Page 109 of Sapphire Flame
She turned back to him and smiled.That’s your gift, isn’t it? You know every wolf by name, who they are, what they dream about when Kryder isn’t terrorizing them.
He seemed surprised then returned her smile.Yes, one-by-one, but I’ll need to stay hidden. Once Kryder’s men catch sight of me, I’m dead.
I understand. I can hold the spell over you at a distance. We’ll make it work and I’ll let Grant know what we have to do.When he seemed to hesitate, she deepened her telepathic voice just a little and added,Go. Now.
Again, he seemed surprised, but he took off at a run. She could feel the invisibility spell expand with him. He must have as well because he winked at her as headed through the door and back up the stairs.
Kryder had completed his tour of the gallery and slowly turned toward the sandpit. “So, you would challenge me tonight.”
Before Grant could answer him, she said,Ryan is going through the crowd to break the spell one wolf at a time. Stall Kryder as much as you can before engaging him in battle.
She watched Grant take a deep breath. Aloud, he finally addressed Kryder, “What I would prefer is if you simply broke the pack bond right now. We don’t need to do battle. You have your own interests anyway. Why not let the pack go?”
Kryder lifted his arms which spread the cape as he gestured to encompass the pack. “They are loyal to me. Why would I ever leave my people when they love me so?” He laughed, then continued, “But I’m not heartless, though I intend to see you buried before the hour is gone, so I’ll make you an offer. Leave Savage forever, and I’ll let you live.”
“Never.”
“That’s too bad. Not even if I add that I will cease my pursuit of your woman as well?”
She watched a flush of heat cross Grant’s face. Once more, she interjected,Don’t let him get to you. Ryan has barely started breaking the spell. Keep him talking.
Grant turned away from Kryder and levitated in a slow circle.Thank you for that. I almost fell into his trap. He knows my temper.
“I see Natalie has had a good influence on you. Is she here by the way? Where are you hiding her?”
“I didn’t want her to see the battle. So, no, she’s not with me.”
Kryder looks like a peacock. No, a turkey. He looks ridiculous. Ask him about his garb.
“Why did you dress like this? Not exactly wolf-like.”
Kryder levitated and rose above the metal railing that surrounded the top of the pit. He paused to plant his feet on the metal. “I had it made especially for this moment. I’ve also been told it will calm my people.”
“It looks like it did. But there’s something I’ve always wanted to know, Kryder. What happened to you? Why terrorize your people? I’ve never understood.”
Slowly, he moved off the railing and began his descent.
Natalie glanced up at Ryan who had begun with the wolves nearest his arrival point. He was working fast and going from one person to the next as quickly as he could. Fortunately, Kryder’s men were all watching their leader to notice the disruption in the gallery. She estimated at least a fourth of the people were now free of the spell.
When Ryan addressed each one, no doubt telepathically, he also touched their shoulders. She watched the sudden surprise then a return to a feigned spelled state. More than one wolf leaned close to another one and whispered to act as though enthralled.
As a whole, the wolves did a good job appearing bespelled with heads almost bowed and eyes cast down.
By the time, Kryder was halfway to the sand, she once more contacted Grant.Don’t look, but Ryan has a quarter now free. He’s moving fast. You’ve got a good man there.
Don’t I know it. And a freakshow almost in my face. What do you make of the cape?
Natalie turned her focus on Kryder once more.I’m guessing it was part of the initial enthrallment. A way to make sure every wolf was focused on him as he cast the spell.
Did it affect you?
My wolf has been whimpering, but that’s all. Helps to be fae right now, I think.
Kryder landed on the sand a good twelve feet away from Grant. He moved back several feet, increasing the distance.
Kryder snickered. “Sure you’re ready for this?”
Natalie knew Grant had moved to make certain the battle took place away from the wall. Once he called for the net, Kryder would need to be out in the open.
