Darkness: A Guardians of Orana Novel

to tell you that she will work as hard as she can to come back to her old self.” Gin paused and then remembered that Daelyth had given her something to tell him exactly. “Also, Omerith, she said to tell you this exactly—she will go where the drakes fly.” Omerith’s eyes widened, and he stretched out his neck toward Gin.

“That is what she said, those very words?” Gin nodded, and Omerith swung his head around toward Sath, who nodded at the dragon.

“Does that mean something to you?”

“Yes, Ginolwenye of the Trees. It does.” He looked back at his mother. “I think you need to leave now, Mother, and take her with you.” To everyone’s surprise, Embyr strode right up to her brother and looked up at him.

“I have a name, brother. It’s Embyr.”

“I know.”

“I want us to be friends. I don’t really like you very much, but I would like to know my niece. She seems nice, and so sparkly!” She looked back over her shoulder at the Mother Dragon. “I will be coming to visit my brother, Mama, just as I will go to the Old World and visit my brother Kalinth in his tower. Perhaps he will awaken one day.” Kaerinth scowled and then reluctantly nodded her head before turning her attention back to Omerith.

“Where is the orb, my son? I have done everything you have asked.”

“Mother, you know I cannot give you the orb. Daelyth is the only one who knows where it is hidden, and I am not going to permit you access to her until she is recovered. She will not tell you where it is hidden because she knows—as we all do—that you want to use the orb’s power to resurrect Father, and that would be disastrous for the Old and New Worlds alike.” Kaerinth snorted but did not respond. Omerith’s eyes narrowed as he looked at her. “Even if I knew my Andyth was dead, I would not have used the orb to bring her back from the Void. You will leave my territory immediately. Embyr is welcome to return, but you are banished.”

Lady Kaerinth, the oldest living dragon, looked at her son for a long time. “I accept your terms—for now.” She motioned for Embyr to return to her side, and the princess complied. After a long and meaningful look at her son, the Mother Dragon closed her wings around her child, and they both disappeared from sight.

Sath leaned over to Gin. “Is she really gone?” Gin closed her eyes for a moment and then nodded as she opened them.

“We should discuss the orb in the bond, Nature Walker, so that we can control who has the information,” Omerith said as he looked toward the ceiling, as though looking for his mother to suddenly reappear.

“We cannot, Omerith. I told you that Nelenie has not been taught to use the bond yet, and as a Guardian, she has every right -” Gin walked over to Nelenie and reached up toward her friend’s face. She placed her fingers against Nelenie’s temples. “Nel, close your eyes and focus on my voice, then I want you to imagine a blank white wall. Nothing else. Can you do that?” Nelenie closed her eyes, nodding slightly, and Gin looked back at Omerith. “Initiate the bond, my lord. I will bring Nelenie in to listen.” Omerith and Sath closed their eyes simultaneously.

Are we all present?

Sathlir Clawsharp, Rajah of Qatu’anari, present.

Ginolwenye Clawsharp, Nature Walker, present and allowing access to Nelenie Ergwyn, First Caeth, and Guardian of Alynatalos, present.

Daelyth, daughter of the First Brood, present.

Omerith’s pride swelled at his daughter’s appearance in the bond, and the rest couldn’t help but smile. Daughter, I am pleased that you are well enough to join us.

Papa, I had to—no one else knows where the orb is.

Omerith chuckled. Indeed, my precious one. That is what we, as Guardians, must discuss. The Rajah has suggested that the actual location should not be revealed to anyone at this time. Daelyth knows, and I know, and the Rajah feels that is enough.

Gin frowned. My lord Omerith, I do not feel that is a good idea. I trust this group with my life, and I think that the burden of knowledge should be shared among us.

Sath smiled sadly at her. Gin, you saw what it did to me. I have no desire to have the power of the orb, but it was still able to convince me that Raedea was communicating with me. Omerith has not told me anything more than that Daelyth has hidden the orb where she was taken to see the drakes fly.

Oh, of course, Omerith, your daughter is very clever. It is in The Temple of the Mother.

Yes, Nature Walker, you know it?

I do. The wizard—kept me there once.

I did see that memory when you let me into your mind, Nature Walker, I remember. That is why I told you to tell Papa.

Please, Daelyth, call me Gin. My lord, now that we all know, what is our next move? If the Mother Dragon finds the orb -

Ginolwenye of the Trees, your concern is valid, but where can we put it that it will be safe?

Gin looked around the room at the faces assembled. She could almost imagine Daelyth just to the side of her father and knew that the golden dragon would soon be back to her rightful place. But all it would take was for the Mother Dragon to return to the Old World, and everything would be in jeopardy. The balance of Orana had been tipped, and if Kaerinth was given the power of Ikara, it would tip even further.

“What if we return Ikara’s power?” Everyone in the room stared at her and not only because she had spoken outside of the bond. Omerith relayed her words to his daughter and then nodded for Gin to continue. “Hear me out. He has been without that power for more than two centuries. All of the gods have retreated to the Void, which means not