The Jewel of Turmish - Mel Odom [84]
The Hierophant Trail was the only overland trail allowed on the island, and it was barely visible through the thick forest laden with heavy boughs. The rest of the island was protected and sanctioned by the druids who dwelled there. No one traveled throughout the rest of Ilighon who wasn't a druid or ranger or someone who knew woodcraft and respected nature. Sapra was ten miles away. Torinbow and his group had made good time.
"Come," she said. T fear I'm growing lax in my duties as a hostess. I've some journeycake put away. Kate will prepare the midday meal soon, and the journeycake will break your fast till then."
"Thank you, lady."
Shinthala led the way toward the House of Silvanus. Even after years of service as an Elder of the Emerald Enclave, she drew a lot of attention from the younger druids encamped among them. She knew the attention was due to her height. Many expected humans to be tall but had not seen many women over six feet. Gray had started to touch her long, dark brown hair at the temples, but her green eyes were as bright and clear as ever.
The only sounds around them were the rivers burbling and the wild things that filled the forest and the sky. Only occasional wisps of conversation came Shinthala's way, but she heard the name of Borran Kiosk repeated several times. She led the way up the plateau, leaning into her ascent.
"Have the other druids around Alaghфn and the coastal cities been warned of Borran Kiosk's return?" Torinbow asked.
He trailed along closely behind her, as sure-footed as a mountain goat.
"Birds were sent out early this morning," Shinthala said.
"Have you talked to any of them?"
"Two," Shinthala said. "I contacted Mornis and Chack-ery through the crystals we share." Only a few of the druids had the enchanted crystals. They were the same blue-white quartz that wizards often used in making crystal balls. "Neither of them had any news of Borran Kiosk's return."
"Do you think that's odd?"
"Not really," Shinthala said. "After all, the exodus from Alaghфn appears to be headed eastward, out to sea, rather than south into the Vilhon Reach or north or west into the marshland and desert."
"The druids who faced Borran Kiosk all those years ago left an army of undead buried in that marshland and desert," Torinbow said. "The citizens of Alaghфn surely remember that. They're probably fearful that they'll run into that same army again, once more raised from the earth."
"The undead things that stood with Borran Kiosk in Morningstar Hollows will never rise again," Shinthala said. "Those who served the Emerald Enclave then made certain of that."
"No one thought Borran Kiosk would rise again, either."
Despite her calm nature, Shinthala almost lost her temper. Since learning of Borran Kiosk's return, she'd spent all morning with her scrying spells and the effort had nearly exhausted her.
She said, "It's still not been proven that he has."
"You've not been able to find him?"
At the top of the plateau, Shinthala stepped through a forest of sensual delight. Vibrant growth showed everywhere. Trees and flowering bushes caught the eye only for a moment as woodland creatures scampered through them and birds glided through the air. Songbird music and flower fragrances rode the gentle wind. Shinthala knew every song and every scent.
"No," she told Torinbow as she gazed at the House of Silvanus.
No matter how many times she had seen the sacred place, she never lost her wonder of it. The druids who'd built the House of Silvanus had constructed it from the natural materials at hand. They took advantage of the shapes of trees and enhanced the rocky shelves that provided some respite from the elements. During part of the day, light filtered into