Graely looked over his shoulder to find Kaevin glowering in Daegreth’s direction. So the animosity between them continues, despite Daegreth’s cooperative testimony under Chaleah’s interrogation.
“Yes. Even at a distance, this gun can shoot a bullet through a piece of metal. Believe me, it will be a perfectly effective form of defense should you pose a threat at any time.” Brian clapped Daegreth on the shoulder.
“Are you talking about shooting Daegreth?” Karen’s visage was painted in horror.
“No, Sweetheart. I’m just trying to reassure him he’s not a danger to us. That I could protect us if something happened and he lost control.”
“Brian isn’t going to shoot you, Daegreth. But I might shoot you, Brian, for ruining the trashcan lid.”
As Daegreth’s eyes went wide, Karen gave his arm a gentle pat. “I’m just teasing, Daegreth. I don’t shoot anything but targets—nothing living. I don’t hunt at all. Now seriously, I’m not worried about you. I can tell you’d never hurt us; you’re so much like our Steven. When he gets here tomorrow, I think you’ll feel a lot better about everything.”
Graely interrupted before Daegreth could object. “Karen, I don’t believe you fully grasp the danger involved. No one questions whether we can trust Daegreth. We all trust him…”
“Not all of us,” Kaevin muttered.
“Be quiet, Kaevin.” Wesley jabbed an elbow in his ribs.
Graely scowled until Kaevin dropped his gaze, his lips moving in an inaudible protest. Why does Kaevin show such animosity toward Daegreth?
“As I was saying…” Graely looked at the others. “We trust Daegreth, but we can’t trust Vindrake. He’s more dangerous than you can imagine. If he were to exert his control over Daegreth again, you’d be in grave danger.”
“But Vindrake can’t reach Daegreth here in Montana.” Alora took a step forward, shaking off Kaevin’s restraining arm. “He should be perfectly safe as long as he stays in this world. Right?”
“We can’t be certain of Daegreth’s safety,” Graely explained. “We know both you and Jireo were able to use your gifts across the realm gap. According to Nordamen, you were able to accomplish this feat because of the soulmate enhancement of your gift. But, he can’t explain why Jireo’s gift manifested with such strength. And Vindrake is extremely powerful, so he could surely learn to bridge the gap at any time.”
“No offense intended, but I’d certainly feel more comfortable if Daegreth were restrained somehow. At least whenever Alora’s in the vicinity.” Charles darted an apologetic look toward Karen and Brian.
“We have another reason for concern,” said Graely. “As we’ve mentioned previously, we’ve discerned a portal must exist between our two realms, a portal that is surely located in Water Clan where Wendelle was imprisoned. We can only assume Vindrake will come to the same conclusion. Perhaps he’s already begun the search.”
Graely’s warning seemed effective on most of his listeners. Even Brian’s face betrayed his concern.
“What can we do?” asked Brian.
“Our best move might be to follow Daegreth’s suggestion to be transported back to Laegenshire.”
“Only because he knows you will set him free to return to Water Clan.” Kaevin’s tone was as sour as his expression.
“You speak of what you know not!” Daegreth held his clenched fists tight to his sides as he glared at Kaevin. “I would rot in chains in Laegenshire until I draw my last breath rather than spend one more moment as Vindrake’s puppet. You can never understand how it feels to be possessed by such a vile man.
“You!” Daegreth spat on the ground. “You’ve had the blessing to be sired and raised by a benevolent, God-fearing father, and yet you openly spurn his authority. Would that I had even a tenth of your good fortune and opportunity! How can you appreciate the warmth of the sun if you’ve never felt the bitter sting of ice in your soul?”
Silence fell over the group… an awkward heavy blanket. Kaevin had the good grace to appear abashed.
Two bright red spots bloomed on Daegreth’s cheeks. Blinking in rapid succession, he murmured, “I offer my sincere apologies; I’ve spoken out of turn.” He backed away until he tripped on a stump under the snow, almost losing his footing. Righting himself, he spun on his heel and disappeared into the house.
No one spoke for a few interminable breaths. Charles cleared his throat. “I think we should consider utilizing zip ties again, just as a safeguard, so he can remain here in Montana. How could we send the boy back to such a life?”
“Charles, I’m surprised to hear such sentiment from your lips. I thought your only concern was Alora’s safety.” Graely winked at his friend to soften the impact of his words.
“I can hear how desperate he is. I don’t need Chaleah’s power to know truth when it’s spoken. Plus he’s only a boy, though he speaks like a man. How old is he?”
“He has nineteen years,” Graely answered. “One more than Kaevin.” He didn’t look back to see his son’s expression.
“We’ll use the zip ties if that’s what it takes to keep him here,” Brian agreed. “And maybe Steven will have an idea what to do when he comes tomorrow.”
“I’m anxious to meet your son,” Graely said. “He must be very gifted in intelligence for you to so anticipate his help in this dilemma.” He tried to imagine a more slender version of Daegreth, as that was how Brian and Karen had described him.
“Yeah, he’s pretty smart, alright. He’s getting a PhD in Astrophysics.” Brian beamed his pride.