28. Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter twenty-eight
Cayzenn continues, anticipating the barrage of our questions.
"They're not sure what's causing it to take longer this year.
Something may have gone wrong, or it could be nothing.
" The purse of his lips and furrowed brow make it clear he doesn't think so.
"Only a few weeks have passed, and it may still settle.
In the meantime, I'm sure you've all noticed ongoing erratic moments with your own powers, brought on by that edge of wildness?
" Slow nods come from the others, and I quickly mimic them.
"Is that why the High Sage was in Raviaz? Do they think the Offering didn't work properly? Is it connected to that ashy soil?" Willa peppers him with the same fearful questions I have. Our entire island would be at risk if the toxins from the south point leak out.
"The Offering all went to plan, as far as we were told after completing it.
" Cayzenn glances to Drea, who dips her chin, agreeing.
"As for the rest of it, I have no idea. We don't have a lot to go on when it comes to that soil.
But the barrier and surrounding lands look exactly as they always have.
As a precaution, the General sent extra Endurer guards to keep an eye on things, likely something the other realms also did. "
"That field has to be the tensest place in all of Atafye right now.
" Hendrix laughs, wiping sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.
He's right—I can't imagine the chaos of Wielders from all three kingdoms coexisting.
It's a relief to know the barrier containing Envenar isn't at risk, though, confirming what the Sage said about Bri's research.
Jeska takes advantage of the lull in conversation. "Enough question and answer time. We need to finish searching and get out of here. If our map is accurate, there's something at the base of this mountain you're all going to like, and we won't have time to stop if we don't move."
We can't exactly help, since we're not supposed to know what they're searching for, so the twins and I keep Xaavi company for hours while he sketches the symbols etched into the black stone pool.
Occasionally, someone finds something notable, like a pile of unusual, tarnished silver coins or a disintegrating bag of multicolored raw gemstones.
They seem to hum against my palm when I surreptitiously pick through them, hoping to find a connection to the diamonds the Sage referenced.
I have about as much luck as the others do: no diamonds, no feathers. Cayzenn calls off the search, and we pack up, following a path deeper into the mountain. The thick, humid air has me sticky with sweat, my bruised ribs screaming in protest from countering the increasingly steep passageway.
The building heat stifles all conversation until we round a corner and discover its source.
A cavernous, steam-filled chamber opens before us, floor littered with rock pools reflecting thousands of tiny, blue-green lights cast by the glowworms above.
Just like the cavern in the Grotto, it's breathtakingly beautiful, and as we spread out to explore, I discover there are alcoves recessed into the walls and splitting off from the main space, containing bigger pools, like private bathing chambers.
"Is that hot water?" Willa squeezes my arm, barely containing her elation, a feeling I share at the thought of getting to bathe properly for the first time in weeks.
"It is, and you have ninety minutes for bathing, relaxing, and washing clothes if you want, though they won't dry until we get to camp." Jeska replies. "Meet back at the entrance, and don't make me come looking for you once I call time, or you’ll regret it."
Not wanting to waste a second, I head for one of the far alcoves, more than ready for a little time alone.
Finding a pool at the end of a spiraling path, I wedge a light stick into one of the cracks in the wall, giving the cozy space just enough illumination to see.
Smooth, green-tinged rocks surround the water, scented with a pleasant minerally tang and something herbaceous.
Quickly, I find a towel and soaps, untangle my damp hair from its messy braid, and strip out of the clingy leathers.
At the last minute, I slip off my ring and add it to the chain with Bri's, hanging them on a piece of wood for safekeeping before shedding my remaining clothes and sinking into the deliciously warm water.
As tempting as it is to close my eyes and luxuriate in the heat, the lure of clean hair is too strong.
It feels like no time has passed when Jeska warns us it’s time to go.
Having no desire to infuriate that woman ever again, I dry off and pull on a set of underwear and my second pair of leather pants.
I’m still impressed at the way the imbued magic really does keep our clothes fresh, despite everything we put them through.
"Hey, I thought you might–oh, shit, sorry. You're not…I wasn't…" Cayzenn stumbles over whatever else he was going to say when he rounds the corner and sees I'm not fully dressed.
Quickly flicking my hair forward to hide the left side of my chest, I cover the rest of my upper body with my towel. "I'm nearly done. Did you want something?" I ask, amused at the slight flush on his normally stoic face as he looks me over.
Clearing his throat, he asks, "What? Oh, right, about earlier.
I know you said you were fine, but I wanted to make sure.
The last thing you need is to leave an injury untreated, especially out here.
" The bruises and split lip—of course, that's what he's looking at. "I am fine, promise. It’s just my side that’s still a little tender.
Everything else has pretty much healed, so no need to worry.
" My small, tentative smile widens when he grins.
“Ah, the ice has cracked. Does that mean you've forgiven me then?”
"It’s a bit hard to stay mad at someone who goes around saving animals," I joke.
"So that's what it takes to get on your good side, huh? I'll have to remember that." I don't know why, but the comment makes my insides feel like melted honey. Cayzenn steps closer, leaning down to whisper, "You're right. It was a huge risk. Your sister is much scarier than any animal."
I laugh then wince when the split at the corner of my mouth stretches. "I thought you said you were healed?" He frowns, lifting a hand to my chin before realizing and shoving it in his pocket.
"I am. It's just taking a little longer with the cold air."
He rummages around, pulling out a small tube and tossing it to me without warning.
Despite my best efforts, it tumbles to the ground.
No surprises there—my hand-eye coordination is worse than my fitness.
Cayzenn laughs and drops to pick it up, this time placing it in my hand very slowly.
"This should help. It's an imbued beeswax balm.
" Jeska yells for us to hurry up before I can thank him.
"I'll leave you to finish," he says, spinning to walk out of the alcove.
"I'm almost done. Just don't turn around," I instruct, hurrying to pull one of my soft training shirts on then grabbing my jacket and pack. I can't bring myself to wear the top half of my leathers until we're out of this muggy heat.
The memory of Cayzenn's expression when he interrupted me earlier has me distractedly reaching to twist my ring as we walk down a steep slope to yet another forest of sweet-smelling pines, only to find my finger bare.
When my hand flies to my neck, the chain is missing too.
That's when I remember they're still hanging by that pool all the way back at the base of the mountain. Fuck.
I steel myself for embarrassment and call out over the people between me and what's about to be our very grumpy Commander. "Cayzenn?" No response. "Cayzenn, I need to stop, please."
Without pausing, he shouts over his shoulder, "We will soon, and you'll be able to rest."
"No, I need to go back up."
He whirls around, face incredulous as everyone else stops too. "Yeah, that’s not happening. It will take over an hour to get back up there, and we still need to find a place to camp."
I fold my arms across my chest. "Let me put it this way: I’m about to turn around and walk in the opposite direction, and I thought I should let you know before I do."
"Wait, you're serious. Why?"
"I know, sorry. I left something important behind. I'll go by myself. Just tell me where to meet you."
"I'll go back with you," Willa offers, coming to stand beside me. I give her a grateful smile.
Her brother does not. "It'll be dark soon, and you've seen what's out here up close and personal.
You really think I'm letting you go on your own?
" I knew he wouldn't, even though there hasn't been a single sign of more Pavor wolves, not even tracks. He sighs when I don’t relent.
"Tell me what you left, and I'll go get it for you. It’ll be much faster. "
Trying not to be insulted, I protest, "No way. It was my mistake, so I'll go back for it."
Groaning in frustration, he grabs my pack, yanks the water canteen from the side pocket, and does the same with his own before telling the others to take our bags and go on ahead to set up the campsite.
"We'll be back as soon as we can. Just get a shield up straight away and don't wait for us to eat. "
"Noted, Cayzenn," Hendrix taunts, heavily emphasizing his name. "Swear on the stars, every time she calls you that, I feel like you're in trouble."
I think I hear him mutter something like, "Oh, I am," under his breath as he stomps past me and starts back up the path. The words are swept away by the wind; all my focus needs to be on keeping up, so I forget about it and hurry after him.