Darkness: A Guardians of Orana Novel

happened. Taeben had looked at him in the bond and now spoken to him. How? And why had he seen the dark elf when he went looking for Taeben? He rubbed his eyes and walked over to the window. The sun was setting—he supposed that meant that the sun would be rising soon at home. He thought of Khujann rolling over and pulling his covers over his head, begging for a few more minutes of sleep. He thought of the sounds of the palace waking up to a new day—servants moving through the halls with trays of breakfast, Sahi Kalah and Sahi Pahl changing shifts, and comparing notes just outside his door. He thought of finding Gin meditating on the roof of the palace as the orange and yellow light of the sun broke over the horizon, igniting the auburn and golden streaks in her hair. Sath felt his heart warm at the sight of her—and closed his eyes, smiling.

Okay, that’s almost worse than staring at the back of my head, Sath.

Good morning, darlin'.

Now, do you want to tell me why you went looking for Taeben, or should we try to find some tea and breakfast first?

You saw that, huh?

Well, either that’s what happened, or I had some pretty strange dreams. Or both, actually. Spill it, Sath.

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Sephine told them that she had dispatched the dragonkind that had been watching over them the previous night. Gin instinctively reached for her dagger.

Can you tell who is out there?

No. But I am sensing no ill intent.

The knock came again, more insistent this time. Gin walked over to the door, Sath on her heels trying to stop her, but she pulled the door open anyway. On the other side stood a very chagrined looking Raiknyth. “Nature Walker, I am so sorry to wake -” She caught sight of Sath and drew her weapon, stepping between her and Sath. “You should have shouted for me, my lady! You stand down!”

Gin couldn’t help giggling. “Raiky, it’s all right. This is Sath—you met him before, he was just under an illusion.” Raiknyth wandered closer to Sath, her weapon still drawn and sniffed him. Her eyes widened.

“My lord! I’m so sorry!” The First Caeth bent low. Sath chuckled as he stepped forward and clapped the dragonkind on the shoulder.

“Recover yourself, Raiky. I did not expect you to know what had happened. Tell me, what can we do for you?”

“Lord Omerith has sent me for you, my lord.” Sath nodded, and he and Gin followed Raiknyth out the door. Gin pulled the door shut and then walked quickly to catch up with Raiknyth and Sath.

“Ugh, I’m back to being the slowest around,” she muttered. Raiknyth immediately slowed her pace until she caught up to him. “Why does Omerith request our presence this morning?”

“Oh, it is the best news, my lady. Lord Omerith is satisfied that our Lady Daelyth has been restored. He says he can sense her in the bond, and requests that you come to the great hall at once.” They walked the rest of the way in silence, with Gin and Sath sharing each other’s concern and suspicion silently. Soon she was pushing open the massive doors, and Gin and Sath entered to see Omerith and Daelyth sitting at the other end of the great hall.

Their heads were bent toward each other, speaking Eldyr. “Nature Walker! Rajah!” Omerith rose to his full height and ambled over to where they were standing. “It is the best news, is it not? My daughter has been returned, unharmed.”

Gin stepped forward. “My Lord, it is, of course, cause for celebration, but I must ask, are you certain?” The red dragon chuckled and looked over his shoulder at the golden dragon, still sitting at the other end of the hall.

“I am certain, Nature Walker. I have communicated with her in the bond. It is our precious child, the last dragon born on Orana.” He leaned closer to Gin. “She has the orb safe. It will not fall into the hands of my mother.”

“That pleases me, Omerith, and brings me great relief. How is that she came to be returned to herself?”

Omerith’s amber eyes glowed with an inner fire, and Gin thought she might have asked the wrong question. “It was a wizard that took possession of her mind, Nature Walker. She managed to escape his control. I wanted to make sure that you knew that the orb did not fall into my mother’s clutches.”

Can he hear us?

No, I don’t think so.

Are you believing this?

No. I have a horrible feeling about this, Sath.

Omerith looked at them curiously, and Gin smiled at him. “I do not see a need for us to remain, Omerith if your daughter is well and the orb is safe.”

“I am happy to help you get back to your side of the world safely, Ginolwenye of the Trees, if that is your wish. While I have enjoyed having you as our guests, I know that you are needed in your homelands.”

This is too easy, Gin, we are not really going back, are we?

Just follow my lead, Sath. If I am right, Daelyth is about to overplay her hand.

And if you are wrong?

Then we go home.

“It is my wish, my lord. Our homeland is now safe—thanks to the Rajah. We were under a similar threat of a wizard whose misguided narcissism led him to believe he could rule all of Orana. I believe you were familiar with him—your father was his mentor.”

Omerith’s face darkened. “Yes, Nature Walker, I do know of this wizard. We are all safer now that he is dead. It is my understanding that he has been in touch with my Mother on similar business.” As Gin spoke to the red dragon, Sath kept his eyes on the daughter. “My mate, Andyth, was determined that we would not return to your side of our world while that wizard still drew breath, regardless of how power-hungry Kaerinth grew. She