Emanate: The White Road Chronicles, #3

By J. R. Castle

Alyra stared at the White Road and felt it beckoning, calling her to complete the quest to convince the reclusive dragons to rejoin Alburnium.

Lord Darnel haunts the dreams of his Princess. The dark ruler of Racah refuses to give up his hunt to return Alyra to his castle where he can control her powers.

Tarek holds the truth of his life in Racah with Alyra a well-guarded secret. Despite his reservations, his heart leads him to join Alyra's journey and protect her from the dangerous drakes. But in the midst of their travels, something greater than either anticipated comes to light between them.

The centaur friends, Lotari and Stitch, are under pressure to complete the Wilderland Meeting Hall before the Dwarf King Lucien brings war upon them.

Katrina the Curian continues the search for her missing kin while keeping her linage a secret. With the use of a magical telescope, she may either have found the break-through she's needed, or exposure of her tightly kept secret.

Jerin the Warrior continues his trek, with the Alburnium delegation, gathering reinforcements to stop the Dark Lord. But with each place they visit, they find the Racan leader's power and strength growing beyond what anyone could have imagined. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Castle Book Creations
• Release date: Apr 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386078371

Book preview

The White Road Chronicles

Book Three

Emanate

By

J. R. Castle

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Castle Book Enterprises

Emanate

Copyright 2014 by J. R. Castle/ Jackie Castle

Revised edition: 2017

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental.

Learn more about this series visit The White Road Chronicle books.

Please visit the author’s website

Edited by Fix it or Nix it Editing

Cover by Castle Creations

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Castle’s Other Works

From

The White Road Chronicles:

Illuminated

Luminosity

Emanate

Radiance

Ignited

Ablaze

From

The White Road Tales Novellas

Captured

Stolen

Ransom

Check out the newest Fantasy series!

The Alburnium Chronicles

Blood & Water

Silver and Light

Gold and Fire

For Young Readers

The Sentinels Archives: Through the Portal

For Romance Lovers

Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Series:

Lavender Vale Farm Series

The Grimwood Legacy Series

Dedication

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To Him who refreshes my soul and guides me along the right paths...

Ps. 23:3

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To Christian ~ who causes me to smile as I watch you figure out where your own path will go. Keep your eyes open, it's there and waiting for you!

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To Bob ~ can't thank you enough for helping me do this.

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A big thank you to all my writer friends who've encouraged me, taught me, and walked along beside me. I thank God for each of you every day.

Emanate: Book Three

Continue the journey of the

The White Road Chronicles

Alyra stared at the White Road. Felt it beckoning, calling her to complete the quest to convince the reclusive dragons to rejoin Alburnium.

Lord Darnel haunts the dreams of his Princess. The dark ruler of Racah refuses to give up his hunt to return Alyra to his castle where he can control her powers.

Tarek holds the truth of his life in Racah with Alyra a well-guarded secret. Despite his reservations, his heart leads him to join Alyra’s journey and protect her from the dangerous drakes. But in the midst of their travels, something greater than either anticipated comes to light between them.

The centaur friends, Lotari and Stitch, are under pressure to complete the Wilderland Meeting Hall before the Dwarf King Lucien brings war upon them.

Katrina the Curian continues the search for her missing kin while keeping her lineage a secret. With the use of a magical looking device, she may either have found the break-through she's needed, or exposure of her tightly kept secret.

Jerin the Warrior continues his trek, with the Alburnium warriors, gathering reinforcements to stop the Dark Lord. But with each place they visit, they find the Racan leader's power and strength growing beyond what anyone could have imagined.

Map of

Alburnium

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Author’s Note

About the Author

Emanate

Book Three

of

The White Road Chronicles

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But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,

and then all these things will be given to you as well. 

(Mat 6:33)

Chapter 1

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Jerin of Yarholm pushed through the group of onlookers circling a man dressed in the Racan uniform. The moon surrounded by stars on the man’s cloak branded him a servant of King Darnel along with the matching symbol tattooed on his upper arm. Jerin grasped the golden medallion hanging around his neck. The emblem of the White Tree indicated he belonged to the Kingdom Peoples and served King Shaydon who dwelt in Aloblase. The difference between the two marks was Jerin could always make the choice to take his off, whereas those with the Racan mark were given no choice in the matter.

Two scouts held the bound prisoner before the general. We caught him leaving Kinti, Sir. The guardsmen shoved the beaten man forward. We believe he bears a message to his master. Possibly seeking reinforcements?

Marcel tugged at his goatee in contemplation as he studied the ragged man.

Glancing through the dense trees, Jerin barely made out the gray stone fortress of Kinti, presently held captive by Racah's forces. His palms itched with the urge to grab up his weapons and kick the foul thieves out of King Shaydon's city.

One of the guardsmen, who went by the name of Rat, handed General Marcel a folded piece of parchment. He carried this, Sir. But none of us can read the script.

Marcel's steel gray eyes scanned the letter. He was a quiet man, never rash in his decisions, or demanding with his orders. He'd led them to Kinti with the intent to acquire fresh horses and new recruits. Instead of a warm welcome, their unit was driven away by a shower of fiery arrows.  

Well, your assumption is probably correct, Rat Marcel addressed the guardsman while he handed a satchel to Jerin who now stood at his side. "See if there's anything important in there while I ask our guest a few questions."

Before Jerin could open the flap, the bag was snatched from his hand by Captain Dirk, his officer in command.

I'll do that, private, Dirk said with his usual sneer. I'm sure Marcel mistook you for me. Now return to your duties, boy. Aren't you supposed to be helping stew potatoes?

With a scowl at his superior, Jerin moved a short distance away, fists clenched.

Soldier, General Marcel addressed the Racan. Care to tell me where you were heading, son?

No, I will not. The youth lifted his chin.

Marcel's steely gray eyes widened in actual surprise. Jerin had to laugh. Why the general assumed the enemy would willingly give up any information was beyond him.

Marcel rubbed his goatee again. Ah, I understand. Would you at least tell us if the townspeople are still alive inside?

The man's lips pressed into a tight line.

No? Very well then. He motioned to a cloaked figure standing a few feet outside the circle. Amici, perhaps you can persuade this youngster to talk. Marcel turned with a shrug and headed toward Jerin. When he saw his empty hands, his brows raised. Did you not find anything worth keeping?

Jerin tried not to glare at his captain. Perhaps Captain Dirk found something useful.

The bulking, stone-faced man rummaged in the bag tossing drawings and letters onto the ground. Nothing. Everything in here is written in that foul Racan tongue and will not do us a bit of good.

Jerin reached down to catch the papers before the wind blew them away. To his dismay, the symbols matched something he'd seen before. A type of writing on a series of tunnels he once walked through with Alyra, his Illuminate friend, the centaurs, Lotari and Stitch, and Katrina the Curian. Alyra knew how to read the strange language. Of course, she was brought up in Racah, taught by Lord Darnel himself.

Dirk, Marcel chastised as he also collected the papers. Let’s not be hasty in our evaluation on the use of this find. These may yet prove to be enlightening.

Dirk folded his arms across his barrel chest.

Marcel's gaze fell on Jerin in an unspoken question. Jerin read the look, knowing the general wondered if he could get the notes translated. Between Katrina, and Alyra, he figured one of them would be able to help. He gave a slight nod.

Any notion of what the drawing might be? Marcel asked him.

Jerin studied them in the dim torchlight. Actually, General, sir, it looks like a possible layout of the city. He studied them, wishing he could make out the language, but knowing he was lucky that he couldn't. Only Racan slaves and those who'd studied languages knew what the markings meant.

Now Jerin understood why Marcel had given him the bag. Jerin was the only soldier with a connection with the last known Curian in Alburnium. Katrina, being a Wisdom Keeper, would be able to find out what the diagrams meant. And maybe a bit more. Jerin bit back his grin as an idea, a crazy idea, formed in his mind.

Marcel handed the remaining papers to Jerin along with the messenger's letter. "I'm leaving you in charge of figuring these out, son. The sooner, the better. I hoped to advance on Kinti within the next couple of days. If the city's captors have been in touch with Darnel, we will need to move as quickly as possible.

Yes, Sir, I'll get right on this.

Dirk stepped in between Jerin and Marcel. "Sir, what we should be doing is getting ready for battle. I need every man to put all their efforts into helping the cause."

Marcel gave a nod. "I agree. Dirk, put your efforts into preparing your men. Jerin, work on getting us answers to what those letters say. Thank you both." He bowed and headed toward his tent when the Racan soldier began to yell.

Jerin peered around the captain, finding nobody had touched the captive. The soldier remained crouched on the ground, his grimy hands covering his face as he whimpered and squirmed.

Amici stood over him as a brilliant light filled the camp. Jerin’s eyes widened. He'd only seen one other person illuminate themselves in such a manner. He gasped, wondering if this was the same effect Alyra had on the enemy when she glowed.

~~*~~

Alyra's toes wriggled in her muddy, travel-worn boots. The white rocky path glistened in the early sunlight as it wove into the woods surrounding Jolly Orchard and disappeared into the thick aspen forest. A warm wind caressed her cheek, causing her red curls to wave around her face. Above, puffy white clouds raced across the pink-turning-to-blue sky. Perhaps whatever pulled the clouds was the same force tugging her heart, beckoning her forward toward the King's Highway.

Would the white rocks continue to keep her safe as they had in the past?

The familiar pull had hit her the first time she'd stepped onto the road with Jerin, her warrior friend, who’d been sent along on her trip to Aloblase.

The second pull Alyra experienced was while she stayed with the Healer Marya in Many Rivers. That time, she and Jerin had added Lotari, the River Wood centaur, to their traveling group.

Alyra glanced over her shoulder at the rebuilt white walls of Jolly Orchard. The small farming community had recently been hit by Lord Darnel's forces. The townspeople didn't believe the Racan soldiers had come to destroy the town, but rather to search for something, or someone. Alyra wiped her sweaty palms over her sleeves as she wrapped her arms across the pounding in her chest. They searched for her. She was sure of it.

Even now, much of her life in Racah remained a fragmented mystery. Why had Darnel stolen her memories and kept her a prisoner in Racah instead of killing her as he'd done to other Illuminates? He'd even tried to fool her into believing she was his daughter, though she never bought that lie.

Not until she had finally managed to escape Racah and journey to Aloblase did bits and pieces of the truth about her lighting powers and her real family in Belluvita reveal itself.

If only I could figure out the rest of the missing pieces. Such as- why exactly, did Darnel continue to pursue her?

The tugging sensation in her chest became more insistent. She'd so enjoyed her time in this town, named appropriately for its happy mixture of creatures and humans farming together. A small part of her wished she could stay, settle down, and make a home for herself.

Hope for a normal life was like chasing the sun across the sky. While Lord Darnel continued his hunt for her, she'd never be free to settle down anywhere.

Unfortunately, she had no doubt Darnel had more reserves up his twisted sleeves. Some memories still returned from time to time. The attack on Jolly Orchard was brought on by creatures, fed a black powder potion, which he’d obtained from a pit demon. With her help, while she lived in Racah. Every time she thought about the demented creatures that had been driven out of their minds to fight to the death, a knife pierced her heart, cutting in deeper and deeper.

Despite her brother, Ethan, and her friend Tarek -also from Racah- insisting the powder wasn't her fault, she simply couldn’t agree. She wondered how many other schemes had she helped her former master accomplish. More importantly, in what form would they come back to haunt her and torment the people of the kingdom she’d grown to love?

Alyra sighed, rubbing her temples in hopes of pushing out the horrid memories. Don't think about the past. Focus on the future. That’s the important thing right now. She couldn’t change history. However, she could make wiser decisions concerning what steps she took next.

Her little pep-talk twisted her stomach tighter. Dragons lay in her future. The path she was to take led to the mountain town of Drakensburg, nestled along the southern edges of Alburnium. Would the dragons even allow her, and her traveling companions, into their domain so Ethan could deliver his message from King Shaydon? Alyra sighed. One problem at a time. First, she needed to find a living Healing tree to replace the red fruit she’d used to keep Tarek from dying.

They’d come to Jolly Orchard for that exact purpose.  Unfortunately, in the attack on Jolly Orchard, the White Tree had been chopped down, and all the fruit was gone.

Shaydon, she whispered. If you really can hear me, then show me, or show Riyah where we can find a replacement. I hope you're not angry with me. I couldn’t let Tare die. I just couldn't. You have to know that. Right?

She shook her head. What was the point in talking to air? Her instructor Riyah, one of the Elderad beings sent to help them along on her quest, insisted the King heard her, no matter where she was. She tried to believe him.

Alyra stepped closer to the White Path until the toe of her boot touched one of the rocks. A tingling crept up her leg as if cold fingers tickled over her skin, and continued to reach her arms where a dim glow emanated in her palms. The pull intensified. She took another step forward. If she kept going, where would she end up? Her nerves surged with a desire to go, to move on. If she didn’t move soon, she feared roots would grow out of her feet, and she'd be stuck here forever. She couldn’t let that happen. If she stayed, Darnel might return. Then he’d find her for sure. She had to keep moving.

Riyah offered no assurances that he knew where to get more fruit. When she did ask, his vague answer was, In time, the fog lifts and everything becomes clear again. Have patience, child.

A vibration came from her shoulder bag. Alyra quickly stepped away from the road, breaking the trance she’d fallen into. She pulled out the Ledge-o-graph, a book made by the mysterious Logorian beings that enabled her to keep in contact with her friends scattered across Alburnium. Jerin had written her last night, asking if she could translate some letters written in the Racan language. She'd spent most of the evening working out what symbols she remembered.

One page glowed with a new note, this one by Lotari the centaur.  

Alyra,

I can’t help but feel deep in my hide that something has come between us. You write, yes. But only when you communicate with everyone. Though I appreciate your updates, I'm concerned, my sweet friend. I've apologized several times for not telling you sooner about Esdra. I simply wasn't ready to share, being unsure of my feelings.

Yes, I fell in love much quicker than I ever believed possible. I'm 150 years old, for goodness sakes! After all these years, I honestly thought the possibility of finding a mate had bypassed me.

Alyra, we've always been fairly open and honest with each other. But even you have to understand there are some things we need to mull over on our own before we're ready to share with others. Must I remind you of your silence after your Da's passing into Everlasting? I—no, all of us— are so worried about you. But once you came to terms with his demise, in your own time, then you were able to share with us again. Don't I deserve the same grace you were given?

On another note—

Alyra slammed the book shut. She was actually happy Lotari had finally found a companion, someone to share his life with. What she hated was the fact that every time she began to care for others and to depend on them, they were taken away from her. Now that Lotari had found someone to join his life with, he might never leave Wilderland. Her heart ached with the thought that she may never see her best friend again.

More than likely, Katrina would remain in Denovo at the Halls of Knowledge where her ancestors once dwelt. Jerin had finally become a soldier and traveled the land to protect the cities from her former master. They all had their own lives.

For a whole blissful year, she'd enjoyed the company of her new family of friends in Aloblase. She had never felt alone. She had a home with Katrina. For that one year, she finally felt secure and happy. Something she never dreamed that she’d have in her life.

Now here she stood at the edge of the White Road. Homeless. Leagues away from all who were most dear to her. Those who risked their lives to get her safely to Aloblase. Her chin trembled as her heart broke into another splinter.

Alyra swiped her hand across her face. She did have her brother Ethan with her. He was even treating her decently now that she’d saved his life. And she had her Elderad instructor, Riyah. She also had— no, don't count him. Tarek won't stay. He has somewhere else to go.

Ugh, don’t be stupid. You’re not alone.

Indeed. You are not alone, child. Riyah's voice came from behind her.

She spun to face her translucent instructor. His ghostly form was better than the complete invisibility she experienced with him when they first met.

I know Ri. I just miss ... everyone.

He towered over her by at least two feet. His pale chiseled face and blue eyes reminded her of a frozen lake and his streaming white hair like a blanket of snow. True friends are forever friends, despite the distance.

I know. She sighed. I'm just trying to figure out what we should do next.

He chuckled. Who said that was for you to figure out, little one?

I'm not little, nor a child, Riyah. Issah gave me a quest. And I've done nothing but let him down so far. She added under her breath, As I always do.

Hush. His voice grew stern. We will find another red fruit. The finding is a sure thing. Just where and how... that’s what is up for speculation. But clarity comes to those who wait and stay focused. Do not lose your courage or hope. Neither Issah nor King Shaydon is disheartened with you. You’ll have to trust me on this.

She glanced over her shoulder at the White Road. How much longer will we stay here? I can't help but feel that time is slipping away from us. What if Darnel finds the dragons before we do?

His arm went around her shoulders as he guided her back toward town. I’ve been keeping watch. There is no movement around Drakensburg. We still have time. However, I'm in agreement that we should prepare ourselves to depart soon. I've discussed this with Ethan, and he is also ready to move on.

What about... Dare she ask? What about Tarek? He had to make his own decisions, though she hated leaving him behind. Tarek had been her friend the longest and knew more about her than anyone, despite his reluctance to talk about life in Racah. While working with him to rebuild Jolly Orchard, she'd come to realize there was much she didn't remember about him. Along with feelings that made no sense to her. She remembered his lectures and taunting remarks. Yet her heart seemed to remember how he always smelled of piney woods and how comforting his arms felt around her, as well.

She blinked, hoping her cheeks weren't coloring again. They often did when those fleeting memories hit her. If Tarek knew where they were headed, he'd never agree to accompany them. Not that he knew of their plans yet. She’d been warned not to tell him about their quest, or her Illuminate skills.

Riyah shrugged. Tarek is accountable only to himself. The Elderad stopped just outside the gate. Alyra, need I remind you that he still has the Racan mark on his arm? I know he is your friend, and I respect that. And, I honestly do care what happens to the young man. However, his path and your path, at the moment, do not run in the same direction. You must keep this in mind.

I know. She hated this fact but understood it all the same. Part of her resented Riyah for being so repetitive about it. He'll want to find his family.

At least, finding his family was his plan when he left Aloblase. Of course, that was before he'd lost his way, run out of coins and food, and then ended up imprisoned in an enemy town.

Alyra, Riyah turned her to face him. Stay focused on what Issah has requested you to accomplish. You will find, dear one, that the chaff will settle in due time. He chucked his knuckle under her chin. Do not lose heart.

Alyra rolled her eyes and started to turn away when he caught her shoulder. You do still have the seed of the red fruit? The one you used on Tarek?

She nodded. He’d told her to never throw away a seed. Only the trees growing in Aloblase produced fruit that contained seeds to grow new healing trees.

Good. Tonight, the villagers will hold a festival to celebrate the completion of rebuilding their town.

The people of Jolly Orchard always seemed to find something to celebrate.

Bring the seed with you and meet me in the town center at midnight.

She knew better than to ask for an explanation. He would tell her when she needed to be told. Such was the Elderad's way. I’m going to my tent and write Lotari. He’s written to me twice today.

With a nod, Riyah left her at the gate. She turned and headed into the orchard where they'd set up a small camp beside a pond. When she stopped outside her sleeping tent, a bright yellow bird fluttered down onto a branch near her head.

Dart, Alyra gasped, letting her bag slide off her shoulder. You startled me you little pest. Hey, what do you have in your messenger pack?

A piece of rolled parchment peeked out of the small bag tied to his back. Tarek had bought the silly lovebird while they were in Aloblase to use for them to keep in touch with each other. Few people were lucky enough to obtain a Ledge-o-graph from a Logorian who only gave them out on an as-needed basis.

The small bird dipped his head so she could remove his letter. After unfurling the paper, she read Tarek's scrawling words which caused her face to heat up again.

Aly-

So, I just learned there are to be festivities tonight. I'm asking your permission to accompany you to this event. Maybe I can help you remember some more dance steps. Or perhaps to simply remember to have fun for a change. You've been working as if a pit demon were chasing you. Which there isn't. And if there was, it still wouldn't be your fault. Got it?

I can tell you have not quite bought into this theory yet. I see it on your troubled face. So please, can we forget the past and enjoy the moment for one evening at least?

Eagerly awaiting your response,

Tarek.

Her throat tightened. He knew her so well. Too well. In some ways, even better than Lotari knew her. She pressed her hand to her heated cheek. There were only vague memories of him teaching her to dance. When had he given her lessons, she wondered, and why? Still, so many memories evaded her.

They'd be leaving in the next couple of days. A reasonable person would avoid him. Would encourage him to be on his way to find his family. But she wanted him to stay with her. More than anything.

She had so many unanswered questions. And he was so familiar with her. He felt like home to her. Nobody else ever made her feel that way.  

She turned the slip of paper over intending to write a response when she heard a splash from the pond, followed by her brother's voice. I need to speak with you, Outsider. Concerning my sister.

Tarek, answered another familiar voice. "My name is Tarek of the House of Lion. I'll ask you to call me by my proper name if you wish to speak to me about anything, Messenger."

Chapter 2

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Katrina slipped from her room in the Denovian Meeting Hall. Since most of the town had begun working on the once-abandoned community building, she hardly had a moment of peace. Between her classes with the children of Delve, also mixed with a few from Denovo, and helping to restore the old structure, her free time had dwindled to nothing.

Holding her shoes in one hand, Katrina walked quietly down the hall toward the library where she could sneak through the secret passage into the Halls of Knowledge hidden in the belly of the Semitamon mountain cliffs. Though her work pleased her to no end, she'd not had a chance to visit her second home and continue her pursuit of finding the whereabouts of the remnant Curian people she hoped were still in hiding.

Katrina eased open the library door just enough to squeeze through. Before it closed, a small, muddy boot slid in between the door and frame.

Not so fast, Miss K, Thatch whispered. The ten-year-old boy pushed his way in.

Thatch, you little rapscallion. You must return to bed, yes? This instant to be exact.

His tousled brown hair bounced around his face as he shook his head. Not on your life, meaning no disrespect. But you've been promisin' me another trip into the great halls, and I aim to keep you honest on your promise. I knowed you must be headin' that way, or you wouldn't be up with the moon. So, I want to go too.

If your mother finds out, she will cook both of us in one of her stews, yes? Katrina had grown to love SueMelly's family, even if Thatch and Dilly, the youngest two of Sue's twelve children, were a bit rambunctious. The oldest of the brood, Elissa nearing her eighteenth year, was a jewel and had become Katrina's right-hand helper with teaching the younger children.

Thatch folded his arms across his chest. She won't find out. That is, if you take me with you. Then she won't. If you send me back to bed, I'm likely to make a lot of noise and Granny will hear me.

Granny Fila watched Katrina like a sharp-sighted guard dog, intent on finding out the truth behind her secret identity. Eventually, Katrina intended to reveal everything. For now, she needed the townspeople to continue believing she was nothing more than a young girl in her late teens instead of an eighty-year-old Curian from the long-lost race of the Wisdom Keepers.

She's up because her bones are creaking and a poppin'. If she finds out I'm up, then she'll see you're up and then shell—

Very well, Thatch, once again, you have convinced me with your wonderful power of persuasion. Katrina grinned at the boy who she was sure would one day make a fine Messenger. No side trips and no stopping to play. I must hurry to find a book I'm in great need of, then I must return here promptly. Understand?

He nodded, and with a small hop of joy, got the sliding door open while she put on her boots and shawl. He lit the lantern they kept beside the entrance and waited for her to join him inside the web-strewn tunnel.

After several twisting passages, they finally reached the three-story Curian library. Thatch worked on lighting the lamps around her work table where she kept maps and books used to help each of her friends.

How them centaurs doin'? Thatch asked as he examined her maps.

She wanted to smile at his enthusiasm for her work but narrowed her eyes to remind him why they were there in the first place.

Sorry, Miss K. Anythin' I can help you with?

No, dear. I'll return shortly. She climbed the spiral stairs that would lead to the third floor. In the very back rows, were documents on each Kingdom town. Of course, any recent towns in the past eighty years wouldn't be included, which was why she'd begun taking extensive notes on her friend's progress through the Kingdom. As a Curian, it was her job to continue to increase the knowledge base in the Library. She sighed, knowing one person could do very little compared to what the scribes once accomplished when the Halls of Knowledge were thriving.

Holding the lantern against the shelves, she searched along the labels until finding the K's. To her surprise, there were not only several large books but also boxes of parchments. To search through the whole collection would take nearly a week, even if she had every moment of every day to look through it all.

Her shoulders slumped. She refused to ask the townsfolk for help. They couldn't know yet what she was doing. Especially with so many Denovians visiting the Meeting Hall.

More importantly, she didn't want to put the townspeople in danger when things were going so well at the moment.

Miss K? Thatch called out. You doin' all right there? Sure is taking you a while to get a book, you know?

I'm over here, she answered, and soon his shaggy head peeked from around the shelves. There are so many books I'm not sure which one to start with. She pressed her hand to another spine to feel the text. Part of her Curian ability not only allowed her to know the title of every last book in a room but also what information each of those books contained.

Let me help you, Miss K. I can read right well now. Please? Tell me what yer lookin' for. I spit swear to not tell another soul. He made an awful noise in his throat getting ready to spit in his hand.

No need, Thatch, I trust you. She pulled out her Ledge-o-graph and showed him the diagrams Jerin had sent her, along with the letter written in the Racan language. She had been relieved when Alyra wrote that she could decipher the strange symbols. All Katrina needed to do was figure out what the diagram described.

Thatch took the book and lantern then sat on the floor. Katrina continued probing the books until he said, I've seen somethin' liken this before. Pa has some similar documents in his study. They shows the underground tunnels of Denovo. All the places where the sewage goes, and the fresh water pipes, and other things below the city.

Katrina crouched beside him. Is that what you believe this is?

Sure enough. His finger traced one particular series of lines. For instance, this is showing the waste tunnel. See how it goes out toward the back wall? And over here, leading off from where it says is a river, they pump in fresh water.

She sat down beside him. But why would someone want to see this? she explained how Jerin's unit found the documents on a messenger.

Thatch's eyes widened. That's just so amazing, Miss K. How you knows warriors and all. Someday I'm going to leave this place and see the world. He sighed, then with a shake of his head, returned to her question.

His voice took on a seriousness she'd often heard from his father. "I bet someone wants them pictures to see how to sneak in and out of the town. Theys almost always secret passages under towns for hiding and moving.

Anyways, that's what my Pa tole me. He even showed me a couple of places to run to if we's ever attacked. Such as, there's a hidden cave beneath the Inn and even the Meetin' Hall. Oh, and just outside the city are all these tunnels that run through the mountains.

"Yes, I'm aware of those tunnels," Katrina remembered with dismay how she and her friends had nearly been killed by Racan soldiers hunting down their dear Alyra when she was escaping the dark ruler. Katrina gave a small involuntary shudder.

Thatch jumped to his feet and went over to one of the boxes filled with rolled parchments. You won't be finding your answers in books this time, Miss K. If you needing a map, I bet they be kept in one of these boxes. He grabbed the first one. You get the next, and we'll both be able to get through them pretty quick.

In less than an hour, Thatch had helped Katrina locate several maps. She decided to take the documents to her room where she could sit beside a warm fire. With the boy's help, she was able to determine which would prove most useful for what she needed to do.

As they made their way back to Denovo, Thatch stopped at the balcony where the scopes he loved were positioned. Please, Miss K? You promised I'd have a chance to take a peek at the stars.

He'd been so helpful she couldn't deny him this small request. Very well. Just a few minutes, we must hurry back.

While he oohed and awed over the galaxies, Katrina stared at the strange scope that would show one whatever they asked to see. By sheer luck, Dilly had wished to see what her mother was doing, though it shouldn't have had that capability. However, to everyone's surprise, the viewfinder actually revealed the inside of her cottage. Katrina later learned the device was called an Imagi-scope and had planned to find a book about how it worked. Unfortunately, with Jerin's impending attack to regain the city of Kinti and the hectic life at the Meeting Hall, she'd nearly forgotten about the scope altogether.

Her mind searched for a possible text about the strange scope. To her dismay, she felt a document existed but was back in the library she'd just left.

Well, she mused to herself, I'll simply have to remember to locate that book when I return, yes? I've not the time to worry about it now. In a louder voice, she called Thatch to hurry along. He obliged, though reluctantly.

As they headed to their rooms, Katrina's heart pounded with excitement. Perhaps the scopes were the answer she'd been seeking. With an all-seeing device, she had to be able to locate her deceased people. At least, she might find the passage into the Northern Halls, the part hit by the attack. Somewhere in the rubble, she knew without a doubt, rested a journal that would explain what happened to the Curians, and quite possibly, where they might have sought refuge from Lord Darnel.

~~*~~

Still clutching the Ledge-o-graph to her chest, Alyra ducked low as she edged closer to the pond. She found a spot in the shelter of a willow tree and hid behind some wispy ferns.

Ethan shook the wrinkles from his freshly washed blue shirt. His bare chest glistened with water. Alyra hoped he at least had his trousers on. Hoped they were only doing laundry and not actually bathing. Neither would ever let her live it down if they caught her.

Look, Outsider, he said. I understand you and my sister have a... history. But I need to know your intentions. Our Da counted on me to keep her, you know, safe.

Alyra's mouth dropped open. He was playing the big brother part? For months, she'd put up with Ethan's rude, aloof treatment, only now to be nearly smothered by his concern and protection. Ugh, boys!

Her fists balled wanting to throttle her stupid, stupid brother! Why couldn't he mind his own affairs?

Hidden by a cluster of trees, Tarek answered in what she knew was his exasperated tone. Not Outsider. Taaare-ick!

Long as you have that mark on your arm, Sir, you will remain an outsider to me.

Water splashed, then Tarek stood before her brother, also bare-chested. "Yes, Messenger, Alyra and I do have a history, if you must know." Rivulets dripped down his face and neck, as his green eyes narrowed on Ethan's steel-blue ones.

"Your history, Outsider, includes her life in Racah. How do I know you're simply not waiting, biding your time until