Slamming (Through Time 3)

She stroked Trevor’s arm to calm him and repeated the question as Graely had not answered.

Finally, he said, “No, they do not know or care what I want. They did not see me spare the mother and child. They don’t trust me because they know I don’t have the same interests as they do.”

Trevor’s golden eyes narrowed, Jazz could see he did not quite believe Graely, but oddly enough she did.

Trev said, “Where does Pestale want to conduct this so called conference?”

“Out in the open at the Lower Lake, the humans call their National Park at Killarney. There you may see everything for miles and shift off if you feel so inclined,” Graely said and shrugged. “I don’t see any immediate danger, but be forewarned, I know Pestale and he will be planning something.”

“I don’t like it,” Deimne said with a shake of his head. He ran a hand through his white gold hair and his glittering eyes surveyed Graely. “If Pestale truly wants peace then let him deliver his terms in a document. We will read them over and allow our Queens to decide if they are workable terms. That is how it should be done.”

“He will not do that. He wants the respect he thinks is due to him. He knows the Queen will never mee

t with him, but he is willing to conduct a meeting with Prince Trevor and you. Only you two.” Graely stared hard at both of them. “It is my belief that he means to kill you both, but why you two in particular escapes me.”

Jazz beat down the gasp that came to her throat. She tugged at Trevor’s hand, “Don’t do it. Don’t you expect to meet with him?”

Trevor chewed his bottom lip and said, “Tell him, we will think about it.”

“Only you and the Sluagh,” Graely said. “Think about why Pestale would choose just the two of you?”

“And how does he want us to contact him?” Trevor asked as a sneer came over his face.

“When you have an answer, send it with the wind and I shall hear it.” He saw their look of surprise and said, “Father, the Dark King, known to you as Daoine gave me some abilities linked with the earth, wind and fire.” So saying, he was gone.

Chapter Nineteen

WHEN DEIMNE, TREVOR and Jazz returned to Queen Aaibhe’s palace, everyone began speaking at the same time.

The Queen’s chamber was alive with individuals who, although had strong beliefs, were at odds with each other.

A few steps from the far end of the room brought Morgan LeBlanc to his lady’s side where she had quietly retreated to the balcony. She felt his arms go around her and she sighed as she gazed up at his face, “I came out here to think. Graely’s words must not be taken lightly. I do believe his warning and find that to be the only thing that was not meant to manipulate.”

Queen Mab stepped up to the balcony looked at Aaibhe and raised her brow, then advised her that she and Deimne would be returning to her castle in Daoine.

“Now?” Aaibhe was surprised.

“Yes, I recalled a personal artifact that was given to me when I had just become Queen. It is stored somewhere in my weapons room and I believe it will be of great use to us. Deimne is very good at finding these things. We shouldn’t be too long.”

A soft smile passed between them and Aaibhe returned her attention to Morgan who had taken a seat on the garden bench overlooking the Queen’s roses.

He patted a place beside him and spoke softly, “Sound it off me, lass. Say it out loud and I won’t have at ye. Sometimes ye need to hear yerself think. Come now, sit beside me and hear yerself think.”

He was good for her. She went to him and squeezed the hand he put over hers, “I am worried. Whatever I decide will be pivotal. If I am wrong then the consequences of my decisions will be felt around the world. I can’t help but feel that I am not wrong.”

“And what is not wrong, m’darlin’?”

“Something other than our approaching battle with Pestale has me out of sync. I am surprised that Mab does not feel it. She is always in tune with changes in nature.” She clicked her tongue, “Morgan, something has entered the atmosphere we share with the Human Realm. I feel it, I almost hear it and yet… I can’t put my finger on what it.”

“You will,” he said as she pressed up close to him.

“Will I? I hope so before it is too late.” She shook her head. “And this proposed meeting with Pestale is something I do not like at all. It is a trap.”

“I quite agree m’darlin’. What do you propose to do about it?”

“I have to find a way of stopping both Trevor and Deimne from meeting with the scoundrel, for if I know my prince and I do, I think he has already made up his mind and Deimne will accompany him if only to give him some protection. There will be no protection. Pestale has set this up and it is a trap.”

“They wilna go without your approval,” Morgan replied. “I canna believe they would do such a thing.”