Rhea shifted her stance, watching the freed men mill about the barn door, waiting their turn to bathe. She couldn’t risk her mother’s disappointment for using her gift to terrorize the prisoners.
Randell just shrugged. "We need to find out more about these stones. If Lord Pelyn has escaped across the ocean to Terranees, and if we plan to pursue him, we need to do so the same way."
Rhea nodded. "If we try to chase him in our ship, he could just jump back here or any other place where there is a weakness in the veil."
"From what I know of the domains of Terranees, the title of Lord is not used there." Gaibel pursed her lips.
"You think he's from a realm?" asked Randell.
"I'd rather not speculate right now," said Gaibel, "but the thought had crossed my mind. He's not from Taulomi, that's for certain."
She would know, thought Rhea. Being one of the three commanders leading the warrior forces in Taulomi, Gaibel was privy to those who held any kind of rank. Rhea tensed. "You think he's from Sentran?"
"I didn't say that. He could be from Laundan. What do we really know of Laundan's involvement? Honestly, I find it hard to believe that they could allow their uniforms to be stolen and used by a band of thieves and murderers."
Rhea's throat constricted. The sudden need to defend Taulin and his realm surprised her. Perhaps it was because the Libraim, the entity of energy, had indicated that she should trust him.
Randell placed a warm hand on Rhea's shoulder, having seen her aura flare. "We should probably have this discussion later, when representatives from each realm are present."
Rhea nodded and shook off the protectiveness she'd suddenly felt for Taulin. She didn't understand what had come over her. "There is a room with books and journals," said Rhea, squaring her shoulders and turning to the house. "I'm going to start searching it, see if I can find something useful." Not waiting for anyone to dissuade her, she headed for the kitchen door.
"What just happened?" Gaibel looked at Randell.
"I'd be careful what you say about Laundan."
Gaibel's brows drew together and she looked over her shoulder, glimpsing Rhea before she disappeared inside. "Is there something I should know?"
Randell looked at the kitchen door. "I can't say."
~~~
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The Channel (The Gifted Book 2) Page 35