No one speaks. I can’t take my eyes off Delphine, can’t process how close we came to losing one of our own.
It’s some time before I realise Briar’s collapsed on the ground. Tansy is at her side.
‘Is she all right?’
Tansy looks up at me, eyes moist. ‘Every time sylvanmares use their magic, it weakens them, and using her powers here, so far from the Sacred Grove and the core of the Physic Tree, drains more Aether than back in the forests. If those levels run too low…’ She swallows. ‘She needs rest. I’ll prepare an elixir from some of the dried lilacs I brought with me when we arrive in Galtair. They’re the sylvanmares’ favourite source of nourishment; it should help her regain strength…’ Tansy trails off as Delphine moans and reaches for the back of her head. The desolate sound echoes the hillside.
I study the pearlsprite’s wan face. ‘Perhaps she should remain in Galtair?’
Maris looks up sharply.
‘If she’s this weak at low altitude, I’m not sure she should travel further north. We’ve no way of knowing how she’ll fare land-dwelling in the mountains and—’
‘Land-dwelling’s not why she collapsed.’ Maris cuts me off midsentence. ‘She had similar episodes back in Riveria, and she was in the water when they happened. Though, being in the water, she revived more quickly.’
There’s a wrongness in her face as she kneels beside Delphine. Her eyes are glassy and unfocused and she’s wringing her hands.
‘I don’t un—’
‘She’s been poisoned.’
The air turns deathly still.
‘What are you implying?’ Astrophel snaps.
‘I’m not accusingyouof poisoning her.’ Maris rolls her eyes. ‘Look, she asked me not to say anything – she didn’t want a fuss.’ Maris points at the vial around Delphine’s neck. ‘See how dull it is?’
We nod.
‘It contains water from her birthspring along with her spirit pearl; it’s how she’s able to survive on land. A pearlsprite’s wellbeing is entwined with that of their water-source as well as the Aether core, and Delphine’s spring – what’s now called the Blood Basin – is infected with strangleweed, one of several noxious algae to spread through the Isles since the Sickening was unleashed. We’ve lost many of our pearlsprites to its choking threads.’ Maris’ voice is fraying, like she’s on the verge of tears. ‘The effects on Delphine are showing themselves in ebbs and flows. That’s why I didn’t want her to tide-twist, why I wouldn’t let her weather-weave.’ Maris’ eyes flick to mine. ‘It drains her Aether, leaves her weakened. More susceptible to the poison.’
‘Very like what’s happening to our moss-maidens.’ Tansy’s eyes are soft as moonslight. ‘They’re connected to the spirit trees they inhabit, and we’ve suffered heavy losses too as our forests are ravaged by blights.’
‘That’s why Delphine’s been so adamant about accompanying me.’ Maris shakes her head sadly. ‘She’s lost many of her sisters, knows she may not have long left herself. She saw this as an opportunity to play her part. Fight back.’ Maris clears her throat, dashes her sleeve across her eyes. ‘She understands the risks. She’s not a child.’ Maris is looking at me again. Her voice stronger now. ‘Delphine believes she can be useful. Who knows how her ability to water-weave might change the course of our collective fortunes. The moment may come when you’ll thank your precious stars that we took her with us.’
She has a point. Delphine is well aware of the danger, and more than capable of making her own choices. Sheisn’ta child. Besides, I can’t guarantee the safety of any one of the Quaternity. The search for the Starlight Staff could prove fatal for any – and indeed all – of us. Especially if I let my emotions drive me as they have been since that night in the remembrance garden.
Hard as it is, I have to strip emotion out of this. Blayze is right. I can’t afford to be reckless. It’s one thing wanting to lead, but with leadership comes responsibility. My father’s vile legacy has taught me that. And I’ve a responsibility to the other members of the Quaternity. I have to remain composed, careful. Otherwise, there’s a real chance we’ll die on the peaks. I have to get us to the Astral Mountain, but I need to do it safely.
‘How are we going to get her to Galtair?’ I ask. ‘She can’t walk, and Briar is in no state to carry her.’
‘I’ll take her,’ Blayze says hoarsely, scooping Delphine up in his arms.
Maris smiles up at him, like he’s the only person standing on the hillside. I don’t mean to stare, but I can’t help it. Her aura brightens, bathing her in a soft glow, like when a moon reappears after being hidden behind clouds.
I only realise I’m crushing my fingernails into the palm of my hand when it starts to smart.
Blayze turns towards the steep path leading to the Last City. He takes a few steps then mutters under his breath, ‘You’ll have to help me, Peacock. Your blasted thin air’s sapping my strength.’
Astrophel curls his lip, probably about to quip something cutting back, but then his gaze rakes over Delphine’s waxen face and wilted body. She looks almost childlike cradled in Blayze’s corded arms. Astrophel’s hands clench into fists, but then he crosses over and takes up the pearlsprite’s feet.
Together, they carry Delphine towards Galtair.
I lumber behind them, the numbness of shock still insulating me.
It’s not until we draw closer to its walls that the hairs rise again on the back of my neck.
We stand in the shadow of the Last City. Flinty eyes flash behind arrow slits in the battlements of its crenellated towers.
