Page 47 of King

“We didn’t get a warning either,” I say, glaring at the elf beside me. “No one means you any harm.”

The line of kelpies parts, and the leader steps through. His black coat shines in the morning sun, highlighting the powerful muscles of his large frame.

“Majestic,” I say, bowing my head.

I turn to the Alphas, and wait for them to acknowledge him as well. The wolves shift back and join the others as they all lower their eyes.

“Forgiven,” the leader replies before shifting his gaze to the elf beside me. “Hmm. I haven’t seen an elf in ages. Many of my kind don’t believe you actually exist.”

“If only we could become a mere myth to the realm,” Vaegon muses as his gaze wanders over the kelpies’ territory. “Perhaps one day.”

“Tell your seer to stop tossing us around without warning,” I snap. “We could have lost fighters today if a battle had broken out here.”

He turns his dark eyes on me and clasps his hands in front of him. “You should appreciate those who can easily help you cross such long distances.”

“Who?” I huff. “You and the seer? You might be the only one left when we return if Rue is half as furious as I suspect she is.”

“Who is he?” the Majestic interrupts, tossing his large head at my son.

“He’s a mixed fae from another realm, destined to help us bring down the queen.”

The leader studies Vaegon carefully before looking at me. Idoubt he misses the striking resemblance between us.

“And what areyou?”Vaegon asks him back, crossing his arms and sizing up the imposing kelpie.

“They’re kelpies, brother,” Anders answers him. “I’ve read tales about them, but I never imagined they were real. Fascinating…”

The leader stomps and chuffs at them. “Your realm doesn’t have kelpies? It sounds like a dreadful place.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Lucas tells him with a frown. “There are no elves either. I don’t think any magical beings were meant to live where we came from. We look forward to getting to know you and your kind.”

The Majestic nods at Lucas, then turns to me. “What have you brought with you?”

The elf steps forward and picks up one of the folded green fabrics. “The sashes are spelled for protection,” he says, unfolding and holding the garment out. “They will help deflect magical attacks to your flanks and backs.”

He kneels to take one of the vials and holds it up by its leather cord. “These contain the whispers of powerful healing spells, sealed for when you need them. Just bite down or stomp on the vial to release the magic.”

“Thank you,” the leader says, bowing his head to Vaegon. “When do we begin?”

“Two hours after dawn,” I reply, raising my voice so everyone can hear. “That’s when the nobles are most vulnerable. They’re either sleeping off the day’s indulgences or stumbling back still drunk.”

“I’ll bring everyone here when it’s time,” Vaegon says. “Then, I’ll move you all to the starting point together.”

I realize I never stopped to consider his magic. He gifted me smaller spells before I faced Mitah, but he also has transference magic like the seer. It must be powerful if he plans to sendeveryone to the castle at the same time. He and the other elves won’t engage in battle, but they’re proving invaluable to this mission. I’ve been too focused on my anger at what they did to Rue and me. I didn’t realize what a crucial part they play in our chance of success.

As I watch him slip the corded vial over a kelpie’s head, my thoughts turn to the blinded kelpie I lead back here after his attack. “How’s Shamere?” I ask the Majestic, hoping he’s healed more since returning home.

“He’s well,” he says. “He regained enough sight to see the damage his hooves can inflict on a handless noble. But, sadly, not enough to resume his duties.”

“He deserves the rest,” I say, hoping Shamere won’t miss his work too much. “We need to get going now. We have to visit the shifters. We’ll see you again around dawn.”

“Very well,” the Majestic says. “We’ll be ready.”

Vaegon wastes no time transporting us to the shifter camp closest to the castle. It’s still a good bit away, but it’s where we need to be right now.

“Durin!” Sashon calls as soon as we appear.

I’m relieved we’ve avoided another tense situation. I step forward and bare my throat to him before introducing the others. The Alphas all submit as well, seeming at ease among their own kind. Sashon gives my son a curious look, much like the kelpie leader did, but keeps his thoughts to himself.