Destiny's Gem

by J. Cain McKrell

  ***

  “Matters are well in hand, I can afford the trip,” Antok the Venerable assured his council. He thumbed the ruby he bore in Bernard’s place, now that he was no longer able. It was a habit he seemed to have taken to lately.

  “The threat from Kubathu is constant, are you sure it is wise to introduce a change when as you say, everything is well in hand?” Master Trilo questioned. He had been one of the few on the project since the beginning, knowing as much of the risks as Antok himself.

  “Distance will not make a difference in maintaining the shield around him. But I do still have concerns about the girl being too far removed. We all remember what happened three years ago when we made our one and only mistake,” Antok stated.

  When one of the protectors died mysteriously, Kubathu was able to extend his will outwards, taking over the mind of one of his students. Bernard had assured him afterwards that all traces of contamination within the girl were removed. Antok still had his doubts. Granting Sevra a pass to venture so far away could possibly kill her if any tendrils of Kubathu’s corruption lingered. It wasn’t a risk he was ready to assume, no matter how slight.

  “It is a shame about the girl’s uncle, but death is a matter we all confront in life. You cannot make extra considerations for all of them. You should not for her,” Trilo retorted.

  “Because of what we allowed to happen, her life could be in danger venturing away from the necklace. We simply don’t know. I’ve made my decision, I’ll go break the news to her and accompany the girl to Shady Vale to pay her last respects to Magus Yuley,” Antok said with finality. He folded the letter from Lorna Vitano, informing them of Yuley’s death and requesting Sevra’s presence. Carefully he placed it in his tunic pocket.

  The rational side of him held reservations about his decision; was he being unnecessarily reckless out of sentiment? His entire life he had been able to separate logic and emotion, making what others may deem a difficult choice without giving it second thought.

  The girl needed to be allowed to say goodbye. As he ran his hands over the necklace again, he knew in his heart he was making the right decision.