Rhiann scratched his head and said, “Déjà vu… all over again. I feel like I should have known that already. But the sword, Exeter, told me to get back to The Hanging Gardens to see him again. She said he was sick.”
Maranna answered, “The spirit of the blade gave you the best and most honest answer she could. She knew only of his infirmity, not the extent of it.”
Rhiann said, “He told me about the battle with the bewildebeest but never talked about a serious wound. I know he was wounded by an amazon’s arrow. He told me to give it to the Burgomaster of Gnome-town.”
Maranna said, “The Amazon’s arrow hurt only his backside and pride. The bewildebeest was about to kill or maim Nona. Mayard saved her, but the animal hit him across the scalp and partially tore his life strand, the gift from the Spinner. Once that happened, Mayard’s days were numbered. He has left his possessions and legacy to you. He told me to give these to you.”
Maranna opened the old tattered bag and removed rune covered journals and spell books. The bag contained untold quantity of spell components and artifacts from around Sagain. Maranna said, “Your Uncle Mayard has entrusted Magick’s safekeeping to you, Rhiann Klarje. This is difficult… this epistle… Nona gave it to me. It bears his seal. I am to give it to you.”
The Siren tucked her wings behind her, tried to control her bushy tail, and placed her soft hand on Rhiann’s shoulder. She rethought kissing him for she feared her kiss’s effect, given his youth. She gave Rhiann a rolled parchment, which was sealed with hardened wax. Mayard’s seal was imprinted in the wax. Maranna stepped back. Iyaca Vassi returned to the chamber and stood by Maranna. The Siren wrapped her right wing around the youth. Iyaca’s knees buckled, but he caught himself before falling. Rhiann broke the seal. Three runes formed in the air between Rhiann and Maranna.
Ǿ ∞ Ǿ
The glowing runes persisted for thirteen heartbeats and faded.
Rhiann wiped away a tear and began to read…
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