I gave him a hug, grateful to have this friend back as well. With my family around me, parts of my life shone better than they ever had before. I let myself fall back into the wonderful feeling.
We pulled apart, and he rubbed my arm.
“Any time,” he said softly.
“Thanks.”
He shifted around me and strode down the hall and after sending a wave my way, he started down the stairs.
Something drifted across the landing below him, catching my eye. A wisp of a tattered robe? Nah. It couldn’t be.
Leaning over the rail, I frowned, studying the area, but whatever I’d seen wasn’t there any longer. Brodine swept through that section and strode down the hall below this one, disappearing from view.
With a shake of my head, I entered my room, locking the door behind me. I waited to make sure Brodine was truly gone before striding into the room. What should I do first?
The most frightening thing on my agenda, of course.
Before I lost my nerve, I gathered power and flitted to Ivenrail’s sitting area. My heartbeat slammed in my throat as I peered around.
My eyes and body were drawn to the Wraithweave board. What would I find this time? I doubted anyone was playing this game, not moving pieces from one position to another. The fates were running things now, and this deadly game was mirrored by me and my friends.
The master, his enforcer, and his defenders had moved to the portion of Lydel under his control, and they faced the island. Did this mean Ivenrail and Kerune were about to attack? I needed to finish here and return to my court. Free my army and stand ready to defend what was right and good.
The high lady now stood on Lydel Island with her defenders by her side. Even the dragon was there with her, though he’d moved to the eastern shore. Seeking other dragons to join our force? It must be.
Only one of the master’s pieces remained at Bledmire.
The white high lady’s defender stood not far from her, facing her way. For the first time, I dared to touch, lifting it and staring at the blank, smooth object. The color could mean everything and nothing.
“Who are you?” I whispered.
“That’s a good question.”
I spun to find High Advisor Adwarin sitting on the throne. “I knew you’d come here tonight.”
Could he see the future?
A flick of his finger, and I was flung into the wooden chair infront of the fireplace. Vines snapped out from the floor to pin me in place.
I drew magic and blazed it across the vines but unlike in the past, they didn’t burn. They tightened to dig into my skin.
My cry of pain shot up my throat, but I bit it back.
High Advisor Adwarin flitted to stand in front of me, leaning so close his sour breath coated my features.
“So nice of you to return.” His slick smile grew. “You owe me for two daughters, Tempest, and I’m calling my price due.”
The pad of his thumb smacked against my forehead.
40
VEXXION
Istepped inside a vast cavern, finding myself at the top of spiraling slopes descending on each side. They plunged away, coiling around the outer part of the cavern until they spilled out at the base.
Mosaics in patterns like those at the Claiming covered the floor far below. And in the center, a small stone spire stood, gleaming bright green in the low lights. Pabrilleen. An object small and almost delicate appearing, though it was hard to tell from up here, glowed where it rested on the top of the spire. Was that all that was left of my court’s core power?
My goal. My salvation.
