Total pages in book: 362
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 347293 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1736(@200wpm)___ 1389(@250wpm)___ 1158(@300wpm)
“Tea?” she offered.
“Thank you,” I said as she poured three cups. “There are two separate things we were hoping you could assist us with.”
“We don’t want to take up a lot of your time or have the Fates get the impression we’re doing something we shouldn’t, so I think it’s best if we get right to it.”
“Agreed.”
“We had a question about the Ancients,” Ash said, deciding to start with what felt like the most important thing. “Other than Kolis, you would likely be the only one old enough to remember them and the war.”
Curiosity filled her eyes. “Sometimes, I wish I didn’t. That was a time of violence and bloodshed. A time best forgotten but necessary to remember.” She took a sip. “What questions could you have about them?”
“I know that not all passed on to Arcadia,” I said, swallowing. The tea was sweet, just the way I liked it. “And some that could not be forced to go were entombed.”
There was a slight widening of her eyes.
“I learned that during my Ascension,” I explained, and she nodded in understanding. I chose my words wisely so as not to violate the eirini. “Ancients are incredibly powerful, more so than any Primal, so I am curious as to how they were entombed.”
“Especially when it would be difficult to keep a Primal in the ground for thousands of years,” Ash added. “We thought you might know how that was done and would be willing to share.”
“For curiosity’s sake,” I added, just in case a Fate was lurking unseen somewhere or the essence itself was listening in.
Keella’s gaze drifted between us, and a slight grin briefly appeared before vanishing. “Yes, for the sake of curiosity,” she said, clearing her throat. “I do remember. It was something that took quite some time to figure out, lengthening the war each time one of them broke free of the bonds of their brethren.”
So, the bones of an Ancient were definitely involved.
“You see, the bones weakened them, but as you well know, the ground seeks to protect us—and them,” she continued. “Neither shadowstone nor bone can block the strength of the eather that fills the very air we breathe and the soil we rest in. But there is something that acts as a…” Her nose wrinkled. “A shield of sorts.” She inhaled deeply and slowly. “Other than Kolis, no other Primal alive today knows of it.”
“What is it?” Ash asked.
“Celastite,” she said.
Ash frowned as he glanced at me. I had no idea what that was. My vadentia was silent as a tomb, which could only mean… Excitement sparked. My intuition wasn’t working, so it had to be something.
“It’s a naturally occurring mineral that can be found where the Ancients first slept and matured,” Keella explained, and I knew she was speaking of where the Ancients had first fallen as stars. “There are many places, but they are all in the mortal realm.”
“Really?”
She nodded. “There are at least a dozen entombed in the mortal realm that I can remember.”
That such a powerful being could’ve been beneath Wayfair or some other place I’d been was unsettling.
Then the other thing she said struck me. At least a dozen? Good gods. I reached out and picked up a piece of sliced cheese.
Ash leaned forward. “So, these places where the Ancients are entombed must contain some kind of impact area.”
She nodded. “Over the years, they became underground caverns. Recognizing one as such wouldn’t be hard. You see, the celastite is oddly colored. It carries a burnt-red sheen.”
Nibbling on the cheese, I nearly choked. “A burnt-red sheen?”
“Yes. The mineral often looks damp, as if it is weeping.”
Ash eyed me. “Have you seen something like that?”
“I haven’t seen it, but I do know of at least one place,” I said. “In Oak Ambler.” I twisted toward Ash. “It’s near Massene—a port city.” I stiffened. “I have heard of there being caves along the bluffs, and that Castle Red Rock was built from the stone mined from that area.”
“Well, I guess we know where the castle got its name.” Ash met my stare, and I knew what he was thinking. That we may have found a location. “What if an Ancient has already been entombed there?”
“You would feel it if they are there,” Keella said. “It would bring upon a great sense of unease that even mortals would pick up on.”
“That’s good to know,” Ash murmured.
“If you do get curious about these locations,” Keella said, tilting her head, “I suggest you don’t spend too long exploring them. They can weaken you. Just being inside one and near the celastite can affect you.”
“We’ll keep that in mind,” Ash said. “Thank you.”
Keella’s smile was knowing. “Was there something else you wanted to ask?”
“Yes.” I switched gears. “We wanted to ask you about a prophecy.”
Keella’s whole demeanor swiftly changed as she stiffened. It caused my skin to prickle.