Page 140 of The Iron Flower

“Every tavern has two or three Level Four Mages guarding the site,” Rafe tells her.

Valasca nods thoughtfully. “We can cast a rune-net to dampen their power. That’s likely the first thing we’ll do. Tell me where the guards were posted.”

Trystan, Rafe, Gareth and Yvan spend the next hour or so detailing where the storage rooms are, the times and days of the week when the fewest patrons and guards are likely to be at the taverns, along with a host of other logistical details.

“How is Marina?” Gareth asks Valasca as their discussion draws to a close, a note of private pain in his voice. I know it’s beyond difficult for him to be losing the one person who truly understands who he is.

“She is well,” Valasca assures him. “We have our best rune-sorceresses working with her. They’re attempting to create runes that the Selkies can use to break the spell that drags them to shore. This rescue needs to completely end the abuse of the Selkies once and for all.”

“I want to fight with you,” Diana says to Valasca, her body tense with a predatory eagerness, frustration blazing in her amber eyes.

“I know you do, Diana Ulrich,” Valasca replies. “But this is a dangerous move for my people. You’re the daughter of an alpha. Your involvement would have far-reaching political ramifications. Your father, as I understand it, is trying to avoid an all-out war for territory.”

“There is no avoiding the fight to come,” Diana says, almost a growl. “And that land the Mage Council wants is Lupine land. Their Black Witch stole it from us during the Realm War, and we reclaimed it. It wasnevertheirs.”

It’s stark, hearing Diana utter the words “Black Witch,” and I’m chastened and saddened by this reminder of the unjust threats leveled against her people by mine.

“Alder Xanthos,” Tierney unexpectedly blurts out, desperation stark on her face, “I implore you for your help.”

Alder tilts her head slightly, her owlish gaze homing in on Tierney as everyone in the room stills.

“You’reFae,” Tierney says, her voice rough with emotion. “You understand what’s happening to all of us. If you can help the Selkies, help my family. I’m glamoured Asrai. So is my brother. We’re trapped here and in real danger. Please...help us.”

Andras sets a bolstering hand on Tierney’s shoulder, and concern tightens Alder’s smooth brow. “How old were you when you were glamoured?” she asks.

“I was three,” Tierney forces out, a tear streaking down her cheek.

Compassion softens Valasca’s expression. “Queen Alkaia has declared amnesty for many of the Fae,” she tells Tierney. “We can make an appeal on your behalf to Queen Alkaia.”

“But my father,” Tierney insists. “My brother...”

“My father will help them,” Diana puts in stubbornly.

Valasca sighs, glancing at her. “Perhaps he will. We must wait and see.”

“What about the Vu Trin?” I frustratedly ask. “Why can’t they take a more active role in getting the Fae out of here?”

Valasca shakes her head. “The Vu Trin, like the Lupines, are sympathetic to the plight of the Fae, but they can’t defy their Eastern Realm command.” She curses under her breath, then focuses back in on Tierney. “Tell me. Do you have any control over your water magic?”

Tierney nods stiffly. “Some. And I can summon Kelpies.”

“Kelpies?” Valasca cocks an eyebrow. “That is most definitely in your favor.” She turns to Alder, the two of them momentarily conversing in a foreign tongue. Alder nods, and Valasca looks back at Tierney, seeming resolute.

“We give you our word, Tierney Calix. Once we have freed the Selkies, Alder Xanthos and I will do everything in our power to help you and your people, the men and women both.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

FIRE FAE

Spring peepers are sending up their nighttime chirping call as we all disperse in varying directions through the forest—Valasca and Alder back to Cyme, everyone else returning to their studies and labors.

I’m just about to emerge from the trees, heading toward the main kitchen, the lights of the University twinkling from across the North Tower’s broad field.

“Elloren, wait.” Yvan’s hand clasps hold of my arm, and I slow to a stop, turning to face him.

“I was hoping to speak with you alone.”

I wait, scanning the forest and the field surrounding us as he composes his thoughts, every one of my senses heightened by his nearness.

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