An army, Princess. Not only of elves, but of winged stallions, griffins, and giant eagles.
During the trials for my hand, the Elven Command had called on magical creatures to fly the champions to Scepter Peak for the first trial. Now they will use those creatures against us.
I say,The gargoyles won’t dominate the air like I hoped.
I also saw cages filled with talon crows and pens of shadow panthers, the firebird replies.It will be a fierce battle in the air as well as on the ground.
I say,We need to protect the deep springs at all costs.I won’t let our world collapse.
The Phoenix’s voice is a gentle admonishment as it asks,Have you told Baelen what the Elven Commanders intend to do?
Guilt rushes through me. I haven’t told him about the Commander’s plans to ascend and destroy the springs. I consider waking him up since our current location is probably one of the most private places we could be, but his deep breathing stops me. He needs to sleep.
I will tell him as soon as I can.
Very well. We are nearly there.The Phoenix circles over a valley nestled between two hills. From up here, I can just make out a cabin at the base of the valley next to a lake, but it’s the waterfall at the far end that catches my eye. From the air, the rushing water sparkles like diamonds. I imagine this is like the place Erit built for Indira—the beautiful valley she didn’t want to leave.
The Phoenix lands beside the lake, several hundred paces from the cabin. I’m very reluctant to wake Baelen, but the firebird rustles its wings and it’s enough to cause him to raise his head. I swing to face him, careful not to kick him in the process. “We’re here.”
He scrubs at his forehead. “I passed out.”
I take his face in both my hands. “You need rest. When we get home, you’re sleeping in my bed.”
His green eyes light up. “Your little bed? My feet will stick out the bottom of it.”
I kiss his laughing mouth. “Then you’ll just have to curl up.”
His chest rumbles. “Yes, Ma’am.”
We slide off the Phoenix and it settles down onto the grass to wait for us. I make my way carefully toward the cabin, listening for its inhabitants. The rushing sound from the distant waterfall grows louder as we approach. Twenty paces from the door, Jasper emerges, striding down the steps. His straight brown hair is longer than it was last time I saw him, hanging loose to his shoulders. He’s wearing simple clothing, no armor or weaponry. His broad shoulders are relaxed and his gold-flecked chocolate eyes gleam.
I stop dead in my tracks.
He’s… smiling.
He greets me first, pulling me into a hug. “Marbella, it’s good to see you.”
“Jasper… you…”
He pulls back, a full half-smile gracing his lips. I always suspected that when this male smiled he’d blow the socks off any female around him, butwhoa, where didthisguy come from?
His forehead crinkles. “What?”
“You’re… uh…” I swallow. “You look happy.”
“I am.” He turns to Baelen. “Brother. It’s good to see you.”
“You too, Jasper.”
They bear hug and once again I’m struck at how loyal Jasper is to Baelen and me. He meets my eyes. “You’re here to see Elyria.”
For a moment, I forgot that he is Senturi’s grandson, but the way he looks at me, seeing more than he should, reminds me that there’s a conversation I need to have with him about his heritage. “Can you please take me to her?”
“She’s waiting for you by the waterfall. She knew you’d come.” His smile dims, becoming serious. “Ever since you broke her chains, she’s had visions of the future.”
I give a start. “She’s become a Visionary?”
“It’s best if you talk to her yourself.”
