The Seer by Kirsten Jones Read Free Book Online

examining each face, searching for
the familiar pinched features of Malachi Nox.  She started in recognition
of the regal features of Imperato, the chieftain of the centaur tribe.  He
was gazing directly at her, his sombre gaze unfathomable.  Beside him
stood Dravite, the centaur Mistral had treated after the final of The Festival
of the Arcane.  She glanced briefly at his dark chestnut flanks and noted
with satisfaction that barely a scar showed. 
    ‘It is time
for the ceremony to begin.  Please, follow me.’  Mycroft’s voice
droned out again. 
    ‘That’s got to
be the shortest speech he’s ever made!’  Phantom whispered.
    ‘He’s got a
eulogy to go yet.’  Mistral whispered back.  ‘Did you remember to
bring me a pillow?  Ow!’
    ‘Sorry! 
Was that your foot?  Only it’s normally in your mouth.’
    ‘I get the
message brother, no need to stamp on my foot.  Professional and a bit more
professional that’s me!’  Mistral hissed angrily.
    ‘Have you seen
Malachi yet?’
    ‘No. 
Where is he?’
    ‘I don’t know
– ’
    ‘There.’ 
    Mistral
responded to Fabian’s quiet voice by following his gaze.  Malachi Nox was
standing on the far side of the room, his deathly pale face turned away to
converse with a tall heavily cloaked figure.    
    ‘Is that –?’
    ‘Yes.’
    Bellicose La
Monte.  The head of the only vampire tribe on the Isle.  Mistral
stared in wonderment, completely forgetting that she was meant to be reading
him.  Shecursed silently when the crowd before her thinned and
began to file out of the room.  She had missed her fist opportunity. 
    ‘Ah, Lady De
Winter!  May I congratulate you on your achievement.’
    Mistral
recognised the rich tones of Bryden Wolfsnare’s voice.  She looked up,
uncertain as to whether he was referring to her winning The Festival of the
Arcane, his festival, or to her finally achieving Sight.
    ‘You were
indisposed when the presentation was made … regretfully –’
    So he was
talking about the festival.  Mistral hid a smile.  Grendel, her
warrior brother and half-troll, had accepted the prize on her behalf and
apparently his acceptance speech had left a lot to be desired.
    ‘You lost a
brother in the final.’  Bryden continued and Mistral instantly felt a
shadow cross her heart.   Saul.  ‘But there is no greater
honour for an Arcane than to die in a celebration of our kind.  I know you
will feel pride at his passing.’
    Disbelief
welled up inside Mistral.  Pride?  No, she certainly wasn’t proud
that Saul had died to save her, or that he had loved her and she had been
utterly incapable of showing him the slightest in return.  She clenched
her jaw and felt Fabian grip her hand more tightly.
    ‘Thank you
Bryden, for attending today.  Your presence is an honour not normally
bestowed upon the Valley, and something I should like to rectify.’
    Leo’s cold
voice cut across her turbulent thoughts, she looked at Fabian, seeking the calm
of his black gaze.
    ‘Seer –’
    Before she
could seek comfort from her Mage, Imperato’s soulful gaze met her own slightly
wild stare.
    ‘You are
complete.’ 
    Imperato’s
simple statement required no response.  Mistral gazed wordlessly back at
the striking figure in front of her.  He suddenly smiled, lighting his
regal features with a glowing pride that was both beautiful and puzzling. 
Before Mistral could begin to interpret his expression he was gone and the
twins were beside her, their bright green eyes willing her to hear their thoughts.
    With a sigh
akin to one about to embark upon a long conversation with a tiresome family
member, Mistral let their thoughts fill her mind in a jumbled profusion.
    Have you
got a reading on Bellicose La Monte yet?
    What is
Mage Rosenberg wearing?  It looks like a carnival tent!
    What is
Malachi thinking?
    What is
Mage Grapple thinking?
    What is
Master Sphinx thinking?
    It looks
like the secret is out about you having the Sight!
    There