“Go away. Or kill me now.” He turned until his condemning gaze locked with Vindrake’s. “I don’t even recognize you. My brother is gone. Forever.”
*****
“He’s located the portal opening, already?” Vindrake hadn’t realized it would happen so fast. He wasn’t prepared to begin an incursion to the other realm.
“Yes, Sire. He found the portal in the bathing pool between your chamber and the one where Wendelle was once kept under guard.”
“Of course!” Vindrake recalled the circumstances surrounding Wendelle’s imprisonment. Her secure chamber was close to his, separated only by the cavernous bathing pool. “She frequented the pool and was occasionally allowed to bathe unaccompanied since there was no unguarded exit and the caverns were warded to prevent transport.”
Hmmm. I might have executed an undeserving guard sixteen years ago when her escape was discovered. No matter.
“I thought perhaps you might wish me to go through the portal and scout the realm at the other end for you.” Malphas’ beady eyes squinted as he wrung his hands together. He seems much too eager. Will he move beyond the control of my bloodbond once he passes through the portal? Can he be trusted?
“No, I shall see it with my own eyes. Where is Ferrister? I wish to leave immediately. When I return, I’ll make an assault plan.” Vindrake almost missed the sneering twitch of Malphas’ upper lip. Perhaps I should consider moving another shaman into the chief position.
“I told Ferrister to wait at the portal entrance.” Malphas’ cackle raked across Vindrake’s nerves. “He may have drowned by now.”
With a glance to assure himself the precious scroll was locked inside the chest, Vindrake slipped through his rear doorway, hefting with his shoulder to close the weighty wooden door behind him. Emerging into the bathing chamber, the flickering torches illuminated the face of the diminutive Ferrister, bobbing in the water near the rear of the pool.
“Thank… goodness…” He sputtered, splashing his hands. “I don’t believe I can stay afloat much longer.”
“Why are you treading water out there?” Vindrake growled.
“Malphas… told me to wait… right here.” He coughed a mouthful of water.
“Don’t be ridiculous! What good are you to me if you drown before you show me the portal entrance?” Without a thought Vindrake stripped off his boots and tunic, holding them over his head to keep them dry as he waded across the pool. But two steps into the water, he heard a gasp from the side. He whipped his head around to catch Malphas stumbling backward, gawking at Vindrake’s chest.
A quick downward glance revealed the source of Malphas’ obvious terror; the six-horned image etched on his chest was glowing. That the creature glowed was no cause for alarm, since it was a common occurrence. But the glow was blue—a color corresponding to a dangerously low level of energy.
How did I not notice my weakness before? The decision was simple. Not only would absorbing a life source replenish his stores efficiently, but Malph
as’ death would also eliminate the possibility of him sharing his observation of the inkless tattoo. The fact Malphas had become irritating of late was merely an added bonus.
*****
After Steven’s announcement, the group buzzed with excited discussion. Alora noticed Arista edging to the door. Not that Arista was in any danger if she went outside, but Alora knew she wasn’t dressed for the biting cold of a Montana winter.
“Hey, Arista, you don’t want to go out there until I lend you a coat. I have boots, too, but they’re probably too big. We may need to buy some things for you.”
“I need to… I’ve got to go outside. But I don’t know where to go.” Arista’s face glowed pink.
“Oh! You need a bathroom.”
“No, I’ve no need to bathe. I simply need to relieve myself.”
Alora laughed, grabbing her arm and leading her down the hall. “You’re gonna love this. It may be the best invention we have in Montana, especially when it’s ten degrees outside.”
Her slight headache almost forgotten in the wake of Arista’s surprise and delight at the demonstrated wonders of modern plumbing, Alora returned to join Kaevin. She knew, without asking, his pain had also dissipated. It seems like we’re getting more and more in sync. I can almost feel his emotions. Is it the soulmate bond or does that happen to all couples when they spend a lot of time together?
“Daegreth doesn’t appear very enthusiastic about Steven’s announcement.” Kaevin’s remark drew her attention to Daegreth, who sat, stiff and tight-lipped, still strapped to the chair.
“You’re right. He looks perfectly miserable. Maybe he’s just shy. Or maybe he needs to use the bathroom. I just sent Arista in there; you should have seen her. I think she flushed the toilet ten times.”
“I could ask him if needs to go.” Kaevin gave her his cute lopsided grin, highlighted with dimples.
“I guess they have some safe way of taking him without untying him altogether.”
Kaevin answered with an emphatic shrug.