Oak And Mist (The Ambeth Chronicles Book 1) by Helen Jones Read Free Book Online Page A

tall, with red hair. About fifteen years old, I think. Somewhat bewildered, as would be expected, but all in all, most promising. She will be back, I’m sure of it.’
    ‘Fifteen? And she had red hair?’ asked Lord Artos, suddenly alert.
    ‘Yes.’ Thorion paused for a moment, knowing what it would mean to the other Elder, but it had to be faced. ‘And she was wearing a talaith bracelet, with a blue stone.’
    The older Lord took in a sharp breath, closing his eyes for a moment. Adara placed her hand on his arm, her lovely face sympathetic.
    ‘So it seems, Artos, that all is not lost after all,’ said the elegant Lord Cedran, his tone sly. A spasm of grief passed over Artos’ noble features and across the circle Meredan glared at Cedran, his dark eyes fierce.
    ‘You know not of what you speak!’
    ‘Oh, does he not?’ said Denoris, seeming highly amused by the exchange.
    ‘Enough!’ said Thorion in a commanding tone, fixing Cedran and Denoris with a hard stare. ‘This is a discussion for another time. What is important is that the girl be allowed to choose of her own free will, that she not be told anything of who she is until the time is right. I believe this is the only way.’
    ‘But Thorion,’ exclaimed Artos, ‘surely…’
    ‘I am sorry, Lord Artos. These are my wishes on this matter and I would ask all of you,’ he looked at each Elder in turn, ‘to go along with them. You are all aware that as a Council we decided this long ago – that when the Prophecy was fulfilled it was to be done freely. Meeting the girl has done nothing to change this.’ Seeing each of them nod as he looked around the circle, Thorion felt relieved, though his face gave nothing away. He studiously avoided the gaze of Lord Artos; the hurt in his eyes was hard to take, but he must not falter.
    ‘So you believe she is the one who would help to restore the Regalia?’ This was Gwenene, splendid in azure brocade, her blue eyes narrowed. ‘What guarantee do you have of this?’
    ‘Only that she is here,’ replied Thorion, ‘in the right place at the right time. If the Dark still followed the skylore you would also know of this.’
    His words obviously stung. Gwenene tossed her dark hair and turned to exchange a glance with Lord Denoris, who had tensed beside her. He looked at Thorion, his green eyes hard. 
    ‘And does she have a name, this mysterious girl?’ he asked.
    ‘Her name is Alma,’ replied Thorion. ‘And, until she comes to choose, she is under my protection. Please bear this in mind.’
    ‘And if she chooses the Dark?’ This was from Cedran, smiling to see Thorion’s momentary discomfort at the question.
    But the High King rallied. ‘Then it will have been her choice to make. But surely, Lord Cedran, you can see the benefits to both sides if the Regalia is returned. Its loss affects us all, do you not agree?’ Thorion remained outwardly civil, though inside his anger was growing. ‘And,’ he went on, turning to include all the Elders, ‘I trust I can count on your discretion in this matter, until the time comes for the girl to be named as part of the Prophecy.’
    ‘And when will that be, Thorion?’ asked Meredan in his deep voice, white teeth flashing in his dark face.
    ‘Why, in the coming week, I expect. When she returns to us.’
    ‘If she returns, don’t you mean?’ interjected Denoris, his expression annoyed. ‘You have no assurance she will come back here, other than her word. If I had been the one to meet her at the Gate, I would have bound her to our cause there and then!’
    ‘Then it is fortunate for us all that you did not meet her!’ shot back Thorion. ‘We all know your binding methods are not always… gentle, do we not, Lord Denoris?’
    ‘But you cannot deny that I get results, Thorion.’ This last was said with a half smile, while Cedran laughed out loud, earning a glare from Lord Artos. Thorion called the circle back to order – so much power in one place meant that their