“There’s no way that I could—”
“No,” Liza said abruptly. “At least not now, not yet. It’s not like I sit down to tea with my mom. The information I get from her comes in different ways. Sometimes through a dream, sometimes a fleeting thought in my head that I know she put there. It’s… not something I can replicate for you.”
“Ah. I see. Well, next time you can, let her know I’m grateful for her, and for her daughter.”
Liza smiled up at me. “I will.”
“And Liza, I’ve always worried about you. I care about you.”
Liza reached over and squeezed my hand. “I’m okay. And to answer your question, yes, I have family around. The Forest Dwellers are a tight-knit crew. We take care of one another. Before you get any ideas, I am happy here with my people.”
“I wouldn’t dream of taking you away, so long as you’re safe and cared for.”
“I am. I should be going back.”
Before I could wish her a more in-depth goodbye, she disappeared into The Forest. My strength was rapidly returning, now that I’d had some water and food. The sunlight helped too, as well as the sense of accomplishment that I’d successfully completed my first of three trials.
One down, two to go.
Instead of returning to Wisteria Cottage, I headed south down the western side of The Isle, following the curve of the shoreline. I carried my sandals in my hand, relishing the feel of the sun-drenched sugar-sand against my toes. The lap of waves against the shore. Nothing like a few hours of intense claustrophobia to make one appreciate open air and water a little more.
When I reached the bungalow, I climbed up the creaky porch and found Lily inside, mixing up potions for something or other. She smiled in greeting and gestured for me to take a seat.
“I have a question for you,” I said. “Is it possible for a little girl to talk to someone who’s dead?”
Lily looked up, obviously intrigued. “Like an imaginary friend?”
“No. Like actually talking to a dead person.”
“Should I be concerned?”
“I… don’t get that impression.” Then I carefully explained to Lily about my morning, about the first trial and how Liza had led me there. How she seemed so confident and assured and even matter-of-fact communicating with her mother.
Lily nodded thoughtfully when I finished. “There are complicated ways to commune with the dead, but I don’t think that’s what’s happening here.”
“Ironically, it seems the opposite of complicated. The way Liza explains it, her communication with her mother is the most natural thing in the world. It happens through dreams or thoughts or who knows what else, but it seems to happen without her trying.”
“It’s possible this is a gift specific to Liza. Forest Dwellers are often in tune with nature. They’re generally very spiritual people. They pass down a lot of history and lore through stories.”
“That makes the most sense to me.”
“I met my mother at my wedding,” Lily said softly. “She’s dead, and she was dead then too. It wasn’t something I controlled, though. It was a gift.”
I reached out and pulled Lily in for a hug. There were tears in her eyes at the memory.
“You’ll learn more as your powers grow,” Lily continued, pulling away from me. “The Fae Queens are deeply connected with the spirit worlds. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a way for you to communicate with them as well. It might just take time.”
“Maybe,” I said, and considering I’d just spent time in The Glade with my ancestors, I was pretty sure Lily had a point. “Thanks for letting me stop by. I should go home. I feel like I haven’t seen Silas in weeks.”
“Hang in there. Things will even out, sooner or later. You’re doing a good job.”
“What about Ranger X’s investigation?” I asked. “Has he heard anything new?”
“Nothing interesting to report, I’m afraid.”
“And Fenlon?”
“Same old,” Lily said with an eye roll.
“His following is growing?”
She hesitated. “Yes, unfortunately.”
“It’s okay,” I said. “I don’t have time to think about him much. I just need to make it through these trials alive. That’s a slightly more pressing concern.”
“You will,” Lily reassured with a smile. “Now eat a sandwich and get some rest.”
