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Layala slipped her shirt on, strapped on her sword, and said, “Let’s go!”

Piper held out the stone to Layala and pushed it into her hand. “You should be the one to carry it.”

The brown cloth covered the stone, but she half expected to feel something from it. No vibrations or humming like the portals. No sign it was magical at all. Did Brunard lie? Did he trick them, knowing Thane would kill him anyway? Layala unwrapped the stone and touched her fingertips to the surface of the rock no larger than her palm. It was cool and ordinary, but a sort of static spark zapped her. That was good right? She lifted her inspection to Thane. He stepped toward her with streaks of blood like raindrops sliding down his thunderous face. Maker, he looked like the god of death, the reaper he’d promised to be. But his green eyes, bright and wild like an untouched forest, told a story of lament for what he must be, what they needed him to be to survive.

A deafening crash and then heeled boots on hard stone. Varlett must be inside. “Oh, Lord Brunard!” She sang in a sickly-sweet voice. “You have something I need.”

Thane held his arms wide, herding them into the kitchens. “She hasn’t seen us. Run.”

* * *

A thick cloudof dark smoke roiled up into the sky. Shouts for help and cries of agony drifted to Layala’s ears even as they stood at a distance. The towns folk ran with buckets of water to put out the massive fire at the town’s square. Bright-orange flames engulfed a huge oak tree surrounded by what was a white picket fence, now char and ash.

The Ravens ran alongside the town, hidden among many trees and foliage. Aunt Evalyn and Tif were nowhere in sight so they must have run back to the horses as they were directed to. At least, she hoped. Layala’s lungs burned from their pace to get away and the smoke in the air, but she had to ask, “Does that tree mean something?”

“It’s the sacred tree of Anami,” Siegfried answered from her left side. He brushed the back of his hand over his forehead, the sadness in his eyes was evident. Did he have ties to the woodland elves or was he simply sympathetic to what was sacred to them? “Every elf in Calladira goes through a trial of some kind. Finding a fresh well of spring water, bringing home a deer to feed the family, raising and caring for an animal from birth. They mark the tree when they pass and accomplish something for the community and a new leaf sprouts. Or at least, it did.”

That pricked Layala’s heart a little. Even through the flames its fullness was unmistakable. Why did Varlett have to be such a heartless wench? Tearing her eyes away from the burning tree, Layala followed behind the group as they solemnly made their way back to the horses.

It was only when they’d gotten far enough away that the crackling flames and the shouts couldn’t be heard anymore. They slowed to a brisk walk. Layala took the stone from the pouch on her hip. Without an imminent threat, she could get a feel for it. She turned the white stone, about the size of a large duck egg, over in her hands. It was cool and rough-edged against her flesh, and if the thing beheld great power, it didn’t feel like it. That one spark was the only sign it wasn’t as plain as a sparkly rock plucked from a river.

“Doesn’t look like a magic stone,” Aunt Evalyn said, popping out from behind a tree. Tif clung to her back. Her little red hat and brown curls bouncing with each step Evalyn took. She had the biggest smile plastered on her face and there was no doubt in Layala’s mind that she was up to something or found something she was proud of.

Layala slowed to fall into step beside her aunt. Aunt Evalyn limped ever so slightly and the way her boots crunched over grass was comparable to a horse clop while the elves sounded hardly more than a butterfly landing on a flower. Layala almost forgot how much different humans were. Watching on with concern, Layala’s eyebrows furrowed. Aunt Evalyn placed her hand over her chest and took in deep breaths. This journey was a hardship on her, maybe too much.

Layala tucked the stone back into the pouch. “According to Brunard it must be paired with a scepter that the dragon king has. And we won’t know if it’s real or fake until we do that.”

Aunt Evayln’s brows raised. “The dragon king?” Her gaze dropped and she went quiet for a moment, contemplative. “Layala, I’m too old for all this. I’m a plant collector. I like my naps and I like my home.”

With a shocked expression, Tif patted Aunt Evalyn’s black curls like she was a cat. “You’re not old.” She chewed on her lower lip for a moment. “Although, I sometimes forget humans don’t live very long.”

Layala swallowed hard. It was selfish to ask her to stay when it put her in so much danger, but she also worried about the risk it was on her own. Briar Hollow already burned once. Who’s to say that they wouldn’t come back a second time? “But we might need you. You’re good at healing.”

“I am more of a burden to all of you than a help. You’ve always been special, and I knew you’d do something great but Briar Hollow needs to be rebuilt. It’s home. You don’t need me anymore, my dear child. You haven’t for years.”

“No,” Layala said, a spike of fear pushed her voice higher. “If you leave, you’re in danger. Tenebris could capture you, or—”

They stopped and she gently took Layala’s hand into hers. “He’ll be busy trying to find you and Thane.” Aunt Evalyn looked at Thane’s back several yards ahead. He and Fennan led the group and appeared to be in deep conversation. “I am still somewhat wary about your relationship but it’s obvious that he loves you. I didn’t want to believe it, but anyone can see it. And in some ways, it makes me happy to seeyouso in love with him. After Novak, I worried you’d never smile again, that a dark cloud would follow you all your life. But you’re glowing even with all this chaos. I haven’t seen your pretty smile like this in years,” Aunt Evalyn grinned and patted Layala’s arm. “But elven wars and dragons are not for old human ladies like me. I can’t fight and after the sirens came and took your friend Gunner… I want to go home.”

“But…” Layala’s vision blurred with tears. She knew she must let her go, and that Aunt Evalyn was right, and this wasn’t a life for her, but she wanted her to stay for her own selfish reasons. Aunt Evalyn was the one constant she’d had all her life, the person she went to for advice and reassurance… but that shifted, didn’t it? Thane was that person now.

“Once we get to the portal you can send me back. Forrest and Ren are worried; everyone is. They need reassurance that you and I are alive and well.”

“Alright. I will send you home.”

Tifapine started blubbering and swiping at her tears. “I hate goodbyes. It’s just so sad. I mean what if we never see you again, Evalyn?”

Reaching over her shoulder, Aunt Evalyn rubbed her head. “Me too, little one, but you will.” Then she looked at Layala. “I expect updates regularly,” she held up a finger, “and your wedding, if I’m not the first to receive an invitation I’ll make you stand with your nose in a corner like when you were a child. Might even make you swish with bitter root.”

Layala laughed. “Uh, that is the worst thing I’ve ever tasted.”

“Serves you and Ren and Novak right for talking filthy.”

Layala wrapped her arms around her aunt and hugged her tightly. She inhaled her cinnamon scent and smiled. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. Even the bitter root.”

Aunt Evalyn patted her back gently. “Go and be the fierce warrior this world needs you to be.”

Chapter28