Page 164 of The Iron Flower

Commander Vin steps back, her posture relaxing. “Stand down, Lachlan,” she says, “and we will, as well. I will let you see the Lupines, and then we can sit down and talk.”

Commander Grey gives a small wave to his soldiers, and they sheathe their wands. The Vu Trin sheathe their star weapons and their swords in turn, although I notice their hands stay firmly on the hilts of their rune-swords.

CHAPTER SEVEN

REBELLION

I watch and listen through the open window as Aislinn’s father volunteers to verify the Lupine’s presence. Both commanders distractedly wave him through, then go back to hammering out terms.

Panic rearing, I whirl around to face Aislinn. She’s on her knees before a blank-faced Jarod, trying to coax a response from him, to no avail.

“Your father,” I warn her. “He’s coming up.”

Aislinn shoots me a white-hot look of defiance. “Elloren,” she says, her voice steeled, “if they force me out, don’t interfere, because you won’t be able to stop them. I want you to promise me you’ll stay as long as you can and try to get Jarod out of here.”

I’ve never seen her like this—suddenly a force to be reckoned with.

“I promise,” I vow.

Brisk boot heels sound on the stone steps. Aislinn sits down close beside Jarod and takes his limp hand firmly in hers, ferocity in her gaze.

The door flies open, and Aislinn’s father sweeps into the hallway, trailed by Ni Vin and a black-bearded Gardnerian soldier.

Mage Greer’s eyes light on Aislinn and Jarod, widening with horror. “Holy Ancient One!” he exclaims. “Aislinn! Get away from the Lupine!”

Aislinn glares at her father rebelliously. “I’m notleaving,” she vows, her voice low with resolve. “I’m staying with Jarod.”

His eyes catch fire. “What evil is this? Get away from him, Aislinn.Now.”

Aislinn doesn’t budge.

Mage Greer looks to Ni Vin, his face tight with fury. He points an unforgiving finger at Jarod. “He’s mesmerized her somehow. I’m retrieving my daughter. By force, if necessary, which is well within my rights!”

I want to throw myself between Aislinn and her father. I want magical power, so I could whip out the White Wand and blast him clear out the window.

Instead, I look entreatingly to Ni Vin but she ignores me. She gives Mage Greer a curt nod of permission, as another Gardnerian soldier and another Vu Trin sorceress filter into the hall behind everyone.

“Wait!” I cry, throwing my palms up as Aislinn’s father advances down the hall toward us.

“Elloren Gardner,” Ni Vin cautions, halting me where I stand with a fierce look that’s mirrored by Aislinn. The sorceress stares hard at me, as if trying to convey extreme caution.

My mind is an anguished storm.You can’t intervene. You can’t save Aislinn from this. Not right now. And you promised her that you’d stay and help Jarod.

“Aislinn, come with menow,” her father commands, looming over her.

“No,”she snarls, refusing to look at him, looking only to Jarod, who stares blankly at the wall. “I won’tleave him!”

“I saidget up!”

Aislinn makes no move to comply.

Irate, Aislinn’s father steps back and brusquely motions to his guards.

It takes all my willpower not to rush to her defense as the two Gardnerian soldiers sweep toward Aislinn and grab hold of her arms, wrenching her away from Jarod.

“Get away from me!” Aislinn rages as she fights and bucks against their hold, her green eyes wild.

Jarod shivers and blinks repeatedly, as if almost pulled back to reality, as Aislinn is forced to her feet. Then, he lets his head drop into his hands, as if trying to block it all out.

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