Page 75 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

Renya’s dagger pierced the skin above the hollow of Cressida’s throat. Blood welled from the very tip of the blade. “Let’s find out, shall we?”

No, Little Fawn.

Grayden’s voice sounded in her head. She turned slightly to see him reappearing from the small stairwell.

Just let me do it.

You can’t let her goad you.

“Cressida, stop this madness. If you know more than you’re saying, tell us now.” Her father’s voice was firm, and Renya’s resolve weakened as she lowered her weapon. The magical web of strands creating the staircase seemed to disappear slowly back into the air, lowering Renya to the ground.

That was quite a show of magic

I don’t know what happened. We’ll talk about it later.

They both turned their attention back to Cressida.

“Out with it, Cressy. Or I will let our daughter finish you off.”

Her saccharine smile returned. “A few years ago I found a text referencing a children’s fable. An enchanting tale. Would you like to hear it?”

“Stop with these games!” Grayden exclaimed.

“Cressy, get to your point before the point of Renya’s blade rests within your cold, black heart.”

“I’m getting there, I promise.” Her eyes shone with excitement, and Renya could practically feel her giddiness.

“What do they say? Oh yes…once upon a time, in a land far away, three young creatures—a brave deer, a clever fox, and a selfless bear—set out to find a legendary flower that could bring peace to their troubled land. Their journey led them to a dark cave where the deer faced his fear of the dark and emerged victorious, proving his courage. Next, the friends encountered an ancient owl who presented the fox with a series of riddles, which she solved with her quick wit, showcasing her wisdom. Finally, they found the flower guarded by a Tygre who said it could only be taken if one of them gave up something precious. The bear, with a heavy heart, offered his favorite honey jar, showing his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. With the flower in hand, the friends returned home, their land blooming with peace and harmony, a testament to their courage, wisdom, and sacrifice.”

“What does this have to do with anything?” Renya said, her temper once again rising to the surface.

“What if I told you that I found this tale within an ancient diary, the first of its kind, buried next to the Sun Realm Scrolls?”

“You mean it’s from the first fae?” Cyrus looked at Cressida, and Renya could tell that her father’s interest had suddenly peaked.

“Exactly that!” Cressida’s body practically shook with the excitement of it. “I think it’s a clue left behind from the Gods. I think it tells of how to break whatever spell is binding our magic, and I think it alludes to the trials we’ll face on the mountain.”

Renya recounted the story again in her head…a rabbit, a fox and a bear? No, wait. Not a rabbit, a deer. Could this really be a hidden clue? It seemed impossible, but so many things she never dreamed could happen had come to pass…

“What was it Kalora said? About the God of the Sun being in love with the first fae of the Sun Realm?” Grayden stroked his chin, looking at Renya for confirmation.

“You’re right, Grayden! Kalora said that the Sun God left secrets with her on how to bring back the magic in hopes they could be reunited!” This time, Renya’s excitement matched Cressida’s.

“You see? I think we’re on the right track,” Cressida replied, and her face lit up with more force than the sum of Renya’s powerful magic.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Esmeralda felt childish, really. Ignoring Phillippe and pretending he didn't exist probably wasn't the best decision she'd ever made, especially after their heated argument days ago. But as the silent treatment had stretched on, the more awkward it had become, and the less she had wanted to be the one to give in first.

Plus, because she wasn't currently speaking with Phillippe, it meant that she had to share a tiny cabin with Renya's aunt. The old woman was nice enough, but she snored fretfully and tossed and turned most of the night, and complained heavily of her backaches.

Esmeralda would rather be waking up with Phillippe, but their relationship was still on shaky ground after his stormy exit from her room.

So instead, she also tossed and turned, slightly unsettled by the rocking of the boat, and too distracted by both her problems and Agatha's snoring to get any restful sleep. When her turn to take the watch finally arrived, she was glad.

Not wanting to waken the older woman, she forewent dressing and instead threw a simple gray shawl over her shoulders, tied her boots and then left the cabin.

The halls were incredibly narrow, with only one person able to traverse them at a time. She moved through the passage quickly, eager to be on deck and in the fresh air. The scent of the sea called to her, and she was so used to living near the ocean that it was in her blood. She hurried up the tiny steps, and then finally emerged onto the deck.

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