Ann sagged against him.
Ed stumbled as he caught hold of her. His energy was gone, too. Slumping back onto the ground, he wrapped his arms tight around her, and let sleep drag him under.
Ed blinked as he awakened. Bright sunlight dazzled him. Ann still lay snuggled up in his arms. Power hummed from the stones and he snuggled closer to Ann. A shadow fell over as the sun faded as something big blocked it out. A roar filled the air, and the ground shook. Ed bolted up and saw the wyvern flying overhead. Blue light radiated from the stones. He heard shouts in the distance, and spotted Jerome and the other druids firing arrows.
“Ann?” He shook her shoulder. “Ann, wake up.”
Ceara came running over. “Here you are. We’ve been looking everywhere for you two,” She puffed. “There is a dragon.”
“I see that.” Ed rose to his feet.
Ann groaned as she came awake. “What’s going on?”
“Come on, wake up, lovebirds. Look, dragon!” Ceara cried.
A crow squawked as it flew over to them. It shifted into Jax.
“Dragon?” Ann scrambled up and looked skyward.
“It’s the wyvern I met last night,” Ed remarked.
“How can you meet a dragon?” Ceara asked, pulling out her shock rods.
“Wyvern,” he corrected.
The wyvern circled. The light from the stones continued to shield them within the circle.
“Ann, tell them to stop shooting at it,” Ed snapped.
“Are you mad?” Jax drew his staff, readying himself for attack.
“No, it’s hasn’t attacked yet, has it?” Ed knew he couldn’t let them or the druids harm it. He felt a connection to it he didn’t understand.
Maybe it was a kinship, since he often felt trapped with a beast inside his body.
“It’s a dragon, I doubt it’s here to make friends with us,” Ceara said.
Ed blurred away, moving from the protection of the stones’ shield. Ann called after him, but he didn’t answer.
He stopped when he reached the grove. The wyvern swooped down, landing a few feet away.
Ed approached with caution. “Why have you come here?” Although careful, he didn’t sense a threat from it. Nor did his beast seem bothered by it.
Ann, Ceara, and Jax reappeared beside him in a flash of blue orbs.
“Ed, what are you doing?” Ann asked.
“Losing his mind, by the looks of it,” Ceara remarked. “Ed—”
He held up a hand to silence them. “Shush, let’s see what it wants.”
“Brother, it’s a dragon,” Jax protested.
The huge beast roared. Ed’s own eyes flashed from amber to emerald. He reached out and touched the wyvern’s head.
The wyvern roared again, tossing its head from side to side.
“Ann, don’t,” he said as she raised her hands. “It’s not here to hurt us.”
“Then why is it here?” Ceara asked, keeping her shock rod out just as Jax did with his staff.
Ed closed his eyes. The wailing rang through his ears again, but this time, it didn’t hurt so much.
His heart ached as he sensed the wyvern’s distress. “It doesn’t want to be here, but it’s been ordered to attack.”
“Since when do you communicate with dragons?” Jax asked.
“I’m not. I feel its emotions on some level.” He shook his head. “I can’t explain it.”
“I don’t feel anything,” Ceara pointed out. “What does it want?”
“It came to deliver a message.” His brow creased.
The wyvern opened its mouth and dropped a crystal to the ground.
Jax bent and picked it up, scanning it for energy. He also had some control over stone magic.
“I don’t sense—” Jax yelped, dropping the crystal as it flared with heat
A hologram appeared, and a smiling Urien stared back at them. “Hello, sister,” he said. “Well done for raising the shield at Trewa. Didn’t know you had it in you.”
Ann’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want?” she demanded. “And where in Erthea did you get a wyvern from?”
Urien laughed. “That’s not important, but there are plenty more from where they came from. I want to invite you all to the palace. We need to talk.”
“What makes you think she’ll do that?” Ceara sneered.
“If you don’t, every leader from around the five lands will die. I’ll order my wyverns to attack and kill every druid in Trewa.” Urien’s smile faded. “Your shield won’t hold forever. Not under the strength of dragon fire. Be here tonight, or I’ll attack.” The image winked out before any of them could say another word.
The wyvern let out a mournful wail as it stared at them with tears that glistened in the sunlight. Then it turned and took to the sky. Within moments, it vanished over the horizon.
Chapter 20
“Wait, you want to walk right into Urien’s hands?” Ed demanded, staring at Ann open mouthed.
They all stood in her cabin, having gone there after Urien’s little wakeup call. Urien had used one of her father’s devices to send out a call to all leaders of the five lands, demanding they come to the palace at once. She had no idea how Urien would have found the device, but what was done was done. Now she had to act.
“I have to get to that meeting. Urien must be planning to do something big to have used the device at all.” Ann paused and bit her lip. “Ceara can get me in there by taking me in as a prisoner. It would be safer if you and Jax didn’t come with us.”
Ed’s mouth fell open. “What? No. No way. I’m not letting—”
“You can’t be serious,” Jax remarked. “I knew that bloody Gliss would turn on you.”
“I’m the one who suggested it to her,” Ann said. “There’s no point in arguing. We’re going. You and Ed can sneak in along with the rest of the leaders.”
Ed shook his head. “No, I’m not letting you put yourself at risk—”
Her eyes narrowed. “Since when do you let me do anything?” she demanded. “This is my choice. I can’t take the two of you with me; Urien would never believe Ceara overpowered all three of us. It’s better if I go. I’m the one Urien wants.”
“Could you please not talk about me as if I weren’t in the room?” Ceara scowled. “Do you have a better way of getting there? I’m the only one who can get in and out without raising suspicion.”
“No, but there are much less dangerous ways of doing it.” Ed crossed his arms and turned to Ceara. “You’ve said yourself that Urien doesn’t trust you anymore.”
“Bringing Ann to him is the perfect way to prove my loyalty. It will make him think I want him back—which I don’t, by the way.” She shuddered. “So unless you have a better way of us getting in without bloodshed, I’m all ears.”
Ed’s jaw tightened and he muttered an oath under his breath.
“I have to get in there before Urien has the chance to wipe out most of the leaders of the five lands,” Ann said. “Ceara can get me in there. He’ll keep sending more Gliss after us if I stay here and do nothing. I think our time here has ended. I don’t want to put the druids at any more risk.”
“You haven’t even perfected your spell yet,” Ed protested. “What are you going to do if you do confront Urien?”
“The only way of knowing if the spell works is to try it.” She rolled up her coat and shoved it into her pack. “Pack up your things and say your goodbyes. Ceara and I are leaving.” She had no idea what she was going to say to her uncle yet.
To her surprise, Blaise came in. “I agree with Ed and Jax. It’s too dangerous for you to go with only a Gliss by your side.” He glared at Ceara.
She turned and scowled at Edward. “I can’t believe you called my uncle for help.”
Ed raised his chin. “Maybe he can make you see sense.”
She turned her attention back to Blaise. “Since when do you care about what happened to me?” Ann raised an eyebrow.
“We’re still family. Just b
ecause you can’t die doesn’t make you invincible. Darius’ magic isn’t infallible. Urien could still find a way to undo it, which means your death could become permanent.” Blaise put his hands on her shoulders. “I’d rather not lose what little family I do have left. You’re welcome to stay here among your people. The power of the stones will keep Urien at bay for now.”
Ann shook her head. “No, staying here only puts all of you at risk. I couldn’t live with myself if more people died because of me,” she said. “No, it’s best if we leave. I was foolish to think I could stay here. Ceara and I are going to Larenth. End of discussion.”
“You can’t go running in there blind,” Ed snapped. “How will you get out? Have you even thought this plan through?”
“I can send the four of you to the outskirts of the palace,” Blaise said. All four of them gaped at him.
Ann frowned at her uncle. “How?”
“Your father had a secret way in and out only he and I knew about.”
That seemed impossible. Ann thought she’d known every inch of the palace and its grounds. “Where is it?”
“It’s a small gazebo on the outskirts of the grounds. You and Xander used to play there as children,” Blaise explained. “Your father made it as a portal to transport in and out—we designed it together. It looks nothing like a portal. All its inner workings are concealed. We made in case he ever needed to escape without leaving any trace of his own magic behind.”
“Urien will sense her the minute she arrives,” Ed pointed out.
Blaise shook his head. “No, he won’t—not unless she uses magic herself. The portal is designed to be undetectable. It will get you there.”
“Can we use it as a way out again?” Ann asked. She’d planned as far as getting in but hadn’t got as far as getting out. She figured they would find a way out once they got there, just as they had last time they’d faced Urien.
“Yes, but you’ll need this.” Blaise pulled out a pendant with a white oak tree carved into black stone, surrounded by three stars. The symbol of the archdruid. “This belonged to your father.” Blaise held it out to her. “Never let it out of your sight.”
She remembered Darius wearing it all the time. “I thought he still had it on him the night he died.” Her fingers wrapped around the stone. It felt cool to her touch, and a lump rose in her throat.
“He sent it to me the night he was killed.” Blaise wrapped his hands over hers. “I don’t want you to go but I know nothing I say will stop you. You are the archdruid. Embrace it. You’ll need all your strength to defeat Urien.”
Ann wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you.” She sniffed. “Be ready,” she said to the others. “We’re leaving for the palace within the hour. After that, we’re not coming back to Trewa.”
“Let’s hope we’re still alive long enough to go somewhere else,” Jax muttered.
“Where are we going to next?” Ceara asked. “Something tells me I won’t be seeing a soft bed for quite a while.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” Ed said. “There are a lot of different places to hide within Caselhelm. We’ll find somewhere to stay for a little while, then move on. Better get used to life as this a fugitive, little sister.”
Ann left the house to go and say goodbye to Sage. The druid hugged her and told her to be safe.
“Are you sure you’ll be alright here?” Ann asked her.
Sage smiled. “There’s life in these old bones yet.” She hugged Ann tight. “The path of the archdruid can be a lonely one. I’m glad you have Jax and Edward with you.”
“And Ceara,” Ann added. “I know you may not believe it, but she has changed. I hope you can find in your heart to forgive her someday.”
“Be safe. You and I may have our differences, but you are family to me.”
“You be safe, too.” Ann returned her embrace.
As she left Sage’s house, she headed out to find Jerome outside his hut. She hesitated when she saw him. After the disaster of last night and falling asleep with Ed again, she didn’t know what to say.
“Rhiannon.”
Ann winced. Why did he have to call her that? “Hey, I came to say goodbye.” Best to get it over with than draw it out any longer.
Jerome frowned. “You’re leaving? Why? You are the—you belong here with your people.”
“I think we both know I’m not like other archdruids. I’m more of a rogue. But I’m glad we got to see each other again. I wish we could’ve spent—”
Jerome cupped her face and kissed her. “We’ll see each other again. I know it.”
She pulled away and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Maybe.” Ann didn’t know what else to say. “Listen, about last night—”
Ann turned around to see Ed standing behind her with a pained expression on his face. “We’re ready to leave,” he said and turned away from her.
Ann felt a pang of guilt and hurried after him to go back into Blaise’s house.
Blaise led them to the back garden. Outside stood a small metal gazebo. It was an octagonal building with turrets on top. Ann remembered seeing one like this back at the palace. It had been used as a place to sit and tell stories during the summer months when she was a child. She, Ed and the others all tried to outmatch each other with different stories.
“All four of you need to be careful. Once you’re there, I will destroy this part of the portal so none of you can return. I won’t risk Urien finding a way back here,” Blaise warned. “I can’t help you once you’re there.”
“We understand. I’ve been alone for the past five years. Try not to worry so much.” Ann hugged him one last time.
Blaise glanced at Ed and Jax. “Thank you both for helping keep my family safe.” He flicked a glance toward Ceara. “I hope you’re as trustworthy as my niece thinks you are.”
“I am on her side, believe that.” Ceara stomped inside the gazebo.
“Be careful.” Blaise squeezed Ann’s shoulder. “Don’t go so long without coming to see me next time. You’ll always have a place here among our people.”
“Goodbye, Uncle.” Ann smiled and stepped inside the gazebo.
Blaise muttered words of power. Static flashed over the metal structure.
Ann’s head spun as she and the others were knocked to the floor. It felt like being sucked up into a tornado as light whirled around them. Stars danced around them as the gazebo moved through time and place, taking them away from the safety of Trewa and through the different planes of existence.
Orbs sparkled around them as their bodies and the gazebo reformed. Ann yelped as she landed on something soft.
“Argh, your uncle never mentioned how awful that would feel.” Ceara groaned and clutched her head. “That feels worse than when you use magic to transport us to different places.”
Jax grumbled, “I think I might have left my stomach behind.”
Ann looked down, realising she now lay on top of Ed. “Sorry.” Her cheeks flushed with heat.
“No problem.” He tried to move, and she fell against him as she attempted to get up.
“Get off me!” Ceara gave Jax a shove.
“Oh, like I want to be touching you, woman.” Jax glowered at her, then glanced over at Ann and Ed. “Not interrupting anything, are we?”
Ann felt her cheeks burn hotter and she rolled away from Edward. “Of course not.” She rose and peered into the empty garden, half-expecting guards or Gliss to come running. Yet she saw no one underneath the old tree.
The gardens looked different from what she remembered. Back in her father’s day, they had been well-kept. Now the flowers were all dead, the grass stood overgrown, and brambles curled and grew in every direction.
“So what’s the plan?” Jax asked.
“Ceara and I get in. I’ll stay until the meeting. You two will bust in and get everyone out safely,” Ann replied. “The meeting is scheduled for today.”
“I still think Urien will be suspicious,” Ed added. “Mayb
e if I were with you, or even Jax, it would look more convincing.”
“Of course he will, which is why Ceara is taking me in as a prisoner and pretending to be on his side.” She brushed dust off her leathers. “For the final time, no. You and Jax aren’t coming with us. Especially not you. Ceara wouldn’t be able to overpower you or Jax very easily.”
Ceara raised her chin. “I could if I had enough time.”
Jax glared at Ceara. “How do we know this wasn’t your plan all along?” he demanded.
Ceara’s lip curled. “I’m never going to be on that bastard’s side,” she sneered. “For the love of the gods, I thought you trusted me now?”
“We do.” Ed nodded. “I’d still be happy if we didn’t have to split up.”
“I’ll call you when I need you. The main thing for you to do is to get the other leaders to safety,” Ann told the others. “Then I can finally try out my spell to save Xander.” She’d spent weeks trying to get it right, but the only real way to test it was on Urien himself.
“We shouldn’t be out in the open like this,” Ed remarked. “We should head to the old Black quarters like we did last time we were here. Jax and I can hide out there.”
“No, that’s too obvious. Urien will suspect you and Jax will have followed her,” Ceara said. “Especially you. You never leave her side.”
“Told you we hadn’t thought this plan through,” Jax grumbled.
Ann ignored their bickering and clutched her father’s pendant as she moved outside. “Remember you are the archdruid,” Darius’s voice echoed through her mind. “This is a key, and the symbol of the power we possess.”
She saw the door she’d seen on the other side and muttered, “Reveala.”
Light flashed as a wooden door appeared.
“Ann, you can’t use magic out in the open like this,” Ed hissed as he peered beside her.
Ceara frowned. “What’s that door? Why is it standing in the middle of nowhere like that?”
“It must be the vault Ann’s been looking for,” Jax remarked as he and Ceara moved outside of the gazebo.
“It’s not my magic, it’s my father’s.” She reached out but found no visible handle.
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