Page 124 of The Freedom You Seek

“Naya, what is this?”

“The bracelet?”

“Yes.”

Dion stood completely still in his unique way and canted his head, scanning my wrist.

“Antas gave it to me right before the portal opened. As a present for the binding.”

“My mother’s bracelet,” Dion said, and his eyes roamed from the bracelet to mine. They were full of reverence, had a glossy sheen, and his throat bobbed.

Something told me he wouldn’t appreciate me prying deeper, so I didn’t.

“He gave it to you as a customary gift. And you’ve accepted it.”

I nodded. “Yes Dion, and I’m aware of what wearing it means.”

“So you’ve decided?”

“Yes. Once we’re in Amalach, I’ll be ready for the Rite of Binding. If you still want it as well.”

Dion’s eyes softened, and he smiled. “I told you I would,” a grin formed on his face. “And as for Amalach, I have news for you.”

For the first time since my less than elegant arrival from the shadows, I looked around me. We were standing in a city square covered in rubble. The light sandstone buildings around us lay mostly in ruins, and nature had long since begun to reclaim what had been taken from it.

My heart ached at the destruction around us and at the knowledge of what had caused it. This place must have been beautiful once—I knew that deep in my soul just by looking at the ruins and the half-destroyed marble fountain next to us. The last time water had been running into it must have been centuries ago, and in the cracked basin, a few scattered coins had survived the test of time. “A wishing well.”

“Yes. The Fountain of the Fates was built in the true center of Amalach, and an exact copy can be found in Alaiann, the capital of Galanta. The well is one of the few fixed objects connecting the worlds, even though they aren’t in the same geographical location. Who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll see its sister piece.”

I scoffed, “Sure.” As if I'd ever travel to Galanta.

Dion’s gaze roamed around too. “We’re lucky that King Pritatus has no guards stationed in Amalach. Ivreian royals have a tendency to think that entering what they call the Godless City would curse them.”

“Won’t it?”

“No. It wasn’t a curse sealing the downfall of Amalach. Didn’t you listen to the seer?”

“Teachta—ugh. The Bringer of Destruction.”

Dion simply nodded.

“Larithia said it’s a sentient weapon.”

“That’s what everyone says, yes.”

“Is it still here?”

“Yes, Naya. I know it’s here.”

“But why didn’t the royals search for the weapon and take it for themselves or destroy it instead of leaving something so dangerous lying around?”

“They’ve tried, but that’s the thing about sentience. Teachtaire Ollscriosta didn’t want to be found, so the various kings of Ivreia could never get a hold of it to this day. Especially since no one likes to linger in Amalach because of the presumed curse.”

“Are you going to search for it while we’re here?”

“No, I don’t plan to. We’re here for something else.”

We left the fountain behind and soon passed a small sandstone house that wasn’t as caved in as most of the others.