He frowned, memories of the war flashing through his mind and the enemy’s callous disregard for nature’s patterns. This had the same feel to it, which meant that fae or faes had gone rogue. He’d been through too much to doubt his intuition on this matter. From what the letter requesting his help had said, it almost seemed like the chimas were searching for something. But what were they looking for? A person seemed unlikely. There was always the orb, but none of the attacks had even occurred close to the museum. Something else then. But what?
Reaching the guard post, he took a moment to settle and center himself. He told himself to think of it like an investigation in Isenton. Start at the beginning and go from there. No need to stress. He could gather information and go from there, location was irrelevant. Once he had sufficient information or a starting place, he could ask for Aletta’s input.
Entering the building, he pulled out the request letter and headed to the intake desk. The male behind it barely looked up, busy writing something. His irritation that never seemed to be far from the surface flared up, but he throttled it back with an effort. Keeping his voice level, he stated, “Lirim Bosk to see the captain.”
The male replied in a pleasant baritone, “One minute, just have to finish this report and there we go.” He finally looked up at Lirim. “And your business with the captain?”
“I was requested to help consult on the chimas situation.”
The man nodded. “Of course, Mr. Bosk. If you’ll take a seat, I’ll inform the captain of your arrival.”
Lirim walked over to where the male indicated but chose to lean against the wall instead of sitting down. The other male was back within moments. “The captain will see you now. Please follow me.”
Lirim followed him and was shown into the captain’s office. The elf captain rose from behind the desk and offered Lirim his hand. “Welcome, Mr. Bosk. I’m Captain Legraine. Thank you for coming.”
Lirim shook his hand and sat in the chair that the captain indicated. “My pleasure. However, I’m not really sure what you think that I can help with.”
“Several reasons, Mr. Bosk. The records of your training were quite impressive. Not to mention that you were part of the Outlander War, the winning side. Also, you’ve lived in the world, spent time in the world beyond the Glade. We’re hoping that both your familiarity with the Glade and your time apart from here will help us see this situation with fresh eyes.”
All of those were valid points and Lirim nodded slowly. “What exactly is the situation? All that the letter said was that the chimas were acting irregularly. What is going on and why hasn’t the guard been able to stop it?”
Legraine restlessly straightened a pile of papers that were already neatly stacked. Lirim politely waited for him to gather his thoughts. Eventually the captain spoke. “This goes no farther than this office.”
He answered quietly, “Understood sir.”
His indecision gone, the captain continued, “There is a traitor here in the Glade. Someone is behind these attacks, but every time we seem to be getting close, it fades away.”
Lirim knew the feeling from the cases in Isenton. He still hadn’t found the man who had been talking to Will before he went after Aletta. Pushing that from his mind, he refocused on Legraine. “What are you not telling me?”
Legraine sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I believe that there is a traitor amongst the guards.”
Lirim said quietly, “That’s a serious accusation.”
He scowled, “It’s one that I hate. But there is too much evidence to the contrary to dismiss.”
Completely focused, Lirim demanded. “What evidence do you have?”
Legraine seemed to be relieved to finally able to share his suspicions with someone. “Witness reports have gone missing or been altered. We’ve tried to lay traps for the chimas, but they manage to evade them or strike at a different location. Also, when I speak to my superiors, I’m told that I’m chasing ghosts and to let it go. People are getting hurt! I can’t just let it go!”
His face grim, Lirim asked, “How many casualties?”
“Over a dozen civilians hurt, it’s uncertain whether or not two of those will make it. Six guards, one of them killed in the line of duty. This is not a normal aberration, this is an attack. But no one will take me seriously.”
“No one?”
The captain sighed, “A handful of captains like me, maybe three dozen guards, and a couple of higher ups. Everyone else is treating me like the boy who cried wolf.”
Lirim offered him a humorless smile, “If it’s any consolation, you are not crazy, Captain Legraine. Not even close. It looks like someone high up has been making some nasty plans. I’m going to need everything you have on the attacks, those who have been attacked and where, and any guesses as to whether the chimas are searching for something or being used for a distraction. If the former, I’d like a list of what you think they could be hunting for. If the latter, ask yourself what they are a distraction for or what they could be distracting you from. Do you have a shielded room where I can work undisturbed?”
“You can use mine, that’s where all the information is right now anyway. Right now, I’ve spread it around that I called you in to look at what environmental change could’ve caused this abrupt change in the chimas behavior. You are a renowned nature mage after all.”
Lirim shrugged. “That will work as well as anything. I would like to assemble a task force as well, to help with this.”
“I have two people that I trust, but beyond that I cannot trust anyone.”
“I have someone that can help me vet others if necessary but let’s start with the two that you trust. Later though, I would like to spend some time familiarizing myself with the details first.”
Legraine rose and motioned, “This way.”
* . * . *
Lirim was studying the map of the locations of the chimas attacks when he felt the gentle knock. It felt like Aletta and he opened the connection, alarmed that something had happened. “Aletta? Are you all right?”
Her mental voice was warm with gentle amusement. “I’m in the middle of the healer’s guild. What sort of trouble do you really think that I can get into?”
Relaxing fractionally, he grumbled. “With you, who knows.”
She laughed, “Lirim! That’s rude. Not inaccurate, but still rude. Are you still at the guard post?”
Setting down the map, he leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms above his head. He groaned in satisfaction as they popped, releasing their tension. “Yes. I’ll probably be here for several hours more. Are you heading back to the manor?”
Her tone became serious. “No, I’m still at the guild. Actually, I was hoping that you could help me out. I need Lieutenant O’Hare to come to the guild. It’s about his son.”
The lieutenant was one of the two people that Captain Legraine had vouched for. Getting to his feet, he went in search of O’Hare. “Is it serious?” She hesitated long enough that he prompted, “Aletta?”
She hedged, “Yes and no. His son Dax is a long-time occupant at the infirmary here. He’s been sickly since he was an infant but no one has been able to figure out what the matter is.”
Rounding a corner, he saw the male that he was looking for. “And you think that you know what’s wrong?”
“Maybe. I need to see his father before I can say for sure.”
He quickly spoke to Legraine who excused them. “We’re on our way.”
He heard relief and guilt creep into her voice, “You don’t have to come. I know you have a lot to do.”
“It’s fine, I needed a break anyway, been staring at paperwork for too long. So what kind of healer are you?”
She grumbled, “Don’t know. Apparently, this is going to be as easy as the rest of my magic. Anyway, I need to go, this is draining me.”
“See you in a few.” He let the connection fade away, pleased that she had been able to maintain it as long as she had.
After walking in silence for a block, O’Hare couldn’t contain his anxiety anymore. “Did they say why they needed me.”
Lirim shook his head, “No, but my partner said that it wasn’t critical. What’s going on with your little one?”
His fists clenched, helplessness plain on his features. “We don’t know. This is Eileen and my first child. He’s been sick since he was born, but no one can figure out what’s wrong. We’ve tried so many different things, but nothing has helped. What does your partner have to do with this?”
Wanting to keep the male’s mind occupied and away from the worrying, Lirim decided to answer. “My partner, Aletta Sheridan, recently developed a healing gift. She was at the guild today to be tested as to what kind they are. Somehow, they ended up in your son’s room. Aletta said that it wasn’t serious but that she needed to see you before she could tell us anything more.”
“And you trust her?”
Knowing that fear for his son had blinded O’Hare to the insult he was offering to both Lirim and Aletta, Lirim said curtly, “I trust her with my life.”
O’Hare caught his tone and apologized, “I’m sorry. But we’ve had our hopes raised so many times only to have them dashed.”
They made their way into the guild and bypassed the receptionist. “I understand, it must be hard to watch your child be sick and be unable to do anything to help. But Aletta would never harm a child and she would never lie to anyone or give false hope.”
They reached the room before O’Hare could reply. Walking into the room, Lirim had to stop and do a double take. Aletta was sitting with her leg stretched out, chatting enthusiastically with a little boy as they doodled on her cast. Both were giggling over something and Aletta wrinkled her nose at the little one. A wave of warmth washed over him and he couldn’t stop his smile. She looked so happy; her eyes were sparkling as she waved a marker around telling the boy some sort of story.
She looked over right then and smiled at him. He couldn’t stop himself from walking over and joining them. He had to fight the urge to lean down and kiss her smiling mouth. Forcing down the strange feeling, he asked sternly, “What are you two doing?”
The mischief in Aletta’s eyes proved to be his undoing and he couldn’t hold back his laughter. This helped the boy to relax. He had frozen when Lirim had demanded to know what they were doing.
Aletta giggled, “We’re coloring! Lirim, this is Dax. Dax, this is my partner Lirim. He’s growly but underneath he’s just a big softy. And he has the best fry rating system of anyone I know.”
Big blues eyes examined him seriously. After several moments the boy held out a marker for him. “Would you like to draw?”
Taking the green marker, Lirim smiled, “I would be honored.” Uncapping the marker, he found a blank space and started carefully drawing.
* . * . *
Aletta and Dax had been making up stories about their drawings when she looked up and saw Lirim in the doorway. She couldn’t stop her smile as a wave of warmth washed over her. He steadied her and she suddenly realized that whatever happened, he had her back.
He walked over and demanded to know what they were doing. Knowing that he was only teasing, she felt Dax tense up. Then he laughed and the strange tension that she’d felt from him dissipated. She couldn’t hold back her giggles as she introduced the two and waited to see what happened. When Dax offered Lirim a marker, Aletta knew that Dax had decided in his favor.
Taking her attention away from Dax and Lirim as they started discussing French fries and their various attributes, although she was insanely curious as to what Lirim was drawing, she turned her attention back to where Dax’s parents were patiently waiting.
She smiled at the unfamiliar male. “You must be Lieutenant O’Hare. Thank you for coming.”
His face was as worn as Eileen’s, but he managed a small smile. “Please, call me Kier. Can you help Dax?”
She gentled her tone, trying to project calming energy. “I believe I can. However, I need to see something first. I need to scan you.”
Keir nodded, determination shining clearly in his eyes. “Anything.”
“I just need your hand for a minute.” Moving carefully so she didn’t disturb her leg, she reached over and held his right hand between both of hers. It only took a moment to accomplish.
Letting go of his hand, she frowned, chewing on her lip as she thought. She shook her head, “I’ve almost got it, but not quite. I need to scan both of you, Eileen, Keir, at the same time.”
She took one of their hands in each of hers. Keir and Eileen linked their other hands, hope and fear warring on their faces. Aletta let out a laugh and cried, “That’s it! I found it!”
Betony scrambled up from where she’d been sitting in the window seat, the first ungraceful movement that Aletta had seen her make. She asked breathlessly, “What did you find?”
Aletta beckoned her over and turned to Dax. “I need you to lay down for a minute, ok?”
Dax looked regretfully at his drawing, but sighed and did as he was told. He asked quietly, “Is it gonna hurt now?”
Aletta smiled tenderly at him and brushed a strand of hair from in front of his eyes. “It shouldn’t. If I’m right, this should actually make you better.”
His eyes were full of doubt but Aletta couldn’t blame him. They’d been trying for years to figure out what was wrong with him with no luck. She prayed that what she was going to do would actually work.
Taking Healer Betony’s hand, she guided it gently onto where she’d felt the oddness earlier. She explained quietly, “Fae biology is different from humans yet at the same time, it’s oddly the same. When I scanned Dax earlier, I sensed something off, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. But I think his energy is getting tangled.”
Betony frowned, “What do you mean?”
Resting her hand lightly on top of the healer’s, Aletta tried to make her see. “When I scanned Eileen, her energy was gentle and moved this way, almost like a waterfall.”
Betony nodded, “That’s the way that water nymphs are.”
Aletta nodded, “But when I scanned Keir, his energy moved the other way, like sap rising in a tree.” She could see the dawning comprehension in Betony’s eyes, so she continued. “However, Dax is a mix of the two. His parents are equally matched, neither one dominant. Because of this, the energy is not sure which way is the correct way to flow. It’s gotten all tangled up here.”
Betony closed her eyes and carefully probed. When she opened them, she nodded briskly. “That’s exactly what happened. But what can we do about it?”
Aletta could see the energy flows as clearly as if they were glowing. Focusing, she nudged them gently until they settled into new pathways. When she was satisfied that the energy was in harmony, she drew her hands away.
She looked up to see all the adults in the room staring at her in disbelief. She swallowed hard and murmured, “Sorry. I should’ve discussed it first. My magic just kinda took over. I’m sorry.”
Dax chose that moment to speak, “Mommy, it doesn’t hurt anymore. Am I fixed?”
Eileen gave a cry and scooped Dax up. “Yes baby, you’re fixed.” She started crying and peppering him with kisses. Kier wrapped his arms around them and cuddled them close, laughing even while he cried.
Aletta gratefully accepted Lirim’s outstretched hand to get up off the bed. Her good leg had gone to sleep, so she leaned heavily on him as they made their way out into the hallway. When they reached the hallway, she was tempted to cuddle into his side and stay there. After a moment, she realized what she was thinking and took a hasty step away from him, mentally berating herself. He was her partner for pity’s sake, what in the world was she thinking? Sure, he was kind, reliable, always there…. She cut herself off before she could follow that train of thought any farther. Gah! What was wrong with her?
Thankfully Betony joined them at that moment, stopping her from a having a complete meltdown on the spot. Then her brain caught up and she remembere
d that she had just healed a child without permission from the parents or the healer in charge. She fought down a panic attack, keeping her breathing even only through pure will.
Betony said quietly, her expression serene, “Would both of you mind following me to my office?”
They nodded and Lirim offered Aletta his arm. Aletta shook her head no, needing a bit of distance to get her thoughts back under control from whatever temporary insanity had possessed her. He’s answering nod seemed to be a bit curt and his expression shuttered slightly but Aletta couldn’t take it back. She was holding herself together with a string, too many new experiences too close together.
The walk to Healer Betony’s office was quiet and the healer waited until they were seated and she had served them tea, a different blend this time, before breaking the silence. “Miss Sheridan…”
Aletta offered her a strained smile, “Please, call me Aletta.”
Taking in the obvious strain in Aletta’s features, Betony leaned back, subtly giving her space. “Aletta then. First off, you are not in trouble.”
Aletta couldn’t help the instinctive protest, “But I healed him without his family’s permission.”
Betony steepled her fingers, her expression a mixture of stern and kind. “It is true that you shouldn’t have attempted a healing without the permission of all involved. However, that little boy’s family has been praying for that miracle for years. They are not angry, they are grateful.”
Aletta smiled, looking down at the clasped hands in her lap. She whispered, “I’m glad. He seemed to be such a sweet little boy.” She saw Lirim reach towards her from the corner of her eye, then hesitate and allow it to drop. Aletta lifted her head enough to offer him a shy smile before focusing back on Betony.
In Search of High Society Page 11