I recalled the battle again and couldn't help but ask, "Why is she after Asher?" Ruby looked momentarily stunned so I clarified, "If she doesn't agree with council about suppressing the north's rule, I mean."
I heard her release a breath. "That is an entirely different issue. Junnie is fine with leaving you in charge."
"But not Asher?"
"But not Asher."
I waited for more but was forced to speak the obvious follow up. "So, why?"
"Freya, there is much you do not know. Sleep now, tomorrow will turn up soon."
I wanted to argue with her, but I was exhausted. And she'd given me plenty to think about already. My thoughts were swimming in the eddy of my mind but, before long, they slowed, as if the water had thickened and then gelled, and I was in a deep sleep.
My limbs felt heavy as I dreamt, each step seemingly a monumental undertaking. I walked forever through the corridors and from the castle, never certain where I should be, until, finally, I recognized the stones, the distinctive marker on the path, and turned to find the passageway. It was dark and cold inside; it felt abandoned, forsaken. I heard the cry of a prey bird but could not see the sky, merely blackness. The bird called again, screeching this time, and it seemed to pierce my ears. I tried to find it with my mind to silence it, but instead found something foreign. Pain seared my mind and the shriek became metallic and unbearable. I drew my hands to my temples, pressing uselessly against them, and suddenly I wasn't alone. I could feel a presence, hear my name.
"Frey!" Ruby commanded.
My eyes twitched open as a shudder tore through me. A dream. Ruby pulled my fists from my head and ordered me to calm down.
When I'd finally relaxed, she asked what was wrong.
"Just a dream," I answered.
"What about, a dragon's lair?"
I knew she'd meant to be sarcastic but something about it seemed right. "No, just rocks," I said.
"Rocks." She shook her head absently. "You nearly scared the fire out of me."
I laughed at the odd expression and my throat was raw. Had I been screaming?
After I'd cleaned up per Ruby's standards, we went down to the dining area for breakfast. Chevelle was waiting for us.
His voice was demanding. "Elfreda."
Uh oh. "Yeah?"
"Why are there dead cats scattered throughout the castle?"
Crap. "Sorry, I forgot."
"Forgot what?" Ruby asked, clearly not acquainted with the issue, having spent the night watching me.
"I forgot that I'd left dead cats scattered-"
Chevelle cut me off. "Why are they dead, Frey?"
"Um, no reason really." They stared at me incredulously. "Just a bad dream." It almost sounded like a question.
"Fannie?" Ruby asked in a low voice, remembering my inquiry when I'd woke in the night. I nodded and they dropped the subject.
Grey came in and Chevelle excused himself not long afterward. Ruby was discussing imaginative training ideas with him when Rhys and Rider found us.
"Good morning, Elfreda." They bowed in tandem. Their synchronized behavior used to make me uncomfortable but now, after our drunken bonding session, it merely made me smile.
"Good morning, boys." And then inspiration struck, "Ruby," I turned to her excitedly, "can Rhys and Rider train me today?"
It was plain that she didn't want to agree, but they spoke up before she had the chance to deny me. "It would be our pleasure, Elfreda."
I saw her throw a glance at Grey, who, shortly after, excused himself from the table and hurried from the room. I knew I didn't have much time.
"Can we start now?" They were standing again already, before they'd even touched their food, so I amended, "Do you mind?"
"Of course not, it is our honor," Rider said.
My grin widened and I rushed from the room, hoping Ruby didn't follow.
"No need to run, Elfreda," Rhys laughed when we were clear of the dining area, "you may query us on the way."
"Was it that obvious?" I asked.
He merely smiled. "What is it you wish to know?"
I wasn't prepared so I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "Tell me about Junnie."
"Juniper Fountain, I presume."
"Yes. Please."
"It is understood that you are aware of her ties with your mother, what else are you curious about?"
"What she's doing now. I know of her pursuits, but why else, aside from searching, is she here?"
"Ah, I see. You are interested in the new council."
"Yes," I lied.
"Since the conflict with Grand Council over the issue of northern rule, Juniper, or Junnie as you call her, has detached her honor from the group. I assume that you are already aware of her surrender of leadership in order to safeguard you and Francine in the village?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Then you know of the sacrifices and hardships she's faced. With the death of her sister, her decision was made, her path sealed."
Rider, who was walking several paces behind us, interrupted. "Elfreda," I turned to look at him, "would you not have Chevelle know of our discourse?"
"No," I answered automatically.
"Then we shall train," he said, turning his arm aside to direct me into the practice rooms.