The Drifting by L. Filloon Read Free Book Online

everyone…everyone but me .  I think of my friend, pray she’s okay and that Tolan is doing everything to assure her that he and Tharin will find me.
    I snap out of my depressing thoughts.  I have to try and make it back to Julia, and then continue my search for Lucas.  I look around me – I won’t find any answers sitting here.  I’m off the bed and at the door within seconds.  Taking a deep breath I open it. 
    “Ah, Lily , y ou’ve finally decided to join us.  I hope you’re hun gry.  I’ve made your favorite, c hicken pasta with zucchini and mushrooms, just the way you like it.”  The old woman is in the process of dishing me a plate.  I’ve given up on how the elves always seem to know when I would show up. 
    She indicates the table set for three, and I move toward it as the aroma of sautéed chicken seasoned in marjoram fills the room.    The delicious scent causes my mouth to water at the same time my stomach growls loudly.  I catch at my stomach trying to keep the grumbling down, but the smell of food pulls me toward the table without any resistance.  The silverware and glasses have been set, and I watch as Sema tops the white porcelain plate with food .  The table is covered with a lace cloth and the chairs are painted white .  The table is beautifully set, including the large bouquet of spring flowers in a crystal decanter set in the cente r.  I think about that.  Is it s pring her e in Velesi? When Tharin came for me it was the beginning of summer in San Diego .
    The connecting living room is small but comfortable.  Book cases lined the walls; a large comfortable sofa with a blanket laid upon its back sits in front of a coffee table .  With the exception of a lit fireplace , I almost feel like I’m home with Marilyn .
    “How did you know it’s my favorite?”  I ask , staring back at the plate coming my way.
    “I know everything there is to know about you,” she repeats as she places the plate before me.  “Go ahead, Lily, start eating.  I know you’re starving.  Ziri will be here in a moment.”
    I look around to see that she’s right.  It’s just the two of us and I find myself letting out a sigh of relief.  As hungry as I am, I find it hard to pick up my fork.  “Why?” I ask.
    “Why, what?” replies Sema.  She gives me a curious look as she sits down with her own plate.  She indicates at my plate with a nod, “Eat.”
    I pick up my fork, but keep it on my plate as I ask , “Why do you know everything about me?’
    She takes a bite and I do the same.  That’s all it takes.  B efore I know it , I’m shoveling chicken and pasta into my mouth , followed by mushrooms and zucchini .  I take a breadstick when Sema offers me a basket full of them .  “Well, you are the future queen and it ’s the business of all Velesian s to know about their new queen.”
    I stop with the shoveling and stare at her with my mouth full.  When I finally swallow , I ask, “What do you mean everyone knows?”
    Sema smiles at me answering, “You’ll get use to it.  Unfortunately, it comes with the territory.  Now, eat.”
    Suddenly, I’m no longer hungry.  I take another bite before putting my fork down.  Sema looks up at me again, head tilt ed to one side, “It’s no use worrying about it, Lily.  You will be queen , and you will have all of Velesi’s eyes on you, including the clans ’ …especially the clan s .”
    Sema reaches for her glass of water as I continue to stare at her.  She seems nervous and a slight throb starts at the back of my skull.  I look about me again sensing for the first time that something just doesn’t feel right – painted chairs?   “Where am I?” I ask, looking back at the old woman.
    “You’re safe,” is her only answer.
    I’m safe.  I think back when we were in Vegas.  Tharin told me that the trees are our protector s and our shelter.  “This isn’t real, is it?” I ask looking about me and waving my hand at the room