Floating Stars

Chapter 38: The Light Defenders

"I don't understand." Astrid shook her head. The light from the sky-light fell gracefully on her pale features, as she joined True and her aunt by the Trabem Pool within Petra Marbh. "You said you know who the real prophecy is about, why won't you just tell us?"

Luchinda's eyes reflected the sparkling ripples of the waters within the pool she leaned upon. Its smooth marble sides looked like they grew from the slate floor, and came up to her waist.

She did not answer Astrid straight away and True could sense his wife's patience dwindling. "Luchinda?" he pressed, in hope that Astrid will not lose it completely.

"It is not the time to tell you," Luchinda eventually said, not looking away from the rippling liquid as she said so. A small smile played on her lips and she peacefully looked up at Astrid. She saw the frustration that threatened to take over Astrid's eyes, then added, "Soon, though, very soon."

Astrid nodded her head but the frustration she felt didn't leave her face. She let out a sigh, which caused True's arm to, instinctively, wrap around her shoulders in a reassuring side hug.

"Alright. Luchinda, what is your plan? You mentioned something about gathering others to fight," True asked, in order to swiftly change the subject.

"Yes!" Luchinda replied enthusiastically. "It is time for us to contact the others."

"What others do you mean? Do you know who we can safely approach?" asked True, the eagerness of finally moving forward caused his words to tumble out of his mouth in an excited rush.

"I have seen who will fight beside us. I've made a list," Luchinda answered without a beat of hesitation.

"May I see it?" True requested and let his arm fall from Astrid's shoulders.

"Indeed. True, I'll need you to come and help me recruit a few of them."

"Of course."

"We shall leave together first thing tomorrow," Luchinda arranged, then turned her focus to Astrid. "My dear, it'll be best if you stay here with Amber and your father."

"I'm guessing a few of these "light defenders" won't join us if I came with you?" Astrid uttered with a roll of her eyes.

"I'm sorry, dear."

"Things haven't changed too much over the last eight years have they?" Astrid's shoulders slumped sadly.

"Soon, my Astrid," True grabbed his wife's hand and urged her to look at him. "Soon everyone will know the truth and that will no longer be the case." Once Astrid heard those words, she lifted her gaze to her husband's icy blue eyes, and her lips curled into a tentative smile.

"Not yet though!" Luchinda interrupted suddenly, smashing the moment of hope between the married couple. "Nobody else can know the truth, nobody, not even Jam and Amber! Certainly not those that we gather here. Do you both understand? It is really important!" She spoke with an uncharacteristic desperation that shook them both, all they could do was nod in response.

A strange silence took over the three of them. It felt like time stood still. However, it only really took a few minutes for Luchinda to return to her usual calm self. She clapped her hands together.

"Okay first thing's first, let's call the Slànacus sisters!" Luchinda then turned her attention back to the Trabem Pool.

"What? Now?" Astrid looked at her aunt with wide eyes.

"No time to waste," Luchinda said brightly as she fished for her light orb.

Astrid rolled her eyes again, her aunt's obsession with time was truly starting to grate on her nerves.