The Oracle of Avalbane

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 -- Elys

 

      I don’t know what has gotten into my cousin, but that’s a battle for another day. I’m not blind. I saw the way he and Kate were looking at each other from the first moment they set eyes on each other—but in the end, I’m sure he will do what’s best for Avalbane and marry Dulcina. True, Kate is exquisite; small and lively, with all that shiny red hair and those blue-green eyes and skin the color of ivory. Still, he’s the heir to the throne of Camthalion and he knows what is expected of him.

     “We can’t just take off across country to Tavorian,” Garrick said now into the awkward silence that had fallen after he so effectively shut me up. “Let’s go to Silma Taurea in the morning. We can reassure my mother and father and we can wait for Tania there as its closer to Isidril.”

     Everyone agreed and we all stood up to send Tania on her way. “Be careful,” I warned her again. I didn’t believe Dulcina was a traitor, but I wasn’t willing to wager her life on that belief.

     “I will,” she reassured us. Then she took a deep breath and transformed into the form she loved best, the kestrel. I had seen her that way many times before, but I could tell Zach and Kate were stunned. She took off, circling for just a moment to get her bearings; then headed northwest.

     “She’ll be okay, right?” Zach asked and I smiled. He was quite taken with the beautiful Tania.

     “Oh yes, she’s quite experienced,” I answered. “She’s spent almost fifty years perfecting her flying.” I couldn’t help laughing at Zach’s look of incredulity.

     Kate laughed too. “Remember, they’re immortal, dummy.”

     “Still, she looks young,” Zach muttered. Then he turned to Garrick. “So are you ancient too?”

     Garrick shook his head. “No, I am twenty. Very young by Elvish standards.”

     “So do Elves live a long time?” Kate asked. There was a bit more than curiosity in the questions.

     “Yes, as do the Witches and Wizards in Avalbane,” he replied, smiling at her.

     They strolled off as if they were the only people in the world and shrugging, Zach began to explore the park on his own.

I walked away to repack my bag and gather my thoughts. I was hoping to hear from Wyndal soon. If my father had indeed been poisoned, the healers might be able to give him an antidote. No sooner had I thought this than the amulet became warm and vibrated against my skin. I opened the locket quickly.

     “Elys?”

     “Father?” His voice was very weak but I felt tears of relief fill my eyes.

     “Daughter, I’m alright.

     “He insisted on contacting you, Miss,” Wyndal spoke now, “but he needs to rest. I would like to talk to you later, if that is acceptable.”

     “Of course, Wyndal.” That meant there were things he wanted to say out of my father’s hearing and I assumed that meant that our suspicions were correct. “I’ll be available anytime. We won’t be traveling again until morning.”

     I closed the amulet and sat down gazing off into the gathering dusk. I had been concerned about Orla before—but now I was furious. She had roused a tiger when she tried to poison my father!

     I glanced around, anxious to share my feelings with Garrick. He and Kate were still talking but now things didn’t appear to be going so well. Even from here, I could see Kate’s look of astonishment, then anger; she said something short—but obviously not sweet—and turned and marched off. Garrick looked confused and dismayed. He started to follow, but then stopped and just stared after her. His features settled into that inflexible look I knew so well.