Page 44 of A Warrior's Heart

“Thank you,” the seer said before going over to the table.

He closed his eyes and turned his face to the moon, his chest softly rising and falling with his deep breaths. Even though he must’ve been at least my age, he appeared much younger as he basked in the moonlight. He moved his bare feet through the grass, then smoothed a hand up his right arm as a breeze gently blew around us. His movements were almost sensual.

“I’m gathering the moon’s energy,” Phantos said as he held his arms out to his sides, his palms turned upward. “Strengthening my connection to the Divine.” His eyes opened and he breathed in deep, held it, then exhaled. “Let’s begin.”

Phantos grabbed the silver pitcher with one hand and slowly poured the contents into the dark basin. His lips moved, though I heard no sound. The moon reflected in the water once the bowl was filled to the top.

“And now, the blood.” Phantos grabbed Lorcan’s hand and guided him forward.

I tensed and forced my feet to stay in place. Ritual or not, I didn’t want him hurt.

“Apologies, young prince,” the seer said, smoothing a finger over Lorcan’s palm. “This will sting a bit.”

Lorcan nodded. “It’s fine. Please continue.”

Phantos ran the dagger over Lorcan’s palm, and I grinded my teeth when blood pooled in his hand. The seer held Lorcan’s hand over the basin and let his blood drip into it, mixing with the water. Phantos stared into the bowl, and his eyes glazed over, turning milky white instead of their pale blue.

“I see a city long since lost to the depths,” he said in a voice that didn’t sound quite like him. The tone was deeper. Raspier. “Temples lay in ruin and buildings have been claimed by the sea. A graveyard of the dead. And in the dark water, deep within the ruins, a flash of golden light. It sits in the hand of the one who shook the earth.”

Phantos sucked in a breath and blinked, his eyes their normal shade once again.

“The trident is in the sea?” Lorcan asked, tearing off a piece of his shirt and tying it around his bleeding palm. “Can you give us exact coordinates?”

“I’m afraid not,” Phantos said sadly. “My gift varies. Sometimes my visions are clear and other times they’re vague.”

“Riddles,” Alek muttered. “Exactly as Kellan said.”

“The gods help guide you on your path,” Phantos responded, looking at the mage. “They do not give you all the answers. The trident rests in a watery grave.” He put a hand over Lorcan’s heart. “It calls for its new master. Look inward and follow its call. Your intuition will guide you.”

“Thank you, Phantos.” Lorcan bowed his head. “We will take this information and set course as soon as possible.”

“Tonight,” the seer said, cupping Lorcan’s injured hand between his. “We will properly wrap your wound, and then you all will rest. Morning comes early.”

Chapter Ten

Troy

“What do you think they’re doing?” I asked, staring in the direction they walked. “They’ve been gone a while.”

“It hasn’t been too long,” Shar said, chipping at a piece of wood with his dagger. “The moon’s barely moved in the sky. Be patient.”

“I’ve heard stories of seers.” Nereus finished his third cup of tea and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

“And what do these stories say?” Shar asked, lifting a brow at him.

“Well, it’s said that when a seer performs a ritual, they become possessed. When they speak their prophecies, it’s a god actually speaking through them.” Nereus leaned forward, staring at each of our faces. “Phantos is probably possessed right now as we speak.” The bushes rustled behind him, and he flipped around. “Did you hear that?”

“Perhaps it was a snake,” Shar stated. I noticed he no longer held the stick. He must’ve tossed it behind Nereus, trying to scare him again.

“Assassin or not, I will end you,” Nereus told him.

Shar laughed. “Your words are awfully brave for someone who screams when they see a little stick.”

“One of these days, you and I will have a proper match.” Nereus settled back in place and peered into his empty cup before pouring himself more from the pot. It had been kept warm from the fire.

“I’ve seen you fight.” Shar grabbed another stick and began to chip away at it with his blade. “You wouldn’t last five seconds with me, kid.”

“It isyouwho would not last long withme, assassin.”