Deceptions fall, p.9
Deception's Fall, page 9
part #6 of Call of the Elements Series
“What about the trolls, goblins, ogres…” I paused, not even sure who the rest of the families were.
“The trolls will be difficult as well, but not impossible,” the female spirit replied. Her feet touched the ground, and she tucked those beautiful wings against her back. “We will not mix elemental magic with the arcane or witchcraft. Goblins are much like vampires in their perception of right and wrong. Ogres are too simple to wield magic of any kind.”
She looked down at me for a moment before turning her attention to Dusha, who was still standing at my back. “The Draconian would be beneficial if you can find one.”
My mouth dropped open. She wasn’t talking about a dragon, right? How cool would that be?
“Absolutely not!” the fire elemental hissed. “They serve themselves and have no concern for the plight of this world. You’ll ignore my protests over the others, but not this one.”
“I doubt we’ll find one,” Dusha said. “And it will be a last resort, regardless.”
The fire elemental flared again before disappearing.
“We are agreed?” one of the earth elementals said.
Murmurs of approval drifted around me, but I wasn’t sure what exactly we decided. It seemed way too easy, like they’d already made up their minds before I got there.
“Just to make sure I’m on the same page,” I said, clearing my throat. “We currently have three Dionadair—me, Blaire, and Vincent. We’re picking a mage and shifter for sure. Maybe an elf and troll if we find someone suitable.” I quickly counted off on my fingers. “That makes seven. So I need two more, right? Do you care where they come from?”
I didn’t mention the dragon on purpose, not wanting to ignite any fires, literally. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t be looking for one. Later.
The female spirit’s hands landed on my shoulders, and a tingle similar to Dusha’s sparked across my skin. “The quality of one’s heart and mind are more important than the blood running in their veins.”
Oh, I really liked her.
“Thanks,” I said. “Any words of wisdom for us newbies? I honestly have no idea what we’re supposed to be doing.”
She glanced up at Dusha, a frown pulling on her dainty lips. “Your mentor hasn’t told you?”
“Nope.” I half turned to glance up at him. My mentor?
A defiant little smirk played on his face. “It’s not my place to instruct the Dionadair.”
My eyes snapped back to his counterpart.
“Then consider this your official order to do so,” she stated. “And so there are no further miscommunications, I expect you to evaluate each person chosen before bringing them to us.”
An obvious tension hung between the two elementals. I honestly couldn’t tell if she despised him for forcing her hand or if that little twitch around her eyes was amusement.
“As you wish,” Dusha said, and I didn’t miss the blatant smile on his face.
He and I were so talking about this.
His massive arms slid around me, followed by his wings. The female spirit elemental winked at me just before we disappeared.
Dusha didn’t take me back to my room on the island or the meeting with Nardan like I expected. Something else I needed to talk to him about. He could totally ignore Coral’s barrier around the island. Come to think of it, the spirit elementals also ignored the elves’ barrier.
A moment later, we arrived in what used to be my sanctuary. The house in Los Angeles given to me by Braden.
The list of questions in my head momentarily vanished. I hadn’t been back to this place in weeks. Not just because of the not-closed-to-Dusha barrier around the island. Too many memories lingered here. Things I didn’t want to think about.
Dusha stepped away from me to stand in front of the sliding glass doors leading out to my balcony.
I forced my memories aside and poked him in the ribs. “You were going to help me pick all along, weren’t you?”
“That surprises you?” He looked down at me with another mischievous grin, easing my anxiety.
“What happen to the serious and secretive Dusha I used to know?”
“He’s enjoying his newfound freedom away from the pressures of leadership.”
I laughed at his honesty and the third person reference. “I see. You just confirmed any thoughts I may have had about leading this group of misfits we’re supposed to pick.”
“Then you better pick your leader next before it becomes too late for you to pass it off.”
Our humor died with his comment. He was right, of course, but who could that be?
“I was gonna talk to Dylan,” I mumbled, heading for the sofa.
“Dylan is a good choice but not a leader.” Dusha dropped onto the cushion next to me, his wings curling around his body.
“Then who?” I asked, kicking off my shoes and tucking my feet beneath me. “Is it okay to have a mage or shifter lead the Dionadair? I thought they—we—protected the fae realm. We aren’t the magic police, are we?” I really needed a little more reassurance about my role.
“Your leader should be fae because of the commitment made between us,” he replied. “Dionadair are protectors. Men and women who are comfortable with their strengths, who can fight without judgement. They should not go back to being Justices.”
“Thanks for setting my mind at ease,” I said. “Now, back to picking the team. I want to ask Elaine. She’s focused and has a good heart, even if she tries to hide it.”
“Again, a good choice.” Dusha leaned forward with that patient ‘dad’ look.
“But…” I prompted.
“You need a leader.”
“Then tell me who, damnit!”
“Lodron or Ronquil would be the best choice,” he said.
Like I didn’t already know. I should’ve known.
“Lodron shouldn’t do it, and he already admitted as much.” I almost dismissed the prince as well but stopped. The more I thought about it, the better it sounded. “Ron might. He’s already in a leadership mode, sort of.”
“You should ask him.”
I narrowed my eyes at Dusha. I should’ve known he’d already done his homework. “What else?”
“Maldrius will demand to be included.”
I snarled at him, not liking the idea of working with that asshole. “Is that even an option?” I asked. “Does he have arcane magic?”
Dusha shook his head. “He can channel Elvin magic through his weapons because of the runes placed upon them, but he has no inherent magic of his own.”
“He’s an ass, Dusha.”
“Yes, but he puts his people above all else. He is Lodron with a couple hundred more years of resentment and mistrust.” He reached over and pulled my hand into his. “You’ll have to put him in his place a few times before he backs down, but he isn’t as bad as he tries to portray.”
I let him massage my palm with his thumbs, knowing he was trying to convince me to take the asshole. It wasn’t my decision to make, though. Not if I could get Ron to accept the leadership role.
“That’s not fair to your prince,” Dusha scolded, hearing my thoughts.
“Whatever.” I pulled my hand away. “Do you have someone in mind for the trolls?”
“I need more time with them,” he replied. “Give the elf a chance to prove his strengths, and don’t dump these decisions on Ronquil. He may not agree to take the lead.”
“Yeah, yeah. What about the dragons?”
“I agree with my brother. We are not even looking for one.”
His reply surprised me. Hadn’t he said we would as a last resort?
“Why not?” I asked.
“Dragons are the epitome of selfishness.” He rose from the sofa and went back to my patio door. “They covet everything and share nothing.”
“Wow,” I whispered, swiveling on the couch to watch him. “So the stories of them hoarding their treasure is true?”
“Yes, and their treasure isn’t always gold. If they’re attracted to someone, that person becomes part of their obsession.”
I’d always pictured them as some beautifully majestic creature. And who wouldn’t hover over their pile of gold and jewels, breathing fire on anyone who threatened them? For Dusha to call them the epitome of selfishness, they had to be more than just protecting their own.
“Holy shit,” I mumbled. “I had no idea.”
“Dragons are extremely rare,” Dusha said. “Hopefully you’ll never meet one.”
I contemplated the rest of his words. “Wait a minute. Why would a dragon be attracted to a human?”
“Because they frequently take a human form. How do you think they obtain their wealth?”
“No way,” I breathed. “So I could’ve met one and didn’t even know it.”
Dusha laughed. “You haven’t met any in the last few months.”
I wasn’t even sure how to feel about it. I loved dragons. They were fricking awesome. But I clearly had a misconstrued vision of them. Just like everything else. The elves were nothing like my girlie fantasies painted them, and neither were the vampires. I’d reserve judgement about dragons, just in case.
“So, what’s next?” I asked as I unfolded my legs and pushed off the sofa.
“Talk to your prince. I’m going to spend some time with the trolls.”
“Okay. Have fun with that.”
“Not likely.”
Chapter 8
Dusha took me back to the hall just outside the meeting room, then left again. Coral’s barrier over the island really meant nothing to him. With him at my side, I could go wherever I wanted. It was kind of liberating.
Lodron?
What did they say? he responded with his own question.
They agreed but have stipulations. Are you still in the meeting?
A few moments of silence fell between us, and I almost just walked in.
Where are you? he asked.
Standing outside the door.
Two seconds later, Lodron stood in the open doorway motioning for me to go in. I slid past him and circled the table.
“That was quick,” Maldrius sneered.
I ignored him and let my gaze drift around the expectant faces looking back at me. My mouth went dry again. I hated being the center of attention.
“The Elemental Council said they would consider others besides just the fae to be part of the Dionadair,” I said. Maldrius drew in a breath to speak, and I held my hand up. “Don’t speak. There are stipulations, and I kind of wish one of the Council were here to explain it. Don’t shoot the messenger.” I drew in a deep breath and rubbed my hands on my hips again. “Apparently, elemental magic can’t be mixed with other types. This eliminates some groups entirely.”
Maldrius’ chair scraped backward as he rose next to me. I glared at him. Obviously my command only worked on him for a second.
“I told you to shut up,” I snapped. Goodbye, filter. “You and I will discuss your options privately.”
If looks could kill, the daggers shooting from his eyes would’ve ended me. I tried to hold onto Dusha’s words about this man, but it kept getting harder. Maldrius lowered himself back into his chair, but his gaze didn’t leave mine.
“I’d like to discuss everyone’s options privately,” I continued, forcing myself to look away from the elf. “I hope we can have honest and productive conversations about how to move forward.”
“I assume the decision needs to be made quickly?” Ekon, the male troll, asked.
“Probably,” I replied. “I don’t see Sabina waiting for us to get organized.”
A deep snort rumbled from his throat. “Not likely. We intended to return to our people as soon as this meeting is done.” He glanced at the female next to him. “But we’ll wait to discuss our options with you.”
“I’ll put you second on the list.”
He nodded, and I slid into my chair. Lodron’s fingers wrapped around mine beneath the table, squeezing gently for just a moment before letting go. My face flushed, but I refused to look at him.
“As soon as the final members of the Conclave are decided upon, we’ll reconvene,” Nardan said from the head of the table. “If no one has any further suggestions, my part of this meeting is concluded.”
“When are the discussions with Alisandra going to begin?” Maldrius asked.
Nardan looked at me. I glanced around the table again and sighed. “I’d like to talk to the fae first,” I said. “As soon as we’re finished, Yera and Ekon can join us.”
Nardan rose from his chair, and everyone else joined him. “A meal has been prepared in the dining room for any who would like to partake.” He gave his focus to the trolls. “I’ll send for you as soon as we’re done.”
The room slowly emptied except for the fae, and my stomach rolled. I wasn’t ready for this discussion. My gaze danced between Nardan, Ronquil and Roe. The king tapped his finger on the table, his dark eyes losing patience.
“This sucks,” I grumbled. “I’m really not ready for any of this, and you guys know I’m not leadership material.” I drew in a deep breath. “Hear me out before you start arguing. The Council said elemental magic cannot be mixed with the arcane or witchcraft. I know very little about either, so whatever. But it automatically eliminates most of the elves and all the witches. They also won’t accept the goblins or ogres.”
“So that leaves the mages, shifters, and possibly the trolls,” Ronquil summarized for me.
“Yep. They also pointed out that an elf without arcane magic—and the right disposition—could join us.” I glanced at Lodron, but he kept his mask in place. “Dusha is spending some time with the trolls to see what he can find out.”
“How many Justices are we talking about?” Roe asked.
“Nine Dionadair,” I replied. “But I don’t know if that number is set in stone or not. Right now it’s me, Vince, and Blaire.” I glanced at Ronquil, only to find him watching me intently. “I’d like Ron…Ronquil to join us.” I almost called him Ron and stopped myself. Nardan probably wouldn’t appreciate my informal nickname for his son.
Silence permeated the room like a thick fog. Ronquil looked at me with widening eyes. His father’s mouth gaped open and closed several times, almost like he couldn’t decide if he wanted to say no. Roe glared at me with open hostility.
“Our group needs a leader,” I said. “Someone who’s already good at it. I’m not that person. Maybe I could learn to be, but we don’t have time for learning curves.”
“Do I have time to think about it?” Ronquil asked.
“I have no idea,” I replied.
“What exactly is involved?” Roe asked. “What do the Dionadair receive for doing this?”
I glanced at Ronquil for a moment, then turned my attention to his brother, ignoring his less-than-friendly tone. “I thought you knew already. Have you not talked to Vince and Blaire?”
His face flushed, his scowl deepening. Had Roe wanted to join? He didn’t strike me as the warrior type. I’d never seen him training. Beyond all that, he had a son and another child on the way, and he was Nardan’s next in line for the throne.
“Be silent, son,” Nardan said, rising from his seat. “This is Ronquil’s decision, not ours. Let’s go find the trolls and dine with our guests.”
I tried not to look shocked by his words, but I was. So often, the king could be a complete ass, then he did stuff like this. Nardan obviously understood his sons’ behavior better than I.
Roe stood and left with his father, grumbling under his breath. As soon as the door closed, Ronquil started yelling.
“Why the hell didn’t you volunteer for this, Lodron? You’re the obvious choice for leading the Dionadair.” His signature scowl landed on me. “That’s why you’re asking me, right? You don’t want to lead them.”
I shifted uncomfortably under Ronquil’s harsh stare. He hit the nail directly on its head. Thankfully, Lodron saved me from answering.
“I cannot lead them and still maintain my position,” Lodron retorted. “If I remain Captain, I can direct our forces to help you. We cannot guarantee that a new Captain would do the same. You know how much we feared the Justices. This is an opportunity for us to create something better. To recreate the Dionadair.” He gave me a knowing look, as if once more reading my thoughts.
Ronquil huffed, his eyes darting between me and Lodron. “I talked to Vince before this meeting. He said it’s difficult to have four elementals in his mind, invading his thoughts and revealing his insecurities.”
“Probably so,” I agreed. “Especially when you spent a lifetime hating them.”
“How do you do it?” The indecision and fear in his eyes burrowed deep. I remembered being a hot mess not so long ago.
“Because I don’t really have a choice,” I replied. “As a mage, they’re part of who I am. I had to learn to accept and trust them. You have a choice. You can tell them no—refuse this position—but don’t forget the consequences of doing so.”
Ronquil’s palms scrubbed his face, then ran over his hair. “I don’t know.”
“I get it. Stay with me while I talk to the others?” I asked. “I could use the support even if you decide to say no.”
He nodded and glanced at Lodron, who was still sitting next to me. “What’s up with you two?”
“Not a thing,” I replied a little too quickly, but I was scared of Lodron’s response.
“Maybe a thing,” the captain said.
Exactly what I feared. I rolled my eyes dramatically. “Let’s see if we can stay alive for the next few weeks, then I’ll worry about the rest of my life.”
A loud knock on the door prevented any further discussions about my personal life. Thankfully. Ronquil spared us one last look before opening the door.
Yera, the female troll, strolled in first. She matched Ronquil’s height. Long muscular arms extended from beneath her floral-patterned cloak that didn’t hide her wide shoulders. I had no doubt a very strong woman hid beneath all that fabric.
Ekon followed close behind her. His wide frame barely fit through the door, and he had to duck to avoid clipping his long ears. I guess I hadn’t really paid attention to their size when they left. No wonder Victor had been worried about facing them in the battle against Jack. They were seriously intimidating.
