“Heard you.”Ryan stretched and flexed his fingers.“Alright.I’m going to need the letter copies and the notebook we found.A stack of blank parchment and ink.And that bottle of berry mead.In reverse order.”
So, the messages were coded into the letters.“You think the symbols are the key?”
“Not one I’m familiar with, but yeah, I think that’s the connection.”
“How long to break it?”
“Two days, maybe three,” Ryan said thoughtfully.“More if it’s a complex code.Less if it’s not.”
“So, no idea?”
“Code breaking—”
“—is an art,” Connor said in sync with him.“Yeah, yeah, I remember.”
None of the rest of them had the patience or mind for it, so like it or not, he’d have to wait and let Ryan work it out.Connor sighed, but headed diligently for the cellar.
Chapter 27
Ridgecrest Forest, Border of Eldridge and Zamyra
Thundercloudsgrowledmenacinglyasthe final storm of winter moved into place over Hannelore’s domain.
They’d been waiting for a big enough storm to come through since the prisoners had been picked up and Veda had decided on a course of action for the fortress.It had taken longer than expected but had finally arrived.
Soon, lightning would snap the sky with flashes of light as it struck through the clouds.The noise and obstructed sky made it the perfect time to do their work at the fortress.They could grow things any time of year, but for the destruction they needed to be able to mask their activity.
Veda was excited as they hiked through the woods surrounding the fortress.They’d had to leave the horses a ways away, tucked into a protected alcove, for safety.Neka and the hawks had come with them to the fortress.An air of expectation wove among them, emanating from the earth itself.
A distant boom of sound had Veda turning to her with an infectious grin.“Do you think the sky hunters are out?”
“They must be.”Daya smiled back.“I haven’t seen a storm this turbulent in years.”
Ever since they’d discussed needing a storm to cover their magic at the fortress, she’d been telling Veda her father’s many stories about the sky hunters.The girl had only heard two of them before and had been enamored with the glossary of stories in Daya’s memory.It had been a bonding experience each night as they sat by the fire, allowing her to share her own past with Veda.The only problem was that it kept Raiden’s presence heavy on her heart.
“Do you think Evie is all right?I bet storms like this are hard for her.They must be home by now, right?”
“They should be, yes.Hopefully they’re safe in their den.”
“That means Connor has the necklace,” Veda said, sounding pleased.“I’m glad we sent it to him.”
“Me too.”
Her heart yearned for him, wishing he was with them for such an important moment.The ache had become a steady companion she’d grown accustomed to… for the most part.She couldn’t linger in sadness now though.
Change was needed, and they were ready to initiate a cleansing and rebirth of Ridgecrest.The sky darkened around them as the deep vibration of the storm heightened.They’d made it to their destination just in time.
“Neka, Ember, scout the site,” she instructed.
She couldn’t feel anyone through the earth, but it would be unfortunate to find a stray traveler taking shelter in one of the structures they were planning to decimate.
Once they’d brought back news that the site was clear, Daya turned to Veda.“Be careful and stay right by me.Magic won’t protect you from falling rock.”
“Got it.”
“Lead the way.”
With a deep breath, Veda walked confidently across the compound.This moment was so much more important than the girl realized.It was a reclaiming but not just of the site.No, it was much more.
