“Then you, too, are a threat to them, Corvus.”
“I am, but in a different way. They don’t know much of me. I am a mystery. The only people who know that I am anything other than your mentor and teacher are your parents and mine, the Galactic Guardians, and the High Priestess of Mayhinaeh. And Allynae, of course. My talents are unknown because we all worked to keep it that way.”
Almiralyn frowned. “But Thorlu does know you are more than you seem. I’m sure of it. And if he is Mocendi, he has ways of communicating with The MasTer.” She put her hand on his arm. “I think you must shift to Karrew and remain in that form whenever anyone else is around. It is imperative that no one know that you can shape shift or that you carry gifts unknown in this solar system.”
“What about Thorlu?”
She curled a strand of hair around her finger. “I can do a mind touch. If Thorlu hasn’t passed on the information, I can scramble his memories. Even if he has communicated, he will seem confused and inefficient. From what I hear of The MasTer, he doesn’t tolerate stupidity well.”
Corvus’ dimple deepened. “And how do you expect to get close enough to Thorlu to do this?”
Almiralyn slipped a ringlet from her finger, pulled the hair straight, and tucked it behind her ear. “It seems I owe him an apology for being so rude tonight. I will invite him to dinner tomorrow and make it up to him.”
“And what of the man here tonight? I am sure he is working with Mocendi.”
“He didn’t see you. We let people think that I took care of him on my own.”
A smile brought a gleam to Corvus’ dark eyes. “You did take care of him on your own. I arrived after the deed was done.”
Almiralyn laughed. “Thanks to Chertea and my trimala lessons and you.”
Corvus grew serious. “If I am to make the shift to Karrew and remain in that form, we must find a way to remove Corvus from the scene.” He stood and paced to the window.
Almiralyn admired his handsome profile, the moonlight highlighting his olive skin and blue-black hair, his lithe body. She forced her thoughts to follow another course. The idea of spending time with Thorlu was not one she relished. As though he sensed her mood shift, Corvus turned. Cool light glistened in his eyes. He crossed the room and took her hands.
“Tomorrow morning I will receive a message summoning me home on family business. You will bid me farewell, and I will leave immediately via the portal to the Desert of Fera Finnero on DerTah. From there I will travel to the Isle of Geran and from Geran back to KcernFensia via the mainland gateway. No one at the temple but you, Allynae, and the High Priestess know of my raven form. Allynae will deliver me to you as a gift before Thorlu arrives for dinner. By the time we leave for Myrrh, Karrew will be a fixture in your existence. Now, I’d better let Allynae and the High Priestess know what is going on. I also want to check on your attacker.”
The door closed quietly, leaving her alone in the quiet of her chambers. His plan is a good one, one I can support, especially since he’ll remain at my side. She sighed and crossed to her desk, where she proceeded to write an invitation to Thorlu for dinner the following evening.
At breakfast, Almiralyn joined Corvus, where he sat with Allynae and Thorlu. She bestowed a smile on each and slid into a vacant seat. “Good morning.”
Thorlu shot a sidelong glance at Corvus and returned her smile. “I received your most gracious apology, Almiralyn, and would be delighted to join you for dinner.”
Allynae spoke through a mouth full of food. “Corvus, I hear you’re headed home. Problems?”
“My father has requested my return.” He looked at Almiralyn. “I’m sorry to leave you, but this is of the utmost importance.”
Almiralyn took a sip of juice and set her glass on the table. “I understand. How long will you be away?”
He frowned. “As long as it takes to accomplish whatever he needs of me. I will keep you informed through the High Priestess.” He pressed a napkin to his lips and pushed his chair back. “Will you walk with me to the portal?”
“Of course.” She smiled at Allynae and nodded toward their table companion. I’ll see you tonight, Thorlu.” She felt his eyes on her back as she followed Corvus from the dining room. When they reached the hall, she grimaced. “I’m not looking forward to dinner. I do not trust or like that man.”
Corvus squeezed her hand. “I’ll be there, so you needn’t worry.” He collected a valise from his room and then headed for the portal. “Allynae will be keeping an eye on you. Take care. I’ll be back soon.” He leapt into the gateway and vanished.
A flood of loneliness washed over her. I miss you already, and you have only been gone seconds. She turned to find her brother hurrying toward her.
“I don’t trust Thorlu as far as I could toss him. Sure am glad Karrew will be with you tonight.”
“I agree on both counts. Let’s go and practice trimala. It will take our minds off unpleasant thoughts.”
Practice had gone well. Allynae was a good opponent. Quick, intelligent, and agile, he always gave her a good work out. Afterward, they showered and met for lunch. Conversation had been confined to the everyday. Thorlu had been sitting close by.
As dinner time approached and Allynae had not appeared with Karrew, she began to fidget. When she couldn’t put it off any longer, she opened her closet. It was time to dress for the evening. She didn’t expect trouble, but she did expect the man to make advances. With great care, she selected a floor-length skirt of blue silk and a tailored blouse to match. Her long, silver-blonde hair was coiled in a low figure eight at the nape of her neck. Small sapphire earrings added a final touch of elegance. A glance in the mirror informed her that she looked good, but not like a woman who desired anything other than an enjoyable social evening.
A knock ignited a spark of hope. It expired with Allynae’s entrance. He was empty handed. No Karrew.
He shut the door and faced her, his expression grim. “He hasn’t returned, Almiralyn. I don’t like it. You can’t dine alone with that man. The way he looks at you makes my skin crawl.”
Almiralyn paced to the window and stared across the garden. The moon, barely cresting the horizon, sent a jewel path of light skimming over the sea. Her instincts nagged at her. Something is very wrong. Corvus has never once broken a promise to me. Why now? The only possible reason—he’s in trouble.
She faced Allynae. “Corvus is in trouble. I know it. You have a friend in Thorlu’s guard, right? See if you can find out anything. Be back here by half ten. I’ll plead a headache and be rid of him early.”
“I’m not leaving you. Corvus can take care of himself.”
“So, dear brother, can I.” Danger filled the statement.
He frowned. “The only reason I’ll go is because you have temple guards outside both your main and balcony doors. If he tries anything—”
A knock on the hall door interrupted. “Go, Alli, It’s Thorlu. Be back here no later than half ten.” She gave him a push toward the balcony. “You’ll have to shape shift.”
He scowled, muttered under his breath about hating to use DiMensionery, and stepped onto the balcony.
Almiralyn schooled her expression to pleasure and opened the door. The Mocendi’s patronizing smile made her bristle. Fighting to keep her expression serene, she motioned him into the room. “Good evening, Thorlu.”
He clasped her hands. “My dear Almiralyn, how lovely you look.” He glanced around the room. “I thought I heard voices…”
Withdrawing her hands, she sank gracefully onto a chair. “As you can see, I am alone.” She indicated the seat opposite hers. “Please join me. Dinner will be served shortly.”
He chose instead to sit on the couch and patted the spot next to him. A beguiling smile curved his lips, but left his eyes cool and speculative. “Why don’t you join me, Almiralyn? Or do I make you nervous?”
The arrival of dinner delivered by kitchen staff saved her from making a less than polite retort. Rising, she crossed to th
e food laden sideboard and opened a bottle of sparkling water. “I apologize for the lack of wine, but I have a heavy training schedule. I can, of course, send for a bottle if you would prefer.”
He accepted a crystal glass, studied the bubbles as they rose to the top, and took a sip. “I never imbibe alone. So tell me…did Corvus get away?”
Placing her glass on the elegant table overlooking the garden and ocean beyond, she held out a plate. “He did. Shall we serve our meal?”
Thorlu set his glass down, removed the plate from her hand, and returned it to the sideboard. He slid an arm around her waist and pressed a hand against her back. Her breasts brushed his muscled chest. His smile grew languid, his eyelids drooped.
She forced herself to remain relaxed. “I invited you for dinner, Thorlu. Not for anything beyond good food, good company, and good conversation. If you want more, you will need to look elsewhere.”
He held her tighter. Nimble fingers undid her bun. The heat of his breath brushed her ear. He pressed his lips to hers.
She touched his cheek. His arms went flaccid and dropped to his sides. Surprise replaced by a dawning suspicion registered in the depth of his eyes. She stepped away. “I am happy to enjoy a meal with you, Thorlu. Then you will leave. Of course, I understand if you would prefer to go now.”
His brow furrowed. “What did you just do?” Hostility edged his voice.
“I protected myself.” She crossed the room and opened the door. “You should leave.”
He glared down at her. “You have made an enemy tonight, Guardian of Myrrh.” Brushing past her, he strode from sight.
A guard stepped into view. “Are you alright?”
“I am. Thank you for being here.”
He nodded. “My pleasure.”
She shut the door and remained with her hand on the knob for some time, her thoughts racing. What she had seen in Thorlu’s mind in the short moment when she had taken control left her shaken. The Mocendi had Corvus. The MasTer knew where she was. And reinforcements were headed to KcernFensia. She stretched her senses to encompass the island on which the temple stood. Allynae, where are you? I need you now. He wouldn’t miss the urgency of her message if he was close enough to hear.
Allynae strolled along the water’s edge, tumultuous thoughts resisting his efforts to sort through them. Thorlu’s arrival at the temple on the Isle of RayTucans had sent a wave of consternation throughout KcernFensia’s three main continents. Everyone knew the destruction that resulted from a Mocendi takeover.
I almost wish I had accepted the position of a Freeman on the planet’s governing body, the Council of Thirteen. If I had, Thorlu would not be dining with my sister.
He picked up the emptied shell of a small Tucan crab and studied the intricate pattern of colors. His jaw tightened. Thorlu is with Almiralyn. Strong fingers crushed the shell and scattered the pieces over the sand as he strode purposefully across the beach.
When he reached the gardens a short distance from her residence, he ducked behind a tree. The guards on either side of her balcony door did little to ease his anxiety. All seemed well, and yet… His natural reluctance to use the Arts of DiMensionery left him floundering in uncertainty. I need to know she’s alright. Uneasiness flowing like a river though his veins, he stretched his senses outward. Almiralyn’s mental signature seemed to have vanished.
A knot of fear formed in his throat. He swallowed, surrounded himself with a spell of invisibility, and masked his mind. With caution as a cloak and stealth as his shield, he advanced toward the residence hall. A safe distance from Almiralyn’s balcony, he crouched behind a tall hedge. His mind probe could find no trace of his sister. Where are you, girl?
Inching forward, he peered between the leaves of a thick bush. A hand on his arm froze him into immobility, his heart hammering.
“Don’t move. Don’t think. Back up slowly.” Thick shields obscured the figure beside him.
He shot a final glance at the balcony and did as instructed. A flash of intense cold left him shivering. He peered into the dim grayness of a small building. The gentle slap of water told him where he stood—in the boathouse on the far shore of the island. His captor’s shields lowered.
Relief quieted his pounding heart. He gave his sister a quick hug, matched her shield strength as it snapped into place, and waited her next move. Gooseflesh skated over his skin. Darkness muffled his senses. A small flame flared.
The wards protecting Almiralyn shimmered and vanished. “We’re safe to talk here.” Her expression was serious but calm.
Allynae released his shield. “Where are we?”
“In a well-hidden room beneath the temple. The Mocendi have Corvus, Alli, and The MasTer has discovered my whereabouts.”
“Have you informed the High Priestess?” Admiration for his sister’s calm held his voice steady.
“She has already shielded the temple grounds and the island.”
“Do you have a plan?”
She brushed loosened hair back from her face. Determination replaced her calm. “We rescue Corvus.”
Allynae frowned. “Do you know where he is?”
“He’s on the mainland, imprisoned in Cryeb Canyon. The MasTer’s Elite Guard is there with him.”
He rubbed the beginnings of a mustache and shook his head. “Mira, we are only two. How do you expect us to snatch Corvus away from the Elite Guard of the Mocendi League?”
She shot him a grim smile. “And from the reinforcements that are on the way.”
Dismay filled his next utterance. “Mira, we don’t even know if he’s alive. How on KcernFensia―”
Her hand flew up. A finger touched her lips. Narrowed eyes seemed to penetrate the darkness.
He peered at her and waited.
With a relieved smile, she lowered her hand to rest on his arm. “He’s alive and ready to help.”
Cold flashed. The dark room vanished. Tall sculpted rock formations surrounded them.
“Jeez, Mira,” he sputtered, “Warn me next time, would ya?” He scanned the terrain. “Cryeb Canyon?”
An abstracted nod was his only response. Shrugging his impatience aside, he kept his attention focused on his sister’s expressionless face. Her eyes widened. Pallor bleached her fair complexion. Her pupils dilated. Ragged, raspy breaths preceded the buckling of her knees.
Allynae scooped her up in his arms and closed his eyes. Summoning the full extent of his DiMensioner’s power, he encircled them both with protective wards and wished them as far from the canyon as he could imagine. When he opened his eyes, he was startled to find that they were on a crowded, city walkway. A tall, multi-tiered building caught his eye. “Da’am! Didn’t think I had it in me. Never teleported anything before.”
Almiralyn’s eyes flew open and searched her surroundings. Understanding registered. “I’m fine, Alli. Put me down.”
Complying, he kept a steadying hand on her elbow. She drew him into a sheltered doorway, pulled long hair back from her face, and flicked it into a knot at the nape of her neck. All the while her gaze scanned the teeming city street. “Gedosson, the busiest metropolis in EeClarot. I couldn’t have chosen better myself. Not only are we a long way from the canyon, we’re on the opposite side of the planet from RayTucans and the temple.” She squeezed his arm. “Well done, Alli.”
He frowned. “Mira, teleporting is not one of my strengths…”
She shrugged. “Stranger things have happened.”
He let it go. “What happened to you?”
“Thorlu found us.”
“He’s that powerful?”
She shrugged. “There are two of us, three once we rescue Corvus.”
“You seem pretty sure of our abilities, sis.”
She squeezed his arm. “We have no choice but to win this battle. Your talents as a DiMensioner are greater than you know. One thing is certain—together we are more powerful than Thorlu.” She returned her attention to the street. “We’ve been stationary too long. Time to move.”
/>
He considered refusing to use DiMensionery. Almiralyn’s knowing expression made him shove the thought away. Not the time to be stubborn. Once this is over, I can leave it behind. He sighed. “Am I correct in assuming that in a crowded city we’ll be harder to track?”
“You are. As soon as we’re sure we’ve lost them, we can go back to Cryeb.”
He swallowed a skeptical retort and kept his tone neutral. “Corvus would not want you to put yourself at risk for him. He’s talented and smart, Mira. I’m bettin’ he can take care of himself.”
As though she had not heard, Almiralyn guided him from the doorway and along the crowded street. At the corner, she hesitated, turned left, dodged onto a narrow, twisted lane. Midway down, the door to a small shoppe stood ajar. Again, she paused, seemed to peruse the merchandise in the window, and with a quick glance back the way they had come, pulled him into the dimly lit shoppe.
Strange smells assailed his nostrils. His nose twitched in preparation for a sneeze. He rubbed it away and studied the cluttered interior. “Where are we?”
“A friend of Corvus.” Blue eyes beneath furrowed brows blinked up at him. “Not what I expected,” she whispered.
A beaded curtain swayed and rattled. A soft clacking accompanied the gnarled figure of an elderly woman into the room. Arthritic hands motioned him to lock the door and follow. Almiralyn gave him a reassuring nod.
Allynae hesitated. Better know what you’re doing, sis. He threw the lock and slipped after her beyond the curtain.
Moving with more speed than he thought possible, the old woman led them down a dim hallway. At the end, she paused and pressed something into Almiralyn’s hand. “For our friend.” She gave withered lips a lick. “Be gone, future Guardian of Myrrh. Mocendi are not far behind.”
The UnFolding Collection Two Page 66