Emberhawk - Jamie Foley Page 0,56

can kiss the moon? A sound like a sigh flitted through Vylia’s mind. It was folly, and we both knew it. So we combined our powers and created something that could span the chasm between our two elements—something beautiful . . . and powerful.

“The keystone?” Vylia whispered.

Indeed. But as the millennia passed, Felix grew harsh toward me. Mortals adored me, and he grew jealous. He took the keystone and fled. A lesser trai’yeth elemental such as him needed its power to hope to compete with a greater amos like me.

A faint pop sounded from the cork of a water gourd the translator had left, and clear liquid floated up from it like a snake. Vylia tensed her muscles into perfect stillness as the stream of water gently caressed her face, taking sweat from her forehead in cool strokes and leaving her skin refreshed and dry.

There. A peaceful feeling like an ethereal smile pressed into Vylia’s mind. You don’t look so troubled anymore, darling.

Vylia drew in a deep breath and released it. “Thank you. But I don’t feel worthy of this task. Uma is one of your priestesses with years of experience in divine matters such as this. Surely she would be a better choice.”

Uma is one of my beloved, but she is not the next empress. I called you to this so you could return to your father with three accomplishments: peace with new allies, strength for his military, and honor for his goddess. With the keystone returned to Maqua, the heresy of the pagans can be dispelled and my power will be magnified. I will put an end to the drought, guard our people from pestilence, and guide my wavesingers for generations to come.

Vylia closed her eyes as the lift lurched to a stop. “Help me locate the keystone, and it will be yours.”

26

KIRALAU

Kira squinted through Ryon’s spyglass lens, twisting the cool metal slowly to focus. Her trap’s design blurred into clarity under distant oaks. The fading light of sunset draped it in shadow, obscuring the bent tree, noose, and three whittled spikes that probably wouldn’t make a scratch on d’hakka chitin.

She looked down at her dwindling campfire. It would need more wood if she were going to stay, but she was exhausted from preparing the trap and didn’t feel like scrounging for more kindling. The flames should keep her safe from falling prey to her own quarry, but the fire might attract other predators come nightfall. She wondered if trace cats stalked these woods . . . or if they were also on the d’hakkas’ menu.

A few more minutes. She knew from her own nightmarish experience that d’hakka hunted at night. And going back to Sylendrin’s stalking grounds might not be any safer, anyway.

Kira sat with a huff, crossed her legs, and gazed into the trickling creek. The muddy bank seemed empty and hollow, but the pale colors of river stones and soothing sound of water eased her tumultuous spirit. Even a dry creek bed was highly sought after on land back in the plains—whenever the rains finally came, it would fill with floodwaters.

Home. Just the thought made her ache with longing. She’d always dreamed of living elsewhere, or at least visiting the tribal lands, the island of Malaan, or the snowy mountains of Valinor. She never would’ve thought she’d finally get away only to miss home so much. She even missed work in the dairy, of all things. And she’d only been gone for a few days.

Well, this doesn’t exactly count as a vacation. Kira scooted closer to the fire and soaked in its warmth as the chill of evening crept into the barren forest. The pyramid is breathtaking, though. If only Sylendrin weren’t in it.

Ryon had been right about him. Somehow Ryon had known the handsome Emberhawk was a snake. Kira shuddered and hugged her borrowed clothing tighter. It seemed so obvious in hindsight.

The whole fake marriage and kiss ploy made more sense now. Still, was it really necessary? Were the men of that tribe really that brutish, when their craftsmanship and mannerisms were so elegant?

“She’d be willing.”

Kira swallowed bile that rose in her throat. Yep, being kissed by Ryon was about a thousand times more preferable. Even though it hadn’t been anything like the butterflies and rainbows she always thought her first kiss would be.

Suddenly Ryon’s protection seemed all the more valuable, and guilt poisoned Kira’s stomach. She’d be much more appreciative from now on, assuming he survived.

She gripped his spyglass tighter and brought it