Moon Shimmers(70)

“I wonder—Could Kyradream be the origin of Ceredream? Did those who survived whatever happened move north and rebuild, and eventually forget that the city ever existed?” I glanced over at Smoky, who was watching intently. Bran, on the other hand, was shifting impatiently on his horse.

“That could be. However, Iyonah specifically told the people I talked to that she was from Kyradream. That she had come out of the sands, searching for the horn and hide of the Black Unicorn.” Mistletoe shifted and his wings grazed my fingers.

I laughed. “You tickle me.”

“I’m sorry, my Lady Camille.” But he grinned back at me and I realized how much I missed him and Feddrah-Dahns. I had grown fond of both of them, and wondered if when I took the throne, I could visit more often.

“So did you find out why she’s looking for the horn and hide?”

He shook his head. “No, just that she says her city is in need of it.”

My thoughts ran through the possibilities. The horn was incredibly powerful as a weapon, but there were other ways in which to use it. “I have some thoughts on why, but I’d rather not discuss them here. Will you tell Feddrah-Dahns I’d like to visit with him as soon as possible?”

Mistletoe jumped to his feet and, with a deep bow, said, “Of course I will. I’ve delivered my message and should go now. But you should also be aware that your journey to Otherworld is common scuttlebutt among certain circles. It is known you are here, although few understand why. I know, of course, but rumor has it that you are here to visit with Tanaquar and with Sharah about your upcoming coronation.”

“Spread that rumor as widely as you can. It will serve me well in the coming days as I continue on my real mission.”

Mistletoe nodded again. “I will. Be careful, Lady Camille. I would have you come to no harm. And I will talk to my master and tell him you have been apprised of the situation.” With that, he fluttered up, zoomed around Delilah with a laugh, which she returned heartily, and then vanished back into the undergrowth.

With relief, I watched him go. At least our stalker had been a friendly one, and with some valuable and interesting information.

“What did the pixie want?” Bran asked. He either didn’t know who Mistletoe was, or chose not to reveal it if he did.

“Nothing much. He just had a message for me that has nothing to do with our journey.” I cast a veiled look at Delilah and she gave me a short nod. “Let’s be off. I want to find the Maharata-Vashi today, and I don’t want to wait until dark.”

We headed back along the path, picking up the pace again. Two hours past midday and I was beginning to wonder when we were going to find the stream that would lead us to the juncture. But just as the thought crossed my mind, the sound of rushing water filtered through the trees from up ahead, and another two minutes’ ride abruptly brought us into a clearing. A stream crossed our path, cutting through the land in a deep, narrow channel. A bridge stretched over the stream, and even from here I could see that the waterway bent and curved to the left, and to the right.

“Where a bridge crosses stream, that winds like a snake, there find the juncture, the north path you will take.” I shaded my eyes as a sunbeam splashed across my face, blinding me. “Where’s the juncture?”

“Across the stream. We cross the bridge and we’ll find three paths. We take the left one. It will lead us northeast. After we’re on the path, we should have another eight miles to reach the vast stand of canaberry trees.” Bran still sounded grumpy, but he also sounded relieved. “Let’s go. We can stop to eat when we reach our destination.”

“What about food, though? Should we take half an hour to fish here?” Delilah waved off my protest before I could even open my mouth. “In other words, is there anything in the mountains to eat or are we just going to hope that we find something there?”

“There are small mammals and deer.”

“Right. We’re going to take down a deer and then dress it before sundown? I don’t think so.” She wrinkled her nose. “Camille, I’m hungry.”

“We continue on,” I said. “There are bound to be handover roots there and we can roast them in the fire. I have to reach that scroll before dark. We had good reason for taking care of the kelpies, but every moment we spend out here means another moment for Shadow Wing to figure out where we are and come after us.” I realized my voice was growing sharp, but the moment we had emerged into the clearing, with the bridge and the stream, and the paths on the other side, I had felt exposed. It was as though the claustrophobia of being cloistered in the thick of the Deep brought with it a sense of protection. Out here, there seemed to be far more potential for unwelcome strangers to stumble in on our party.