“So, what? You’re telling me that if you were to step from here”—I pointed to the northwest corner of the map—“to here”—now down to the southeast corner—“that it would feel as if you’re taking one step, but you’ve actually traveled past the entire fae realm, through the Winter and Summer Courts, and just appear back in the human realm?”
“Yes. It’s either a glamor, a different form of valenning, or the fae land sits in a different dimension entirely—although I’m more inclined to believe the former,” Thaddeus added, as if to himself.
I was utterly speechless as I continued to study the map and its implications.
“All of the markings,” I said, pointing to the ones that could indicate where the magical object was, “are in the fae realm. How are we supposed to get to the object if we can’t even get into their lands without one of them valenning us?”
“We haven’t got that far yet,” Thaddeus admitted.
I wondered if having the spark would grant me access to the fae realm without being valenned in, like how I’d somehow taken us to that void. Stars, every time I was promised answers, we turned a corner only to find another dead end.
“I’d have to say that I don’t agree that this isn’t of consequence,” I said dryly.
“I suppose that’s true. I hadn’t realized how adept you are atreading maps. I didn’t know the implications would be this significant to you.”
I glowered at him. “Is there anything else that you’ve deemed too insignificant to tell me?”
“I’m sorry about the map, Nyleeria,” he offered.
I sighed. I wasn’t mad at him, not really. It was just a lot to take in, and I was frustrated.
“And the best way for me to help is to figure out this power of mine?”
“For now, yes. I’d like to start your training this afternoon, if you’re up for it, that is.” Uncertainty flickered in Thaddeus’ eyes.
Perhaps he’d thought I’d refuse, given his ultimate intention. But I needed to understand this ancient power. And if Amos found out I was the spark, he’d hunt me down no matter what Caius said.
“Okay,” I said, “I’m in.”
Chapter 42
Changing Tactics
Having a few hours before training with Thaddeus, I picked my way through the woods.
“Damn it,” I gritted, untangling the oversized bandolier from another branch. Stars, I missed my own equipment, and it wasn’t the only thing I missed about my old life.
No blade could chase away what had been revealed today, but I’d try my damndest to keep the thoughts at bay. Genocide. How had we gotten here? And why in damnation had the fates bestowed the spark on me, for this?
Don’t think for a second they wouldn’t do the same thing to us, given the chance, Nyleeria.
Thunk.
Now, now, Nyleeria. None of that.
Thunk.
I asked how thatboyof yours is?
Thunk.
You’re nothing but a cursed changeling, Nyleeria.
Thunk.
“Ahhhhhhhhh!”
Thunk-thunk-thunk.
