“Like the Godstone, but not.”
Caelan nodded and they continued out of the shopping plaza. They headed along the sidewalk that was less crowded now. On the hill toward the right, he could see the royal castle a short distance off. If he remembered correctly, the parliament building for the National Assembly was just a short distance off from the castle.
While the King or Queen of Erya ruled with some guidance from the elected Parliament, the power was shared more equally in Caspagir between the royal family and the National Assembly. Caelan couldn’t remember the exact split, but he did know that Queen Noemi had significant influence over parliament and was well loved by her people.
“I don’t get it, Cael,” Drayce pressed, his voice barely audible over the rumble of cars on the road. “What’s like the Godstone?”
He paused, glancing up at the castle. “Nothing. Except for another godstone.”
Caelan started walking but had to stop when he realized that Drayce was standing in the middle of the sidewalk, his mouth hanging open. He shook his head at Caelan, who returned to his side and grabbed his arm.
“No,” Drayce finally managed.
“You really think I wouldn’t know what I’m talking about?”
“What?” Drayce’s tone was high and he gave a violent shake of his head before pulling his elbow free of Caelan’s hold. “No. Of course not. But think about what you’re saying.” He leaned close to Caelan, his words a hot whisper in Caelan’s ear. “Another godstone? How? There’s only one.” He pulled away and held up one finger in front of Caelan’s face as if he couldn’t understand what his friend was saying. “One, Cael. Everyone knows that. There’s only one, and the Empire has it.”
Not that Caelan needed that reminder either.
“Yeah, I get that. I understand what everyone knows, but yet I have this feeling.” Caelan held out both hands in front of him with his palms up as if to say, “What the hell am I supposed to do?”
Drayce sighed heavily, worried eyes meeting Caelan’s.
“It’s why we’re out here now. To figure out what’s going on before Rayne has his secret meeting and before Caspagir realizes that I’m still alive.”
“Why didn’t you tell Rayne and Eno about this feeling?”
Caelan smirked. “Do you think it would be just the two of us wandering through the city if I had told them?”
Drayce’s smile returned, and his friend nodded. “That is very true.”
“Like I said, we’re wandering. Scouting. No trouble.”
“And no reason for the babysitters to tag along.”
Chuckling to themselves, they continued to walk through Sirelis with Caelan leading. The feeling he was attempting to follow wasn’t distinct or clear. In fact, he only knew when he was heading in the wrong direction, and they were forced to turn around. In Stormbreak, the Godstone was like a pulsing line of warm energy. But in Sirelis, it was more like an electric crackle of energy, a static charge.
Their path led from the middle of the city, away from the fancy shops, expensive townhouses, and elegant homes with their wrought-iron fences. In what looked to be a quiet, working-class neighborhood, they stopped for lunch in a little pub but skipped the beer. They enjoyed fish sandwiches and a strange potato side dish that had an interesting kick to it.
It was only when they reached the harbor that the air became dense with the feel of magic. The wind stirred, ruffling Drayce’s blond hair and forcing Caelan to stuff his hat into his back pocket rather than risk losing it. Luckily, there were fewer people about, and no one really seemed to notice them.
Ships of different sizes filled the harbor, everything from private fishing boats to enormous cargo ships taking goods from one country to another. For centuries, Caspagir had established itself as a naval giant. No one hauled in as much seafood each year as Caspagir. And as far as anyone knew, no one had a bigger naval fleet than Caspagir, though New Rosanthe seemed determined to rival them.
Caelan was now beginning to wonder if the magical weight he felt in the air had something to do with that naval power.
The wind gusted and swirled around him, tugging at his clothes and seeming to riffle through his pockets as if checking him over, before rushing away. It was like being accosted by a gang of child pickpockets.
Overhead, a bank of clouds started rolling over the city, bringing on an early sunset, but a bright light pierced the darkness.
Standing on a hill above the harbor was a tall lighthouse painted white with blue rings. A conical red roof topped the structure, and a wide beam of bright light passed in a circle over the harbor and then the city over and over again.
“Any closer?” Drayce inquired. “Or do you think we should head to the hotel now? I’m sure Rayne and Eno are anxious for us to return.”