Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
I press the lever.
It sinks into the mechanism, and my heart stumbles over its own beat when I hear the metallic click of the device unlocking. The book opens, and the six vials of ink pivot to lie flat along the pages, their contents perfectly sealed. “Thank you, Zihnal.”
“I think that one might be better directed to Hedeon, but I’ll take whatever god is with us,” Rhi says, scooting closer as I rotate the book so we can both read.
“A History of the Second Krovlan Uprising—Draft, by Lieutenant Colonel Asher Sorrengail,” I read, smiling at the familiar sight of his formal handwriting.
“All of that for a history text.” Rhi shakes her head. “You Sorrengails are something else.”
I flip the next page and suck in a sharp breath at the first words.
Dear Violet,
It’s written, but I can hear his voice say it so clearly in my head that my eyes immediately sting.
“Not just a history text, then.” Rhi wraps her arm around my shoulders. “How about I give you some time with your dad? I’ll knock when we need to head out for flight maneuvers.”
I nod silently in thanks, and Rhi leaves through the door, closing it behind her.
I want to read it all instantly, yet simultaneously limit myself to a single line so I can save another for tomorrow and then the day after, like I have with my mother’s journals. I could make it last, keep him with me as long as possible.
But I need the knowledge now, so I lift the book onto my lap and begin.
Dear Violet,
It’s my most sincere hope that you are reading this by my side, laughing at the glorious mess that is a first draft, but I fear that may not be the case. If I now walk alongside Malek with your brother, then guard this manuscript carefully. But if the worst has happened and your mother has joined us, then you must protect this knowledge with your very life. Within these pages, you’ll find my careful study of the second Krovlan uprising, but my daughter—remember what I taught you about history: it is simply a collection of stories, each influenced by those that happened before and steering the ones to come. I wrote this study so it could be read by others but understood by you. If time is sweet, peruse at leisure; you’ll find the connection between the uprising and the pursuit of feathertails to be both alarming and enlightening. But if time has indeed run out and you seek the weapon to defeat those you’ve only learned about through lore, then abandon your robes and ride for Cordyn. You have always struggled with Krovlish, but I made sure Dain would be capable should you need him…should he not choose to cross the parapet this summer. If he follows in the footsteps of his father, you must find the strength to let go of your affection for him. From Cordyn, book passage to Deverelli—you will be safe beyond the reach of magic there—and quietly seek the merchant Narelle Anselm. Take her the rarest item you possess—be sure it’s truly exceptional to be given what you need. Do not send another in your stead. Should you travel under the banner of Navarre, beware their king—he bears grudges and speaks only in profit. I’m so sorry this falls to you, my brightest light.
Trust only Mira.
Love,
Dad
I read the page over and over, committing it to memory even as my mind races. How would he have known a merchant in Deverelli? Seek the weapon… Did he know about Andarna? About the rest of her kind?
For the first time in my life, it dawns on me that maybe I didn’t know my father as well as I thought I did.
Narelle Anselm. I relay the information to Tairn and Andarna.
“Safe beyond the reach of magic?” I ask them, then fold the parchment and hide it back in the book.
“There is no magic beyond the Continent. It is why we dragons remain,” Tairn tells me. “Why it is surprising the irids left our shores.”
“I know what to bring with us,” Andarna adds.
“I have come to the same conclusion,” Tairn growls, “but do not wish to spend my time with nursery gossips.”
“Do you truly think the isles are our best chance of finding your kind?” I ask.
“I think it’s a better plan than flying north until we expire,” Andarna answers.
“Agreed,” Tairn chimes in. “If the captain is so convinced, then split the squad in two, but we will head for Deverelli.”
Someone knocks.
I startle, then quickly lock the book and shove it under my pillow before crossing to the door and opening it.
Xaden stands at the threshold, his hands gripping the frame on both sides, his flight jacket unbuttoned, and his head bowed.
My immediate elation is slain by logic.
“What are you doing?” I whisper, trying to look past him to see if there’s anyone else in the hallway who could report him.