“You shouldn’t have involved Cloud!”

“He seems eager to help. He said something about you not being the only one allowed to have adventures.” He smiled at her, a kind smile of understanding. “And now, we say goodbye.”

She bit her lip. “Thank you. I … I will miss you. And Scoundrel.” The words came out gruffly. Now that the time had come, she just wanted to be gone. She could not bear to look at the cling-monkey who was still holding tight to her hand. “Thank the others for me. Will I see you again?”

“When the time comes, you will find me. I am called Linnet. I came to Bellum several seasons ago to wait for you and prepare. Now I can return home. My island is on the edge of the world, but the right boat will find it, if the ship is sound and the sailor’s heart true. Remember what I have said.”

She nodded. “Goodbye, Linnet. Goodbye, Scoundrel.”

“Scoundrel goes with you.”

She stared at him, hardly daring to hope. “He can’t. He loves you. Besides, it’s too dangerous.”

“The decision is not yours, Storm. Scoundrel has a job to do, as have you and I. See? He decides for himself!”

With a lash of his tail and a splash of black water, the cling-monkey bounded into the canoe and stood chattering impatiently at Storm.

“Off you go,” said the Earth-witch. He laid a hand on her shoulder. “Travel with my blessing and love. Do your best, Storm, and all will be well. The Elementals have chosen wisely. Remember what I have said: do not depend upon magic. That is not why you were Chosen.”

But magic was all she had to fight with. She bowed low, feeling unwise and far too young. Perhaps she would understand when she was less tired. Storm waded out into the water and climbed into the canoe.

She used a paddle to shove the boat off the gravel bank, then guided it out into the dark vastness of the cave-lake. A current caught at the hull, tugging, and Storm stowed the paddle.

Let the canoe drift where it would. Linnet had promised that the Dolphin would guide her safely through the maze of caverns. She sat, staring up at the countless lights of the glow-worms, Scoundrel a warmth leaning against her side. She hoped he wasn’t missing Linnet too much, for there was no doubting the creature’s love for his master.

Blue-green stars surrounded them, glowing overhead, reflected in the invisible depths of the water beneath her. Storm gave herself up to contemplation of their beauty, putting aside, for this brief time under earth, her fears and worries.

She woke with a start, heart thudding, aware only that she was afraid, without knowing why.