Chapter 12
He slept soundly. No one wanted to158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhLrddEkYn
wake him so the visit by Mari Drayson went off without him. He didn’t awaken158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRj8FkEUhu
until night had fallen and Shea busted into the King’s study to jump on him158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMjrMglI0c
then proceeded to like his face until his face scrunched up and he pushed her158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYWpyzjA0Z
aside.
“Shea, sto-” she interrupted him158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoyju1TbQt
by licking his mouth. He shot up to start gagging pushing the she-wolf off his158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XSxNM4F2b
body. “I’ve told you to stop doing that.” He grumbled.
”And I told you to stop getting158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cvmDvBnZU
into fights when I’m not around, and here we are.” She growled into his158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG89nhRKeB
mind. “Imagine my annoyance when I got woken up by some Blades when they158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUJiZ47abp
came to remove your stuff from the room and escorted me to the castle saying158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELVSPITYln
you had been attacked. Imagine my anger when they wouldn’t let me check up on158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T8kwdrvbn
you until now.”
“Did you leave anyone alive?” she158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNh6npfvTF
barked her laughter but nodded her head.
“It was difficult, but your158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFbkMR4owX
grandfather swore to me you were sleeping and needed your rest.” She bumped158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4PLA62GSW
her head against his chest. He placed his head in her fur then inhaled her158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpZQ2WFl4P
scent. He felt the stress and anxiety he had been feeling just melt away.
“I’m sorry for worrying you.” she158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP7HCwuRUz
licked the side of his face accepting the apology. There was a slight knock on158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaUjTRSH0y
the door and Alexander poked his head in.
“I heard voices.” He said. “Are158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAdCh0yPKv
you finally awake, Vander?”
“Yep.” He slid his foot off the158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzVhWU2CLU
couch. Looking up at Alex he saw that his friend had worry lines etched onto158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLBwrHChsx
his head while his face was filled with worry. “How long have you been standing158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvjndMd0Ok
there?”
“Once the others told me what had158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhVfpF4LeX
happened.” He explained. “I was about to kill you when you didn’t show to the158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGeu9fXVLz
training, but when that Jilena boy told me I dropped everything to come here.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uJYyWXGSp
The King told me not to disturb you, so I sat at that door making sure you158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FD8wtgek4
rested.”
“You got anything to eat?” Alex158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlldOEQxr4
grinned. He disappeared for a second then came back with a tray of steaming hot158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4DvtuyRCD
food.
“Once I saw Shea, I knew it was158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGeBrQx3yn
only a matter of time before you awoke so I had the kitchen prepare some stew158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFPOb0ZzyE
and bread.” He said. “I had them make a bowl for her as well.”
“Thanks.” Shea was158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEWrmLB040
practically salivating on the carpet. Bernard wasn’t ready for what was about158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUOyORYc2F
to happen. The two of them tore into the food like a couple of beasts. Sauce158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJSqlhpzij
and chunks of bread flew everywhere. Alex wisely took a step back shaking his158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mzYKGS5U9
head in disgust.
“Animals.” He muttered under his158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB59vSLGSu
breath. They were done after a few minutes leaving the table a disaster. Vander158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM4vfa8pv8
leaned back on the couch then stifled a belch. Shea stuck her head into his158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSAV3XyYm1
bowl to lick out the remaining sauce. “Once you’re finished your grandfather158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwIiZoVWuG
wanted me to bring you to him.”
“Did he say what it was about?”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI05GcvVH9
Vander asked. Alex shook his head. Rolling his eyes he got up from the couch,158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnRaZ02o9Y
wobbled for a second, but remained steady. “Let’s go then.”
The castle was on high alert.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWsdoAdzwH
There were more guards here than normal, most of them were regular soldiers,158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1cNCk1SuU
stationed along the halls. Whenever the Wardens showed up everyone was on158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmJFgoo58g
alert. The safety of the entire country rested on their heads, so the King158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbDB33ybvz
always took extra precautions to make sure they were safe.
Alex stood at the door to the158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOs7JWmJ1P
Commander’s office while Vander headed inside. Charles was pouring over more158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3bbLvLd4Z
paperwork at his desk by lamplight. He looked so old sitting there even though158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxkWwvmmnz
he was in his middle years. Just went to show the toll being Commander took.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sgaGFitmU
Shea jumped up onto the couch then placed her head on her paw. It took a couple158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf0bcl4TaH
of seconds for him to put down his quill and to look up at him.
“I heard you were ambushed on the158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7FNLK8o1A
street today.” The old man’s voice hitched. “Are you doing okay?”
“Fine, gramps.” Vander nodded.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBip11NHjxz
“What about the man I captured?”
“In the dungeon waiting for his158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4d0dKbHrP
questioning.” He said. “I assume you want to do the honors?”
“It would be my pleasure.” Vander158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPhqC5AUK1
grinned. “But we need to have a talk about something.” He sat down in the chair158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnavWWrqfne
across from his grandfather. “We need to promote the recruits to trainees and158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL5QCcFb3j
allow them to help us around the castle. If today taught me anything we need158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4erYzp5qeE
more soldiers on the streets protecting the people than we need them in here.”
“It’s not time for them yet.”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRGTz1Q8ok
Charles shook his head. “They aren’t ready.”
“We don’t have the manpower,”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWmINxu6s8
Vander argued. “Even when all the Blades come back with the wardens, there158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PmCSiuFf2
still isn’t enough. Those five can really help us out.”
“Doesn’t matter if we need the158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7hPZmSjB1
help.” The old man growled. “We have standards we must adhere to. There can be158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPnaSKfUJD
no exceptions.”
“Gramps since I’ve returned a158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOzE6XxKUP
couple weeks ago, I’ve almost died twice.” Vander said. “If we had more158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCinD5rywI
competent guards this might not have happened. If you’re that worried about it158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnF5zvD2FC
I will keep training them until their time is up and stick them by the entrances.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH388rq6V3
An important position, but it wouldn’t put them in harms way.”
“I’ll have to think about it.”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYeyHbTghW
Charles sighed. “But your idea does have merit to it.”
“Thank you,” Vander sighed. “I met158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIVQlNSGDX
with Ross last night for information on who poisoned Malcolm and he gave me a158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBEdkF5RJM
name.”
“Yea?” Charles looked up158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aOzBXaQSA
interested. “What was it?”
“Green Serpents.” Charles’ face158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP9OOEmu7G
fell. He scrunched his fist on the desk then slammed his fist down on top.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18W9Gnb6RD
“That bastard.”
“Is there something I should know158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICx5XXmRly
about?” Vander frowned. “I’ve never heard of them before, but based on your158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE832XOvmzb
reaction and the King’s, it’s something big.”
“Malcolm has his reasons for not158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rOdQUMiXs
telling you, but since you were nearly killed, I suppose to have the right to158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQnWf2jOhW
know.” Charles leaned back in his chair. “The Green Serpents are a mercenary158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdsXSk8GeR
band that goes to the highest bidder. However, it wasn’t always that way. The158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO4tug6lHL
leader, Jogun Batiste, the King and I used to be close during the wars twenty158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEu2uI0xUY
years ago.”
“What changed?” Vander folded his158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzw9M8Kylp8
arms over his chest. If they were now taking contracts on the King himself,158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdIgSPM4Cg
something bad must have happened.
“We found out what he did to158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEgrbrkf8K
prisoners, especially the children.” Charles’ back sagged. “He would have them158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCCjVu1IqJ
fight each other to the death then, if they survived, they were tortured and158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEjhrfQHaC
corrupted into joining them. Some he sent to his loyal soldiers to be158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH35ZIjy1Bw
brutalized.”
“Sounds like a real charmer.”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1NL76CLdZ
Vander said dryly.
“We suspended all contracts with158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53i2aia1vi
them and threw them out of the city.” Charles sighed. “I wanted more drastic158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ5vjwl5Tz
measures to be taken, but I was overruled. The council thought it would be158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB96ZgABFV
better to part ways amicably instead of killing or imprisoning those involved.”
“And now they are back trying to158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GgRks67Go
get revenge?” Vander shook his head. “Something is adding up. They are going158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryvwRRk0P2
through a lot of trouble for revenge. I think there might be more to this,158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjuEdOYitT
especially since I had nothing to do with twenty years ago.”
“And it would make sense to go158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf00MKdOEy
after me, someone who was involved, and protects Malcolm.” Charles turned158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwB1OnvBPpq
around and walked back to the desk. “Why are you being targeted? Any ideas?”
“A couple.” Vander hesitated. “My158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcc090oO7T
first thought was that it was because I got involved with Nigel, but I don’t158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV3LUQSuJK
think that’s the reason.”
“Vander.” Charles said carefully.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gP20y5ZH3
“What’s going on?” Vander took a deep sigh then told his grandfather about the158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT2x4s1ien
dreams he had been having.
It started with Veyar the day158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinK4Gvv6el
before he left for the city along with her warning to keep his identity hidden.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSmVGHRwNh
He left out the part of her being trapped in the stormy vortex, he didn’t want158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFG57yb2ip
to give the impression that the Deities were fighting each other, not that158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxWcZNvS5l
anyone would believe him. Then he told him about the dream with Unna about158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9zn7fny1J
fulfilling his role. Lastly he told him about his most recent dream about158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoGxL2yHnb
Imitae being chained up to a wall and reiterating the same thing his wife had158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG2PakWXgu
told him.
“So, you think they went after you158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqJDE6n7P2
because they know you are the Ma’akti Unnatun?” Charles asked. “How could they158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRgIeQBslj
know? Not many people do, even less could figure it out.”
“Gramps I communicate with a158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGimW8nl3K
Shadow Beast,” Vander laughed. “She might look like a wolf, but either way it’s158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFkvtcru2y
not a common occurrence to walk around with her. It might be nothing, but all158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9RLk0Nrn3
of these dreams these murder attempts, something is going down.”
“I already moved your stuff here158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcskGC2ks5
to your old room.” Charles said. “I will have guards on you at all times to158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZF1NiupiB
make sure you stay safe.”
“I don’t need a babysitter,158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv2WC3Y2OA
gramps.” Vander sighed. “Put the guards you were going to put on me and put158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzXCOQnl8Q
them on the King or Warden Drayson. I don’t need protection.”
“Then I will put Alex on it, he158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCvtuDwGmm
seems to be the only one who can wrangle you.” Charles sat back down. “What158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecF7mqszdT
else did Ross tell you?” Vander looked at him confused. “I’ve known you since158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMSQunxqiL
you were a boy, Vander. You think I couldn’t tell you were hiding something158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyWsf9A2h0
from me?” Vander sighed deeply.
“He told me that he could find the158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR1TQY6DCS
Serpents for us, the problem is I would have to fight for him.” Vander158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q9qjcI2VQ
explained. “In the pits.” Charles lowered his head and sighed.
“Do you think he has a way to get158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQedw50MlSo
that information?”
“Yes,” Vander nodded. “But that’s158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4XB5gkabK
not a place I want to fight in. We can handle the information gathering158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1X5Q2B9tF
ourselves. I’m certain of it.”
“With our resources stretched thin158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7Dz6OyDQN
I doubt we will have the time, but now that we know who they are, we should158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpAFxhXPOC
have better luck finding them.” Charles said. He opened his mouth, but there158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UJnxyeLKx
was a knock at the door. “Come in!”
Alex poked his head inside.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1oy7x34DG
“Commander, Vander, Anna Drayson is here to talk to you.”
“Send her in.” Charles and Vander158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE8dOFXQ2k
got up from their seats to greet the young woman and heir to the Eastern158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGxHZIHJJB
Warden.
Anna Drayson was only a couple158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArmdsqhceq
years younger than Vander, but an accomplished soldier. She wore the native158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ8MwRu8y7
uniform in an ocean climate: a leather cuirass, a short skirt, leather shin158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAGGaii65A
guards, boots, and arm guards. Strapped to their waist they usually held a158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEKEEFfsCf
short sword, but for now it was empty. They wore helmets with a blue stripe on158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWFo2p6c3A
top to show their devotion to the sea. However, this was only their ceremonial158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySoSHCR3kL
uniform, in actual battle they wore iron for better protection.
“Sorry for the intrusion.” Her158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TlGdj7GlT
voice was melodic. She removed her helmet and a cascade of silver blonde hair158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxh7Mt4ufQ
fell past her shoulders. Her brown eyes held onto Vander’s for a moment before158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NPBp1AXJG
flickering to his grandfather. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“No Anna, we were just finishing158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2LUm2tvPV
up.” Charles leaned back in his chair. “What can I do for you?”
“My grandmother requested Captain158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsICoYw75m
Vander’s presence and asked that I escort him to her.” Vander and Charles158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYzOXRLY7z
exchanged glances.
“I haven’t talked to her since I158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG02EpgllCB
was a small child.” Vander frowned. “What could she want to talk to me about?”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Mr4OS8dky
Anna just shrugged her shoulders. Sighing he got up from the chair. “Seems I’ve158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEACCUTuOM1
been doing more talking than just about anything else recently.”
“We can change that if you want.”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDSzw2fzpw
Anna grinned. “I’ve been wanting to fight you for years, wolfling.”
“I told you to stop calling me158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxYP1AzVui
that.” Vander snapped. He wrapped his elbow around her neck, forcing her to158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZMQCB4op6
bend, then rubbed his knuckles through her hair.
“Ow, ow, ow.” She rammed her elbow158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz3vn0O8Ol
into her stomach causing him to bend over. They broke apart and squared up,158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88K942Lgh1
fists raised in front of them.
“Not in the office, Vander.”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFyGuDZubX
Charles snarled. “Get going the two of you, before you break something.”
“Yes sir.” Anna bowed. Vander158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVdA14vryq
whistled causing Shea to wake up rather abruptly. She growled her annoyance,158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfjceew82t
but upon seeing Anna she jumped down off the couch and ran over to her. “Hello,158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hhEwcnTEP
Shea.” She cooed. “How are you?” She responded by jumping up and licking her158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBhD4BSsfQ
face.
“Come on you two.” Vander said.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLrYkYwuXh
“You can get reacquainted on the way. Let’s go.”
Anna chatted with Shea while she158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcZkr9v3rs
led the way towards Drayson’s accommodations. Since she lived in a villa on the158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OYlEQnx01
ocean, the apartment she stayed in was on the eastern most side and higher up158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrbwuw44XT
than the others. They enjoyed the cool over there and that tower was the158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiCJ3wOgv7
coolest area in the entire castle. Which, of course, meant climbing up hundreds158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fpGhJFcqu
of stairs.
The stairs were guarded by two158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJB0ItC9Ay
Blades and two of Drayson’s own guards. They nodded their heads in difference158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTARYIh6mOI
to the heir, but blocked Vander from going farther. The two blades went to step158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlCsGEsRmm
up, but Vander waved them back. He unclipped his sword and held it out to the158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnKfLmFPNY
guards. They took it then stepped back ushering them to the stairs. As Anna158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1j9ViW90S
walked past, the Blades returned her sword to her. With Anna leading, they158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSonqHFOHIO
walked their way up the stairs.
He was out of breath by the time158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWZDppS1be
they reached the top, but for Anna this seemed to be a light workout. Shea also158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1aGV0mHk0
seemed to be enjoying herself because she tossed a lop-sided grin back towards158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMzTDeH27G
Vander. He made a mental note to withhold steak from her for the next week.
The apartment they were in could158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVvaclyZXe
have doubled as a massive house in the first ring. There were four massive158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR3CgIW8Kd
suits, three bathrooms and plenty of walking-around space. The servants did a158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPRXnnO6Of
good job decorating as the entire room was painted blue. The reflections from158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZq4N5C7mW
the paint gave the room a blueish hue, it felt as though he was underwater.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvjsC2ehmc
Sitting in the middle of the floor, on top of some blue pillows, sat an older158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQoNVLFWSU
woman wearing a long blue robe. There was a long pipe in her long slender158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnRxeGtWrr
fingers. Her blue-green eyes looked up as they entered, a slight smile158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirNbeuWwWP
flickered on her face.
“Grandmother.” Anna got down on158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyBMb0ehlJ
one knee and bowed her head respectfully. Shea trotted over to the older lady158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9Gvxa5IEL
then plopped her head down in her lap.
“Remove your boots Vander, then158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uFYjgI689
come sit.” Mari said, her voice only slightly louder than a whisper. “Anna, you158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAfqMQCITQ
may join us if you wish.”
“I think I should wash up from my158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA3SbDFBH2
trip.” Anna got up from the floor. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPCOxa287k
proper bath and I feel as though the entire city could smell me.”
“I didn’t want to say anything158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYfxtzwQep
before because I didn’t want to draw attention to it, but-” a wet shoe slapped158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5AOnGanEX
him in the face. He gagged from the smell, but before he could throw it back he158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7evd4ArIWJ
heard a door slam shut.
“You shouldn’t treat her like158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtyqhJE8hT
that.” Mari said sternly with a hint of amusement in her voice. “She still has158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHrsOTmmDW
a thing for you even after all these years.”
“It wouldn’t work between us,”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx50xJzOJUz
Vander sighed. “She knows that, and I know that. She can’t leave your villa158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxcVrDDZ5G
like I can’t leave the city. We are just from different worlds.”
“Is that what kept you and Bree158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m1dJgETB9
Valarian from getting farther?” Vander tried to contain his anger with the way158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGfzWqkGqo
this conversation was going.
“I don’t want to talk about her.”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIbllhzlND
He growled. She blew a puff of smoke at him causing him to cough.
“You’ve been through a lot since158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwb9Kz2GP2
I’ve last seen you.” she said. “You’ve aged. It’s in your eyes.”
“It’s been a rough couple week.”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9i5gVt12oZ
Vander leaned backwards to stare up at the ceiling. “Been attacked a couple of158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqA5ZhjqiF
times, got some not so veiled threats, and have been poisoned. Things aren’t158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhl0Hv01xq
looking well.”
“You need to take some time to158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmGyg2ZO3t
relax Vander.” Mari blew out some more smoke. “Things are only going to get158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX6YRr0qH6
more difficult for you.” Drayson inhaled more smoke, but she held on to it158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOSDsG6SeP
longer than she should have. She looked up at Vander, but her eyes were deep158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bRMkUFIBt
black this time, all trace of Mari was gone.
“Veyar,” Vander sighed.
“Ma’akti Unnatun.”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy76F9i8TC
Mari’s voice turned deeper, but still slightly feminine. “How good to see158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjUFhhXvuZ
you again.”
“What is this about?” Vander158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmILjelBhc
frowned. “I got your message the first time, as well as your husbands. I don’t158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaZ5HWCWPD
think there is anything else I need.”
“There is someone coming who is158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo84o2LeFH
blessed with my daughter’s powers.” Veyar smiled. “She will be of great158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0QbcGOVXs
help to you in this fight. Treat her well. You have a long road ahead of you,158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7m5shzbmmY
hold on to your allies, they will be your best asset.”
“How will I know who my ally is?”158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN6BLuKlgx
he asked.
“You’ll know her when you see158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD1pf8ccO6
her.” Veyar said. “It will take some time for you to gain her trust, but158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt9glqk1zU
once you have it you will have an ally for life.”
“I don’t like people being played158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EZSxuBbjb
into helping me, Veyar.” Vander said. “Either she will do it of her own will or158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZqc47gWHk
not at all.”
“This has been written for a158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf8NPFxiO3
long time Vander.” She said. “This was ordained long before my children158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMpsCC8Wuj
were born. This battle will shape the world for good, or worst. With that,158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MaBJToCh4
Veyar’s eyes closed and a moment later Mari was awakened.
“How long?” Vander asked her.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI1QpOlkI2
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZz9qJDfDr
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ujWNOEyBw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nNngK8wjD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGHe3stwUN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jzWQWayxr
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTnWtTcl4h
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwLHsWe4fc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhVRKj3Kkx
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTkZTcyytP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaOoXrgtXU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7ObY1QxqK
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSNSYkaByP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMzDXQAEgY
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEV51RTJgD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq2rqRfaUL
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWlDpDXKtB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH19WjmydWu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjRqmmRE2p
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbcor2qhzd
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMMik7fjxj
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXv7i7A7zT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvk140p9uz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQZYA89YDz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY7Q2XbeMC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15b5Qy3rL4
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF7AsxW09f
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLZWoLRbHN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTmJWcf3qO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVmLArNSOr
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcLRd3i3IJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ968kZEIkQE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95AaGwTFvi
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCfWAuSHrj
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3eyOshZJo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJhceTweFI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBMXPICso4
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZWg6UjXcE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QwihjmAlM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOo05h9lXk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99uHWQdSJc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSU7PpLOHD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZZUex2Q8l
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECKnRACfmx
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFN5n6OgdU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQmsyjFz9h
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjON8H0uFyI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfgWhG9sJI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuoMilGgiD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb4l6vsdo8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqOV6dwa2T
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w0d3LdkcC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAveWxnDnRS
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9VEbAffGR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ThYsrf6Ne
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JbLGbgMmo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jxnjtyu61
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w2ObzrARC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYO89uVzpV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXrUeIVSCO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5hLO2S6T4
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNqaXHEz98
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphIptIbQY7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NK3J9dTv1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXv7zEnbiZ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjEKLIkw42
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmQiRZM26A
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53kMwPAkGX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWFPpBjW1Q
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez01Af9xHi
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndJcHiv0ez
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqSael8dGu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oSZ3xh3DL
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZltmXRD5dF
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwPSeU6bb1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLtdmlRjd7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJXgOEyeSN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPUgToqLeD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMtLLGiIo8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMrdBmWzgs
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gLJaCrzTB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQAdJKUzMZ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIk9yzuDDU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfrheUazu6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj46OHJFH3
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlEA9n9o5p
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnUEnsOZfQ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q2JjJ0ETB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54pVtMLgRm
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2fPkC14rZ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhxojd4wzb
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsLItdqsLe
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtHbH3UR1y
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYofCgLVJm7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjYVMisQqD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhmnLBX8uJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS87ov1iVR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Gw0e1czc4
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ297oRTdO8G
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8vwAwjCo6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2LSWdtSWA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILfo24KXcI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANfYVclhR7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5hRY1A3Zn
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4EuMDT7YN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJNPIsyfkU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YMSaRkIlJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi20ZORCdN7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIi0gNwDmpX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LwUFbAxhC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7GtIZJPTO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhupZNvqVf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOmve9O3kp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfV8ZvpF3qz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mwhC1WTRi
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12cjXE5rPe
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnswU8uotww
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG24SUJlmi9
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLffPD0w2Me
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4n9GJaXPp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR3mwwjaGJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdASoQX8wP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtCamOBtle
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaW5m3QBAjk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqWhiALrR1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21YgN2wrPB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIqL4DZcMU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHMiS2tYya
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm2aLeZWl8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXEGXbEGVc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCKGYiybDp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrAlZmvEAP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWSL1Q2tiw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oBMPYyoo8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawZKZqCkI8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqA2lx0uEd
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScqlxnsYLe
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpgj569ooC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv5vP3fcEA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzN7MJ5PpN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd8verOW95
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHCOLCbYEe
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm5W89IkGR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsV71HWqML
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cMNb3S84J
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIvWwJKwNB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jxWo76QjU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAh8pozX5d
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeszOD2k0b5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GT0JCQSUz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLeZlD9GR5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavRr5Ld8D8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH39SXVpcvM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnT4NqiXq8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrRydsqLjK
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1U26CBazg
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHY9YMUNG2p
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk2C8pghLz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8gORYc0k1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW8Cw06e3V
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJt0bnWjXw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCNSlflKFX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIqfLADJzu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhs7CXSDTH
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNYgEu3uSA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauLgfgZCCk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXtRk7pS98
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxa8Z8mnn9
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8LsoofXMm
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb87bcRQic
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAVQDBDi8p
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBENrNva5zp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kKwwnoUZC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiYjxFUC9q
“Since I was a child.” Mari158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgUUvQf3uM
smiled, but she looked tired. “Once I go it will pass down to Anna. Will you158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTYwLQioUc
help me to bed? I’m suddenly very tired.” Vander got up from the ground and158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaiHEaAP0p
picked the older woman up in his arms. She pointed to her room and he carried158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLivqSf6wHt
her to her bed.
