The High Druid's Blade (The Defenders of Shannara, #1)(102)

“I can travel,” he answered.

“I have something I need to do, and it isn’t going to be very pleasant. But as protector of the Druids—officially now, your trial period is over—I need you to bear witness. We leave in the morning.”

She dismissed him then, leaving him to wonder at the nature and purpose of her mysterious outing.





[page]TWENTY-EIGHT




HE MANAGED TO STAY AWAKE UNTIL SUNSET, TRYING TO SET his internal clock back on a regular schedule so he would sleep well that night. While still awake, he spent his time alone, thinking about what Aphenglow Elessedil had told him. He was no longer in training to be a Druid protector; he now was one. Hearing her pronouncement had generated a mix of emotions. He was excited to be a part of the Druid order, feeling that in spite of everything that had happened, he had found the home and the life he was looking for. He knew he wasn’t as proficient or skilled as he should be, but he believed that he would become so in time. But it felt strange and vaguely disconcerting to be making such a drastic shift away from everything familiar and reliable. Gone was his Leah home and its familiar surroundings; gone his life as a shipper and flier of freight. Gone, too, for all intents and purposes, were his family and friends. Now he was a swordsman in service to the Druids. He would be asked to shoulder much greater responsibilities and challenges, and his family and friends would be found in Paranor.

He did not regret this change in his life; after all, he had sought it out willingly. He did not now wish it reversed. But having it actually come to pass, no longer only a possibility but a full-blown reality, was a bit unsettling. So he took time to consider its ramifications. He turned it about and examined it. He pictured himself in his new role and tried to envision how he would behave given what he believed would be required of him.

He sat where he could watch the Druids pass by on their way to engage in and complete assignments. He caught sight of Sebec a number of times but the young Druid always appeared to be in a great hurry, and Paxon didn’t want to interrupt his work even though he was anxious to share his good news. Of all the Druids he had met, Sebec was the one he liked best and felt closest to. He imagined it would be fun having him as a daily companion.

He ate an early dinner, sitting with Avelene and a couple of the other Druids he had come to know, talking about his elevation to Druid protector, exchanging jokes and laughter about the job’s exaggerated demands on his skills and intellect. Afterward, he went to visit Chrysallin and spent more than an hour talking with her about everything that had happened to them, staying until she grew so tired she was falling asleep.

Then he went off to bed himself, exhausted and happy, and slept undisturbed until morning.

He was at breakfast the following day when Sebec came for him. “The Ard Rhys is ready for you,” he announced.

Paxon followed the Druid along the corridors of the Keep toward the landing platform attached to the north tower where they would find the Ard Rhys waiting.

“Do you know what this is about?” he asked Sebec at one point.

The other shook his head. “But I’m to go with you.”

This was unexpected. The Ard Rhys hadn’t said anything about Sebec accompanying them. He wondered what other surprises awaited him.

The Ard Rhys greeted them when they reached the landing platform, waiting for them beside her personal cruiser with Captain of her Druid Guard Dajoo Rees and two of his men. Apparently, there was no one else accompanying them; when they boarded, they were alone. The Ard Rhys did not offer an explanation for what they were doing or even speak to them again once they had released the mooring ropes and set out. Instead, she indicated a bench astern and had them sit there while she stood in the pilot box and set their course. The Trolls worked the lines and light sheaths, and no one said much of anything.

The day was bright and clear and beautiful, and Paxon soon forgot about her reticent behavior and air of mystery and spent his time looking out over the countryside and exchanging comments with Sebec. He was tracking their course as they went, familiar with the countryside they were passing over—coming down out of the forests surrounding Paranor to the Dragon’s Teeth, from there proceeding through the Kennon Pass to the Borderlands, and then turning west to follow the Mermidon River as it ran on toward Arborlon and the Westland.

When they finally set down, they were well out into the grasslands of the Streleheim, far distant from much of anything.

As they disembarked onto the flats amid miles and miles of emptiness, Paxon felt for the first time that something wasn’t right. The sense of uneasiness he experienced as he looked around was palpable, but he kept silent and waited to see what would happen.

“Where are we?” Sebec asked finally as they walked out onto the flats.

The Ard Rhys stopped and turned to face him. “Our destination. This is where we part company.”

“What are we expected to do out here?” He looked confused.

“Not we, Sebec. Paxon isn’t going with you. Nor I. You will go alone.”

Sebec stared. “Go where? I don’t understand.”

“I think you do.” Her voice was soft, but her eyes were hard as she faced him. “You crossed a forbidden line, Sebec. You have to accept the consequences. You know that.”

Sebec’s face changed, turning pale, all expression leaching away. “This isn’t right. You’ve made a mistake.”