Page 92 of Light and Shadow
Aaran stops to speak to one of the guards who stands at attention at the entrance.
Elspeth says, “This is Lila. She will see to your comfort while you are here.”
I spare Lila a distracted smile but focus on Aaran’s mother. “Where are the elves and children we traveled with?”
Eyes widening a fraction, Elspeth studies me with her lips pulled into a line. “Many of them are ill, and all need to be treated for the loss of magic. We’ve set up a hospital room in the east ballroom. I can assure you they are comfortable.”
“I would like to see them before I go to my…room.” I nearly say cell but stop myself. I don’t know why I feel trapped suddenly.
Halfway up the steps rounding in the other direction, Fancor stops. “Ay. I would rest easier if I saw them as well.” Ignoring the surprise on the valet’s face, he jogs down the steps and stands beside me.
A grinning Aaran joins us. It’s clear he’s happy to be home. “What’s happening?”
“Harper wishes to see the guests who arrived earlier today.” His mother’s tone is sharp. I think she’s used to everyone agreeing with her at all times.
That’s too bad.
Smiling even wider, Aaran takes my hand. “That is a good idea. I’d like to see them as well. Where is Jax?”
Brion scans the situation backlogging the foyer. He stares at his wife a moment, then his expression softens. “Jax is with his wife and sons. They have rooms on the second floor. We expect Jax and Selina to join us for a family dinner this evening.”
Lila breaks the awkward silence. “Why don’t I go and ready the room for Miss Craig? Aaran can show them the way to the east ballroom so they can visit with their friends. Then perhaps he will show them to the guest quarters?”
“Perfect.” Aaran seems oblivious to everyone’s emotions and demeanor. He takes my hand, and we stride from the foyer down a wide hallway with elaborate trim that shines golden.
Two guards follow us.
I whisper, “Why are we followed?”
“It’s just a precaution.” Aaran walks so fast that Fancor and I have to jog to keep up.
Several guards stand in front of an open double door. Inside are rows of beds, some filled with sleeping elves. Four cots are grouped in the corner, but the children lie on the floor between them.
Fort yells, “Harp,” and dashes toward me.
A guard steps between me and the boy.
“No.” I round the guard and intercept Fort, lifting him into my arms. “He is not a danger to anyone,” I scold. My heart breaks even more for Gnal, Bor, and Tal who are not present.
The guard backs up a step.
Tor and Lem hang on my legs, hugging me.
Aaran picks them up. “You look fine. Clean and in new clothes.”
The soldier Aaran spoke to at the front door steps forward and whispers in his ear.
Smile faltering, Aaran shakes his head. “If that’s so, Mother will see it. It’s unlikely. There was no time.”
“Time for what?” I demand, as if I have a right to know. I should remember that I’m in a fortress, and I have no idea how to behave.
“I’d like to know as well.” Fancor ruffles Fort’s hair.
When the soldier with dark eyes and hair pulls his lips tight and steps back, Aaran says, “Elspeth Riordan has declared a watch on those who were under the witch queen's control. She fears one or more of them might be passing information to Venora.”
“Are you telling me that they are all prisoners?” I’m half a second from going and finding Elspeth and getting very Jersey Girl with her.
Aaran puts a hand on my shoulder. “They need attention and care. They are only under a watch. Tomorrow, they will each be evaluated, and they’ll be free to stay or go as they please. In the meantime, they are fed and have water for washing as well as clean clothes and beds.” As hard as he’s trying to sound optimistic, it’s not working.
