Page 64 of The Light Falls
Dread fills me. Madoc wields it. He seems to be shrouded in secrecy, knows Leandra, and she stole something invaluable from him.Shit.I really need to find a picture of the dark Fae king.
* * *
When we get backto my room, Tiernan reports the attack to Ansel, who listens with a tight lip and fierce expression. “Good job. I’ll give Kaius your brief when he returns. Go grab your stuff. The delegation leaves in an hour.”
Tiernan subtly dips his chin at me and leaves.
Ansel opens the door with sword drawn to check the room, but it’s empty.
“Do you happen to have a picture of the dark Fae king?” I ask him.
His eyes widen. “Why? Do you think the wendigo was sent by him?”
“Well, I didn’t, but now I do!” I exclaim with dismay. “Picture?”
“I’ve never seen him, but I’ll find a picture for you,” he assures me with a determined look on his face.
“Thanks,” I say, entering my bedroom and closing the door. My shaky knees get me to the couch before they give out. Lying there, I stare at the ceiling while I wait for Cormal to return.
Forty-five minutes later, there’s a knock at the door. I sit up and stare at the door but can’t bring myself to say anything.
“The delegation leaves in fifteen minutes,” Ansel reminds me. “Are you almost ready to go?”
Pulling out my phone, I confirm the time. “I’ll be ready in five.” Where are Cormal, Solandis, and Kaius? They should have been back by now.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE
CORMAL
Fallon and the shipment of weapons arrive at the portal right on time. The dark Elven warrior strides confidently through, along with his right-hand man, Garrett. Both lethal-looking, they scan the horizon to make sure it’s safe before the delivery starts. Crates of weapons start sliding into view one at a time. Valerian, massive in his human form, carries the last box with him when he steps into this kingdom.
Clasping arms with Fallon, I eye the number of crates with some worry. “Thanks for delivering early. We’re trying to avoid trouble on this end and keep Meri away from the delivery. With her in training right now, it gives her the perfect alibi.” I look at Solandis. “Is this the amount you ordered?”
She steps forward to give Fallon and Valerian a hug. “Hello, Garrett.” She opens one crate, then another. “This is considerably more than the amount I requested.”
Surprised, Fallon shakes his head. “We received a second email from you with an additional order of three more crates.”
Solandis frowns and motions to Kaius. “I didn’t order more weapons, which means someone has interfered with the shipment count. Could Camon have hacked into my email and ordered extra to give to the Lesser Fae?”
Kaius lifts his shoulder. “Anything’s possible. I haven’t seen him around lately, though.”
Fallon swears loudly. “I should have confirmed it with you by phone. It never occurred to me someone would have added to the order.” He shares a look with Valerian. “We asked Arden and the rest of the cadre to come in via a portal about a mile down the road to serve as back-up. If the delivery went smoothly, nobody would know we were here. Looks like it was the right call. We’ll escort you and the weapons all the way to the palace.”
The back of my neck tingles, and I hold up a finger. “Is there any way to call the cadre to this spot?”
Fallon nods. “I can text Theron. Why?” His eyes dart behind me and he quickly picks up his phone, then stops. “No service.”
Kaius takes up position between Solandis and the ridge behind us. “Any other way to reach them? We’re going to need back-up.”
I swivel around and start reaching into the shadows to gather knives and throwing stars to line my pockets. Looking at the small army coming down the hill, I also grab a pair of xiphos sheathed in their scabbard and sling those around my chest counter to each other.
Fallon unsheathes his sword and tersely calls out to Valerian. “Up to you, big guy.” Garrett and he take a stand to the right.
Solandis moves out from behind Vargas to his left. “Look how they move, like well-trained soldiers.” She pulls her hood up and over until her entire head and face are covered. “Leader looks to be female. She’s mine.” Magic sparks along her fingertips.
Kaius gives her a hard look. “Don’t take any fucking risks. Hit hard and take them down immediately. You can play another time.”
A sultry laugh comes from the hood. “You used to be more fun. Don’t die on me. Or I won’t forgive you this time.”
