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“We’ll deal with it if it comes up. But the sun will set soon, and I’d feel better if you could defend yourself with more than the mark on your palm.”
“Okay.” Minutes later I was behind his house, heading for the woods as the sun hung low in the sky, my nearly three-foot sword in my hand. I hiked a good thirty feet before calling out Tsagasi’s name.
Moments later he walked from behind a tree.
“Why are you in the woods, daughter of the sea?” But he wore a smirk.
“To find you, of course.”
“Did you bring a list of questions? I haven’t had my nap yet.”
“Very funny.”
He gestured to my hand. “You are carrying the sword.”
“David thought I should bring it in case I needed to defend myself.”
He nodded solemnly. “He who guides the Curse Keeper is wise.”
It was good to know that Tsagasi thought I needed David too. “You’re right. I need to remember what happened the night my mother died.”
The little man leaned his shoulder into the tree. “And?”
“I need you to help me find the memories.”
He shook his head. “You must figure that out on your own.” His scowl deepened. “The loss of your memories isn’t normal.”
“Because of the trauma?”
“Because of magic.”
I was an idiot. “I can use my power as a witness to creation to remember,” I whispered.
A hint of a smile flickered at the edges of his mouth, then just as quickly disappeared. “They will come rushing back once you tap into them. You will be vulnerable.”
“Like when I’m with Collin in the ocean.” I considered waiting until we returned to Manteo. I could ask Collin to watch over me in case something supernatural showed up, but I needed whatever information was trapped in my head now, so David would be more prepared for his visit tomorrow.
My gaze narrowed on Tsagasi. He had protected us last night. “Will you protect me?”
“I’m not sure I can do it on my own.”
“Will your friends help?”
“They are reluctant to get involved.” But he shifted his weight as his voice trailed off, hinting that they could be convinced.
If I’d learned anything since this mess began, it was that everything had a price. “What do they want?”
His eyes met mine. “They want peace, but more importantly, they are frightened of the power you wield. They want your blood oath that you will never banish them to hell.”
“Blood oath?” I shook my head. I’d had one blood oath too many to suit me. “No way.”
He crossed his arms and turned to look toward the setting sun, barely visible through the foliage. “Then you must take your chances.”
This had to be negotiable. “If I swear this oath, what guarantee do I have that they won’t do something evil, something that earns them a place in hell?”
He shrugged. “You don’t.”
“How many are there? Do I have to promise this for all the creatures that don’t follow Ahone or Okeus?”
