“Excuse me?”

Jason looked away, toward the carved wall of the building. “Nothing. I’ve just been stressing out lately. I don’t get why the oracle would count on me so much.”

Ferrin nodded reflectively. “I’m glad you feel that way.”

“What do you mean?”

“The odds are against you. You’d be a fool if you went into this feeling overconfident.”

“So why would you bet on me?”

Ferrin looked at Jason shrewdly. “For my part in this to succeed, your part must succeed. The odds are against us, but even if the chance is minuscule, we still have one. You’ve accomplished some amazing things. You’ve performed well under pressure. You’ve shown conviction and integrity. Maybe it’s not realistic, but it’s bold, and necessary, so I’m willing to believe you can pull this off.”

“Okay,” Jason managed, his throat thick with emotion. “I’ll believe in you, too.”

CHAPTER 3

DEPARTURE

Rachel stood before a full-length mirror in her room. Turning left and right, she supposed her acolyte robe did look kind of like a Halloween costume, but not a cheap one. Made of fine material, the robe felt silky and comfortable, and it gave off a faint shimmer, as if silver threads had been woven into the dark-gray fabric. Light and billowy, the robe stayed surprisingly cool considering how much of her body it covered.

She shed the fine robe, folded it neatly, and began dressing for her upcoming journey. Though less silky, her Amar Kabal robes were also comfortable. The acolyte robe was great for roaming enclosed hallways, but would prove restrictive for running or riding. The more rugged Amar Kabal robes made much more sense for travel.

A soft knock made Rachel turn. “Come in.”

The door to her bedchamber opened, and Ulani entered, wearing a gray acolyte robe accented by a silver mantle, which designated her as the future oracle. Few people made Rachel feel tall, but Ulani was one of them. Short and slight, the woman looked to be about forty, although Rachel knew that her real age was closer to a hundred. A circlet of violet blossoms ringed her head.

Ulani spoke a brief Edomic phrase. Rachel’s initial reaction was to flinch, but the words were an appeal for Rachel to stay, and carried many subtle nuances. Rachel belonged with them, had a promising future with them. Her departure would wound many hearts and lead her into perilous circumstances. Sometimes Rachel wished that Edomic weren’t quite so expressive.

“I don’t want to leave,” Rachel apologized in plain English. “I’ve enjoyed studying and training here. You of all people should understand why I have to go.”

Ulani nodded. “Your departure was ordained by the oracle. She also privately wished for you to return.”

Rachel paused. “I might.”

Ulani narrowed her gaze. “I do not foresee it.”

“Have you . . . looked?”

“Not prophetically. I would never be able to see beyond the upcoming conflict with Maldor. I simply realize that you yearn for your home more than you aspire to serve with us here.”

“I don’t really belong to this world,” Rachel apologized. “I know my parents are worried about me. They may have given up hope by now.”

“For decades I have toiled to develop my talents,” Ulani said. “I was disciplined. The oracle tutored me. And in a few short months you have surpassed all that I accomplished. You have the innate gift. You could become a true prophetess, perhaps greater than Esmira.”

“That’s too much praise,” Rachel replied. “I was never tested to discover if I could see beyond the present.”

“Only because Galloran forbade it,” Ulani said. “Not without reason. The test can be fatal. But you display every indication of one who would more than excel. The oracle herself sensed your potential. You’ve already mastered everything else we could teach you.”

“I’m no master,” Rachel corrected.

“You’re much better at our disciplines than those of us who have studied them our entire lives,” Ulani insisted. “I think you’re already even more adept than the oracle was.”

The praise made Rachel blush. “I’m very grateful for all I’ve learned.”

“It was our privilege to host you.” Ulani lowered her gaze. “I’m very sorry about Kalia. She brought shame upon us all. This should have been a haven for you.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Rachel said. “Maldor finds ways to harm whoever he wants, wherever they are.”

“It was our duty to protect you. Instead, you had to defend yourself against one of our own. It’s inexcusable.”

“I don’t blame you.” Rachel took Ulani’s hand. “Everything else has been wonderful. These have been the best weeks I’ve spent in Lyrian.”

Ulani nodded and offered an apologetic smile. “It will be lonely here without you.”

Rachel knew that Ulani felt trapped. She had nowhere near the raw ability that the previous oracle had possessed. Yet everyone expected her to become the next great prophetess, to guide the children of Certius through the troubled years to come, and to keep the peace among the different factions of treefolk.

“You have a lot to deal with,” Rachel said. “Don’t underestimate yourself. You’ll do great.”

Tears brimmed briefly in Ulani’s eyes. The head acolyte replied with a slight nod that showed little confidence. “We each have our duties.”

Rachel rested a finger beside her temple. “I see lots of walking in my future.”

Ulani smiled. “I hardly know you in those barbaric clothes.”

“Function before fashion. I’ll miss you.”

Ulani’s mouth twitched. No words came out. She nodded again, turned, and left the room.

Rachel swiveled to face the mirror. Ulani had finally voiced what many of the other acolytes had hinted at for weeks. After months spent practicing together, they knew how quickly Rachel learned, and regarded her with wary awe. Even the most jealous ones seemed to recognize Rachel as the greatest among them. Uncertain times were looming. The acolytes did not want to lose her. She had never felt so needed.

Did anyone rely on her like this back home? Her parents loved her, and certainly missed her, but did they need her? Not the way the people in Lyrian needed her. As her abilities increased, her role here in Lyrian would only grow more significant.

Are you busy? The words reached her mind as clearly as if spoken.