He saw her place her fingers on the amulet.

‘You are . . . You are . . .’ she said.

The Seer suddenly shrieked, a piercing sound that echoed through the cavern, shrill and filled with pain.

Dion frowned. He knew little about the Oracle, but he knew enough to know that something was wrong.

He heard footsteps and saw a white-robed magus rush into the cavern. He had the same sunken cheeks and deep-set eyes, but Dion didn’t know if this was a new priest or one of the three men from the beach.

‘Priestess . . . What is it?’

The Oracle had her head down but she now raised it as the white fire between them ebbed. Dion saw through the flames that she was a young woman, beautiful and pale, with smooth skin and an oval face. She gazed at Dion with piercing green eyes, revealing a troubled expression.

‘This man . . . The materia does not respond to him.’

‘What do you want us to do?’

‘Take him away from me. He interferes with my abilities.’ She moaned. ‘I want him to leave.’

‘Do you want us to kill him?’

‘No,’ the Seer said sharply. ‘I cannot say that his future is dark . . . only that it is beyond my ability to see. Killing him could be a blessing to humanity, or it could lead us all to darkness. The gods decree that we do not seek to alter another’s destiny without knowing the consequences are clear.’

Dion was confused. His eyes went from face to face. ‘Please,’ he said. ‘I need to consult with you. Let me explain.’

‘Tell me nothing,’ the Oracle hissed. ‘Nothing!’

‘What do you want us to do?’

‘I want him gone.’

‘But, Priestess . . . He has no way from the island.’

‘Then give him a boat.’

‘Without provisions we would be killing him just the same,’ the magus said.

‘Then give him provisions,’ the Seer said. ‘I want him gone!’

The magus came and hauled Dion forcibly to his feet. He handed Dion his amulet. ‘Come,’ he said harshly.

‘Take him!’ the Oracle wailed.

Her voice followed Dion as he was hauled out of the cave.

‘Take him!’

When Dion returned to the beach, unsure about what had actually just happened, he saw with surprise that there was now a small boat, bobbing in the shallow water, anchored to the beach with a trailing rope that led from its bow.

He couldn’t believe his eyes. He had seen the magus with him make no communication with any other, yet here was a boat, evidently a reluctant gift to him from the magi.

‘Your vessel is here,’ the magus said after leading him down from the cave. ‘You will find provisions inside, along with your weapon. The Oracle has given you a generous gift, but there is a condition.’

Dion turned and met his dark eyes.