Glancing at Jackson and getting a nod, Hunter said, “Consider it my mating gift to you.”
“You might want to visit a couple of the art museums also,” Oracle said. “There are quite a few.”
“Give me a minute, guys,” Jackson said, picking up his phone and tapping out a message.
“Thanks for the suggestion, Oracle,” Hunter said. “Pet, what are you most interested in?”
“Hmmm, I prefer paintings and drawings more than sculpture, but other than that, I’d love to see different styles…anywhere from old masters to modern,” Fionn replied.
“Hey guys,” Jackson announced. “Steel is arranging the trip for you as we speak and, if you don’t mind, Cody and Dylon will also be going along since they have to be at the hearing, too. Theo and Norm have agreed to watch Jake and Jessica for them.”
“Is that all right with you, pet?” asked Hunter.
“Sure, but will we have to share a room with them? I did that with Theo and Norm in Scotland and…well, I spent a lot of nights at my hoard,” Fionn said.
Chuckling, Jackson shook his head. “No, Steel has arranged for separate suites.”
“Perfecto!” Fionn grinned.
“Good,” Jackson said. “The helicopter will be here in half an hour…is that enough time for you two to pack and be ready to go?”
“We can do it, right, mate?” Fionn asked Hunter.
“Not a problem.”
Oracle, looking at Fionn and Hunter, said, “If, after you have had time to absorb all you have learned and have any more questions, I am available to answer what I can.”
“Thank you, Oracle,” Hunter said. “We appreciate it.”
“Wait,” Fionn said, “when do I find out what I’m supposed to do…you know, with the dragons, to fight the evil?”
“When you are ready, I will explain more,” Oracle said.
“But how will I know when I’m ready?” Fionn asked, slightly miffed at Oracle’s answer.
“I am sorry, but I do not know. I imagine it will be around the time the goddess sends her emissary to teach you how to use your power,” Oracle replied.
“Oh.” Fionn’s shoulders slumped, remembering all the uncertainty he’d faced up till now.How can I make plans when at any moment my life can take a turn…a turn once again decided by someone else?
“Sweetie, may I give you some advice?” asked Oracle.
Nodding glumly, his former excitement gone, Fionn resigned himself to what he’d always heard—be patient, don’t worry so much, it will happen when it happens—that last one, he hated the most.
“Do not go to a funeral until the day of the funeral.”
“What do you mean? I’m going to die?” asked Fionn.
“No, sweetie. It means live your life, go out and do what you want to do, draw until you can’t anymore, love with your whole heart, laugh until you cry, fly among the clouds, have fun and enjoy life. It is the only one you will ever have so make the most of it. The future is not set in stone and if you spend your life waiting for something to happen that may not happen, then darkness has won and you will lose.” Rising, Oracle smoothed her skirt and smiled at Fionn. “Now go and see San Francisco, enjoy yourself, get inspired, and have fun.”
Grinning at Oracle, Fionn said, “Thanks, you sound just like my mother.”
“Of course I do, she was a smart woman,” Oracle replied, her eyes twinkling as she left the study.
“Hey guys, you better get a move on. The helicopter is on its way,” Jackson said.
Jumping up, Fionn extended his hand to Hunter. “Time to go, mate.”
Hunter’s fingers found his mate’s hand, taking it in his. As he stood to leave, he said, “Thanks, Jackson.” Then, with Fionn in tow, he headed across the great room to their suite.
