The Oracle of Avalbane

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

                            Kate

 

     I don’t think I slept more than ten minutes last night. Zach and I talked for a little while. Both of us are overwhelmed with all that’s happened in the last twenty-four hours. But as soon as we quit talking, he immediately fell asleep. That’s so like a guy.

     I, on the other hand couldn’t turn off my brain, mainly because of the whole thing with Garrick somehow getting the idea that I want to MARRY him! For the love of all things holy…is he crazy? Yes, I think he’s extremely hot. Yes, I want to get to know him better and I’m ridiculously glad he’s not really engaged. But I’m sixteen years old! I tried to explain to him that in my world, the real world, girls don’t get married until they’re at least twenty-five. He just looked at me with those incredibly sexy eyes and went into this whole song and dance about whether I was even worthy or qualified. Whatever, geez.

     I don’t know…it’s just that when we agreed to come, it was with the idea that we were going to meet our grandfather, who we assumed was healthy even if he was ancient, and then see a lot of cool things. Suddenly it’s like—well, your brother is alive but you’re going to have to kill a bunch of seven-headed monsters to save him and Orla’s still around and probably will try to curse you, maybe even kill you, if she finds out you’re here and, oh, by the way, your twin brother is most likely going to have to take the Oracle’s place because he’s about to die. Aieeee!

     But then… There’s also the amazing shape-shifting Faery, Tania, and her determination to fight her own race if she has to in order to keep Avalbane the beautiful, peaceful place it is. Or, even make it better. And Garrick may be arrogant, but he did apologize and seems to get that it’s going to be a while before we do the happily-ever-after thing. Like years if ever! The chemistry between us may have hit me first, but I did notice that as a person he’s pretty awesome. And then there’s Elys. I had her pegged as conceited and spoiled, but I find myself really liking her. She hasn’t had the diva-princess-life that I thought she had; I can see why she would be a little insecure and lonely. I’ve decided she might be okay as an adopted sister.

     So, I gave up on the whole sleeping idea and came outside to watch the sun come up. This place is so beautiful that it almost makes me hurt inside. In spite of the danger and the fact that it looks like we’re in for much more than we bargained for…I’m eager for the next part of the journey. I can’t wait to see Camthalion, the Land of the Elves.

There’s enough light now that I can see Garrick in his hammock. I can’t help smiling when I compare him and Zach. Zach sleeps with his arms and legs tossed all over the place and when he gets up, his hair is crazy. Garrick looks so quiet and peaceful, his arms folded across his chest, his breathing deep and even, all his muscles relaxed and yet somehow…ready. Elys told me that he leads their army. So, maybe it’s the warrior side of him. That’s how Cole is. He sleeps with this alertness that he says gives him the rest he needs, but keeps him slightly on guard against surprises.

     “Good morning, Kate.”

     I jumped. He’d just proved me right. I didn’t even see his eyes open. It’s like he sensed I was there.

     “Good morning. It’s a beautiful sunrise.”

     “Yes, it is.”

Silly boy, he wasn’t even looking at the sun. He unfolded himself from the hammock—so gracefully. I’m glad I didn’t sleep in one; I can see me falling head first when I tried to get out.