Alora: The Wander-Jewel (Alora 1)

ed a lot since he’d met Alora.

“What duty?” Kaevin’s voice cracked.

“You’re awake!” Beth leapt to her feet. “Thank God. We almost lost you. No, don’t move. I’ve got both of Alora’s hands propped on your arm.”

“Where are we? My head is killing me.”

“You’re at the healing house in Montana,” Jireo answered. “We found you in the snow.”

“And Alora was bleeding from a cut on her throat,” said Beth. “What happened?”

“Vindrake.” Kaevin’s voice was weak. “It had to be Vindrake.”

“Her father slashed her throat? Poor Alora. … She’s going to be so upset.” Beth stuck a fingernail between her teeth and chewed it. “You know, she’s going to find some way to blame herself instead of him.”

“That’s not logical,” said Jireo.

“Logical, smogical! When my dad got drunk and hit me, I thought I’d done something to deserve it. It was the only way things made sense in my mind.”

“Can you not explain it to her?” asked Jireo.

“Sure I can … in about twelve steps.” Beth gave a belly laugh.

Jireo forced an answering chuckle. What does she mean? I suppose I don’t understand because she’s from Montana. Or maybe it’s because I’m not a girl.

“Kaevin? Kaevin?” Beth forced his eyelid up, but he didn’t respond. “I guess he passed out again. But this machine shows Alora’s heart is still beating, so I guess I won’t worry. I probably should have made him kiss her.” She collapsed back into the chair. “I bet Mr. Whitford is worried out of his mind.”

“I’m certain Graely and Raelene are concerned as well.”

“I wish there was someway to call them. It’s too bad you guys don’t have cell phones.”

“We have sightstones. If I had one, Darielle could see through my eyes, and she’d know Kaevin and Alora were alive.”

“Who’s Darielle?” asked Beth.

“She’s the chief of farsight. She’s young to be on the council, but Water Clan warriors killed her father, leaving her to take his place. I wish there was some way to communicate with her,” Jireo mused.

“Jireo? Are you talking to me?”

“Yes, of course I’m talking to you. No one else but Kaevin and Alora are in here, and they’re both unconscious.”

“What are you talking about?” asked Beth.

“Didn’t you hear me? I was explaining how I could communicate with Darielle if I had a sightstone. But maybe it wouldn’t work from another realm anyway.”

“Jireo! Can you hear me?” Beth’s lips didn’t move.

“Are you speaking inside my head?” Jireo asked.

“Yes, but you’re yelling inside mine.” Again, Beth’s lips didn’t move, but she was frowning.

“I think you need some sleep, Jireo.” This time her lips moved as she spoke aloud.

What’s happening? Even if Beth has the gift of farsight, she shouldn’t be able to speak in my mind. Am I having visions, like Kaevin?

“Jireo, this is Darielle. Can you hear me? You’re speaking with farsight.”

Darielle! This is wonderful! I need to speak with you. I need to tell you Kaevin and Alora are alive.