Page 145 of The Firebrand
“None of the ones the Firebrands rescued,” said Alarik. “Of course, Cerberus could have found some before the raids. We are re-examining the interviews conducted with the released captives, trying to discover others who had been in the cells, where they might be, who was sold, who they were sold to.”
“How do you know someone is a Blood Coven descendant?” asked Braelyn.
“To over-simplify,” explained Alarik, “once my researchers obtain a blood specimen, they employ a two-step process to isolate a specific genetic marker. The procedure involves, first, the casting of spells and, second, the application of science aided by modern technology. Cerberus must have used a similar methodology.”
Braelyn moved to the edge of her seat. “Okay. Some deranged bloodhound…”
Indigo snorted. “Good one, chickadee.”
Braelyn smiled. “…is looking for me. But why do I have strange powers?”
“I don’t know.” Alarik shook his head. “George, do you exhibit any mage gifts on Scath?”
“None.”
“Braelyn, my dear, your long-buried abilities must be tied not only to your ancestry but also to the amount of time you’ve spent in our realm.”
“But I don’t really know how to cast a spell. Right now, I just concentrate and hope for the best.” Braelyn rested a thoughtful finger on her lower lip. “Shouldn’t I learn more?”
“Yes.” Alarik nodded. “We need to test you as we would a young witch. Find out your school of magic before we start your training.”
Scrubbing a fist across his jaw, Rein said, “I want to be clear. Your conjecture, Father, is that because Brae descended from the original thirteen and has been on Scath for some time, somehow her latent powers activated.”
“Yes. Of course, we can only prove the theory if we identify other Blood Coven descendants and bring them to our realm. Perhaps, George, you will consent to spend a while at my place. In the name of science.”
Her father nodded.
Indigo rose, her hands tangling in her long, dark hair. “I’ll visit the River Am more often.” She paused, tugging on a curly lock as her gaze pinged around the room. “My river never predicts; it only presents possibilities. So many possibilities.”
Alarik clasped his sister’s hand. Patting it, he stared into her wild violet eyes of liquid mercury. “I know this is a terrible burden, Indigo, but no one is more capable than you.”
She sighed, steeling her shoulders to bear the heavy weight.
Castia examined the torn slits in her dress, frowning, bouncing her crossed leg. “To be practical, now what, Alarik?”
“I am optimistic. With Silas and Aisen dead, the sex slave business is closed. Portal jumpers will no longer be duplicated, making it difficult for humans to be transported from Earth. My best scryers at the Ministry of Well Being will hunt for Cerberus. When found, the Firebrands can bring him to justice. Additionally, Cadmon has approved warriors to aid in the search for other coven descendants.”
Elisabeta glanced from Rein to Braelyn. “I love these little family gatherings, but I’m out of here. Congrats to the happy couple. See you soon. The reception has begun, and I am the life of the party.” She tossed back her Scotch before strolling out the door.
Rein latched onto his mate’s elbow to assist her out of the chair. “We should go, too. I wish I shared your optimism, Father. My experience, however, tells me that once evil tastes success, he is hungry and not so easy to stop.”
Braelyn nodded, an ominous warning buzzing like a gnat in her ear.
ChapterThirty-One
Indigotoed off her unlaced Doc Martins. Lifting the hem of a tie-dye skirt, she twirled around on the grassy banks of the River Am, neck angled, chin up, her cheeks pink from the sun, her bracelets jingling a merry tune.
When she collapsed onto the ground, exhausted, she wiggled her fingers to conjure a friend.Okay. A gryphon. Once he plopped his fat, scaly ass beside her, she looped an arm a quarter of the way around his haunches.
“Oskar, nice to see you. You weren’t busy, were you?” She chortled because her critter was not real. Of course, she didn’t tell him. He wastressensitive. The last thing she needed was a sulky gryphon while she studied the river.
The River Am began in the mountain range between Bludhaven and North Shelters where Wilby Falls dropped 672 feet into the whitewater of Chance Rapids. Here, the unpredictable events of the future smashed against boulders, jockeying for position. Only the photo-finish winner flowed into the Current Floodplain, aka the immutable present.
Sitting on a grassy bank near the end of the rapids, Indigo studied possibilities. She looked for Cerberus. She looked for Blood Coven descendants. She looked for what might come.
“See anything, Oskar?”
While his thick neck whipped from side to side, a snort of fire shot from his nose.
