Though the morning sun glittered on the sea, a lingering sense of unease followed them as they rode away from the city, the haunting melody of the night before still echoing in Sorcha’s mind.
Eirin rode beside her, silent. She wanted to say something. But words felt too small for what had happened. So instead, she nudged her horse closer, close enough that her knee brushed his to let him know he wasn’t alone.
Chapter 19
Slán Agat
The ride back to Lumora was quiet, almost serene. The steady beat of hooves mixed with the gentle whisper of leaves in the breeze. Autumn had painted the land. The bright greens of summer were fading into golds and oranges, though the change wasn’t quite finished. Sorcha rode beside Riona, guiding her horse, Shadow. She tried to find peace in the ride, but her thoughts kept returning to the kelpie. The unsettling song still echoed in her mind, along with the image of Eirin and Emry, both under its spell, drawn toward the water as if they were different people. Trying to shake off the unsettling thoughts, she glanced at her friends and spoke.
“Did we get everything we needed for the festival?”Riona, on Briar ahead of them, turned with a raised eyebrow. “Of course, we did. You think I’d let us come back empty handed?”
Rhosyn, her arms protectively around a bundle of silks and spices tied to her saddle, added, “I double-checked everything before we left. The festival planners will be ecstatic. We have spices, silks, crafted bowls, and more. The town will look amazing.”
“And the dresses,” Emry chimed in from the back, his voice teasing as he looked at Riona. “Because those were, obviously, essential to the mission.”
Riona turned in her saddle and grinned at him. “Don’t pretend you weren’t admiring them, Emry. I saw you.”
“Guilty,” Emry admitted, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. “It’s hard not to appreciate art when it’s right in front of you.”
Sorcha smiled slightly. “Good. I don’t think I could face the planners if we’d forgotten something important. They’d send us right back.”
Eirin, who had been silent most of the ride, finally spoke, his voice calm but quiet. “You’re all worrying too much. The festival will happen, just like every year. Let’s focus on that instead of… other things.”
Though he didn’t say it, Sorcha knew he was trying to put the kelpie out of his mind, just like her. She nodded, glancing at him.
“You’re right. Besides, I need to figure out how to upstage Rhosyn in her dress.”
Riona laughed, her braid catching the sunlight as she turned in her saddle. “Good luck with that. Did you see the embroidery on mine? You’ll need a miracle.”
Sorcha grinned, her competitive side emerging. “We’ll see about that. Maybe I’ll add extra flowers to my hair. Or pearls. You won’t know what hit you.”
Rhosyn, who’d been silently watching, finally spoke. “You’re both fighting a losing battle,” she said with a sly smile. “I’ve already outdone you both.”
Sorcha turned to her, raising an eyebrow. “I loved the artwork on your dress. Did you get the orange one?”
“I did. It’s burnt orange with green leaves embroidered on the hem and bodice,” Rhosyn said, pride in her voice. “And tiny beads sewn into the leaves. They shimmer just enough to catch the light without being too much.”
“It is beautiful,” Sorcha conceded, a little envious.
Emry chuckled softly. “For what it’s worth, I think you’ll all outshine everyone at the festival. And if anyone asks, I’ll take the credit for the dresses.”
“Oh, you would,” Riona said with a playful glare. “Anything to take credit for our success.”
Lumora’s spires shone gold in the fading light, the city buzzing with festival preparations. The air thrummed with music, the scent of spiced wine thick in the air. As they passed through the gates, Sorcha exhaled, realizing she’d been holding her breath.
Home.
The familiar sights and sounds of Lumora welcomed them, a comforting wave. Though the kelpie’shaunting song still echoed in her mind, the city’s energy and the festival preparations were a welcome distraction.
Chapter 20
Unspoken Truth
Having entered the gates, Eirin and Sorcha proceeded directly to the Druid School, a place where Commander Nethran often spent his time. He could usually be found there if he wasn’t out on patrol or stationed at the gates. Unlike the small, quaint elementary school filled with the sounds of children, the Druid School was ornate and richly decorated, like everything else in Lumora connected to the Circle. Its enormous spires, crafted with crystal cut prisms, pierced the skyline, causing the city to glow in rainbow hues during the day. Rhosyn, Riona, and Emry stayed behind at the stables to unload the horses, ensuring the goods were carefully handled and accounted for.
Eirin and Sorcha passed through a large, grated courtyard, surrounded by towering iron gates entwined with greenery, which kept prying eyes away. Etched runesfurther protected those inside. An incantation opened the gates, revealing the courtyard’s centerpiece: a gleaming statue of Lugh. The sun god stood in a throwing stance, his spear poised as if ready to strike. A perfect circle of flowers around him mimicked the hues of a sunset. As they climbed the steps to the main hall, familiar sounds filled the air: the clash of swords, instructors shouting movements, the hurried shuffle of feet, and the overlapping buzz of conversations. A faint smile crept across Sorcha’s face, stirring memories of her own days there. Her eyes drifted to the tapestries hanging high above, each depicting scenes from the first and second battles of Mag Tuired. She could still recite the stories of the forgotten gods and creatures shown on the tapestries by heart after many late nights studying them. Brushing her fingers lightly against the pillars, they reached Commander Nethran’s office. Inside, the commander sat at his desk, pen scratching against parchment. He glanced up briefly as they entered, then returned to his task.
“At ease,” Commander Nethran said, his gaze sweeping over them. “I appreciate yourprofessionalism in this setting.” A quick smirk appeared on his face, only to vanish as swiftly as it came. “Did you secure all the necessities for the festival?”
