Cora closed her eyes and extended her senses. A wave of fatigue washed over her, much like it had the first time she’d come here. This time, it must be due to the feat of traveling with so many. She was tempted to take a moment to rest, but she didn’t want to risk staying in place too long, lest they attract the dragons. Breathing deeply, she pushed past her exhaustion, seeking nearby emotion. Valorre snorted, reminding her to utilize him. She pressed her palm to his neck. Her fatigue lessened and her awareness increased. Familiar energies brightened at the edge of her consciousness. She shifted side to side, seeking direction. Her heart pulsed as she faced the opposite end of the lake.
That was where she would find them. “Let’s go.”
* * *
Salinda was already waitingfor her.
Cora felt her proximity before she saw her, half hidden in the shadows of a cedar tree. As they approached, Salinda stepped forward, eyes crinkling at the corners. Moonlight shone on the woman’s dark hair, her simple wool dress, the tattooed skin visible on her forearms, chest, and neck. As well as the single tattoo that marked her as an elder: the triple moon at the tip of her chin.
Cora’s heart lifted, both at the familiar loving face and the tangible proof that stood before her. She’d already known she’d succeeded in finding the Forest People. She’d been able tofeelthem. But now Salinda was there, serving as irrefutable evidence that Cora had used her clairsentience to worldwalk to a place she’d never physically been.
You had my help, Valorre reminded her.
You’re right. She couldn’t have done it without him. Without their connection. Without his link to his unicorn brethren and the image of the lake they’d helped him form.
Still, she wanted to take a little credit for herself.
Cora rushed the rest of the way to Salinda, and they met in a tight embrace. The smell of rosemary filled her senses, such a beloved aroma that always reminded her of her foster mother.
“Maiya knew you’d come tonight,” Salinda said, squeezing Cora tighter.
When they released each other, Cora scanned the trees around them. “Is Maiya…”
“She stayed back at camp.”
Cora’s heart sank. She still wasn’t sure her party would be permitted to enter the camp, but she hoped she’d at least get to see Maiya. Regardless, it was impressive that her friend’s claircognizance had grown so strong. She’d predicted Cora’s arrival the last time she’d come too.
“She knew exactly where you’d be this time. South end of camp, toward the lake.” Salinda’s eyes left Cora to land on the figures lingering slightly behind. Some of the mirth left her expression, and her voice took on a subtle edge. “She also mentioned you’d be bringing friends.”
Cora understood the woman’s apprehension. Doing what she was doing—bringing strangers to the commune—would have been against the rules when she’d been considered one of them. It was so much worse now that she was an outsider. A royal. “I did,” she said, masking her grimace. “Please allow me to introduce you to Mareleau and her son, Noah. Mareleau, this is Salinda. The woman who raised me for six years.”
Mareleau tipped her chin in greeting. It must have rankled her pride to be introduced as simply Mareleau and not her full title as queen, but they were all better off if they spoke as little of royal matters as they could. For now, at least.
“And you remember Valorre,” Cora said. Some of the Forest People had met him when they came to fight at Centerpointe Rock, and he’d basked in the reverence they’d shown him. He tossed his mane, eager to draw Salinda’s attention. Cora didn’t mention Berol, for the falcon had already taken to the skies on their way here. She didn’t thrive off meeting people the way Valorre did.
“It’s lovely to see you again,” Salinda said to Valorre, offering him a respectful nod.
Valorre’s emotions flared with pride.Ask her if she thinks I look fashionable—
I’m not asking her that right now, Cora mentally conveyed, then spoke to Salinda out loud. “This may sound like a strange request, but we desperately need someone’s aid in suppressing Mareleau’s magic.”
Salinda squinted, studying Mareleau. “Bernice is our most skilled warder now. She took Druchan’s place as an elder witch.”
Cora’s breath caught at the mention of Druchan. He hadn’t been fond of Cora after she’d returned to the commune with tidings of war, but he’d fought at Centerpointe Rock anyway. And died. She couldn’t help but feel responsible for that.
Salinda continued. “Bernice can create a lasting ward around another’s magic, but…I’ll need to see if I can convince her to leave Nalia.”
A spike of emotion slammed into Cora. She’d kept her mental shields down to sense her proximity to the camp, and now she felt a hollow grief that wasn’t her own. She spoke through the secondhand pain. “Is something wrong with the High Elder?”
“She’s been unwell for days,” Salinda said. “She’ll only allow Bernice to tend to her. We think she’s…”
Salinda didn’t need to finish. High Elder Nalia was dying.
“I’m so sorry,” Cora said, and this time her own grief mingled with her foster mother’s. Nalia was beloved by everyone in the commune. She’d been one of the few people who’d supported Cora when she’d confessed the truth of her history and identity. She’d always been old, wrinkled, and hunched. Yet fierce too. When Cora had last seen her, she’d seemed as healthy as ever.
“She’s had a full and long life,” Salinda said, her voice rich with emotion. “There isn’t a single person alive who hasn’t known her from birth. We knew she’d eventually leave us. Now, come. Let’s get you and your friend to my tent without drawing too much attention.”
* * *
