She nodded sadly. “Aye, it is a lonely path ye have chosen, lad. I know ye think it is the only one left to ye, that yer life is already over, even though ye have many years ahead of ye yet. But the path we tread isnae set in stone. It is never too late to choose another and when we do, we might just discover that there is a life open to us yet. A life that can be filled with light and love like the one we’ve lost.”
Deryn studied her. She might look like a harmless old woman, but Deryn knew that her appearance was deceptive. She was not a woman at all but a Fae, a creature of immense age and immense power. In the circles Deryn had once walked in, this woman was spoken of in awe by some, fear by others, and with the knowledge that her coming brought chaos to the lives of those she spoke to.
“I was warned that a conversation with ye is likely to lead to a headache,” he observed.
Irene nodded, unperturbed. “Aye, no doubt. What I have to say isnae always easy to hear. But it needs to be heard.” She heaved herself to her feet. Standing, her head was almost on a level with his chest. She came to stand in front of him and he had to force himself not to back away. “Remember what I’ve said in the days to come, lad. Ye will be shown a choice, a new path. Whether ye will walk it is up to ye.”
She reached out and squeezed his shoulder and a little tingle went down his arm. Then she turned away, patted Mara, and made her way over to the door. As she pulled it open, the wind and rain came howling into the bothy for a moment, before she stepped through and pulled it shut behind her, plunging Deryn back into silence.
He took a few steps towards the door, but then stopped. He knew better than to go after her. She was no little old lady who needed his help. His thoughts tumbled in a maelstrom every bit as wild as the storm outside.
Ye will be shown a new path. Whether ye walk it is up to ye.
With a growl of frustration, he seated himself on the stool and stared into the flames. The fire was burning down and would soon need another log, but Deryn didn’t move.
A new path? Impossible. Irene had forgotten one important thing: in order to change, someone had towantto change. And Deryn did not.
He stared into the flames, listening to the rain howling outside.
Chapter 2
Maddy trotted along the school corridor, weaving in and out of the groups of parents and children, until she reached the spot outside the classroom door where Rory always waited for her.
He wasn’t there.
She halted, looking around, then checked her watch. Yep. She was right on time. He should be here. Perhaps he’d gone to the bathroom. Crossing over to the boys’ toilets, she knocked on the door, then pushed it open a crack.
“Rory? Are you in there, sweetie?”
There was no answer.
A little puzzled, she returned to the classroom and stuck her head through the door. Mrs Porter, Rory’s teacher, was moving around, clearing away pots of paint and brushes.
“Everything all right?” she asked, looking up.
“Um, I’m not sure,” Maddy replied. “Have you seen Rory? He’s not where he normally waits for me?”
