“Well, what are we arguing about? You want to go. I want to go. When do we leave?” Railing looked back at the Ard Rhys. “Isn’t that what the invitation you mentioned earlier is about?”

The Ard Rhys nodded. “It is. I want you to come with us. No, that isn’t putting it strongly enough. I need you to come with us. Allanon’s shade made that clear. Without you, we diminish the chances of success. But I don’t want you to make a decision blindly or in haste. I want you to think about it carefully. I want you to talk it over between yourselves and perhaps Farshaun and then sleep on it afterward before you make a final decision.”

She paused. “There’s one other thing I haven’t told you. Allanon’s shade also said it sensed this expedition would be very dangerous. Not all of us, it said, would come back alive. I believe that is probably true. Hunting for something as powerful as the Elfstones will attract dangerous enemies. The young woman who discovered the diary has already been attacked three times in her home city of Arborlon. Aphenglow Elessedil is my cousin, a member of the royal family, and a skilled magic user. Even these weren’t enough to protect her. Someone else already knows what we seek or guesses at its importance. It won’t stop with Aphenglow. We can expect to have to fight for our lives and for the success of our quest at other times and places along the way. There’s no use pretending otherwise. That isn’t something you should ignore. The Druids accepted that risk when they chose to join the order. This isn’t so in your case. You have no obligation to put yourselves in danger.”

Redden exchanged another glance with Railing. “We aren’t afraid. We can take care of ourselves.”

“We’ve been taking care of ourselves since Father died,” Railing added quickly. “Farshaun could tell you.”

“I imagine so.” She got to her feet. “Why don’t you go talk to him now about what I’ve told you. If you are willing to come with us, then we want you. The invitation has been extended.”

“Will Farshaun be coming?” Redden asked impulsively. “Wouldn’t he be someone who could help with the airship if there was trouble?”

“What about Mirai?” Railing was quick to add. “She could help, too. She’s been flying airships since she was ten years old. She’s better at it than we are. We know Sprints and racing, but Mirai knows all about the big airships.”

“She’s a Leah, you know,” Redden cut back in. “There’s always been a Leah, too, on those quests you mentioned. On most of them, anyway. She should go if we do.”