I sent a message through Roe that I needed to speak with Rook as soon as he could find a way, and by nightfall, I had a message to meet him by the eastern tunnel entrance.
“What’s going on, Temir?” he asked, business as usual.
“Well, several things actually. All important. I can run the mission with Rhogan. I’ll get there on my own, so just have him meet me there in three days.”
“I’ll make sure he is ready. What else?”
“The king plans to sack the Marsh Court castle the next time he goes. I’m not sure when that will be, but he cozied up to a female and her mother while we were there, and I wondered if they were important to his plans. It’s not a lot to go on, but it’s all I know. Also, we need to talk to the rebels about using code words and being more discreet. I know for sure that one council member has learned of them on her own by listening in the hallways.”
“Fuck. I’ll try to get a plan in place as soon as possible for another meeting.”
“Last thing,” I said. “Eadas took over the Wind Court army. He trains the sentries and soldiers as their new commander. I thought that was going to work in our favor, but I think I was wrong. He’s always been sneaky, and if he brings that tactic through the military ranks, we’re more likely to be ambushed. He’s smart. Cunning. We have to be careful.”
“Half the soldiers are only there because they have to be. Not because they want to be,” he said. “I have to believe that when it comes down to it they will drop their weapons rather than fight against us.” He leaned against the rugged trunk of a nearby dead tree and put his hands in his pockets.
“You want to believe that, but if the king begins to enchant them, they won’t have a choice.” I thought of the last time he’d enchanted a group and seemed to struggle, but I didn’t mention it. “The minute he learns of the rebellion, he will start doing that. He won’t make the same mistakes he did in the last war. He will control the minds of the world before he loses anything.”
“About that. Oravan revealed his secret to me. The barrier charms.” He looked down to the ring on my finger and back to me again. “I’ve wondered how you’ve managed to avoid the king’s mind control, but now I see. He plans to make as many as he can so we can keep ourselves safe. We are looking into other methods he can use.” He turned his head to the side and his goat horn struck the tree, but he didn’t seem to notice.
“Make sure he isn’t making all of the same jewelry. If everyone wears the same thing, we will be easier to hunt. Also, this won’t make as much sense to you, but make sure he isn’t draining himself. Make him rest.”
“I’m already on it. Our time is coming, Temir. We will make our first move soon. Are you ready for that? Can you handle the king’s scrutiny and suspicions, or will you leave the castle?”
“I plan to stay as a spy in the council meetings for as long as I can.” I shrugged. It was the only answer I had.
“Good. Just watch your back with Autus. He’s never trusted a soul, and his suspicion is deep-rooted.” A whistle sounded in the distance. “Time’s up for this little meeting. You can always call for me or send a message.”
“I’d rather not write anything down that can be intercepted.”
“Smart mind. I’ll see you soon. Good luck with the new wielder.”
I nodded and hustled back to the castle. I could handle the king’s suspicious nature. It was his relentless wrath I was worried about.
Chapter 16
KING TOLERO
She misses you, I think,” I told Efi as I lay in the sacred grass and let my toes sink in. “I’m sorry I haven’t been back to visit her, but it was so hard to be with Asha without you there, my love. Do you think she felt your soul in mine and that is why she allowed me into the circle?”
I breathed in the deep scent of the salted sea and closed my weary eyes. I knew Asha had responded to me because of my mate’s deep connection with her. She had seen and grasped for the fragment of Efi’s soul that remained within me. I didn’t need to ask, but I still wished she could answer.
“There are so many things that need to be done here. The Trials are going to be a disaster. I’m sure the draconians are only coming because I demand it. I’ve got one pit lord I may have to shut down. The cetani will not show. Last night, I saw two selkies in the crowd at the pits. And our people are dying with no explanation. I wish you could be here.”
I laid my head back, closed my eyes and let the fiery sun warm my skin. I listened to the lulling waves gently crash into the isle and took slow measured breaths until I drifted off to sleep.
I saw her then. In my dreams. She caressed my face and placed a phantom kiss upon my lips. I could smell her there with me as she whispered, “Look at Asha and think of me. Let loose what slumbers within.”
I knew I was dreaming, but she was so real. Tangible. She stood before me so corporeal I could feel her smooth velvety skin against mine.
“Don’t let me wake, Efi. Let me stay with you.”
“You cannot. You must protect our son.”
“He is grown. He doesn’t need me.”
“You are wrong, Tiger.” She took a step away.
I reached for her. “Wait,” I cried.
