The Angel of Elydria (The Dawn Mirror Chronicles Book 1) by A. R. Meyering Page B

to undertake a very dangerous task, then I will break a rule to save your friend.”
    “Madam, please! I want to help these people as well, but I―” Armonie interjected.
    “Armonie, is it not the law of our Angelic Lord Nestor that we are to preserve life whenever possible? Would this child’s blood not be on my hands if I were to let her die? Now please, her time is dwindling. Allow me to assist them unhindered, dear one.” She turned from Armonie back to Hector, lifted a pendant from around her neck and placed it into Hector’s hands.
    “One of my duties as a High Priestess is to guard the secrets and precious resources of my province. This pendant will allow you access to certain areas―secret places. Do you understand the seriousness of what it is I am doing?” Her gaze bore through him. Hector nodded again.
    “Good. Long ago in this area lived an elf called Warwick. In his exploration of these lands, he came across a cavern in the woods. Inside it was a miraculous spring that could heal even the gravest of injuries. He chose to exploit it, selling the spring’s water for profit. When the source of this miracle was discovered, the cavern was sealed off and the spring’s water fell under control of the Order of Nestor. Now, as you probably already know, magical resources have been strictly rationed ever since the unfortunate shortage. Usage of this spring is very carefully moderated…however, tonight I’ll make an exception,” she whispered.
    “To find the grotto you must pass through Lindenvale Cemetery, and I’m sure you know of the dangers that you may encounter in such a place,” she said, giving him a meaningful look. Hector blinked a few times and shook his head no, which seemed to shock the priestess. “Why, you’ve not heard of the wraith sightings? I was quite sure that everyone must have become aware of the recent threat.”
    “I’m so sorry Madam, but we are strangers in this land. What exactly do you mean by wraith?” Hector inquired. He shot worried glances over at Penny to make sure she was still breathing. She felt miles away, watching the gravest of expressions come over the priestess’s face.
    “There is no time to explain. Just please understand that you must proceed into that area with the utmost caution. If you see a wraith, you will have to defend yourself, do you understand?” the priestess warned.
    “Y-yes―but how will I know one if I come across one?” Hector stuttered.
    “You’ll know,” Armonie said in a hollow tone from the corner of the room. There was an oppressive silence for a moment, then the priestess proceeded to give a hurried set of directions to Hector. Penny could only make out her final words.
    “You must go now. Take this poor child with you. She will need to be completely submerged to ensure that she is rid of all the seeds. You won’t have long―she’ll be gone before dawn breaks.”
     

 

     
    P enny felt the bounce of Hector’s step and heard the sound of his feet cutting through mounds of dead leaves, but the world in her eyes had become a mere pinhole in a heavy black sheet. She felt compressed, as if everything that she had ever been was being packed down into a tiny jar and forgotten.
    Hector had enchanted himself before they set out so he would be strong enough to carry her on his back, yet his breathing was harsh and his demeanor harried. With each jarring step he took, a little more life drained from Penny’s limp body. Minutes slipped by all too quick. Time didn’t seem so expendable a commodity when there wasn’t enough of it left.
    They passed under the iron gate and into the cemetery, the effect of the medicine Penny had taken fading. She could not stop herself from wondering how exactly the parasitic seeds in her blood were going about killing her, and the wondering made her sick with fear. Hector must have heard her soft whimpers, because he used what little energy he had to distract her.
    “Don’t worry. We’re nearly