Page 103 of Stone Seduction
“No smoking,” the woman ordered.
Seth obeyed, putting the smelly stick away.
Was I dreaming? Trapped in some super fun alternate universe where Seth followed orders rather than dishing them out?
The woman looked at me. “I am Weaver Anita, here in the name of King Declan. He wishes to meet you one day soon, but not on this side of the new human year.”
“O-Okay.”
“I will keep this brief so you can return to your lives,” she said, her attention moving to Seth. “From this moment forth, the town of Brinecrest is under special protection. Ember’s attacks will no longer be able to breach the barrier.” She pointed to the green skies outside.
Again, was I dreaming?
“But monster patrols will continue,” Anita added, “and there will be strict border controls in place.” A brief pause. “You, Weaver Seth, are to release Luke Garland from the tower immediately. The king knows of your actions, of your so-called training methods. He is displeased.”
Seth’s mouth dropped open, no words tumbling out.
Anita’s eyes practically drilled into him. “His Majesty wants Luke to live his normal life while undergoing training with the supervision and protection of his bodyguard. It is the best way to serve his mental health, and to serve the rest of us.”
“But I wanted the same for him. I allowed his friends to?—”
“I am not finished.”
Seth’s faced turned purple.
“The king is taking charge of the situation through me. Training will take place at a designated spot at the northwestern edge of town with a chosen team of mote enchanters. Neither you nor your associates will be involved. Focus on your other duties.”
Well, this was an extreme turnaround.
“Where is the spot?” I blurted, seriously bemused.
She didn’t look my way. “The old quarry. It is being fortified as we speak. His majesty has sent many knights and weavers here to support you, Mr. Garland.”
I didn’t know what to say. A thank you didn’t feel like it’d cut it.
Seth bunched his left hand into a fist. “Where is King Declan?”
“Not your concern.”
“How does he know what’s been going on here?” He radiated angry-snake-caught-in-a-trap energy.
Anita didn’t flinch. “Because he has eyes within all his towers across the human world.Nothinggoes unnoticed.”
That was slightly unnerving.
“And I am his voice. Now, for other business.”
Seth slammed his fist into the table. The guards standing at the door surged forward to stand behind him.
“Is there a problem here?” Anita asked.
“Yes, there fucking is.” He jabbed a finger at her. “You don’t get to come here barking orders inmytown. The king doesn’t get to get hide away and?—”
With a wave of Anita’s hand, the knights dragged Seth out of his chair.
“Release me!” he screamed. “Billy!”
Billy didn’t come and wasn’t outside when a different knight opened the door.
