“Storm,” I growled. “It must be the Storm witches.”
“You met with these witches recently, is that correct, Princess?” Lorcan asked while the other high council members stared at me silently.
“I did,” I confirmed. “Through the use of a crystal amulet they call a cluster. The stone allows a group of people to form a psychic connection by projecting them into a neutral location where they can converse.”
“Fascinating,” Lorcan shared a look with Greer, who was seated on his right. “These witches are more advanced than we thought.”
“I believe their powers are muted and mutated versions of fairy magic,” I said. “It's not surprising that they would learn to use crystals as communication devices, just as the fey do.”
“Well said,” Lorcan nodded. “You've briefed High Councilman Greer on the witch magic and he has informed us of your findings but have you learned anything new since your conversation with their elders? Any insights you may have picked up through interaction that could help us with the disappearance?”
“I thought they were honorable,” I sighed. “They seemed to want peace but I did imply that we were more powerful than they and that peace would be in their best interest. Perhaps they were offended and changed their mind.”
“Do you truly believe that?” Lorcan leaned forward. “From the reports I've had on you, Princess, I've learned that you are known to be quite perceptive and I find it hard to believe that Danu's chosen one could be so easily deceived.”
“It surprised me too, Councilman,” I grimaced.
“But are you certain?” He pressed. “For the moment, all we have is a missing plane and a remnant of weather magic. Perhaps you were not deceived then but are being deceivednow.”
“You think this may be a trick?” I frowned. “Who would do that? Who would abduct a plane full of fairies and make it look as if the witches were responsible?”
“Someone who wants a war,” Lorcan said simply. “I have been Chief High Councilman for many years,AmbassadorSeren. I have witnessed many deceptions and have developed a sense for them. This feels wrong to me... this answer is too simple.”
“I see your point,” I frowned, a little impressed by the fairy. “It does seem a little convenient.”
“We'd like you to conduct your own investigation,” Lorcan went on. “Is there anyone you can contact within the Coven?”
“Yes, actually,” I thought of the little white card that was tucked in my pocket. “An alpha of the Pack clan.”
“Perhaps you can speak with him and get a better sense of what has occurred,” Lorcan offered. “Then you will add your sense to mine and we will hopefully be able to make a more informed decision on what to do next.”
“I'll go call him immediately,” I nodded and started to stand.
“Princess,” Lorcan stopped me.
“Yes?” I sat back down.
“I'm sure we don't need to tell you how delicate this situation is,” Lorcan glanced around the table and all of the fairies nodded in agreement. “We would prefer if you withheld this information from Lord Raza... for the time being.”
“Sweet Danu,” I sighed. “I forgot about Raza.”
“I'm sure you can see how this would be upsetting to him,” Lorcan went on. “And we'd prefer not to add a hotheaded dragon-djinn to the volatility of our plight.”
“I understand,” I whispered as I thought of how Raza might react to the news that his son and a huge amount of Raye's people were missing. “I won't tell Raza until I absolutely have to.”
“Thank you,” Lorcan inhaled deep and a sense of relief went around the table.
I looked them over in surprise. I knew Raza was dangerous but damn, I didn't realize he could scare the High Council of Fairy. It made me wonder if it was him they feared or just the fact that he was a dragon-djinn. And if it were the latter, what had his people done to scare the most powerful fey alive? Had it warranted their extinction?
“Councilmen,” my father nodded to the group as he got up. “Councilwomen,” a bow to the ladies (because my dad was nothing if not a gentleman). “We will take our leave now.”
“Thank you, King Keir,” Lorcan nodded. “And thank you for leaving your kingdom to come here and lend us your support.”
“My kingdom is merely part of Fairy,” Keir helped me up. “It's my honor to give aid to our realm and our people.”
“Just give me a few minutes,” I pulled the cell phone Dylan had given me, out of my leather jacket and held it up for them to see. “I'll go out into the hall and make the phone call.”
“Please,” Lorcan waved to a little door set into the wall on my right. “Use the antechamber and take your time, Princess Seren. We need as much information as you can acquire.”
