The Nemisin Star by Elaina J Davidson Read Free Book Online Page B

to come. I love you, but I
will not force you to do anything if you do not want it. I am
leaving now.”
    “I’ll come,
Tris. I love you too.”
    His heart
hammered. He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her, and then
kissed her again and again, until they were both breathless and
heated. “We will find a way,” he said when he drew back.
    “I hope so.”
She swallowed. “I must lock up.”
    He nodded and
waited for her on the sand, not daring to follow into a space where
he would not be able to keep his hands to himself.
     
     
    The Keep
     
    “The city is
empty, Lord Vallorin,” Pretora reported. “The majority are camped
in the valley and the rest have transferred to Two Town. We have
posted warning that no one is to enter until we declare it
clear.”
    “Thank you,
Pretora. A job well done.” The Elder was dismissed.
    Taranis
entered the study. “What is this about evacuating Menllik?” Matt
also entered. The two had visited many places during the day and
now returned for food and rest.
    “Tymall is
expected in Linir tonight.” Torrullin rose decisively. “No one is
to enter Taranis, no one .”
    “You are
playing your own games again.”
    “It is my game
to play. If you are going to argue with me at every turn, you will
leave Valaris until this is over.”
    Matt
diplomatically backed out and disappeared.
    “Valaris is my
home, you arrogant twit! You cannot tell me to leave!” Taranis
spluttered. He strode over and placed knuckles on the desk, leaning
on them. “I will argue! You are not always right.”
    “I appreciate
your help, Taranis, but this is for me to do.”
    “You won’t let
us in, will you? There, in that head of yours. You would force all
of us to leave if you could.”
    “Naturally.
That way you would be safe.”
    Taranis
straightened. “I guess that is exactly what I want for you.”
    “I will be
fine.”
    “Yes, well,
it’s not your physical body I am worried about.” Taranis approached
the drinks counter and poured a stiff one. “Does Vannis know? No,
and you won’t contact him. Are you going alone?”
    “My boys will
battle tonight …” Torrullin sank into his chair rubbing his eyes.
“Pour me one, will you?”
    Taranis
decanted a measure and brought it over. “Their destiny?”
    “Indeed.”
    “Nemisin’s
night.”
    “Across the
ages, the connection.”
    “Damn.”
    “Will you stay
away?”
    Slowly Taranis
nodded.
    “Thank you.
Margus will be there.” Torrullin knocked the drink back in one
gulp.
    “They are two,
then.”
    Torrullin eyed
his father. “You do not seem surprised.”
    “It makes a
whole lot of sense, doesn’t it?”
    “Yes, and it
makes it easier.”
    “Two are
easier?”
    “For me. Less
guilt.”
    “Ah.” Taranis
swirled the liquor around in his glass and sipped. “How is Tris
coping?”
    “Remarkably
well. He is sleeping, can you believe that? I never could before a
confrontation.”
    Taranis
grinned. “Not unless I was dead exhausted, dead drunk or dead!”
    Torrullin
laughed. “Aye!”
    “What of
Saska?”
    “What of
Saska?”
    “Is she going
to Linir?”
    “As my wife or
the Lady, Taranis?”
    “Both.”
    “She is up
north. There was an avalanche.”
    “She doesn’t
know.” Taranis sucked at his teeth and decided not to probe. He
wondered who his son had to confide in, doubting even Quilla, most
likely the one, would know all of what went on in that head. “Matt
and I will be here until this night is done. Shout if you have need
of us.”
    “Bless you,
Taranis.”
    Taranis smiled
and headed out. Torrullin rose and went for another drink. Unlikely courage, he thought, and nearly dropped the goblet
when a voice murmured behind him.
    “My Lord?”
    “Caballa!”
    “I startled
you, my Lord?”
    “You did it on
purpose, Caballa, admit.” She was bright and beautiful in an
intricately embroidered gown in the colours of autumn, her long
golden hair plaited into many ropes, swinging as she moved. Her
sightless eyes