The Oracle of Avalbane

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Elys

 

     Once Tania had made up her mind, there was no stopping her. At least she’d had a good night’s sleep and a meal. I hoped she would stick to her promise to change to a moth as soon as she came in sight of Isidril. We watched her fly away—this time as a raven. It seemed so out of character for her, perhaps because they are the birds Orla uses as spies and message carriers; therefore I associate them with evil. We have her word that she will return before dark no matter what. If Orla does know about Cole, the quicker we can get to him the better. Also, the less time Tania spends at Isidril, the less chance she has of getting caught. Orla knows now that Tania is a rebel and no one should underestimate Orla’s ability to rid herself of an enemy.

     Kate still looks worried even though Zach seems to be out of danger. I found her earlier sitting by one of the many lakes that surround the castle, a picture of grief. I’m sure it’s because of what Elanor told us earlier when Kate wondered why he kept groaning in his sleep.

     “The poison will have lingering effects,” the Elf Queen had said, a frown on her face. “Zach most likely will always have pain from it.”

     It made me sad to think of that. Zach was so full of humor and high spirits the night of the feast. I hated to think of his lively personality dampened by constant pain. I’m sure Kate feels the same way. Of course we are relieved that he will live, but it is still difficult.

     As we waited for Zach to waken, Garrick and I shared with Kate what Tania told us—that Orla knew almost at once that the curse had been broken.

“She knows that you and Zach are Rose’s and Tathar’s descendants and that you are here to meet my father. We don’t know if she knows about Cole—or the significance of the Oracle’s mark that you all have. Dulcina was there for the Faeries report about the success of the Faery Market, but she was so excited to hear that Garrick and Tania were free that she didn’t listen carefully.” I knew that was another reason Tania wanted to go back. Dulcina had promised to find out more.

     We couldn’t be sure that Zach would remember anything he told the Faeries. Usually, one didn’t survive the poison so there was no way to know.

     “What do you think will happen when Zach wakes up?” Kate asked.

     “We’ll give him a day or two to recuperate, but then we have to go, with or without him,” Garrick said. “We still don’t know if Orla knows about Cole, but the sooner we get to him, the better.”

     “Zach won’t stay behind,” Kate said firmly. “I know him and there’s no way he will be left out, no matter how badly he feels.”

     Garrick and I exchanged glances and Kate asked, “What?”

     Carefully I explained. “We don’t know which island Cole is on. Dulcina didn’t know—but hopefully she’ll find out and tell Tania today. Still, no matter where he is, it will be dangerous. Anyone who goes will have to be at full strength, ready for a fight. It may be better if just Garrick and I go.”

     “No way,” Kate said immediately. “I’m going for sure. Cole might not even go with you if I’m not there.”

     Garrick smiled slightly. “We wouldn’t want to, but if we had to, we could force him to come with us.”

     Kate laughed. “Don’t count on it. Cole is in what we call the Special Forces. He’s trained to kill with his bare hands. No one makes him go where he doesn’t want to go—not unless they’re holding a gun at his head.”