Page 31 of King

I need to warn Farris about what’s coming. Our cluster is far enough from the castle to be unaffected, but I’ll need his help inside the castle. His illusions have been invaluable these past couple of months. When the queen realized I’d fled, she sent all the nobles out to hunt me down. They’ve been moving in small groups, afraid to go against me solo, but because of Farris, I’ve been able to stay hidden when they get close.

Luckily, Farris is always eager to help. I have a bigger task for him this time. The alchemist and empath need to be warned. Leah and Sarra need to be taken as far away from the castle as possible before the fighting starts. It’s a lot to handle, but his double illusion power makes him the only option with Vernan lingering around the castle most days.

“I’m ready,” I tell Vaegon, even though I’ve just returned.

He clasps his hands in front of him and studies my face for a moment. I paint on an expression blank enough to fit in with his kind. I can’t afford to let him doubt my readiness. I want my son.

“The place the seer sends you today will be where you’re to return in one week. Ensure you’re there.”

“I’ll be there,” I say over my shoulder, already heading off to get things done.

“Durin,” he calls after me.

I pause and sigh, then slowly turn to see what the holdup is. “Yeah?”

“The elves cannot fight, but we can offer protection to you and your allies. We will stand with you as best we can.”

“Thank you,” I say as a smile breaks through my defenses. “Then we may actually stand a chance.”

***

I find Farris just outside our village, leaning casually against a tree and watching Larreli move about in her hut. I take a deep breath and present him with my request. He pauses for a moment, and I worry it might be too much to ask.

“I know it’s a lot, but—”

“No big deal,” he says, flashing me a grin. “It’ll be fun.”

I grab his shoulder and lean in to look him in the eye. “The nobles are on high alert. The queen is probably much more active at the castle now. This is serious, Farris. I don’t want you to get caught.”

He waves me off and strides toward the castle. “I’ll grab Phen on my way, see if he wants to join in on the fun.”

Phen, the stronger telekinetic. The one who wanted nothing to do with the queen. “I forgot about him,” I say, shaking my head. “Let me do it. Where can I find him?”

Farris stops and turns back to look at me. “He lives near the red falls, where we used to swim. He has bright yellow hair. Itwas in a knot on top of his head when I saw him.”

“Great. Thanks,” I tell him.

“Need me to illusion you?” he asks.

“No, you were illusioned as me when you visited him. He needs to recognize me. I’ll just glamour my hair.”

“Okay.” He stifles a smile and bows, reminding me of the punch I still owe him. I grab a small stick and throw it at him. He jumps to the side with a laugh and then disappears into the woods.

Sashon gave me some clothes that don’t stand out as much as my uniform, but I glamour my hair orange like Farris’s anyway, just to go blend in better.

The red falls aren’t far, and it doesn’t take me long to reach the village where I suspect Phen lives. I stick to the shadows as I wander past the huts, hoping to catch sight of him. It takes a while, but I finally see a bright yellow knot of hair on a fae crouched behind a bush.

My heart starts to beat a little faster as I wonder what he could be hiding from. I look around, hoping to find whatever it is before it finds me. A second later, a tiny fae youngling stumbles out from behind the bush. When she sees Phen, she throws her arms up and shouts, “Raaar!”

Phen jumps like he’s terrified, then falls to the ground clutching his chest. The youngling giggles and jumps right on top of him. He bursts into laughter and wraps his arms around the little fae, then lifts her up and nuzzles her nose.

He has a family. Those who love him and who’d be devastated if he didn’t come home. He didn’t want to serve the queen, but I can’t ask him to help me defeat her. If we fail, Faerie will need more fae like him to stand a chance at creating a better realm.

I turn and head toward the dark lake to let the kelpies know to be ready. I just hope once my son is back, I’ll find the strength to make the same sacrifice I couldn’t bear to ask of Phen.

Chapter 11

Rue

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