She paused. “I am telling you this so when you hear it all later from your mother you won’t think I was hiding anything.”

“Mother hates airships,” Redden said quietly. “Because of Father. He was killed in one. She blames the Druids.”

The Ard Rhys nodded. “I know this. There is risk here, as well. When you fly airships, there are always risks. Your mother knows this, but cannot accept it. She blames the Druids for something that was not their fault. It was no one’s fault. You can weigh that along with everything else after you hear what I have to say. Be patient until then. Let me say everything before you speak again.”

She went on to tell of the discovery of Aleia Omarosian’s diary, written in the days of Faerie and lost or misplaced ever since, and of the possibility that the missing Elfstones might at last be found. But they could not allow them to be found by just anyone, she added. The Druid order must recover them because management and proper usage of magic were the order’s responsibility and principal purpose. The reason she was in Bakrabru to speak with them was because of her visit to the Hadeshorn and her summoning of the spirits of the dead in the hope they would give her information that might help in her search.

“It was Allanon himself who appeared—something that I believe indicates the importance of this matter. His shade gave me little enough with which to work, but did make it clear this was an undertaking of great importance. His shade also advised that the Druids alone would not be enough to accomplish what was needed. Others must go with us on this expedition. Specifically, he mentioned you.”

“Railing and me?” Redden exchanged a quick look with his brother.

She nodded, smiling in a way that made her look tired and worried both. “I would not be here if the shade had not been so insistent about it. A reminder was given that every important quest involving magic since the time of Shea Ohmsford and the Warlock Lord has involved members of your family. The shade insisted it must be so this time, as well.”

“But isn’t it true shades aren’t always reliable?” Redden asked carefully.

“It is. They dissemble and prevaricate and offer half-truths to questions asked. But I did not sense that here. The insistence on your involvement was not in response to a question. It was volunteered in a way that made it seem to be mandatory.”

Railing shoved his brother. “What’s wrong with you? We get to fly airships with Druids and go searching for lost magic and you aren’t sure you want to go?”

Redden shoved him back. “I’m just asking a question. I’m not saying I don’t want to go.”