Page 44 of Earthbound

Yes.

Ajax nudged her onto her side with his nose. The cut on her forehead looked shallower than Rayan had feared.

Try waking her, Rayan said. He was pacing up and down his chambers. His sight connection to Ajax had become tenuous as he tried to contain his panic.

It was like his dream all over again, and he was helpless to prevent it.

Ajax pawed at Lettle’s chest and licked her cheeks, but neither action woke her.

Lettle disappeared from Rayan’s sight and he thought that he’d returned to his own gaze until he realised Ajax was looking up. He had heard something.

The ceiling of the cavern was uncanny to look at. The water was contained with what Rayan assumed was magic. It made Rayan feel lightheaded to look at it, like he was gazing at a pond upside down.

Someone’s coming, Ajax said.

The floor shook beneath him before stone and rock grew up from the ground to form a staircase.

Rayan’s first thought was: It looks just like the steps in Mosima that I conjured from the earth there.

But the thought was dismissed as the newcomer descended. Rayan recognised Alder even before his face appeared. He paused as he crossed the threshold from water to air, then continued, a small smile spreading across his features.

His clothes were sodden, his strawberry hair slick to his forehead. But as Rayan watched, each lock began to dry, curling upwards. His clothes too were changing from dark brown to pale, and as the water evaporated steam began to surround him.

He stepped through the cloud and noticed Ajax and Lettle for the first time.

‘La uda’anyuh huna?’ And who do we have here? Ajax translated.

Alder was speaking human. He approached Lettle and Ajax, his smile more lopsided than Rayan remembered.

Rayan knew with certainty: This is not Alder.

Ajax growled and extended his claws so that they scratched at the stone.

‘Alakhun, bagerah, khamsa’ah.’ Peace, brethren, I pose you no harm.

Ajax sheathed his claws and sat back on his haunches.

I don’t trust him, Ajax, be on your guard.

I–I can’t. It was rare that Ajax couldn’t clearly voice his thoughts. A surge of emotion crossed their connection and Rayan felt a wave of tranquillity calm his beating heart.

He told Ajax to be at peace and he is…

Rayan found himself walking to the doors of his chambers. He knew he wasn’t able to get to Lettle, but he also knew he couldn’t just sit and watch. Whatever was happening to Alder was significant. He had to tell the others.

‘She looks like she took a fall,’ Alder said. Rayan hated the delay as Ajax translated.

He tried not to trip as he walked down the stairs to the Royal Woodland, his gaze still flickering between his own and Ajax’s.

Don’t let him go near her, Ajax. This isn’t the Alder we know.

Ajax stepped in to block Alder from approaching Lettle.

‘Move aside,’ Alder said…and Ajax did.

Rayan cursed as he watched Alder crouch down and place two fingers to her neck. ‘Still alive,’ Alder said. He moved a braid from her face. ‘Beautiful too.’

Get off her. Rayan’s thoughts were hot with rage and Ajax began to whine.