“It’s dangerous work patrolling the borders like that, Neera,” Magnus warned.
“I know,” Neera said. “But it’s the least I can do to help. I am more than capable of doing this. I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines and not contributing.”
I nodded in agreement, proud of my cousin’s bravery. “I agree, Neera.”
Saying my goodbyes once more to Neera and Magnus damn near broke me. My heart ached as I watched them leave the manor.
Refusing to allow my tears to fall, I steadied myself to read the letter Castor gave me before leaving Silver Meadows. Rhea and Talon joined me on the opposing side of the room, quietly waiting to see if they could help in any way.
I began unfolding the note from Daxton when another folded piece of paper tumbled free, hummingwith a strange sense of magic. I recognized it as the enchanted parchment Castor and Daxton used to communicate within the Inner Kingdom, along with Castor’s elegant handwriting.
Skylar,
How does fried roc taste?
-Castor
I laughed aloud, showing Rhea and Talon the letter before the ink magically disappeared.
“So, you write a message, and it’ll appear on the other half?” Talon asked.“It’s that simple?”
“Yes,” I replied. “Simple but brilliant.”
“What’re you going to write back?” Rhea asked as I located a writing utensil.
Castor,
The feathers get stuck in your teeth. I wouldn’t recommend it.I’m coming back—be ready.
-Skylar
I lifted my pen and waited for the ink to dry.
“Nothing’s happening…” Rhea’s voice trailed off as the ink disappeared. “Wow! That’s amazing! Let me try.”
“Rhea,” I scolded. “It’s not a toy.”
“Well, it’s flashy like one, and it does cool tricks. Try to argue against that.”
“Rhea…”
“Fine, fine. I’ll behave.”
“Good.” I chuckled, shaking my head. “’Cause I’m leaving this with you.”
“What, me?” she questioned, arching her brow. “Why?”
“I trust you,” I said, carefully folding the parchment and placing it in her hands. “Castor has the other half of this. Any message you write on here will go to him, and then he will be able to relay it to me.” I grasped her hands, holding them tight. I had missed her company more than words could express over these past few months. “You’re the best one to keep this safe, and I know you’ll be the first to warn me if something is amiss while I’m away.”
“Bet your ass I will.” She grinned, giving me a big hug, followed by Talon wrapping his long arms around us both and squeezing until it was hard to breathe.
Once again, I stood on the familiar olivine crystallized shores of the green sand beach. And, once again, I had to say goodbye.
TheOpaldocked just beyond the cliffs, waiting outside the outer rim of the ancient volcano’s caldera.
Captain Fjorda himself rowed a small boat onto the shoreline to ferry me aboard. The one I took to shore likely drifted off. His beaming smile was contagious as he came ashore.
“It’s about time,” he said as he leaped out of the boat and scooped me into a giant spinning hug. “Don’tyou dare tell Silver Shadow I hugged you.” He chuckled, setting me down on the sand.
