Page 85 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
My vision swam, and then I saw a familiar figure on the sidewalk leading to Trish’s house. It was a young woman with long red hair, a petite body, and pale skin. The last time I saw Allison, she’d been wearing a park service uniform, but this time, she had jeans, a white T-shirt, and some worn sneakers.
I squinted at her. “Are you real?”
Orion and all three of Trish’s kids raced right through her, hardly disturbing her image.
Allison gave me an amused look. “Yes and no. This is my spirit form.”
“Of course, that explains everything,” I said drolly.
“Who are you talking to?” Justin asked, frowning at me.
“The ghost of Christmas past,” I said, holding up a hand. “Give us a minute.”
He rolled his eyes at me.
“I take it you’re here to discuss the orb?” Aidan asked from behind me. His body was stiff where it touched my back.
“Yes,” Allison confirmed. “The time to use it draws closer, but I must warn you that it can only be activated once, and you must choose your moment carefully.”
I frowned. “What do you mean? What does it do?”
She clasped her hands in front of her. “The orb can draw out the dark magic of anyone within a ten-mile radius of it, so you must wait until enough of the Kandoran are near to cure them, but it is also the only weapon that will defeat the three sorcerers. All will be lost if you use it before it's within their line of sight.”
Something told me they wouldn’t show themselves too early in the war. They’d want to weaken us significantly first. Who knew how many thousands of Kandoran we’d have to fight before that time and how long it would take?
Conrad crossed his arms. “So, what do we do with the orb until then?”
Since he was its official guardian, I was glad he thought to ask the question.
“Keep it safe where it is with security to protect it. Do not remove the orb from that place until the three sorcerers draw near, but after that, you must act quickly,” she urged.
“Act how?” I asked. It wasn’t like the thing came with directions.
“Kade will have the instructions in his tome. Follow them precisely, and when necessary, the rest will be revealed.”
Aidan untangled from me and stood. “Assuming we defeat the sorcerers, what happens with any Kandoran who are not cured?”
He was right. With an army that large, we wouldn’t get them all within a ten-mile radius.
Allison gestured toward Rayna. “Ones with strength and powers like her will have to hunt them down and either kill or cure them.”
Everyone who could see the spirit turned toward the slayer, who frowned at our sudden attention to her. A moment later, her eyes rounded. “Who is that?”
Huh, could she see her now?
Allison gave her a little wave and a smile. She had been the friendliest and most normal of all our cave guides since she was the only one from modern times. The poor woman had been conscripted for the duty around the time the dragons arrived. I had no idea if she was still alive somewhere or only existed in spirit form these days.
“I’m Allison,” she said to Rayna. “I was just telling your friends that if they succeed in this war, there will likely be some Kandoran who evade being killed or cleansed of the dark taint. It will be up to individuals like you with dual powers to hunt them down.”
The slayer let out a sigh. “Oh, good. I was afraid it would get boring after the war.”
“It wasn’t a coincidence you were born of two significant bloodlines.” Allison gave her a commiserating look. “You know the saying that when one has great power, then they also have great responsibility.”
“Tell that to Galadon,” she muttered.
The guide shuddered. “I considered it, but he’s too frightening. At least he won’t harm you, so you’re free to pass along the news.”
Rayna crossed her arms, still careful to hold her book. “Oh, sure. Leave it to me, like that’s going to be fun.”
