“Kywyn says they’re already keen to bring you into the fold. We’ve been hoping for your return for two decades.”
Was he expected to join this Council thing? A dull thud pounded deep in his head. Could he make it back through the mist on his own? Where would he end up on the other side?
Probably better not to risk it.
“So the training grounds,” Sean said, changing the subject. “They train for the…Exorcism?”
She nodded to the guards at the entrance as they stepped outside. “Exactly. If you’re anything like Lhynion, you’ll love it. But you’ll want to start right away. You’re already years behind. Autumn and I started before we were ten. We’re Sentinels now.”
By the proud smile on her face, Sean assumed Sentinel was a respectable rank.
The glitzy forest spread as far as he could see—trees taller than buildings and wider than cars. Despite his misgivings, he couldn’t deny the sense of belonging this place instilled. The aimless disorientation he’d felt inside the Tree abated.
“—required to complete a five-year Apprenticeship and join the Honor Guard before they’re sent into Viterra,” Bel was saying when he focused on her again. “But they’ll probably make an exception for you.”
“Oh?”
She nodded. “The pixies are very strict with their rules. They have to be, as the realm’s warriors. Their tribes adhere to an experiential hierarchy.”
“The…pixies?” Sean asked, picturing Tinker Bell. “Warriors?”
“Yes, the Queen placed them in charge of training us centuries ago.” Her gaze sought his. “Lhynion was a pixie.Youare a pixie.”
“Pixie,” Sean said again, because this couldn’t be true. “Pixie?”
She shot him a confused glance. “Yes. Pixies with mortal bloodare rare. Lhynion’s family is known for it. There have only been a few throughout the centuries. Pixies tend to stay with pixies.”
“I’m apixie.” The word stuck in his mouth, came out disjointed and strange. Pixies were small, mischievous creatures with wings. Not…him.
Bel nodded. “Lana was full-blooded pixie. I wish she would have explained this.”
“Me, too,” Sean said on a long exhale. He focused on the trees surrounding them, trying to recenter, then squinted ahead to the place that must have been the training grounds. The sprawling area was thick with people—archery, hand-to-hand, knife fights, sword fights. As they drew closer, the thuds of fists against flesh, clangs of metal, and cheers and jeers of onlookers peppered the air.
It shouldn’t have been comforting, and yet…
“The pixies are warriors?” he asked, more intrigued now, entranced by the sights before him.
Isobel chuckled. “Yes. They love a good fight. They charge their Light from a good fight.”
Perhaps hewasa pixie, then, since the thought ofthisfully eased the anxiety brewing inside.
He thought of his trusty punching bag back home. All this was certainly an upgrade. Then he thought of Carl and smiled. He’d finally scratched that itch to get out, just like the old man had urged.If Carl could see me now…
A bridge over a small creek served as the entrance to the training grounds. On the other side, circular tents housed an array of weapons to the left and a check-in area on the right. Other tents spread behind them—food and water, medical supplies, and one that looked like an outhouse.
Inside the check-in area, a handful of dark-haired, blue-eyed figures stood before a wooden wall, pinned with thick papers displaying dates and names and activities in a language Sean had never learned but couldalmostread.
As Bel guided him their way, their gazes landed on him andstuck. All five went silent as they bowed, touching two fingers to their temples.
She spoke, her voicing forming syllables and cadences he’d never heard but could have sworn meant something like, “I see you heard the rumors he’s back?”
“Aye,” one said. “Blessed be the Savior.”
There was that word again.Savior. It made his ribs constrict.
Isobel smiled. “I was hoping to take him straight to Cathaire. You think?—”
Sean turned toward his busy surroundings. This place was insane. Bodies hustled in every direction, sweat-drenched with exertion.
