“Margast found us in Moss Wood. I thought that was impossible,” Hesper replied in a clipped tone.
“There were tracks; you knew we were being followed,” Eldrene supplied.
“By hounds that posed no threat nor had any power, I thought,” Hesper retorted. “Margast shouldn’t be able to cross these boundaries, being as dangerous and powerful as he is, without your Forest Train knowing.”
“Thanadyn’s power is growing stronger,” Eldrene relented, her eyes never leaving Hesper’s. “I came as soon as I sensed his darkness enter Moss Wood. But you’re right, that should have been impossible.”
“Who is this Thanadyn?” I sipped my tea, letting the familiar flavor of nestleberries and honey coat my tongue. If I closed my eyes and ignored all of reality entirely, I could almost trick myself into thinking this was all a dream and I’d soon wake up in my attic bedroom like any other day.
“The Prince of the Witherings,” Eldrene said. I choked on my tea. Definitely not a dream. A nightmare, actually.
“I thought he died?” I clutched my tea closer as if it would ward away what Eldrene would say next.
“What do you know of that story, Clara?” Eldrene asked, tilting her beautiful head to the side, her violet eyes wide and curious.
I settled my teacup in my lap, peering into the dark water swirling about. The Prince’s—Thanadyn’s—story was like that, too, murky and clouded. I didn’t know much at all. Ludwig’s words from Celebration day had stayed with me, though. Could it be true?
“You were betrothed?” I asked, keeping my eyes to my teacup.
“Yes,” she said solemnly. “For a time. He ruled Starfall. The land that would become the Witherings.”
I gasped. Hesper was from Starfall—was she there when it fell? I looked toward her, but her face remained unreadable.
Eldrene pressed on. “For long ages, we ruled in peace. His fae kingdom, the immortal realm. My earth kingdom, Nestryia, the mortal realm. But then, Thanadyn’s magic became twisted, and his kingdom began to suffer. After ages of peace, war was on the horizon. I still had hope, but—but I chose to end our betrothal in an effort to protect my realm from his far-reaching hand.”
“I tried to reason with him, to bring him out of whatever darkness he had fallen into. It was of no use.” Her eyes hardened; her lips pursed. “I did what had to be done. I gave my power to the earth in order to snuff out withering magic and, in turn, the Prince himself.” Sadness mingled with grief laced her words.
I say it was her heart that truly broke her.
Ludwig’s words rang through my mind.
“The withering magic, as you know, was too strong. The Prince was bound in my magic, yes, but he was not ended completely. I could not finish the battle.”
“No one could,” Hesper said hoarsely.
So hewasstill alive. I realized Eldrene had never told us he was dead, not directly. She’d said he would never be seen again, and we’d filled in the rest of the story ourselves.
“Ever since that sacrifice, my power waned, and I could only be sustained through the devotion of mortals. The Goddess Celebration is what keeps me alive, as Thanadyn’s darkness does for him. And then, one hundred years ago, when the forest burned, it became more difficult to keep his magic at bay. He’s grown stronger ever since.” Every word was like a death knell. The Witherings was the largest continent on our map. The Prince’s power must have been overwhelming if he could drain the life out of such a vast expanse. And if his power was growing, then the entire world was at risk. Margast had already found his way into Moss Wood, not too far from my home. And Hesper had said we were followed this entire time. Hopelessness crept its way into my heart. I didn’t even know we were in the middle of a war, and here we were, already losing.
“Can he be defeated?” I asked. The answer, I assumed, was an obvious no. Eldrene could have defeated him if the majority of her power were not consumed with repressing his dark magic.
“He can be held at bay,” Eldrene offered. “He’s unable to leave the Witherings, but he’s been sending his minions to scout my territory to see if it truly is impenetrable. And to follow you two as well. Margast’s death will reach him soon enough. We will need to prepare for what’s to come.”
“Why did Margast want me? Why did he come?” I gripped the teacup, awaiting the answer.
“For yourmagic,” Eldrene replied.
Anger, confusion, rage, and terror all flamed up inside of me. I tried to master it before I burned any more bridges with the Goddess.
I. Don’t. Have. Any. Magic.
“What does Dwindle have to do with all of this?” I changed the subject, my voice low.
Eldrene chewed on her lip, seeming to weigh each word.
“Dwindle has little do with Margast and much more to do with you.” Eldrene stood to her full height. I scrambled to my feet to meet her stare. “You will continue on your journey and complete the quest.”
“Wait!” There were so many more questions I wanted to ask her.
