Scarlett scowled.“I abhor getting shanghaied by strangers.First Ransom and now you.I am irked.”She folded her arms and didn’t hold back on her glare.“You haven’t even introduced yourselves.”
The woman’s lips quirked as if she was amused.
Scarlett failed to see the joke, and frankly, she was pissed.But before she could retort, the two males carrying the stretcher with Ransom headed toward a dwelling.Everyone else fell into step, and with a muttered grumble, Scarlett followed suit.
Mistress Aelene strode to a huge, towering tree.Up close, the wooden door was simple to discern, but from a distance, the textured bark, flowers, and foliage made the entrance seem part of the landscape.
Another surprise lay in store for Scarlett when she followed the group through the portal and into the vast room beyond.She blinked before pressing her lips together.Saber always said she spoke before thinking, and this was one of those times when it was better to watch and wait.These aliens sported weapons, and although they hadn’t brandished them, their efficient demeanor told Scarlett they’d act decisively if necessary.
“Welcome Ransom Drake and Scarlett Mitchell.”The woman gestured Scarlett to a seat.“As I mentioned, we must conduct our business with speed and get you to your ship.Ransom, we have told you of our plight.Are you willing to help us?”
How?When?What the hell?Scarlett pressed her lips together to trap her indignation.
“Daenys Gaylia, how do I know you speak the truth?”Ransom asked.“I’ve had a stomach full of lies recently.”
“You don’t know,” Daenys said without hesitation.“But I have no need to make up this story.In your time, most of our people are gone.Check this for yourself.Only a few escaped the machinations of the Maphra and moved away from Narenda.The Maphra people have no soul.”
“Most,” Mistress Aelene interrupted, her tone tart.
“Of course,” Daenys agreed.“I forget.You are different because you were raised in our ways.”
Curiosity aroused, Scarlett opened her mouth to speak and stopped after thinking better of it.Best to remain silent and listen at present.
“You are traveling to the region where we used to live, which puts you in the position to offer aid.”
“And if we don’t wish to help you?”Scarlett asked.“From the little I understand, you want us to confront your enemies, and I presume, take them down.Two people against many.”She shrugged.“I don’t rate the odds.”
Daenys turned her imperious brown gaze on Scarlett.“We are not monsters.We will not compel you to help, but we ask you to check on our allies, the Trolleris.”
“And do what?”Scarlett demanded, equally cool.
A silence fell—a long one where Daenys stared at Ransom, and he returned her interest, his dark brows drawn together as if he found Daenys the most fascinating woman in the room.
“There,” Mistress Aelene said.“I will give you a supply of painkillers to take with you.They should deal with your headaches.”
“My headaches have gone.”Ransom appeared surprised.
“They will resume once you leave.”Mistress Aelene spoke with authority.“This is a brief respite, I’m afraid.Use the painkillers with caution because the Maphra will sense the interference and ask questions.”
“I understand,” Ransom said.
Scarlett scowled.She wished she understood because somehow, she’d missed most of the conversation.Mind-speaking.Yeah, telepathy made sense, but that raised even more questions.
Ransom could see Scarlett’s mind spinning, and he understood.He’d be breathing fire by now if he’d been in her position.
“Rest here for the evening.Your injuries will heal by then, and Mistress Aelene can fix some of the pathways the Maphra prince has destroyed.”Daenys’s melodious voice soothed the nagging aches constant in his head since he’d fallen into a coma.
Ransom replied in a similar manner so Scarlett and the others couldn’t eavesdrop.“My mind is clear for the first time since the resonance downed me.”
“It’s because we’ve intervened and dragged you into the past before the injuries occurred.Unfortunately, the pain will take you out at the knees once you return to the present time.Does she understand what the prince is, what he will do to her?”
“No.”Ransom forgot to use his mind and spoke aloud.
“No, what?”Frustration sounded in Scarlett.Her eyes flashed with wrath and impatience, and her fisted hands showed her desire to flatten someone.
“No, we do not require supplies.Our ship is stocked for our journey,” Ransom lied.
“Ransom requires rest to heal, but would you enjoy a tour of our village?Kane finishes his shift shortly.”Daenys regarded Scarlett.“I believe he intends to go to the inn for a drink and a meal.I’m sure he won’t mind the company.”
