“Nope,” I lie.
“Brave or foolish?”
I shrug. “A little of both, I suppose. Depends on who you ask.”
“Foolish.”
“I do think I’ll be going now,” I say, taking another step back. “It was extremely nice to meet you.”
I glance behind me and find that I’m only a few feet away from the edge of the bookshelf. I begin to tap into my magic, praying for a blast of light to momentarily blind the creature of darkness, allowing me time to rush around the corner toward the entrance.
“You won’t save him,”Eldursyth whispers, stopping me in my tracks.
I narrow my eyes. “Save who?”
“The one like you who also carries a rider. Except, he isn’t in control anymore, is he?”
“How do you know anything about that?” I grow defensive, knowing exactly who he refers to.
“I know everything—past, present, and future—little one,”he speaks into my mind.“I also know what hangs around your neck, but you don’t, do you?”
I instantly touch Fen’s necklace and grab it in my hand. “Will you tell me?”
The snake smiles, again.“If you return the book.”
I think for only a second, knowing his offer and my life may expire at any moment. I place the book on the ground in front of me, slightly kicking it in his direction. “Fine. Tell me.”
“Impatient,”it hisses.
“I’ve heard that before.”
A dark laugh coils into my mind, and I shudder at the sound. The serpent looks at the book, and back at me before speaking.
“The resurrection stone isn’t the only powerful crystal in these realms,”Eldursyth begins.“The Gods created a stone for each kingdom centuries ago, which was given to the kings at that time. The resurrection stone was bestowed upon your family, while stones with other gifts went to the others.”
I feel the tingle of the stone against me.
“You currently possess the stone of Andorwood.”
“What does this stone do?” I press, but can’t hide the panic I feel. The others have the resurrection stone, and what if they obtain more?
“You possess a powerful one, but it is not as powerful as some others.”Eldursyth slithers closer.“Andorwood was bestowed with the Stone of Truth. Many seek answers when they journey to Andorwood, desperate for the truths of the realms, but few ever acquire that knowledge.”
I move backward, nearly outside the passage and into the open space, but I keep my gaze on the book. I can’t leave without it.
“What is the most powerful stone?” I ask.
Eldursyth grins.“That is up to the Wielders in possession, I would say. Each is powerful and deadly if you are creative.”
“How are they destroyed?” I dive into my magic again and think of light—only light.
“Oh, little one, only a God can destroy the stones,”the serpent hisses.“A war is coming—one like none other. I will be here long after the war ends, but you won’t be. There is no use in trying.”Eldursyth rises higher in the air over my small body.“There is no use in praying for a God for help. They abandoned you all long ago.”
My magic simmers within me, and I can feel the painful need for it to escape.
“What does this stone do? How can I wield it to help us?” I ask, attempting to hide the desperation in my voice.
The creature ponders me before answering,“The stone you possess is the most interesting of all the stones, but telling you upfront would be giving away too much. Information costs you; I hope you know.”
