“The Scrolls hold more wonders than the makings of the world,” Rawn said. “Such things could illicit power if not great knowledge.”
“Why did he come after Dyna?” Zev growled.
“Von overheard us speaking of the map in Landcaster,” she said. “They’ve been spying on us since.”
“The Raiders knew about us,” Cassiel told Zev. “They know what we are.”
“That is Tarn’s method,” Rawn explained. “He studies his opponents before he advances. I suspect he must seek the treasures of Mount Ida. Now that he has learned of the map, his pursuit of Lady Dyna will not cease until he obtains what he wishes.”
Zev’s eyes glowed iridescent in the firelight. “I’ll end it the next time he comes for her.”
“Now that we know about him, we will be ready,” Cassiel agreed. “I am assuming he is after the treasure.”
“I don’t believe it’s the treasure he wants,” Dyna said.
Rawn nodded. “I agree. He has already gathered abundant wealth from his raids.”
A snarl ripped out of Zev’s throat. “Then what does he want?”
“Power. Mount Ida contains unimaginable magic. Whatever he seeks, Urn and the rest of the world may be at risk because of it.”
Dyna shuddered. “The boy mentioned something strange. He said they had been expecting me for years. That a Fae Seer had foretold it.”
“The Seer of Faery Hill?” Rawn asked in surprise. She nodded. “The Seer is eminent in Arthal. She has the gift to see the future and fate of others. It is a rare ability many among the fae folk seek to use or control. Because of it, she lives in confinement within the Unseelie Court under the protection of the Night Queen. To request the Seer’s services, you must entice the Night Queen with a gift. She is known to prefer human children.”
A prickle of goosebumps coursed down her arms. “God of Urn. Do you think Tarn would have …?”
“From what little we know of that man, I would not think otherwise,” said Zev.
Her eyes stung with tears. That poor child.
“Did they tell you what the foretelling was?” Cassiel asked. He looked skeptical.
She shook her head. “Geon called me the Maiden with the key to Mount Ida. He spoke of six Guardians that would protect me. It seems you and Zev are two of them.”
The men stared at her, not sure what to make of it. She didn’t understand it either, but she believed it. Her journey since leaving North Star had all been too incredible to be a coincidence. Zev had protected her since birth and Cassiel had guarded her against danger since their first meeting.
“I suppose this is where I shall leave you,” Rawn said as he stood and gathered his belongings.
“Are you to leave us again, Lord Norrlen?” Dyna asked him.
He paused, taken aback by the question. “I do not wish to overstay my welcome. I have imposed myself again in your matters.”
“Something led you to us the moment Tarn came for me. If the foretelling is true, you must be a Guardian. You gave me an oath of protection, Lord Norrlen. You promised to be my shield and to guide me to the end of the world and back. I aim to hold you to your word. Please, be our Guidelander.”
Rawn’s eyes widened. “If that is what you wish, my lady, I shall join you with goodwill … should your companions’ consent.”
Dyna glanced at the others, wary of their reactions. She had expected them to immediately refuse, but neither of them did. They studied Rawn in consideration.
“He saved your life,” she reminded Cassiel.
Zev crossed his arms. “He also had a hand in our escape on the loch.”
They had not told her about that.
Quiet anger simmered on Cassiel’s face. “There was a second attempt to take you. Their elf wields magic. I doubt we would have survived it.”
Dyna would have to reflect on that snippet of information later, for she couldn’t help but notice the use of“their elf”. She grinned widely and said, “You mean,ourelf saved us?”
