My heart leapt. “I’m here!” I jumped up and down, waving my arms, and the shadow dipped and flew out of view.
I ran forward, scanning the starlit heavens. Where was he? It had been him, right? It had to have been.
A gust of wind hit me in the chest, and the chamber shook as Pakshiraj landed on the rocks above us.
He peered down at me then extended his wing so that the tip touched the floor of the chamber.
I ran and leapt onto it, clinging as he retracted the appendage, bringing me close enough to his body for me to clamber up.
Is the primordial evil here, Leela?
I settled on his back.No. He’s gone to the royal domain. He plans to take the throne.
Then we have no time to waste.
My stomach dipped as we rocketed up into the air. I lay flat against his body, holding on for dear life as we gained altitude.
How long do we have till the coronation?
An hour,he said.
My stomach tightened. Will we make it in time?
I will fly like the wind. All you need do is hold tight and tell me everything that happened to you. Leave the rest to me.
It wasn’t a yes. It was anI’ll do my damn best, but I’d take it.
We approached the royal domain,and two other thunderbirds joined us, flying parallel.
They say they have not sensed any disturbance or seen anything out of the ordinary,Pakshiraj said.
They wouldn’t have sensed him. He has permission. He’s riding my signature. But he’s here. I know he is.
The ceremony will begin soon if it has not done so already.You must hurry and warn them. The crown must be secured. If this entity that you speak of claims it, then we are all doomed. A soft growl filled my head. I cannot believe that they altered history. That my memories are false.
I promise I will find a way to fix it.
I believe you, child.
The sentinels fell away, dipping out of sight, and Pakshiraj veered left.The crowning is taking place in the auditorium where the public throne room resides. There, below, do you see it? The gleaming white and gold building with the tower.
I see it.
There is nowhere for me to land, but I can get you close to the majestic oak behind the Auditorium.
I spotted the tree a moment later.I see it. Take me down.
Leela, if he is there already and has the crown…If he gets his hands on it before you can, then?—
I’ll run. I swear it.
And I will be waiting to scoop you up. Be safe, my queen.
He swooped toward the tree.Now get ready to jump.
Chapter 33
HEAVY IS THE HEAD THAT WEARS THE CROWN
