Page 164 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Has she done this before?” Nicolai asked.

“Not to this extent. Her mother warned me, but I did not know she possessed so much power,” Kadric answered honestly.

“We need to get her out of here,” Riordan stated.

“Kadric Orfaedo.” He looked around and noticed a silhouette standing in the trees. “Milord, it’s Cathagne.”

“What? Cathagne? How do you know?” Riordan asked, as they all looked in the same direction as Kadric.

“She is calling to me.”

Marius placed his hand on Riordan’s shoulder. “It is her, as sure as I am standing here.”

“Rhazien, remain here with our warriors. We will be back momentarily. If Faye or Lycan come into view, attack at will,” Riordan ordered. He gathered Sylvana off the ground and into his arms.

“Yes, milord,” Rhazien replied.

“Cathagne, do you remember me?” Marius asked as he stepped toward her.I can’t believe my eyes.

She cautiously stepped back. “I do not.”

Marius held up hands. “Do not be afraid. I mean you no harm.”

Kadric stepped forward and held up a hand. “It’s okay, Cathagne. They have come in search of you. Marius is your uncle.” Cathagne briefly stared at Marius, trying to remember. “My uncle?”

“Yes. Your mother was mated to my brother, Anton. I took care of the two of you after the Faye killed your father. I couldn’t have loved you more if you were my own bairn,” Marius explained.

Nicolai placed his hand on Marius’s shoulder having felt his sorrow. “It will just take time.”

Marius nodded, but did not take his eyes off Cathagne.

Feeling confused and overwhelmed, she looked at the only familiar face in the group. “Is this all true, Kadric Orfaedo?”

“Yes, Cathagne. They mean you no harm and only wish to return you to your mother.”

“Why did you return, Kadric Orfaedo?”

“I followed my daughter, Sylvana.”

She looked at Sylvana and cocked her head. “Sylvana, thy one Vispera has been seeking?” “Yes,” Kadric replied.

“You should not have come back. Vispera will never allow you to leave,” Cathagne answered.

“I gave your mother my word I would bring you back to her, and I have every intention of honoring it,” Riordan said.

“My mother? ‘Tis not possible. The Lycans killed my mother, or so I was told.”

“She is alive and well,” Marius replied.

“Kadric said you remember nothing prior to being here?” Tobias stated.

“‘Tis true. As I explained to Kadric, I have nothing more than ill begotten memories. But I have always known I don’t belong here.”

“We don’t have time to explain. Is there somewhere safe for you to go?” Riordan asked.

“Yes. There is a place where thy molten moon flows over thy falls.”

Riordan looked down at Sylvana. “Will you take Sylvana there? I will have a few of my warriors ensure your safety.”

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