A smirk tickled the corner of Alek’s mouth. The whistle blew on the teapot, gracing him with a five-minute timeout.
When they’d settled in the living room—Rhy sitting on the edge of his old recliner, elbows propped on his knees, and Alek’s horse-ass pacing the floor near the couch—he took a moment to gather his thoughts.
“Last night, Hippy questioned Myrina, the young female rebel. It didn’t take much to break her down.” He chuckled, remembering the garish wink Hippolyte tossed him before firing Myrina full of questions. “She walked into the interrogation room, flipping that stupid fillet knife she bought at the flea market. I think every weapon Hippy owned hung off her when she grilled the girl. She looked like a fucking tinker’s wife.”
“The psychotic guard act, huh?” Rhycious smiled and settled back into the chair, gazing into his tea.
Over the centuries, the three of them had covered a lot of ground together. Rhycious undoubtedly pictured the deranged routine Hippy sometimes faded into.
“She had her fun.” Slouching forward, Alek placed his chipped mug on the coffee table. He used the couch’s padded arm to lean against and folded his hind legs under him.
Now, the not so fun part. Alek frowned and pressed his lips flat. “On the way over here, I found out that Pennelope’s dead. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
Rhycious froze, his chair stopping in mid-rock, mug of tea halfway to his mouth. Reanimation engaged and he quickly sketched the details prior to the gunfire he and Serenity heard when they had made their escape.
“Last I saw of her,” Rhy said, “she was standing in the cave with your buddy Nubbs and her Centaur companion he’d just knocked out.”
Aleksander nodded at the grim report. He glanced at his white knuckled grip on the mug’s handle, anger surging in waves. “Nubbs was the one who told me. I got the feeling he wasn’t giving me the whole story.”
“Does he ever?”
“You got a point.” He sat back, finished with the topic of the Troll. That’d be the last time she’d disappoint him. She was dead.
He changed the subject. “After the prisoners were secured in their cells, Khristos and I had a meeting in Savella’s office. I want to keep an upper hand in any uprising developments and maintain our level of surprise. Also, I personally handpicked the Inner Circle Elite Guards who deployed last night. They’re combing the forest with a list of names and rat-hole locations delivered through interrogation.”
Rhycious nodded, lifting tired eyes. “Savella’s right. We need to gather our allies and squelch the revolt once and for all. It’s time to bridge the gap between the mythological woodland people and stand united for a common cause.” His long legs uncrossing, he pushed out of the recliner. “I’ll go tell Patience.”
“Tell Patience what?”
Alek whipped his head around and looked over his shoulder. He hadn’t heard anyone walk into the room. A different Nymph was standing there, someone he had never seen before.
Holy flute notes of Pan. How many beautiful females does Rhy have in his cabin?
As if seeing the sunrise after being trapped in a dark cave his whole life, Alek’s breath caught in his throat and his heart slammed his chest. Ethereal beauty divine floated like a wakeful dream into the kitchen. She wore a navy Penn State t-shirt that screeched to a halt above her knees.
The unknown goddess pushed her blonde bed tossed creation out of eyes the color of the afternoon sky, and gazed over at him and Rhy. Those lips of hers—made for kissing and driving a Centaur crazy.
Where do I sign up?
Perfection in the flesh made a half turn and struck a pose. “Can I help myself to some tea?”
Aleksander flapped his jaw. He was either gasping for air, or had suddenly become a blithering idiot. He didn’t know which because the blood in his head had drained south. It was a damn good thing his ass grazed the floor.
Unaffected, Rhycious answered. “Help yourself. Mugs are in the second cupboard on the left.”
Graceful as effortless charm, she poured herself a cup, and her shapely legs brought her to stand half hidden behind the couch. She bent at the waist, elbows on the back cushions, and blew steam while eyeing him over the rim of a cup that said, Coffee helps you do stupid things faster.
Strands of her wavy, strawberry blonde hair fell forward, draping the outer corner of an almond shaped eye and framed an alluring smile.
Seduction personified.
Oh my gods.
Mesmerized by the movement of her pursing and sipping lips, and the intensity of her scrutinizing blue eyes, he failed to see Rhy’s approach—and subsequent foot. The oaf squashed his upper tail as he passed behind him.
Aleksander swayed forward, over the sofa’s arm as she lowered her mug to rest on the couch, batting her overlong lashes at him. He tucked his hind hooves beneath him and pushed off the rug, managing to stand without tripping over his tail or making a scene. His gold neck chain swung from one side to the other, finally catching on a brass stud decorating his vest.
Her slumberous eyes followed his every movement. Gods, was he losing his mind? Everything around him seemed hued in various shades of blue.
Rhycious stopped beside the goddess.
“This ass is Kempor Aleksander, head palace guard if you can believe it. Unfortunately,” Rhy threw him a look of disgust, “he’s also my friend.”
Rhy took a step toward the kitchen and Aleksander thought he wouldn’t finish the introductions, but he must have remembered his manners. “This is Patience’s sister, Serenity. Leave her alone.”
Leave her alone, hell.
“A lovely young sprite like Serenity should never be alone.” Alek couldn’t have stopped the grin splitting his face if the Trolls of hell were after him. “Come, sit and talk to me. It takes Rhy a long time to do things these days. We’ll have plenty of time to get acquainted.” He offered his hand to escort her around the couch.
Her returning grin sparked silvery flashes in clear pools of liquid sapphire, pushing his heart rate to take off again. I’m in trouble.
When her fingers touched the center of his palm, electricity sparked up his arm.
Serenity tilted her head and widened her smile.
Hot damn.
* * *
“I’m concerned about you and Serenity traveling.” Rhycious tucked a curling strand of hair behind Patience’s ear, letting his fingers caress the feminine line of her jaw. “Boronda isn’t safe for our people these days. Promise me you’ll go straight to Dendron. I know he believes in the treaty, he’ll want to help Savella.” Even though Rhy had only met the spirit guide once, it was clear from the beginning that the man was trustworthy.
“Totally, dude. Cross my heart, I’ll shoot a beeline. I know my job.”
Serenity, with Alek close on her heels, joined him and Patience outside at the back of the cabin. The girls had confiscated more of his clothes—Patience with his boxers, and Serenity wore his t-shirt. Upon closer inspection, the pixie’s sister had gotten into the Kempor’s things as well, wearing Alek’s wispy running shorts with the mountain design on the side.
Patience turned her face into Rhy’s palm and gave it a kiss. “It’s absofreakenly rockin’ Queen Savella made that generous trade offer between our people.” She turned toward Serenity, eyes sparkling. “In exchange for the Wood Nymphs’ help in getting down on the bad dudes, the queen offered to increase our trade allotment. Maybe let us set up shops in this totally bodacious mall they have.”
“You guys have a mall?” Flabbergasted, Serenity looked to both he and Alek for their nodding confirmation. “Well, count me in—but I don’t want any part of it if that asshole Nubbs and his wife are there.”
What the hell? “He has a wife?” He and Alek asked in unison.
“Yeah, that excuse for a Troll who kidnapped me in the first place.” At their looks of astonishment, she continued, her tone laced with venom. “The one who forced me to cage dance in a stinkin’ div
e bar, and then sold me to the owner—who happened to be her husband—Nubbs.”
“Pennelope is . . . I mean was . . . his wife?” Alek’s face turned ashen. He tilted his chin and looked off at something in the distance, arms crossed over his chest. “I never knew.”
Serenity grasped Alek’s hand and stared at him a moment, furrowing her brow. “Don’t feel betrayed. I don’t think anyone knew.”
He gave her a curious look, but didn’t say anything. Rhycious didn’t feel as compelled to remain silent. “Do you know the name of the place where they kept you?”
“Yeah.” Serenity slowly released Alek’s hand and wrapped her arms around herself. “It was called The Three Legged . . . something. A horrible place underground, packed with the filthiest scum I’d ever seen.”
He exchanged a look with Alek and by visual agreement, decided against broadcasting how they’d unknowingly seen her there. What good would come of it now?
Alek draped his arm around Serenity’s shoulders and gave her a comforting embrace. “You’re out of there and safe now. It’s my job to make sure the forest is a sanctuary for all races, and I’m working to see it stays that way.” He gave her a kiss on the temple, inhaling her scent in the process. The wily goat.
Rhy decided to get their parties on the road. He leaned down and gave Patience a hug and a kiss. “Be careful, polytima.”
Leaning into his body, Patience wrapped her arms around his neck and held tight. “Best of luck to you, in both our worlds,” she whispered into his ear. “I’ll miss you.”
Gods, I’ll miss you too. But wait. What did she mean she’d miss him? Was she talking temporary or permanent? Insecurity raised its brutally contorted head. Maybe this is it, the day he’d been dreading since he’d first seen her. He had fulfilled his portion of their agreement—she had her sister back. Now she’d carry out her part, soliciting for the Centaur cause.
Was this good-bye? Just like that?
Around the edges of his recently healed heart, a hard crust began to form. Behind the familiar rind was a safe place in which to retreat. He’d bleed in private after she took Serenity and the two of them went home. Later, he’d finish bleeding out in private when Alek returned to his palace duties.
Bile burned the back of his throat at the thought of never seeing Patience again. Although he’d known this moment would come to pass.
He just didn’t think it’d ever happen.
On his right, Alek stood shoulder to shoulder with him, looking like a lovesick colt with a goatee. Rhycious’s brows shot skyward. The man’s typical reaction to females was that of a randy Satyr. Cocky and self-absorbed in the vein of how he interacted with Daisy. Not this forlorn Centaur with a slack mouth.
They watched the ladies leave, taking the same path Patience had used during her escape. Their hair swept their backs in long, flowing waves, shining brilliant in patches of sunlight.
Patience pulled on Serenity’s arm, pausing a moment to turn and wave. All too soon, they dove into the limbs and brambles, indiscernible amongst the shadows and leaves, blending with their natural environment and vanishing completely from sight.
Soldier Nymphs in the undergrowth were already tracking Patience and Serenity. Shadowy wisps faded from one tree to the next, offering an escort to the girls. It gave Rhycious a measure of relief to know protection hovered near, and made him grind his molars that it was required at all.
“You okay?” he asked Alek. After all, the news about Pennelope’s death had to be a shocker to the guy, considering they shared a history together.
“I understand the attraction now.” Alek ignored his question and continued to stare at the spot where the girls had disappeared.
“I was talking about the Troll.” First Alek finds out Pennelope is dead, then he gets slapped with the marital surprise. Talk about your double whammies.
“Yeah, I’m good. Finding out she was married to Nubbs was like getting kicked in the teeth, but now it all makes sense.” He gestured with his hand for emphasis. “When she and I last spoke, she wished me well but said she’d gotten on with her life. Told me to go do the same. I just never thought . . . .” He looked at the ground, one hand on his hip, and pawed the dirt with a hoof. “Yeah, whatever.”
Whatever. None of my business. Rhy had his own problems to deal with—starting with his broken heart and a meeting Savella had called with all Herd leaders.
His personal life with Patience would have to journey an odyssey for time-tested love.
A few hours later, after packing his medical bag with additional remedies and other necessities, he and Alek made strides to the auditorium where the Herd meeting would convene.
“If I have to look at your ass much longer, I think I’m going to puke.” The Kempor’s ass end became a nauseating view on the single file trail they followed.
Alek laughed. “Might as well kiss it right now, buddy. You’re just jealous because mine is so fine and your pony is boney.”
To distract from the disgusting feature in front of his face, Rhy thought about which Centaur leaders and woodland representatives would be present, though all were called to this mandatory meeting. It would give an indication of who was loyal to the crown, and who wasn’t.
Gazing around deep in thought, his sight fell on a tiny sycamore sapling. No taller than the top of his boots, the little tree with green and yellow leaves struggled in the scant dirt between two large granite boulders.
“Alek, wait a sec.”
Poor soil conditions and lack of direct sun would surely kill the sprig over time.
An idea formed. And the more it took shape and dimension, the warmer his heart became. A need to infuse the infant sycamore with nutrients and life took on a force of its own. He thrust his fingers into the shallow dirt pitted in the tight crevice between the rocks.
“What the hell are you doing? We don’t have time for your garden club activities.” Alek stomped an impatient hoof and slapped a hand to his hide. His tail twitched from side to side, the equivalent of a tapping foot.
“I’m the royal Remedy Maker, Kempor Aleksander,” he said, good humor curving his lips. “Don’t question my methods.”
Rhycious placed the dirt packed root-ball in a clean cloth from his backpack and tied the package tight. Next, he carefully placed the sapling inside so as not to damage a single leaf. When he stood and adjusted the pack straps in place over his shoulders, contented ambience filled him once again. He focused on the change within and took tremendous pleasure in his mental realignment. It brought him one-step closer to normalcy—one-step closer to being worthy of Patience.
A direction to follow and his plan in place, they moved out, taking his latest and greatest remedy with him.
Thirty-Five
Rhy ached all over from lack of food, lack of sleep, and the emotional turmoil that plagued his mind. And yet, he had a smile on his face. He’d held the answer in the palms of his hands, the same answer that held his future.
Following Aleksander’s relentless pace, Rhy found himself nearing the site of the auction cave.
They both travelled easily with lightweight body armor, weaving in and around the pines and sycamores. A light film of perspiration cooled his neck and back.
Chunks of flowering vines wrapped their green feelers around moss-covered stones that littered the hillside. Not even nature in all her springtime glory could conceal the trampled grasses and cigarette butts left in the area.
Alek slowed when they neared the shadowy entrance. “Do you mind if we stop a minute?”
The way he stared into the abyss swept a chill up Rhy’s spine. Hollow eyed and grim faced, Aleksander looked the demonic specter in the face. The hole in the hill left Rhycious cold. It was so damned dismal, like the auction activities themselves.
It made a guy want to arm himself to the teeth before venturing forth.
“Sure. I understand.” Despite his reservations of reentering, he certainly empathized with Alek’s need to go inside.
Without the press of bodies, the interior seemed larger. Alek’s hooves struck the rocky floor, kicking loose stones to skitter about, bouncing their echo around the chamber like a rubber ball. Once their vision adjusted, Rhycious glanced about and noted the collar and leash lying on the ground, near the rear wall.
“The last time I saw Pennelope was right over there.” Rhy pointed at the items of enslavement and stepped closer. “Pennelope forced Serenity to wear that when she led her around.”
Aleksander didn’t say a word. He just stood with his hands clenched at his hips, staring at the proof before him. He picked the items up and gave them a little shake to knock the dirt off. “What the fuck was the Troll thinking?”
“I don’t know. Nubbs might. But you’ll never know if he’s giving you a straight answer.” Rhy caught sight of the glowing numbers on his watch. He didn’t want to hurry, knowing the importance of closing this chapter in his friend’s life, but they had to make tracks to arrive at the meeting on time. “Come on, buddy. Let’s go.”
Aleksander stashed the hard evidence in his carryall as they moved toward the mouth of the cave. Then something caught his eye, and he veered off. Down on his knee, he picked a shiny object out of the dirt and blew on it. Holding it to the light, he turned it over and around.
His face hardened into a glacial mask.
“Look at this.” Alek walked toward him, his hand open.
Outside, Rhy examined the object. In the flat of Aleksander’s calloused palm lay a silver brooch with emeralds cut in the shape of trees. Arching over the green stones was a bar of gold.
“Unless this was stolen, which I highly doubt, I’d say a cocky little shit has some explaining to do.” Aleksander opened his bag and tossed the pin inside.
Rhy rolled his shoulders, adjusting the backpack. “I’d like to hear his whiney explanation for this.” Habitually, he scanned the trees and areas in-between before moving out and onto the path. “If you’re smart,” he cut Alek a sharp look, “which you’ve never been, you won’t show that crap to Serenity. Not unless you want to get hurt, hospital bad.”
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