Well, school started and I'm officially a junior. It's kind of weird to think about being a senior next year, and then going to college. I'm thinking southern California, but I haven't decided yet. I need to figure out what to do with my life...

Chapter 25

I woke gently, a tiny body pressed firmly into my side. I opened my eyes and saw Maire sleeping with her face turned to the fire. The room was empty except for me, Maire, Baede Eilis and her infant son. I could not tell how long I had been sleeping, but I felt very well-rested.

Baede Eilis said something and I looked at her, uncertain. She smiled at me and I smiled back. She motioned me closer. I stood carefully, trying not to jostle Maire, and smoothed out the wrinkles in my gown as I crossed to the other side of the fireplace. Baede Eilis motioned for me to sit and I sat.

Baede Eilis picked up her son and trustingly laid him in my arms. "Gannon."

"Baed Gannon." I repeated. The baby was awake this time, his fists pulled close to his chest. He mewed and wiggled deeper into the quilts that surrounded him. I ran my fingers over the soft, reddish fuzz that covered the top of his head.

Baede Eilis reached to me and ran her fingers lightly over my cheek. She gave me a knowing look. "Blessed Nadia? No."

My blood ran cold. My mouth opened, but I could not force the lie out. I closed my mouth, my eyes still locked on hers.

Malachi burst in the room, only remembering to be quiet after he had slammed the door open. He looked over to the mattress where Maire lay asleep, then at us.

I looked from Malachi to Baede Eilis, waiting for her to expose me. I felt for my Gift; it had only partly returned. It would have to be enough.

Malachi spoke in a rush, glancing over at me periodically. Baede Eilis nodded once or twice. My blood still ran cold.

Finally, Malachi finished and Baede Eilis answered him. Her answer was short and Malachi didn't look too alarmed. Instead, he smiled and gestured for me to follow him. I looked to Baede Eilis and she nodded at me.

"War." Malachi spoke once we were outside the room. "Baed Cormac need...help."

"With the war?" I asked. "What kind of war?"

He didn't know how to answer, if he even understood me.

"War?" I questioned. "What war?"

Malachi gave me a funny look. Then, he touched his chest. "Dulamark. Dulamark...war to Etterrite."

"Oh." I nodded.

Malachi stopped at an old wooden door, cracked and warped. He knocked, then twisted his hands in his untucked shirt. He looked nervous.

The old man, Malachi's teacher, opened the door. He nodded when he saw me, then pulled the door open wider to reveal the oldest man I had seen in my entire life.

The ancient man's skin was wrinkled and creased like an old scroll. He was hunched over like a skeleton and his bones almost stuck out from his skin. He didn't look like he had any teeth left and I couldn't see any hair to speak of. His eyes were glazed over and unfocused.

He spoke, a thin and reedy voice coming from his shriveled throat. "I never thought that I would live to see this day." He bowed his head towards me. "Blessed Nadia."

I sighed, thankfully stepping forward and bowing slightly.

Baed Cormac carefully rested his hand on the ancient man's shoulder and spoke.

The ancient man nodded. "My name is Oengus and I am pleasured to be at your service, Blessed One. Baed Cormac wishes to know if you intend to help us in our war against the Etterrites."

Really, I just wanted to get back to Tortall., but if I was a goddess, I would help my people. "I will do what I can."

"Is the curse ended? Are the gods returning?" Something in the man's cloudy eyes shifted. It looked like hope.

"I can't say." I dodged the questioned.

"Two hundred and fifty years since a god's feet has touched our soil." Oengus closed his eyes and looked distant. "My grandfather's father walked with you many years ago. He told my father of the dark times when the curse was first laid. He spoke of them with horror and despair. Never again, said the gods. We thought we would live in darkness forever. You have come to aid us in our time of need, a time when the Etterrites murder our women and children and destroy the scarce knowledge left to man. I am forever in your service, Blessed Nadia."

It was her fault, Blessed Nadia's. This was why she had freed me from the fief, why she had been so thrilled when a dream-sender was born. She wanted me to save her land. She could have just told me so.

I didn't know if I was supposed to keep pretending to be a god. If Oengus knew what he was talking about, the gods had abandoned the Other Land two hundred and fifty years ago. I could probably get away with my impersonation for a little while longer, if Baede Eilis didn't say anything. My Gift hadn't quite returned; it would be better to wait.

"I'm not Blessed Nadia." I quickly said. "I didn't mean to say I was, but I thought you'd kill me unless I was a god."

Oengus' flinched as if I'd struck him. Malachi's teacher understood enough of that to look alarmed. Baed Cormac just looked confused. Oengus translated for him.

I readied my Gift.

For a second, Baed Cormac looked furious. Then, he began to roar with laughter. He slapped my shoulder.

"Baed Cormac says that he is almost pleased." Oengus seemed amused. "He didn't know how to treat a goddess. He felt as if he was walking on... eggshells."

Malachi grabbed my arm, turning me to face him. "Not Blessed Nadia?"

"No." I shook my head. "I'm Adda. I'm from Tortall and my ship really did sink. I didn't mean to come here at all, but I think Blessed Nadia wanted me to."

"Baed Cormac will find a way to put you to use." Oengus told me, after Baed Cormac had spoken. Baed Cormac left the room, still chuckling. "I will teach you Rannson. Sit. You as well, Malachi."

We both sat obediently at Oengus's feet.

Curiousity. Where are all my readers from? I don't needed addresses, or even towns, I'm just kind of curious. I'll start: Boston area, MA.