The Blood Forest (Tree of Ages #3)(64)

“So it would seem,” Maarav replied, moving to stand at her side.

Ealasaid scanned the other people in the room, noticing most faces were shadowed in the hoods of their cloaks. Patting her blonde curls self-consciously, she wondered if she should be hooded as well.

Ouve stepped into the center of the gathering, his lanky form towering over most in the room. He was almost as tall as Maarav, but with about half the muscle. His hood was off, readily showing his face, making her feel less conspicuous in showing hers.

“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.”