Page 63 of The Tracker's Revenge
We sat at a table that, like everything else in this place, grew from the ground like a tree, the wood twisting and bending into perfect chairs and flat surfaces for eating. We’d barely exchanged smiles when the attendant hurried back in with the drinks, then left with the same efficiency.
“Had you ever visited Elyndell?” Kalyll asked Jake, making pleasant conversation as we waited for the food to arrive.
“No, this is my first time. It’s a beautiful place.”
The prince inclined his head and smiled graciously. “Thank you. We Elyndelleans are extremely proud of our city.”
“How about you?” Jake said. “You don’t sound like a stranger to our realm—not if you can identify a reference to Star Wars.” He chuckled, and I had to agree. It was somewhat comical to think of the Fae watching Hollywood blockbusters. They didn’t own TVs or even have electricity in their realm, and in fact, repudiated our technological advances and kept access back and forth to Elf-hame as restricted and controlled as possible.
Kalyll nodded. “You are correct. I am no stranger to your realm. My tutors made sure of that. I am versed in your history and popular culture. It is my responsibility as future King to understand our neighbors.”
It made sense, but I had never thought about it that way.
“Have you spent time there?” I asked.
“Certainly. I’ve visited regularly with my father on state matters, and, during my formative years, I spent months at a time in several of your cities.”
“Really? Where?” I was curious to know which locations the Fae considered worthy of their attention.
“Cold Spring, Crawley, Ávila, Elmadag, places like that.”
I frowned, same as Jake. I didn’t recognize any of the names.
Noticing our confusion, the Prince explained further. “What all these cities have in common is their proximity to bigger places. Cold Spring is near New York City. Crawley near London. Ávila close to Madrid, and Elmadag just outside of Ankara. You will forgive me for saying that I much preferred nature and fresh air, so those smaller locations were more suitable. Though, they still afforded me proximity to other areas of import.”
Just then, the attendant walked in with a large wooden tray and set down a deliciously smelling stew accompanied by freshly baked herb bread. It was all very simple, but it seemed cooked to perfection, judging by its appearance and wonderful scents.
“Enjoy,” Kalyll said, gesturing toward the food.
Jake dug in without further invitation, and I followed suit, the triple-decker burger long gone from my overactive stomach. My hunger had always been particularly disturbing, but since Damien failed to renew his spell on me, I seemed to have developed a hollow leg where everything I consumed emptied in a matter of minutes.
After a polite amount of time, Kalyll set down his spoon and said, “Even if it doesn’t appear so, we may speak freely here. One of my wizards sits beyond the door at the moment, ensuring no one can hear us.”
I considered that for a moment and decided I had no reason to distrust him. I doubted he wanted his affairs known by tavern dwellers.
Jake seemed to agree with me and with a shrug said, “We’re all ears.”
The Prince pushed his bowl of stew out of the way and turned his unsettling eyes on me. “Do you remember Gonira?”
“Do you mean the Fae female that was driving the van, the one at the repair shop that night?”
“Yes.” He assented with a dip of his chin. “I am embarrassed to say that she has, once more, returned to your realm, and I fear she has rejoined those who are responsible for the conflicts ailing your city.”
“Um, I hate to hear that,” I said as I wondered about the Prince’s need to inform me of this. There was only one possible explanation. He wanted me to track her. I held my breath, hoping I was right. Maybe he could exchange favors again. Jake’s eyes flashed with the same realization. I wasn’t useful to the Prince in any other way. This had to be it.
“You see,” Kalyll continued, “Gonira is my cousin, and my aunt—my mother’s sister—has begged me to find her. I am sure you know where I am going with this. I suspect that, given your talents, it is not a novelty for you to be approached by individuals requiring your aid. I know your agency specializes in locating mates, not spoiled brats, members of Fae royal families, but I was hoping that you might make an exception and take on this task. For a fee, of course.”
With every word he said, my heart had sped up, but at those last few, it threatened to jump into my throat. A fee could easily become a favor.
“I should say that we have tried to find her on our own without success,” the Prince continued. “We found her before, as you well know, but this time it’s different. She is going to greater lengths to conceal her location. Magic is definitely involved, and I am not sure if your skill allows you to see beyond such tampering.”
My heart sank a little, not all the way, but it wasn’t floating in my throat anymore.
“Well,” I said, “depending on the type of magic and the level of the witch or mage concealing your cousin’s location, my skills could prove ineffectual.”
If Gonira was with Stephen and close enough to his circle, the Midnight Witch who’d killed Damien might be responsible for Gonira’s disappearing act. If that was the case, I doubted my skills or anyone else’s could pierce through such a power.
“I see.” Kalyll nodded. “But there is a possibility you might be able to find her.”
