Images filled his mind then, of him and Raedea as they were so long ago, sitting up around a campfire and telling tales—but the images changed, and he saw himself becoming more intimate with her. He was himself again in the visions, and she was looking up at him, and then the scene changed, and they were betrothed. Sath shook his head as though the physical action would clear it as he struggled to let go of the orb. Next, the vision changed to Sath and Raedea mated and sat on the thrones of Qatu’anari—and Gin entered the scene as a servant, with heavy chains on her indicating her status as a prisoner.
“NO!” Sath tried to roar, but could not without his Qatu voice. “NO!” He shook his head to clear it, and yet the vision stayed put. He slammed the orb down into the bed, but it was too soft to damage it. He was heading for the wall, ready to smash it when he felt Gin’s hands around his arm, holding him fast.
“Sath! What are you doing?” She took the orb from him and returned it to her haversack before looking back at him in horror. “You were about to smash it into a million pieces!”
Sath blinked a few times and looked at her. “What? Gin—what are you talking about? What happened?”
Gin studied him for a moment. “I don’t know—I was running the bath, and when I came back to tell you it was ready, you were holding the orb as though you were ready to pitch it against the wall. Sath, you almost released the magic of Ikara.”
“That’s ridiculous. I would never have -”
“Let me have a look.” He nodded, and Gin took one of his hands in hers and closed her eyes. She moved through his memories, looking for the most recent. She saw nothing and withdrew. “That is odd. What do you remember?”
“Um, you went to take a bath, and then you came back. That’s all.” He wrinkled his forehead as he struggled to remember. “Wait—Raedea. . .Rae was here, she was talking to me.”
“It must have been the orb, Sath.” Gin squeezed his hand. “What did she say?”
Sath took her other hand and then looked at her, his teal eyes filled with worry. “She warned me that you meant to do me harm, that you had killed all your past lovers—Dorlagar and Taeben—and that I was next.” Gin tried to let go of his hands, but he held them tightly. “It’s why I was trying to get the orb away from me, I guess? She showed me pictures in my mind, Gin—of me on the throne in Qatu’anari with her at my side and -” He paused a moment to regain control of his anger.
“Wait, Sath.” She let go of him and returned to the haversack. “I can hear it humming.”
“So can I.” Sath put his hands over his ears. “It is speaking, can’t you hear it?”
“No. It’s just a hum, Sath.”
“NO.” He made a move toward her, and she backed up. “It’s saying that you won’t love me unless I stay a wood elf—it says that’s when you will kill me when I return to being Qatu.” His eyes were vacant. Gin backed up until she was up against the wall of the bedchamber, holding the haversack in front of her, her arms folded protectively over it.
Sath? Sath, listen to me. He did not answer, and she could barely feel him in the bond.
What is wrong, Nature Walker?
Omerith. Something is happening with the orb. I need help quickly.
Bring it to me. I have a place to keep it here that will be safe. I swear on the souls of the Guardians that I will not use it without your consent and assistance.
Thank you, Omerith.
Gin looked back at Sath, who had moved closer while she was distracted by the red dragon. “Sath, back up—you can’t have the orb.”
“It was right—she was right—oh, Rae, why didn’t I protect you?”
“Sath, she forgives you, I’m sure she does, but you have to focus on me. The orb is lying to you. Ikara is lying to you—to try to get you to break the orb and release his magic. Sath, you can’t have it, I won’t let you. Omerith will keep it safe.” She stood her ground and stared at him for a long moment. He did not advance nor back down but stood still as though looking at something on the wall behind her.
Sath? What’s wrong?
It’s nothing. Just having a bit of trouble shaking what Rae—what the orb told me. I don’t know why it is bothering me so much, but—I guess I’m just afraid that when I’m me again—It’s just silly.
I love you. I don’t care what you look like—you know I would never hurt you, Sath. This is like the time you were charmed and -
I trust you. I need you to believe that. Rae’s words are still in my mind, but I trust you.
Gin squeezed his hand and then moved away to secure the orb. She looked back to find Sath looking out the window.
Nature Walker, are you bringing the orb to me?
Yes, Omerith, I am merely making sure the Rajah is himself again.
“Ready to go?” He nodded and picked up his backpack. Gin swung hers onto her back, and soon they were walking down the long corridor toward the red dragon’s receiving room, hand in hand. Gin kept watching Sath as they walked, looking up at him from time to time.
“Won’t be long before they don’t fit together so well anymore,” Sath said as he looked down at their hands.
“Ssh. You and I will always fit.” Gin squeezed his hand but fought back a bit of sadness at the thought. “Always.”
