Wings of Lomay Read Online Free PDF Page B

center of the room. “I made a few adjustments to the spell to ensure it holds against Jasmine. I won’t be able to do it myself—I am going to need your help, but it will work.”
    Kiora breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s wonderful news. What do you need me to do?”
    Lomay shuffled some papers with his back to her, pulling a book out from beneath. He turned and clutched the book against his chest. “I had a vision of you visiting the Shifters.”
    “I was going to tell you,” Kiora said, feeling foolish. “I just . . . hadn’t got to it yet.”
    “I think it’s a good idea,” he said hoarsely without looking up. His thin gray hair hung down, hiding his face. “They are camped along a river between here and Lake Everleen. Alcander should be familiar with the location.”
    Kiora paused for a moment, waiting for the “but”. When it never came, she said, “I thought you would tell me it was a terrible idea.”
    “There was a time when I would have. But sometimes it takes others to see what we cannot.” He looked up with some wonder and smiled. “Especially when one of the parties happens to be very old and very set in his ways. You are a marvel, Kiora. So young, but wiser than I ever was.” He handed her the Book of Creators.
    Kiora blushed and looked down at the page he had opened for her. Words had been written and rewritten, some crossed out, and new ones scratched over top. Occasionally there was an upwards mark, indicating added spell-work between words.
    “What does it do?” Kiora asked.
    He pointed to the bottom half of the page. “I need you to say this part after I am finished with the first part.”
    “This is all for the barrier?” Kiora frowned, looking up. “It’s a huge spell.”
    “We are trying to keep a very large problem at bay.” He took one hand off his staff and placed it on the table. He swallowed, and his eyes closed as he bowed his head. He took a slow, deep breath in through his nose and muttered the first half of the incantation. “It is time. Finish the spell.”
    Something nagged at Kiora. He was acting . . . strange. Even more so than the last few days. She had never seen him do anything, even things he wasn’t completely sure about, with anything other than unwavering confidence. Everything about him now was unsure, hesitant. She scowled at the page, running her finger over it. “Lomay, what is this?”
    “Kiora, the spell is time sensitive. Quickly now.” He waved his wrinkled hand at her.
    She began the spell. As the last words flowed from her mouth, Lomay groaned. His knees buckled and he leaned heavily on his staff. .
    “Lomay!” Kiora ran over to him. She put her hand on his back, feeling anxious. “What’s the matter?”
    He smiled wearily. “We don’t have much time, and I have so much to tell you.”
    “What . . . what are you talking about?”
    He grunted again, falling forward on the table. His cane clattered to the floor.
    “Lomay!” Kiora linked her arm beneath his, trying to pull him back up. Something was wrong. “I’m getting Emane.” She ran toward the door.
    “Kiora, stop!” His voice was the loudest she had ever heard it, and she froze. He pushed himself straight and tried to face her. But he stumbled, falling back against the edge of the table. Gold magic swirled around his legs. “Emane cannot help me. And if you leave, I won’t be here when you get back.”
    “Wh—what?” Her tongue was thick as she watched the magic brighten.
    “I apologize for the trickery. It was the only way.”
    “Trickery?” Kiora’s stomach rolled with dread and she wanted to shove her fingers in her ears. She didn’t want to hear what he was going to say. The look on his face, the tone in his voice—no, she didn’t want to hear it.
    “This is something I should have done when I first met you. I knew you weren’t strong enough to take on Jasmine, despite all your many strengths. I told myself that you would grow, that a way would be