A Wayward Wind: Tales of Ardonna: Woodspell Series, #3

BOOK I

1

Powers of moons and powers of starlight,

watch and protect us as we sleep.

Powers of land and powers of water,

guarding our footsteps, running deep.

Dhana taught me that song the day we met. She said you’d taught it to her. I was barely aware then. One day, Dhana’s mom played drums while we sang. That left me wide awake. I sang it out so long the elders sent me a warning. They’re old-fashioned. I still love this song, though I know it’s for children. It brings back good memories.

Fall felt unseasonably warm, but the broad leaves on Oakly’s crumpled branches kept out the afternoon heat. I sat on a low bough, swinging my feet and enjoying the tree’s recollections. We never ran out of things to talk about. I told it about my travels, and it gave me local news.

Our visits cheered me. That tree and I shared a bond of frustration, both of us running in place.

I wrote that song for Dhana. Thought it might assist her focus and give her a boost.

I believe it worked. Dhana is powerful. The song helped me too. Trees don’t need to beg for the elements’ attention—we live in the land and light, and wind and water come to us—but singing improved my magery.

I patted its trunk. Your magery, eh?

Yes. Brantwood says I have strong focus. I helped Dhana and her mom visit you in Quenelle.

You did? When?

Over a year ago. You were at a party with tall fires. We combined our attention and traveled through the deep root network. It scared me, but Dhana’s mom said I’d be fine—we weren’t physically there. I saw you and Zag. And Dante. Playing that goofy love song, Dhana said. Her mom wrote it. Beau was there. And Pentiere too, though I didn’t know him at the time. I recall his eyes. Dhana’s mom said the drummer didn’t get the rhythm. She helped. We joined our will with his. That was a great feat of magery, no?

Superb. I remember that night. At the spring feast. I thought I saw Jade in the drummer’s place. She’s marvelous.

We’d had the best time when Jade performed magic. She played her powers as boldly as her drums. Some nights, back at Sedgewellow House before our arrest, we’d sit on the patio and bounce our awareness tree to tree, learning secrets. She got all the Wood singing.

You see? I have powerful focus, like a mage.

I’m impressed. But be careful. It’s dangerous getting what you want and maddening when you don’t. I can’t get things to work out these days. It’s like I lost my spark.

Brother Dalian said it’s a matter of practice—if I’m serious, I need to put in the work. Maybe you’re out of touch, since you slept so long.

It wasn’t long. Three weeks. And I’ve been awake for four.

Pentiere is worried you’re sleeping too much. He speaks with Dalian on those com things.

What do they say about me?

That you should have recovered by now. Pentiere thinks it’s getting worse. He said he feels your exhaustion. He’s not a tree friend. How can he do that?

I don’t know. We both do stuff like that these days.

Trees can sleep forever. Is he afraid you’re turning into a tree?

I laughed, leaning my head against a branch. He worries too much. I had an infection in my lung—they thought the knife blade might have been poisoned. That slowed me down. But I’m fine now. I can handle this trip.

Maybe Pentiere has stronger focus. He doesn’t want to travel south.

Did he say that?

Not exactly. The journey concerns him.

Because of me?

He wishes you’d stay home.

I slid to the ground. That’s unacceptable.

I understand it’s important to find Alamander. Emerson23 misses him. But I’m sad to lose you again. Promise you’ll say goodbye this time?

Of course. Dalian’s going too. Maybe we’ll leave from here. If I can get Pentiere moving. I don’t understand what’s up with that man. He’s denying part of himself—I know he’s grieving Alamander. But when I woke, he had our life in place, like we’re this happy couple.

Aren’t you? You love him.

Yeah, I do. It was impossible to deny. I’d missed that man as soon as my eyes had opened.

I’d been confused when I woke in the hospital. Nothing looked familiar, and my thoughts felt fuzzy, but I remembered he’d told me he’d stay. The last time my eyes had been open, I’d stared up at the pitted ceiling of the emergency vehicle, speeding toward King’s Harbor and the best hospital on the coast. Pentiere had sat with me, but he’d vanished.

And I had another memory, maybe a dream I couldn’t shake.

***

I flew over a green labyrinth—the Northern Forest, as they call it in Quenelle. In the Accord they call it unmapped. A blur of vegetation whisked by. Jaxon and Alamander flew ahead of me, fighting inside a ball of flame. Damn, they really hated each other. What were they thinking? They could burn down the wildlands. Those two needed to get a grip. I tried to reach them, shake them out of madness, but something distracted me.

An irritating beep.

***

Tubes and wires and blinking machines filled my sight. One kept beeping.

Rowena? She’s awake!

That sounded like Kate. Charlette stepped into view.

Hi, Aunt Rowena. Good to see you. How do you feel?

Like I’m not quite real.

That’s the medicine they’ve been giving you, to keep you still while you recovered. Your doctors have been decreasing the dosage.

She went on about medical things, but my mind drifted back to flight, looking down on the southern wildlands. I still floated. In my bed, under the sheets. Loosely tethered to this world.

Where’s Pentiere?

My sister wiped my brow, like a nurse. Pentiere’s been here every day. He’s at work now, but I’m sure he’ll drop everything as soon as he hears you’re awake. Charlette, can you ask staff to send word to him?

I will.

Work? Pentiere works? Since when?

Sweet one, it’s been weeks since your attack. We transferred you from the regional hospital in the sea district to the most modern facility in Dayonne.

Weeks?

Almost a month. Pentiere had to get a place to live. I offered him help, but he insists on paying his way. He’s head of the mage task force for the Dayonne Police Department. Got you a nice little house.

I have a house?

Kate smiled and smoothed back my hair. The idea pleased her. She worked the controls to raise the head of the bed enough for me to see more than ceiling and equipment.

Let me get you some water. She poured a glass and added a straw.

I drank, orienting myself to the lights and colors. The room overflowed with stuff. Trinkets, flowers, cards—all manner of gifts lay on every available surface. A bottle of tenquiro with a big red bow sat in the midst.

Wow, Kate, you’ve outdone yourself.

She laughed, plumping my pillows. My sister reveled in her preferred element, fussing with no restraint. I lacked the strength to unhook myself and escape.

It’s not all from me. I brought that arrangement there, with the sunflowers. Most of it’s from your admirers camped across the street.

Not the Inner-City Army? My Wood sense faltered at the window, unfocused and out of practice. But energy drifted in. Warm and sweet, like caramel. Invigorating.

They’ve been holding vigil.

Circle of hells, how long have they been there? I tried to get up, but she held me in place. Why would you let them do that?

You needed it. Don’t you feel that power?

Magery hung thick in the room, heavier than the curtains. Likely a strengthening ritual.

It makes me uncomfortable they’d be spending their energy on me.

You’re worth it. Now lie back.

I complied, feeling weak and frustrated. It never stopped. I’d lost control of my life again. And a critical piece. Alamander could be hurt. I needed to get up, disperse the troops, and find him. My sister beamed, oblivious to my distress, all right with her world.

I’m not supposed to tell you, but Pentiere took out a loan. I cosigned. He bought property in the mountains overlooking Dayonne. He wants to build you a treehouse.

So, I’ll have two houses? What about Alamander? Has anyone heard from him?

Not yet, but you know him, always lands on his feet—he should have been a beast mage.

That’s not true. I had to rescue him recently.

He’s fine. Right now, you need to concern yourself with getting your strength back.

Kate petted my head as if I were a cat, her hand heavy and insistent. I believe she preferred Alamander gone.

But how could I rest with this ache? I pulled up my hospital gown, expecting to see an angry wound, but only a white scar hinted of Jaxon’s attack. My left arm felt frail but movable. Still, I hurt. Physically, down deep, and not where the knife had been. A pulling sensation made it hard to relax, like something twisted my insides.

How can Pentiere start a new life with two homes when he should be out looking for Alamander?

Kate straightened my blankets severely. That man would not leave your side until the doctors assured him you’d live. Now he divides his time between work and here. I’m not sure when he sleeps, but it’s probably in that chair.

She slapped my pillows. I like Pentiere. He’s impressed me. A little odd—okay, a lot odd—but he fiercely loves you. You remember that when he shows up.

I guess he wouldn’t leave with me in a coma.

He absolutely would not. Besides, where would he go? We don’t know where Alamander is. Could be anywhere.

South. I think he went south.

Charlette returned with a good portion of the medical staff. They took pressures, scrutinized view screens, examined various parts of me, and seemed pleased. Not long after, I felt—something—a new sense. Some craving eased.

Five minutes later, Pentiere walked in. Kate and Charlette gushed and found excuses to leave us alone. Soon after, I lay in his arms, enjoying kisses. He stretched out on the bed, and his eyes shone cool blue.

I sensed you awake. Broke all speed limits getting here.

Who taught you to drive?

Dante.

I laughed, running my hand over his tightly bound hair. Look at you. All respectable.

Hardly. How do you feel?

Better now. His proximity filled a void.

He looked good in his business suit, though too serious. Grief surrounded him, mingled with relief. I couldn’t read his thoughts but reflected his mood. His presence overlapped mine.

That’s not all you’re feeling, he said.

No?

He grinned. You’re annoyed.

Seemed he sensed my moods too. We connected like puzzle pieces. Damn strange.

Well, yes. I’m weak. Shouldn’t mages be able to heal themselves?

You have to be conscious. You’ll improve faster now that you’re awake. I’ve been feeding you as much of my energy as I could spare and still survive my job.

Stop doing that. I’m fine. I’ll pull myself together. I want to get out of here.

As soon as the doctors agree, I’ll take you home. I think you’ll like the house. It’s under the mountains.

We have to find him, Pentiere.

He looked down and felt conflicted. Weird, because I knew he had that same ache. I want to find him, I do, but we don’t know where to look.

I had a dream, or a vision maybe. They were fighting inside that ball of fire, flying south.

His energy vacillated, like waves in a storm. That’s not such a helpful dream. South is big.

Maybe we can get a location. With some ritual or sprite talent? Can I sign myself out of here? I’d heal better at home, around trees.

He scowled. Don’t be a difficult patient. When we get home, I’ll take you over my knee.

That’s added incentive.

Pentiere got permission to wheel me around hospital grounds, under the decorative groves. That helped, though not enough. I needed a forest. The doctors claimed I’d made good progress, but I detected an energy leak. I didn’t mention it, afraid I’d never get released.

We paused near a cheerful fountain, but the pleasant setting belied his mood. I should tell you—I’ve seen your vision. In real life. Alamander and Dalian battled inside those flames.

Then, it was real! We know where he went.

Take things slowly, please? Let’s get you stronger, then we can figure it out. I’ve been lost with both of you gone. Like a ghost.

Two days after I woke, they stopped restricting visitors. I got plenty of company and more gifts. Bethany showed up, bringing cake, excited about the Earth records. Kate had copied them while I slept. Dante came in that evening and visited every night till my release, smuggling in better meals and catching me up on gossip. He lived in the guest room of my new home. That cheered me considerably.

I heard all the Dayonne and Sharren City news, S Corp dealings, and social dramas—including some weirdness with Torkin and my sister.

He complains about her all the time. Seems fascinated.

I noticed a hint of red when they first met. Do you think he’s attracted?

D shrugged. He goes off-balance when her name comes up.

I love Brant, but Kate leads him around. An elder mage would be a better match. Could maybe hold his own.

Dante laughed. That would take skill.

Torkin came by the morning after Bethany, wearing a suit like Pentiere’s. He’d joined Alamander’s squad. I wanted to honor my king by working in his stead.

That’s lovely. You’re keeping an eye on my sister too?

He laughed. That’s in all our best interests. Humans embracing power without restraint have been brought to grief.

Something in his manner made me think he’d seen this personally, but the man wasn’t readable. His energy blinked and crackled, like he couldn’t decide on a mood regarding my sister. He cycled through alarm and awe.

That evening, Kate and Brant came in, bringing a familiar woman I couldn’t place. She hugged me, then drew back to look me over. Her eyes regarded me with tree depth.

You’re shaky, but I see the spark returning. I’ve been so worried. She laughed at my puzzled gaze. Don’t you recognize me, sister? I’m Emerson23, but you can call me ‘Em’ now.

She stood as tall as Brant, with similar features, but had long chestnut hair. While Brant favored suits, she dressed in flowing color, exuding the same warmth she had in tree form.

Is this your new hobby, Kate, creating tree people?

Wasn’t me. Brant gave our ritual out on the network. Any tree can use it if they have the focus. He’s a local hero.

You think you should encourage this?

This is their choice. No one’s forcing them to become mobile.

It is no different from when sirens emerged from the water, Brant insisted. Trees have a right to live as they please.

I couldn’t argue that point. The Wood could order its own affairs. But I’d not been gone so long and the world had changed so much. Everyone’s lives were full. They had jobs. Pentiere and Torkin were detectives. Dante did contract work. Brant worked as staff supervisor at S Corp and was no longer unique.

How does it work?

Brant drew himself up proudly. We draw an elemental from the land, as drawing water, and weave a body of our intentions. It is connected to our roots—our thought slips back and forth.

I did good, no? Em held out her hands, multiple bracelets tinkling. I’m a proper mage now—like you. I have a job. Our brother Alby hired me as office manager.

She makes a great first impression for visitors. Kate moved to the window, watching the sunlight fade. We can’t stay much longer.

You just got here.

It was the earliest I could get away from work. Sorry. I missed a lot of time while you slept. I don’t like driving in the dark.

Thought you got over your city-driving phobia?

Mostly. But Sharren City streets have been overrun by strays. I’m afraid I’ll hit something. It’s creepier at night. There’s this weird cat following me.

A cat is following you?

It’s Zag’s old friend, Brant said. The one with the ragged ear. He’s friends with Torkin now. He winked at me.

I’ve seen that cat, Em said. He’s sweet.

Brant laughed and I sensed this wasn’t true.

I played along. Aww, Kate. The kitty needs a home. Why not let him stay with you?

In my apartment?

You used to like the farm cats.

They lived in the barn.

I pushed my thought into the tree network, seeking Brant’s mind. It proved difficult, like cutting through cobwebs. My skill was rusty, and the old tree had become firmly individualized.

You approve of Torkin spying on my sister?

Torkin is a detective, tasked with keeping us safe. Kate works odd hours and has enemies.

What enemies?

Those that disapprove of her sister.

Oh.

I joined my will with the mobile trees on behalf of the poor homeless kitty. We focused on Kate, chipping at her protests.

Fine! she said.

The day before my release, my brothers came in with flowers and chocolate and smiles. I’d been anxious to see them. No one had offered news beyond that they were well and would visit soon. Alby hugged me hard. He sat on the edge of the bed.

I wanted to come sooner, but things have been hectic at S Corp. Our new com’s coming out. I’ll catch you up on the business later. You look good. I drove your ‘Luxie up, the one you bought yourself before your arrest. I thought it was your favorite. It’s at your house.

Thank you. I’m looking forward to seeing my house. How’re you getting home?

I’ll ride with Dalian. His driving’s improved—he’s got help now.

My elder tree brother moved in from behind Alby. I noted a shadow with him. A subtle shade with a strong presence.

I grinned. You found Jade?

Yes. She was waiting for us. Impatiently. He laughed. She endured the process well. Dante’s sailing us down the coast to join Dhana as soon as we can make arrangements.

Wish I could go.

Get your strength back and you can join us.

The next day, a week after I’d emerged from the coma, Pentiere brought me home—our first home together, he said. He’d chosen well. The house sat in a cozy lap of the wooded foothills. I breathed in strength and good will.

I heard you wishing for a home in the ambulance. I hope this suits you. It’s small.

But all we needed—two bedrooms, a comfy parlor, and a tidy kitchen. Pentiere claimed Dante had taught him to cook and made us a decent first meal. We sat on the patio after dinner, near the fireplace. A cottage garden ran along the north side of the yard, lush even in fall.

It’s beautiful. I’d wondered if I’d ever have a home. I was kind of delirious, but—

But?

Is this what you want?

I’ve always wanted a home. I have an apartment in Quenelle, which I like, but a house is more about putting down roots. And I want you safe, whole, and happy—and freely available to fulfill my wanton desires.

You didn’t have to buy me a house for that.

So, our life as a couple unexpectedly began, and it was as normal a life as I’d had so far. We weren’t average newlyweds—we were curiously in sync—but we acted a regular pair. Whenever we went out, Pentiere introduced me as his wife. My mage power increased. But my physical strength lagged behind. I felt perpetually exhausted.

2

How was your day?

I settled back in his arms. Today’s been lucky. Edwin worked late. Sent word through Markson that he’d get dinner in town. I got to go to bed early.

Alamander kissed my neck and I shivered. Fortunate day for me.

Wish I could sleep forever.

I sensed his frown without seeing it. We were strongly connected in those dreams. It isn’t healthy for you to shun the real world.

You’re my real world. I turned to kiss him.

The scene changed. Shuddered and shook like an aging digital. His features blurred, though familiar blue-black hair blew across his face.

I didn’t mean to leave.

Where are you?

*Music blared*

***

I sat up and groped for my com, tears blinding me. The sun shone cheerily in my bedroom window, dismissing my concerns. I closed the alarm program, wiped my eyes, and slid out of bed to ready myself for another appointment. After two weeks of freedom, the poking and prodding dragged on.

It wasn’t the worst life. I slept in and had the place to myself. Still couldn’t drive, but S Corp had assigned me a luxury glider and driver. Pentiere had morphed into a doting husband, even if we weren’t married in the conventional sense, though the mage force kept him busy. He enjoyed it. Dante worked a variety of gigs, some musical, some magical, and was often gone overnight. Kate checked on me regularly by com. She had the first prototype.

Sometimes, S Corp com team members buzzed to test features. The techno-mages were energized, keen to revolutionize communication in the Accord. My biggest excitement was physical therapy. I went twice a week.

My arm had improved but the other pain didn’t. Alamander’s absence hurt me physically, like a gaping wound. That bonding ritual had worked, it seemed, in some contorted fashion—far from the blissful experience promised.

Rowena?

My head snapped out of a memory. Sun shining like a halo around his face. Yes?

We’re done for today. My physical therapist smiled. I’m pleased with how your strength’s improved. But your husband expressed concern. He said you’re tired all the time?

Damn man. Couldn’t hide a thing from him. Not all the time. I’m moving slow, is all.

My link to Pentiere felt different from what I’d had with Alamander. More grounded. There was none of the drama or high-stakes romance, but a man that went to work each day and kept my bed lit at night. I felt him when apart, like pleasant, summer heat.

Day by day, the intensity of our bond increased. It kept me off-balance. Surely there was a limit to closeness, a threshold that brought personal annihilation? He and I orbited each other like doomed stars.

Alright then—the therapist nodded cheerily— I’ll see you next week.

Do you think I’m strong enough to drive? I’d like to visit family in Sharren.

I’ll speak with your doctor, but I’d prefer you wait a bit longer.

I fretted in the plushy S Corp glider. My lovely home in the foothills had come to remind me of my days trapped in the pass. A pretty cage. Boring. And no nearer to him. On sleepless nights, listening to Pentiere moan in his dreams, I tried not to panic.

Jade told me I worried too much. She laughed on her prototype com, wearing Dalian’s face. I should appreciate the highs, without thought for falls, like a heroic or witless mountain climber. She was right, of course—low points would arrive whether I worried or not—might as well enjoy the better days. And I had a lot to appreciate with Pentiere.

He fit my body like a second skin. We were stronger when close. Feelings blended and abilities bled. Sometimes, I heard words on the wind. He thought he heard trees whispering.

That evening, we made the first practical use of our combined power on a good old-fashioned calling in of possibilities, seeking a firm clue to Alamander’s whereabouts. D sat with us. We joined hands, and the air filled with mist.

Twenty minutes later, my com vibrated. Arthen from techno-magery appeared excited.

We might have solved the range problem. Birds placed amplifiers along the southern Coastals without breaking anything this time. Could you try one of your friends in Quenelle?

Thanks. I disconnected too quickly to be polite and hit Beau’s icon.

His eager image popped up on the second buzz. You solved the range problem?

Evidently. This is a test.

Awesome!

We have a local network already. Our coms from Quenelle work. And production has started on the ‘S com’—that’s Kate’s idea for the name. She and other staff have prototypes.

I will kiss your sister next I see her. Could you send me her com code?

Zag appeared, looking both relieved and annoyed. You’re talking business? What’s going on? The last message we got from Brantwood said they’d left you in the northern Wood. That was like six months ago.

Five months—Beau reclaimed the digital space— it had gotten annoying, you dropping out of my life.

There’d been nights I’d tried willing myself into his dreams, the way we used to in the jungle. Seemed the skill had a range limit, like the coms. It was a relief to see them both. If I thought about it, I’d cry.

I made light. Sorry, brother. I owe you.

He shrugged, as emotionally repressed as I. You can give me information. The birds Dhana sent haven’t returned, but the trees remember something. Did you have a quake up there?

Zag moved into the com image again. Did you save Jade?

Yes. And the quake was my fault.

B grinned at me. You took care of things.

Saved my prince. Then lost him again. There’s a lot to tell you.

As long as Jade’s okay, Z said. How are you?

Pentiere leaned in. She’s great if you don’t count getting stabbed by Jaxon.

I glared and moved away. That wasn’t a good way to tell them.

There’s a good way to tell them that?

Beau took back the com. Where is Jaxon?

No idea. Alamander turned into a fury god and chased him off. We’ve not heard from either of them. And I’d know if Jaxon was around—he’s Grove now.

What? Why?

Dalian’s gift.

That’s pretty ingenious, actually. But why would he stab you? I didn’t think you tree siblings could hurt each other.

Not on purpose or without consequences. He tried to kill Alamander. I jumped in the way.

His eyes narrowed. What the hells? You had a spare man. Beau paused at my fierce expression. Alamander’s a good guy, okay, but I’d rather have you alive. I’m sure he’d agree.

I let it go. Before I woke in the hospital, I had this dream—Alamander and Jaxon fighting inside a fireball. Flying south. Has anything odd happened down there?

Yes! There’s big news! Zag jumped back into view. A storm went through the westlands, about a month ago. They called it an inland hurricane, but the birds brought in weird reports. They said it wasn’t rain. It was fire. A couple of grays insisted mages were fighting inside. I never believe the grays—they’re impish things—but, holy hells, that’s your dream.

Where did they go?

Beau moved in front. That’s the bigger news. Whatever it was, this storm or fireball, it punched a hole in the Alendende. You can see it from as far away as the bell tower.

Okay, B, we’ll get packed and I’ll call you when we leave.

Life in our cozy cottage under the mountains always had an expiration date. Maybe we’d get to live there again, but I’d had the same hope about Sedgewellow House. The house still stood. I could live in it if I liked, but I’d gone in a different direction. Settling down might be another fantasy—maybe I had too much of the wind in me.

Hold up. Pentiere took my com. We almost lost Ro, and she’s not recovered.

I’m fine.

You tire easily. I don’t like taking you away from your doctors.

It’s not like we’ll be living in the jungle. We’ll sail down the coast to Celian and make our way to Quenelle. They’ve got better health care than the Accord—the entire west side of the hub is a medical complex. And it’s free.

That trip takes months. We’ll go south when you’re at full strength. He moved off. In the meantime, Beau, could you investigate? Gather word from the wind?

Sure. And I can hike down there. Can’t take Z with me, though. Dhana needs him.

I pulled the com from Pentiere’s hand. Dhana needs you too. Zag is away a lot.

Ig’s here. And Maggie. She likes the kid. Taught her the library system.

I thought this kind, though I wasn’t sure their friendship pleased me. I liked Maggie, but Dhana could use a better role model than the librarian. Just . . . wait for us, okay? I don’t want you wandering through the Lawn by yourself.

Okay. But I want to help.

You will. There’s no other wind mage to gather news.

You got it. Take care of yourself, please? Don’t play the hero again.

I like being a hero. Better than the damsel in distress.

Pentiere walked away with the com, leaving me frustrated. They were discussing me. Treating me like a child. But I couldn’t accuse him without sounding like one. So, I simmered. Acted like I didn’t care. I’m good at that.

As soon as my doctor agreed, I jumped in my ‘Luxie and put more distance between us. Our bond groaned with every league. With good reason. Running from my husband wasn’t helpful for our relationship. We should talk. When I worked out what to say.

Things weren’t different in Sharren City—family and friends were busy—but I had more to do. I went to the Brantwood, hung out with the park elders, and attended board meetings. That last part wasn’t fun. But the park elders made me feel better. Accepted. Afternoons were spent with Oakly, nodding under its sprawling branches. Some days I got so sleepy, I crashed on Dalian’s couch. He’d cook dinner and call Pentiere to tell him I was sleeping over.

The elder mage made a perfect big brother, wise and kind—I understood why Alby loved him. But it wasn’t Dalian alone making up the guest bed and insisting I not drive. He fed me Jade’s trademark grilled cheese and pickle sandwiches.

Wherever I went, Pentiere came with me. Not in body. More like background noise. I sensed crises at his job, though not what they were about, and had to resist the urge to run to his side. I knew when he got angry or distressed or excited. When he moved farther away, and when he neared home.

One night, he greeted me at the door. I felt your approach from farther out this time. Fifteen minutes. You think this bond will keep growing?

I dropped my purse and key fob on the side table. No idea. It was a mage tradition. What did your people say about it?

He looked surprised. We didn’t talk about such things. Joining lives was personal, not the spectacle you have today, with top hats and gowns. I know as much as you do.

Another good reason to find Alamander. He better know more than words to an old ritual.

Two more weeks went by. They seemed twice the length of normal weeks, though Oakly didn’t believe that possible. Each night when Pentiere came home, I wanted to complain. How dare he make this decision for me? But weariness won out. I curled up in his arms, because they felt better than being mad, and fell asleep before I could form an argument. My dreams were all