Foretellers (The Ydron Saga Book 3) by Raymond Bolton Page B

either herself or her mother, she thought, but it came and went so swiftly, she could not be sure. Even as her trembling increased, the vision returned of how things could be if only she would act. From the minute she had shoved Roanna overboard, she knew it was for a purpose far greater than keeping her mother safe. Her foresight had failed to reveal what that something might be, but the elusive images that had danced in the corners of her mind ever since, taunting her, trying to take shape like a demon looking for a way to materialize, told her it was so. Now the vision was luminous, revealing faces and scenarios, names, locations and times. It showed her what changes she could make if only she would act. This was the time. This was the critical moment.
    She drew in a breath and swiped her hair from her face. Tearing away the covers, she swung her feet onto the floor, then rose, knowing it was imperative she gather the things she would need and depart as soon as possible. If she were to wait until morning, Miened would prevail. She would tear at Peniff’s heart strings and emotion would triumph over reason.
    Fumbling in the dark, she patted the table by her bed and located a spark stone. She felt for the knife she knew was there as well. When the blade’s edge nicked her finger, she drew back her hand and bumped the oil lamp, nearly upsetting it and spilling its contents.
    She slowed and traced the knife’s shape with care, finally identifying the haft. A few strikes of its blade against stone created enough sparks that, in a matter of seconds, the lamp was burning brightly. Only a few more minutes passed before Pandy was shouldering her pack and was striding through the village towards the house where Peniff was sleeping. As welcoming as the Haroun had been, as well as Salmeh, Bedistai and the others had cared for her, Mostoon was not her home. It was only a place to bide her time until this moment arrived. It seemed she could not walk fast enough and she broke into a trot.
    When she arrived at the cottage, she eased the door open. The fragrance of dinner still hung in the air. Over the susurrus of sleepers breathing, she heard a man’s snores and suspected they were Peniff’s. She made her way toward him, taking care not to wake the others.
    “Peniff,” she whispered as she knelt by his bed. She put a hand on his shoulder and shook it. “Peniff, wake up,” she murmured and shook him again.
    The snoring stopped and she heard, more than saw him roll toward her.
    “Who… ?” he began, louder than she would have preferred.
    She covered his mouth and whispered, “It’s Pandy.”
    He was quiet for a moment. Then, as her eyes adjusted, she saw him sit up. He inhaled and began to respond, but she silenced him again.
    “Shhh! I have to go.”
    “Go?” he replied in a voice thick with sleep. “You can’t leave now. It’s late. Tomorrow morning… ”
    “If I don’t leave tonight… ” She stopped and corrected herself. “If I don’t leave now , it will be too late.”
    “I don’t understand. Can’t you wait until morning?”
    “Peniff?” called Miened. “What’s the matter? Is someone there?”
    “It’s nothing, Miened. It’s just Pandy. Please go back to sleep.”
    “Pandy?” said Miened and Pandy heard the rustle of covers. “Are you alright, child?”
    “I’m fine,” Pandy said. Then, lowering her voice, she told Peniff, “I have to go.”
    Without waiting for a reply, she shouldered her pack and rose.
    “Wait,” Peniff said. “I’m coming with you.”
    “Peniff? What do you mean?” cried Miened. “You can’t go now.”
    “Mommy?” a child called.
    “Peniff!” Miened pleaded as he rose from his bed, “Please don’t go. What about us?”
    Everything was becoming complicated and the moment was slipping away. Pandy was almost at the door when Peniff said, “Wait outside. I’ll be dressed in a minute.”
    As the voices grew louder, Pandy closed the door behind her. In the cool