“Here we begin the first meeting of An Solas, the light,” he announced. “I thank you all for coming forward in trust.”
Some of those gathered muttered and nodded their heads in understanding, while others made noises of confusion. It seemed about half of those present had been dropped into this situation without much explanation like she and Maarav had, though thinking of Maarav, he didn’t seem terribly confused.
The boy continued to utter formalities, introducing the few who didn’t wear hoods.
More curious about what her companion might have to say, she stood on tip-toe to hover near Maarav’s ear. “Do you know something you’re not telling me?”
He leaned down toward her so she could stand normally. “There have been a few whispers across the burgh of magic users banding together without an Alderman, or other magic-less official to rule them. I know you desire to do good, but I’d rather you not stick your neck out on your own. This seemed the perfect opportunity.”
Her heart skipped a beat. After how dutifully he’d required her to hide her magic, now he wanted her to join some sort of secret resistance?
“You saw what happened up North,” he whispered, “and what happened in Migris. We are at war, and the rulers of this time are powerless against what is to come. I, for one, would like to be part of the new leadership once everything comes to pass.”
“And you think these people are it?” she gasped.
“They are the beginning,” he replied. “Their forces will grow. Magic users are our only hope of standing against the Faie. Now pay attention.” He pointed toward the center of the room.
Ealasaid turned her gaze to find Ouve looking at her. “Would you like to introduce yourself, my lady?”
She nervously shook her head, just as many of the others had done, and the boy moved on. “We must gather others to our cause,” he continued. “Those that have been turned away from their homes, and who have been persecuted along with the Faie.”
Ealasaid digested his words as he continued on. The great cities were falling. Migris lay in ruins. Their people would need them soon enough, and a new order would come to the land.
Her mind flitted to the ruined city in the North, and the Reiver, Conall, who had manipulated magic users to fight for him. What would it be like to have such a gathering without Conall? To be led by another magic user, perhaps with their best interests at heart?
The only relevant question was, who would be that leader?
Grelka ambled up to her side opposite Maarav, startling her. “Those riders,” she whispered, “the ones who chased your friends near the burgh, do you know what they are?”
Her friends? Had Grelka been watching as she and Maarav were reunited with Kai and the others? There had been a crowd, but she hadn’t noticed Grelka there.
Maarav leaned in front of her to quietly address Grelka. “Is it important?”
Ouve glanced at them, then continued his long address to the group.
Maarav placed a hand on Ealasaid’s shoulder and guided her toward the nearest corner. Grelka followed.
Once they were out of earshot, Grelka began anew, “I’ve been seeing those riders in my dreams. They search for someone.”
“Oh yes,” Ealasaid began quietly, “They search for-”
Maarav gave her shoulder a painful squeeze, cutting her off.
She blushed, realizing she’d almost given away something Kai and Anna had asked her to keep private.
Grelka’s gaze was intent on her, as if reading the thoughts she’d almost spoken.
Wanting to distract her, Ealasaid asked, “You said you saw them in your dreams?”
Grelka frowned, then nodded. “I am what the old clans call a seer. I saw the riders coming here, and I saw you stopping them.”
Ealasaid’s blush deepened. “I did what was needed,” she explained simply.
Grelka shook her head. “I was not referring to your lightning today, I was referring to my dream. In my dream, you lead others to stop the riders.” She gestured toward the others at the meeting, who were now all conversing amongst themselves. “You will lead them.”
Ealasaid looked to Maarav, unsure what to think.
He stared at Grelka coolly. “I will not allow you to throw her into danger.”
Grelka laughed, able to speak louder now that the room was filling with conversation. “She will be fine. You, on the other hand, your fate has not been chosen.”
“What do you mean?” Ealasaid gasped.
Grelka shook her head. “I can say no more. Meet me at the edge of town at dawn, and bring your hunted friends. Their task is not yet finished.” With that, she ambled away to address others in the meeting.
Ealasaid turned her gaze up to Maarav. “Do you still believe this meeting was a good idea?” she asked caustically.
His eyes followed Grelka across the room. “I think I would like to know what else the seeress has to say,” he muttered. He turned his gaze down to her. “Let’s return to the inn and get some rest, then we’ll speak with Kai and the others.”
Kai tossed and turned in his bed at the inn. Anna seemed to be sleeping soundly in the bed beside his, divided by a narrow table. He expected Sativola to come crashing in at any moment, though he seemed intent on drinking his worries away.
Kai couldn’t say he blamed him, and once would have been matching the man drink for drink. Not now. Finn had given up a portion of her power to save him. What type of man would he be if he didn’t risk his life to save her?
His body erupted in goosebumps as he thought back to the cloaked riders. He hadn’t needed to see their faces to know there was something . . . off about them. Just like Moírne had said, they seemed almost like ghosts. Ghosts that could easily kill him.
He sat up, ignoring the cold sweat dripping down his back. He knew well enough where Finn would be heading if she happened to decide it unwise to enter Garenoch, or if the lurking riders blocked her way. He could go there, but would he simply be leading the riders right to her?
He stroked his fingers over the locket still dangling around his neck. Would the riders still sense it if he took it off and left it in the burgh with Anna so he could find Finn? Or, should he leave the burgh and ride far away from where Finn was heading, to once again lead them away?
He shook his head, truly wishing he could speak with Móirne again, but perhaps she could not enter the burgh, just like her kin.
Unable to quiet his mind, he silently crept out of bed and exited the room. He could still hear a measure of commotion below from the inn’s patrons. Perhaps he could persuade Sativola to buy him a drink. Or two.
Or three.
Chapter Fifteen
Finn crept back into the forest, away from the main road. She had almost reached Garenoch when she noticed the riders. Clouds obscured the moon, leaving her with little light to see by, but they were clearly watching Garenoch. The six figures, mounted on calm horses, stood side by side, observing the small burgh. For what, she did not know, but just seeing the riders filled her with overwhelming dread.
Loinnir stepped lightly behind her, following her into the cover of the trees. Once the riders were well out of sight, she climbed onto the unicorn’s back, entwined her fingers with its mane, and took off at a gallop. She wanted as much distance between herself and the ominous riders as possible, and if she could not reach Garenoch, she would simply go to Greenswallow first. Perhaps she’d find àed there, and if not, she’d retrieve the shroud then seek her friends.
Once she felt a safe distance had been gained, she asked Loinnir to slow. It wouldn’t do to ride away from one danger, only to unwittingly ride into another. Her nervous breath fogged the air as they slowed. All was still.