23. Confrontations8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkXczjSL2j 維尼
Luke8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAhclx5WQR 維尼
I stared at the piece of paper Rowan had shoved at me a few moments before. The lines and groupings of squiggles on it drifted past my eyes, evading meaning.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡis4N7VXZEQ 維尼
“What?” I asked, confused as to why he wanted me to look at it.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAqqXobvgZ 維尼
“Read it,” he ordered, looking as if it was obvious.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72flidkr0D 維尼
My heart sank as I finally realized his intentions for giving it to me. “I can’t,” I said with finality, hoping that it would be the end of the issue. I would not be ashamed.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk8S89hRZQ 維尼
“Why not?” Rowan inquired with genuine surprise. My heart lifted. So he wasn’t trying to embarrass me with my lack of schooling.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tnIdH1QpU 維尼
“I can’t read,” I replied coldly, hoping to avoid any jibes at my lack of education.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIfJvP3HrV 維尼
“Oh,” he looked taken aback, “They didn’t teach you how in the Slavery?”8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19aTg0AeMW 維尼
“Of course not!” I snapped, “Slaves aren’t given an education!”8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSgdyHygnY 維尼
“You’re right. They aren’t,” Rowan agreed, “But you’re not a slave anymore; therefore, you should learn. But, you can read the map… how did you know where we were this morning?”8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6y1KxyeBD 維尼
I shrugged. “There were slaves who had become slaves later in their lives in my squadron. They had learned how to read and when we managed to steal a map from the Slavers they taught us the signs for the cities and towns. That’s how I knew, plus, the Trace gives me all the information on the map automatically, including where we are.”8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKOSJpsWvc 維尼
He nodded, “That’s sort of like how we learned. But, back to you, I need you to know what this says so you can relay it back to Rory. Ask her if she wrote it. I’ll read it to you and you transfer it to Rory. Set up a connection with me and then with Rory.” He called Carla and Reynold to take our reins.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn95GoHo7M 維尼
I nodded and cleared my mind, first concentrating on Rowan and then on Rory. Slowly my awareness of our surroundings faded until all I could sense was Rory and Rowan. < Are we all in the link? > I asked.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuOY6xcRNk 維尼
< Yes, > came answers from the two of them. Rory’s thought was caustic and angry.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iTBTu38Pr 維尼
< What’s wrong?! > Rory asked snappishly. I probed lightly into her mind and got the impression that her irritation stemmed from being interrupted doing something important. Sensing my intrusion, Rory blocked out all of her thoughts except the ones she wanted to share with the two of us.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqhrhPZBQA 維尼
< I’m not really sure, > I replied with a twinge of annoyance, < I think Rowan wanted to talk to you. >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuaStFnWSe 維尼
Rowan interrupted my annoyed speech. < So? > he said.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBjFZJmy4b 維尼
< So what? > Rory replied. She was impatient. < I don’t know why you want to talk to me – and clearly Luke doesn’t either – therefore you are the only one who knows the reason for this unplanned conference. And make it snappy - I’m busy right now. >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVTrVWaRmM 維尼
< You sent a put a letter in your file in the Scriptorium telling how we escaped. >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCZzNgbWoL 維尼
< Oh, you found that did you, > her reply was bright, but I could hear the strain beneath it.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxPSiUCGyv 維尼
< Rory, do I need to read it to you to help you remember? > Rowan asked seriously.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1Ip9ofS9r 維尼
< No, > her voice was soft, < I remember what it says. >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡSezxVwFHf6 維尼
< Why? > The question was a plea for more information, a question asking why she had never told him, never consulted him about it.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG22rfse5X 維尼
< Rowan, please, > she entreated, < It was days after Jake had been banished and the Trustees forced me to abdicate. I was confused and upset and I wanted… revenge. I wanted to show them how powerful I was, what I knew. >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tQ3t0Oxdx 維尼
< But it could have put us all in danger if they’d caught you! >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2en93lZBW9 維尼
She laughed bitterly. < Oh yes. First Cathy, and now you. Rowan, I never claimed to be perfect. Never. I’ve made more than my fair share of mistakes and so have you. You can’t say anything to make me regret what I’ve done any more than I already do. >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLZscRIeof 維尼
Her words were like a slap and I felt Rowan recoil from the fold. Struggling I managed to keep him from slipping out of the conversation. < Where are you? > I asked abruptly, trying to change the uncomfortable subject we were focussed on.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJQNDkTVMe 維尼
< Somewhere safe, > was the somewhat frosty response, < You should know. >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKHiMTL6RH 維尼
< Sorry. Let me rephrase. Who are you with? > I reworded the question hastily, < I know you’re not in Jake’s camp anymore and that you’re in the company of people sympathetic to our cause but I don’t know who… and I’m curious. >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh9KVNw4ES 維尼
< Of course, > her thought was twisted, sneered, accusing. < You’re just checking up on me like everyone else. >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡflUoKBUNWq 維尼
< No, > I made my thought soft, sincere, trying to convey my concern for her safety, < I know you can take care of yourself; I just want to make sure you’re okay. > And that the people you are with are trustworthy, I added silently.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡewIprlPV5a 維尼
Her next thought was tentative and careful. < I’m with the Nymphs. > I didn’t understand. The name had a ring of power and authority but I didn’t understand why.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVYqFWRXLr 維尼
< Nymphs? > I appealed, asking for more information. I pressed Rowan silently for information as well but all I felt from him was confusion.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbYWETICl8 維尼
< One of the High Races. >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mx6jspvNJ 維尼
< Nymphs?! > Rowan’s thought cuts through the conversation, < Rory, they’re real? >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡowCxQQa1C1 維尼
A pause. < Yes. But you mustn’t tell anyone else. I’ll tell you more when you reach me. > She paused uncomfortably and changed the subject. It was obvious she didn’t want to talk about what had happened to her < What are you doing? You were heading toward me until a couple days ago but then you veered off course. You’re still headed in the same general direction, just not straight toward me… >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0DzbmpXK2 維尼
I understood her confusion. We had been headed directly toward her as it had been our intention to meet her as soon as possible – at least until Bridget had been kidnapped. Rowan quickly explained what had detained us and that we were now heading to rescue Bridget before our rendezvous with Rory.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoF8QjdNH2 維尼
< Bridget? > Rory’s shocked reaction came thinly, starting to fade. I wanted to roll my eyes at her. She’d ditched everyone, managed to get herself captured by an old enemy and been denounced as a traitor by the Trustees and yet she was still giving orders to everyone like nothing had happened. < Keep tracking her and keep me updated. I’m coming to help you. Don’t worry I’ll be fine… >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡga8pwPhvM4 維尼
As she left the link between us, I permitted the power I had been using to keep Rowan in the conversation to drain, cancelling it out. Finally seeing out of my own eyes again I glanced at our surroundings. We were miles from where we had been before. Jesse was in the lead with Cathy. David took up the rear with Francesca riding just ahead of him. Carla and Reynold each held the bridle of either Rowan’s or my horse. Then I stared at Rowan. He was shaking his head as if trying to get rid of a fly. He stopped and gave me a meaningful glance.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlO4fy613K 維尼
“Ray,” he said, “Luke and I are going to scout for a bit.” Getting his silent message, I quickly retrieved my reins from Ray.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzg6yAg6IQ 維尼
Ray and Carla looked at us puzzled. “But… wha’ happened?” Ray asked, “Did ya manage to get a hold o’ Rory?” Rowan nodded.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hG8UP802d 維尼
“She’s safe” Rowan said, “That’s all that matters. I… just have to talk to Luke alone and really we should have scouts out to make sure we aren’t ambushed.”8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWorFwByVw 維尼
“Ok,” he said, “But don’t be too long…” Rowan nodded again and retrieved his reins from a reluctant Carla. Together the two of us took off at a gallop away from the others, putting enough distance between us and the rest of the group so that we wouldn’t be overheard.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IjM1qUaPk 維尼
“Mind-Speaking always makes my head buzz and this time it made my head spin,” Rowan said, answering my questioning looks when we’d travelled out of the earshot. “I can’t believe she found the Water Nymphs.”8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXyZcWCLxM 維尼
“What exactly are they?” I asked uncertainly. This wasn’t familiar ground for me and while Rowan seemed to have heard about them, he seemed shocked as well.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwnmHlHXCK 維尼
“Did the older slaves ever tell tales of the High Races?” Rowan asked. I nodded. “So did we. We always fantasized about how the world would be a different place if they actually existed outside of the legends…” I nodded again, understanding the appeal of the balance portrayed within the myths.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTjILBneIu 維尼
“So the Nymphs are…” I trailed off uncertainly as Rowan cut in.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOPdoq5vc6 維尼
“Beings of Water, like Rory told you,” Rowan replied. I nodded again.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ3NKiix1d 維尼
“I understand,” I said, “So Rory is trying to tell us the legends are true… Nymphs, and Afrit and Elves exist…” My voice lowered in awe as I contemplated the implications of this knowledge. Rowan nodded and suddenly we were both speechless as we contemplated what Rory had told us.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE1I2oiVRd 維尼
We travelled on in silence for a few minutes. Then a thought occurred to me. I glanced at Rowan to see if he was in a decent mood before voicing it. “Why haven’t I ever heard about these High Races?”8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡQio1FOTcpT 維尼
He just grunted. “Because the Magicians wanted to keep their existence a secret – myths and legends that no one believes anymore.”8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWkZ421l97 維尼
I felt a tap on my mind. Bridget! I had totally forgotten about her! < What’s wrong? > I asked her.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnKwkFSUZZ 維尼
< We’re going into Bedlam’s Woods now, > her voice was calm but I could hear the anxiety in it. < You say you’re about a day’s travel from there right? >8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdgqboG4lh 維尼
< More like half a day’s travel if we push it, > I replied.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPNbJACXB9 維尼
< Good, we’re stopping for the night. They want to be well rested before venturing into the forest tomorrow. They’re looking for Rory… although they’re referring to her as Melissa because that’s the alias Rory was using in the Medici’s house . The one thing I haven’t been able to figure out is whether Francesca sent them or not – they won’t say… Tonight would be a good time to attempt a rescue because the trees provide cover. > With that her consciousness slid from mine leaving me with more questions than she could have answered.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTx4OlaExp 維尼
“Well?” Rowan prompted. He knew from my posture that I’d been contacted by someone - and since we’d only just talked to Rory he automatically assumed that it was Bridget. “What did Bridget want?”8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡL29iqXSWZg 維尼
“She says we should strike tonight because they’re camping just inside Bedlam’s Woods. She says that the trees will provide cover and that they won’t be expecting a raid,” I replied swiftly. “But if we do that we should get a move on. We’ll want to be in position by nightfall.” I paused for a moment and then relayed the information Bridget had given me about who her captors were looking for as well.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FU5pLVK1a 維尼
Rowan bit his lip as he contemplated Bridget’s news. “Francesca has to know or at least suspect we’re following the same group of men she sent out after Rory. I assume she’s going to use the opportunity to escape… and maybe that’s for the best right now if we’re headed to the Nymph’s Realm right after that.” I nodded, thinking that we would probably not get the warmest welcome if we showed up on the Nymph’s doorstep with a known Magician in tow.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡIelnEmSOXH 維尼
“So we exchange prisoners and both go free,” I said, “I can’t imagine Francesca would follow us after everything that’s happened to her on this trip.”8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡr59hLnOxN4 維尼
Rowan nodded. “You’re right and so is she.” Together we turned our horses and re-joined the group. Rowan explained our plan and we raced off toward Bedlam’s Woods.8964 copyright protection448ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyyR9OztvA 維尼
ns3.239.129.91da2
