“Tremulac?” Halla questioned. “It doesn’t exist. That island is a fairy tale.”
“I thought so, too, until recently. But now I believe it is real because I’m fairly certain I saw it in the vision.”
“If that’s so,” the queen said, “then where is it?”
“I have no idea.”
She scowled. “Then I refuse to sanction any sort of expedition to find a lost island that doesn’t even exist—”
“Mother,” Kull said, “trust Olive on this. If the elves did indeed take the staff, then they would have brought it to that island—the same place where the egg is located. They would need both items to initiate their spell to recall Theht.”
“Assuming that is all true, then how do you find the island? Although there have been many expeditions, no one has ever found it. You’ll never find it.”
“I disagree,” I said.
“Why?”
“Because the elves took the staff, and all we need to do is track the elves.” I glanced at Kull. “Luckily for us, we’ve got him.”
He gave me a knowing smile, the one that made my heart flutter.
“She’s right, Mother. I will track the elves and find the staff. That I promise.”
“Don’t be so hasty. We’re not even sure it was the elves. No one saw a thing. I doubt you’ll even find their trail.”
“Where is your confidence, Mother? You know I can do this.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
“And kill yourself in the process, no doubt. What will the elves do to you once you find them?”
“We’ll worry about that once we reach the isle.”
She looked him in the eye, her face grim. “I know this is a quest that cannot be avoided, but I worry about you. I shall not get a moment’s rest while you are gone. Battling beasts in the wilds is not the same as confronting the elves. There are some in the capitol who want nothing more than our extermination. They’ll wipe us out the same way they did the goblins if we give them the chance.”
“What are you saying? Do you believe I shouldn’t stop the summoning?”
“No, but I am saying that tact is preferred to warfare. Don’t give them an excuse to murder us all.”
“I agree,” Kull said, “which is why I have been in constant negotiations with them since Father passed.”
Halla cupped her son’s cheeks. “I see him in your eyes. You’re all I have left of him. Please be safe on this quest.”
“I will return safely to you. I promise.”
She nodded, seeming satisfied. “Very well.”
“We will take your leave, if you’ve no objections.”
“No. You are free to go.”
Kull walked toward me and took my hand. We turned toward the tall double doors, walked outside the dining hall, and then into an open hallway. Windows lined either side as we turned toward a set of doors.
“I’m in need of some fresh air. Will you join me outside?” Kull asked.
“Yes. I could use some fresh air, too.”
Kull led me out the doors, into a courtyard, and over a bridge paved in cobblestones that led into the forest. The air smelled of rain, and water glistened as it dripped from leaves to puddles on the ground.
We followed a trail that led to the lake, to the same place where I’d seen Fan’twar not long ago. Sadness gripped me as I remembered how the sun had shimmered on his scales, or the way his eyes had glittered when he thought he’d said something mischievous. I missed him more than I thought possible. Kull squeezed my hand, bringing me out of my thoughts.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked.
I shrugged. “I’m thinking that I would like to have my stepfather back.”
“I agree. I think everyone agrees. Faythander is not the same without him.”
I nodded. “We’ll get him back,” I said, mostly to assure myself, although in truth, I feared I would never see him again.
The wind blew through the tree branches overhead, making the boughs sway and creak. Gray clouds blocked out the sun, causing the air to grow chill.
“Olive,” Kull said quietly. “I’m afraid there’s a traitor in our castle, and I’m afraid to admit who it might be.”
I looked up at him.
“Maveryck,” he said. “He conveniently led us into that desert and away from the keep, which happened to be during the time the staff was stolen. We were nearly killed by Jahr’ad, which was no accident. Maveryck is one of the only people who knew the staff’s location. Also, he dresses and acts like elven royalty, and as of yet, nobody seems to know anything about him. Someone tipped off those elves to the staff’s location. Given that he’s a professional thief, it doesn’t look good for him.”
“I agree. I overheard the elves talking in the castle on Tremulac. Someone betrayed us.”
“Do you believe it was Maveryck?”
“I can’t say for sure, but I agree. It doesn’t look good for him.”
Kull worked his jaw back and forth as he stared over the lake. “Then we’ll have to find him and ask a few questions. He won’t like it.”
“No, but it has to be done. What will you do if he is the traitor?”
Kull shook his head. “I’m not sure.”
“Heidel won’t like you interrogating him.”
“No. But even she has to admit he can’t be trusted. The only reason I’ve allowed him to stay with us is because your stepfather trusted him, but I’m afraid being in good graces with the sky king can only benefit him so much. His luck is about to run out.”
He took my hand and tugged me back toward the trail, and I followed him toward the castle. When we reached the gates, the sun sank toward the horizon, casting slanting rays of orange light over the paving stones and castle walls. Crickets
