at the skirt of my dark blue riding gown with a grin. “Who knew I’d need them again?”

  Our eyes locked, our smiles diminished, and I looked away from him before my eyes could well with tears. It wouldn’t help to start my journey with red, puffy eyes. Teryn came to my side, and together we finished readying Hara in silence. When our preparations were complete, we made our way out of the stables toward the forest. I peered at the windows of the castle as we passed, finding no prying eyes or curious stares following. It was still too early for most to be awake.

  I closed my eyes and slowed my step as we entered the cover of the trees, feeling for Valorre.

  I’m here, he said, and I could sense his closeness.

  Hara tossed her mane as a flash of white appeared between tree trunks, and a moment later Valorre was beside me, rippling with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

  Time to go? Valorre asked.

  Yes, and we’ll be taking a few others as well. How many can you hold at once on your back? Could you possibly carry two adults and one baby?

  Valorre seemed slightly offended. I am strong. I carried you and your friend long ago, didn’t I? I was weak then.

  The memory moved through my mind, showing me a glimpse of Valorre carrying me and Maiya to safety from the cave I’d found him in. You’re right. I know you’re strong.

  I can do it.

  “They’re here,” Teryn said.

  I turned as Mareleau and Larylis came toward us from the field, Liam bundled in Mareleau’s arms. I jumped, seeing Queen Mother Helena trailing behind.

  Mareleau followed my line of vision to glance at her mother. When she returned to face me, she kept her chin held high. “I told Mother everything. She deserved to know the truth before I disappeared without a reasonable explanation.”

  “And I insisted on seeing her off,” Helena said. Her eyes darted from me to my companions. When her gaze fell on Valorre, it was her turn to jump.

  Mareleau froze mid-step, as if noticing Valorre for the first time as well. Her mouth fell open, but all she produced was a gasp.

  I looked from Mareleau to Valorre and remembered she had only seen him once before, and it hadn’t been under the best circumstances. “Mareleau, you remember Valorre. Queen Mother Helena, this is Valorre the unicorn.” I blushed, realizing how absurd it was to formally introduce a unicorn.

  Helena nodded. “I’d heard the stories about the unicorns on the battlefield at Centerpointe Rock, but I never thought I’d see one myself.”

  Mareleau’s eyes were locked on Valorre as if she couldn’t look away. “I’d barely given him more than a glance when I first saw him. I’d forgotten how beautiful he is.”

  Larylis put his arm over his wife’s shoulders. “I feel the same way every time I see him.”

  Valorre watched Mareleau, still as stone. I know her.

  Yes, I told him, she was there when we destroyed the crystal.

  No, something else. Something before…

  I cocked my head, sensing his struggle to grasp at memory. What do you mean, something before? Before what?

  He shook his mane, and I could tell the memory was gone. Mistaken. Or forgotten.

  “So, what’s the plan?” Larylis asked, bringing my attention back to him and Mareleau. “Are we really going to do this crazy thing?”

  Teryn’s fingers laced through mine, and he gave my hand a squeeze. Warmth flooded my chest as my eyes met his. “Are you ready?” he asked.

  I nodded. “I am.”

  10

  TRAVEL

  Cora

  My throat felt tight as I sat upon Hara’s back, looking down at Teryn. “Are you prepared with something to tell Lord Jonston and the council?” I asked.

  “Yes,” Teryn said. “I’ll tell them King Larylis and Queen Mareleau insisted on returning home and hired a private guard to take them safely there under the cover of night. You went to formally name Liam our heir.”

  Helena narrowed her eyes at Teryn, as if considering the strength of his story, then nodded. She turned her attention to her daughter, who sat in front of Larylis on Valorre’s back. “I’ll follow as soon as I can, once the roads south are declared safe. Keep my grandson warm.”

  Mareleau could barely croak a goodbye, face pale and eyes wide as she trembled in her seat. Even Larylis seemed unsettled. The gently cooing Liam appeared to be the only one unperturbed by being on a unicorn.

  Teryn placed his hand on mine, bringing my gaze to him. “I love you.”

  I swallowed the lump in my throat. We’d already said our goodbyes the night before, but it didn’t make parting any easier. “I love you too.”

  With a shuddering sigh, he took a few steps back, which Helena mirrored. I brought Hara closer to Valorre, until their sides were almost touching.

  “You really think you can do this?” Mareleau asked through chattering teeth. She pulled her riding cloak tighter around her and Liam, but I knew she wasn’t shivering from the cold.

  “We’ll find out.” I cringed at the trepidation in my voice. While I’d Traveled with Valorre once before, it had been a gamble and consisted of just the two of us. I had no idea if I would be able to include Hara, not to mention Mareleau, Larylis, and Liam. Even something as simple as a glamour had proved difficult in the past when I’d tried to include other people.

  I shook the concerns from my head and turned to my companions. “You need to clear your minds as much as possible. Close your eyes and focus only on your breath.”

  “Easier said than done,” Mareleau snapped.

  “Just try.” With a deep breath, I put one hand on Hara’s neck and the other on Valorre’s side, connecting them. Through Valorre, I sensed his riders. It was my intention to focus most of my power on Hara and Valorre, therefore including Valorre’s riders with less effort. That was my theory, at least. Now it was time to see if I was right.

  Breathe in. Breathe out.

  I steadied my breath and pushed all thought from my mind. I searched the energy around Valorre, probing it, drawing it in, until his riders seemed as if they were one with him, with me, with Hara. Still feeling the heat of Hara and Valorre beneath my palms, I shifted my focus to an expanse of field within a valley. At the center of the valley sat an old, weathered rock. Centerpointe Rock. Flashes of dark memories tugged at my mind, but I breathed them away, thinking only of the Rock. The valley was covered in a layer of frost, the light of the morning sun just beginning to touch the outer edges of the valley. Birds circled overhead beneath a clear sky. Icy air filled my nostrils. It was colder in the valley without the shelter of the forest trees.

  I opened my eyes. The valley spread out before me within a ring of rolling hills. Centerpointe Rock loomed to my left. To my right stood Valorre with his three riders. I let out a deep breath. “We did it.”

  As the words left my mouth, my blood drained from my face, leaving me disoriented. My mind spun, the field swirling into a haze before my eyes as I slipped from Hara’s saddle and onto the frosty field below.

  * * *

  Mareleau

  I heard a thud and opened my eyes with a gasp. The forest was gone, replaced with an unfamiliar valley. I brought my attention to the feel of Larylis’ arms, still strong about my waist, then looked down at Liam, who remained content and bundled in my arms.

  Larylis let out a sigh of relief, his b
reath stirring my hair with its warmth. “She really did it.”

  “I almost can’t believe it. Cora—” I looked to the side and found Hara’s saddle empty. “Wait, where is she?”

  Larylis sprang from Valorre’s back, while Valorre stomped at the grass. I shifted side to side, wondering how to dismount from an unsaddled unicorn with an infant in my arms. Valorre circled Hara until I saw Cora lying limp on the ground. She mumbled as Larylis placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “She’s breathing,” Larylis said. “I think she fainted.”

  I bit my lip. “She did warn us she may drain her strength if she succeeded at all.”

  Larylis nodded and lifted her into his arms. I ignored the squeeze I felt on my heart as I watched him carry her closer to the Rock. Once he laid her back down and covered her with her cloak, he returned to me and extended his arms. “I’ll take Liam and help you down.”

  I placed our baby gently in Larylis’ arms and slid from Valorre’s back. Larylis placed a steadying hand on my waist as I stumbled to right myself. Once my feet were firmly planted, I turned in a slow circle and took in our surroundings. The wide expanse of field suddenly felt like a threat. There were no guards, no houses or villages in sight. Nothing but an old battlefield covered in frost where there once was blood. Or so I’d been told. “Are we crazy for doing this?”

  “Yes,” Larylis said, looking up from Liam to follow my gaze. “But we already made our choice. Cora needs to find that book and we need to be there for our people. Word of the dragons has likely already reached them. Besides, baby Liam deserves to be safe in his own home.”

  I looked up at the sky. “You don’t think it will snow, do you?”

  Larylis shook his head. “It rarely snows this late in the winter in Lela. Still, you and Liam need to keep warm. I’ll start a fire while we wait for Cora to wake up. As soon as she wakes, we need to move to the nearest village.”

  Larylis kissed Liam with a tender smile before returning him to my arms. I sat down at the base of the Rock next to a sleeping Cora and watched Larylis start a fire, studying the determination in his eyes as he prodded sparks into flame. It was a look I’d seen on his face nearly every day since our confrontation with Morkai and the crystal. It was a look that told me he’d stop at nothing to protect me. Oddly enough, I found it unsettling.