The candle in Jemelier's hand flickered calmly in the cold cave air. Founder's Cave was located along the cliff-side, above Derelda, and was a frequent visiting spot for Jemelier. The walls of the cave were covered in writings and drawings from the ancient valteri long ago, and Jemelier spent countless hours studying them and pondering them.
She had just visited with the group of volunteers early that morning and sent them on their quest. She had had her doubts as she was directing them on the best route to the Shadowlands and informing them of possible dangers. But as she studied the walls of the cave and came upon the Dark Prophecy, she felt reassured.
"Jemelier!" someone cried from outside the cave. "My lady!"
Jemelier straightened up and turned toward the cave entrance in anticipation.
Young Tarthis darted into the cave, eyes wide with news, sides heaving with each heavy breath.
"What is it, lad?" Jemelier frowned. "You look as if you've just fought in battle."
"It's - it's Jerrick!" Tarthis replied, struggling to catch his breath.
"What about him?"
"He's gone!" Tarthis cried, as if it were obvious. "I went up to his chambers to see if he wanted to go to the training arena with me- but his bed was empty. His sword and all of his things are gone and no one has seen him all morning!"
Jemelier couldn't help but allow a smile to spread across her face as she listened to the anxious boy.
"He's gone to follow the party, no doubt," growled a deep voice from the shadows.
Jemelier had nearly forgotten that Khordan was present. She quickly smothered her smile and turned toward him as he stepped into the light.
"We must go after him and stop him," he insisted.
"No," Jemelier said firmly. "Our main worry right now is keeping our people safe. Reirdan, Lekira, and the others will take care of Jerrick."
Khordan scowled, looking between Jemelier and Tarthis, and strode out of the cave.
"Thank you, Tarthis," said Jemelier. "You may go now."
Tarthis gave a small bow of the head before hurrying off.
Jemelier turned back toward the writings on the wall and permitted herself to smile.
Everything was going just as Aragus and Chaldierra had said.
Holding out her candle, she brought light to the center of the wall, the main point of interest concerning the dark prophecy. Hope kindled in her heart as she studied the six familiar symbols. The six symbols for six names.
YOU ARE READING
SCARRED; The Dark Tower
FantasyA boy born with a strange scar on his neck; a young woman who wants nothing but to find her lost brother; a man whose life was torn away from him years ago; a young girl who has been treated like an outsider her whole life; a teenage girl who has be...
