Part 15 (2/2)

When sister and brother unite power, Though war may rage with those who seek to rule, The ones who wield fear will now cower, Though they try to use you as their tool.

When blood calls blood, answer its thrumming call.

Know that with one false step we all will fall.

As Valerie listened, her heart seemed to expand in her chest. Did this mean Henry was her brother? That she wasnt alone in the universe, as she had always thought? Terror and joy clashed inside of her as Valerie realized that she had one family member left after all, but he was in terrible danger.

But before she could process her emotions, she saw Pythia slump on her stool. She swayed, and Valerie leapt up and caught her before she crashed onto the floor. The hush in the temple disappeared in an uproar. The Conjurors rushed to the edge of the circle, but no one stepped inside the rings.

Help! Someone help her! Valerie cried in horror. Then she looked down at Pythias face and said softly, Im so sorry.

Do not fret, child, she replied weakly, putting her hand on Valeries face. Im content. I foresaw what would happen if you never heard those words, and it was terrible. But I lived long enough to tell you, and the future of the Globe is in your hands now. I know you have it in you to follow the path that will save us all.

Valerie realized that Cyrus and Kanti had ventured inside the circle and were now beside her. Kanti, like Valerie, was crying. Sibyl sped through the crowd, fluttering through the air at a speed that Valerie wouldnt have believed she was capable of. In seconds, Sibyl was by Pythias side.

Tell me what you need. Anything, and I will do it, Sibyl said, her voice trembling.

Valerie looked down at the woman in her arms. Her blue eyes looked peaceful, and she smiled softly. There is nothing to be done, my Sibyl. It was you who foresaw my end. Is this not how you pictured it?

Sibyl gently took Pythia out of Valeries arms. She cradled her close. This is how I saw it. With you in my arms, she said, and tears spilled out of her eyes. I cant bear for you to go.

Ill be waiting for you when your time comes, precious one.

I love you, Mother, Sibyl replied.

With a faint smile on her lips, Pythias eyes fluttered closed. Sibyl released a melancholy wail that echoed off the walls. It was heartbreaking. Pythia has departed us forever, she said to the room, and her cry of pain was echoed by dozens of other voices. The circle is broken. Enter and help me to prepare her for the beyond.

Chapter 25.

The city was in chaos for the rest of the day as the members of the Oracle prepared for Pythias funeral. Valerie and her friends would have left, but Sibyl asked them to stay, saying that it was what her mother would have wanted.

Guilt lay heavy on Valeries heart, and the tiny pocket of joy that she had found her brother only made her feel like a worse person. Her tongue was like lead, and she couldnt bring herself to talk about what had happened, even with her friends. So they stayed in their tent most of the day, saying little to each other.

As the sun began to set, the flap on their tent was pushed aside, and Azra looked inside. With a sob, Valerie rushed over and wrapped her arms around her neck, weeping into her mane. Its my fault. My prophecy killed her. I took too much from her, and I drove her away, like I eventually drive everyone in my life away.

No, no, child, that is not true. It is like the room inside the Great Pyramid that crumbled behind you when you were launched into s.p.a.ce. Pythia was waiting for you. If she hadnt needed to deliver your prophecy, she would have died long ago.

How do you know? Valerie said tearfully.

I knew Pythia well. I know how hard she struggled to hold on to life when death was calling to her for her next adventure. You cant take responsibility for nature taking its course. And though I will miss my friend, I am happy that she is at peace at last. And it was you who gave her that peace. The weight on her heart that Valerie thought would never disappear seemed to ease slightly, and her breathing calmed. Say goodbye to her tonight, and when you do, let go of your guilt as well.

How did you know to come here? Cyrus asked.

I sensed all of her power released into the universe. Chern bent s.p.a.ce and created a door for me so that I could be here tonight to say goodbye.

Chern? Kanti said with disbelief. I didnt even know he had a power.

Yes, he can bend the laws of physics, and was kind enough to use his power to allow me to say goodbye to an old friend.

In the distance, Valerie heard the sound of bells that seemed to be moving closer. Come, it is time for the ceremony to begin.

They left the tent and saw Conjurors walking down the street in a long line. Most wore the long robes of the Oracle, but some, like Azra, were Conjurors from other cities who had sensed Pythias pa.s.sing and had come for the funeral.

At the front of the procession, six Oracles, each wearing a different color robe, carried a platform that held Pythias body. Sibyl fluttered above her mother, her face now calm. She saw Azra and nodded to her. Azra returned the greeting, and Valerie saw tears standing in her eyes. The procession reached the pool, where light from torches flickered on the water. The Oracles placed the platform on the pool, and Azra moved closer, her hooves making no sound. Valerie and her friends followed.

Azra made her way through the crowd, and as she did, her words filled the minds of everyone who had gathered to say goodbye to Pythia.

Pythia was my oldest friend. She was by my side when we first imagined this world. Her sense of honor and capacity to love have been my inspiration, and I often think of her when I make difficult choices. She was a powerful, wonderful person who valued integrity above all.

She accomplished so much in her life. But the memory that is closest to my heart has nothing to do with her power as an Oracle. When we first came to this world, my husband died. I lost the love of my life, and also became the last of my kind, with no chance of ever having a child of my own. Pythia stayed with me for many years as I worked through my grief. She helped me to see that devoting my life to shaping the Globe would give me purpose and be my legacy when I die. Without her love and guidance, I dont think I could have survived. I will carry the memory of her in my heart forever.

When Azra had finished, one of the Oracles who had held Pythias platform began to speak, telling a story about how Pythia had comforted her when she first came to the Roaming City as a novice. One after another, the Conjurors shared stories about Pythia, some profound, some funny, all showing what a loving and ethical person she was. It was many hours later when the last person shared her story. Then quiet fell over the group.

After a long pause, Sibyl spoke. My mother was ready to leave. She had taught us all she knew about prophesying, and she left us with her code of honor to guide us in our future. We honor her memory by keeping that code alive. Then she fluttered over to her mother and kissed her softly on the cheek. Farewell, dear Mother.

The crowd began to hum softly, and Valerie joined in. The platform holding Pythia began to rise higher and higher in the sky. When it reached the top of the pillars, it paused. The tears in Valeries eyes spilled over.

She looked up, and the twinkling stars seemed to welcome Pythia. She was leaving the Globe, but her journey wasnt over. And then, Valerie let her go. The platform vanished.

To her surprise, Valerie was able to sleep that night. She woke up the next morning feeling emotionally exhausted, but without the despair of the day before that had made her feel so hollow inside. She even let herself bask in the knowledge that after years of thinking she was completely on her own, now she had a brother.

Who was in trouble, she reminded herself, and her contentment vanished. She wanted to jump up right then and go rescue him, but shed have to find him first. Her determination steeled into resolve. She wouldnt let anything happen to him”ever.

Then a second realization hit her, and her excitement grew. How had she not thought of it before? She gently shook Kanti awake. Her friend cracked one eye, looking grumpy.

Im sorry to wake you. But I have to know. Henrys parents”my parents”what are they like?

Kanti sat up and put a hand on Valeries shoulder. Hesitantly, her eyes full of worry, she said, Val, Henrys adopted.

Valerie knew that had to be a possibility, but she was a little crushed. Her status as an orphan hadnt changed after all. But she forced herself to shake off the thought. She had a brother, family, where yesterday she had none.

Its okay, I just had to know. Go back to sleep, she said, and she left the tent before Kanti could say anything else. She refused to let her disappointment cloud the best revelation of her life.

Outside, Cyrus was watching the sunrise. She sat beside him.

You said yesterday to Azra that you drive everyone away. But thats not true. You never drove me away, and there is nothing you could ever do to make me stop being your friend. I thought you knew that.

But I did drive you away, by not believing in you. Even at the hospital, I thought you were imaginary and told you to leave me alone. Its my fault that we werent friends for all those years.

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