Chapter 42 #2
“And yet here you are, standing at the edge of the world, guarding nothing.” I gestured to the parted flame behind her. “That’s an awful lot of effort for a fairytale.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Careful, girl. You don’t know what you’re asking for.”
Pushing beyond the tiny seed of doubt, I held her gaze, showing only confidence.
Confidence in what I’d seen with the locator spell.
“I know exactly what I’m asking for. A city that was hidden from maps sits behind that flame, protected by a water witch who tells pretty lies about fairytales.
We didn’t fly across countries on a whim.
We have proof it exists, and reason to be here. ”
“Proof.” She said it like the word tasted rotten. “Everyone has proof. Doesn’t mean they deserve access.”
I lifted a brow. “So, you admit there’s something beyond. I know others that come and go, so it must be possible. What is the key?”
She remained preternaturally still as she studied me. “Would I be so well greeted if I came to your home and asked for the key to enter? A stranger on your doorstep making demands.”
When I didn’t respond, she smiled. And it was an eerie thing, a little too wide for what I believed her to be, though I knew she used water magic.
“That’s what I thought.” She pulled a triangular piece of gold metal from her robes. The relic was engraved with runic symbols that shifted when I looked at them directly. Three points, three sides, a hollow center that seemed to pull at my vision.
“Only you,” she said, holding the item out. “Touch the Seeker. Let it judge your intent.”
Silas growled low, moving to block me. I put a hand on his neck.
“It’s fine.”
“It’s not fine,” Calder said. “We don’t know what that thing does.”
“There are no other choices.” I moved toward the woman.
“Your hand,” she instructed. “Palm flat against the center.”
I reached out, hesitated for just a breath, then pressed my palm to the cold metal.
The world tilted.
Not physically. But in my mind, suddenly there was a presence that felt ancient... and amused.
Well, well. The voice was feminine. What have we here? A sliver of the divine, wandering around like a lost lamb. How delightfully unexpected.
“I’m not—”
Oh, don’t bother lying to me, dear. I can taste what you are. Phoenix marked. All that lovely destiny burning under your skin. There was a pause, like the artifact was considering. But you’re not here to burn anything, are you? How strange. How wonderfully strange.
Words were plucked from my mind. I’m here to find someone. To save her if I can.
The voice turned thoughtful. Save her. From herself? From the world? From the consequences of her own choices? Do be specific.
I pushed my thoughts forward. From being hunted. From being killed for something she might not have even done.
Might not. The artifact seemed to laugh. You’re not certain she’s innocent. And yet here you stand, willing to cross the eternal flame, to enter a city that doesn’t exist, all for a might not.
Yes.
How deliciously foolish. Another pause. Very well. Your intentions are pure enough, even if your logic is questionable. I’ll grant you passage, divine one. Try not to burn down the city, would you? And do mind the Master. I hear he’s unforgiving.
The presence retreated from my mind. I pulled my hand back, gasping.
The woman’s expression shifted, not quite respect, but close. “The Seeker has judged you worthy. You and your companions may pass.”
“They don’t have to touch it?”
“They accompany a revered witch. The Seeker’s judgment extends to those under your protection.
” She turned toward the parted flame before looking back at Wickett.
“If you spill a single drop of blood within Dyssara’s borders, you will be met with death.
No exceptions. No mercy. It is the Master’s law. Follow me.”
She raised her hands, whispering, “Haurios.”
Water gathered around us in a sphere of protection that shimmered with magic far more complex than anything I’d seen. She was indeed a water witch, but also perhaps something more. Or maybe Dyssaran witches had access to ancient spells long forgotten by the rest of the world.
“Step inside.”
Silas shrank and leapt into my arms. Seemingly innocent, though he wasn’t. They’d never get to me before him if this was an ambush. Then we were moving through the band of Erelith, fire raging on all sides while we floated through untouched.
It lasted maybe thirty seconds. Felt like hours.
The woman dispersed the water sphere with a gesture once we reached the other side. “The city knows you’re here. Knows why you’ve come. Expect a meeting with the Master soon.”
Panic struck hard and fast. If she knew what I was now, would everyone here?
“The who?” Pip asked over the top of me.
But she was already turning away, water gathering to carry her back into the flame.
“Wait!” Calder started forward. “How do we go back?”
The woman paused, looking at him with something like pity.
“You can’t. The Erelith only parts for those the Seeker approves.
Once through, you must stay until the city releases you.
You’re trapped here. The same as everyone else who sought Dyssara.
Don’t fret. There’s a place for you to stay.
The hotel owner will find you before you find her.
She always does. And try not to look too lost. The city doesn’t take kindly to those who wander without purpose. ”
Then, she was gone.
We stood in silence.
Trapped. In a city that didn’t officially exist, behind a wall of fire the others couldn’t pass through, with a blood oath counting down.
Good thing this Seeker and I were friendly now.