“I have blades every place they can be stashed.” Kaevin patted his pants and stomped his feet. “I’ve got metal blades and ceramic as well, so I won’t be weaponless if Alora transports me.”
“The same for me.” Arista drew a blade from her pocket, flipping the knife, catching it by the handle, and sliding it back into her pocket. “I’d rather use a bow, but I’m fair with a blade.”
“More than fair,” Wesley protested. “I saw you practicing. You’re amazing!”
She shrugged her slim shoulders. “I’m gifted in weapons, so I’m accurate with any of them. I can wield a sword as well, but the bow and arrow is still my preference when I’m fighting against other gifted warriors.”
“I wish I had a gift like that.” From the longing expression on his face, Alora thought Wesley might be willing to move to Tenavae if he could acquire such a gift.
“What about you, Alora? Do you have your blades?” Uncle Charles’s held his pen poised over his notepad.
“I’ve got both the knives you made me take, Uncle Charles, but you know I’d probably cut myself if I tried to use them.” Alora’s heart raced and perspiration dampened her underarms, though she attempted to look calm for her uncles’ sake.
“You were improving when we practiced together.” Although Kaevin’s words were positive, Alora knew he was simply attempting to encourage her.
I’m awful, and I know it. But if we get out of this alive, I’m going to learn how to use some kind of weapon. I don’t like feeling helpless. “Honestly, if our success depends on me defending myself with a knife, we’re all in big trouble.”
A crease of concern flickered across her uncle’s forehead before he erased the emotion from his face. “Next… the plan. Let’s go over it one more time to be sure.”
Arista inhaled and let fire with rapid succession, all in one breath. “Be quiet. Open the door. Check for guards. Close the door. Make a plan. Open the door. Step out. Practice a short transport. Close and seal the portal. Transport to Graely in Laegenshire.”
“Correct.” Charles made another checkmark. “And if Alora can’t perform a transport?”
“We’re supposed to climb back inside and make a new plan.” Alora hoped it wouldn’t be necessary. It was taking all the courage she had to make herself climb out once. She wasn’t sure she could do it twice.
“Okay. I guess we’re ready to go.” Charles tucked his notepad away.
Jireo grabbed Kaevin’s arm. “Wait. If Arista seals the portal…”
“You can still come through from the inside out.” Kaevin finished his sentence.
“You’re absolutely certain?” He posed the question to Arista.
“According to Nordamen, who’s never been wrong about anything.” Arista struggled to braid her tangled blond masses as she spoke.
“That’s not quite true,” said Alora. “Nordamen was wrong when he said Kaevin and I couldn’t be soulmates.”
“If one of us went out through the opening after Arista closed it, would it be unsealed?” Jireo’s earnest expression made Alora wonder if he was planning to do just that.
“Yes, of course.” Arista’s frowned up at her brother. “That’s the only method by which the portal can be reopened. So don’t pass through the portal after I’ve closed it.”
“I’d never undo your hard work, Arista.” Jireo exchanged a strange look with Kaevin. “Unless I was forced to.”
“Charles and I sure won’t force you to open it, Jireo. And no one else is in here, so I think we can safely say the portal will remain sealed.” Wesley scratched his head, lifting his brows in question.
“Very well.”
Jireo held Kaevin’s steady gaze. “As long as we understand one another.”
“We do,” Kaevin returned.
It was Alora’s turn to roll her eyes. “And they say girls are dramatic!”
*****
Arista pulled the door open a crack, peeked outside, and closed it again. “There’s no one about, but the portal opens above a pool of water.”
“That makes sense,” Charles remarked. “Alora was wrapped in a sopping wet blanket when we got her.”