Page 20 of The Secret Keeper's Daughter

Without a word, I take the sword from him and step into the moonlight. It’s heavy, solid, and has intricate carvings on the handle. When I pull the protective sheath from the blade, I see similar etchings on the shiny metal.

More surprisingly, I feel my father’s presence as I hold the weapon up to the light. Not only that, but I see a strange, bright street as if it’s right in front of me. Conversation sounds around me—almost like I’m at the marketplace, but this is different. I can’t comprehend it.

“Eira?” Harek’s voice brings me back to reality. “Are you okay?”

“Did my mother say anything else about this sword? Other than it belonging to my father?”

“She said you’d figure out the rest. But what just happened? It was like you were in a trance.”

“I just…” I struggle to find the words. “I feel connected to it. I know it doesn’t make sense.”

Or it connected me to my father. Was the vision showing me what he’s seeing right now? Or perhaps what he saw the last time he held this sword? If my mother knew it would connect me to him, why didn’t she give it to me sooner? Unless she’d meant to give it to me when I was older.

I’ll never know. She’s gone, and now all I have is this sword.

It’s the only thing connecting me to both of my parents.

“Don’t lose that thing,” Harek says. “It looks like it’s worth a fortune.”

“I think it’s worth a lot more than money.” I slide the sheath back over the blade and tuck it inside my coat. “Thank you for giving this to me. It means more than you could imagine.”

“You still won’t tell me your secret?”

“After I learn more about it.”

“Don’t you think I’ll stay quiet? I won’t tell anyone. You know me.”

“I’ll send word after I get everything figured out.”

Harek frowns. “You make it sound like I’m not going with you.”

“You can’t.”

“Of course I can, and I will. I’m not letting you go through those woods alone.”

“Your parents need you.”

He folds his arms. “They don’t. We already agreed I should go with you.”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“I have to do this alone.”

“Why?” Harek stares me down.

“Because it’s up to me to find my father, and this could be dangerous. You’re their only son. I can’t risk anything happening to you.”

“And you’re on your own.Ican’t risk anything happening toyou.”

I try to come up with a good reason that he should stay, but I can’t find one. I’d definitely be safer with someone by my side, and who better than my best friend? After having lost my motherand siblings, it would be comforting to have him around. Then I wouldn’t have losteveryoneI care about.

“Okay,” I relent.

“But you need a—Wait. You agree?”

“Yes.”

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