CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“I give willingly the essence of my being, the essence of my soul.”
—Ode to Aurora, Lyrics for Soulbinding. Sir Ronan Merik’s private quarters, Mount Telum.
Arumbling vibrated through the floor, as if the massive tree took a deep breath while I searched for any literature that might explain the death of the Lady of Tomorrow. I didn’t know why I was back at the Living Library, but something still nagged at me, and I couldn’t push it from my mind, even with the unsettling revelations over the past day.
My stomach churned at the task ahead. Isla, Nerissa, Ronan, Vienah, and Vulcan would join me with whatever crew Queen Antares selected. And though we spent over an hour trying to figure out how we might wiggle our way free of our deal with the queen, there was no way around my separation from Tiberius.
My chest caved in worry as I thought about the sentries stationed throughout Lotrennia, always watching.
Quit hovering, he murmured.We’ll be fine. I’m an agrippa turned caeluma.His voice hardened with a pride echoed in my heart.It will take more than a few iron bolts to bring me down.
You’re not making me feel better, I replied, my stomach churning.
We’ll still be able to communicate. Bayne and Aquila were able to cast when you were separated last winter. And you’ll be back in a few months.
If I could find it. And if we survive the deadly environment.
You will.
Tiberius’s unwavering faith did little to ease my worry about what awaited him while I was gone.
Arms full of books and scrolls, I strode through the winding shelves, making my way back to the center of the massive tree. Mind still spinning, I barely registered the soft scuffle of boots against the stacks as Khato, the old master of spells, stepped in front of me, blocking my way.
I balked at his sudden appearance, nearly dropping my haul.
“My apologies. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Wisdom swirled in the tawny eyes that surveyed me. My stomach clenched at what had been revealed in our meeting. As if reading my thoughts, he gave me a soft, sad smile, his cloudy gray brows tilting up.
“I found something that may be of use to you in your search for information.” He nodded his head toward the books in my arms.
He extended a tightly curled scroll from the collection he carried. I made to take it from him.
He held firm and murmured, “You may find what you’re looking for on the eighth level.” I eyed him warily, and his gaze deepened. “Water shows us the way. I’d better get going. The winds of the west bring a blanket of clouds this evening. Thestars tell us stories, you see, and I’d rather not miss their tale tonight.”
I cocked my head as he swiftly stepped past me. Eighth level. I could swing by on my way out, though, I was supposed to be meeting the crew soon for last-minute planning…
But the body... Those markings... I hurried through the stacks, peeking at the tightly wound scroll Khato had given me. I slowed my gait, unfurling the scroll as rivers, valleys, and mountains spread before me. My brows pinched in confusion as I stared at a map of Lotrennia.
I stopped walking as I scanned the terrain. My eyes snagged on black ink etched near a cluster of rivers that met in the north. The elven symbol for the number eight. My eyes scanned the intricate letters, and I slowly sounded out the Elvish words they spelled.
The Waters of Ascendiel.
A three-hour flight from here, if I had to guess. I replayed the words in my head to my caeluma, who was quiet for a moment.
Bayne said the Waters gifted those who visited with the rare power of sight. The Master of Spells wants you to see something. Something he couldn’t tell you, even in the privacy of the stacks at the Living Library,Ti’s voice sounded eager in my head.
A blanket of clouds,I mused.
Under cover of darkness,Ti continued my own thought.We’d be able to slip out and return before dawn, before you have to leave.
And maybe we could find a clue to the battle Bayne saw, as well as the Lady of Tomorrow’s death. We’d need to leave soon.
I’ll meet you outside.
We flewover the trees of Ayla straight into a thick blanket of clouds, aiming for the small bay where theEvectasat docked, making sure the sentries saw us flying west before we caught an updrift and soared north.
