It was such an obvious attempt at trying to avoid the inevitable that Khyber almost felt sorry for her. But feeling sorry for anyone in this business was something she could not afford.

“Where have they gone? They must have told you.”

“They tell me little these days. They left yesterday with a friend. On an airship. They could be anywhere by now. I can’t help you.”

Khyber was silent a moment. “You are aware of the Ohmsford family history—especially that which is most recent and which has impacted you and your family most directly. Where would we all be now if Bek Ohmsford had not gone with Walker Boh to Parkasia on the Jerle Shannara? Where would we all be if he had not found his lost sister and helped her become Ard Rhys before me? If he had not then fathered Penderrin and helped bring an end to the war on the Prekkendorran and closed the door into the Forbidding, would we be here at all? Not many know this part of our history; most never will. But you know it, Sarys. Your husband told you. Penderrin told you. In each case, a choice was made by a young man to do the right thing—not to refuse to participate because it was too dangerous but to accept what fate and circumstance had given them to do.”

“What Druids had given them to do! Isn’t that what you mean?” Sarys was stone-faced. “What you would now give my sons to do? Tell me what that is, why don’t you! Tell me what you would ask of them!”

“I would ask them to make the same choice as their ancestors. I don’t want to have to involve them. I don’t even want to be here. But I cannot ignore what is staring me in the face. Magic is a part of our lives. It has been so since the time of the Great Wars. We can’t pretend otherwise. Magic defines who we are, your family and mine. We ignore this at our peril. Magic is a gift and a curse. If we manage it in the right way, it can be of great benefit. If we don’t, we risk destroying ourselves.”

“You have chosen to make this your work, Khyber. My sons have not. I will not allow them to be dragged into your machinations. I refuse to help you. You had better go.”

Khyber nodded. “You know that sooner or later I will find a way to speak with them, don’t you?”

“I know nothing of what you will or won’t do, and I care even less. Please leave.”

Khyber rose and stood looking down at her. “Who is the friend they went camping with?”

Sarys shook her head stubbornly. “Was it Mirai Leah?”