Chasing the Prophecy (Beyonders) by Brandon Mull Page B

if they die? Would his eyes rot?”
    “A fair question,” Ferrin said. “Can Galloran see out of those eyes?”
    “Of course.”
    “And the displacers can too, which means he has a shared grafting. In a shared grafting, the mutual body part is simultaneously supported by both organisms. If Galloran dies, the eyes can draw from the displacers to remain alive and functional. If the displacers die, the eyes will lose their cross-dimensional connection and become the sole property of Galloran. They should remain healthy and serviceable. Displacers have been hunted and killed so a person could become the sole owner of a grafting. It makes our kind think twice before we share a body part.”
    “That’s good to know,” Jason said. “I was kind of worried about him.”
    “There are plenty of reasons to worry about Galloran,” Ferrin replied. “Rotten eyeballs is not one of them.”
    “Thanks for the info.” Jason realized that this might be the last time he spoke to Ferrin in private before parting ways. “Take care of yourself.”
    “I always do.” Ferrin placed a hand on Jason’s shoulder and looked him in the eye. “Jason, I wasn’t joking that I’m betting on you. I’m wagering everything. This will be tough all around. Find a way to get your part done. I believe in you.”
    Jason swallowed. He didn’t want to ask the question, but he couldn’t resist. “Why?”
    “Excuse me?”
    Jason looked away, toward the carved wall of the building.“Nothing. I’ve just been stressing out lately. I don’t get why the oracle would count on me so much.”
    Ferrin nodded reflectively. “I’m glad you feel that way.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “The odds are against you. You’d be a fool if you went into this feeling overconfident.”
    “So why would you bet on me?”
    Ferrin looked at Jason shrewdly. “For my part in this to succeed, your part must succeed. The odds are against us, but even if the chance is minuscule, we still have one. You’ve accomplished some amazing things. You’ve performed well under pressure. You’ve shown conviction and integrity. Maybe it’s not realistic, but it’s bold, and necessary, so I’m willing to believe you can pull this off.”
    “Okay,” Jason managed, his throat thick with emotion. “I’ll believe in you, too.”

CHAPTER 3
DEPARTURE
    R achel stood before a full-length mirror in her room. Turning left and right, she supposed her acolyte robe did look kind of like a Halloween costume, but not a cheap one. Made of fine material, the robe felt silky and comfortable, and it gave off a faint shimmer, as if silver threads had been woven into the dark-gray fabric. Light and billowy, the robe stayed surprisingly cool considering how much of her body it covered.
    She shed the fine robe, folded it neatly, and began dressing for her upcoming journey. Though less silky, her Amar Kabal robes were also comfortable. The acolyte robe was great for roaming enclosed hallways, but would prove restrictive for running or riding. The more rugged Amar Kabal robes made much more sense for travel.
    A soft knock made Rachel turn. “Come in.”
    The door to her bedchamber opened, and Ulani entered, wearing a gray acolyte robe accented by a silver mantle, which designated her as the future oracle. Few people made Rachel feel tall, but Ulani was one of them. Short and slight, the woman looked to be about forty, although Rachel knew that her real age was closer to a hundred. A circlet of violet blossoms ringed her head.
    Ulani spoke a brief Edomic phrase. Rachel’s initial reaction was to flinch, but the words were an appeal for Rachel to stay, and carried many subtle nuances. Rachel belonged with them, had a promising future with them. Her departure would wound many hearts and lead her into perilous circumstances. Sometimes Rachel wished that Edomic weren’t quite so expressive.
    “I don’t want to leave,” Rachel apologized in plain English. “I’ve enjoyed studying and training