“All right, Ginolwenye of the Trees, if you share the memory with him, I will look in your mind instead.” Without warning, Gin felt the dragon’s consciousness plunged into her mind, just as Taeben used to do when he was angry with her. However, thanks to her time with Taeben, she was able to slow him down and point him in the direction of the memory.
I do not understand, Nature Walker. This is the wizard that my father was using to create his spell. This wizard is dead. You told me that yourself that the Rajah killed him.
That is true, Omerith, but he had made a bond with a living being Void and is trying to use her to get the orb. Once he has the magic of Ikara at his disposal, he can free himself and return to the world of the living.
But what does that have to do with my daughter?
He believes that she alone knows where the orb is, my lord. If he could not convince her to tell him or his living apprentice—an Ikedrian called Elspethe—where the orb is, I fear that he has bonded with Daelyth and is pulling himself into her mind to find out. If he is there for too long -
If he is there for too long, he will pull his body from the Void into Daelyth’s, and she will die.
Yes, that is our fear. You can see, in the memory, what happens to the Ikedrian when Taeben takes control of her body. It weakens her to the point of losing consciousness—imagine if he does that over and over? It will kill her.
One moment, Nature Walker, I must check on my daughter.
NO! My lord please if the wizard is in control of her mind then -
And he was gone. Gin slammed her fist down onto the bed. “Na’hina!” she swore, and then looked over at Sath who was still staring off into space. “Oh, Sath…” She would have to worry about the red dragon later. If left too long in his own mind, Sath might never find his way back out. Silently thanking Draoch for writing so extensively about the bond in his journals, Gin scrambled over to Sath and took his hand, carefully leading him to the cushions by the fireplace. She placed the palm of his hand against her cheek—where the scar used to be—and looked up at him. He had not yet adjusted his gaze. She would have to go look for him.
Sath.
There was nothing but roaring and screaming when she entered his mind. She moved around as slowly as she could, repairing the damage that Omerith had done as best she could.
Sit down, Sath. Do not take your hand away from my face. Yes, just like that, well done. I need you to answer me, please. Tell me that you can hear me.
Gin? Sath blinked a few times and then looked her in the eye. His teal gaze, usually so full of optimism and hope, was hollow and fearful.
It’s me, Sath. I know how this feels for you. Ben did this to me before, so many times, so I know how you feel exactly. But you must reach deep down inside yourself for me. Find the places I can’t go. Find your magic, and let me know when you have found it.
He blinked a few times, but his eyes still looked hollow and dark. I have found it.
You have to heal yourself, Sath. The red dragon says that your kind have the bond innately, like they do. Go into that magical space. Find the bond and use it to repair the damage Omerith—
At the sound of the red dragon’s name, Sath shuddered and recoiled. Gin held his hand firmly against her cheek. She could feel his claws puncture her skin in a few places, but she ignored the pain and focused on him.
You are safe, Sath. Omerith is not here. I’ve got you. Find your magic. I’m going to let go of your hand -
No! Gin winced at how much Sath’s voice reminded her of a young Khujann. His grip tightened, but this time he shifted his fingers first so that he didn’t scratch her. Progress.—Sath was coming back to himself.
Okay. I won’t let go. You just keep connected to me, okay? Find your magic, Sath. Find your ancestors—let them help you.
Sath nodded and closed his eyes, and Gin stared at him, watching for any outward signs of trouble. She had withdrawn from his mind to give him privacy to work, so his facial expressions were her only way of knowing what was going on inside of him. He sat completely still, eyes closed, for a long time, but finally, his eyes opened and—while still hollow—they were returning to normal as he looked at her.
“The red dragon is correct, Gin. My people have the innate ability to form the bond just as the dragons do. We were never taught how to use it, not from the first day we stood up on our hind legs and walked toward our island home. I—I have always known of it, but like Omerith, I guess, I thought that it was only something I could do with other Qatu.” He frowned sadly. “That must be why I could see what was going on in that room.” Gin suddenly rubbed the back of her neck as Sath winced in pain. “What the -”
Nature Walker. Rajah. I do not have much time. My master Taeben is away, and I can contact you for a brief time without him knowing. I am Elspethe Turlach, and I must apologize to you for what I have done in releasing Taeben from the Void and trapping you on the dark side of the world. I did not know his true nature when I agreed to help him. I was, but a stupid, lovesick child, and I
