I sighed and whispered, “I love you too, Emrys. But I may just have a little talk with our new friend one of these days.”
Scrawny Ronnie indeed.
When he didn’t respond, I knew he was asleep. But I had made up my mind. Regardless of his plan to investigate, I was convinced I could tell if Veronica was lying or not. She was already afraid of me, and if I appeared more threatening than the last time she attempted to cross me, I could get her to talk. I was sure of it. Before drifting off to sleep, my mind filled with ideas and imaginary conversations and ways to scare the truth out of her. This might even be fun.
I woke up several hours later in a cold sweat. Someone was in our room.
* * *
A cool hand touched my arm, and I held my breath. The hand gave a gentle shake and a soft voice whispered, “Lizzy?”
The minute she said my name, I realized it was Lindy and sighed with relief. I’d forgotten that she had a key to our suite. Trying not to disturb Emrys, I slipped out of bed and followed my sister out of the room. After sliding the door shut, I turned on a light.
Melinda’s face was drawn and haggard, as if she’d gotten no sleep at all. I glanced at the wall clock which read 4:30, and whispered, “What’s wrong, Sis?”
I could see her holding back the tears. “I don’t know what to do,” she gasped. “Alyssa won’t stop screaming. She’s keeping us all awake. Every time I get the other two back to sleep, she starts in again.” She sighed, rubbing her temples. “My ears are still ringing, Lizzy. What should I do?”
“Hang on a sec.” I went back into my bedroom, grabbed a robe and we tiptoed out of the suite. Halfway down the hallway, I heard someone talking and wondered who on earth could be in the library at this time of night. As we neared the doorway, the talking stopped. Perhaps they heard us, and didn’t want to be found.
Melinda saw me hesitate, and with a wave of her hand, said, “That’s just Veronica. She’s on the phone.”
“Oh really? Who would she be talking to so late at night, pray tell?”
I thought about my conversation with Emrys, and remembered Lindy’s dream. I had to know. I stopped at the doorway and stepped inside, spotting her on a chair. “What are you doing, Veronica?” I asked, trying to sound authoritative. For added effect, I put a hand on my waist. Although, I probably didn’t come off all that scary to her since I was in my white robe and slippers. Some vampires have to work at looking scary, and I supposed right then and there, I was one of them.
Veronica jumped up, told the person on the other end of the line to hang on, and said, “Oh, hi, Mrs. Bertrand. I hope I didn’t wake anyone. It’s the time difference. My friend is in Arizona, and they’re like 8 hours behind us there.” She covered the phone with a hand. “He recently lost his brother, and didn’t have anyone else to call.” She made a face, as if she felt sorry for the poor guy, adding, “What can I say? I’m a pushover for a crying man. We were just about to say good-bye.”
Lindy grabbed my arm and said, “Come on, Sis. Gavin must be going nuts by now.” As I turned back to her, dizziness came over me, and when my sight went dark, I knew I was about to have another vision.
I saw Veronica holding one of the triplets. I couldn’t see which baby it was, but the look on Veronica’s face was compassionate and sweet. The room was semi-dark and foggy, and she paced back and forth, rocking the child. And then my sister’s face came back into view and I blinked, trying to make sense of it.
“What is it, Lizzy? What did you see?” Melinda asked, frowning and anxious.
I didn’t answer right away, still mulling over the vision, but then turned and pointed to Veronica and said, “I saw her, with one of your kids.”
Casting fearful glances at us, her eyes darted from me to Melinda, and back again to me.
“What did you do before working for the airport security, Veronica?” I asked, frowning.
She looked confused, licked her lips, and said, “I worked at a neo-natal intensive care facility, why?”
“Are you a nurse?” Melinda piped up, so thrilled that her voice squeaked.
“I was. Well, I guess I am, but I quit. I couldn’t stomach all the sick and dying babies.”
“Hang up and follow us,” I ordered. Grabbing Lindy’s arm and pulling her out into the hallway, I added, “She may know what to do, Melinda.”
Following close behind us, I heard Veronica say goodbye and hang up her phone, but we moved through the hallways so fast, she could barely keep up. The crying echoed through the closed door, and Lindy’s crumpled face was enough to make me want to weep. Even though she was over-tired and frazzled, her heart ached for her now coughing daughter.
Before we even made it into the nursery, Veronica said, “Sounds like croup.”
Melinda and I glanced at each other, clueless. Gavin paced back and forth between the cribs holding Alyssa, and taking turns patting the backs of the other two on each roundabout. He looked relieved to see us and immediately handed the baby to Lindy and went to pick up the now whimpering boy. I went to check on Adeline and Veronica stood near Lindy listening to the sick baby. She faced me and said, “Lizzy, go and turn the hot water on in the shower! Let it run full steam. We need to get this child breathing better.”
I didn’t even think about how this human had the guts to take it upon herself - giving me a direct order. I ran out of the room in an instant. When I returned, Veronica had Alyssa in her arms, Lindy was changing Armand, and Gavin patted the back of Adeline, who had started fussing again. It was a three-ring circus, but no one was laughing. A minute later Veronica carried the coughing baby out of the room as the frazzled parents tended to the other two. Feeling useless, I just stood there watching my sister rock her son back to sleep. The room finally grew quiet and we tiptoed out of the nursery.
With Gavin and Melinda exhausted, I settled them on the couch, and then peeked into the hot, steamy bathroom. Veronica paced back and forth holding Alyssa, patting her back softly. Through the steady noise of the shower, I heard her humming a lullaby, and when she turned, Alyssa’s face came into view. I could see that the baby was breathing better and sound asleep. For one brief moment, I wondered if I might be completely wrong about Scrawny Ronnie.
* * *
“Thank you again, Veronica,” I said, as we made our way down the long corridor. “I guess it’s a good thing you’re here.” Even though I realized that we could have woken Priscilla up, and she certainly would have known what to do with a sick baby, I was glad it had worked out the way it did. It seemed to take the edge off my negative feelings, and made me think that perhaps I should at least try to trust Veronica. Just seeing her with Alyssa made me realize she had feelings too. “I’m sure Melinda feels the same.”
“I’ll do anything to prove myself to you and your family, Elizabeth,” she sighed. “I’m glad I could be helpful tonight.” She stopped walking. “I’d like to apologize again for the way I acted. I just thought…never mind, I have no excuses. I’m just used to getting what I want…I was wrong.”
I didn’t know what to say. Her apology seemed sincere and caught me off guard.
“You’re so lucky,” she said, shaking her head. “I’ve never known true love. I really wish I could have what you and Emrys have.”
We started walking again, and I asked, “Has anyone told you about the Gathering?”
She nodded, “Heather mentioned something about it…that it takes place every ten years.”
“Yes it does. Perhaps after you’ve been turned, you can visit our Prophetess, Sibelle. If there is someone out there for you, someone who will love you with a perfect love, she’d be the one to point you in the right direction.”
Veronica’s eyes bugged out as I explained the Veinvedia to her, even showing her my Signatus. “It’s hard to understand, but once it happens to you, you just know it’s real and that it’s forever.”
“Wow. That is awesome!” she said, smiling. “I can’t wait…” she stopped suddenly, and we both tu
rned at the sound of approaching footsteps. Veronica just about jumped out of her skin as Emrys rushed toward us.
“What the bloody hell is going on?” Emrys barked, looking concerned and upset “It is nearly morning, and I wake to find my wife missing!”
“I’m sorry, Emrys. Alyssa was sick, and Veronica helped us with her. She used to be a nurse.”
His face relaxed and he scooped me into his arms. I could only imagine what had gone through his mind, finding me gone. “Well, next time wake me up,” he said holding me to his chest.
I peeked at Veronica from the folds of Emrys shirt. She looked confused. “Perhaps one day I’ll tell you the story of the night I was kidnapped,” I said, hoping to help her understand Emrys’ surprising behavior. She glanced over her shoulder, giving a visible shudder.
“It’s ok, Veronica. The kidnapper is gone. All we need to worry about now - are the Hunters.”
A strange look crossed over her face; she excused herself, and dashed away. At first I didn’t think anything of it, and Emrys and I headed back to our suite. I told him all about Alyssa and how Veronica knew exactly what to do. We snuggled under the covers, and within a few moments my dear husband started snoring. But as exhausted as I was, I couldn’t get back to sleep. Something was gnawing at me, and I had no idea what it was.
* * *
As it turned out, the Venators sent us one more special delivery, and it came the day before we left for Scotland. But this time a message accompanied the flowers. It came across like another warning, making mention of the fact that the treaty had been broken, someone had killed one of their own, and someone had to pay the price for breaking the rules.
Back up in our suite again after destroying the second batch of flowers, Emrys laughed as he read the note. “But they have no proof of who killed the Venator, because the other Hunter was out cold. He could only guess at the truth.”
“What is the truth, Emrys?” I asked, frowning. “You never really gave me any details.”
“All you need to know is that I acted in self-defense, my lovely one. You know I would never harm a human without warrant.”
“I know. I just thought that maybe you’d like to talk about it. Does it bother you at all?”
“Not in the least. The one I killed was the same one we saw at the hospital. He was an arrogant bastard, intent on killing us no matter what our reasons were for trespassing on his precious homeland. That is the problem with the Venators. They do not need an excuse to kill. All they need - is one of us.”
As we went to sleep that night, I couldn’t help but think about the one that I had killed, also in self-defense. I rarely even thought of him anymore, but with the recent threats to our family, he did pop into my brain now and then. And for a short while, I wondered if it would always be like this; some new and surprising turn of events around every corner. I burrowed deeper into the quilts and snuggled closer to my snoring husband, feeling safe and secure, for now.
And then I decided not to worry about the future, knowing that whatever comes, we’ll always face it together. I refused to let useless worrying take away from all the happiness in my life. I had too much to be thankful for to dwell on the negative things. After all, I had a wonderful, loving husband, was able to see my sister every day, we had great friends and family surrounding us, and we pretty much lived in the lap of luxury. And, once again, we were heading out for yet another holiday in the morning.
What more could anyone ask for?
CHAPTER 10
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
The Hebrides looked completely different in the summer – the lush green hills and deep blue skies were quite magical. The sunsets were every bit as beautiful over the ocean, and with the milder weather we even managed to view some of the great sea cliffs and take a boat tour around the Isle of Lewis.
The day we planned to visit Sibelle, she called Emrys and requested to meet us at our hotel instead of her cottage. It seemed unusual to me at first, but I didn’t dwell on it for long, and thought that perhaps she felt the need to get out a bit herself. Emrys agreed to her request, but insisted on taking her out to eat before going back to our room for our private meeting.
I had to ask Emrys to help me order part of our meal, since some of the menu items appeared to be in Gaelic. I loved trying new and unusual dishes, and I chose the pan-fried Gressingham duck breast with star anise and blood-orange sauce – mainly because the name of the sauce gave me the giggles. The duck came with potatoes Dauphinoise and chef’s vegetables, and I was pleasantly surprised when Sibelle ordered the same as me. Emrys had the Prime Scottish sirloin steak and when he gave me a taste, I almost wished I’d chosen that too. It was melt-in-your-mouth divine, but all the food was quite wonderful.
All through our meal, Sibelle seemed to be abstracted. I did the majority of the talking; telling her all about the triplets and our run-in with the Venators in the States. She nodded in a thoughtful manner as I spoke, and smiled when I mentioned what a great mother Lindy had turned out to be.
“Aye, and that twas one of yer own visions, was it not, Dearie?” Her accent was just as thick as I’d remembered.
“Yes. You were right, Sibelle. I knew there’d be three babies, and I even knew their names!”
Sibelle took a sip of her ice water and placed her napkin on her nearly empty plate. Emrys raised a hand making eye contact with our server, and I instantly became aware of how antsy he seemed now that our meal was finished. He’d only brought it up a few times; but the fact that there had been another prophecy waiting for him for so long, made him more impatient than I’d ever seen him. I couldn’t help but wonder if this one had anything to do with the deep dark secret that our prophetess couldn’t tell me on our last visit. I caught Emrys’ eye as these memories flew through my mind, and he gave a quick frown. He wondered the same thing, I was sure of it.
After we returned to our room, Emrys poured three tall glasses of Ambrosia.
“What an absolute great way to top off a fantastic meal!” I said, bubbling over.
Sibelle nodded as she sipped her drink, apparently in agreement with my not-so-subdued murmurs of appreciation.
Emrys pulled out his notebook and pen, ready for her prophecy. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, leaning back into the large overstuffed chair. Emrys and I perched on the edge of the bed, eagerly waiting. Sibelle licked her lips and said:
True fortune told, the rules have changed-
Your fate will now be rearranged.
For on that eve, the vote was cast-
Untangling many from their past.
This victory – tis now imparted-
Shall ease the heavy, broken-hearted.
One unexpected reappearing-
Brings much ado and happy cheering.
What matters now, oh give an ear-
How well you wield this new frontier.
To lead the ones in your society-
Continue on with all propriety.
If one implies you step aside-
Please listen closely to your bride.
And in the end most will abstain-
The rightful Regent-he will reign.
This revelation ‘twas once predicted-
And many may be quite conflicted.
But certain things which were forbidden-
May now emerge and stay unhidden.
A mystery which was concealed-
Soon to you will be revealed-
Uncovered – Unwrapped – Unsealed
Sibelle stopped, eyes still closed, and the scratching of Emrys’ pen continued for a moment or two. I couldn’t decide what to look at, our prophetess, or Emrys’ notes. All of a sudden, Sibelle rose up, saying, “I thank ye for the meal, Lad. But tis time for me ta head back hame. I dinna mean ta take another meenit o yer time.”
“But you just got here!” I said, confused.
Emrys stood, tossed the notepad on the bed behind him and walked her to the door. “You are very welcome, Sibelle. It wa
s nice you could join us. Was it not, Elizabeth?” He glanced at me, waiting for my manners to override my disappointment.
“Oh, yes! It was wonderful to see you again,” I said, meeting them near the doorway.
Sibelle already had her hand on the doorknob, but quickly turned to embrace me. “Ah, yes, Dearie. I canna remember a more enjoyable meal.” After she embraced Emrys, she turned back to me and with a gentle hand; she pointed and with one finger, touched my chest saying, “Remember ta speak from yer heart, Lizbeth. Ye’ll find the truth there.
Her words shocked me to silence, and she smiled. “I see yer mynd a workin and I ken afore long, ye’ll figure it oot.” With a quick wave to us both, she said, “Fareweill, me lovelies. Guid days are a-comin!” And a moment later, the door shut behind her and Emrys and I stood staring at one another, wondering why she was in such a hurry.
Emrys shook his head still looking confused, and headed back toward the bed. He picked up the notepad and sat down, motioning for me to join him. After we re-read the prophecy over a few more times, I asked, “Do you get it?”
“The beginning has to do with the most recent changes made at the Fellowship of Regents. But I have not figured out the rest yet. It appears that someone may want my title; although I cannot imagine who.”
He looked deep into my eyes, waiting for my reaction. Finally I said, “Well… perhaps…but until I have all the facts, I can’t speak from my heart, can I?”
Emrys took my hand in his. “No, I suppose not.”
“Does it bother you that Sibelle said I’ll be the one to give you advice about whatever this is?”
He shook his head and sighed. “It is rather curious. But I am sure she has her reasons. She always does. But until that time, I will not worry about making any decisions regarding my future. As long as I know you will always be in it, I shall be happy.”
The Ravenswynd Series - Boxed Set Page 84
