Read Online The Rabbit and the Raven: Book Two in the Solas Beir Trilogy by Melissa Eskue Ousley - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Melissa Eskue Ousley
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that would influence the Eastern Oracle to join our cause,” Cael mused.
“Perhaps,” Eulalia replied. The Southern Oracle was more of a wild card. Like the Western Oracle, he was rumored to be narcissistic and loyal to no one. “He seems unwilling to engage in the political conflict between those in the Light and the Shadows. Like the Northern Oracle, the Southern Oracle and his people are isolated, but not by distance and harsh, frozen terrain. He lives in the center of a thick rainforest, one with sprawling foliage that will make the journey treacherous, if not deadly, since many of the plants guarding his village are poisonous, carnivorous, or both. Legends describe horrific beasts and phantoms lurking in that dark forest, and as is often the case in this world, such stories have a nasty tendency to be true.”
“Great,” David muttered. “Well, I guess I’m up for a challenge.”
Abby squeezed his hand. “Me too.”
Cael glanced at Abby’s mother, who looked horrified. “Fear not,” he assured her. “I will travel with the Solas Beir and your daughter to ensure their safety.”
Bethany Brown nodded, but did not look any less worried. She gave Abby a stern look that said they would be having a discussion later.
Cael found he could not blame her for worrying, considering Abby had almost died once already.
“I visited the Southern Oracle’s village many years ago, when Ardal was still alive,” Eulalia said. “Traveling by portal, we avoided the dangers of the rainforest. I enjoyed the warm hospitality of his people, who embrace the dangers of their forest, revere them even, and in doing so, value their lives more. I remember the Southern Oracle as charismatic and full of life, and I suspect that he holds the same philosophy as his people. Perhaps that is why he seems loath to get involved in politics.”
“Indeed.” Cael nodded in agreement. “Choosing sides comes with serious consequences. But if David can win his loyalty, it will be a great victory for the Light.”
As David prepared for his journeys to the oracles and waited for word from Nerine, he began his training in earnest. As the new Solas Beir, and with the magical powers that came with his heritage, he had already gained experience with his abilities to fly and heal, but needed to learn about politics and combat. Eventually David would be able to weaken his enemies sufficiently so that he could end them by simply speaking a word, though this would take much time and dedication to his training.
Until he gained that level of mastery, however, it was time for school—and not just for David. Abby had much to learn about being a c’aislingaer, slang for cai aislingstraid—one who walks in dreams. And since she, Jon, and Marisol were not about to be left behind when David traveled to the outer realms of his kingdom, they too had work to do. They met with Gorman to learn about the history and politics of the kingdom, and David and Abby each had individual sessions with Eulalia to learn more about their abilities. David met often with Obelia and the other six council members, learning on the job, as it were.
At the large, round table in the room adjacent to the Great Hall, David met with the council to discuss the latest news of the realm.
Obelia scanned a piece of parchment before addressing the Solas Beir , Cael, and her fellow council members. “Solas Beir, reports have been coming in about several villages in the Great Plains being ravaged by Shadows. With rumors of Tierney’s escape, those in Darkness are growing bold again.”
David sighed. “It seems there ’s no rest for the weary.”
Fedor of the Great Plains spoke up. “Your Majesty, I believe it is imperative that you meet with the plainspeople soon if you hope to win their trust.”
David looked at Cael. “What do you think, Cael?”
“I agree,” he responded, “but I would be hesitant to have you put yourself at risk again without combat
“Perhaps,” Eulalia replied. The Southern Oracle was more of a wild card. Like the Western Oracle, he was rumored to be narcissistic and loyal to no one. “He seems unwilling to engage in the political conflict between those in the Light and the Shadows. Like the Northern Oracle, the Southern Oracle and his people are isolated, but not by distance and harsh, frozen terrain. He lives in the center of a thick rainforest, one with sprawling foliage that will make the journey treacherous, if not deadly, since many of the plants guarding his village are poisonous, carnivorous, or both. Legends describe horrific beasts and phantoms lurking in that dark forest, and as is often the case in this world, such stories have a nasty tendency to be true.”
“Great,” David muttered. “Well, I guess I’m up for a challenge.”
Abby squeezed his hand. “Me too.”
Cael glanced at Abby’s mother, who looked horrified. “Fear not,” he assured her. “I will travel with the Solas Beir and your daughter to ensure their safety.”
Bethany Brown nodded, but did not look any less worried. She gave Abby a stern look that said they would be having a discussion later.
Cael found he could not blame her for worrying, considering Abby had almost died once already.
“I visited the Southern Oracle’s village many years ago, when Ardal was still alive,” Eulalia said. “Traveling by portal, we avoided the dangers of the rainforest. I enjoyed the warm hospitality of his people, who embrace the dangers of their forest, revere them even, and in doing so, value their lives more. I remember the Southern Oracle as charismatic and full of life, and I suspect that he holds the same philosophy as his people. Perhaps that is why he seems loath to get involved in politics.”
“Indeed.” Cael nodded in agreement. “Choosing sides comes with serious consequences. But if David can win his loyalty, it will be a great victory for the Light.”
As David prepared for his journeys to the oracles and waited for word from Nerine, he began his training in earnest. As the new Solas Beir, and with the magical powers that came with his heritage, he had already gained experience with his abilities to fly and heal, but needed to learn about politics and combat. Eventually David would be able to weaken his enemies sufficiently so that he could end them by simply speaking a word, though this would take much time and dedication to his training.
Until he gained that level of mastery, however, it was time for school—and not just for David. Abby had much to learn about being a c’aislingaer, slang for cai aislingstraid—one who walks in dreams. And since she, Jon, and Marisol were not about to be left behind when David traveled to the outer realms of his kingdom, they too had work to do. They met with Gorman to learn about the history and politics of the kingdom, and David and Abby each had individual sessions with Eulalia to learn more about their abilities. David met often with Obelia and the other six council members, learning on the job, as it were.
At the large, round table in the room adjacent to the Great Hall, David met with the council to discuss the latest news of the realm.
Obelia scanned a piece of parchment before addressing the Solas Beir , Cael, and her fellow council members. “Solas Beir, reports have been coming in about several villages in the Great Plains being ravaged by Shadows. With rumors of Tierney’s escape, those in Darkness are growing bold again.”
David sighed. “It seems there ’s no rest for the weary.”
Fedor of the Great Plains spoke up. “Your Majesty, I believe it is imperative that you meet with the plainspeople soon if you hope to win their trust.”
David looked at Cael. “What do you think, Cael?”
“I agree,” he responded, “but I would be hesitant to have you put yourself at risk again without combat
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