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As I quickly obeyed, my mind flew to the spirit’s words. Look where time strikes in the heart of the village…What did that mean?
As Peyton stepped into the now-opened Circle and handed Ysandra the bottle of brandy and a glass, she caught my attention.
“I know where he’s keeping her,” she said. “I know what the riddle is referring to. The clock tower—the one across from where they killed Rex. They’re hiding beneath the Abby Theater.”
“Crap! You’re right—you have to be!” I wanted to run off, to head out and rescue my cousin right this instant, but first we had to take care of Luna.
At that moment, she began to come around as Ysandra held the brandy to her lips, dribbling a few drops into her mouth. A moment later, she blinked and Ysandra motioned for her to hush, to say nothing, but to finish the drink.
After a few minutes, in which we all waited, tensely, Luna cleared her throat, and when she spoke, it sounded almost as if she had laryngitis.
“What…I don’t remember anything about what happened. Did we get an answer? Did anyone come through?”
Ysandra stared at her, a grave look on her face. “Yes, one of your ancestors most definitely managed to speak through you, and we have our answer as to where to look. But Luna…”
Luna paled. “What is the price? Did they say what the price will be?”
Ysandra nodded. “Yes…although it was only hinted at, I know what they are talking about. The dead will start hounding you—you are to be one of their speakers. You have a natural talent for it, and now they know that. This is heavy magic, indeed, and not one that is borne lightly. I’m afraid we’re going to have to do some focus work teaching you how to strengthen your warding and personal barriers of protection.”
Closing her eyes, Luna let out a slow breath. “I said I was willing to pay the price. I guess…they are taking advantage of that.”
I wasn’t sure what was going on—both Ysandra and Luna seemed to understand something I didn’t. But thoughts of Rhiannon crowded in, pushing away my worry over the bard.
“We have to get down there before dark. Before the vampires rise.”
Luna jerked her head up, sharply. “So we know where to look?”
“They gave us a riddle, but Peyton has figured it out. The Abby Theater, below the streets. There’s a dungeon down there. And they have Rhia locked away.” I jumped up. “What are we waiting for? Let’s gather the guards and go.”
“Patience, winged one.” Ysandra held up her hand and motioned to Grieve. “Get a dustpan and whisk broom, please, and sweep up the salt. I’ve opened the Circle, so it will be safe now.” To Chatter, she said, “Bring some cheese and meat and bread. Luna needs her strength back. Channeling the dead is a serious undertaking, not to be taken lightly or shrugged off.”
As both Grieve and Chatter hurried to her command, Ysandra motioned for Peyton to enter the Circle with us. “How are you feeling? Can you go with us, or do you need to stay here? Your father…”
“My father died protecting me. I’m not going to cower away. His death will have meaning.” She paced back and forth. “I still haven’t told my mother. I suppose I should find out what her reaction is.”
Ysandra frowned. “I’m not sure that’s the wisest move at this moment.”
“I won’t tell her anything else. But I need…I need to make her realize this hurt me. I need her to know that someone is mourning my father. If she knows, if she’s in league with them, that’s all she’ll know. If she’s not, then maybe it will jog her into being the person she was, before all this shit came down.”
She stood there, defiant.
Ysandra finally nodded. “Very well, but if I motion for you to stop, you stop. Grief can make us say the stupidest things without realizing what we’re doing.”
“Fine. We have a deal.”
As Grieve was sweeping up the salt and Chatter placed a plate of carefully sliced meats and cheeses in front of Luna, along with a dinner roll and butter and honey, Peyton punched in a number on her cell phone.
A moment later, she cleared her throat. “Anadey…yes, it’s Peyton…Why? Because you tried to kill one of my friends and my father—isn’t that enough reason for me to stop calling you Mother?”
A pause. We were all listening, blatantly, but Peyton didn’t try to lower her voice. She rolled her eyes at me, then gave her head a tight shake.
“Too fucking bad. You brought it on yourself. I just wanted you to know that part of your plan worked. Rex is dead…Yeah, that’s what I said.” Another pause, then, “Vampires. Just the way you planned it out.” After yet another pause, she let out a sigh. “I don’t know whether to believe you or not, but fine. You’re sorry. And so am I. Rex was a good father, Anadey. And you kept him from me all of those years. I don’t know if I can ever forgive you.”
I winced. The pain in Peyton’s voice was palpable, and the anger right below the surface. I gave Ysandra a long look, and she nodded back. We needed to get Peyton into some counseling when this was all over.
If it ever is…
We’ll do our best to make it happen, Cicely. Ulean’s soothing breeze wrapped around me like a cloak. I let out a soft murmur of contentment.
