“Why do I suddenly feel like a meal?” Jala asked, voicing his unspoken thoughts.
“Ah, here she is now!” a loud voice announced to the gathering.
Kellan turned.
Lady Samara, dressed in her native white garment—except that this one was cut down to her naval—descended the stairs on the arm of the Ellvinian Ship Captain, Chandal.
An Ellvinian walked by and whispered in his ear. “You will have eyes for no one but Samara this evening.”
“What…?”
On the other side, another hushed voice said, “Your heart races for the Lady Samara.”
Kellan looked back at the Ellvinian woman descending the stairs and a slow smile spread over his features. Extricating himself from the girls, he started toward the lovely creature that filled so many of his thoughts of late. He heard Jala complain, but ignored her protests, his attention now all on the dark-haired beauty of his dreams.
* * * * *
“Where is he going?” Jala demanded with her hands on her hips. “He just warned us to stick together and off he goes!”
“I am sure he will not be long,” Izzy said, trying to sound reassuring but failing miserably.
“How could he just leave us like this? And, where did all these Ellvinians come from?” Jala shook her head. “Let’s find Dallin and Elon. It is not like them to leave us among so many strangers.” She suddenly felt very exposed as black eyes leered down at her from every direction.
Recalling Kellan’s last words to her, Jala grabbed Izzy’s hand and held on firmly. Even though Kellan seemed to have deserted them, she had promised she would not let go of Izzy’s hand, and she intended to fulfill that promise.
One of the Ellvinians reached out and touched her hair, and she wrenched away from him. His mocking laughter infuriated her. How dare these visitors take such liberty? In a panic now, she twisted her head, but it was impossible to see anything. Where was Dallin Storm? Her guard had followed her down the stairs, she was sure of it. And, Ebon Aubry, the Elven Gladewatcher? That woman would never leave Izzy alone.
Jala spun frantically. Everywhere she turned a black-haired Elf blocked her way.
“I don’t like this,” Izzy said, her voice cracking in fear.
“Me, either.” She looked over at her young friend who reminded her of a delicate white flower in a dark, dense forest. Jala smiled and cupped her face. “I will not let anything happen to you. Just do not let go of my hand. We will go find Kellan or at least Dallin and Elon.”
Izzy nodded and pressed her body closer. Jala pushed their way through the crowd. She just needed to find a location to see over the heads of the Elves so she could find their protectors. In all likelihood, Dallin was just as earnestly looking for her as she was him. She could almost hear his lecture in her mind and for once, she would not complain.
Still, try as she might to convince herself that she and Dallin were innocently separated, the blatant facts were difficult to ignore. Her protector would never allow her to disappear into a crowd. Never. That could only mean that her dear Dallin was most likely incapacitated in some way.
She managed to drag Izzy to the far end of the ballroom when she spotted one of the mayor’s servants winding her way through the crowd while balancing a tray. Jala quickly ran to her. “Pardon me.”
The girl immediately dropped into a curtsy. “Yes, Your Graces.”
“I was wondering if you have seen Prince Kellan.”
The girl shook her head, obviously frazzled with all of the visitors. “No, Your Grace.”
She did not bother to ask about Dallin or Elon, sure that the girl would not even know who they were.
“Thank you,” she said, and the girl scurried off.
Jala made her way back to the corner, but two Ellvinian males in particular continued to eye their progress. She almost called forth a ball of fire just to wipe the smirks from their dark faces. Dark faces that held dark intent, she was sure of it.
“I have had enough of this. We should go back to our rooms,” she declared and Izzy quickly agreed.
Suddenly, a tall shadow appeared before her and she was not surprised to see one of the smirking Elves.
“Why, what do we have here?” he asked impudently and reached out to touch Izzy’s hair. “I have never seen a white-haired Elf before. You are very beautiful.”
“Don’t touch her,” Jala hissed, pulling Izzy behind her. She glared up at the tall Elf and swallowed, reminding herself that she was safe, that this man was the guest here and help was just a shout or a summons away. She put her arm around Izzy’s waist and tried to walk around the man.
He stepped in front of them again.
“Please leave us or I will scream,” she threatened, craning her neck to look up at him with authority.
His black eyes grabbed a hold of hers and did not let go. A pure and commanding song drifted from his mouth. “You were just going to return to your room.”
“No, I…my, what a lovely song,” she commented.
“Your room.”
“Yes, come Izzy, let us go now to our rooms.” She turned to walk around the Elf, but was yanked back when Izzy did not move.
With a frown, she noticed the man holding onto Izzy’s shoulders.
“Your little friend will stay with me while you will return to your room.” He reached out and pried Izzy’s hand from hers, breaking all contact. “You wish for nothing more than to sleep in your big bed. You are getting very tired.”
She started to shake her head, but the song was so beautiful.
“You are tired now and wish to lie down in your room,” he sang to her firmly.
“Yes,” she repeated, wallowing in the alluring texture of his voice.
“No!” Izzy screamed and clawed for her hand, grabbing it tight once again. The man quickly looked into Izzy’s eyes and sang his dazzling cadence in her ear.
“What are you waiting for?” the Elf asked her.
“I wish to go to my room now.”
“Aye! You do.”
Without another word, Jala dropped Izzy’s hand, turned and made her way to the stairs forgetting all about her worry of the dark Elves, her young friend, and her promise.
CHAPTER 12
IMMUNITY
Kellan knew he was acting the fool, but could not help himself as he twirled Samara across the cobblestones. The mayor’s gala had spilled out through the open arched doorway and into the moonlit courtyard beyond. Flickering torches gave the evening a dreamlike feel as they danced the Stecci. With impeccable timing, they came apart while still holding hands high in the space between them. Eyes locked on each other, they circled three times and then took a step back for the obligatory bow and curtsy before pressing together once again.
Samara’s tinkling laugh lit up the night and she leaned in close to him to sniff his hair. “Mmm…”
Kellan pulled his head back to look at her. “Lady Samara, I must ask why you keep doing that.”
“Because you smell so good.”
Kellan blinked in confusion. While he did wash lightly at the basin in his room before the gala, it had been a few days since his last bath.
She laughed as though she had just read his mind. “It is getting late. Would you mind escorting me to my room?”
“Of course not, my lady.” Kellan dropped his embrace and put his hand on the small of her back to guide her into the estate. If anything, it seemed as though more people had gathered and it took several moments to make their way to the stairs.
Climbing behind Samara, Kellan paused when she turned around abruptly on the second floor landing. “What is that?” she asked sharply.
He turned. “What?”
She pointed to Maks skulking up the stairs behind them, the hackles on his neck standing straight up in the air. “Oh, that is Maks, a Draca Cat.”
“Why is it here?”
Kellan’s expression softened. “He is here because he is my protector and friend.”
“Well, get rid of it.” She rea
ched out to turn Kellan’s chin until he had no choice but to look directly into her eyes. The song that poured out of her mouth made him weak in the knees. “You wish to send the cat away and come with me to my room. Send the cat away, Prince Kellan.”
Kellan’s eyes turned black, but Maks spoke first.
Has the wine addled your mind?
What? No. I…I had one glass of wine and that was all. Why?
I have no other explanation for your foolish behavior.
What does that mean?
Where is Gregor Steel, Prince? He is missing as are all of the other guards.
Kellan looked around. He was not even aware the Saber was missing. All his life, the man had been like an extension of his arm or his shadow in the late afternoon. Always there, but not always noticed.
Where are Jala and Izzy?
Kellan shook his head in confusion at Maks’ question. Where were the girls? Maks was right. He had to investigate right away to be sure all were safe. He turned back to Samara. “If you will excuse me, my lady. Maks has reminded me of urgent matters I must attend to.”
Her scowl drew her features in tight. “No. You will send that cat-thing away and come with me to my chambers,” she insisted. “You wish nothing more in this world than to come with me right this minute.”
He nodded mechanically and said to Maks without turning to face him, “Go on, friend. I will come seek you out later.”
No! You will act like a Prince of Iserlohn and find your missing friends!
Kellan offered his arm to Lady Samara and continued up the stairs to the guest chambers on the third floor, turning his back on the frustrated growl of Maks.
When they arrived at the door to her room, he suddenly felt nervous. His mind was telling him that he wanted to be there, but his heart was urging him in other directions.
Kellan held open the door and Samara entered the room ahead of him. The white dress she wore swirled around her hips as she approached a side table holding a wine decanter and a plate of fruit. “Wine?” she inquired with a smile over her shoulder.
Kellan gulped, barely able to nod.
Samara laughed, poured two glasses and walked over to hand one to him.
“Thank you,” he mumbled, accepting the proffered glass.
She turned to the armchairs by the fireplace. “Sit,” she commanded, pointing to one.
Kellan sat down, stiffly, his mind reeling with mixed emotions.
“There is so much I wish to know, Prince, that I am at a loss as to where to start my questioning.”
“What do you wish to know?” he asked and took a long drink of wine.
“Let us start with the magic, shall we?”
“The magic?”
“Aye, what kind of magic do the people of Massa have?”
“Oh, well, most of us are shifters. There are a few sorceresses left and, of course, my father is a Mage, but the rest are shifters.”
“What does a shifter do?”
He proceeded to tell her about the innate ability of most Massans to manipulate the elements and living creatures around them through the use of magic, and her eyes grew larger and more nervous as he spoke.
“Your people are very powerful, aye?”
“We have the power for great destruction, yes, but we would never harm the innocent.” He brought the wine glass to his lips and took a drink. “Do not worry, Lady Samara. It is only evildoers that need fear the shifters of Massa.”
For some reason, her eyes narrowed to slits. “Go on.”
He then explained to her what it meant to be a shifter and how the blood oath prevented them from using magic for sinister purpose.
She sipped her wine and gazed into the fire for long moments. “I will share a secret with you, Kellan. The Ellvinians also have an ability of sorts. It is called Ascendency.”
“I have never heard of it. What is it?”
“A form of persuasion. It is the power of suggestion laced with hypnosis. Some Ellvinians believe it is magic, but most do not agree. Every Ellvinian has the ability, although some are quite a bit stronger in its use than others.”
“Power of suggestion? You can actually make people do what you want, just by suggesting it to them?” he asked dubiously.
She smiled at him and nodded. “Aye, young Prince, that is exactly what we can do.”
The events of the last few days flashed through his mind, and his eyebrows pulled together. “Is that what you have been doing here?”
She simply shrugged.
He was angry now. “Tell me, Lady Samara, is your trickery against the Massans for sport or are your plans more malicious in nature?” He stood. “Tell me, why are you really here?”
She waved him back down. “Oh, Prince, sit down. The Ellvinians are here to discuss a long-term supply of wormwood only. Our Ascendency is a natural part of our make-up, and we could not turn if off if we wanted to. Please sit.”
“I think I’ll stand.”
She steepled her hands under her chin as her gaze ran over him. “You are a very dangerous young man.”
“I can be.”
“You see, I also have another ability of sort. I am an Eyereader.”
“An Eyereader?”
“I have the ability to see into the future. All in my caste have this ability.”
“And, you have seen something about me in your future?”
“I have. Just this morning, in fact. Your friends as well, although one is missing. Where is the girl with black ringlets? If my visions do not deceive me, she can use magic to fly.”
“What do you want with her?” he growled.
“Let’s just say that I want to have a word with her.”
His jaw clenched. “I don’t think so.”
“Have you not been listening to anything I have said, Prince? You will do as I say whether you wish to or not.”
* * * * *
Callous laughter accompanied the Ellvinian sailors as they walked in groups along the wooden pier at the wharf. The harbor was suspiciously absent of the late night revelers who typically frequented the taverns along the waterfront in droves.
To avoid notice, Kane pressed closer into the doorframe in the alleyway where he was crouched. He knew Jain was hiding at the end of the narrow corridor, but he could not see him.
“It’s like taking candy from a child,” one of the sailors roared.
Another clapped his companion on the back in agreement. “I had one chap hopping on one leg until I finished an entire pint of their mead.”
The gang laughed.
“I told one family to leave their house and go south. I wonder how far they will get before they realize it is a strange idea.”
“Aye! And, the women!” one boasted. “Although, it does take a bit of the fun out of it for them to be so willing. I prefer my romps far more feisty!”
“Be careful that Second Chandal does not catch you abusing the women!” one warned.
“Bah! He is too busy having galas at the mayor’s estate to care what happens out here.”
Kane’s expression hardened. These pretenders came to Massa under the pretense of friendship, but have done nothing but exploit the hospitality of his people. The question was, how were the Ellvinians able to convince the Massans to such odd behavior? Were they being threatened with harm? Somehow that did not seem right.
Jain!
Yes, I am here.
I need to get closer to listen in on the Ellvinians. Stay here and wait for me.
I cannot promise that.
You must. I have to find out how these strangers are so easily manipulating the Massans. If you make yourself known, they will feel threatened, and I will learn nothing.
A large snort sounded in his head. I will try to do as you ask, Prince.
Not good enough, my friend. You must promise that whatever happens, you will stay concealed. You know that I can disappear if I need to.
If one tries to harm you…
Even then. Remain hidden, Jain,
or else I will not have the opportunity again. The safety of the island may depend on what I learn.
The snort turned into a low growl. It will be as you say.
Kane stepped away from the doorway and hugged the brick wall to the end of the alleyway. He did not feel like he was in any real danger, but still wanted to avoid being seen if he could. The sailors would be much more free with their words if they felt they were not being overheard.
Large hanging lanterns spaced along the wharf at intervals provided Kane with the shadows he preferred as he stalked the group. Fat drops of rain began to fall, hitting the wooden pier in clipped splats. Kane cursed silently. Rain was the bane of the sightshifter as the falling droplets would make furrows in his magically created images and render them useless.
Lost in his thoughts, it caught him completely off guard when a hand reached out and touched him. “Kane.”
Kane looked down the pier with a scowl. The Elves were getting further away. Swallowing his impatience, he turned to the voice. His eyebrows rose in shock. “Alia? What are you doing out in Northfort in the middle of the night?”
The girl tossed her long red hair over her shoulder. “Looking for you.”
“Now, what could a mermaid possibly want with me?” he teased.
She blushed and straightened a dress that did not need straightening. Since the watershifters were no longer in hiding, Alia spent much more time in the Surface World than the previous generations of watershifters, and her body had not developed the androgynous quality of so many other Aquatainians.
She was also one of the few people he felt comfortable enough with to let down his guard. At eighteen, she was three years older than him, but his eyes never seemed to bother her the way they did others. “Does Digby know you’re here?”
“No, he is with your sister in Haventhal.” She grabbed his hand and drew him further under the awning of one of the shops lining the pier. “I am glad I finally found you. I tried to visit at the mayor’s estate but was turned away.”
“There is a gala there tonight.”
“I don’t think that would have mattered. These peculiar Ellvinians roaming around seem to be keeping everyone away.” She pulled him closer into the shadows. “Kane, the watershifters that I sent to greet the Ellvinian ships never returned to Aquataine.”
Island Shifters: Book 03 - An Oath of the Children Page 9