Aileana looked at Olwine expectantly. “What are these?”
“Not long after I initially Saw this visit, a witch entrusted these in my care.” Olwine smiled. “In order to repair the balance and restore Life and Death to their rightful place of honor, there is an object you must locate. You have a map, correct?”
Xander nodded tersely.
“The Gilded Amulet is what you seek,” Olwine said wisely.
Xander glanced over at me, raising a brow. I read the question in his gaze.Is he telling the truth?
I studied Olwine. His aura was strong, his face unmoving as he subjected himself to my gaze. After a moment, I dipped my head. “I sense no lies.” Turning to my twin, I said, “Maiela?”
She canted her head, staring at Olwine. “I agree,” she added after a moment. “The halfling speaks the truth.”
“I’m glad you believe me.” Olwine gestured to the items on the table, and his aura remained strong. “Take these with you. They will guide you on your path toward your fate. In the place where fire meets wind, and where life and death collide, the truth shall be revealed.”
Aileana picked up the circular object, running her fingers over the green lines. “What’s this?”
“Thelrena herself has blessed the compass you hold,” Olwine said. “When placed in the hands of one of her own, it will reveal the true direction of their path.”
The halfling paused, pushing the rolled-up piece of paper towards Kysha. “When the time is right and there is nothing else to be done, this shall open the Gate and keep you safe.”
Releasing Maiela’s hand, my sister-in-law picked it up and tucked it gingerly into the pocket of her cloak. “Thank you,” Kysha said. “I will not forget your words.”
The air in the cottage was lighter now, and Olwine’s shoulders loosened as he drew the box towards himself. He put the lid back on, returning the object to its rightful home.
Aileana placed the compass on the table, tapping it lightly. “We’re really doing this,” she murmured. “Going on a quest to the gods-only-know-where.”
Ryllae set her teacup down on the table, tilting her head. “It’s going to get more dangerous.” There was no question in her words. Just the cold, hard truth.
“Yes,” Maiela and Olwine said at the same time.
My Death Elf nodded, tracing the rim of her mug with her finger. “That’s what I thought.” She sighed. “Such is the theme of my life.”
My hand found hers, and I drew her against me as Olwine and Kysha began comparing notes about being halflings.
The conversation carried on around us, but all my focus was centered on Ryllae. I rubbed her back as the tea grew cold and the hours slipped by.
When Olwine suggested we remain here for the next few days and wait out the snow that was already falling, Xander and I had a brief discussion before agreeing. We would take advantage of luxuries like a roof over our heads, baths, and fresh food while we could. We tried to give our host some gold in payment, but he insisted our money was no good for him.
The idea of staying made Ryllae happy, which was all I needed to see.
I would give her the world if she asked for it.
Who Needs Males When You Can Have Something Like This?
SAENA
Glimmering, shining, luxurious gold surrounded me on all sides. Riches, ranging from the smallest of coins to entire beds made of the solid treasure, glistened in the torchlight. My eyes widened in delight, and I clapped my hands like a small child, turning in a circle as I took it all in. Theclick, click, clickof my black heels on the cold stone floor was the only sound as I walked through the immense underground keep.
The Winged Soldier at my side eyed me carefully, his grip never faltering on the torch he held in front of him.
He’s afraid of us, the draken remarked.Good.
“Everyone should be afraid of me,” I said out loud, walking to the nearest pile of gold.
The guard gulped, his eyes widening. “Your Majesty?”
Shaking my head, I picked up a gilded chalice inlaid with rubies and emeralds. It was so heavy that I needed two hands to hold it. “You must admit, Ranor, High King Edgar was a horrible male—most of you are, if you’re being honest with yourselves—but he had excellent taste.”