“The Triskelion Sigil is not specific to the harbinger. It’s an ancient symbol that originated in the early days of the Fae Queens, but its meaning has become muddied and lost over time. These days, it is sometimes linked to the idea of a harbinger. The Triskelion Sigil—three interlocked spirals—canhave several meanings. When it’s tied to a Harbinger of the Underworld, it signals the cycles of life and death. Passage of time. Transition to the underworld.”
“Can we assume the Darkest Lord and his harbinger are responsible for the missing fishermen?”
“It’s possible, but we don’t know for sure, and we can’t rule out something else. The missing fishermen are just that: missing. We don’t know if they’re dead or alive. They’re human, and they could’ve encountered an issue with the boat, an issue among themselves, or an issue with the weather. We just don’t know, and it’s too dangerous to assume.”
“Will the Rangers be able to tell if there was foul play?”
“I’m sure.”
“How about the kraken and the lycanthrope? Could they all be linked to the harbinger?”
“It’s possible.”
“Let’s say, for a minute, the Harbinger of the Underworld is responsible for the capsized boat. Why? What benefit does he receive from taking innocent lives?”
“Collecting souls?” Silas raised a shoulder. “In all honesty, I don’t know. The Darkest Lord’s plans don’t often make sense until it’s too late. But if it is the underworld at work, then it is best to believe he does have a reason for it. A purpose for those fishermen, even if he’s using them as a disposable warning that he can touch life on our island and take it away.”
I sucked in a breath. “Pretty deadly warning.”
“It’s just the tip of the iceberg.”
At that rather dreary moment, the front door was pushed open. Millie came in humming with a sack slung over her shoulder. Leafy greens from the market spilled out over the top, and she held a cup of coffee in her hand.
“Oh, hello, you two! I didn’t expect you home so soon. I’m so glad you helped yourself to some lunch.” Millie grinned at me. “So, tell me. How was it?”
“How was what?” I hesitated. “My training?”
“Your first loaf of bread!” Millie gave me a bigger grin. “Doesn’t it taste so much better when you make it yourself?”
“I don’t know. I think it tastes just fine when you make it,” I said, as Millie barked a laugh. “But yes, it was delicious. Thank you for showing me how to make it yesterday.”
“Millie,” Silas said in a serious tone, interrupting the pleasantries. “The wards were not up when you left.”
“They weren’t?” Millie frowned. “I’m so sorry. I must have forgotten to set them. I thought I did, but I admit I was kind of in a rush. I’m so sorry, Mr. Silas, I—”
“It’s not a big deal,” I said gently, turning to Silas. “Nothing happened.”
“No, he’scompletelyright,” Millie said hurriedly. “It’s on me, being so irresponsible. I’m so sorry. It won’t happen again.”
My stomach twisted at the devastated look on Millie’s face. Silas nodded, not looking happy with the admonition, but looking satisfied it was over.
“He’s just worried about you,” Millie said to me. “Don’t give Silas a hard time. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you because I was so careless as to leave the wards down. He’s right. It’s a grave error.”
“Don’t worry, Millie. Please. You do so much around here.” I turned pointedly to Silas and said, “Right, Silas?”
“Of course,” he said, like this was obvious. “It’s not a reflection on Millie, just a reminder to leave the wards up in times like this.”
Millie was nodding along in total agreement. Silas looked at me, and at the look on my face, he realized smartly that it wasn’t the answer I was looking for.
“Thank you, Millie,” Silas said gruffly. “Your hard work here doesn’t go unnoticed. We appreciate all you do.”
“This place couldn’t run without you.” I gave Millie a wink. “We love you.”
Millie gave me a quick smile before she went to the sink and began washing the produce. “So anyway,didyou start your training?”
We chatted easily for a while as I filled her in on my short-lived experience with rocks before Silas got a message on the Comm he’d taken to carrying around lately. He hated wearing it, but it was the easiest way for the Rangers to get in touch with him. I had noticed he didn’t leave it far from his person these days.
“I’ve got to take off for a bit,” Silas said, waving the Comm. “Keep the wards up, yeah?”
