She would explore that idea later, but now she needed to connect with Cade. Though he might be sleeping at this hour, she reached out gently and touched his mind. “Cade?”
He responded to her warmly. “Tamsyn?”
“Yes.” He was still mind blocked. Could she reduce the blocking even though they were separated?
It was worth a try. She visualized him as a ball of light that was trapped in an iron cage, then imagined the cage dissolving as she poured healing energy into it. She sensed him becoming more focused. She poured her power into him, trying to form words so he’d be more likely to understand her.
“Tam . . . safe?” he asked, his thoughts labored.
“Yes, and looking for you. Do you know where you are?”
She felt his confusion. He did not reply.
“I will find you,” she promised. “Stay strong!”
She sensed gratitude and apology from him before he faded from her mind, leaving her drained. A casual mind touch just to check that a family member was well wasn’t difficult, but this level of communication required much more focus and strength. It was difficult for her, and surely much harder for Cade in his current state.
When he was restored to himself, he would loathe knowing how weakened he’d been. He’d always had limitless strength. He was the protector who looked out for her and everyone else he cared about. More than once she’d seen him go to the aid of complete strangers who were in need. She ached at the knowledge that at the moment he couldn’t even defend himself.
After several minutes of gathering her mental strength, she swung her feet to the floor, then stood and walked the two steps to the washstand to splash water on her face and prepare for the day. It was her job to rescue Cade, and she damned wellwould!
She guessed that he was still in the vicinity of Calais because there was no indication that he was being moved when she’d contacted him the day before. That could change today, which would complicate the situation enormously. But without knowing where he was, it was impossible to make plans.
The meal gong sounded through the tall, narrow house, so she dressed and headed down the stairs. After a good French breakfast of warm bread, berry preserves, and strong hot mint tea with honey, she returned to her room and considered possible ways to locate where Cade was being held captive. She didn’t have a strong finder gift, but maybe desperation would help her.
She pulled a piece of paper and a pencil from her carry bag and drew a simple map of Calais and the surrounding area. She relaxed her mind and scanned the drawing, hoping an area would attract her attention.
Nothing stood out for Cade’s location. Nothing for the Scorpion.
She was wondering what to do next when she felt a deep, powerful mind touch from Bran, Merryn—and Gwyn and Rhys? The combined Tremayne power was a flood of warmth and support. Tamsyn could feel each of them as distinct presences.
And startlingly, she could understand the messages clearly, not with the vagueness that was usual with mind touch. Bran’s thoughts were as distinct as if they were in the same room together. “Tam, we needed Gwyn and Rhys in this mind touch to increase the power and clarity.”
Tamsyn replied, “I wanted to spare them worry, but it’s so good to feel you all here!” Her mother’s presence was like a warm hug.
Merryn’s mental message was equally distinct. “I found a way to bring us together with great clarity. But much power is needed and I can’t hold the connection for long.”
Tamsyn could feel the bonds Merryn had generated to bring their minds together and was awed at the other woman’s strength, but it was clear why this conversation would be brief. Bran’s thought was the most urgent. “Bring Cade into this mind touch! I need to feel him!”
Tamsyn warned, “He’s not fully himself and he’s tired now, but surely your energy will help him.”
Together she and Merryn reached out and drew Cade together with the rest of the family. He reacted to the love and assurances like a thirsty flower welcoming water. He wasn’t fully aware, but she sensed that their caring was gradually strengthening him.
“He feels the way Merryn did when mind blocked,” Bran said. “You healed her. You will be able to heal him as well once you locate him. I’ll come help find him.”
Once again, she said emphatically, “No! France is detaining all Englishmen from eighteen to sixty. Not safe for you to come here, Bran!”
Reluctantly he said, “I agree for now, Tam. You’re best placed to rescue him, but if you need help, I’ll be there!”
She had expected no less. He and Cade had been as close as any two brothers could be. But her intuition told her it would be very dangerous for Bran to cross the channel. Possibly fatal—and she couldn’t bear to lose both of them.
Rhys spoke, his mental voice as deep and powerful as his physical voice. “Gwyn, you found Cade when he was a shivering child. Find him again.”
Tamsyn felt her mother gather her finding power and her love for her missing son. After a long moment of stillness, Gwyn said, “Tamsyn, do you have a map of northern France?”
“Just drew a crude one.”
“Gaze at it and I’ll see what I can learn.”
