She knew better than to argue. Besides that, she was tired. “I hope they have coffee when we get there.”
“Are you fatigued?”
She nodded. “It took more out of me than I care to admit.”
“Would having another witch with you help in any way?”
She shook her head. “I use my own magic to locate Appleblossom fire magic. It acts like a homing beacon. Once I find the spell, I ensure all the sigils are intact. I’m afraid it’s a one-person job.”
“And one only an Appleblossom can do.”
“Afraid so.”
“Zoe, there are twenty-three other spell centers to check.”
“I’m well aware. This may take a bit longer than I had originally anticipated. But it has to be done. Maybe I could do one in the morning and one in the evening.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Gage…”
“You can barely stand after doing one. There’s no way you can do two. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to do that safely.”
She yawned and rested her head on his shoulder.
“You’re right.”
“I’m not trying to rule what you do, Zoe. I’m just worried,” he admitted.
“I know, and that’s why I’m agreeing with you. It was a foolish suggestion, but one made out of impatience.”
“You’ll see it done, Zoe, and I’ll help you every step of the way.”
“Thank you, my mate.”
He grinned down at her. “No charge,” he teased, echoing Meryn’s quip from yesterday.
“Wake me when we get there.”
“Rest, Zoe.”
“I’m just going to close my eyes while you walk.”
“Sure, darling, whatever you want.”
Zoe closed her eyes, and his rhythmic strides had her dozing in no time.
*****
“Is she well?” she heard Kendrick demand.
“Exhausted. Half my fault for scaring the hell out of her by getting her caught up on what’s been happening, and the other half was her checking one of the spell centers. Kendrick, she was concentrating for over two hours,” Gage explained, as he gently set her down on a soft sofa.
She yawned and opened her eyes. Kendrick, Gage, and Neil were staring down at her with varying degrees of concern on their faces. “It’s the trace signature my family used in creating the spell. It’s practical to keep interference with the spell to a minimum, but it makes maintenance a chore.”
“Why didn’t you utilize one of the other fire witches to act as an anchor?” Kendrick asked.
“A what?”