Page 127 of Mage of the Dragon Prince
“What’s she like?” Auslin worried she would be a fearsome creature with very little empathy toward his situation.
Kitaro checked on the food’s progress as he tried to find the right words to express himself. “Speaking with her is like talking to an even more vague version of my sister. There is great wisdom in her words, but you must work hard to find the meaning. Often, it can only be understood in hindsight.”
Some of Auslin’s fears encroached on the peace Hibiki had imparted to him earlier. “I guess I’ll find out soon enough.”
Kitaro reached out to give Auslin’s hand a squeeze. “All will be well, Vanra. Whatever she says, we will face it together. I have no intention of losing you.”
Auslin tried to make himself believe in Kitaro’s confidence. But he had a sinking feeling in his stomach that bad news awaited them at the top of the icy mountain.
Chapter 65
Auslin
It took Auslin and Kitaro almost a week to climb their way up the massive mountain. Although Auslin had prepared for the journey, it was an arduous trip. The last part where he and Kitaro had no choice but to walk on the narrow, snowy cliff was particularly nerve-racking.
Despite his apprehensions over meeting Satsuma, it was a relief to reach the enormous door carved into the side of the mountain. There were many protective wards etched into the white stone door. Who would be stupid enough to attack a powerful shifter like Satsuma?
Before they could knock, the door slowly creaked open to allow them to enter. They both walked inside, with the door swinging closed behind them with an ominous finality.
The warmth of a roaring fire embraced them.Looking around, it reminded Auslin of the Enchanters’ workshop at Tatsuki’s castle. All manner of assorted objects were stored on wooden shelves that filled the space. It smelled like various spices and herbs, but it wasn’t unpleasant.
When Satsuma entered from a side room, her appearance surprised Auslin. Because of her ancient age, Auslin had assumed she would be a wizened crone, but she was nothing like he had imagined.
Most shifters were significantly larger than humans, but Satsuma was diminutive, even by human standards. She was a petite woman in a simple black dress, with long, white hair pulled into a loose braid. A few strands had slipped free to frame the sides of her face, accented with a jeweled band around her forehead. A teardrop-shaped stone that changed color with each shift of light dangled from the center. Shockingly, for such an ancient shifter, she appeared to be the age of a human woman in her forties.
Most startling were Satsuma’s eyes. It looked like the starry night sky was contained within her sparkling black eyes. With eyes like those, it seemed like she could see all of eternity. They mesmerized Auslin, so he had to remind himself not to stare at her.
“Please, come in.” Satsuma beckoned them to join her in the sitting area by the fire.
Eager to get next to the welcoming warmth, Auslin politely bowed before settling himself on her blackvelvet sofa. It felt like heaven to sit on after the long hike up the mountain. Kitaro sat beside him.
Satsuma sat in a black lacquer rocking chair across from them. “It is wonderful to see you again, Prince Kitaro. It has been some years since we last met.”
He bowed his head in acknowledgment. “It is a pleasure to see that you are doing well. My father sends his fond regards.”
Satsuma shifted her focus to Auslin, giving him a look over that felt like she could see through his soul to all his secrets. It was unnerving, but Auslin couldn’t make himself glance away from her celestial gaze.
“I suppose I should call you Vanra?”
He blanched at the question. Did she somehow know he went by Auslin in his own time? Not wanting to tip off Kitaro, Auslin simply replied, “Yes, please.”
“It is a fine name.” Satsuma slowly moved in her rocking chair. “You have come quite a long way to be here today. Much farther than a mere trip up a mountain.”
Auslin proceeded without preamble. “I’ve been told you could help me.”
“King Tatsuki has always held such a high opinion of me.” Satsuma chuckled as she continued rocking. “It is unusually endearing for such a fearsome warlord.”
Unsure how to respond, Auslin said nothing.
Not bothered by Auslin’s silence, Satsuma continued. “In this instance, he was correct to guide you here.”
“Do I really have to go back to my time?” Auslin fearfully asked.
She stared at him as she rocked in her chair. It was incredibly intimidating to be the sole focus of her unusual gaze. What secrets did she see? Auslin tried to remain calm despite the fact his nerves were fraying.
“It is not that you must. It is simply inevitable.”
Auslin’s heart dropped through his stomach as his worst fears came true. “But I want to stay here in this time!”
