"No,” she cried, jackknifing her body beneath his.
"I will have you now,” he panted, forcing his knee between her thighs. He pressed his hips against her and she felt his stiff maleness. “See what you do to me."
Regan went very still. She forced herself to smile. “Yes, I do see.” Fighting bile, she moved her hips against him. “It would be better if my hands were free."
"So you've come to your senses,” he said, returning her smile.
"Let me show you.” She watched doubt cloud his eyes. “What can I do anyway? The glade's bespelled.” More rage almost gagged her at the words. Her hands were released, and she heard his gasp as she cupped them around him.
"Yes,” he murmured as she stroked his length.
She locked her gaze with his, and slowly smiled as she mentally recited the words of the spell.
Inside her cupped hands, she felt him shrivel. His eyes darkened in shock. He brought his hand up and caressed her bare breast, teasing the nipple with his thumb and forefinger.
In her hands, he remained flaccid, and she gave him a little squeeze. “Is there a problem?” she asked, never taking her gaze from his.
The elven prince rolled from her with a frown. “I don't understand. This has never happened before.” Regan raised an eyebrow and his face reddened.
"Perhaps you're trying too hard,” she offered.
He stood. “I'm just tired. It's been a long day. I need some rest. I will come back later tonight."
She patted the pillow beside her. “Lie here and rest with me."
He backed toward the door. “No. I'll return shortly.” He opened the door, walked through and then shut it behind him.
She smiled spitefully at the closed door for a pleased moment, then fear wiped it from her face and made her heart race. The spell. This time it had worked, she thought, pulling the ripped gown together in front of her. They do have to be written in the book. Oh, God, somehow I've got to get to Peter and warn him.
She rolled from the pillows. The gown wound around her legs and wrapped them in a cocoon of silk. With an exasperated cry she jerked them free and stood.
Kicking the gown out ahead of her with each step, she paced. “The spells I write in Vilsathor work, but how far away could they be heard?” She crossed to the book and pen and picked them up. Gnawing on the pen's end, she nodded. She spit into another mound of scraped-together ash, and then dipped the pen into it and wrote:
"Friend or stranger, hear my plea, save me from his planned destiny.
Trapped within this evil hall, help me please, and heed my call."
At her last written word the page again glowed, the words flashed scarlet, then returned to charcoal grayness. She stared at the page, then closed the book. “Now all I can do is wait."
* * * *
Regan's eyes snapped open and she bolted to a sitting position. “I fell asleep. I can't believe it."
She scrubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. What had woken her? Was Darrian back for another try?” She heard the tinkle of reins and the whinny of a horse. “Regan, are you in there?” a recognized voice yelled.
"Ben?” She stood and ran to the door. “Get me out. Darrian has the door spelled."
She heard murmuring voices, then a woman answered. “It shouldn't be hard. Darrian only knows the basics of magic.” Regan heard words spoken in a language unknown to her and then the door was pushed open. Darrian's Aunt Margeaux entered, a joyous smile lighting her face. “Ben was right. It was your call he heard."
A shadow fell across the threshold and Ben entered. “Regan!” He swept her into his arms protectively. “I couldn't believe it when I heard your call for help.” Ben's gaze traveled around the seduction chamber, then back to Regan and the torn gown she held together. They kindled with anger. “Did that young whelp hurt you?"
She pushed herself from his arms. “Darrian is the least of my concerns right now. I have to get beyond Vilsathor so I can contact Kelsey."
Ben frowned. “What has happened?"
"I will tell you as we ride."
He turned toward the door. “After your call I went to the stable and Gilda was there. Margeaux thought she came to me on her own, but I knew better. She's outside."
Regan grabbed her notebook and ran through the door. Gilda stood where she had left her earlier, and Regan spared a moment to scratch between the mare's white-tipped ears. “We must hurry. Queen Tessa expects an attack by Dirkk anytime now,” she said over her shoulder to Ben and Margeaux.
Ben came to stand beside her. “You will freeze in that gown."
"I brought you clothes,” Margeaux said, handing Regan a tunic, trousers, and short, leather boots. At Ben's surprised look she shrugged. “I know my nephew's ways."
Regan stripped the gown free and scrambled into the tunic and trousers. “Thanks,” she said as she pulled the boots onto her feet and placed her notebook in the shirt's side pocket.
She swung up into the mare's saddle, then nudged Gilda's side and galloped toward the field that waited beyond the trees.
* * * *
Regan gazed across the Queen's River while she answered Ben's question. “Peter doesn't know the spell won't work unless written in the book. And he thinks I'm dead. He won't think twice of casting it on his own, and that would be suicide.” She urged Gilda forward. “Once we're on the other side, I can use the earrings to call Kelsey."
"Once you enter the river, you are out of Vilsathor. You can call Kelsey then,” Margeaux said.
Gilda jumped into the river, drenching Regan from head to toe. What had Kelsey and Peter been feeling these past hours? she wondered. She bent close over Gilda's neck. “Hurry, my lady, hurry."
* * * *
Peter heard footsteps approach from behind him and stilled himself for still more senseless arguing. He tightened the cinch on Skylar's saddle and circled to the stallion's head.
"You're still determined to go?” Kelsey asked.
"She is not inside there. I know she is not."
She placed her hand on his arm. “Wait for the elven emissary, then we will find out for sure,” she said.
"And let whoever has taken her have even more of a head start?” He shook his head. “No, I think not.” He shrugged her hand from his arm, walked to Skylar's side and swung up into the saddle.
She gripped his leg. “Peter, don't be a fool. Don't you think I want her to be okay as much as you?"
He said nothing, just turned Skylar's head toward the stable door.
Rourk entered. “The emissary from Vilsathor has arrived. He waits with Queen Tessa and Angus at the castle steps."
"Hear him out, then you can ride for Dirkk's fortress,” Kelsey urged.
Peter looked beyond them toward Raya's walls, then nodded brusquely. “I will hear him."
* * * *
Kelsey's face went white. “Then what you're saying is if the cave's entrance was gone, then the cave is gone too. It became solid rock?"
The elf nodded. “The cave exists only if the Nagberry bush is in front of its entrance. Whoever removed the spelled bush unformed the cave."
"And if someone was still inside?” Tessa asked the question on everyone's lips.
The elf shook his head and turned away.
Peter's gaze shifted from the elf to Queen Tessa. He stared into the queen's face for a moment, then turned his back and walked toward Skylar.
"Where are you going?” Tessa asked.
"I am going to find Regan."
Rourk grabbed Peter's arm as he passed. “There was no other way out,” the tall bearded man said.
"Regan was not in that cave,” Peter said in a calm, sure voice. “I would know if she were dead."
Harsh laughter rang out from behind the two men. “You would know. How would you know? Because of your great love? Days ago you didn't even know my sister, now you think you'd know if she still lived?"
The two men faced Kelsey's colorless, sneering face.
"You do not unders
tand...” Peter began, but Kelsey cut him off.
"No, it is you who won't understand. My sister is dead.” Her hands clenched into fists and she took a step toward them, then crumpled like a damp dishrag to the ground. “Oh, God, Regan is dead. This can't be real,” she moaned, then cradled her head with her hands. Tessa rushed to her, knelt and pulled Kelsey into her arms. Kelsey pressed her face into Tessa's shoulder, then abruptly jerked away and scrambled to her feet. “I should never have sent for her,” she said, shaking her head. “It's my fault."
Tessa reached for her, but Kelsey jumped back and turned to glare in the direction of Dirkk's black fortress. “You should have taken me,” she screamed, then ran with a lurching gait toward the stable.
"I will get her and take her to her room,” Angus said, following her.
Tessa sought Peter's eyes with a face void of color. “You will not go, not for now,” she ordered with a stony voice. “I will not have your death to contend with, too. You are not strong enough to face Dirkk alone. This is an order. Do you understand?"
His face hardened to granite. “I hear, my queen,” he said, making the last two words a curse. Then he spun on his heels and strode stiffly away.
* * * *
Peter stood in the queen's private forest in the center of the field where he had only yesterday told Regan of his feelings. “Are they right? Am I fool to believe that you still live?” he said into the dense greenness of the trees. Tears clouded his vision. “You said this time we would not be parted.” Pain's hand squeezed his heart and he fought against the sobs that choked his throat.
"Peter,” Angus's voice called from the solar door.
Peter rubbed his eyes. “One moment more and I will join you,” he called back.
* * * *
Angus stood with his back to Peter, staring into the fireplace. He turned as Peter approached. “A memorial is planned for tomorrow, then you are free to ride for Dirkk's,” Angus said, “and I would like to go with you."
"As long as you know I go to rescue Regan, not avenge her,” Peter said.
Angus stared at him a long moment, then looked away. “It makes no difference. I will still ride by your side."
"Then you are welcome,” Peter said. “How is Kelsey?"
"They've given her something to help her sleep."
"What I give her tomorrow will help her more than any herb,” Peter said.
Angus glanced at him. “Perhaps so, but for now she needs rest. How are you?"
"How am I? Angry at being kept on a leash by Tessa, but I will do as she commands."
"Then how about joining me in a mug of ale?"
"Do you think we will both fit?” Peter held up his hands in mock fear at Angus's scowl. “Yes, I know, an old, worn-out joke, but suddenly that is how I feel—old and worn out. I will pass on the ale. It is my room for me."
"I will walk with you,” Angus said.
Peter stared into the dwarf's eyes. “You are to watch me?” he said. “Tessa does not trust me?"
The dwarf looked away. “Only until tomorrow."
Peter laughed bitterly. “Then we will both do as our queen commands. Come, good dwarf, I have a fine wine in my room."
* * * *
In the river's cold wash of water, Regan touched an earring and called for her sister. “Kelsey, Kelsey, can you hear me?” Regan's mind touched darkness and drugged pain. What is wrong? Why doesn't she answer? “Kelsey, we've no time! Answer me!"
Small whimpers entered Regan's mind. “Regan, Regan—my fault, all my fault."
"It's Regan. I'm here!"
A portion of the drugged, dull curtain lifted. “Regan?"
"Listen..."
"You are alive?"
An extreme wave of joy almost knocked Regan from Gilda's back, instantly to be replaced by pulsing anger. “Where the hell are you?"
"I'm crossing the Queen's River. Ben and Margeaux are with me."
"I don't understand!"
"It's a long story and now's not the time. Is Peter there?"
"Downstairs. I'll go to him. Tell me what happened."
"Darrian took me."
Kelsey's thoughts stumbled. “Damn him, I'll contact you once I find Peter."
"No. Wait.” But Kelsey was gone.
Ben rode up beside Regan. “Did you talk to her?"
Regan nodded as Gilda surged from the river and up the steep bank on the other side. “She went to find Peter."
Margeaux came abreast of them, opened her mouth to speak, then gasped, and grasped her head with both of her hands.
"What's wrong?” Ben said.
Margeaux lifted her head and looked at them with a white face and shadowed eyes. “We are needed. Dirkk's beasts have attacked another village. I am sorry, Regan. Can you find your way from here?"
Regan nodded. “If I can't, I'm sure Gilda can."
"We will join you at Raya as soon as we are finished,” Margeaux said. She nudged her horse in the side.
Ben reached across and grasped Regan's hand. “We will be together again soon.” He galloped after Margeaux.
Regan watched them disappear among the trees, then urged Gilda forward. “Come, lady, we must hurry."
"It is good to talk with you again."
"It's very good."
Regan leaned close to Gilda's neck, and the mare raced toward Raya, her mane flying behind like a banner, its strands whipping against and tangling around Regan's arms.
The trees flew by in a brown-green blur and Regan soon saw the walls marking the entrance to Kelsey's vacated camp.
Why hasn't Kelsey gotten back to me, she wondered briefly as Gilda broke free of the trees. Ahead, she saw the Queen's River and felt the mare's stride lengthen as she found her footing on the stone of the King's Road.
Regan lifted her head and saw the Williz mountains and the two peaks that marked the entrance to Peaks’ Pass. At this rate I'll be at the barricade before Kelsey speaks to me again. Suddenly, just ahead of them, black shapes leapt into the road. Gilda veered to the right and Regan stiffened in her saddle as she saw the bank of the river rush toward them. She jerked on the reins, and Gilda veered back to the left, straight at the mass of black surging toward them. She felt the mare's muscles tighten. She's going to jump. Regan leaned close and pressed her face against Gilda's neck but, instead of jumping, Gilda screamed and reared. The reins tore free of Regan's hands. Her body jerked back, then flew forward over Gilda's head as the mare came down. She saw a mass of black writhing, then she slammed into the ground.
* * * *
Regan woke to the sway of Gilda's gait. She cracked an eye open and groaned as sunlight stabbed straight to her brain. Every muscle in her body ached.
"Lady, are you okay?” All she received from Gilda was a wild surge of fright. “What is it? Talk to me."
"The snake ones have us,” the mare sent, her mind voice trembling.
Regan slowly turned her head to the right and looked down. Squirming along the road beside them was an escort of Black Vipers. She glanced up higher and saw gray-rocked cliffs flanked them. “Gilda, how long was I out?"
"I have walked a long time since you floated onto my back."
"Floated?"
"You rose off the ground and floated onto my back."
"How...? Never mind, I'm afraid I know. Where are they taking us?"
"We climb."
Regan sat up in the saddle. Just ahead of them loomed a dark castle. As she watched, a drawbridge creaked down across a wide, green-slimed moat. At the tallest turret, a banner waved. It was a red griffin on a field of black. Fear gnawed her stomach. She knew who she would find inside those dark walls. Regan touched her earring and screamed for Kelsey."Regan. I've been trying to reach you for hours."
"Black Vipers have me. They're taking me inside the walls of a black castle."
"Is the banner a red griffin?"
"Yes."
"You're being taken to Crag Castle and Dirkk."
Regan heard Gilda's hooves stri
ke the wood of the lowered bridge. “Kelsey, is Peter with you? I must tell him...” Regan's body tingled from head to foot, then went cold. Kelsey's presence dissolved. “No,” she cried.
A green-robed figure awaited her in the courtyard, its face hidden by a black mask. Beneath the mask, green eyes glittered up at her. “Welcome, Regan,” Dirkk said. “You have done well."
Regan frowned. “What do you mean?"
Dirkk smiled, then waved his hand and said. “Remember."
Chapter 21
REGAN'S BLANK STARE remained fixed on the man who lounged on the enormous black-and-gold throne. She was careful to blink only when his green eyes strayed from her. She had ceased her moaning and now faked a deep, catatonic shock. She wasn't sure how much longer she could fool him, but every minute gave her more time to plan her escape.
Beneath his molded mask, his probing eyes suddenly swung back to her and she inwardly flinched. Muscles corded along the arm that lay draped with practiced casualness along the throne's back. The fingers of his right hand ceaselessly fondled the head of a golden eagle medallion that lay against his chest. The eagle's eyes were emeralds of glinting green, twins to Dirkk's own piercing orbs.
The chamber's only illumination was a large globe embedded in the floor between them. Dirkk looked away from her again, and Regan's eyes shifted from the man to the circle of light. The light inside the globe ebbed and flowed as if it were alive and trapped, the same as she. It flared and dulled and then, as Regan watched, a miniature army of marching Ru'taha and Black Vipers formed in its center. She gasped and leaned closer, then grimaced as from the throne she heard a dry chuckle. “You give yourself away, Regan."
She abandoned pretense and glared at him in loathing. “Haven't I done enough for you?"
Dirkk shrugged, then unfolded from the throne and walked to where she stood. He glanced down at the globe, then tapped it with the end of his middle finger. “This little bauble is how I command my pets. Would you like a demonstration?"
"Yes,” Regan blurted. She would have agreed to almost anything to keep him from forcing more answers from her. The despair she had felt when Dirkk revealed the memories of their previous encounters rose again. That single word, remember, had sent Regan's head reeling.
The Blue Flame [Book 1 of the Daradawn Series] Page 26
