I’ve left the others to go and check on the world. I shifted into my other form, one that no one but my parents know about. I glide through the air, letting the currents carry me through the clear sky while my eyes stay on the ground, searching. In the body of the tawny eagle, I see farther and clearly as I search. I had started near New Orleans and I’m working my way north. I fly over what used to be the coast before moving inland. Heading west toward the Appalachian mountains, I began my search for the ones I’m really looking for.

I start at the southernmost point, working my way north along the range. I find many along the way, refugees from the flooding, from our war. Shellshocked families huddled together around fires. Some seemed prepared -- those have food, water, and shelter. The others only have what they have on their backs. I fly higher, sticking close to the tree line, try to calculate how far Remy and his family could’ve gotten. The battle hadn’t actually started when I spoke to him. The terrain is rough going in some places, so they wouldn’t be driving fast, especially since they were all pulling trailers of various kinds.

I still wonder how he knew my name, how he knew me. I’ve been flying hours when I finally spot them. Remy had found a beautiful spot, near the top of one of the largest peaks -- a huge meadow, with trees large enough to shelter them from the weather circling it. Landing on a branch, I settle in to watch for a while. Now that they have their trailers uncovered, I understand how they knew of me and why I was so drawn to them. There are four brightly painted caravans in the style which I haven’t seen for a very long time, that of the travelers from long ago in Europe.

In those days, they were called Gypsies and they were not welcome almost everywhere they went. Many of the families migrated to the US. I often kept an eye on them as they made their journey. Remy’s family could have been one that I helped so long ago. I focus on the others that I do not recognize, watching for any signs of danger from them toward those who have called me, who are now under my protection.

I stay as long as I dare, knowing I must get back before Loki wakes. Launching from the branch, I dive toward the caravans and glide over the fire. Remy doesn’t startle like the others, instead he smiles as the great bird starts rising in the air. I hope I have given him some comfort, letting him know that he is not alone.

I shift as I travel to the Vanishing Isle, and when I arrive, everyone gives a sigh of relief. Striding to his side, I kneel beside Loki.

“He hasn’t woken, but he has started to show signs that it will be soon,” Aislin whispers as she leans over him. I can feel her magic wrapped around him keeping him calm, even in his unconscious state. “I can feel the monster that’s taking control. The rage, hunger, and need beats at me.” Her voice drops even lower. “I feel less of Loki now, he’s slipping farther away.” She glances at Cora, who sits with his head on her lap.

Nodding, I reach for my parents’ power and draw it to me, letting it build and bolster my own. Locking eyes with Cora, I nod and then lay my hand on his head, sending him deeper to sleep. “How long was I gone?”

“Around six hours.” Michael is the one that answers, as he looks at his watch. “That’s give or take twenty minutes or so. I didn’t notice when you left but I started timing the moment I did.”

Chewing my lip for a moment, I think out loud, “When did you notice him coming out of the deep state?”

“Maybe twenty minutes ago.” She looks at Cora, who nods and confirmation.

“So let’s say I need to send him deeper every four and a half hours, maybe five, but anything longer would be pushing it.” Everyone nods in agreement. “Did you figure anything out while I was gone?”

No one speaks and no one looks at Cora. Jason finally shakes his head. Pushing up, I walked slowly to the painting that has been leaned against something on the counter. Remy wanted her to look at this painting, but why? Jason joins me, and we both stand staring. It would be beautiful if we didn’t understand what was, if it wasn’t some truth to us. I leaned closer trying to see something different but I don’t.

“I unfocused my eyes like ye used to hae to do with those hidden picture posters,” Sean calls from across the room. “Dinnae see a thing.”

Cora’s laugh fills the air. It is no delicate tinkling bells, no, it is a loud belly laugh slightly tinged with crazy. I’ve heard laughs like that before -- she’s either going to laugh harder or start crying. I smile a little when she continues to laugh. Glancing over my shoulder at the Druid, I watch as he smiles at her, his body relaxing slightly.

Aislin joins us in front of the painting trying to find the hidden message, also. As hours pass, we take turns examining the painting but figure out nothing new. We sleep in shifts, Aislin and I at the same time so we can both be awake to tend to Loki. Morrigan and some of the others take turns searching for those that help Odin, making sure there are none left.

It is the middle of the seventh day when Morrigan returns with news. Everyone that is left, all the clans have withdrawn from the world. She spoke to the last one hours ago. They all feel guilt over the destruction they caused, we caused, to this planet and humans. They do not plan to return. Ever.

Everyone is shocked. While I don’t disagree that we are the cause of this, I don’t think we should leave those that remain to their own devices. It should be our responsibility make sure they survive. I will not leave them on their own.

The beeping of Michael’s watch lets me know that it is time to go deal with Loki again. Aislin pushes to her feet when she sees me stand. Turning down the hall, I feel her right behind me. Outside the bedroom, I pause, dreading the resignation that is now always on Cora’s face. She no longer has hope. Aislin’s hand grips my shoulder before she turns the knob. We move quickly, doing what we must and then leaving, giving Cora as much time with him as we can. Making our way back down the hall, we find the living room empty. I feel a hint of magic and watch as Aislin turns looking out of the patio. Everyone is sitting around the fire. We all want to forget for a moment. She tugs my hand, leading me out.

There are chairs waiting on us, and as we sit, we are handed drinks. A few hours and many drinks later, we are sharing Loki stories. When it falls silent for a moment, Sean begins to speak, his words slightly slurred.

“He told us how they killed his mother, right in front of his eyes in that emerald cave.”

“What? When? What emerald cave?” Morrigan demands.

“I don’t know, some cave that ancients made them go to. He said it was made from green stone or jewel. That’s not the important part. They killed his mother in front of him.” His eyes were wide as he stares at Morrigan. I can imagine what that must’ve been like. I look over at my mother, thankful for her once more. Everyone falls quiet. Only the sound of the fire crackling interrupts the silence.

Kai is staring in through the patio doors, as his eyes flick to amber and his dragon stares out. I watch him blinking slowly. Suddenly his brow furrows, and he leaps to his feet. He’s inside holding the painting close to his face before any of us can move. Whipping around, he yells, “Who isn’t drunk? Or who’s had the least to drink?” Jason holds up his hand. “Come look at this.”

Climbing to his feet, he starts inside with a sigh. When he gets to his side, Kai pointed at something in the painting. We all watch. Jason’s eyes widen, and we all get to our feet. Crowding around the painting, we stare at what Kai had pointed at. It was in the background of the painting, a small tree with something green leaning against it.