Lords of Trillium by Hilary Wagner Read Free Book Online Page B

really was and been locked up, unable to do harm. She had never been known for her patience. How much longer would she wait?

    Except for the original members, the Council had dispersed. Suttor, Duncan, and Kar made their way back to their quarters after stopping in the library to get some studying in.
    â€œDuncan, you did well in the Council meeting,” said Suttor. “You’ve always wanted to do more for Nightshade. Now you can.”
    â€œLali will be happy,” said Kar, Suttor and Duncan’s little brother.
    Under his orange fur, Duncan reddened at his brothers’ approval. “Thanks,” he said. “I can’t wait to visit the museum again.” He looked distant for a moment. “But it will remind me of Mother and Father.”
    â€œDon’t be gloomy,” said Suttor. “You’re going to help all of Nightshade City. Mother and Father would be so proud of you.”
    â€œThey can see us,” added Kar in a whisper. “Lali says they’re up with the Saints, watching over us.”
    â€œWithout a doubt,” said Suttor. “They are up there, making sure we’re all right. It’s a miracle we’re all still alive. I think Mother and Father had a hand in keeping us safe.”
    â€œI still hear their voices sometimes,” said Duncan. “When I’m all alone, I swear I can hear them talking, especially Mother.”
    â€œI don’t remember what they sounded like,” said Kar, far too young at the time of their death to recall much about his parents.
    â€œMother had a soft voice,” said Suttor, “like alfalfa honey. She sang a lot, too—better than any rat I’ve ever heard.”
    â€œFather was funny,” said Duncan, “and when he laughed, it would fill up our whole quarters.”
    â€œYes,” said Suttor. “He had a booming voice that would shake the walls of the Catacombs!”
    Kar looked down shyly, glad to be with his brothers. Staring at his empty paws, he suddenly realized that something was missing. “My books!” he said urgently. “I left them in the library again! Lali will be furious!”
    â€œCalm down,” said Suttor. “We’ll go get them, problem solved.”
    Suttor ruffled Duncan’s bushy orange fur, just able to reach the top of his towering brother’s head. As they reached their quarters, Suttor said, “You stay here. If Lali or Cole comes home, tell them I was helping Kar finish up his studies and we’ll be back shortly.”
    â€œSee, Kar, they’ll be none the wiser,” said Duncan. “That’s what brothers are for.”
    â€œYes, to cover your back!”
    â€œCome on, then,” said Suttor. “The library closes soon.”
    Duncan unlocked the door and entered his family’s quarters. Striking a match against the wall, he lit the nearest candle, carrying it over to the kitchen table. His bed caught his eye. He didn’t remember leaving the covers in such an awful mess. He would have sworn he’d made it this morning, but with the excitement of the Council, he’d probably forgotten. “Silly rat,” he said to himself.
    He sat down on the edge of the bed, happy to be home. “Duncan . . . ,” said a dreamy voice, “is that you?”
    Duncan’s eyes widened and his hackles rose. He jumped up from the bed and whipped around. “Who’s there?” he demanded, eyeing the room for some sort of weapon.
    â€œGoodness,” said the bleary voice, “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
    She was so small, Duncan hadn’t noticed a rat was in his bed. He saw tiny gray feet peeking out from under his quilt, and the edges of a black cloak. “Elvi?”

    Pushing back the quilt, Elvi sat up and rubbed her face tiredly.
    â€œWhat—what are you doing here?” asked Duncan. “Sleeping in my bed.”
    â€œOh dear,” said