Page 61 of Desire

The tracker quieted, and I saw a glint of green flash in his eyes.

“He’s bespelled,” Garron said. He paused. “It’s deeply rooted, almost to the bones.”

“I don’t know what that means,” I said, even as I opened myself to sense magic. I felt it then, a tingle of awareness coming from inside the tracker–but also from the coin in his pocket.

“I’ll explain later,” Garron said. “Ask your questions so we can release him.”

I nodded and crouched down to pluck the rag from the man’s mouth.

“What are you here to do?” I asked.

“Bring you home.”

“Will you be permitted to return without me?”

He didn’t respond, but I glimpsed the flash of fear and desperation in his gaze. I shared the same feelings about Maeve, who had proven her ability to inflict pain without remorse. Death was not out of her reach.

“Take the coin from his pocket,” I said, stepping back so Garron could approach him.

“No. Don’t.” The tracker started thrashing to dislodge Garron’s searching hand.

Garron pinned the man down with a knee to his head. I felt no pity for the man. Garron plucked the coin free and released him.

“The coin holds magic,” I said. “For what purpose?”

The tracker glared at me, saying nothing.

“Answer me or answer them. While it makes no difference to me, it will to you.”

I could feel his hate for me overcome his fear.

“I heard what you said and know that you need to release me. I promise I will make you suffer. We will kill your protectors one by one until you have no one. Then, I will hold you down and take my due while you scream in pain,” he said.

Garron’s fist shot out, connecting with the man’s mouth. The tracker grunted and spat blood.

“That’s for my brothers,” Garron said. He hit the man again. “That’s for hurting her.”

He drew back again, but I set a hand on his shoulder.

“What purpose does the coin serve?” I asked again.

The tracker chuckled low.

“You’re the one with the magic. You tell me.”

I could feel his fear but, under it, his inability to speak the coin’s purpose.

“He has spoken all that he can,” I said. “Release him.”

Garron stood and pocketed the coin. “Would you like to learn a new spell?”

Curious, I nodded and watched Garron face the man.

“From your memories, I now draw our time together and everything you saw. In their place, you will keep seven small men who fiercely defend their home and a weak woman with no power of her own. Now sleep.”

Garron touched the man’s forehead, and I watched the tracker’s eyes close.

“He won’t remember what happened in this cottage,” Garron said. “Removing a person’s memory was the first spell Henry taught me. I practiced on Eadric so many times that I lost count. Once I mastered the spell, I vowed never to cast it on them again except when absolutely necessary to protect us. I would ask for your promise as well once you master it.”

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