The Shattered Way (Champions of the Crystal Book 7)

Chapter 7.2

The tunnels felt different these days, better lit and more welcoming as Sabrina viewed them through Ford's eyes. She could almost forget the bad things that had happened to her here—except Rayland's murder. Never that.

At last they entered the large cavern where the Great Crystal pulsed gently, illuminating the room with its glow. The Conservator of the Chamber nodded to them and went back to his own meditation.

"Should we be down here?" Sabrina whispered.

"All Miahns have the right to meditate on the Crystal as they choose," Ford replied.

"I'm not—"

He laid a finger on her lips. "That excuse doesn't work anymore, Sabrina. You may not have been born a Miahn, but you are definitely becoming one. You need to learn to do this."

She made a face. "Ford, the last thing I want right now is a lesson."

"You don't have to do anything. I'll do all the work. You just keep your mind open."

She sighed. "All right."

She opened her end of the link and felt Ford's mind, powerful and focused, as he opened himself to the Crystal. She dimly felt the whisper of many minds, imprints left in the Crystal by generations of Miahns. She wondered what Ford was looking for.

Ah ha, she felt him think. I think this is it. Watch.

Sabrina focused her attention on the part of his mind attuned to the Crystal. In a moment, she gasped as she recognized her younger self walking into a room, wearing an unflattering purple gown and a set, determined expression.

"Have you decided then?" a voice asked.

"Yes. We will accept your offer."

"I am pleased."

Sabrina gasped and pressed a hand to her mouth as she recognized the voice: Rayland's.

"So am I," her younger self said, then seemed to realize she was being ungracious. "Um. It's a very great honor. We know that. We'll try not to disgrace you."

"I have no fear of that. I take it that you know of the second thing being asked of you today?"

"Yes. I—I have accepted that too."

"I am glad, for my niece's sake, but I confess I am concerned for you."

"Me too. I don't know if I know how to do this." She looked up at him, eyes wide in her pale face.

"I will be there to help you. And I know you can do this, Sabrina. I would not support this plan otherwise, I assure you." He moved closer to her and laid a hand on her shoulder. "We must all make sacrifices. But I hope you do not feel becoming my daughter is one of them."

"No," she said. "Scotty and I couldn't ask for a better guardian and guide."

"I will do my best."

"I know you will, sir."

They looked at each other for a moment. Rayland's mind conjured ghosts of his family, whose deaths had led him to this desperate attempt at a legacy. As he looked at her, he saw strength and loyalty and courage. She will carry my name forward in honor, he thought. Yes.

Aloud he said, "Then may I welcome you to my family, Sabrina. My dear daughter."

He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead.

"Thank you...Father."

The scene shifted abruptly, and Sabrina felt her stomach lurch as she gazed up at herself in a torn, dirty uniform smeared with blood.