A murdered guardian. A stolen sapphire. A raven with opinions.

Brie must gather the Jewels of Tambor—learning courage, cunning, and a strength she never knew she possessed—all while braving a twisted foot, a lack of trust, and impossible odds. Meanwhile, Dogmar, known as Jackal, will do anything to claim the throne—until a stolen jewel begins to unravel everything she believes about strength and survival.

Chapter 34, Brie.

2

I swing my bundle over my wet tunic and

head up river in search of the gully.

3

Madox described.

4

I understand why the

old trail is overgrown.

5

Everything here is shrouded in vine.

6

The plant is ruthless.

7

I can't help but wonder how much more

has grown around the dugout since I left.

8

I'm certain now that the vial plant

came to the Norwood with Reagan Thorn.

9

When I find the gully, I groan,

it isn't wide and rock strewn like

10

the gully to the Ram Wat of Naja.

11

While it's considerably shorter, it's

narrow and full of mud and roots.

12

To top that, it goes

almost straight up Grim.

13

Watches me from a tree

14

Go away.

15

I call out with a dismissive wave.

16

He doesn't.

17

Instead he blinks and cls his beak.

18

I scowl.

19

Yes, I know the sun will set

soon, but I can only go so fast.

20

All right.

21

he looks at me sideways, as if

chastening me for my tone of voice, but

22

I don't care After pulling the back

hem of my skirt up between my legs

23

freeing me to move, I begin the climb.

24

I clinging to the roots and

vines to keep my footing.

25

Every step is painstaking,

especially as my boots slips

26

in the mud wrenching my foot.

27

I know the climb is taking me

twice as long as it would a normal

28

person grim squawks in agreement.

29

I throw a mud clo at him for a time.

30

He's quiet, but he won't go away.

31

I'm almost to the top when grim flaps to

my shoulder and starts pruning my hair.

32

bird, I mumble, but I'm

too tired to shoo him away.

33

Sweat is dripping down my

back and my legs are shaking.

34

I climb out of the gully and

crouch involuntarily, alarmed

35

by the ominous silhouette.

36

after a studying breath, I

realize it's the black castle

37

looming against the distant sky.

38

I study the crumbling

structure with its giant tower.

39

I get the impression that the edifice

would prefer I went away like I'm

40

a pest, annoying a mountain lion.

41

I'd happily oblige if I could,

but I've got to find the jewels

42

before jackal arrives with the

banjara weary but determined.

43

I head off.

44

Grateful now for Grimm's Company.

45

By the time I arrive at the

castle, the sun is about to set

46

and rain clouds have moved in.

47

My brain is fuzzy with fatigue and

my eyes are dry from so little sleep.

48

I sit down and grim cause I know my

time is running out, but I'm too tired

49

to think I rub a hand over my face.

50

After a moment, the words

of Zippos letter come to me.

51

They are in the bowels of Irania.

52

I say out loud, grim Cause again,

53

The phrase reminds me of the same

thing it did the first time I read it.

54

There must be something under the castle.

55

I recall the crypt, Madox mentioned.

56

That's where I'll look first with a groan.

57

I get to my feet and begin

searching for a wave beneath

58

the old ruin around the back, I

find a door like that of a root

59

cellar made of stout wooden slats.

60

It wouldn't be in such good repair unless

someone had worked on it in recent times.

61

hope surges through me as I heave the

door open and peer into which shadowy

62

depths,

63

ghia: Grim lands on the ground beside me.

64

I dig a candle from my

bundle and light it.

65

Are you coming with me?

66

I ask Grim hops backwards.

67

I roll my eyes.

68

Thanks for the support.

69

With a deep breath, I

head down the stone steps.

70

I'm halfway to the bottom when grim.

71

Lets out three.

72

Staccato.

73

Cause I fling an arm towards his

silhouette at the top of the stairs.

74

I will be careful.

75

Stop bothering me when

I get to the bottom.

76

I'm in a narrow hallway, Grims

cause echo around me and I know the

77

place is much bigger than I can see.

78

I am hurrying.

79

ghia: I call in his direction.

80

On both sides of the

hallway are wooden shelves.

81

I move the candle closer and gasp.

82

Each shelf holds bones, human bones.

83

I'm not sure why I am surprised.

84

I was looking for a crypt.

85

ghia: I just expected the

bodies to be covered somehow

86

holding the candle before me.

87

I walked down the corridor, peering into

each shelf, searching for the jewels.

88

It's strange, but I don't see

a complete skeleton anywhere.

89

The further I move from the

stairs, the more uneasy I become.

90

It doesn't help that every few minutes.

91

Grim squawks again.

92

How many people were buried here?

93

Anyway, I bend down to check

a bottom shelf and squeak.

94

As I drop my candle, it goes

out and I'm cast into darkness.

95

Owl pellets,

96

ghia: Grims C sounds far away.

97

I grope for the candle.

98

When I don't find it, I quickly

decide I can do without it.

99

With a hand on the shelves for guidance.

100

I make my way fast as possible.

101

Back to the stairs

102

When I get to the top, grim isn't there?

103

Where are you?

104

I call not liking to be alone.

105

His answer comes from around

the corner of the castle.

106

I follow the sound feeling more and

more anxious in the fading light.

107

I freeze at the site of grim

standing on a stone vault.

108

It's the kind of burial chamber

used when the ground is too hard

109

to dig a grave, a thick tangle of

vine has grown up around the box.

110

It must have been growing here for

some time because roots have snaked

111

inside lifting the lid a fraction.

112

I study the vault.

113

The gray stone looks newer

than anything else around.

114

Instantly, I know who's buried here.

115

Or Rania may have been exiled,

but she was still of royal.

116

Birth

117

Arrangements must have been

made for her internment.

118

If Reagan Thorn didn't take care

of it, Shirley Maddox would have

119

It's then that the meaning

120

ghia: of the strange words hit me like

a rogue wave in the bowels of irania.

121

She meant it literally.

122

She swallowed the diamond and the garden,

and now they are inside that vault

123

Jackal.

124

I've been in a rage since

I discovered Brie was gone.

125

I had to use my best techniques

of persuasion to convince the

126

taru who I am and the importance

of catching Brie without delay.

127

In the end, I got him motivated

and we headed downstream.

128

The exertion of climbing the

gully dissipated some of my anger.

129

Of course, seeing Brie's footprint

slipping in the mud gave me a twinge of

130

guilt, curse the stone even in my pocket.

131

It works on my emotions now that

I have reached the castle, it's

132

just a matter of finding her.

133

The majority of the structure is

in ruins, but there is a set of

134

wooden doors that look quite sound.

135

I'm sure they lead into the castle's.

136

Great Hall, it seems like a

good place to start my search.

137

I stride towards the doors, which

are enclosed by a large anti

138

chamber inside the shadowed space,

I catch my breath by the jewels.

139

What is this in the fading light?

140

I don't trust my eyes quickly.

141

I drop to my knees and light the

banjara lantern I brought with me.

142

When it has flickered to life, I lift

the lantern high and gap at the walls.

143

drawn with charcoal on every stone in

the anti chamber is a vine pattern.

144

I turn in amazement.

145

The drawing is almost exactly

the same as the ink on my body.

146

I know instinctively it's my

mother's work it, my heart leaps.

147

She truly lived here.

148

I reach a handout

longingly towards a leaf.

149

I find the artistry strangely

beautiful, despite the fact that

150

I hate the vine more than ever.

151

ironically, I have similar feelings

about the Periodo attraction

152

and repulsion at the same time.

153

Thoughts of the stone

154

make me pull the pouch

155

ghia: from my pocket.

156

Having it in my hand floods

my body with its influence.

157

I set the lantern down

and sink to my knees.

158

There I hold the stone to my chest

wishing it didn't feel so good.

159

A girl like me should never feel so

good, but I know it's just a feeling.

160

The stone can't make me good.

161

Nothing can Yet I sigh realizing

that the Pero has exposed something

162

inside me, something that I will

never be able to ignore again.

163

It's a longing to help to

be kind, to show compassion.

164

With or without the jewels.

165

I'm doomed.

166

My father will consume me.

167

If I show anything like sympathy,

I will never be free of him.

168

The thought should depress me, but

strangely, I find it liberating.

169

I mull over this new reality.

170

I may never be free, but that

doesn't mean I'm helpless.

171

I find myself thinking of the Noona story,

which has been playing over and over in my

172

mind since hearing Brie tell it so often.

173

If the efforts of an old woman stopped

an invading army, then what can I do?

174

I still have a few

resources at my fingertips.

175

the idea that comes to me is

so brazen, it makes me laugh.

176

I'll start by refusing the throne.

177

That should put a stick

in my father's craw.

178

But is it enough?

179

He already implied he

doesn't really need me.

180

With a snort, I realize the obvious.

181

If I want to thwart my father, I

should ensure that Bree gets all of

182

the jewels, every last one of them.

183

I stare at the Pero until this new

resolution solidifies in my mind.

184

It feels so right that I snicker.

185

Aware that the Perose

influence can only help me.

186

Now I slip the pouch around my

neck and tuck it under my tunic.

187

my father will be furious.

188

Perfect.

189

Chapter 35, Brie.

190

I walk cautiously towards the vault.

191

Can I really do this?

192

Searching a grave doesn't seem

right, but what choice do I have?

193

I push on the lid.

194

It doesn't move.

195

I push harder.

196

Nothing grim still on the vault.

197

Flaps his wings.

198

That doesn't help.

199

I shied pursing my lips.

200

I wonder how Nona would get inside.

201

Grim caused loudly.

202

I am thinking.

203

I snap.

204

Then it comes to me.

205

A lever.

206

Yes, that's it.

207

Venturing into the woods,

I find a stout branch.

208

When I return, it's

almost too dark to see.

209

I've got to hurry.

210

I place one end of the branch in the small

space where the vine has lifted the lid

211

and throw my weight into the other end.

212

Thankfully, the branch doesn't

break and the lid lifts.

213

The problem is I can't reach

into the vault and hold the

214

lid open at the same time.

215

intent on the problem.

216

I drop down on the branch

217

again,

218

ghia: This time, familiar hands

appear on either side of me

219

adding weight to the lever.

220

I freeze like a Heron stocking

fish Reach in jackal commands.

221

I'll keep the lid open for you.

222

A wave of anger washes over me

and I wriggle out from under her.

223

She drops her weight onto the

branch, keeping the lid open.

224

I just stand there her Do it now.

225

She growls.

226

I can't hold this all day.

227

I cross my arms.

228

No, jackal lets the lid drop

and gives me a hard look.

229

yes, I'm Reagan Thorn's daughter.

230

She says as if she knows

exactly what I'm thinking.

231

And yes, I have been after the

jewels, but now I've changed my mind.

232

I want you to have them.

233

I narrow my eyes.

234

Why?

235

she spits her answer.

236

Because giving them to you

will infuriate my father.

237

I'm sure she's right, but that

doesn't explain why she would help me.

238

I'm about to ask, but a

different question slips out.

239

How long have you been kissing gray?

240

Jackal rolls her eyes.

241

It was nothing.

242

It certainly was a reply.

243

My pulse rising.

244

Look, I saw you mooning over gray,

so I kissed him out of spite.

245

I didn't like what Madock said in front

of you about my mother, so I lashed out.

246

I was never mooning over gray.

247

And jackal shrugs then why are you so mad?

248

My face burns and I look away reminding

myself that I didn't leave because

249

of the kiss I left because there

wasn't anyone I could trust anymore.

250

I knew better, and still

I trusted both of them.

251

Come on, forget the kiss.

252

I want to help you find the jewels.

253

I don't believe her.

254

The minute she gets the chance, she'll

take them from me for herself, but.

255

Thoughts skidder through my mind.

256

There are still so many to find

and my time is running out.

257

What if I could use her?

258

Nona always told me to

evaluate all my resources.

259

My eyes slide towards jackal.

260

I'll never trust her again, but that

doesn't mean she can't be useful.

261

who else can ensure I get

to the coronation ceremony?

262

Using her would be a raven trick.

263

I like it.

264

I put on a mild expression, fine.

265

I say.

266

Open the lid, Jackal hesitates her eyes

on the vault, and I wonder if she's

267

thinking about her mother for an instant.

268

I feel sorry for her.

269

Then I recover.

270

Get on with it.

271

I insist jackal hardens her

face and replaces the branch.

272

When the lid lifts, I reach my arm

into the vault and grope around.

273

I can't believe I'm doing

this, especially with jackal's

274

help, but it's got to be done.

275

My fingers come across things

I can't identify, and I

276

pull my arm out in disgust.

277

I try peering into the vault, but

it's black inside by the jewels.

278

Hurry.

279

Jackal says as she strains to hold

up the lid, ignoring her, I lift the

280

lantern she brought and position it

so I can see inside of the vault.

281

I feel ill, as I realize

what I was touching.

282

Irania is there, all of her that is left.

283

Anyway, a skeleton rests in the

box, arms crossed over ribs.

284

Vestiges of fabric, clinging to the

bones, roots twine through it all.

285

Opening the grave seems like a

horrible violation, but Irania

286

must have known it would happen.

287

Don't drop the lid.

288

I say as I swallow my revulsion and plunge

my arm up to my shoulder into the vault.

289

This time I aim my hand to the space

below the ribs and above the pelvis.

290

I grope around finding the

backbone, but nothing else.

291

Then I feel it something

hard and circular.

292

I pull out my arm fingers,

clutching an object.

293

Jackal drops the branch and leans over

me as I kneel at the side of the vault.

294

Can you feel it?

295

She asks her voice soft as usual.

296

I feel nothing.

297

Sense.

298

Nothing.

299

No.

300

I say disappointed.

301

I can feel it from here.

302

You're trying too hard.

303

Relax.

304

I shake my head.

305

How is jackal such an expert?

306

Close your eyes.

307

She commands.

308

I obey, but still there is nothing.

309

Now quiet your mind.

310

I do it the way Nona taught

me when meditating and feel.

311

What is it?

312

My awareness heightened the

quality is similar to what I now

313

realize I've been feeling from the

sapphire, not there, but there.

314

Quiet, but constant, subtle but powerful.

315

After a few moments, I open my eyes

and look at the rough stone in my hand.

316

By its deep red color.

317

I know it's the garnet gripping it

between my thumb and forefinger.

318

I hold it towards jackal's lantern.

319

It looks flawless.

320

I wouldn't feel its influence

if I didn't know it was there.

321

It's that delicate.

322

The sensation makes me unusually

confident, like I have value and worth.

323

like maybe I'm more than a little

bird, like maybe I have some useful

324

skills such as my ability as a healer.

325

I hold the stone towards jackal.

326

Here.

327

You try.

328

I don't want to let it go, But I

know just like I know how to care for

329

injured birds, that jackal needs it.

330

She backs away.

331

No, I can't.

332

Her eyes are wild, confident

of what needs to be done.

333

I take jackal's hand and

force the stone into her palm.

334

I gasp at the aching sense of loss.

335

I feel at letting it go.

336

it's the same sensation I've

experienced on two other occasions

337

once when grim snatched the ruby,

and again, when I lost the perio.

338

Do.

339

Why do the jewels only have

an effect on me when they're

340

no longer in my possession?

341

Jackal is tense and rigid, but

she doesn't refuse the stone.

342

I know that deep inside she wants to hold

it and I know that it will do her good.

343

With firm pressure, I close

her fingers around the stone.

344

A shutter runs through her.

345

It's wonderful.

346

She whispers bowing her head.

347

It's as if I can remember who

I was before this life began.

348

She sits with her eyes closed,

apparently soaking up the feeling

349

after several deep breaths.

350

She looks up.

351

Are there more?

352

I think so getting to my feet.

353

I hunched down next to the vault again.

354

Jackal places the branch back in

the opening and leans on the end.

355

now that I know about where the

stone should be, I'm faster.

356

I search around but find nothing.

357

I reach further.

358

Something rolls.

359

Got it.

360

I say pulling out my arm.

361

I glance at the stone in my fingers

. It's small compared to the others.

362

Only about the size of a quail's egg.

363

It's colorless and sparkles,

despite its uncut state.

364

Reminding me of Morning

Dew on a spider's web.

365

I've found the diamond.

366

How does it make you feel?

367

Jackal asks.

368

With anticipation, I clutch it

to my chest and try to relax.

369

Like I hesitate, like pure white light.

370

I decide

371

And jackal pales when I

hold the stone out to her.

372

Take it.

373

I say, but jackal backs away.

374

No, I don't want it just like before.

375

I know she needs it With the same pressure

I used to hold down the wounded jackal.

376

I push her firmly to her knees, then I

force the stone into her hand Instantly,

377

tears begin to stream down her face.

378

it's divinity, she says with a

sob and doubles over clutching

379

the stone to her chest.

380

Struggling with my own pain

at giving up the stone.

381

I slouched next to her like

soothing an injured animal.

382

I softly rub a hand over her hair.

383

We sit huddled on the ground next

to each other for a long time.

384

She shakes with each tear.

385

I do my best to comfort her.

386

Yes, she's Reagan thorn's daughter,

and I shouldn't care about her.

387

But right now, that doesn't matter.

388

She's wounded, not on the outside, Like

the wounds I usually heal, but on the

389

inside It comes to me then this is part

of what the jewels do, heal on the inside.

390

It's not until it begins to rain

that I shake, jackal, come on,

391

we need to find someplace dry.

392

I pull on her hand, and together we

scramble from the vault to a wooden door.

393

In the castle wall.

394

The hinges squeak as I push my way in.

395

Jackal holds up the lantern.

396

We're in the tower.

397

I breathe.

398

The sight of the circular

room is stunning.

399

Reflecting the light of the

lantern are thousands of polished

400

stones forming a mosaic.

401

It's reminiscent of the pattern around

the Pero in the stone replica of Naja.

402

Rain is still hitting my face.

403

I look up to see that the roof

is gone along with a good

404

portion of the upper wall.

405

Clearly, a serpent's head once

adorn the top of the tower.

406

Now only the body of the snake is left

winding its way down around the inside.

407

Below the serpent at the bottom

of the tower are a series of jewel

408

images the size of wash tubs.

409

As I turn about, I'm not

surprised to see there are eight.

410

What gives me pause is

the artistic design.

411

It's almost exactly the same

as the pattern embossed on the

412

cover of the Pedallers book.

413

Could this castle have been built by

the same ancients that wrote the book

414

I look about for more indication?

415

Below the jewels are eight phases

of the moon, ranging from full

416

on one side to new on the other.

417

The only oddity is that the

moon isn't turning from white

418

to black as I would expect.

419

Instead, it's turning from

white to red, blood red.

420

chapter 36, Brie,

421

I gape at the moon motif

at the bottom of the tower.

422

Clearly it represents the blood moon

described in the peddlers book, but

423

what does it have to do with the jewels?

424

Jackal steps up beside me.

425

My father added mosaics just like

this to the Ram Wat of pheon only.

426

He used precious gems

instead of colored pebbles.

427

I look at jackal confused.

428

Ram Watt of ion.

429

She rolls her eyes.

430

Tell me you've heard of the

grandest Ram Rott in Tambo.

431

I shake my head.

432

Well, you won't be able to miss

it if we ever get to Ultan.

433

jackal pulls on my arm.

434

This place gives me the creeps.

435

Let's try the doors on the

other side of the castle.

436

It's raining harder now and threatening

to soak through my cloak, so I agree

437

with jackal holding up the lantern.

438

We hurry around to the

front of the castle.

439

Jackal stops within the vestibule

to push on a giant wooden door.

440

I stare at the stone walls

around us in amazement.

441

Every space within the illumination

of the lantern is covered with a

442

vine pattern drawn in charcoal.

443

I note that the pattern is eerily

close to the ink on jackal's body.

444

The castle door creaks

in objection as it opens.

445

I stagger slightly at the site

before me, is a great hall

446

filled with dilapidated tables.

447

Suspended from the rafters are

sculptures fashioned from bones.

448

The sculptures aren't mere jumbles,

but intricate organized motifs.

449

Each depicting a different moon

symbol draped between the sculptures

450

are garlands of human skulls.

451

black eyes stare at me

through gaping holes.

452

She got the bones from the crypt.

453

I whisper knowing this is Irania work.

454

It's what Madox meant when he said

Irania was obsessed with death.

455

Jackal and I crouch just inside the

door, preferring not to venture further.

456

Despite how gruesome the sculptures

are, I can't help staring.

457

They seem meant to be appealing,

like party decorations.

458

Each moon symbol is constructed

with different bones.

459

Some are made of arm bones with rib cages.

460

Others are delicately

fashioned from finger bones.

461

Jackal clears her throat.

462

Did you notice the vine?

463

She nods towards the wall behind me

and I realize it's covered with the

464

same charcoal drawing as the vestibule.

465

It's like your ink.

466

I say jackal.

467

Looks pained.

468

It's a sign of how my

father drove my mother mad.

469

He's doing the same thing to me.

470

In the end.

471

All go mad as well, just not as quickly.

472

The jewels won't change anything.

473

I frown unsure what she's talking about.

474

My father may have

killed the queen as well.

475

She adds I blink.

476

You mean he murdered her?

477

How?

478

Jackal stares blankly at the wall

the same way he killed my mother.

479

The Banjara Think news.

480

Weed kills by strangulation.

481

I think it's poison that does the job.

482

I've seen my father feed leaves to mice.

483

They always die.

484

I suspect he adds the

poison to Croker's Inc.

485

Jackal's voice waivers.

486

I'm guessing my father didn't know how

much to use when he started poisoning

487

my mother, and that's why she went mad.

488

he perfected his skill on me.

489

Then he tried the poison out on the queen.

490

A year ago, she became very,

shall we say placid, and began

491

granting my father's every request.

492

Then the queen shocked the nobilis

by making him keeper of the jewels,

493

which was the first time the

position has ever been held by a man.

494

I don't know what to say.

495

How would it be like to know your

father was capable of murder?

496

Jackal is silent for a long moment as she

looks at the stones still in her hand.

497

I think the vine feeds off evil.

498

The more power my father

gains, the more it grows.

499

I blink mulling this over.

500

Are there more jewels

in my mother's grave?

501

Jackal asks.

502

Changing the subject, I shake my head.

503

Porras letter only mentioned

the diamond and the garnet.

504

Jackal furrows.

505

Her brow zipporah.

506

I nod.

507

Zipporah was my nurse.

508

Now it's my turn to be surprised.

509

It makes sense.

510

Jackal says, as she seems

to pull things together.

511

I think Zipporah had the

amethyst when I was little.

512

She let me play with it

once when I was crying.

513

Jackal's face turns hard as she continues.

514

My father came in

unexpectedly and took it away.

515

After that, they told me Zipporah

was ill and had to leave the castle.

516

I got a new nurse.

517

Zipporah returned a few years later,

but I didn't need a nurse by then.

518

She just became another servant.

519

I'm intrigued.

520

If your father had the amethyst,

that would mean bogged.

521

Dan stole it from him.

522

That's some daring.

523

Don't be impressed.

524

I suspect my father didn't have

any idea what the amethyst was and

525

arranged the theft for political gain.

526

Jackal looks at me.

527

Her eyes flashing golden

in the lantern light.

528

You found the amethyst didn't.

529

You don't lie.

530

I can feel a new stone.

531

There's no use denying it.

532

So I slip the amethyst from Nona

shawl and hand it to jackal.

533

She hesitates then takes

it as it leaves my hand.

534

I draw a breath at the loss.

535

I must be getting used to the

pain because it doesn't double

536

me over as it did in the past.

537

jackal, clutches the stone to her chest.

538

it feels like it would keep a person safe.

539

She says like you would always

make good choices with it around.

540

It didn't keep bogged

down safe, jackal, shrugs.

541

I don't think everyone can feel

the influence of the jewels,

542

but they drive me crazy.

543

As she says this, she shakes the

pero from a pouch around her neck.

544

I'm surprised though I shouldn't be.

545

Of course it was jackal who

snatched it from my fingers.

546

She hands me the stone

and I hold it tight.

547

It's warm from being around

her neck with my eyes closed.

548

I try to feel it relax, Jackal

says I do, and my heart flutters.

549

Oh, I squeak, jackal chuckles.

550

Maybe a little jealousy has drained away.

551

I squirm.

552

Or you might feel open

to new relationships.

553

How about an irresistible desire to help?

554

I nod.

555

Yeah, something like that.

556

I think all gems resonate.

557

Influence to one degree or another.

558

Jackal says, I look at her.

559

Are you saying a pero from any

gem pit would feel like this?

560

Yes, just not with as much power.

561

I can feel a jewel of Tambo from

across the room, but I think

562

that's due to its size and clarity.

563

Other jewels just aren't as strong.

564

Before I can comment, jackal

begins counting on her fingers.

565

We have the pero, the diamond,

the garnet, and the amethyst.

566

With my father having the

ruby, she looks at her fingers.

567

That leaves three jewels unaccounted for.

568

No, I say

569

only two.

570

. ghia: Jackal's eyes blaze, and

I'm sure she's known all along

571

that I had another stone.

572

unie Nona shawl from my waist

and produce the sapphire after

573

holding it for a moment.

574

I brace myself for the feeling of loss.

575

I expect as I pass it to her.

576

What sensation does it give you ? I ask.

577

and jackal holds the stone.

578

It makes me want to find answers.

579

She looks thoughtful.

580

You like to study.

581

Is this why I snort?

582

Not exactly, but it has

been easier to concentrate.

583

Jackal takes Nona shawl from me and

spreads it out between us with care.

584

She places the sapphire, the amethyst,

the diamond, and the garnet down on it.

585

I add the perio, do they sparkle in the

lamplight, twisting over on my stomach.

586

I lay down with my feet in the air and

my chin on my arms and inside view.

587

I say jackal snorts and takes a similar

position on the other side facing me.

588

Together we look at the

mysterious gemstones.

589

What is it about these?

590

She asks, why are they so important?

591

They're supposed to teach

us how to hear the whisper.

592

The what?

593

I look at jackal.

594

Do you think the stones talk to you?

595

Not really talk to you, but

you know, tell you things.

596

Well, not exactly tell you things, but.

597

I struggle for the words.

598

Yes.

599

Jackal says like she knows

exactly what I'm trying to say.

600

The stones are supposed to

put you in tune with the his.

601

I call it the whisper

because it's so hard to hear.

602

Leave off the end of Hisperia.

603

And it sounds like whisper,

604

Try it.

605

ghia: whisper, whisper,

Jackal says out loud.

606

Yes, they sound similar.

607

Jackal shakes her head.

608

The stones aren't what my

father thinks they are.

609

He expects them to make him all powerful.

610

I sit up, Well they're supposed

to help me stop the coronation.

611

That sounds pretty powerful.

612

The words leave my mouth before

I realize what I'm saying.

613

jackal sits up as well.

614

You mean stop my coronation?

615

I hesitate.

616

Wondering how she'll react.

617

Yes.

618

Your coronation.

619

And why exactly do you want to

keep me from becoming queen?

620

She doesn't sound mad,

but genuinely curious.

621

It's not to stop you.

622

I insist it's to stop Reagan Thorn

from putting a puppet on the throne.

623

Jackal nods.

624

I thought that jewels would

prevent that from happening.

625

Now, I realize they don't

have that kind of power.

626

Jackal starts talking fast.

627

I'm going to refuse the throne.

628

You and the stones have

already stopped the coronation.

629

Do you understand?

630

I'm shocked.

631

Jackal continues.

632

I thought the jewels would

give me power over my father,

633

but that's not what they do.

634

Jackal's eyes bore into mine.

635

I won't take the throne.

636

She reaches out and grabs my shoulders.

637

You've got to believe me.

638

I study her face and know it's true.

639

Jackal's words are sincere.

640

Yes, I believe you.

641

I say

642

jackal.

643

Let's go of me.

644

Relief showing on her face for a moment.

645

We sit in silence, staring at each other.

646

Then jackal asks,

647

ghia: Where are the other two stones?

648

That's the question, isn't it?

649

I reach into my bundle and pull out,

known as list of jewels from the

650

envelope scanning the parchment.

651

I place a thumb and forefinger

next to the two stones.

652

I don't know anything about

This one has me really confused,

653

I say, and read it out loud.

654

Emerald Deep forest green characteristics

brings awareness of the unknown

655

to conscious recognition, impart

reason, and clarity of thought.

656

Location, Norwood.

657

I put the parchment down with a flutter.

658

If it was in the Norwood, why

did Nona leave without it?

659

Maybe it was moved.

660

Jackal says, or maybe it was with her

when she died, and Reagan Thorn got it.

661

I say, Jackal reaches

out and grabs my hand.

662

She didn't have it.

663

She says, looking at me earnestly.

664

Trust me, I know.

665

My jaw goes slack, and I

realize jackal was there.

666

She holds my gaze for another moment

before returning to the question at

667

hand, what else does the parchment say?

668

I am grateful to pull

my thoughts from Nona.

669

I study the list in my hand,

Denix banded with red, white,

670

and green characteristics.

671

Unknown location, unknown.

672

I read, not much help

673

there..

674

ghia: Looking up, I catch

a curious expression on

675

jackal's face, what I demand.

676

Zipporah used to wear a

stone around her neck.

677

That sounds like the sardi necks.

678

I become hopeful.

679

Maybe she had two like

Nona Jackal's face sours.

680

My father probably took

it from her as well.

681

She pauses.

682

Then again, it isn't

the same kind of stone.

683

Maybe he didn't realize its value.

684

I jumped to my feet.

685

We have to find Zipporah.

686

Jackal doesn't move.

687

Jackal.

688

I agree.

689

Someone needs to find Zipporah, but

Brie isn't going anywhere near Ultan.

690

If I can help it.

691

Taking a deep breath, I ask.

692

Did you say there was a

crypt around here somewhere?

693

Bri nods.

694

Can you show it to me right now?

695

Yes, I think silently I need to get

down the gully and back to the banjara.

696

Before they leave, I

give Brie an urgent look.

697

Determined to convince her

698

I need to see the crypt.

699

It might be important.

700

ghia: Why?

701

What is it?

702

Just show me.

703

Brie Relents.

704

All right, come on.

705

I stand and follow her outside.

706

everything is wet, but it has stopped

raining, We go around to the back of the

707

castle and down a steep set of stairs.

708

Is there another way out of here?

709

I ask.

710

Not that I found.

711

Brie says perfect.

712

I spin and bound up the steps, taking

them three at a time with a slam.

713

I close the door and flip the latch,

securing it with a dagger from my boot.

714

No Brie yells from behind me.

715

I hesitate before reminding

myself she's safer here.

716

I trusted you.

717

She howls studying my resolve.

718

I walk away at the main

hall, I look at the jewels.

719

I can't take them, but Brie can't know

she has them or she's bound to follow me.

720

I dig in her bundle until I

find the bag of reddish powder.

721

She sprinkled in my stew the day we met.

722

Perfect.

723

I bury the stones in the powder

724

and by the time she finds them, she'll be

well on her way back to the Norwood and.