8. Chapter 8 #2
I worked, too, on managing my new powers as official Queen of Isles.
As I meditated, I focused on that little jar of glittering marbles, as I’d come to think of it—each beautiful, unique bead representative of the souls on this island.
All different, all wonderful, all a part of me.
I could feel knotted concern there today, as if the island as a whole was swelling with fear, and why wouldn’t it be after what had happened last night?
I took a moment to tease out individuals, testing my abilities, beginning with Silas.
He was by far the easiest for me to isolate, I was sure due to the bond we shared.
As I focused on the link between us, I didn’t note fear so much radiating from him as determination and, maybe, a sense of dread.
He knew. He knew something dangerous was coming.
I quickly turned my focus elsewhere, not wanting to linger on Silas. The more I did, the more guilt I felt, and that was just not something that I needed right now. It wasn’t helpful; it wouldn’t change my mind. I needed to do what I thought was best to save The Isle.
As for the rest of the islanders, I was sure they’d be receiving some form of communication this morning about everything that was happening.
The Rangers would presumably put out a statement, something reassuring but somber.
Not hiding the truth but not meaning to alarm.
If only they knew what waited for them in the days ahead. If only I knew.
“We’re ready for you,” Seer Goddard announced. “Please join us.”
I joined Seer Goddard and Liza in the circle of stones, the patch surrounded by rosebushes where I’d spent so many hours training.
Where I’d visited The Glade, leaving my body behind to speak with my ancestors.
It felt reminiscent, in a way, of what we were doing here today.
Except while that had been a joyful reunion, this one felt reckless and dangerous.
Still, there was comfort in the feeling of a familiar space, surrounded by familiar faces.
“The art of dreamwalking is a talent that takes centuries to perfect for someone who was not born a dreamwalker,” Seer Goddard said.
“However, it’s my belief that as a Fae Queen, you will have a natural affinity for it.
After all, you’ve already visited The Glade, which is something impossible for nearly everyone else on this earth. ”
I nodded. “It’s still not super reassuring, the bit about it taking centuries to perfect. What can go wrong?”
“Everything,” Liza blurted. “It’s very dangerous, Alessia.”
I looked into her eyes. “I know. I’m sorry.”
Liza just nodded and fell silent again.
“She’s right. There are too many things to list that could go wrong. The biggest concern would be that your spirit becomes permanently lost from your body.”
I inhaled an involuntary breath. “That sounds miserable and painful?”
“Yes.” Seer Goddard met my gaze. “There are other concerns, of which I won’t list. We are taking precautions against such drastic incidents.
” He gestured toward a potion. “Once you drink this, it will create a very tangible link between your spirit and your body that will be difficult for anyone, including the Darkest Lord himself, to sever.”
“Okay.”
“Aside from that, you will have a guide. Liza will be with you for as long as she can,” Seer Goddard said. “I cannot accompany you, as the underworld is not a dreamworld but a spirit one. That is why Liza is the only person here who can accompany you.”
My mouth felt dry. I could only listen. I couldn’t even look at Liza.
I hated myself for putting her in this sort of danger, even if she’d volunteered.
She was only a child. Not old enough to consent.
Not old enough to drink. But old enough to offer her life as a sacrifice to save the island she loved so much.
“She will guide you into the underworld and as far as she can go without...” Seer Goddard cleared his throat. “Before I pull her out. Once I pull her out, you’ll be on your own.”
“You’ll pull her out before anything can happen to her, right?” My hands were clutched around my own knees. “She’s not really in danger? She’s just a guide?”
Seer Goddard gave a somber smile. “There is a risk to everyone involved. You know that, My Queen, as well as I do.”
It was the first time Seer Goddard had officially, casually, used my new title. Seeing as he did everything for a reason, I assumed this was calculated too. He wanted me to be very aware that this was a decision I needed to make as Queen of Isles.
“Once I’m there,” I said. “Do you have any advice?”
“Open the portal,” Liza said, looking to Seer Goddard for reassurance. “Open the portal and let the spirits know that you are serious. The Darkest Lord is a man of cruelty and unfulfilled promises. Show them you are good for your word.”
Seer Goddard nodded. “It’s unclear if these spirits will react to empathy and reason after so long in the Darkest Lord’s clutches. It’s possible that their loyalty to him will run deep after years of conditioning. But it’s worth a shot.”
That was all I needed to hear. The confirmation that it was worth a shot.
It was what I’d thought all along and was now verified by a man I respected.
By the little girl who was so wise and powerful beyond her years.
And by my intuition as queen, which was something I’d need to finesse if I wanted to be a true leader.
“Then let’s begin,” I said. “And if something is to happen to me in there, I am instructing you both not to risk your lives. Pull yourselves out. Let the Rangers and Silas know what has happened. But under no circumstances should you try to save me by yourselves.”
Seer Goddard nodded in understanding. Our eyes met, and in that moment, he gave me the reassurance I needed to proceed with what was ahead. He would protect Liza at all costs. Even at the expense of me, which was what I needed to hear.
Seer Goddard lit a fire, set a small vial above it, and then said, “Let’s begin.”