Page 103 of Ecliptic

I unclipped my waterskin from my hip and offered it to the young elve. His pale skin was dirt-stained, and as he voraciously drank my water, rivulets of mud dripped from his chin.

The guards noticed the young elve and marched toward us. The youngling’s eyes flashed to the soldiers in terror. He took a few more desperate gulps before handing me back my canteen and darting away.

“Are you okay?” Rowen asked, wrapping a comforting arm around my shoulder.

“I’m fine, but they aren’t,” I replied, gesturing to the elves of all sizes, colors, and ages, aimlessly wandering. The city was grand and beautiful, but the inhabitants were suffering.

“Why can’t they drink from the lake?” Rowen asked, nodding his bearded chin to the well.

“It’s low, but there’s still water in it. Surely that’s better than letting your younglings die of thirst,” Dyani agreed, her face pinched with disgust.

“To speak ill against King Aedris’ laws is grounds for imprisonment,” said the guard with hazel eyes. “His family must have gone through their rations. The new king sees to it that everyone is cared for.”

My fists balled in frustration. I’d been here thirty seconds and knew that wasn’t true.

There was a new king, and he was lying to his people, pulling the wool over their eyes to shield them from what was happening to Luneth. No wonder the borders were closed and Thaydril had chaperones.

I wanted to scream and cry and summon a rainstorm or find water deep within the earth to pull to the surface, but when I reached for my power, it was so faint I could barely feel it.

This was not good, but I had to remind myself why we were here. Defeating Erovos was the first step to restoring Luneth. I had to focus all my attention on convincing the desert elves to join our battle.

The sound of grinding stone startled me out of my thoughts as my gaze snapped skyward. The hawk statues folded their wings into their bodies, revealing the sparkling cosmos overhead.

The sun had set since we’d ventured into Hara’dune, and the desert landscape offered a whole new sensation to the comets and galaxies overhead.

“How do they do that?” I asked, pointing to the stone Sunshades.

“The desert elves can command sand and stone,” he replied. “How else do you think we erected this marvelous city?”

“Similar to how we command wood and vegetation,” Dyani added, her sharp eyes calculating.

“Fascinating,” I said, my neck aching from tilting my head back. The deep connection between the elves and nature never ceased to amaze me.

“I will show you to your quarters,” Thaydril said, his painted toenails peeking out from his robes.

“You said you were taking us to Rayal?” I questioned, my brows furrowing.

“I said to ‘follow me,’ and you did so without question,” he replied, and my jaw dropped. I knew to be more precise withwording. A carefully crafted sentence had saved me many times.

“But—”

“You’re lucky they don’t throw you in the cells. You all look filthy and unfit to meet the princess,” he continued. It was clear he was placating to the guards, walking a fine line from being thrown into prison himself. “And you should know, you can’t just summon royalty.”

“We don’t have time for formalities! It’s urgent that I speak with her.”

“Look, I’m sure you’re used to getting your way,” he said, his eyes darting to Rowen and Maddock. “But those big, silver eyes won’t work on me. There is a way to how things work around here. I will show you to your rooms now.”

“I’m not ready to go back to any cells just yet,” Maddock said, resting his hand on my shoulder.

“Viewing our quarters would be lovely,” Dyani agreed, giving me a look. “When might we be granted an audience with the princess?”

“I will see if I can arrange something tomorrow. For now, this should keep you comfortable. How many rooms will you be needing?” Thaydril asked as he directed us to a mesa rising above the desert. A multi-story building with pillars and arched windows was carved into the smooth stone.

“Three, please,” Rowen said. “If you can spare the room.”

“Of course,” he replied, leading us through the stone doorway, up several flights of stairs, and down a long corridor. The Keeper motioned to three handcrafted doors at the end of the hall. “I hope you find them to your liking. Only the best for Rayal’s friends.”

Maddock picked the first door, and Dyani the second. Rowen opened the third door for us.

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