26. Tahlia

Trevain led them to another forest, a sun-hued gathering of trees with wildly long and spindly leaves.

“My grandmother always said this was one of Mother Twilight’s homes,” Trevain said, “but I have never sought the goddess.”

“She’s a goddess?” Fara asked. “Why would she help us?”

Right. Fara had missed some information. “Yes, and why wouldn’t she?” Tahlia asked.

“Perhaps because we are Mistgold Fae and we killed everyone with our germs?”

“I’m not Mistgold.”

“Great. So she’ll give you a big hug and strike the rest of us down with lightning. Fun plan.”

“Hush. It’ll be fine. Just you watch.”

“If only we all had Tahlia’s bright outlook on life,” Marius said.

“It’s going to get her killed,” Fara said.

“Not if I have anything to do with it,” Marius said.

“I’m still here, you know.” Tahlia raised an eyebrow and Marius almost smiled. Every time his mouth lifted like that, her soul sang.

Trevain led them onward through the forest. The leaves were healthier here than elsewhere in this ruined kingdom, but no birds trilled as they should have, and Tahlia didn’t think it was simply the presence of two dragons. The trees thinned in one spot and a waterfall splashed down from a sloping creek bed.

“It’s beautiful.” Tahlia set a hand on Lija.

The remnants of great power lie here like dust. She is not here.

“Lija says Mother Twilight isn’t here,” Tahlia said.

“She can tell?”

Marius looked to his dragon. He nodded and faced Tahlia, Lija, Fara, and Trevain. “Ragewing agrees. He said that she was here long ago but has traveled to another place. Trevain, what do you think?”

Trevain gasped. “You’re asking me?”

The muscles around Marius’s jaw flexed. “You have shown your trustworthiness thus far. I’m trying to take you at your word.”

“I’m so honored,” Trevain said, his tone wry.

“Watch it, ghost. My dragon is currently wondering if ghosts like you react to fire the way varjuline do.”

Trevain seemed to shrink. “If you snuff me out, you’ll have no guide.”

“You aren’t the only spirit wandering this land,” Marius said.

“Enough, you two,” Tahlia said. “Let’s move on. Where to, Trevain?”

He led them onward for a while, the sky’s mist wetting their faces and weighing down wings and Fae limbs.

A large cluster of lush pines stood out among the dark sludge of the valley and rolling hills. Within the first row of trees, a circle had been cleared. A perfect ring of space like an invisible door hung there suspended by unseen forces.

Trevain approached the circle slowly, holding out a hand and indicating everyone should halt. The dragons landed in the rocky area in front of the small forest, mud and algae splashing up their legs and cloaking their talons.

This place feels like being underwater.

“Really? In what way?”

It’s difficult to explain in your tongue. Immersed in that which is not air. Held by forces outside your control.

“Interesting. Do you think the goddess is here?”

I would bet on it.

“Do dragons have a system of gambling?”

No. I was just using phrases you Fae use. Dragons are too wise to risk money on games.

“Right. Of course.” Tahlia smirked up at Lija.

“Is the dragon telling you to hush? Because that is your move here, Mist Knight,” Trevain whispered, raising a chastising eyebrow.

“Yes, Mother,” Tahlia snarked back.

Trevain made a snarling face at her.

“Ragewing believes we should go in first and check the area with Trevain,” Marius said. “Lady Tahlia, you keep watch of Fara, and I will whistle when you should enter.”

“Something about you whistling to get me to come like one calls a dog isn’t making me smile, High Captain.”

He gave her a flat look. “If this was a mission for the order, your comment would be ruled insubordination.”

“I think we’ve established that when you dig up a giant ancient monster, boring rules like that go out the proverbial window.”

He rolled his eyes. “I will shout for you, my lady. Does that please you?”

Trevain and Fara traded a laughing glance.

Lija’s husky laughter floated through Tahlia’s mind. The sound made her grin from ear to ear.

“That will be perfect. Thank you, Marius.”

“I don’t like this lapse in protocol.”

“Go on, now. You can lecture me later.”

Marius growled quietly and rode Ragewing to the edge of the strange cutout circle. Following Trevain’s watery golden light, the Heartsworn lifted each leg carefully, stepping through to the green shadows of the wood.

He is right not to disturb the magical entrance,Lija said.

What would happen if he did?

I’m not certain, but I wouldn’t want us to be nearby when it occurred. Did you realize you just spoke into my mind again?

I’m getting good at this! “Huzzah!”

Fara jolted against Tahlia, nearly toppling from Lija’s back. Tahlia caught her and righted her in the saddle.

“Why are you screaming in my ear?” Fara demanded.

“I just spoke into Lija’s mind again.”

“No, you shouted. In my ear.”

“No, before that. I said something else and Lija told me.” Tahlia hugged Fara. “Isn’t this telepathy thing wonderful?”

“If it involves less destruction of my eardrums, yes.”

“Lady of the Skies!” Marius called out.

Tahlia waved.

“If we die here, at least you two had some time to flirt,” Fara said.

“Ah, Fara. Be nice. We’re about to meet a goddess. She could smite you down for that poor attitude.”

“Fantastic. Now, I’m worried about smiting. What is that again?”

Tahlia patted her on the shoulder. “Quiet now, squire, and remember that coming along was your grand idea.”

“Sometimes I loathe myself.”

Lija brought them through the circle, her wings held tightly against her shimmering body. They caught up to Ragewing, Marius, and Trevain under a bower of red flowers growing in the branches of intertwined conifers. Petals flitted down in the breeze and the forest’s scents lulled Tahlia into a relaxed state. Even Fara seemed to release some of the tension as she sat up in the saddle, straining to see past Ragewing. They walked slowly into a clearing that glowed with rainbow light.

In the center of the clearing, an old female sat on a stool.