Veda met her eyes as they knelt across from each other in the dirt in her spot—the spot the mercenaries chained her when they realized she was sickening being apart from the earth.Where she’d lain when the mountain had made its initial connection with her.When she was rescued by the soul-guardian she’d put her trust in and finally reunited with Connor.
“This will seal you to the mountain.Are you sure you’re ready for this?”They’d talked about it seriously before they’d left and again on the journey.But for Veda’s sake, and Connor’s trust, she had to ask once more.
Veda swallowed hard, clutching at her necklace until Daya was certain there would be a mark on her palm.Ereven and Ember were quiet for once, their presence looming in the background of the open connection they all shared.
Slowly, she released her tight grip on the necklace, pressing it against her chest for a moment before she let go.She placed both hands on the ground and looked up at Daya with clear eyes.
“I’m ready.”
Elation drove Daya’s hands into the dirt as she smiled at Veda.She’d been devastated when she’d first learned there was a new guardian coming.Hadn’t understood.She did now.This was a family.A partnership completely unlike the one she’d had with her mentor.
Leading, Daya opened her connection to the mountain fully and let its magic and power pour into her.Melding with her own, it swirled brilliantly inside with the rush of the coming storm.She absorbed it and channeled it back into the earth in a new way.
Remembrance.
Holding an image in her mind, she began to mold and shape the earth beneath their fingers.Asking, melding, influencing.Rain began to fall as she formed a large circular seal between her and Veda.
Daya pressed an image of a hawk into the clay, holding it until it absorbed and took hold as a permanent etching.Six stars in a night sky were added next, surrounding the bird—one for each of the children.
Veda’s magic joined hers, mimicking her requests and movements, adding her own magic to the power of the earth that flowed through them.A new image appeared on the seal before Daya’s eyes as Veda added her influence—a long sword grasped in the hawk’s talons.Through their bond, she felt Veda’s intention, saw that the sword shimmered as if made of the same glittering mineral that laced the armor Daya wore.
A few tears escaped as the image seared Daya’s heart.She sent a feeling of approval to Veda through their mental bond, letting her know it was okay to include Connor with them.
Cleanse and destroy the present darkness.
Shifting her emotions to guide the magic coursing through her, Daya sought the earth beneath the keep.Beneath the dungeon and tunnels.Taking a steadying breath, she stood and walked to the wall of the keep, pressing her hands to the stone.She asked for heat, fire enough to melt the iron below.
They wanted to destroy the dungeon, not the rest of the keep where mages had lived long ago.Heat rose, blistering in its intensity as it swept from deep within the earth.She opened paths through the ground deep inside, directing it where she wanted.
It’s not enough,Veda said.
Neka gave a haunted roar.Glancing back, she saw the owlcat was pressed against Veda’s side, the pair of them watching her intently.
I know.Daya met the girl’s troubled gaze.I don’t think I can destroy it without destroying the whole keep.
Bring it down,Veda decided.
Neka chuffed her own affirmation.
Daya hadn’t wanted to do that, but she’d promised Veda the choice.She reached out to Hannelore.Help us take it down.
Power rose instantly, the earth quaking beneath her feet.
Moving swiftly, Daya backed up to give the mountain room to work.She ushered Veda and Neka to a safer spot to stand and squeezed Veda’s shoulder.
They watched as the center began to cave inward, the earth roiling and churning as it tried to destroy the building.
Water rained down on them, turning the ground to mud beneath their feet under the constant onslaught.With the keep crashing down chunk by chunk, the earth roiled beneath their feet.The mud turning the ground slippery as all tried to keep their balance.
A tendril of unease wound through Daya.This was getting too dangerous for the others.
Turning, she grabbed Veda’s small form and lifted her up onto Neka’s back, situating her just behind the owlcat’s wings.“Lie forward and hold on to the fur at her neck if she needs to run or fly.”
Thankfully, the girl was small enough that it was still possible in an emergency.Neka unfurled her wings in preparation to fly, understanding her responsibility perfectly.
Stones began to crack and crash as one wall started to tumble.Lightning lit the night, striking twice at the highest points of the keep.
“Neka, go!”she shouted to be heard above the storm and the crumbling earth.
