Eire of Mystery
Page 59
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Under vermillion Lore skies, there sat a tree in a hilly, golden terrain with occasional outcroppings of dark rock. The shape of the Lore tree was reminiscent of the Verden olive variety, with its contoured, thick trunk and gnarled limbs, but with an immensity that was comparable to Verden sequoias. The vast leaves were white, dappled with green and sporadic shades of ochre.
Within the thick foliage was what some described as an opulent tree house. It varied in level, having rooms and platforms that widely ranged in size, and occupied most the spacious upper boughs in a circular design. It was there, in her most remote of Lore havens, that Saraid brooded and schemed.
Initially, she was unconcerned about the motivations of why that lump of a morpher, Kazimir, attacked her. Saraid was thinking more of how to both remove that particular warrior from play, and how she might secure Jane McCarthy for personal use.
She wondered if the human girl was being guarded by Kazimir. Possibilities hinged on whether the morpher acted of his own volition, or if he was following the orders of another; one who possibly knew about Jane's gift and was actually was concerned with her welfare. If the attack was for personal reasons, then Saraid could ignore any ideas of conspiracy. Then again, if another took Kazimir's place if he were somehow removed, it would be proof that there was a plot afoot. In any event, her first steps toward claiming the prize had to be cautious ones.
Saraid finally thought of why Kazimir attacked; the obvious answer was Gideon. That simpering little morpher had ties to the McCarthy girl, and was protective of her. It was also known that on the whole, morphers were a close-knit race, however animalistic and scavenging. A favor could have been offered to the brawny warrior to deny Saraid her prize.
In order to draw Kazimir away from his supposed post, Saraid needed leverage, something dear to him. The only fae she knew of to fit that description was Gideon, but he was already banished and hidden somewhere. So what else was important to Kazimir? Battle.
Saraid wondered how to call warriors to arms, noble trolls and haughty Fair fae alike, or any others of militant mindset. The answer was Ballaghadaere, or more specifically, its otherworldly inhabitants. Those rebellious fae were concertedly defying the magistrate Ryder in carrying out his duties. In resisting the magistrate they were resisting the Circle of Prudence itself, and in a manner that she would describe in the future as defiant glee.
Saraid thought there were few better reasons for a campaign to form than righteous indignation. If it took a small war to remove Kazimir or any others from her path, then war it would be. Saraid had no concern for the possible outcomes of the plan, save one: hers.
One of her nymphs quickly arrived when Saraid called for her. She held out a recently written scroll and ordered, "Take this to the estate of Devlin Ryder. He is most likely away, so do not wait for a reply if he is. Afterwards, gather four of the other servants and search for a leprechaun named Vaughn. Once found, and by any means necessary, I request his presence."
The little nymph took the scroll and darted off. Finally relaxed and in much better spirits, Saraid laid back and absently stared out through the dense foliage to her lands beyond. Slowly, her beautiful face formed a wicked smile.