Cross Keys: Unity

by Ally Shields

  They kicked off their shoes, waded into the edge of the water, and popped open the second bottle of champagne. Raising their glasses in a toast, they thanked the water spirit for sparing them, then placed the basket on the water, shoved it out to sea, and returned to the beach.

  “Do you think she heard us?” Kam leaned her head against Seth’s shoulder.

  “I do, if she’s what we think she is.” He turned Kam into his arms. “I hope she understands how grateful I am to have more time with you.” He hummed the beginning of an elven song, and Kam softly added the words. They swayed in time to the music, dancing barefoot on the beach, and watched the basket drift outward until it blended with the horizon.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Despite their exhaustion, Kam and Seth stopped on their way home to pick up egg biscuits to reheat for breakfast, and it was after midnight when they climbed the stairs and opened the hallway door close to their New Orleans’ condo. Seth suddenly put out his hand to stop her. “Someone’s at our door.”

  But Kam shoved the bag of biscuits into his hands and ran toward the hunched figure. “Esty. What’s wrong? What are you doing in New Orleans?”

  Her sister sat on the floor, her back propped against the door. “Oh, you’re home.” Esty got stiffly to her feet. “I’ve come to spend the night.”

  Kam stared at her. “OK.” She drew out the word. “What’s this about?”

  Seth unlocked the door and urged them toward it. “Shall we talk inside?”

  As soon as the apartment lights came on, Esty’s puffy eyes and tear-streaked face increased Kam’s alarm. She put her arm around Esty, ignoring the pain of her cracked rib, caught a whiff of her sister’s hair and wrinkled her nose. “Honey, what happened? You smell like smoke. Are mother and father OK?” Esty nodded, but the question produced a new round of tears, and Kam steered her toward the living room sofa. “Seth, would you make us some tea?”

  “You bet.” He stepped into the kitchen.

  Kam sat beside Esty and held her hand, running all kinds of scenarios through her head. “Now tell me what’s going on. Where was the fire? Not our house?”

  “N-o-o. A barn.”

  “Who’s barn? What were you doing at a barn?” And following a sudden suspicion, she added, “Does this have something to do with Rhyden?”

  “No. Yes.” Her sister finally shook her head. “Not really. Father and I had a big fight.”

  “Esty! You and he never fight. Not once that I remember.”

  “Well, we have now. All I wanted to do was take a bath and go to bed. But he yelled at me.” Esty’s voice trembled.

  “This was all about a fire?” Kam struggled to understand. “And you just left home?”

  Esty’s head bobbed up and down. “I told Mother I was going to stay with you.”

  Kam blinked, a little shocked her younger sister would do this, and definitely confused. “You better start at the beginning.”

  “Maybe this will help.” Seth handed each of them a cup of tea. “Would you like me to make myself scarce?”

  “No, Rhyden’s in trouble too…and it’s all my fault. You might as well hear it from me.”

  Kam could tell Seth didn’t want to stay, although Rhyden’s name had sparked his interest. They’d already had a hell of a night, and feminine tears were enough to make most men uncomfortable. Seth was no exception. But he took a seat and waited for Esty to pour her heart out.

  And she did—from begging Rhyden for help, to meeting Merik, following Everins, the horrific barn fire, and father demanding Rhyden leave their home. Sometimes Kam had to read between the lines of her story to know part of the problem was Rhyden’s failure to pursue a romantic relationship. Esty wasn’t clear whether she was most angry at her father for ordering Rhyden to leave or at Rhyden for leaving.

  “He should have stood his ground,” Esty fumed.

  “And done what?” Kam asked dryly. “Punch father in the nose?” She was torn between sympathizing with her sister’s struggles to grow up—a battle for independence Kam had recently fought—and wanting to strangle her sister for getting involved in something as risky as the duchaen rebellion. She had similar conflicted emotions about Rhyden. What were these two thinking? And the barn fire was the last straw.

  Seth sighed. “Perhaps I should go over to Rhyden’s and talk to him.”

  “No. You can’t do that.” Esty threw out her hand as if she would physically restrain him.

  “Why not?” Seth asked reasonably. “I’m sure he’s as upset as you are.”

  Her sister’s distraught face made the problem obvious. Esty feared she’d revealed her raw feelings for Rhyden and that Seth would tell him.

  Kam caught Seth’s gaze, hoping he’d take the hint. “Why don’t you call, make sure he’s OK, and leave any explanations for tomorrow? I think we’re all tired.”

  “It is awfully late,” Esty said wearily. “Where were you for so long?” For the first time she really looked at Kam and sat up straight. “Are those bruises on your face and arms?”

  “Hazards of the job, and too long a story for tonight. I’m fine, but I would like to get to bed. Let’s set you up with the daybed.”

  While Esty showered and washed her hair to get rid of the smoke smell, Kam stayed nearby and let her talk until she was finally tucked into bed. Then Kam took her own shower, blow-dried her hair, and joined Seth in the bedroom. He sat on the edge of the bed, a scowl on his face.

  “Can you believe this?” She slipped into the oversize T-shirt and shorts she often wore to bed.

  “I called Rhyden and kept it casual. He didn’t want to talk, and I didn’t mention Esty was here. Tomorrow’s soon enough.” Seth gave a disgusted sigh. “Rhyden should have known better.”

  She picked up a brush and stood before a wall mirror, detangling her hair. She watched Seth’s reflection. “I’m sure he did, and on his own, he might have come to us before getting involved in such a scheme. But Esty can be very persuasive.”

  “Headstrong.” Seth smiled. “A talent of the Ryndel women.”

  “I prefer the word ‘determined,’” she said, arching a brow. “I think we have enough charm to handle our father…but I’m positive it won’t work on Brunic. Not if he gets wind Esty and Rhyden were at the fire.”

  “I’m more worried they’ve become targets of a killer.”

  She spun around. “Killer? What killer?”

  “You’ve been too caught up in Esty’s feelings to think it through. They followed Everins to the area, then a fire breaks out, trapping what could have been dozens of victims. And at least a few didn’t get out. It seems likely Everins set it.”

  Kam sank on the bed beside him, the brush still in her hand. “Sweet Mother Earth.”

  * * *

  The following morning, Rhyden stood stiffly at the windows in Seth’s office, staring out at the city…or probably nothing. He ran a hand over the back of his neck. “What a screwed up situation.”

  Seth leaned back in his desk chair. When he arrived an hour ago, he’d found Rhyden waiting, swamped by guilt. Seth had let him talk it through—essentially the same story Esty had told, ending with the fire—but the part Rhyden kept returning to was Esty’s fight with her father and leaving home.

  “Why would he do that?”

  “Do what? Order you to leave? By the gods, Rhyden, what did you expect? I’d probably hold you responsible too.”

  “I know that,” Rhyden muttered bitterly. “But why take it out on Esty? And why would he let her go? This is all my fault.”

  “Not entirely.” After an hour, it was time for a little perspective. “Esty’s a grown woman if a bit impulsive. How she handled her father is her own decision. Just like she followed Everins on her own.”

  Rhyden swung around. “Because I’d encouraged her in this rebel thing. I should have said no the first day. If Everins set that fire, he’s a cold-blooded murderer. What if he’d caught her spying on him?”

  Now they were at the crux o
f the matter. “But he didn’t.” Seth picked up his coffee mug, crossed to the pot on a side credenza, and poured a refill. “Too much is wrong already to play what if games. We’ll straighten this out with Sawyer. Maybe not today, but he’ll eventually realize you did what you could to protect her.”

  Rhyden frowned. “I don’t care what Sawyer Ryndel thinks of me.”

  “Don’t you?”

  Rhyden ignored the question. “Esty shouldn’t be estranged from her family. She’s not ready to be on her own.”

  “She’s with Kam, and she’s fine. If you want to do something for her, face up to what’s happening between you two.”

  Rhyden narrowed his eyes. “Nothing’s happening. I haven’t touched her. Not really.”

  “Maybe that’s the problem.” Seth sighed, decided not to pursue what “not really” meant, and returned to his seat. They had bigger problems to deal with, and Rhyden’s private life should be…well, private. “OK, I give up. Let’s talk about something else.”

  “Suits me.” Rhyden flexed his shoulders and dropped into a chair across from Seth. “I’m going to see Merik Trevain today. People were killed in the fire. I can’t withhold my suspicions of Everins from Brunic.”

  “The captain will play the heavy that it took you this long to come to him—and he’s probably entitled—but I wouldn’t give up your efforts with Merik no matter what Brunic says. I see the value in bleeding off Jermon’s supporters one by one. And someone has to identify and stop the leak. They’re using our portals to stay in touch with him.”

  “Yeah, I know. I don’t intend to quit, but I don’t think I’ll mention it to the captain.”

  Seth threw him a wry smile. “Wise plan.”

  “Any new leads to Jermon?”

  After filling him in on the rest of the search, Seth ended with the strange events on the island. “For a while, I thought the lava caves might provide an answer for Trystan,” Seth said. “But the raw magic we found isn’t worth defying the mysterious forces guarding it. We could easily have died there, and I want no further dealings with the fairy people.”

  Rhyden finally stood and stretched. “So for now, we continue on. Am I square with you and Kam?”

  Seth placed a hand on Rhyden’s shoulder as he walked him toward the door. “With me, of course. I can’t speak for Kam, but she knows her sister pretty well. Get straight with Esty. You may be surprised how other things will magically fall into place.”

  “That’s your best advice?”

  Seth clapped him on the back. “The hard-won voice of experience, cuz.”

  * * *

  Brunic wasn’t as forgiving. He rested his beefy arms on his office desk, leaned forward, and glared at Rhyden. “We might have saved the fire victims if you’d come to me.”

  “Now just a minute.” Rhyden had arrived feeling guilty for hiding his own activities, but he wasn’t taking responsibility for everything Everins did. “You knew his name—even before I did. Besides, he has no history of violence. There was no warning he’d do something like this.”

  “Jermon’s conspirators brought guns into Elvenrude for a forceful takeover last winter. What more evidence do you need?”

  “If you can prove Everins was involved, why haven’t you arrested him?”

  “You know I can’t prove it.” Brunic stood abruptly. “The rebels have kept their activities and membership well hidden.” He swung around and beetled his brows. “Are you sure this Trevain fellow can be trusted? Isn’t he one of them?”

  “He’s part of the duchaen rebellion, but I’m convinced he wants this violent faction stopped as badly as we do.”

  “Oh, yeah?” The captain snorted in disbelief. “Then why isn’t he in here giving me names?”

  “It may come to that.” Rhyden knew he had to give Brunic something more. “If he can’t disband them on his own, he’s promised to turn them in.”

  “In a month? A year?” Brunic waved a dismissive hand. “You’ve been hoodwinked, and I’ve half a mind to lock him up until he talks.”

  “And blow it all?” Rhyden narrowed his eyes. “You have absolutely no grounds to hold Merik. Let this play out, Captain.”

  Brunic glared at him, his frustration evident. “If he’s such a good citizen, what’s he waiting for? More people to die?”

  * * *

  Kam’s day started with a message from Elvenrude. She’d sent a note to her mother last night verifying Esty’s arrival and asking about the situation at home. She found a reply that had come in overnight. It was addressed to both of them.

  My dearest daughters,

  Your father was badly frightened by last night’s events. As I was. I know he regrets many things that were said, and I believe he will regain perspective.

  Estelle, I’ve accepted that my children must make their own way in life, but come home when you’re ready. Be assured of your welcome. I take comfort knowing you are with Kameo.

  Your friend Ellyn stopped this morning to let you know she is fine. Her father is sending her to relatives until the unrest is over. Someone named Merik will know how to reach her if necessary.

  I love you both. Fairy dreams and hugs, Mother

  Kam set the note on the granite kitchen counter and looked at her sister. “Want a cup of tea or coffee?”

  Esty nodded and turned to pick up the kettle. “I’ll fix the tea. I guess he’s still angry.”

  “That’s how I read it. It won’t last. Father might be over it by now but not ready to admit it.”

  “I hope you’re right, but I’m not going home yet. I shouldn’t have to sneak around and hide my friends or activities.”

  “Are you referring to chasing desperate ruffians in the dark or nearly being burned to death?” Kam softened the sarcasm to avoid making things worse. “Come on, Esty. You’re not trained for that kind of risk. And our parents have never objected to our friends. Give them a break.”

  Esty concentrated on pouring tea and didn’t say anything.

  Kam studied her sister’s serious, almost mulish face. It must be hard for her parents to adjust to Esty’s maturing thoughts and feelings. Kam had struggled to hide the depths of her alarm when Esty spilled out the story of her friendship with Ellyn and the secretive trips at night in her efforts to unmask the rebel splinter group.

  She stifled a twinge of remorse for the anguish her own lifestyle must cause their parents. And she didn’t tell them everything. Not even close. She’d never mentioned the depth of her despair when she’d been imprisoned for days in a dungeon, or that she’d been shot deep in the mines and would surely have died if not for the titanite vest. She definitely wouldn’t be describing her close call in the lava tunnel.

  “So what do you plan to do?” Kam asked, breaking the silence.

  “Can I stay a couple of nights? I’ll go home after that, but I really need a little space.”

  “As long as you like. Seth and I won’t mind, but we could be suddenly called away if someone spots Jermon. Will you be OK here alone?”

  Esty rolled her eyes. “Really? How can you ask me that?”

  “Years of habit.” Kam laughed. “But if you’re going to be a grownup now, send a message to Mother so she won’t worry. And try to call or leave me a note when you’re away from the condo. I’ll do the same. I guess the first thing we should do is get you a phone. As soon as your note is sent, we’re going shopping.”

  Kam and Esty spent several hours in New Orleans’ shops. Esty bought a phone and a few new clothes that didn’t smell of smoke and were more appropriate for the Louisiana weather. Once the serious shopping was done, they’d roamed the small shops and markets along Decatur Street. Dusk had fallen by the time they finally stopped for lattes and beignets at a French Quarter cafe.

  “Not that I’ll be hungry after this,” Kam said. “But I bet Seth is thinking about dinner. I’m about shopped out anyway. What about you?”

  Before Esty could swallow a mouthful of pastry to answer, Kam’s phone rang. She smiled
. “Here he is now. Hi, sweetie.”

  “Where are you?”

  She straightened at his sharp tone. “The Quarter. Why?”

  “Your father’s here with me. He needs to talk with both of you.”

  “Oh, OK. We’ll be there as soon as we finish—”

  “No, you don’t understand. Merik Trevain’s been stabbed.”

  Kam gasped, repeated his words to Esty, and hit the speaker button so her sister could hear. “Is he dead?”

  “Not yet. But there’s more. Rhyden was the last person seen with him… and now he’s disappeared. Brunic wants to question him about a charge of attempted murder.”

  * * *

  “Where is Rhyden? Why would he try to kill Merik?” Esty demanded the moment she and Kam burst into Seth’s office. Both women were breathing hard from a sprint across town carrying the multiple bags from today’s shopping trip.

  Sawyer Ryndel sat on the near side of the round, polished-wood conference table; Seth leaned against the corner of his desk. Sawyer half-rose, then dropped back in his chair when Esty went to Seth first. Kam gave her father a nod of greeting.

  “I don’t know where he is, Esty.” Seth straightened and took her hands in his. “I’m leaving in a few minutes to find him. Brunic’s overreacting. A touch of guilt, maybe. Apparently, he told Rhyden that Merik was playing him false. Now, he’s got it in his head Rhyden confronted Merik with the accusation and stabbed him during a fight.”

  “I don’t believe it.”

  “I don’t either. He’d be more likely to bloody Merik’s nose.”

  Sawyer Ryndel stood and approached his younger daughter. “If it matters, I doubt it too. I may have thrown him out of my house, but it doesn’t mean I consider him capable of murder.”

  Esty’s chin came up. “You shouldn’t have done that.”