“No, look closer.”

I turned the bell over and noticed that there was a small indent in the bottom of the bell, where someone had pried open a leaf of the bell and removed the silver ball. The reason her bells didn’t make a sound was because she removed all of the clappers. I looked at her and raised an eyebrow. It was something I would have done.

“I’m too old for tests, and my arthritic hands were making them constantly jingle and drive me batty. But I wanted to give it to you as a reminder of your choice with the tea. Like me, you find your own solutions to the problems around you. You will find the Septori; you will find the answers you seek. And sometimes, what you gain on your journey is more valuable than the prize at the end.”

“And what about Kael?” I asked.

“What about him?” she shrugged her shoulders offhandedly.

I swallowed and my stomach churned with uncertain feelings. “Will he be all right?”

“Of course, he will be all right. He’s the first to be bonded since we left Sinnendor. Granted, it didn’t work out the way any of us expected it to, but his name will never be forgotten.”

“But he’s forced to give up his freedom.”

“Ask yourself what he is gaining by being bonded to you.”

“Not much. I’m trouble. I’ve been nothing but trouble for him, since he’s met me.” I looked down at the ground, breaking eye contact.

“So what? A SwordBrother’s been forced to do his duty and protect his charge. I’m sure he was furious at first and quite demanding, but I can tell you that secretly, he’s feeling more alive than ever. Truly, he will come around. There is no greater honor for a SwordBrother than protecting their sworn one until death.”

“Which will be short,” I snapped out, “with my luck.”

“Which will be filled with more action, battle, and love than any of us have seen in years. So don’t be reckless and spout off about things you don’t know.”

“I know the Septori, and they won’t stop until they either capture me or kill me,” I grumbled after a moment.

“Well then, maybe it is a good thing that Kael must protect you. As long as you live, he is invincible. He is the best fighter there is.”

“I thought Alek was the better fighter. That’s what Kael said.”

Alba shook her head. “No one’s better than Kael. I’ve watched them. Kael fights with all the fury and anger he holds from losing his father so young. He’s better than Lake ever was. He doesn’t know it, but he holds himself back when he spars with his brother. He fears that he will kill him and then he will be all alone. He has quite a few feelings to work through. For example, what he’ll feel when he finds that you left without him.”

“He’ll forget about me. He’s already reconciling with Gwen.” I said waving off her words.

Alba snorted. “Oil and water those two. She’s much more fitted for Alek’s temperament anyway. Let the girl say her apologies to Kael and that will be it. She’s been beating herself up about it for months. But you young one—you are like oil and Kael is fire. Careful, because the two of you can destroy the world with your passion.”

My cheeks heated and I stuttered a bit. “If-if we don’t destroy each other first,” I choked out.

“That too,” she agreed. “But the sooner you leave, the sooner he’ll feel the bond moving and he’ll abandon Gwen to come after you.” Alba came over and ran her hands over Faraway, noticing the small but significant swirl upon his chest. The mark startled her and she studied it wide-eyed. Few noticed it for what it was.

“I also wouldn’t count yourself short, if I were you. It seems that there is something special about you that attracts even the Guardians. She rubbed her hands over Faraway’s nose and looked deeply into his eyes. “Isn’t that right?” She gently blew into his face. He relaxed and pushed his large head into her chest. I heard him mentally sigh.

“You know what he is?” I asked stunned.

“Of course. The Guardians only appear in time of great need. When you are as old as me, you’ve seen enough times of trouble to recognize one. They say the Great One gives them to us to guide us and help us during our trial. Their time on our land is short and purpose-driven. One day Thalia, you will awaken and he will be gone.”

When Alba spoke those words, Faraway started and took off up the path that led to the caves, trying to put some distance between him and the woman who had just brought the truth to light. The truth that Faraway had clearly been avoiding.

I pulled on the reigns but he ignored me and started to trot. Feeling guilty at my sudden departure, I looked over my shoulder to where Alba was standing, but she was gone.

We were already on our way out of the Sanctuary, and I wanted to ask Alba more questions, but it seemed like Faraway didn’t want me to know anything else.

Why didn’t you tell me? I spoke directly to Faraway accusingly.

Anything I would have told you would only upset you or worry you unnecessarily.

Of course I’m upset. You are going to leave me. My heart felt burdened with the thought of not having him near me. You can’t leave me.

Not yet, he answered. Until the time when I must fulfill my destiny, I will always be yours.

Promise.

Yes. Now let’s go back and find the others. I’m in the mood for a cookie.

Chapter 12

Faraway and I traveled quickly and all through the night. By the next day I was tired of traveling and grateful when I saw a small town come into view. Even coming at it from a different direction, I recognized it. I couldn’t remember the name of the town, but when I passed the small inn, I couldn’t help but recognize the two-story Ginger Dragon Inn. Knowing Joss and Darren, they would have stopped here on their way to Haven. I was exhausted and would pay the extra money to stay the night and get a good night’s rest. Faraway headed around back and to the stables. Three other horses were already there.

The same young boy from a year ago came and took Faraway into an empty stall and started to brush him down. He was taller and leaner, but I recognized the innkeeper Bran’s oldest son.

“Lad, do you happen to know if Darren and Joss came through here?”

Suspicious green eyes looked me over. “Maybe.”

I reached into my coin purse, pulled out a copper, and flipped it toward him. His hand snatched it midair.

“They came by to purchase food and speak to Mum and Pop, but they didn’t stay the night.” He walked over to the side of the stable and put two scoops of feed into a bucket and carried it back into Faraway’s stall.

“When was this? How many nights ago?” The boy refused to answer.

I sighed loudly. Opening my pouch again, I pulled out another copper, but he held up two fingers. I pulled out two coins which quickly disappeared into his pocket.

“They came by five days ago. Bought enough bread to feed an army. My sister cried when they refused to stay. She likes him, ya know. She’s been in a fit ever since, thinking he doesn’t like her.” The words flew out of the boy’s mouth in one breath. His eyes kept flickering to the front of the stable nervously the whole time he talked. As if he were waiting for something or someone. He finally stopped and looked at me carefully. “Hey, I remember you. You were here last time, with them. You were awfully scrawny and dirty. I thought you were a boy, until mum said otherwise.”