Destiny (Volume I: Shur'tugalar)

Chapter Seven Part LX (ED)

The image in the mirror's dissolved to mist before it parted to reveal the clearing. Most of the attendees were seated at the table, though few touched their plates. It was a very subdued gathering now that the five guests of honor had departed, especially since they'd left in such a sorrowful manner.

Leafë paced at the head of the table while her husband sat in the chair and watched. "Where are they?" she asked the obviously rhetorical question. "Why do they argue so? And what is Nia hiding from us?"

"Be calm, my love, before you worry yourself to death," Niom chided gently, snatching her hand and pulling so that she landed in his lap. "They've gotten into fights before, and they've always worked it out."

"But this seems to stem from a much deeper issue," Leafë replied, resting her head on his. "I've never seen Nate explode like that."

"It will all be resolved, Princess," Wayłoêr liquid voice arose. She stepped into view, smoothing out her dress so that it now resembled a pond. "Niaomi understands what she must do."

The elf grimaced slightly. "Why do you call me that? I've told you many times that my title has been revoked."

"Royal blood flows through your veins," the naiad countered. "Once a royal, always a royal."

Laughing roughly, Leafë replied, "Go inform my mother of that." Niom's arm tightened around his wife, and she gave him a weak smile.

Suddenly, a clamor was heard. The five teenagers burst through, excited grins on their faces. "Far, Far, Far!" Nate crowed, running to his father and jumping up and down excitedly. "Guess what, Far? Guess what, Far? Guess what?!"

Niom's face was almost comical in its complete bafflement. "Uh - "

"We're going to be Riders, Far!" Nicholas shouted, cutting him off. "All of us!"

Leafë's eyes widened as her husband choked out the word, "What?"

Nia smiled brightly, but her eyes were still worried. "I looked for the path and found it. I know where to go to find our eggs, but I have to warn you that - "

"Isn't it great?" Rosaminda obliviously interrupted. "Marvelous? Stupendous? Extraordinary?"

She would have continued if her twin hadn't patted her arm and said with a grin, "I'm sure they understand, Rose."

"Not really," Niom muttered with a frown. "Riders? All of you? How - "

"Nia's seen it!" Nathan interjected, still bouncing in excitement. "She had a vision where all of us were holding baby dragons!"

His mother raised an eyebrow in a perfect arch. "Really? I thought your visions were of a different Rider, Nia."

Niaomi waved her hand in embarrassment. "That's not important right now. I have to warn you guys - Far in particular - that something might happen here. Something dangerous."

"Here?" Tristan boomed. "On Alalëa? Now how'd ye come up with somethin' crazy like that, eh?"

"It's not crazy," she huffed, folding her arms. "It's true, and we all may very well be in danger."

Błathr stepped forward. How? The island's barriers are strong enough to keep out a storm or anything else that may harm its inhabitants - what could break through them?

"That's exactly what I'm afraid of," Nia informed the unicorn grimly before turning to her parents. "So please, come with us?"

"Is that wise, young one?" Wayłoêr asked, cocking her head as if to observe the girl from another angle. "Are you certain that your fear is not clouding your judgement?"