Page 9 of The Gargoyle's Glade
I scrubbed a hand over my face, more vexed than I’d been when I arrived. “I need more time to figure this gift out properly. This is too much, too fast.”
The corner of her mouth lifted. “You don’t have that luxury, nephew.” Her head tilted as she sipped from her ridiculously delicate little teacup, watching me closely. “When did the visions start? I know you came to me not long after you began having them, but do you have any idea what the catalyst was?”
“It started not long after an elixir was doled out to all stone kin soldiers.”
“Elixir?”
“Remembrance.”
“Oh? I haven’t heard about that one. I assume it was Greta that made it for you?”
“Yes, she did.” Greta was a stone kin who had a particularly strong talent with alchemy. She was also the wife of one of the demons who lived at d’Arcan and a cousin of mine who’d been hidden away from us much of her life.
“And what exactly were all the soldiers being asked to remember?”
“My father and General Gaius are working on something to do with the council. Everyone was made to take the elixir to be sure they weren’t forgetting important events. To find out whether or not something we’d been given by our command had stolen our memories.”
“And?”
I shook my head. “I was one of the lucky ones. I wasn’t missing many, and nothing vital. A few days after they were restored, the visions started.”
“Mmm.” She made a thoughtful noise in her throat. “So whatever you were given to remove those memories may have been suppressing this gift.”
That was the logical conclusion I’d come to myself. I hadn’t shared it with anyone else yet, however. “Yes.”
“Better late than never. Though gifts can come on a bit strong if held back unnaturally. I’m certain you’ll manage it well, in any case.” Her tone was resolute; the subject now closed.
I got to my feet, understanding her cue. “I should be on my way.”
“You’re welcome back here anytime you need my help, nephew. Your invitation is open, as is my door.”
“I appreciate that.” And I did, but I would not be abusing the privilege. I would be returning with candy and one of her other more favored students. Perhaps one of my sisters or Hailon could accompany me when I came to visit next.
Ophelia’s gait was stiff as she led the way slowly from her cozy living room through the little kitchen. It took perhaps ten of my steps to thirty of hers. As she opened the heavy wooden door she seemed out of sorts, far more than I’d seen her since I first started to visit.
“Can I get you anything before I go, Ophelia?”
Her eyes roved the front yard, woodland creatures scattering at our presence. “No, no. I’m going to have a bite to eat, perhaps some more tea, and then take a rest. You go on.” I ducked down to kiss her cheek, and she patted my shoulder. “You’re a good lad. So much like your father. Your mother too. She’s where you get your iron will, you know. Ygritte was special, and your gifts are similar, whether they seem so or not.” I blinked, flattered by the comparison. It was rare that anyone spoke of my mother, and Ophelia’s easy mention of her warmed me. “Things will work out, Coltor, but not without some effort. Discomfort, too. Let your big, kind heart guide you. Many things will become clear soon enough.” She grinned again and chuckled, leaving me feeling all the more like I’d missed something important.
“Yes ma’am. Thank you.” I inhaled before I stepped out the door, knowing her wards were going to press in on me. The sensations of fear and panic had become familiar, but were no less disconcerting now than they had been weeks ago.
“I’ll see you soon, nephew.” Ophelia didn’t wait for me to start walking away, she just shut the door.
My stomach rolled, anxiety from the intense wards mixing with my concern for her. Her eyes had grown increasingly vacant throughout our conversation, and it seemed her body was beginning to follow suit. I’d never seen her violent, but hollow seemed as bad. Worse, perhaps.
I deployed my wings and flew back into Revalia to d’Arcan so I could utilize the portal. I didn’t stop to greet anyone, too anxious about returning to my post. I’d already been gone far longer than I’d intended, and I didn’t want to risk having to explain to anyone why I was lost in my thoughts.
Chapter 5
Merry
“Iam…” I stopped to take some slow breaths, willing the contents of my stomach to settle back where they belonged. “Still very unsure about portals.”
“Hailon felt just the same. It’ll get better!” Seir, who was perpetually happy, patted my shoulder and started off down the path toward the cabin I’d be borrowing with my belongings.
I’d visited the glade once before, in Hailon’s effort to help me understand the breadth of new knowledge I’d stumbled into by coming to Revalia. As with that time, the sensation of the portal was uncomfortable at best.
“What helped you?” I asked her when my insides had stopped spinning enough to walk. I turned my bracelet around my wrist, the idle gesture comforting.
