I would’ve laughed if the news hadn’t been so terrible. It seemed the Dream Team had been carrying on without me. A sudden powerful desire to see my friends came over me. “Can I use the phone? I want to tell them I’m awake.”
Moira looked away from me, her expression impatient again. “I’ll do it for you. But no visitors until the doctor clears you. I don’t care if Eli and Selene try to break down the door. Understood?”
“Understood.”
“Good. Now sit out here and relax while I make you something to eat.”
The idea of my mother’s cooking filled me with a whole different kind of dread, but as she disappeared inside the house, I did as she asked, resting my head against the back of the chair. I was asleep again in moments.
* * *
The next time I woke it was to the sight of a doctor standing over me. The woman seemed nice enough, although her fingers felt like icicles when she had me raise my shirt so she could check my heart rate and breathing. Twenty minutes later she gave me a clean bill of health and a regimen of lots of bed rest and food for the next two weeks, and only approved visitors.
I shot a look at my mom as soon as the doctor had left.
She rolled her eyes. “I told Selene that she and Eli couldn’t come over until tomorrow at the earliest. They’ll be here as soon as school’s out for the day.”
I sat up straighter, suddenly remembering my educational duties. “Crap, I have exams coming up.”
Mom waved. “Don’t get excited. With everything that’s happened, you’re being given a pass in all your classes with the Magi Senate’s approval. It’s the least they could do. I expect sooner or later they’ll bestow some award on you, once things have settled down.”
I didn’t understand at first, but then I remembered Consul Vanholt lying dead among the ruins of the pavilion. No wonder things needed settling down.
“What about Paul? You haven’t mentioned him. Is he okay?”
Moira sighed. “He’s fine. He’s just … unavailable. He’s been placed in protective custody for his own safety. Word about his uncle has spread despite efforts to contain it. Brackenberry feared Paul might be in danger of retribution. The attack on Lyonshold was the biggest in the island’s history. Seventy-two magickind dead.”
I swallowed, my throat and eyes burning. So many lives lost. How many were my schoolmates? Even knowing that there could’ve been a lot more didn’t make me feel any better. And poor Paul. It was so unfair. He’d escaped the threat of his uncle only to be put under this new threat.
But maybe there was a light at the end of the tunnel. “And what about my cell phone? Were they able to identify Marrow’s supporters?”
Moira huffed, clearly not wanting to talk about it any longer, but I held her with my gaze, insisting she go on. “By the time they caught up with Magistrate Kirkwood the cell phone had been destroyed.”
“But that doesn’t make sense. Why would he destroy it?”
“He didn’t. It was some kind of self-destruct mechanism.”
All the air whooshed out of my lungs, making my head spin. He lied. Paul had lied. After all of that. Only … the pass code had worked. I’d seen it with my own eyes. But then I remembered how he had wanted to make sure the app was hidden again when he first showed us it inside the Kirkwood mausoleum. Maybe the app had to be shut down properly or it would self-destruct, just another one of Paul’s insurance methods.
With an effort I pushed thoughts of Paul from my mind. Maybe there was an explanation for what had happened to the data and maybe not. Either way, it didn’t matter now. The list of Marrow supporters was gone.
* * *
True to their word, Selene and Eli arrived the next day, both of them eager to see me. Selene hugged me so hard, I didn’t breathe for a full twenty seconds.
“I’m so glad you’re awake. And if you ever go unconscious for that long again, I’ll never forgive you.”
Eli hugged me next, far more gently than Selene had. His touch was tender and intimate, full of the longing that still existed between us. But no sooner had he wrapped his arms around me than he pulled away. We were in the living room, and he walked to the farthest sofa and sat down.
I looked at him, sadness squeezing my chest. Nothing had changed. He still believed in the dream-seer curse. I’d known better than to hope things would be different, but it still hurt.
Thank goodness for Selene—she managed to draw my attention away from Eli with talk about school and all the things I had missed. She and Eli had attempted to learn more about Titus Kirkwood’s death, but they hadn’t gotten very far. “But the most surprising thing that’s happened,” Selene said, “is that Miss Norton gave Eli her talking stick.”
“What?” I craned my head at him, noticing the bracelet on his wrist for the first time.
Eli rubbed a thumb over the smooth leather. “Yeah, she says the wand has formed some kind of connection to me. I guess the magic in it has been mostly dormant for a long time, which is why she used it the way she did in class. But for some reason it’s started working again. For me.” A slight color rose up in his cheeks. If possible, it made him even more handsome. “But personally I just think she feels guilty about the part her precious Terra Tribe played in the disaster at Lyonshold.”
Selene snorted. “I think it’s probably a little of both.”
I smiled halfheartedly as my thoughts drifted to the sword sitting on the dresser in the spare room. Eli’s situation with the wand made me wonder about my own with Bellanax. Had it chosen me? It certainly felt that way.
I glanced at Selene who was watching me with open concern. I pushed hair out of my face. “So speaking of the Terra Tribe, who all—” I paused, swallowing. “Who all made it?”
Eli and Selene both shifted in their seats, neither wanting to go first.
At last Selene drew a heavy breath. “More than you would’ve expected, mostly thanks to the ritual itself. I guess after they lit the bonfire, they were supposed to walk to the nearest natural water source and extinguish the flames. Melanie was the only one who didn’t make it.”
I stopped breathing, a terrible pressure wrapped around my entire body. Melanie Remillard was dead? I remembered all too well how we’d fought the last time I’d seen her. And now I would never see her again. I would never have the chance to right that wrong. Tears stung my eyes and I couldn’t hold them back this time.
“Who else?” I said, wiping the dampness from my cheeks.
Eli sighed. “Nobody we knew, a couple of seniors and a freshman. Nine students in all. They’re holding a memorial service for them next week at Arkwell before exams start.”
Selene nodded, then added in a lighter tone, “Lance is back. They finally broke the curse. Britney’s back, too. She’s doing so much better. She’s still on crutches, but in her mermaid form she’s fully recovered, apparently.”
“That’s great,” I said, welcoming any happy news at this point.
“Britney filled in a couple of the blank spots for us,” Selene said. “Like how she ended up under Kirkwood’s thumb. It seems her mother is a head scientist in a senate-run environmental research lab at Lyonshold. Britney works in the lab with her mom on weekends and stuff. Magistrate Kirkwood was one of the government overseers for the lab, so he’d met Britney a number of times.”
Titus Kirkwood had been a horrible man, no doubt, but I could easily picture him being charming and friendly when he wanted to be—a lot like Paul. I bet Titus had an easy time first befriending her. Then later, he’d turned vicious, forcing her to do his vile deeds.
I didn’t bother asking if Britney had said what Kirkwood had on her mother to make her do what she did. I knew she hadn’t. Britney had been willing to curse and kill to protect her mother. I doubted she would give up that secret now.
I didn’t blame her. I would do the same to protect my mother. For some reason the thought made me feel like crying again.
“You okay, Dusty?” Selene said, bringing my at
tention back to the present.
I nodded. “Just tired still.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t see how someone who’s been asleep as long as you have could still be tired.” A smile broke across her face, and she winked. “I’m just kidding. What you did … well … it was incredible.”
I blushed. It didn’t feel incredible. It felt like something someone else had done. Once again questions about the sword crowded into my mind. I’d picked it up and held it a hundred times the last two days. And each time I felt that presence. Felt Bellanax. But it seemed less strong than it had on top of the tower. Dormant, perhaps, like Eli’s wand had been. Even still, I couldn’t forget the way it had seemed to take control of me. Could it do it again? And how far did that control reach? It had already made me jump into a fiery pit.
I shivered and then tried to cover it up with a yawn.
Selene came over and hugged me again. “You get some more sleep. We’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Yeah,” said Eli. “Tomorrow.” He stood and turned toward the door, but then he changed his mind and came over to give me a farewell hug. It lasted longer than the first, if only by a couple of seconds. But that was okay. I would take it.
With the way things were changing for the worse around here, I would cling to any good thing I could get.
36
Partings
The following Friday my mom and I climbed into her sports car and headed to an awards ceremony that the Magi Senate was holding to honor Eli, Selene, and me. I didn’t want to go, but I was glad it was being held in Vatticut Hall at Arkwell—I’d found myself missing the school these last few weeks. Senate Hall, where such an event normally would’ve taken place, was a long way from being restored.
The ceremony lasted less than an hour while the newly elected consul, Lisbeth Borgman, formally the darkkind magistrate, gave a speech about the great service we had performed and then presented us each with medals. Selene and Eli received silver lion medals while I received a gold medal emblazoned with a phoenix. The irony of this was not lost on me. Apparently, the phoenix medal was the equivalent of the Medal of Freedom given out by the president of the United States. But all I could think about was Marrow and his black phoenix.
Afterward, there was a small party with drinks and appetizers. Nearly everyone came up to shake my hand and express their gratitude. Within minutes I felt completely overwhelmed and ready to leave. But at least there were a couple of familiar faces, including Sheriff Brackenberry, Lady Elaine, and most of my teachers, of course. I even spotted Mr. Corvus, but I paid him no mind. Eli had put my suspicions about him to rest a few days before.
He had confronted Corvus about the three-ringed symbol in the ancient text and the one in The Atlantean Chronicle as well as the stuff in the notebook. Corvus claimed it was a common symbol for unity and the notebook merely a translation of the ancient text. He was a historian, after all. Eli had confirmed the symbol with a bit of research. Its presence in both books was, for once, genuine coincidence.
Sometime later, Lady Elaine asked me for a private word and we headed out to the commons. It was dark, but the full moon overhead made it easy to see.
“How are you adjusting to the sword?” Lady Elaine asked.
At the mention of Bellanax, my hand automatically went to the thick silver band around my left wrist. The day before my mother had walked me through applying the glamour to the sword, the same as I would’ve to a wand or staff.
“Fine, I guess.” I raised my arm. “It’s a bit heavy.”
Lady Elaine pursed her lips. “I’m sure it is.”
“What is the sword, exactly?” I said, all the questions that had been lingering in my mind these last few days coming to the surface again.
“On its most basic level, it’s what we call a numen vessel. It contains the ghost of some long-dead magickind.”
I shivered, even though her words came as no surprise, given all I’d learned from Deverell. “Is Eli’s wand a numen vessel, too?”
Lady Elaine smoothed the front of her black cocktail dress. “Yes. There’s a long history of numen vessels bonding with one magickind. The spirits that inhabit them can be very particular about who they want as master.”
I turned and sat down on the low stone wall nearby. My energy level still wasn’t back to normal. “But this sword belonged to Marrow last. Should I be worried?”
“No, the sword is yours, and will do only your bidding.” Lady Elaine sat down on the wall across from me.
I ran my fingers along the silver band, which always warmed to my touch. “But it’s so powerful. This was The Will sword. Won’t there be people who’ll want to take it from me?”
“Only a few of us even know you have it. I suggest you keep it that way. And it’s a sword, so I doubt you’ll have much reason to go flashing it around.”
I snorted, picturing myself standing on a table in the cafeteria as I did my best Xena Warrior Princess impression. “But why didn’t the senate just destroy it?”
“Oh, they tried, but nothing worked.” She grimaced. “So we bound it to the stone plinth with a spell that only the sword’s true master could break.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “But that could’ve been Marrow. It should’ve been him.”
Lady Elaine shook her head. “We don’t know much about sword lore in particular, but we do know that physical death breaks the numen bond. Even if the person will be reborn.”
I exhaled. “So I’m stuck with this thing until I die?”
“One can only hope.” She crossed a leg over the other then said in a gentle voice. “And if you want the truth, I’m relieved it came to you.”
I tilted my head. “Why?”
“Because I can think of no one better to have it. There’s no denying that it’s very powerful and that power can corrupt. But I think you won’t be so susceptible.”
“Why not?”
“Lots of reasons. Partly because you have such a good heritage. The women in your line have a long history of standing against evil, and sacrificing everything to ensure goodness prevails.” A wry smile crossed her face. “I’ll admit your mother’s methods are a bit unorthodox, but her heart is always in the right place. And look at Nimue. She willingly imprisoned herself in a dream for hundreds of years just to keep the sword hidden from Marrow.”
I rubbed my temple. It was a lot to live up to. The band on my wrist felt heavier than ever. “But wouldn’t it have been better if Nimue had found a way to kill Marrow and keep him from resurrecting? I mean, is there a way?”
Lady Elaine considered the question a moment. “Yes, I imagine there must be some way, but we have a more pressing topic to talk about.” I braced myself, guessing what was coming next.
“Eli told me that you know about the dream-seer curse.”
I nodded, unable to speak.
“And do you believe him?”
I met her sharp gaze, managing not to flinch. “I don’t believe he was lying, if that’s what you mean. But that’s not the same thing as whether or not I believe in the curse.”
Lady Elaine’s sigh barely reached my ears. “The curse is very real, Dusty. I can share with you my vision if you would like.”
I shook my head, not tempted by her offer even for a second.
“Very well.” She stood. “Nevertheless, you should know that we are taking steps to ensure that you two keep an appropriate distance.”
Anger heated my face, and I stood up, too. “Oh, I’m aware of it. My mom told me this morning that she booked us on a summer-long tour of Europe.” We’d argued about it for nearly an hour, and each time I’d asked if it was because of Eli she’d changed the subject.
“It’s for your own good, Dusty.” Lady Elaine exhaled. “What reason would I have to lie about this? Do you think I’m a cruel, heartless person out to deny two teenagers the pleasure of true love?”
I wanted to say yes, but I didn’t. I knew she wasn’t trying to keep us apart because she wante
d to. I took a deep breath, struggling to keep the waver out of my voice. “If there’s a way to kill Marrow once and forever, then there must be a way to break the dream-seer curse, too.”
Lady Elaine’s pitying look hit me like a slap. “It doesn’t work like that. All magic has a price. Even dream-seeing. And this is it. You and Eli can never be together.”
I didn’t say anything, but turned and walked away, silent tears wetting my cheeks.
All magic has a price.
I knew she was right, but it was a price I didn’t want to pay.
* * *
The following Sunday my mom and I drove to the airport. I still didn’t want to go, but I knew when I was beaten. I was going whether I liked it or not. And it was a trip to Europe. I’d find a way to make the most of it in the end.
A group of people large enough to be called a crowd had come to see us off. Selene was there, of course, along with Lance. They’d been spending lots of time together since his return from Vejovis. Their rekindled relationship didn’t exactly fill me with joy, but I figured if Selene liked him then I would make the effort to accept him as well. So far Selene was making it easy as she continued to poke fun at him the same as always, although with definite affection underlying her tone these days.
“Sorry about bringing him along,” Selene said, pointing a thumb at Lance and suppressing a smile. “But he insisted.”
Lance grinned at me. “Just wanted to say see you and don’t hurry back.”
Selene stomped on his toe.
“Ouch.” He winked at her. “I was just kidding.” He thumped me on the shoulder. “Seriously, have a safe trip, and make sure you make it back. I might get bored without our little competition to keep me entertained.”
I smirked. “That might be reason enough for me to stay away forever.” He only grinned wider. I rolled my eyes at him, and then turned and hugged Selene. “See you soon. Write me lots, okay? I want to hear about your flying practices and stuff.”
Selene laughed. “I’ll write you entire novels about it. And you better write, too, and send me lots of pictures.”
The Nightmare Dilemma (Arkwell Academy) Page 31