“I am unaware.” I hadn’t even considered Hikaru might not return. That thought did not sit well with me. Considering the mess the little devil had made of my living room, his absenceshould make me elated. It did not. “I am uncertain when he left, where he went, or what his intentions are.”
“Typical,” Keir grumbled. I’d had little interactions with gryphons over the years. Gryphons were not common, at least not in the United States. Most of them kept to Europe or Northeast Africa. Hikaru had called Keir stuffy and boring earlier. I doubted the kitsune was an accurate judge of character when it came to stability. In general, gryphons were known for their intelligence and calm, steady demeanor.
The Warlock Council was causing me enough grief. I didn’t need to get involved with the Magical Usage Council as well. Still, I found myself asking, “Is there anything I can do for you?”
Keir barked out a laugh. “Not unless you can transport through solid rock.”
I blinked, my dark eyes gazing toward the cliff’s edge. “I only know of a few creatures capable of such a thing.” Fairies, brownies, djinn, and perhaps, Hikaru. As a shadow borne, Tenzen Huxley would have fit into that category if he were stillavailable.
“As do I.” There was another long, drawn-out sigh. “I’ve no right to ask a favor, but I’m going to do it anyway. If Hikaru comes back, please ask him to call me.”
Remembering Hikaru’s earlier discussion with Martin, I found that unlikely. “I doubt I will be able to sway him to do so.”
“I understand. Just…tell him it has to do with the missing. We may have found them, but… Please just tell him that. Hikaru was on friendly terms with a lot of the missing. I think if he knew it was about them, he might be willing to help.”
I could do little more than agree to pass along the message. “Assuming I see him again, I will let Hikaru know.”
“Thank you, Warlock Holland.”
“I suspect your gratitude is premature.”
“Perhaps, but I can still thank you for your time.”
I appreciated the politeness. The old saying regarding catching more flies with honey remained ever true. “You are welcome.”
My finger hovered over the end call button only to pause when Keir hesitantly asked, “May I ask another question?”
“If it is about Hikaru, then?—”
“It’s not. I was wondering about the Warlock Council.”
My fingers flexed, tightening around my phone. “I am not a member,” I answered, tone clipped.
“I am aware.”
The sun warmed my face as I turned towards it. Unfortunately, its heated rays couldn’t thaw the growing dread in my chest. “As I am not a member, I am uncertain I will hold whatever answers you seek.” While that was true, I was curious. “I will help if I can, but be advised, the Warlock Council and I do not often see eye to eye. With that said, what is it you wish to know?”
“Given your reputation, I suspicioned as much. That was meant as a compliment,” Keir added before my hackles rose. “The Magical Usage Council has gotten some interesting queries recently. Most are from groups of individuals that are naturally concerned regarding the council’s stability and motives. However, there have been a few more…shall we say, pointed, questions from the Warlock Council.”
“In what way?” My fingers on my free hand danced along my thigh.
“Perhaps it is not the words themselves, but the tone behind them. The Warlock Council seems far more interested in the Magical Usage Council’s future than other species. I am most likely reading more into the situation than there is.”
“Are you accusing the Warlock Council of something?” And if so, what?
“No. Nothing like that. I just… As I said before. I think it is more the tone behind our communications.”
I processed the implications and realized a very important detail I should have already clarified. “Are you now in charge of the Magical Usage Council?”
Keir’s heavy inhale sounded almost painful. “It would seem so, at least for the time being. Honestly, things are very unstable right now. The further I dig into Tenzen’s more recent activities, the more alarming his actions become. Our discoveries baffle and terrify me on a daily basis. It will take a long time to regain the trust we have lost.”
I thought Keir optimistic to believe that trust could ever be regained, let alone the lengthy time frame that would be required to do so. I did not believe I could help in that regard. I could offer assistance when it came to the Warlock Council. “Are the communications with the Warlock Council in writing or verbal?”
“A little of both.”
“I can’t help with previous conversations, but if you feel comfortable sending me images of the written communications, I will offer what advice I can.” I wasn’t sure I’d feel this magnanimous if it weren’t for my own current issues with the council. They’d essentially lost any previous loyalty I may have felt.
“Again, thank you.”
