Nathaniel just rolled his eyes. “Yeah, but Jenario doesn’t have—”
“Of course. He doesn’t. But his son does.”
The assassin burst into laughter. “That book-loving worm? Never thought you’d have a sense of humor!”
“It would seem our young illusionist has been holding out on talent.” Jenario grinned, or at least, the horn forced his lips upward to form a grin. ”This changes things.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Nathaniel made ready to leave, having heard enough of the horn’s rant. “So you don’t need me, then.”
There came a pause as both Jenario and horn shared conversation within themselves. It was the real Jenario’s voice that spoke next.
“Is it possible?” He gestured to the books. “Years I spent studying…but Abraham has no knowledge of magic. How..?”
“Does it matter?” the horn seemed to purr. “You have the knowledge; now council him. As for you….”
Nathaniel perked up as conversation was directed his way.
“So long as you’re sober, I want you to keep an eye on his progress.”
“Pa!” Nathaniel waved the comment aside. “What’s in it for me?”
“How ‘bout all the liquor you can drink.” Jenario paused before adding, “With no complaints from me, of course.”
Nathaniel savored the promise. “No more jabbing me in the side, tossing against walls, or bathing!” His eyes lit up to Jenario’s nod. “Right, then! Er…what am I looking for anyways?”
“How powerful he gets,” the horn was quick to reply.
“So when he starts throwing me against walls, I’ll assume he’s reached your level of persuasive arguing?”
Neither Jenario nor the horn responded as the library door opened with a hand wave. Outside, a rolling mist of darkness filled the hallway. Nathaniel watched the mage disappear within its distorting form. It then shrank upon itself until dissipating in a puff of smoke.
“Show off!”
CHAPTER 4
A light rap upon bedroom door confirmed the boy was still awake when an answer of, “Come in,” replied from inside. He was sitting in bed when the prince entered, knees drawn up, with gaze fixed on a tapestry hanging on the opposite wall.
“Just thought I’d check to see if you needed anything.” Wisdom entered, a brass candlestick in hand that produced a fair amount of light in contrast to the ones displayed along the mantle. Their soft glow illuminated the tapestry’s rich colors over blue-gray stone.
“Think I’m good.”
“I also wanted to thank you for your help bringing things in.” He set the candleholder on a nightstand as he glanced around the room. “Finally nice to get the place looking livable.”
“Got some good stuff here. My father used to sell those.” Ashpin pointed to a throw rug near the bedroom door. “Well, the furs ones, anyway.”
“So what’s he do now?” Wisdom pulled up a chair and took a seat.
A shrug. “Don’t know. It’s just one of the things my mother used to tell me. I vaguely remember him. Most of the time he was gone. Then he just didn’t come back. When my mother starting getting sick, she’d tell me all these great things about him. I got used to staying up at night, just watching over her and thinking about all she had to say. Now stories are all I have. Some of my father. Some of Healers.”
“Is that why you came to Trully? Were you looking for a Healer?”
“Not unless you could bring back the dead.” There was a slight smile that quickly disappeared, and the boy’s gaze returned to the tapestry. “I thought I’d look for my father in Lexington. Course, all I have is this to go from.” He held up the tip of gold necklace hidden beneath his nightshirt, on which a small, heart-shaped pendant dangled. “It’s not much. My mother told me there were two. The second’s with my father – assuming he still has it.”
“So you went to Lexington?”
A nod. “I was trying to watch the merchants. You know, see which ones dealt in fur. But you can’t stand around very long. They have these guards….”
Wisdom chuckled. “Those guards act like ravaging wolves sometimes. I’ve had to deal with them many times.”
Ashpin frowned. “I wouldn’t think they’d mess around with the wealthy. They probably thought I was there to steal; I saw a few that did, so I kept moving. Eventually, I heard about some merchants coming here. So I followed aboard their ship. Saw some strange storm, but that was about it.”
Wisdom grimaced at the mention of it. “Yes, well…you’re welcome to stay here as long as you like. Maybe something will turn up soon.” He rose to put his chair back, and had just retrieved the candle when an idea came to mind. “Are you familiar with Lord Gracie?”
“Very little. Stays in Luxor, doesn’t he?”
Wisdom nodded. “The only floating castle in No’va.” He started for the door. “Try to get some rest tonight. When I get ready to leave for Luxor, you can come with me. Lord Gracie’s very good at looking into things for people. He may just know where to find your father.” He then lowered his voice, “Or at least see what’s become of him.”
Wisdom caught that appreciated grin before departing the room. There was no moon that night as the prince passed by opened bedroom doors. A warm glow of candlelight came from occupied rooms, where Lexington merchants quietly debated pricing on goods and town renovations. With Blackavar in charge of his members, he was to lead a team into town next morning to help the Schevolskys finish repairs.
Wisdom’s own flame danced upon its wick when a draft of cool air greeted him at the entrance to the mansion’s master suite. He admired the decor replacing that barren look to the parlor before crossing over to the adjoining bedchamber. A collection of colored glass bottles settled over the mantelpiece, treasured from his stay at the guild, with a tapestry just overhead to liven the blue-gray stonework. In front of the fireplace stood a round table and two chairs. There was even a woodbox for storing firewood during the winter months.
Wisdom glanced to the desk. A stack of parchment paper, complete with quills and ink, lay ready to use. He could see himself counting out various percentages of town earnings once the merchants began to sell their wares. It was both exhilarating and exhausting to think of all the possibilities the clan would provide, as well as all the responsibilities to go with it.
He headed for the balcony, passing the canopied bed with its midnight blue drapery and top coverings wavering in the breeze. Double stained-glass doors had been left open, with a certain someone waiting patiently as Wisdom slipped outside.
Glory’s silhouetted figure leaned against the balcony wall, an arc of surreal beauty in the lamplight coming from the main gate below. Ready for evening, she had already slipped into a simple nightgown. A few locks of her wavy hair nestled over one shoulder, alluring where the fabric had slipped down the arm. While his mind could only imagine her unrivaled mien without clothing, reality held the need for manners at the moment.
A clearing of the throat drew her attention.
“Hoping we could share the night together, I see.” That made her smile. “Had you a chance to read the letter?”
She flashed a warm smile. “Father sounded so pleased! He seemed to thank you every two sentences for informing him of my whereabouts.”
“Funny…” Wisdom joined her by the balcony wall. “You would think Valor would’ve told him first since he was sent looking for you.”
Glory looked away in a huff. “I know Valor was sent by my stepmother. Of course he wouldn’t tell! He only corresponds with her.”
The day Valor had arrived, Wisdom had found the two arguing in the front yard with clan members and guards ready to pounce at each other’s defense. Having been Glory’s former, preselected fiancé, the wealthy fish merchant still loomed in the back of the prince’s thoughts, certain that another confrontation would take place. Yet, as the guild merchants seemed to have reached town with no problems from Lexington’s port, owned and operated by Valor himself, Wisdom dismissed t
he matter.
A sigh. “At least things are going smoothly.”
The warmth of her body drawing near triggered an ardent hunger to have her closer. As more of his senses attuned to her desire to be with him, the battle to keep control grew heavier. What he wanted more than anything was the approval of her parents. Thus far, Roland Elite had given it. Her stepmother had not. The letter had not mentioned when they were traveling, but Roland wanted to meet the new prince. Until then, the two would settle in separate bedrooms. Glory’s was just on the other side of the adjoining parlor, though he wished it had been made to connect once the Elite family gave their blessing. Then, and only then, would Glory become a Larson.
Larson. He had not deliberated on the fact that his surname had been given by his human stepfather. Although very similar to his Lo-ans’rel father, Lorcán, the signification that passed with the name was completely different. That entailed another problem. I set out to reunite Healers and humans. Maybe humans have accepted us, but it’s up to my family whether they want that human interaction again. I only hope with my brother here that it means change is coming.
“Are you all right?” Glory’s question pulled him from concentration, and he glanced down to where he had gripped the balcony wall. In realization that his knuckles hurt from holding so tightly, he let go to flex his fingers.
“Sorry. I’m in my own world sometimes with all the things I need to do.”
Glory nodded in understanding. “One day at a time, as my mother used to tell me.” She was silent a moment before asking, “How’s Ashpin doing?”
“Adjusting after a death in the family. He’s searching for his father, so I’ve invited him to come with us to Lord Gracie’s.”
“You think he can help?”
“Lord Gracie has access to things a normal person wouldn’t. He’ll know.”
“Oh, really?” Glory gave him an impish grin. “And does he know when you’re planning to kiss me?”
“That’s not—” But her lips were already to his, silencing his tongue. Nostrils flared, taking in all her essence. “Not fair,” he said once they drew apart. “I want to do this right.”
“You already have,” she whispered. “We’re not children anymore, Keith.”
The touch of her hand sliding down his thigh induced a rush of excitement. With ears laid back, he released a deep-throated rumbling. Pulling her close, he tested her response to his animal-like behavior. The slight vibration transferring to her body seemed to take her by surprise. He allowed her to pull away, then watched with satisfaction while she pressed against him again.
“Are you…purring?” That maple-brown gaze stared up at him.
“Is it such a surprise, being what I am?”
“No.” She reached up to draw his face to hers. “Just better.”
Their embrace was magic in itself. That deep yearning to caress what his imagination had conjured was not to be disappointed. The wide neckline of her nightgown allowed easy access to slip both hands under and abandon all material until only her creamy flesh pressed up against him in the night air. She returned the motion, feeling her way beneath the fabric of Lo-ans’rel clothing to disrobe him. Having moved inside, they found the drapery of canopy bed satisfying, as it shielded them from the chill and concealed their intake of love and release.
To the energy kindling in the air, Nature responded. On cue, a sudden spark of growth tore through the plants and vines beneath the balcony area. It groped its way up the balcony wall, spilling over until it dripped with the desire to release bloated buds. When it did, white blooms burst from unfurling, crimped leaves with an orgasmic puff of yellow-stemmed cores beaming uncannily into the candlelight. Then it slumped, hunkered together in clusters of white and green, its energy spent. The same went for the two sprawled overtop crumpled covers, the seeds of love extinguished into each other.
They lay facing one another, with little strength to move except to trace a finger over the Healer’s shoulder tattoo. The burning desire had fled, but the prince welcomed the cool touch to his skin. With eyes closed, his mind visualized what her finger drew.
He had nearly forgotten the mark kept hidden under his long-sleeved shirts. Interwoven arcs crossed in a knot, gray-black over pale flesh. He heard her sigh and looked upon her relaxed beauty to take in her expression.
“It’s beautiful,” she said.
“If words could override its meaning, I’d accept just that.” He watched one of her eyebrows lower slightly in confusion.
“What does it mean?”
“The day I decided to leave my homeland was the day I received it. And it’s not a come-home-soon type of mark. Quite the opposite. It means traitor.”
“Traitor?” Glory stared in stunned belief. “Why’s that?”
A sigh. “Be lucky your father understands you, Glory. With my kind, you don’t just walk away and everything be all right. To them, it’s no better than treason.”
She was silent a moment, her finger still tracing the inked curves. It was not long before she settled along the last arc, then let her hand fall back to her side. Curiously, she asked, “Will your family accept me?”
As they nestled close together, he finally answered, “I hope so.”
CHAPTER 5
Jangus spent the better part of his day memorizing Lexington’s layout.
Mark the locations, he said. A cackle. I’ll do better than that. I’ll taint them! Taking a raven form, the Healer soared over the open streets. Angling his tail feathers, a mix of black and white dropped below. To his amusement, the dropping landed on some unsuspecting forehead. Many others had met the same treatment, and still into the night as the raven continued to scour Lexington for humans.
Height was his savior, with the approach of night his camouflage. Even so, humans never seemed to stop moving. Between merchants in the market area, thieves slipping in and out of back alleyways, and close-knit buildings, humans had a wide range of places to be found. Secretly, the Healer hoped this was the most he would encounter in one area, and let loose another one of his liquefied droppings in protest.
How quickly this whole place could be leveled! I would be more than honored if Chronicles let me do so. Delighting in those thoughts, the raven turned toward the smell of fresh baked bread. With empty stomach, he sought out the smell’s location.
A family of five was just sitting down for their evening meal when the raven alighted on their windowsill. He peered around the side of the curtain gently ruffling in the open breeze where he spied a loaf of bread sitting on the table.
How convenient. No one took notice until he hopped down on the counter with a caw.
The littlest girl pointed. “Look! A bird!”
The mother turned in her chair, a look of shock displayed upon her face to find it boldly perched so close to the table. “Be quick!” She motioned to an older daughter. “Shoo it back out the window!”
“Yes, Mama.”
Jangus eyed the young girl’s approach. He ignored her desperate waves in attempt to frighten him. When she tried to pick him up, he merely pecked at one of her fingers.
“Ouch!” She stuck the sore finger in her mouth, then shook it a few times. “Did you see that? It bit me!”
“Someone must have kept it as a pet.” A boy briskly walked over to the countertop. “No bird would be so stubborn.” She peered down at the raven, then drew back in surprise. “No wonder they let it go. There’s something wrong with its eyes. They’re white!”
“It might be blind.” Their father rose from the table. “I’ll handle this.”
He proceeded to grab the bird when Jangus launched into a wild flutter of feathers and cawing. The youngest screamed when Jangus dived at the man’s face. Thrown off guard, the tall man swatted dramatically around his head, but Jangus was too quick. With a cackle, he avoided a toss of wooden spoon.
Ha! They couldn’t catch me if I were in my true form! He mused over their chaotic reactions, then decided it was more fun to bump
into overhanging pots and pans. An upset broom toppled from its lone corner. The Healer felt the wind of their hands slapping at empty air and continued cackling in laughter.
Having had enough, the eldest daughter picked up the broom and slung it over a cupboard. Years of evading other Healers in play brought out his evasive skills, and dishes clattered to the floor instead. He laughed at their performance, then swooped down to grab the loaf of bread. He had just reached the windowsill when the father managed a handful of tail feathers, stopping Jangus from clearing the window.
“Come ‘ere, you!”
Jangus turned on his captor. Opal eyes blazed in outrage. A silver-white glow enveloped his form. No one moved while the glow expanded into his true form. When the glow had died, the only thing the man held was the corner of his shirt. Stunned, the man stood frozen in place until the young Healer grabbed the man’s hand.
“Who’s got who?” he said coldly.
The man’s face paled as Jangus released him just as quick. He spun, shifting in the process. White merged with black. A furry tail rose over a striped back to expose his hindquarters.
How ‘bout I mark you like this?
The father could not get “skunk” out fast enough before Jangus let loose a stink.
The women matched his frightening screams with words of, “Magic-user!” That was quickly replaced by hacking and running for the nearest exit.
Jangus snickered upon his departure. Try explaining that one. He noticed several men dressed in black running swiftly toward the ruckus. They drew their swords as the family darted into the street, but quickly recoiled at the smell permeating their skin and clothing. Back in his raven form, Jangus was too far away for pointing fingers to scope out in the night. Already out of sight, he savored the still-warm bread in the comfort of an abandoned alley. Wonder if it’s easier to spot more human developments tonight?
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