She released the Great Beast. Uraza quickly evaluated her injured partner and purred with concern, rubbing her nose against Abeke’s leg. “I’m fine,” Abeke whispered into the leopard’s ear. She then rolled away from Jhi to prove her point.
“Anka’s right.” Rollan stretched out his arms and cracked his knuckles before lying down on the stone floor. “The Oathbound will be on patrol, but Essix can help us scout the area. We just have to travel quick. We’ll leave at first light.”
“Look who’s giving orders now,” Meilin muttered under her breath.
“And once we get the Dragon’s Eye we can head back to Eura and retrieve the Wildcat’s Claw,” Conor added, curling up against Briggan. “We just have to be careful.”
Be careful.
The words reverberated in Abeke’s head. It was what Nefrini had said before disappearing, but she hadn’t had a chance to finish her warning.
“All in all, getting Stormspeaker wasn’t too bad.” Rollan leaned against the corner wall. “Jehan really did point us in the right direction, and we haven’t seen any Oathbound the whole way.”
“Hmpf … ” Meilin scoffed at his statement and lay next to Jhi. “Only if you consider being attacked by wild hyenas, captured by the Dasat, fleeing from the Oathbound, and surviving a supernatural storm to be not too bad.”
Rollan shrugged. “Compared to what we’ve gone through in the past … it certainly wasn’t the worst. We’re all still here, together.”
Abeke smiled. Rollan was right. This hadn’t been so bad. It seemed they’d figured out how to give the Oathbound the slip.
Perhaps the worst was truly over.
ROLLAN COULDN’T BELIEVE HOW FORTUNATE THEY were. The Greencloaks had been traveling back to the monastery for two days, only stopping for a few hours at night to rest, and they hadn’t encountered any Oathbound, hyenas, or other troublemakers. They’d made good time with Essix flying overhead, scouting the mountains for potential problems and directing them along the shortest possible route.
“Essix is taking a lot longer than usual, isn’t she?” Meilin scanned the sky. “It’s been at least an hour since we’ve seen her.”
Rollan grimaced. The open expanse of the savannah stretched before them. With only a couple of hours of daylight left, he didn’t like the idea of being out in the open without Essix giving them the all clear. “I think we should wait to cross. She’ll be back soon enough. Plus, crossing the savannah at night is probably safer.”
“Actually, night is when most predators are active,” Abeke reminded him, taking a seat on a nearby rock. “Hyenas and lions and all sorts of beasts. We’ll still have to be careful.”
“Let me see if I can connect with Essix,” Rollan suggested. He closed his eyes and let his mind drift. Soon he sensed the falcon’s keen vision within his mind and he could see through her eyes. However, the usual sensation of flying, of gliding through the air, was missing. Rollan quickly noticed that Essix was perched in an acacia tree, close to the base of the mountain.
The falcon turned her head, focused on a nearby cave opening, and took off toward it. Flying through the narrow entrance, Essix beat back her wings, landing gingerly on the gravel-covered ground. Taking several steps deeper into the cave, Essix stared at a figure sitting in a corner wearing a hooded cloak.
Slowly, the person lifted off the hood and smiled.
“It’s Xanthe!” Rollan told the others. “Essix found her. She’s not too far from here.”
“Is she alone?” Anka asked.
“Or hurt?” Abeke followed up.
“No one else is there, and she seems fine.” Rollan concentrated on his connection with Essix. Xanthe was saying something, but Rollan couldn’t tell what it was. He felt Essix turn her head and fly out of the cave. Once again, the freedom of being in the air, the land rushing along beneath her wings, filled Rollan’s spirit. He was one with Essix, but the connection couldn’t last much longer. Already he felt light-headed.
He opened his eyes and regained his bearings.
“Well, what happened?” Meilin asked as Rollan took a deep breath and sat on the ground.
“I think Xanthe is waiting for night before she crosses the savannah,” he said. “She was saying something to Essix, but I don’t know what it was.”
“So let’s go find her.” Abeke shook the dust off her cloak. “We can all travel together.”
Essix screeched, circling overhead.
“She got here fast.” Rollan pulled out a piece of jerky from his bag and lifted it in the air. Essix dove down and snatched it from his hand. “Means we don’t have to go too far. Xanthe is probably hiding nearby.”
Briggan led the group around the base of the mountain, following Essix’s flight path high above. Uraza had disappeared once again, out scouring the area for Oathbound, hyenas, or another meal. It didn’t take long before Rollan recognized the acacia tree where Essix had been perched.
“We’re close,” Rollan announced.
“I’m going up there.” Meilin pointed to a small ridge above the cave. “I’ll be a lookout in case the Oathbound decide to come our way.”
“Want some company?” Rollan offered, sensing that something had been bothering Meilin ever since they’d left the Dasat camp. He just didn’t know what it was.
“Sure,” Meilin replied, then turned away from him. “Anka … why don’t you come with me?”
Rollan felt a wave of disappointment. He was certain he hadn’t done anything wrong, but it felt as if there were a wedge growing between the two of them.
“Already climbing,” Anka said, her barely visible form blending against the rocks.
“Briggan found something.” Conor pointed to the wolf standing at the mouth of the cave.
“We’ll switch in a little while,” Abeke offered Meilin. “So you can rest up before we cross the savannah tonight.”
“Sure,” Meilin called down.
Conor, Abeke, and Rollan approached the cave cautiously, but Briggan seemed at ease and lay down at the entrance. Rollan stepped around the wolf and, as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he saw Xanthe sitting on the floor with the hood of her cloak pulled back. Her white hair shone with the bit of sunlight that reflected inside the cave.
“Hi, strangers,” she greeted them all with a smile. “Had a feeling you might show up after Essix’s visit. I got this far and then started to worry about you guys. Figured I’d stick around to see that you all made it back safe.” She peered around the three of them. “Where’s Meilin and Anka?”
“They’re right above us.” Rollan pointed up. “Keeping watch from the ridge.”
“And Uraza’s out there enjoying Nilo,” Abeke added. “Hopefully, keeping an eye out for any trouble until we get back to the monastery.”
Xanthe’s face lit up. “Does that mean you found Stormspeaker? Is that why you’re heading back?”
“Yep. We sure did.” Conor dropped the bag he’d been carrying and sat next to Xanthe.
“Can I see it?” Xanthe looked over at his bag.
“It’s in Meilin’s bag,” Abeke said quickly.
Rollan glanced at Abeke, who didn’t return his gaze. He knew that Abeke had the crown, but for some reason she didn’t want to show it to Xanthe. Maybe she was right, and they should keep it as hidden as possible for now.
“Um … yeah.” Conor fidgeted a little with the strap of his own bag. “So we’re going back to the monastery in case Takoda’s discovered something about the Dragon’s Eye.”
“But what if he hasn’t?” Xanthe asked. “What’s the plan then?”
Abeke’s lie about the location of the crown was causing Rollan to rethink what was discussed with Xanthe. It wasn’t anything against her personally, but Rollan knew it was dangerous to divulge too much information, for Xanthe and them. “We’re not sure,” Rollan said. “We’ll have to cross that bridge once we get to it.”
“But you have to start thinking of where else to look,” Xanthe continued. “I mea
n, Tembo may have only left clues to Stormspeaker. You should try to see if there’s a pattern to where the other tokens were found.”
“We’re looking into it.” Abeke took a seat on the gravel floor. “So tell us about the last few days. Have you run into any problems? Seen any Oathbound?”
“Not really,” Xanthe replied. “I’ve been moving at night and it’s been pretty quiet.” She studied the three Greencloaks. “But back to the last token … do you think it’s still in Nilo?”
Rollan knew that they had to be honest with Xanthe. She deserved nothing less. “Xanthe, I think it’s best if certain things are kept between Greencloaks. You understand, right?”
“Oh, that again. Sure.” Xanthe nodded, but her mouth tightened. “Guess I keep forgetting that I’m not one of you, so I can’t be trusted,” she mumbled.
“It’s not that,” Conor replied. “We’ve all just been through a lot, so we’re a little … cautious.”
“Uh-huh.” Xanthe eyed him carefully, lingering on the faded mark on his forehead. It was a reminder that she’d seen him at his worst and still trusted him. “Don’t forget that I’ve been through a lot, too. In fact … you were there when it happened.”
“We know,” Abeke said softly. “And we appreciate everything you’ve done and are doing. But … ” She sighed. “The less you know, the better. We don’t want to put you in any more harm.”
Xanthe rolled her eyes. “Riiiight. You’re being secretive for my benefit. It’s like what everyone warned me about.”
Rollan didn’t like the way that sounded. “What do you mean?”
Xanthe leaned against the wall. “People talk about how the Greencloaks think they’re superior, how you think you know what’s best for everyone. I’ve heard the stories about what happened with the Nectar and all the problems that brought. I just hope you aren’t repeating the same mistakes.”
The silence inside the cave was deafening, but no one had a good response. Rollan wanted to say that he too hoped they weren’t making a mistake, but admitting that didn’t seem like a good idea. So the four of them just sat quietly until one by one they each drifted off to sleep. A late-afternoon nap was a luxury they normally didn’t enjoy.
“Fire! In the distance!” Meilin’s words startled everyone.
“What?” Xanthe rushed to the cave entrance, where Briggan was sniffing the air. The sun was still out, but it was hovering over the horizon. “Where?”
“A little bit to the west,” Meilin answered. “And it has to be pretty big, based on the amount of smoke.”
Xanthe pulled up her hood and marched outside. Even with the sun so low in the sky, she had to squint. But Rollan could see the horror in her expression.
“It’s the monastery,” she said in quiet disbelief.
“No.” Conor shook his head, not wanting to believe what he was seeing.
“It’s got to be the Oathbound’s doing.” Rollan stared at the plume of dark black smoke rising in the distance. “They’re burning the place down!”
Xanthe turned to the others, her pale face grave. “Takoda is there. We have to help him … all of them.”
“Hold on.” Abeke opened her bag. “I have an idea.” She pulled out the gold crown and flipped it over gently in her hands.
“Is that … wait, I thought Meilin had it in her—” Xanthe stopped herself and crossed her arms across her chest. “Oh, right. Never mind.”
“Xanthe, please understand. I think I can help Takoda and the monastery,” Abeke said, placing Nefrini’s crown on her head. “This is what the Greencloaks do … help others.”
Meilin looked at Xanthe and then Abeke. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” they both answered in unison.
Rollan moved closer to Abeke. “You sure about this?” he asked. “We aren’t totally certain what this can do. Remember how that storm nearly pried the roof off?”
Abeke nodded. “I have to try. Now stand back.” She closed her eyes, then opened one. “Better yet, go back in the cave.”
Rollan and the others moved just inside the cave’s entrance, watching as Abeke stood still. She closed her eyes again and tilted her head slightly back, facing the sky.
At first there was only quiet. Then, the small rustling of wind as menacing clouds formed suddenly overhead. Darkness shrouded the area, and the air grew cool, then cold. Rollan poked his head out as a strong gust of wind whipped by the cave and a dust storm swirled around Abeke. Thunder rumbled overhead. A few fat raindrops hit a nearby boulder, leaving tracks along the side of the dusty rock.
Abeke squeezed her eyes tighter.
The raindrops increased and fell to the earth in drumlike beats, yet Abeke remained dry. The rain and wind seemed to purposefully avoid her.
“You have to send the clouds across the savannah. It does no good here!” Xanthe exclaimed. “The fire is over there.”
Abeke silently nodded, but the storm clouds didn’t budge.
The rain slowed to a light trickle and then to an almost invisible misting of water.
The wind fluttered to a stop and the clouds parted, once again revealing the setting sun.
Abeke frowned into the sky as her shoulders drooped. “It won’t move,” she said.
Xanthe burst out from the cave entrance, pointing toward the smoke. “You have to try again. You have to!”
“I can’t,” Abeke rasped. “Nothing happens. It only stays overhead.”
“Then we’ll have to take the storm there ourselves.” Xanthe pulled up the hood of her cloak. “Let’s go!”
MEILIN ENTERED THE TAABARA CHASM WITH HER sword drawn, ready to battle any Oathbound guards who might be lurking in the shadows. They had crossed the savannah under a cloud-filled night sky. The darkness shrouded them from any sentries keeping watch, but this place would be different. The deep crater was striped with land bridges and crevices where the Oathbound could be lying in wait for them.
“Keep alert,” Xanthe whispered, leading the group to the bottom of the chasm. “Our luck may not hold much longer.”
But everything was quiet.
“I don’t think anyone’s here.” Abeke spun around, her arrow nocked and ready to fly. “Isn’t that a bit strange?”
“It’s very strange.” Rollan looked up at Essix, who had given them the all clear. “You’d think someone would be guarding this place. At the very least guarding the fissure that leads to the monastery.”
“The Oathbound may have everyone at the monastery,” Anka said, approaching the entrance to the fissure. “Perhaps they didn’t expect us to come back. If we hear or see anything, get close to me. I’ll camouflage us.”
“I think I should go first,” Xanthe suggested. “I’ll be the best at spotting someone in the dark, especially if they’re on the other side where the rope ladders are.”
“Sounds like a good plan,” Meilin concurred. “I’ll bring up the rear, in case we get a surprise attack from behind.”
“Then let’s go.” Rollan waved his arm at Essix and pointed to the crevasse. The falcon would be waiting for them on the other side.
As quickly as possible, the group made their way through the narrowing passageway. Before long, they were forced to shuffle through it sideways. Meilin reluctantly sheathed her sword. There was no room to fight at this point.
“Do you smell it?” Rollan whispered. He’d slowed down to get closer to Meilin.
“The smoke?” she answered, taking a long sniff of the air. “Yes, it’s getting stronger.”
“No,” Rollan said. “The smell of victory. The Oathbound have no idea what we have in store for them.”
Meilin rolled her eyes. She couldn’t see him in the darkness, but she knew Rollan was smiling. He was always trying to lighten the mood and be the funny man. This time it bothered her.
“You don’t always have to make jokes,” she said. “It’s okay to be serious once in a while.”
“I can be serious,” Rollan replied. “Not my fault if I’m just n
aturally likable.”
“Yeah, apparently you are very likable.” Meilin hadn’t meant to sound caustic, but her feelings betrayed her.
“What are you talking about?” Rollan stopped shuffling through the crevasse. “You’ve been acting strange ever since we left the Dasat camp. What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” Meilin nudged him to keep moving, but he stayed still. They weren’t going anywhere until they finished this conversation. Meilin sighed. “I just find it weird that Jehan was so friendly to you and invited you to come back after only knowing you for a day.”
“Is that it?” Rollan chuckled. “You’re jealous?”
“What? No.” Meilin scoffed at the suggestion. “It just seems unusual.”
“Well, like I said, I am a very likable guy.”
Meilin could hear the snicker in his voice.
“Forget it.” Meilin pushed him again, but he stood firm.
“Meilin.” His voice took a softer tone. “I think Jehan was just impressed because I was able to shift the whole mountain for you. That’s all.”
“Wait, what?” Meilin couldn’t quite believe what she was hearing. Rollan had moved an entire mountain for her?
“Yeah, well, I just knew I had to help you no matter what, so I used the Heart of the Land to create a ledge for you to land on. I guess I should’ve mentioned that before, but … I don’t know … I just didn’t.”
Meilin didn’t know what to say. She’d always believed that feelings and emotions weren’t supposed to come into play when on a mission, but everything with Rollan was different. She was experiencing feelings that she normally kept under control. Even little bits of jealousy.
After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Rollan broke the ice. “Yeah, well, you took care of me when I had the Sunset Death … couldn’t let you continue to hold that over me. Had to do something to get us on equal footing.”
Meilin tried to see Rollan’s features in the darkness of the crevasse, but she could only see his silhouette. She reached over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks,” she whispered.
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