Page 28 of Lucie
“Why?”Yulentook a menacing step toward her, but the woman didn’t retreat. “What’s going on atWhiterock?”
“It’s gone bad,” she whispered. “Word is it’s filled with the maddening disease.” She stared at Lucien. “You must bring her back.”
“And Mom hasn’t gotten the sickness,” he whispered, looking to his father.
“I’ll go get her,”Mastinsaid, stepping forward.Turenski,Renken, andPaasjoined him.
“If we hurry, we might be able to catch up to them,”Renkensaid.
Lucien saw his father contemplating, and knew what the man was thinking. “Dad, you can’t go after her. Not whenthere could be an enemy in our midst.”
Torn by his decision,Yulenpointed at four of them. “You. Go.Turenski, you stay and inform the men of this new development. Take Dr.MaGrathwith you.”
“What about you?”Mastinquestioned.
“Luc and I will handle these two. Now, hurry!”
The group hustled away. WithPaasgone, their one faint lightsource went with her, leaving everyone else in darkness. After a long moment, the woman with the strange eyes spoke again.
“My name isJohna. His name isPhillo. Take my hand, Battle Lord.”
Lucien felt the woman also take his as his father responded, “Why?”
“Our camp is not far from here. You need to meet with the head of our council.”
“Why should we? How do we know we can trust you?”
“We have several reasons why. But for now, the fact that you are who you say are is of utmost importance to us.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lucien asked.
“You are the reason we’re here. We’ve come from a great distance to find you.Hobroncan explain further. Come. We’ll guide you safely there.”
There was a tug on his hand, but Lucien resisted. He got a sigh in response.
“Trust me, Lucien, Battle Prince of AltaNovis.”
For some odd and crazy reason, he did. “I do trust you.”
“Luc?”Yulenasked.
“I trust her, Dad.”
“Then so do I,” the battle lord said.
Somehow, Lucien got the impressionJohnasmiled when she heard that.
