“I see,” continued the woman, nodding emphatically. “So, it makes sense that you would not have received the visions, then.”
“What visions?” demanded Minx. It was all she could do to keep from pounding her fist on the table. She despised this meandering back and forth.
“This army that intruded upon your home,” explained Vevne soothingly, “is soon to be wiped out.”
Here, both Kaleb and Minx leaned forward.
“Huh? The Wuffs—Valry and the rest—they're going to get... wiped out?” asked Minx. “What do you mean? How do you know that?”
“The visions have been experienced by many in this region. Everyone I know with even the slightest seer ability has gotten a glimpse of the rout to come. I suppose it has fallen to me to share these visions with you. Our meeting this day is not mere chance!” There was no joy in her tone as she went on, arms spread wide. “An army of darkness is on its way. It will wipe them out completely.”
There was a long silence as Minx and Kaleb sought to process this news.
It was the dragon shifter who spoke up first. “An army of darkness? Whose army might that be?”
Minx took this report of visions with a grain of salt. So, what? People are having dreams or visions or whatever about some big, nasty army fighting against the Wuffs, Plurn and Krah? Valry's army is no joke—I don't know of any mobilized army out there that could be on its way to strike, unless... “Is it the dragons?” she chanced, dividing her gaze between Kaleb and Vevne. “Are the dragons assembling to fight Valry's army?”
Kaleb snorted at this. “Wow, thanks. First you accuse me of conspiring against the Fae, and now you think my people are assembling some army of darkness? Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Minx. This is the first I'm hearing about any such army.”
Vevne shook her head, explaining further. “This is a fearsome army—an army of unbelievable power. They will sweep past the Wuff and march all across the land. No realm will be safe from their reach.”
The woman seemed very earnest, but Minx still couldn't find it in herself to believe. She hadn't experienced these visions herself, hadn't seen this supposed army and couldn't imagine such a thing rising up to clash with Valry's forces without causing a noticeable stir throughout the region.
But if there was any truth to what Vevne was saying, then things were about to spin even further out of control. She already had her hands full, trying to get a dragon's hide to keep the warding spell going, and an additional one to trade for her mother's life. Now, she had to worry about a more powerful army showing up—an army that might crush Valry's forces and lay siege to her homeland. If this is true, and the army shows up before I can get the elders a dragon's hide, Pandling Grounds and Heilo Lake will be in major trouble. I didn't think things could be worse off than they were with Valry and the others...
“When?” asked Minx. “When will this army arrive?”
Vevne shrugged. “I'm not certain,” she offered unhelpfully. “The visions have been occurring for some time now, but I can't speak to the exact day...”
Well, a lot of good that does me! Minx stood up, pacing madly through the dim room.
“It sounds like the Fae are going to have a big fight on their hands,” said Kaleb, arms crossed. “We'll find some way to protect the realm—”
“I'll say we will,” interrupted Minx. “I'm going to find myself a dragon's hide and get it to the elders before time runs out. That's the mission. Nothing's changed.”
The dragon shifter sighed, kneading his brow with a few fingers. “We're going to find a way to protect the realm,” he repeated. “Another way.”
“If we don't reset the shields, then—”
Kaleb raised a hand to silence her. “You want to protect your home, your people. I understand that. In fact, I respect it.” He donned a genuine smile, motioning at the chair she'd just abandoned. “You know, that's what I was raised to do, too. To defend my kind at any cost. You only get one homeland, one people. Only a coward wouldn't risk everything to defend their own. But what you're asking for...” He shook his head. “There has to be another way. And together, I think we can find it, Minx.”
She wanted to argue with him, but words failed her. The gravity of the situation hit her all at once and she dropped back into the chair before it could topple her. He says there's another way... but is there? He can keep his hide, but someone else's is necessary for the shielding spell. If we don't have that... She shut her eyes, forcing back images of her homeland engulfed in flame.
“First things first,” continued Kaleb, looking to their hostess. “You said earlier that you can help us find the Faelyr, Mau. Where is she?”
“Yes, I believe I can help you. It is no coincidence that we crossed paths. This Wuff army you speak of... there is no doubt that they are a part of the visions.” Vevne nodded firmly. “The Faelyr, a very intelligent one—I know where she's being held. It will be difficult, but I think I can take you to her.”
“I'd like that very much,” replied Minx. Things were uncertain—frightening, even—but if she could have Mau at her side again, she'd feel better-prepared to handle the looming struggles. “Where is she being held?”
“There is another market,” explained Vevne. “Not far from here. A particular seller was preparing this Faelyr for auction, if I recall. There was a lot of chatter... a very intelligent Faelyr fetches a great price, you see, and people talk. I know where the merchant is located.” She stood, stretching her powerful frame. “I believe the guards at the auction house have lost our trail by now.” She donned her hood and motioned toward the door.
