“I’m afraid I don’t know what to tell you, Sam. We’ve never been in this position before because there has never been anyone quite like you.”
“Stupid prophecies,” I grumbled. “Why do they always have to be so vague?”
“Because you’ve been through so many prophecies before.”
“Har, har.”
“Sam.”
“What?”
“You know I believe in you, right?”
“Ugh. Really? That’s so lame.” I kicked at the water. “Yeah?”
“More than anyone else,” he said softly. “Because I know your heart, Sam of Wilds. I’ve seen the way it beats, how it’s been lightning-struck. And I know you’re angry with me, and you have every right to be, but one thing I need you to know above all else. I would have found you, prophecy or not, because you and I are tied. Always.”
“You’re a jerk,” I said with a sniff. “I’m going to give you such a hug when I get back.”
“Only you can make an act of affection sound like a threat.”
“It’s part of my charm.”
“You’re scared. It’s why you called.”
“Yeah,” I said, looking at the light in the horizon. “I’m scared.”
“You’ll do fine.”
“I know. I just needed to hear it. But if….”
“If?”
“If I’m not fine, will you… will you tell Mom and Dad I love them?”
He was quiet for a moment. Then, “Yes, Sam. I will. But you’ll be able to tell them yourself soon enough.”
“Okay. Um. Anything?” About Myrin was what I couldn’t say.
“No,” Morgan said. “Nothing.”
And I didn’t believe him.
“RUV KNOWS the way,” Vadoma said as we stood outside Mashallaha later that morning. The sun was at our backs, as we would be traveling farther into the desert. “He will guide you. Keep you safe. Take you to the desert dragon.”
“Yeah,” Ryan said. “Except I think I’ll do just fine keeping Sam safe.” I shot him a look that had him fumbling. “Or we’ll keep each other safe, that works too, which is exactly what I meant in the first place.”
“You could just stay here,” Vadoma suggested. “I don’t see the need for why a knight would have to go any farther. You stay here with Vadoma. I bake you cookies. You like cookies? Yes. You like cookies.” She glanced balefully at Gary. “You should also stay. But no cookies for you. You get hay from the barn. Because you’re an animal.”
“Hate you too, bitch,” Gary muttered under his breath.
“In fact, Ruv will guide Sam with the dragon,” Vadoma said. “And nothing more will happen, of course. Like coupling or gazing into each other’s eyes and realizing that they are meant to be.” She started swaying, covering her eyes with a gnarled hand. “Oooh, I am having a vision! A dire, dire vision. It says that you should listen to Vadoma! I am the drabarni, the seer. You will perish if you leave! Oooh.”
“Wow,” I said. “You’re just… terrible. Like… awful, man. What the hell. How are we even related?”
She dropped her hand and glared at me.
I shrugged. “Pretty much true. Not even sorry, dude.”