Thirteen days after Tenneth Bard's death, the Squires were at last permitted to leave their quarters but not the East Tower. Lannon met in the Library with Aldreya and Timlin to talk things over. Lannon was grateful for this bit of freedom, for he knew it meant the Knights must be faring well in their war--yet always he felt like he was being watched by someone or something whenever he left his room.
"I think Vorden is becoming possessed," Lannon whispered. "All he does is lie around and stare at that stupid sword. I can't reason with him."
"Can you use your power to find out?" said Aldreya. "Also, you could take a look at the sword and learn if it's evil."
Lannon shook his head. "I haven't used the Eye of Divinity since we were down in the mines. I don't think I should right now."
"Why not?" said Aldreya. "If I had a power like that, I would use it. What is stopping you, Lannon?"
Lannon shrugged. In the back of his mind, he knew he should be practicing with the Eye now that he was rested, learning its secrets. But something was thwarting him--a deep fear he could not explain. He reasoned that although he felt better overall, he was still worn out mentally and required more rest.
"Maybe we should tell Master Garrin about Vorden," said Timlin. "Before Vorden ends up possessed like Clayith was."
"We should tell Taris instead," said Aldreya. "He would probably be more understanding than anyone else."
"I don't know," said Lannon. "I don't want Vorden to get banished. Maybe we should just steal the sword and get rid of it. He keeps it under his bed, wrapped in cloth. It wouldn't be hard to swipe it, except that he always stays near it. We'd have to get it while he's asleep--take it right out from under him."
"I can do it," said Aldreya. "No one will see me."
Lannon nodded. "Just be careful. Vorden is really obsessed with that sword. If he catches you stealing it, who knows what he might do?"
Aldreya smiled. "I can protect myself, Lannon."
"That's true enough," said Lannon, remembering Aldreya was a talented Birlote sorceress. "I guess I don't have to worry about that."
"I'll get the sword," she said, smoothing her silver hair away from her pointed ears. She smiled devilishly, and for the first time, Lannon saw the Tree Dweller in her very strongly. He did not doubt she would complete her goal.
But Aldreya never got a chance to prove her words, for soon after their discussion, Vorden stepped into the Library. His color looked better, and he seemed like his normal self. "Talking about me?" he said, smiling.
The others said nothing, and exchanged glances. The tension was thick between them.
Vorden chuckled. "I got rid of that sword, you know--in case you were wondering. I tossed it down a well. I do think it was evil. I know I'm better off without it. I snuck outside late last night and dumped it. Hopefully, it sank deep into the mud and no one will ever find it down there."
Aldreya smiled "I'm glad you got rid of it. I was worried about you, Vorden. You have not seemed yourself, lately."
He shook his head in amusement. "Of course you were worried, Aldreya. You always worry about silly things, just like Lannon. But it's taken care of. The well swallowed it up...forever. It took a lot of strength to part with it, but I did it. Now I think everything's going to be okay."
The Squires glanced uncertainly at each other. Something about Vorden's expression seemed haunted and afraid for just an instant.
Then Vorden smiled, looking even more like his usual self. He smoothed his hair and adjusted his cloak. "Anyway, it's all done with. Believe me."