Page 4 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Good, the games are just beginning,” Kieran replied.

Nicolai glided up the marble stairs and took a seat next to Kieran. “What have I missed?”

“Nothing,” Kieran replied.

“Don’t keep us in suspense. How did it go tonight?” Riordan asked.

“Sylvana, the eldest sister, put the flames out.”

“Where the hell was her brother? Our scouts led us to believe they were all there,” Riordan replied.

“They were there. Alaric was on the roof tossing meager buckets of water over the flames.”

“Was Sylvana on the roof as well?” Kieran asked.

“No,” Nicolai replied.

“I want a straight answer,” Riordan stated adamantly.

“She was standing in front of the barn, and when she waved her hand a wash of energy put the flames out.”

“What are you saying?” Kieran asked.

Nicolai looked over and nodded at the servant, who handed him a silver goblet. “It seems she yields powers only an original can conjure.”

“Well, hell, it appears the mystery is ever growing,” Riordan replied.

The Guild of Entente, which was comprised of thirty-members, each of whom was the eldest Lord of their clan, were sitting around a long table discussing the recent events transpiring throughout the lands.

Astaroth, the highest ranking member, was sitting at the head of the table. “The Faye are suffering from ill-begotten delusions, and their compulsions are a threat to all. We cannot, will not, allow them to cross into our world. This will do nothing more than spring old wars into life.”

“The Barouqe Warriors seized another Faye two nights ago and have secured confirmation they are planning to launch an attack,” Rhazien stated.

Marque placed his forearms on the table, and looked at the large map that was spread out. “Not only do we need to secure the edge of the veil, we need to deal with the Lycans, who have been scouting the surrounding territories.”

“Inbred Lycans have also been spotted crossing the Black Moor and are hunting again,” Norix added.

“I don’t believe they are hunting. I suspect Ranan is sending them over as a distraction,” Astaroth said.

“Yes, milord. The Lycans in the surrounding territories are not inbred,” Rhazien agreed.

“Riordan believes they are looking for a purebred Ascelin,” Leon added.

“Punitive actions against the Faye will continue as ordered. As for the Lycans, we should allow them to continue without interference. If they are indeed looking for an Ascelin, we can use the information we gather to our benefit,” Theron suggested.

“Agreed,” Astaroth replied.

“We should pit the Faye and the Lycans against one another. Allow another Faye to cross the veil. We will seize it, take it to the edge of the Black Moor, and make it appear as if an inbred killed it. The treaty will dissolve into suspicion and bitterness on both sides,” Norix suggested.

Astaroth sat back momentarily, contemplating what he was suggesting. “Do all members agree?”

“Aye,” they stated, along with a nod.

“If an Ascelin does indeed exist, what are your intensions where she is concerned?” another asked.

Astaroth cocked his head and glared at him. “The Acherons will take her as their mate. Why do you ask a fool’s question?”

Kirnan tipped his cup at Astaroth. “And if there is more than one, what will we do with them?”

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