Page 80 of The Unseen Hour

“The Ether is vast, but it has distinctive areas. The entrance back to Emrys is the farthest northern point, and the Shades are in the central region of his domain. My brother resides in the west, and the forest where you reside, along with the canyon, are in the east. I believe you know most of this. If the baton is not in the canyon, you would need to go south. You will come to an area of vast emptiness—flatlands with grey sands stretching for miles.”

“Like Mejje,” I interjected, recalling its deserts from books I’d read.

Death shook her head.

“Not quite like Mejje. These sands are cold, and the air dark and damp. Eventually you will reach a rocky beach. My brother does love his water, and I’m not sure he even realizes how he stays close to it. There, you will find several large stone formations. The baton may be hidden in one of those.”

“Is there a significance to this spot?” Orion asked.

“If you find it, perhaps you’ll figure that out. Which location he has chosen for the item will also give me some insight into his actions.”

“And once we’ve found the baton?” I asked her.

“You can retrieve the second item. I don’t know exactly what it is, but I do know where Charon will be keeping it. Well, I know the general location. It resides in Charon’s home. It will have something to do with music, I’ve no doubt.”

Orion rounded on the goddess.

“Charon’s home? We’d have to be mad to go in there. I only go when I’m summoned. He’s got it protected and only allows me access. I’ll retrieve whatever is in there, alone.”

Death threw out her hand, and small arcs of lightning struck the ground.

“No. This will take both of you. I will take care of distracting Charon while you search, making sure he’s kept busy for a while. In fact, I have him waiting in my realm as we speak, so I’ll need to leave soon. Once I can ensure he’ll be out of the Ether for a while, I’ll send a lightning strike. That’s your signal to start searching.”

“But what if⁠—”

Death put up a palm, stopping Orion before he really began.

“I almost forgot. It matters how you transport the items. Orion, you should hold the baton. You’ve got years of experience as Head Shade, and I think you’ll tolerate the power in it easier. That means that only Celia should hold the other item. Both contain large amounts of magic, and I’m not sure either of you would be able to handle both items, since they’re meant for gods. I recommend you not risk it, unless you’d like to see my realm first-hand.”

Orion ran a hand through his hair, the brown and coppery strands pulled back from his face.

“Respectfully, goddess, how am I supposed to get Celia into Charon’s home, when it’s built to keep Shades and other creatures of the Ether out?”

Death patted the air above his head as though he were a favored pet but avoided actually touching him with her crackling hand.

“I can help with that. Let it never be said that I’m not the most generous of all the deities. Now then, I’ll need you to hold hands.”

We did so, and she waved her own hands over ours, sparks of lightning emitting from them.

“There!” she declared after a few moments. “When you first enter the boundary of Charon’s property, you’ll be able to pass through. Once you’re in, you’re each free to wander about as you wish. Celia just has to make it past the barrier of the grounds. When you find the object, leave as quickly as you can. Remember, watch for my lightning, then go. I’ll meet you here again when I’m able. Best of luck.”

Death turned to walk away, then spun back around.

“Oh. One more thing. I should warn you that you may not be the only ones looking. Keep both eyes open.”

“May Day and Death protect us,” I whispered out of habit.

Death tilted her head.

“Day does not deign to involve himself in human matters. Day ensures you all are born, and then leaves you largely to your own devices. Truly, I do believe he gets too much credit. Now then, get to work, and I will see you soon.”

Lightning struck the ground, and she was gone.

“Shall we get started?” Orion asked, already picking up the items we’d brought with us to the Meadow.

“Yes.”

We had a deadline, and I intended to meet it.