The Return by Varian Johnson

Author:Varian Johnson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

CONOR WAS THE FIRST TO SEE THE SMALL SKIFF MAKING its way through the water to them. All Takoda and Meilin could see was a blue glowstone slowly floating through the darkness. For all Takoda knew, it was another anglerfish and not a boat. But perhaps none of that mattered anymore. Whatever it was, it was on its way, and there was nothing that Takoda and the others could do about it anymore.

Takoda picked up his cloak and fastened it around his shoulders. He pulled it high in order to hide Kovo’s mark on his neck. “They’ll be here soon. You should probably ask your spirit animals to return to passive form before then.”

Meilin leaned over and stared Jhi in the eyes. A second later, she disappeared.

“Conor, did you hear me?” Takoda asked.

Conor looked at Briggan, then at Meilin. “Don’t let me fall asleep before releasing him,” Conor said.

Meilin frowned. “Conor, nothing is going to happen—”

“Just promise me!” he yelled, his face becoming twisted and angry. He kicked out at a random bag—the one containing what remained of their rockweed. Takoda yelped and caught it just before it went over the edge of the boat.

Meilin held her hands up in front of her. “Conor, you have to calm down,” she said, her voice barely audible over the sound of water lapping against the boat. “You’re rocking the boat too much. Look at Briggan.”

The wolf’s legs wobbled underneath him as he tried to position himself between Conor and Meilin. Briggan whimpered, but kept moving until he had blocked Conor from her.

Conor blinked, and his blue eyes returned to normal. “I’m … I’m so sorry.” He hid his face in his hands. “What’s happening to me?”

Meilin placed her hand on Conor’s shoulder. “Just ask Briggan to return to his dormant state,” she said. “He won’t do it if he doesn’t trust you.”

Conor nodded. Seconds later, the Great Wolf vanished in a flash.

“See,” Meilin said. “Briggan believes in you, and so do I. You can beat this, Conor.”

Instead of answering, Conor retreated to the far side of the boat, away from Meilin and Takoda.

Takoda stepped toward Meilin as she continued to pack their supplies. “The ship will be here soon,” Takoda said. “It would be nice to get a real meal. You know, something better than rockweed. Maybe even something warm. Or sweet.” He cast another look at Conor, who was silently staring off into the sea. “It will also give us a chance to rest and restock our supplies. We have to be at full strength in order to face what’s ahead.”

Meilin stopped packing the bag. “Takoda, cut the small talk. Neither of us have the time or energy to tiptoe around whatever’s on your mind. Just say it, and let’s get this over with.”

Takoda felt his face warm. He wasn’t used to someone being so blunt. The monks, while direct, often found a way to soften their displeasure with their tone and choice of words. That was not Meilin’s way.

“Conor isn’t getting better,” Takoda whispered.

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