by Ally Shields
“Or dead,” Seth said. “My great-uncle has murdered enough people. He has to be stopped this time—whatever it takes.”
King Seliwyn and Captain Brunic departed for Elvenrude shortly afterward. They were already talking about bringing Kurzi in for questioning. Kam bit her lip, her face clouded with doubt. It might cause more resentment and drive the rebels further underground, but the king was in no mood for diplomacy.
Trystan tapped his chin with two fingers. “I’m struggling to take it all in. It’s unbelievable no one realized our dilemma…and hard to know where to start. Especially without revealing the truth about obsidian to anyone else.”
“I can help with the search,” Kam said. “Our spotters are used to watching for obsidian finds for what the king has always referred to as his private collection. They might think it’s a little odd to shift our focus entirely to obsidian, but I’ll tell them to step up their efforts, especially in Turkey and other places noted for the most ancient finds. Maybe I’ll tell them Seliwyn is considering a major exhibit of his favorite artifacts at our museum. Yes, that sounds good. If they discover anything major, you can send in your own people to retrieve it, and our spotters can grumble about losing another find.” She grinned at him. “You’ll have to figure out your own cover story.”
“Give me a couple of days to get things rolling. I’ll send a few men I trust to search for Dreysel and my brother Tad…and Jermon, of course. And dispatch scouts to look for obsidian. I could build on your story and say we’re using it to trade with Elvenrude for other goods.” Trystan gave Kam a rueful glance. “It’s better than no story. Anyway, I’m personally prepared to help in catching the fugitives. Unless we stop them, the rest of this may be wasted effort.”
With these rough plans decided, Kam and Seth transported back to New Orleans. Seth went to the office to explain the situation to Rhyden and arrange his schedule, knowing the hunt for the fugitives could take him away on short notice for days or weeks at a time.
Kam continued on to Elvenrude to check on Reya and explain their intended activities to King Seliwyn. Afterwards, home. She was nearly dead on her feet. She’d just cleared the portal on the Elvenrude side when her father strode toward her, worry lines marring his usually congenial features.
“Have you talked with Esty lately?” he asked as soon as they’d exchanged a hug.
“Not since we visited Bria with the infant basket. Is something wrong?”
“I’m troubled about her. She took the breakup with Rhyden so badly. Now he’s coming around again. She says they’re just friends, but they’re spending a lot of time together.” He cleared his throat, awkwardly. “I could talk with him, but that seems like meddling. Would you speak with Esty?”
A sisterly chat? Kam stifled a sigh. How was that not meddling? Esty wouldn’t appreciate it, but she shared her father’s concern. “I can try. She might not listen, and it really is her decision.”
“I hate to see her upset like that again.”
“I know. Girls are a pain…aren’t we?” She grinned at him. “Don’t worry. I’m sure she’ll be fine. But I’ll see what I can find out. If not today, soon. I may be gone a while on the king’s business.”
His expression changed immediately. “Is there a problem?”
“The Cyrilian fugitives have been spotted overseas. We think Jermon is with them, and Seth and I are trying to verify that.”
“Be careful, Kam.” Sawyer Ryndel shook his head. “That man has caused more than his share of trouble.”
Five minutes later, Reya’s battered face was a strong reminder how vicious Jermon and his Cyrilian conspirators could be. Kam’s jaw tightened. How could they have attacked an unarmed woman that way?
“You look worried about me,” Reya said. “But you shouldn’t be. I’m going home tomorrow, and I’ll be back on the job in a couple of days.”
“Not too soon. You’re still pale.”
“I feel better than I look. I know you’re hunting for the renegades. Well, it’s personal for me now. Tomas and I are eager to help.”
“And you can. Focus your efforts on finding them and locating deposits or collections of obsidian. Not only does the king value the black obsidian, apparently the rogues do too. But you must not interfere with them, no matter what they’re doing. I won’t have you hurt again.” Kam’s frown switched to a swift smile. “Your mother would never forgive me.”
After Kam left the Healers’ Temple, she met with King Seliwyn and Brunic, received the king’s approval of their tentative plans, and learned an inquiry summons had already been issued for Kurzi—last name unknown.
“It’s time we dealt decisively with these troublemakers, both in and outside of Elvenrude,” Seliwyn said. “The situation has gotten out of hand.”
Kam blinked. Well, if that wasn’t the biggest understatement she’d ever heard. Sometimes the king seemed to make these pronouncements to convince himself he’d done the right thing.
Before returning to New Orleans, she stopped at her parents’ home to see if Esty was there. She wasn’t. She was out with Rhyden.
Kam had been back in their New Orleans’ condo close to three hours—plenty of time to fall asleep on the couch—by the time the portal dinged, waking her with Seth’s arrival. He leaned down and gave her a kiss.
“I’m beat too. I couldn’t find Rhyden, so I had a lot of arrangements to make for the next few days.”
“He was in Elvenrude with Esty,” she said, sitting up and pushing her tousled hair away from her face.
“Doing what?”
“I don’t know. Father’s worried about it. He says they’re spending more time together than before—almost every afternoon and evening. I don’t want my sister to get hurt again.”
He sat down beside her. “This isn’t like him. Rhyden’s never pursued a woman so persistently. I can’t imagine him leading her on, but if they aren’t dating, what are they doing?”
“I don’t like it,” she grumbled, snuggling against his side. “But I’m too tired to do anything about it tonight.”
“I’ll talk to Rhyden in the morning.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s get to bed. We’re going to need all the sleep we can get. If I know Uncle Jermon, we have a long, hard hunt ahead of us.”
* * *
The following morning, Kam placed calls all over the world directing her spotters to change their focus to locating the fugitives and to finding deposits or collections of black obsidian. She also contacted art dealers, inquiring about recent obsidian finds and spreading the rumor of a client paying top dollar. She hoped the money would entice treasure hunters to offer them first options on any finds.
With those tasks done, she headed for Seth’s office. She’d been tempted to divert to Elvenrude to see Esty, but two visits in such a short span of time were bound to raise her sister’s suspicions. Besides, she wanted to hear Rhyden’s explanation first.
Seth was signing paperwork when she arrived. He leaned back with a smile, but it quickly disappeared when she asked how Rhyden had defended his actions.
“He didn’t.” Seth sat forward again and gave her a disgusted look. “I hinted all around it. He lounged, totally at ease in that cushy chair where you’re sitting, and ignored me. I finally asked him directly what was going on between him and Esty.”
“And?”
“He gave me this funny laugh and told me it was none of my business. He seemed entertained I’d asked.” Seth shook his head. “It’s something they don’t want me—or perhaps you—to know, but he didn’t act overly worried. Maybe it’s something silly…like, I don’t know, dancing lessons.”
“Dancing lessons?” She gave him an incredulous look.
“I said like dancing lessons,” he said defensively. “Does it really matter? They’re both adults. He had a point—it isn’t our business.”
“When I get a chance, I’ll make Esty tell me.” Her lips tightened, as she pictured her sister with tear-swollen eyes again. “Rhyden better watch his
step.”
CHAPTER SIX
“We’ll have to tell them soon.” Rhyden suppressed a chuckle and peered through the dark at the Ryndel stables directly ahead. The lights were off. As far as he could tell, the workers had gone home for the night. “But it was fun watching him struggle. Obviously Kam had set him up to question me, and he did a poor job of being subtle.”
Esty grinned, then sobered. “She stopped by home the other day when we were out. Should I expect her again soon?”
“You should have a reprieve while they hunt for Jermon.” He’d already told her about the attack on Reya and the mysterious sightings. “Frankly, I’m more concerned about Brunic discovering what we’re doing than Kam. He’d raise a stink for sure. Seth said the Guard’s stepping up its search for the duchaen and whoever is in touch with Jermon.”
“Not Ellyn.”
“Probably not. I wish I’d talked with Seth sooner and gotten Kurzi’s name before we wasted the last two days. At least Ellyn gave you his last name—Everins. Did she say anything else?”
“She didn’t say anything. I got a note with the name. I think she’s avoiding me. She didn’t come to The Bookstore again this morning.”
“Perhaps that’s smart. If you two keep meeting, someone is likely to become suspicious.”
“Of what?” she asked indignantly. “I can have a conversation with anyone I want.”
“Sure you can, but don’t expect people not to notice.” His lips twitched in a struggle between amusement and impatience. “Right now neither of you needs that kind of attention.”
“It’s not right.”
He shrugged. No society was as good as it should be. But then it would never get better without idealists like Esty. He glanced sideways at her pert nose tipped up in defiance. He liked her spirit. Not that he’d tell her so. He was having enough trouble keeping his distance without her flashing that dimpled smile.
“Let’s hurry,” he said. “If we’re lucky, we’ll locate the rebels hanging out at the cousin’s farmhouse and finish your part in this highly questionable scheme tonight. I won’t have much time once Seth leaves town. I’ve been neglecting the business.” He glanced at her again. “You promised you wouldn’t go without me.”
“Only because you agreed to help. If you’re withdrawing from our bargain…”
“I’m not. I’m just saying it won’t be as often.”
They reached the stable, collected their horses, and rode away in near silence.
“I’m sorry I’ve taken up so much of your precious time,” Esty finally said in a stiff voice.
He turned his head to frown at her. “You know that isn’t what I meant.”
“Isn’t it?” She nudged her horse into a gallop.
Rhyden stared after her. Damn the woman. Thank the gods she didn’t suspect his real feelings—an attraction he couldn’t allow himself to pursue. She was too young to be making commitments. He wasn’t ready to settle down either, and he wouldn’t play her false. The thought of marriage and kids…well, it wasn’t in his short-term goals. Not even on the horizon. And sometimes she made him forget that.
He caught up with her quickly but didn’t attempt to break the awkward silence. It eventually dissipated as they rode through the crisp autumn night. There was little wind, and the bright moonlight made it a pleasant ride. Esty began to chat about village events as if her flash of irritation had never happened.
Rhyden relaxed and enjoyed the ride. OK, he enjoyed her company. Who wouldn’t?
“I think the farm is over this next ridge,” he said, reining in his horse and dismounting. “We’re better off on foot from here. There should be plenty of trees near the house to hide us.”
They left their mounts tied to a tree near a small pond and moved through the shadows until the house was in sight. It was small by human standards but luxurious compared with the sod homes of many commoners and crossbreeds. According to the field worker they talked with this afternoon, the house was owned by a commoner who would be Kurzi Everins’s cousin, if Kurzi hadn’t been shunned by his mother’s family.
The cousin had done well for himself to have a wood and stone house, a small outbuilding, and a horse. Rhyden wondered about the source of his funds. If he was a skilled craftsman who might merit larger allotments, Rhyden should have heard about him, and he hadn’t.
So where would he get that kind of money? Jermon, maybe? If he was important to the rebellion, Jermon might pay him enough to cover the bills. A possibility worth pursuing. Brunic should be told about this guy. He glanced at Esty. He’d talk to her again once they were safely away from here.
They edged toward the house and stopped behind a tree about thirty feet from a window revealing the lantern-lighted interior. Perhaps a dozen elves filled the single-room house. Other than two commoners, the rest appeared to have off shades of brown hair, making them duchaen. He squinted in the dim light, hoping to identify a face, some piece of information that would lead to a name, but he couldn’t make out their features.
“Stay here,” he whispered. “I’ll take a closer look, and then we’ll go before someone catches us.”
She grabbed his arm. “Don’t leave me alone. I’m coming with you.”
He hesitated. Maybe it was safer than trusting her to stay out of trouble. “OK, but stay behind me.”
They crept forward and had almost reached the side of the house when a tall figure slipped around the corner. The man stopped, apparently as shocked at the encounter as they were. Rhyden grabbed Esty’s hand and ran toward the horses. Considering the dozen ruffians inside, they were badly outnumbered, and he didn’t even consider staying to fight or brazen it out. Not with Esty. If the rebels caught them and hurt her…he’d never forgive himself.
Esty hadn’t uttered a sound, her gloved hand clutching his fingers. He stole a glance at her face. She appeared more determined than frightened. Rhyden spotted their horses and angled toward them.
The stranger stepped out of the trees, directly in their path. “What are you doing here?”
“We lost our way.” Rhyden shoved Esty behind him. “We saw the lights and stopped to ask directions. Can you point out the path to Brierwood?”
“If you need directions, why were you leaving?” The crossbreed pushed his dark blond hair away from his face and studied them with intelligent, hazel eyes.
“It looked like we’d be interrupting.” Rhyden kept it casual, but his mind raced trying to place a name with the face. He’d seen the man before. “If you’ll get out of our way, we’ll leave. Sorry we bothered you.”
Rhyden stepped around him, helped Esty mount, and swung up on his own horse. The man still didn’t move, just watched them.
“Don’t you want to know the way to town?” he finally asked with a ghost of a smile on his lips.
“I’d appreciate it.”
“Back that way about two miles. Turn right at the split oak tree. Don’t come back here. It isn’t safe.”
Rhyden met the man’s gaze for a moment. The lack of hostility surprised him.
“I’ll keep it in mind.” He wheeled his stallion, and they rode toward town at a slow gallop. As soon as they were out of sight, he reined his horse into a walk.
“Well, that was exciting,” Esty said. Her face was lightly flushed, her eyes bright.
“Hardly my reaction,” he snapped in a rush of unexpected anger. “I hope you understand now why you can’t go out by yourself. What would have happened if he’d caught you alone?”
Her face darkened. “He didn’t seem that scary. And don’t scold me. I wasn’t alone. What’s your problem?”
“You.” He let out an exasperated breath and dug his heel into his horse’s side. “I’m taking you home.”
* * *
Esty kept up with him, but seeing his grim expression, she clamped her lips in a tight line. She was tired of the awkward silences and always being on her guard. What had happened to the easy companionship they’d shared two months ago? He’d been
charming, entertaining. Now he seemed angry with her most of the time. She let out a discouraged sigh. He treated her as an annoying little sister…which wasn’t what she wanted at all.
Their so-called eight months of dating hadn’t been the relationship a girl’s dreams were built on—a good friendship but little else. By the time she’d realized she wanted more, he’d backed off. And now….at times he was distant. Did he realize how much she cared for him? Was that what made him angry?
She bit her lip. She shouldn’t have asked him to help her, wouldn’t have if she’d been thinking with her head rather than her heart. The last few days had only made the situation worse. They didn’t used to snap at one another.
“We have to talk,” he said suddenly, halting his mount when the stable came into sight.
Oh, no. She wasn’t going to like this. She already didn’t like his tone. “It’s late. My parents will wonder where we are.”
“This won’t take long. It’s time we passed on the information we have.”
Her relief it wasn’t something personal was instantly replaced with indignation. “You can’t tell Brunic. That wasn’t our plan.”
“It wasn’t your plan,” he corrected. “We can’t continue to conceal things that might halt the violence. I’ll be busy in New Orleans the next two days. Your friend—and her friends—have that length of time to bring the rest of the rebels into line. When I can get back, you and I are going to Brunic and telling him everything.”
Esty pursed her lips in protest. “That isn’t much time.”
“Do you realize how dangerous these people could be—especially if they’re still tied in any way to Jermon? By the gods, Esty, you could get yourself hurt.”
And would you care? Wasn’t this conversation really about getting back to his own life…and out of hers? She looked away, unwilling to show him the tears that hovered behind her casual words. “Whatever you say.”
* * *