“Let’s talk it through on the way home,” said Wesley, shaking his head to clear the fog away. “I think the dance is over for us.”
*****
“We’re gathering the horses,” Morvaen reported to Graely, who sat propped against a tree, a bloody rag tied around his shoulder. “And we put the injured horse out of her misery.”
“And Jireo?”
“We’ve convinced him not to chase them on his own. For now. But he’s frantic—we won’t be able to hold him long. Do you have a plan?”
“My biggest fear,” said Graely, “is they will kill her or worse once they realize she’s not Alora. I don’t believe we can wait long to act.”
“What do you make of his statement about the bloodbond?” asked Nordamen. “I detected no bondmark, and his eyes were green, not blue.”
“Alora could see it.” Jireo pushed his way past Morvaen. “The remaining counc
il members were discussing it. She could see through their disguises. She could even see their eyes were blue, but no one believed her.”
“It’s hard to fathom how they could all mask so thoroughly. This is dark magick indeed,” said Nordamen.
“We’ll have to abandon the expedition,” said Graely. “At least we can be certain Vindrake hasn’t located Alora. She’ll simply have to stay hidden where she is until we can find a way to reach her and train her. Kaevin will advise her to stay away from Laegenshire. After we rescue Arista, we can try again to reach Alora.”
“It’s too bad Alora can’t help us. If only she could control her gift,” said Morvaen.
“She has only fifteen years. It will be years more before she can control the power of her wander-jewel,” said Nordamen. “Until she has complete control, she’ll only be a liability.”
“All I know is Alora has cost me my best friend and, now, my sister. I wish she had simply stayed hidden wherever she was and left us alone.” Jireo cursed as he stomped away.
*****
“I really think Jireo needs me,” said Kaevin. “I think Stone Clan needs me. I’m afraid someone may have been killed. Vindrake must have attacked again.”
“Then you should go,” reasoned Wesley. “Do they let you fight at age seventeen?”
“I can’t be a true warrior at this age, but I’ve engaged in many battles. When the fight comes to your home, you have no choice.”
“Could you go without Alora?” Beth asked. “She seems to be pretty good at fetching you. And maybe Raelene would help her if she got stuck.”
“I’m fairly certain Raelene wouldn’t favor any interference from us. Her generation doesn’t hold with teens in battle. My father has had many arguments with her about teaching the young people. In her day, weapons training didn’t begin until age nineteen.”
“But wouldn’t it be more dangerous if the young people can’t even defend themselves?” asked Wesley. “Especially if you get attacked at your home?”
“Exactly!” Kaevin said. “My father believes you should grow up knowing how to handle a weapon safely and effectively. He still doesn’t use children or young teens in battle, but at least they’re not defenseless.”
“So, if Grandmother won’t help us, we’ll go around her,” declared Alora. “I feel fairly certain I could bring both of us back here if I needed to.”
“You’re willing to risk your life to help?” asked Kaevin. “You don’t even know Jireo.”
“I’d do anything to help him, just like I bet you’d do anything to help my best friend.” Alora nodded toward Beth. “And anyway, Laegenshire is my real home. I’m not even supposed to be here.”
“Take me with you,” said Wesley. “I can ride and shoot a bow.”
“This is truly dangerous,” said Kaevin. “You’d be risking your life. It’s not like those people on your television. It’s real.”
“Yes, but I can use a bow from a distance, so it won’t be as dangerous.” Wesley raised his chin. “I’m made for this. I’m going to be a soldier, like my dad. I’m enlisting as soon as I graduate, just like he did.”
“I’m dying to go, too. You can’t leave me here,” said Beth. “Maybe I can’t shoot a bow, but I’m good with horses and first aid. I’ve been doing the EMT program.”
“I can’t take you guys with us. I’m not that good at this transport thing. What if I mess up or what if I can’t get you back here? And I don’t think your parents would let you go, even if they believed it was possible.”