Alora didn’t kiss Kaevin when they returned from Laegenshire with Graely and Raelene. Her uncle’s scowl convinced her they could wait until they had a private moment. She’d discovered kissing wasn’t much fun when they had to do it, anyway.
“I thought more of the council was coming,” said Charles.
“The entire council wishes to be involved in the meeting, but we realized we cannot leave our home unprotected, especially at this time,” said Graely. “Laegenshire is having their winter fair, so there are many travelers in our town. We feel uncomfortable with so many strangers in close proximity. We’re actually hoping to move the meeting to Laegenshire.”
“But first, we want to thank Beth’s mother and Wesley’s parents for the help their children provided during the fight against Vindrake,” said Raelene.
“Yes, without the help of Wesley and his special bows, we might have lost many warriors to the wendts,” said Graely. “And Beth has amazing skills as a healer. I would have suffered greatly without the help of her magick circles.”
“He’s talking about ibuprofen, Mom. They don’
t have modern medicine over there.” Beth patted her mother’s arm. Janice seemed more subdued than when she first arrived, but not particularly happy.
“Graely, could you start at the beginning and explain everything? Who you are? Where you’re from? All the way back to Alora’s mother and the war with Vindrake?” asked Charles.
“Very well. I am Graely BarManasae, of Laegenshire in Tenavae Territory, and I’m the leader of Stone Clan.” Graely’s voice was melodic as he told the story, and Alora’s mind wandered. Her head felt heavy, so she rested it against Kaevin’s shoulder.
An elbow in her ribs startled her awake. She straightened, blinking her eyes.
“But you understand why we can’t tell anyone about this?” asked Charles. “I don’t know what would happen if the authorities were involved and discovered our cover-up. I’m not just worried we could have legal troubles for creating a false birth certificate. I’m afraid they might discover Alora has powers and try to experiment on her. They might take her away from me.” His voice cracked. “If Lena were still alive, she could say it so much better.”
“I understand, Charles.” Janice was blinking at tears. “I’ve loved Alora almost like my own daughter. And you were there for me when Jack … when Jack passed away. And before that, when things were rough between us. I promise I won’t tell anyone about this. I was just a little shocked, that’s all.”
“Really, Charles. We’ll keep your secret,” said Karen.
“Who would we tell, anyway?” Brian chuckled. “Who would ever believe this story?”
“The real danger to Alora lies with her father. His evil is unsurpassed.” Graely glanced toward Alora, and her chest tightened. She couldn’t help feeling somehow responsible for his actions. What if she had gone to him and talked to him when he’d first invited her? Before she and Kaevin had made contact? Before they became soulmates? Could she have influenced him for good without endangering anyone else? He was definitely evil—his proximity had sickened her. But surely he wasn’t so evil that he would harm his own daughter.
“Yeah, he sounds like a real charmer,” said Brian. “Enjoys torturing people, huh? What a sicko.”
“Yes,” Graely agreed. “And his power is growing and spreading every day. So you see why defeating him is so crucial. And we now believe it’s possible there’s a portal in Vindrake’s kingdom that could allow him access to this realm.”
“Wait, what are you talking about?” Uncle Charles looked like he was ready to grab a gun from his gun safe.
“As our understanding has grown, we’ve determined Tenavae and Montana must exist in separate realms. And considering your story of meeting Wendelle, we realized she must have escaped Vindrake through a portal between our worlds. Especially, knowing he had her warded against transporting. Nordamen has some knowledge of portals, and he’s explained that the portal Wendelle used would remain open for use by anyone gifted in gresses. If Vindrake utilizes the same line of reasoning, he would likely presume the portal’s existence.”
“You’re saying he could come here?” Janice’s face was white.
“Yes, it’s possible. He would need the aid of someone with the gift of gresses, but surely, in all of Water Clan, he could locate someone thus gifted and bend them to do his will. Of course, we’ll do everything in our power to prevent that from occurring.” Graely’s tense expression contradicted the assurance of his words.
Raelene clasped her hands together in a gesture of prayer. “As a mother, I understand how frightening this is to you. But we felt you had a right to know the truth. And we hope you’ll help us determine the next steps in our battle.”
“I don’t think we need to be involved at all,” said Karen. “I understand why you need Alora, and that’s her heritage, anyway. But, Wesley certainly isn’t going back over there—he’s only a boy.”
“He’s sixteen, Karen. Almost my age when I enlisted,” Brian said.
“So you want him to go get himself killed by this evil maniac?”
“No, but I’m saying I understand wanting to fight for something bigger than yourself. I’m not saying I approve, but I get it. And now they’re telling us this battle could come to our own doorstep. I’d much rather defeat him over there than have him threaten us in our homes.”
Alora ventured a glance at Wesley who was biting back a smile. He wasn’t out of the woods yet, but at least his dad was sticking up for him.
Brian stuck out his hand. “Graely, I’d be honored to go to Laegenshire and attend your meeting. If nothing else, I’d like to know more about what kind of threat Vindrake might pose to us if he finds a way to get here.”
Kaevin grinned as he whispered in her ear. “I believe Brian might simply wish to experience transporting.”
“We should go now,” said Charles. “Wesley and Beth can wait here with Karen and Janice.”