Page 102 of Shield of Fire

“Nor unions, though I’m not sure if Eadevane takes much notice of either even today,” Cynwrig said. “Halak’s mother moved the family to Peckforton not long after. From what I’ve been able to gather, he had a falling out with their sponsors?—”

“Sponsors?” I asked, eyebrow raised.

He glanced at me. “We’re a very large encampment, and room has been at a premium for some time. To limit growth, we’ve restricted new arrivals to those who have family within the encampment willing to sponsor their arrival and guarantee their ability to make a valuable contribution.”

“Huh.” I knew Mathi’s people were having similar problems—land was a finite resource these days, thanks to the ever-increasing number of humans also needing space—but I hadn’t figured the dark elves would be facing a similar situation. In theory, at least, underground possibilities for expansion were endless.

“Do we know what the falling out was about?” I picked up a bit of toast and spread marmalade across it. It wasn’t my favorite jam but there was nothing else on offer.

“Neither his sponsor nor his mother were willing to say on the phone, but she did admit she’d been in contact with her son recently and that she could possibly help us find him.”

“Which doesn’t sound a bit too convenient at all,” Lugh said, voice dry.

Cynwrig smiled, something I felt deep within rather than saw. “We’re meeting in Peckforton. Neither she nor her family would dare make trouble there.”

Because they might just find themselves buried deeper in the ground than they could ever wish.

“Doesn’t mean the information they provide won’t be a trap,” I said.

He leaned into me briefly, a caress that wasn't, and one that sent warmth spinning through me. “I’m well aware of that.”

“In other words, don’t be attempting to teach the teacher his job,” Lugh said with a grin.

“Indeed.” Cynwrig rose. “I have to make a few final arrangements, so I’ll meet you in the foyer. It’s through that door”—he pointed to the one he’d come through—“and left down the corridor.”

We nodded and he left, coffee in hand. I frowned after him for several seconds and then returned my attention to Lugh. “Have you contacted Darby to let her know we’re okay? She’d be getting worried by now.”

He nodded. “She’s picking us up at the airport.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Cynwrig hasn’t arranged cars?”

“He said he would, but Darby wanted to pick us up.” He shrugged. “He’s not even taking the same plane as us—he’s flying direct to an airstrip closer to the encampment.”

“I guess that’s no surprise, given how badly he wants to catch Halak.” And yet, disappointment stirred. Which was totally, utterly illogical.

My phone rang, and I picked it up to see who it was. Eljin. A silly smile touched my lips as I glanced back to Lugh. “Sorry, have to take this.”

“Meaning it’s the other boyfriend and romantic tomfoolery will no doubt ensue.” He rose. “I shall leave immediately and let you get on with it.”

He placed the tea and the last bits of toast on the table, then wheeled the cart out of the room. I hit the answer button and said, “Eljin, lovely to hear from you again so soon.”

“Not really. Not given you were supposed to ring me tonight for dinner.”

“I was?”

“Yeah. We spoke about it when I left Lugh’s?—”

“Ah fuck, yes. Sorry, it’s been a hell of a day, and it totally slipped my mind.”

“You’re forgiven.” He paused. “I’m happy to come pick you up if you still need dinner.”

Dinner being a code word for sex, I suspected.

“I do, but I need sleep more.” It was a statement that horrified at least a good portion of my hormones. “I’ve spent the day underground relic hunting?—”

“Meaning you found the shield’s location?”

“We did.”

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