“But outside of time, I’m at a loss for anything else that may arise during my search. There’s been nothing of significance in the past two years that would lead me to believe something important needed to happen once the book was found, just that I need to bring it home.”
I pull my legs up to my chest with a sigh.
“But there is something else the Princess said…” I continue quietly, “something that hasn’t been sitting right with me all night. She mentioned that the reason for the meeting was based around the idea that only human hands could hold the book for fear of…”
I shake my head.
Too many damn coincidences.
“For fear of the book turning to ash,” Keane finishes.
“Yes,” I nod.
Ash.
This is now the second time the word has been referenced on my trip. First, in King Zander’s list of words for me to search for,bird of ash, and second in Clair’s comment,turning to ash. Is it just a coincidence?
“I take it to mean that the book cannot be touched by anyone of magical descent,” Keane replies.
“I do too,” I nod, sinking further into the cushions, “but there’s a parallel with the Princess’ comment and something your father reminds me of before I leave on every travel. It’s just not sitting well with me.”
“The book will not harm you, Alexis,” Keane says softly as Golem nods in confirmation.
“I know…” I murmur, “I don’t have a reason for what I’m feeling, only that there’s some connection I’m not putting together.”
Desmond clears his throat as I lose myself to that thought.
“We’ve confirmed that the Kingdoms Council occurred,” the Master Informer turns towards Golem, bringing everyone back on track, “and we know the way the votes landed curtesy of McQuoid. We also know of all of the terms that were set out by the leaders except one. We have an idea of who in Disce knows about the meeting-”
I sit up swiftly from in seat. “Do any members of my traveling crew know of the Council, Golem?”
Golem looks at me without expression.
“Cal?” I almost cry out.
No.
“Holis and Mana?”
Golem pauses slightly before replying, yes.
“Well that’s interesting,” Desmond murmurs.
Keane pushes off the settee in anger, “what the fuck is he playing at?”
The Master Informer shakes his head. “I don’t know, brother, but father always has his reasons.”
“He’s gone too far this time,” Keane shakes his head, “they know about the damn Kingdoms Council, Desmond. Next we’re going to be told that the whole of Knowledge knows besides us.”
“I’ll admit the twins are surprising,” Desmond runs a hand along his beard, “but I doubt the list is any longer. If they know anything about the Council, it’s for a specific reason.”
“You give him too much grace,” Keane scoffs, “father isn’t the omniscient man you always make him out to be in your head.”
“Let’s not-”
I stand abruptly and let the blanket fall to the floor as a thought forms in my mind. Keane and Desmond both turn at my sudden movement, the brothers watching me with narrowed eyes as I walk towards Golem.
“Golem…” I lift my hands to him with a small smile.
