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The boat swung so that the side was facing the land. I looked back at the others and nodded. Cautiously, one by one, we stood and stepped out of the boat onto the island. As we did, the boat bobbed on the water. I looked around. The surrounding area was lit by a dim glow from the fog and though the air felt chilled, it wasn’t with the cold of winter.
I stepped forward, biting my lip, Lainule’s warning ringing in my ear. At any moment, I expected some great beast to leap out of the fog and trample us down. But nothing showed itself and so I took the lead, along with Grieve, and we motioned for the others to follow. Rhiannon and Chatter came next, and Kaylin brought up the rear.
The path led into another forest of roots and stalactites, covered with the ghostly ivy vines and sparkling flowers. It was alien and ancient. The path itself was solid, compacted soil and rock, and whispers began to fill the slipstream, voices echoing like distant wind chimes. I paused to listen, holding up my hand. The words began to trill, the soft speech became song, as music began to weave through the chanting and I fell into a light trance, enchanted by the rhythm.
Ulean, who are these singers?
There are many who can enchant with song. Be wary. Not all foes are foul, and not all beauty is kind.
I closed my eyes, waiting, listening. The voices rose on the slipstream, coming from behind us. I could barely make out what they were singing. But after a moment, the words began to weave around me.
You have journeyed far, ’tis time to rest…
Bring yourself here, lay your head on my breast…
Close your eyes, drift in waves and foam,
The water’s depths are your true home.
Sing tra la fa, Fae, around the cauldron swoon,
’Tis truly time for the Witching Moon…
I rocked on the cadence, letting it bolster me against the swirling mists. Slowly, I felt myself turning, as I headed back to the shoreline, to meet the water’s lapping waves. A part of me knew this was folly, that magic was being used against me, but the other part—the part that controlled limb and will—didn’t care. I would walk until the singing voices bade me to stop.
As I pushed the others out of my way, Grieve reached for my arm and I tried to shake him off. He held tight. “I hear them too—I can hear them on the slipstream, Cicely, but you have to ignore them. They’re sirens. They’ll lure you into the water and feast on your blood.”
I heard him, from far away, and saw the concern on his face, but nothing seemed to be able to penetrate the fog in which I was walking. I shook my head.
“Must go…must go to them…”
Kaylin came up on my other side and, with a sharp look at Grieve, grabbed me out of his arms and shook me soundly. He thrust his thoughts in my mind, his demon forced its way in and the rough, dark fire burned through the fog, leaving my thoughts scorched.
I screamed and went down on my knees with what felt like the mother of all migraines. Clasping my hands to my head, I screamed again, trying to shake the searing pain out of my mind. The world was a dark blur of flame and shadow, and just as I thought I couldn’t handle the pressure, it began to dissipate. I blinked. Everything was still blurry, but my vision was beginning to clear.
After a moment, the roaring thunder faded to a dull ache and I moaned and fell back, landing on my butt with a thud. I groaned.
“What the hell did you just do to me, Kaylin?”
“Mind-fucked you. I forced my thoughts into your own in order to break the hold the sirens had on you. No amount of talking would do it.” He smiled apologetically. “You’re extremely vulnerable to empaths and beasties that work on a psychic level. You need to learn how to shield, but that can come later.” He offered me his hand, and with a careful look at Grieve, I accepted his help as he pulled me to my feet.
“You really blasted my thoughts. I feel like I’ve either got the hangover from hell, or I’ve been pounded into by a sledgehammer. Mind-fuck is right…” But it had worked. And had he not done it, I would be fighting to return to the water. “Tell me, why didn’t those things…whatever they are…attack us as we crossed the pond?”
“Like Myst’s Ice Elementals, I have a feeling they won’t act until someone sets foot on this island.” He shook his head. “We’re going to have be very wary. Lainule’s protection is magical as well as physical. She has to have wards and spells set up.”
“I’m so stupid. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that.” Once again, I felt like a shortsighted idiot.
“We’ve been fighting on a physical level for days now with Myst—most of her attacks have been via flesh and blood. We’re all tired. I dread to think what happens when she decides her Shadow Hunters aren’t doing well enough on their own and begins to strike at us magically.” Kaylin’s face was grim and I realized I had deliberately been avoiding that same thought. We could barely fight back against her warriors, let alone her magic.
“Let’s move. The longer we tarry, the more chance we have of setting ourselves up as targets. But keep alert, and if you feel yourself slipping, say something.” I shook off the last of Kaylin’s shadow and fire, moving back into the lead with Grieve.
Ulean, couldn’t you break through the sirens’ songs?
You could not hear me. It would seem that something in their magic blocks our communication. I tried to call you back, but you faded out of my reach.
Keep close contact from now on. We can’t let that happen again.
As you say. I will, my friend. I have your back, as much as anyone ever can. And you, listen well, and the moment you think you sense something else, tell me—some whispers you will hear better than I. Others, vice versa.
