It answered with a drawn-out hiss, and then took a step closer. I stiffened as its reptilian face loomed close.
“You have Fan’twar’s scent.” It took a step back and gave its head a slight bow. “I am called Seren, King of the Ore Fae. Come with me, child of dragons, and I shall fly you to our home. We’ve much to discuss.”
He flattened his wings against the ground.
If I didn’t go with this dragon now, I knew I wouldn’t get another chance. There were too many questions needing answers, like where were Kull and the others? Where should the bloom’s final resting place be? And what had happened to the creatures on this island? My questions would never be answered unless I took this step forward.
I placed the statue back in its box and tucked it into my bag. Inhaling a calming breath, I climbed onto Seren’s back.
Seren let out a long shriek before flapping his wings and plunging off the cliff.
Chapter 30
I stood in the dragon’s cavern. The flight from the cliffs to the caves had been short, although I was positive I’d never been more frightened. It made me realize how gentle Fan’twar was.
Seren walked ahead of me, leading me through his labyrinth. Walls made of porous volcanic rock surrounded us as waves of heat roiled from the floor. We passed through a large chamber where a slow-moving stream of lava snaked through a deep gorge. I held my breath to keep from inhaling the sulfuric fumes.
The chamber widened, and soon we stopped in a domed cavern. Intricately carved pillars surrounded us. Above us, a sun-shaped pattern was carved into the stone. Its rays spanned outward, and each of the beam’s tips rested atop one of the twelve columns. A faded golden sheen glinted from the ceiling and supports.
“I’ve seen something like this before,” I said, staring at the ceiling, “in the elven halls.”
The dragon didn’t answer. He wandered to the room’s center and climbed atop a pile of rubble. His reptilian claws grasped at the broken rock, making loose stones clatter as they tumbled to the floor.
I inspected the chamber as I made my way toward the dragon. I hadn’t expected to find elven architecture so far from the mainland. Had elves been here?
I sat on a rock near the dragon. He watched me with those unblinking snake’s eyes, so unlike Fan’twar’s. My stepfather’s eyes had always seemed more human than animal. I looked away to stare at the room.
“Were the elves here once?” I asked.
“Yes. Many years ago. Before my time.”
Before his time? I didn’t dare ask the dragon his age, but he had to be old. If that were so, then the elves would have been here hundreds of years ago. There wasn’t any record of an elven expedition, so what were they doing out on this island?
“The balance of our world has shifted,” Seren said. “Many things will soon change. No more shall Faythander be a world of peace. Do you carry the blossom of the Ever Tree?”
“Yes,” I answered, “but I’m not sure where it belongs.”
“Hmm,” he growled deep in his throat.
Was it just me, or did the room seem darker?
“Recite the prophecy.”
I closed my eyes as I remembered the words. “Over the sea of a thousand faces, let the silver light show the way. The bloom will only flourish under the stars of the mirror-white sand. Only there will it be safe. Only then can our world be saved.”
“Do you know the meaning of this prophecy?”
“Vaguely. I was hoping you could help me decipher it.”
Steam rose from his nostrils. He held so still that it was hard to tell him from the rock pile. “The prophecy refers to Verutith, the unknown island.”
Finally, I was getting somewhere. “What do you know of this island?”
“My kind do not travel there. The island is inhabited by dark creatures who possess magic stronger than ours. The creatures of Verutith are shrouded in darkness.”
“There are creatures that have been killed on this island—were they killed by the dark creatures?”
“I cannot say. Since the magic has faded, the balance of power has shifted. Many creatures, once powerful, are no longer able to defend themselves. Conversely, other species have grown strong. Much is changing, young one.
“The dark creatures, however, still possess magic, and although weakened, their powers can reach great distances.”
I swallowed. This wasn’t good. “Some of my companions have gone missing. Do you believe they’re under the spell of the dark creatures?”
“It is possible. Some are more susceptible to the magic than others. We have seen your companions wandering through our forests. Yes,” he said with a growl, “it is possible.”
“Can you take me to my companions?” I asked.
He shook his head. “I am sorry, but you must seek out your companions on your own. If they recognize you, the spell will be weakened, and so you may be safe. But my kind will not go near any creature under the dark kind’s spell.”
“Can you at least help me find them?”
“Hmm,” his growl sounded more like a snarl. “I cannot.”
“Why?”
“Years ago, a group of mortals visited our island. They became overpowered by the visions from the dark creatures. While under their spell, the mortals slew many of my kind. We are born with magic that protects us, as well as thick hides to keep us safe. We do not fear what hunts us, for we can defeat any enemy. But we will not confront the dark creatures or those who succumb to their spells.”
“Can anything defeat them?”
“It is difficult to say. None have seen their true forms, and so none know their true capabilities or weaknesses. Their magic can crush you with a single thought. You would be wise not to travel to Verutith.”
This wasn’t good. How could I restore the Everblossom with such terrifying creatures in my way? “There’s got to be some way to get past them. Perhaps with
