Sacrifices of the Siren [Sirens and Sailors 6] (Siren Publishing Allure) by Bella Settarra Read Free Book Online

seeing her much after that.” Kalliope shrugged.
    “Do you think that was her secret?” Dr. Jay asked Blandon.
    Blandon thought for a moment. He had assumed Melantho had been a virgin, though she had never said she was. Perhaps she was ashamed, especially after the other night. She must have realized what he thought and didn’t know how to tell him otherwise. He sighed. It didn’t really bother him whether she was or not, but he knew it might bother her. “Probably,” he murmured.
    “But why would she think no one would want her on Refrainia? We were all Sirens,” Sapphire piped up, looking over his shoulder at the note.
    “This doesn’t make any sense,” Dr. Jay said with a sigh. “I wonder if Pallas knows anything.”
    “I’ll go and see her.” Blandon was pleased to have something practical to do.
    Pallas was the only Elder still living on the island. After Poseidon had decreed that the old ladies were no longer required to preside over the island most of the others had taken umbrage and left. Pallas had been relieved at the loss of responsibility and chose to stay in the home she loved. She had a tiny hut not far from the big house, and it didn’t take Blandon long to find her sitting in the sun on an old wooden chair.
    “I don’t know much about it, dear,” she explained, handing him a cup of cold water. He had explained what had happened and the poor old dear looked quite shocked.
    “Was she a Siren?” Blandon asked.
    The elderly lady screwed up her eyes as she thought hard. “Yes, she was. She trained along with all the others. She didn’t do it for long, though, but I can’t remember why.” She shook her head.
    “Hermandine made her the maid at the big house. I suppose that’s why she didn’t want her to go over to Destiny Rock every afternoon.” Blandon sighed.
    Pallas frowned. “But they didn’t go every day. They worked on a rota basis. Most of the girls only went out there every other day. Some enjoyed it and offered to go more often, so those who weren’t so keen didn’t have to go so much.”
    “But then why was Melantho exempt? Was she related to Hermandine? Was it preferential treatment that she didn’t have to go, or was she being punished by being kept behind? Had she done something wrong?” Blandon’s mind was whirling.
    “I can’t imagine her doing anything wrong. Melantho was always so quiet and good. In fact, I don’t know much about that time when she stopped going over to Destiny, it must have been a couple of years ago at least. We Elders were just told by Hermandine that she wouldn’t be a Siren after all, but she never told us why. Mind you, in those days we were all too afraid to ask. Hermandine was a formidable character, you know.” Pallas bit her lip thoughtfully.
    “So, you were just told not to send her over there and she stayed at the big house with Hermandine?” Blandon shook his head.
    “I don’t recall seeing her after that, so I suppose Hermandine must have kept her in the big house,” Pallas mused. “She was always such a quiet little thing. I suppose most of us didn’t really take much notice at the time. I’m sorry, dear. I’m not much help to you.”
    “No, it’s fine. It’s just what we thought anyway.” Blandon took another sip of water.
    “Blandon! They got through to Rech. He’s on his way to find Mel.” Naida came running over with the news.
    Blandon shot up, thanked the old lady, and ran back to the big house.
    “They’d gone for some food.” Farris looked up when Blandon burst into the room. “We told them what happened and they went to that address. Looks like she must have stowed away. Rech was fuming—he said she should have just asked them. She can’t have had a comfortable journey and she probably hadn’t eaten.”
    “She must have had her reasons,” Dr. Jay said calmly. “Anyway, the main thing is Rech and Aitan can bring her home and we can find out just what those reasons were.”
    Blandon smiled for