Page 8 of The Ember and the Emerald

“Call me—” Best not to rock the boat and change my name, inviting questions I wasn’t sure how to answer. “Rye.”

Speaking of names, Jasher’s foster mother was also an Emma. But his Emma came from Texas and wasn’t a water maiden. Unless she’d lied to him?

“It’s nice to meet you,” Emma offered with a bright smile. Too bright? “Rye.”

Might as well be blunt. “Did you raise three of Ian’s clones?”

Amusement glittered in those unique eyes. “I did, yes. I am the foster mother of Jasher, Anders, and Reese.”

Shock punched me. “You’re a water maiden…from Texas?”

“I am, yes.” She continued chopping. “We come from everywhere and nowhere.”

That was all she had to say? I probably should have let it go. I didn’t. “If I’m judging time correctly, the boys are under ten right now, and they believe rebels killed you.”

Mom peered at Emma with growing horror. “You raised monstra?”

“Well, children aren’t monstra. They’re just children,” Emma chided, and color flushed my mother’s cheeks. “Rebels captured me. I escaped. I would’ve gone back to the village for my boys, but Elowen instructed me to guard Hakeldama’s queen instead. So that’s what I’m doing.”

Breath stalled at the name. Elowen, Elowen. Had I heard it before? Maybe. Maybe not. “One of your boys is here, in the barn. He’s an adult now and covered in metal. Frozen.”

“So I’ve been informed,” Emma replied, still unconcerned. “Sit. We’ll eat soon.”

“I’m confused,” Mom muttered. “The boys were children when we left Hakeldama, but now they’re adults?”

“I’m sure Rye will explain once she’s fed. Sit,” Emma repeated.

Unsteady legs carried me to the table, where I eased into the chair across from my dad. He watched me, curious and observant, but silent, unnerving me.

I trailed my fingers over the chain hanging from my neck and pulled the compass from beneath my shirt. My connection to Jasher.

Mom squealed a little. “The compass.” She dropped her utensils, slid off the stool, and waddled over. “Where did you find it?”

I glanced at Emma, who was humming and flipping pieces of toast, now in her own little world. “A water maiden gave it to me. Jasher—my friend—recognized it as the compass Emma wore.”

My mother frowned at the water maiden. “I’m confused again. You wore the compass?”

“I did. During my years with the boys, for a purpose that has now been fulfilled.” Emma reached into the oven and removed a dish—without mitts.

“But Elowen gave it to me before I married Ahav,” Mom muttered, brow furrowed.

Emma just smiled.

Once again, the name prodded at me. “Who is Elowen?”

“The water maiden queen,” Mom and Emma replied in unison.

Excuse me? “Queen?!”

They ignored me. “I gave the compass to Ahav mere days before I traveled here,” Mom continued, gently tracing her fingers over the rusted metal. Tears filled her eyes. “When last I saw this, it hung from his neck.”

Desperate to soothe her, I removed the necklace from its perch around my neck. “It’s yours. My gift to you.”

“Truly? Thank you!” Her sorrow melted away. She anchored the jewelry around her neck and returned to her companion’s side, beaming.

Emma patted her shoulder. “And now, I’ve answered all I wish to answer for the day. If you’ll excuse me.” With an incline of her head, she strolled off.

I didn’t let myself call her back.