The Shadowmagic Trilogy by John Lenahan

Author:John Lenahan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2014-06-04T16:00:00+00:00

The rest of the day was in silence not only because the trees were listening but also because the trail was narrow and forced us to ride in single file. By late afternoon the alders thinned out. In the distance the horizon widened and the slight sting of salt could be detected on the breeze. The trees disappeared altogether about a quarter mile from the coast. We trekked over rolling sand dunes covered with long grass until we reached a black sand beach. The warmth of the ocean changed the crisp dry air in to a cold misty one, but the relief from being out from under the spying eyes of the alders meant that no one complained.

‘What happened to the trees?’ I asked Tuan.

‘The alders hate brackish water. They never live near the coast. That is why I proposed we come here. If Yarro – I mean Yogi and Princess Essa hug the coast, there is a chance that they can get out of the Alderlands without the alders knowing.’

‘You think she should go with him then?’

‘Yarrow is my friend and in a fight I would have no other at my side.’ Then Tuan looked over his shoulder and leaned in. ‘But he is not the smartest in the clan. Essa, I have learned, is a woman of substance and she is a natural guide. I think together they have a better chance of success.’

We set up camp while Yogi stripped off, bear-ed up and then had a dip in the freezing water. He came out holding a flat ray-like fish the size of a bicycle. I pitched tents while Tuan and Araf fried it up. Araf produced a bottle of Brownie-shine that he had stolen from the stores at Fearn Keep. Everybody knew it was a goodbye party for Essa and Yogi, but no one said it.

I tried to have a little alone time with Essa before I went to bed, but she was deep in conversation with her fiancé. I waved at her, mouthed, ‘Good luck,’ and promised myself that I would wake up early so as to have a chat with her before she left.

As it turned out she woke me. Long before the dawn she shook me awake to say goodbye.

‘What kind of time do you call this?’ I asked, rubbing sleep from my eyes.

‘Yogi and I thought it might be a good idea to leave before it was light in case any alders could sense this far.’

I got out of bed and walked with her to what was left of the fire. I looked around expecting to see the Banshee.

‘Where is Turd-low?’ I said, and then mentally kicked myself for starting a fight. But Essa was calm.

‘We have said our goodbyes.’

‘Goodbyes? I thought he would insist on coming with you.’

‘No,’ she said dispassionately. I couldn’t tell if she was trying to hide emotions or if she didn’t really care. ‘He tried to persuade me not to go, but when he realised I was not for turning he didn’t volunteer to come.

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