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But he couldn’t help me with this. I squared my shoulders and turned away from Walker. “I understand.”
Thunder rumbled above us, and I growled internally, which made more thunder. So much for inscrutability. I really needed to learn to control this.
Walker caught my shoulder and spun me back toward him, then kissed me hard. I rose to tiptoe, kissing him back. Lightning cracked and the metal of the bridge let out a groan. I pulled back and spun, looking toward Ethan, concerned.
His arms were folded as he stared back. I could sense his bemusement even at this distance, almost drowned by Walker’s desire.
“I said,today.” Walker’s hand slashed, summoning the Road, and he vanished.
Was he going to find a way? I hoped, so much. I’d know soon. And I needed to get to Kalderon, and Ethan, and start learning how not to call down random lightning strikes.
Turning back, I walked to Ethan, who stood in the middle of the bridge, in the shared territory. His hazel eyes were kind and concerned. His hair was frizzed, and I could see the hair on his arms standing on end.
“I’m going to teach you how to control the lightning, first thing, Alys.” There was a trace of laughter in his voice.
Before he veiled his emotions, he let me feel his concern and anger. Then he walled it off, and I sighed in relief.
“You’ve got a lot to tell, Alys,” he said, taking my hand. “Why don’t you start as we walk back? Chance arrived a few minutes ago and mentioned the high points.”
THIRTEEN
Alys
The wind whipped at us as Ethan and I waited, snatching at our hair and clothing. We stood on the middle of the bridge, dark clouds boiling overhead, the river below us choppy from the wind. The day was warm and humid, though the sun wasn’t out.
Even in two days, Ethan had taught me to shield myself much better from stray thoughts and emotions. It helped that I was very motivated to learn. Chance had wanted to come with us, but I’d said no. He didn't need to be recorded with me and Ethan, since he planned to return to the Guild and take up his task of spying there again.
Also, it kept him from making what he thought were witty comments.
Watchful eyes were trained on us from the Guild guard post, a structure bristling with guns, about a hundred yards away.
I’d come early, and Ethan insisted on coming too. He didn’t want me alone with my new power. Not with elves watching from above, playing in the gathered clouds. They still sang to me, calling me to come with them, and I ignored them. I could hear them more clearly now, but I’d also learned to block them. Ethan and I would teach Dmitri how to block the call too, if he were willing to learn.
There was more for me in this human world than there could ever be with them. I knew that now with absolute certainty. This life might have pain and hardship, but it also had love. My love for my son, my love for Walker, and my love for my Uncle and Chance.
I could have a hell of a lot worse anchors to this world.
Four figures emerged from the gate. The smallest broke into a run, and Elise ran close behind Dmitri as he leaped into my arms. He closed around me tight, and I inhaled the scent of powder and sugar. There was a smear of frosting near his ear; he must have begged for donuts for breakfast.
Hood thrown back, clad in a Judge’s robe, Walker maintained a sedate pace behind them, probably to keep the nervous security detail from opening fire. Before he arrived, I asked, “What do you plan to do?”
Robert said, “We’re going to build an island in the river. Or park a boat. Half on your side, half on ours. But I’d still like proof you’re unlikely to blow us up by accident. I saw the stills of the mansion when you were done with it.”
Lightning jumped. I laughed. Elise stared as my voice broke with tears, and Dmitri patted my cheek.
“Written in the wind, Robert. Sometimes you have to take risks.” I’d tamed my impulses, he could too. There were no iron-clad guarantees in the word, and he had no right to demand one from me. I wouldn’t hurt them, but I wasn’t going to go down the route of guaranteeing everything.
Close now, Walker’s face bore no expression. My heart sank. Had he decided in the end to wall himself off and walk the dutiful path without me? I’d hate to have to kick his ass until he rethought the matter.
I hugged Dmitri tight. He clung when I passed him back to Elise. I didn’t want to let him go, but it was better he didn’t witness this conversation with Walker.
“This is Uncle Ethan. He makes candy; do you want to try it?” I pulled a stick of honey candy from my pocket.
Ethan smiled at him. When he wanted to, my uncle could look like the most harmless man in the world, and right now he did. The face of a man in his mid-thirties, with dark curly hair, gray-green eyes, and a ready smile. He was tall but not bulky, and right now slow and deliberate in how he moved.
Dmitri popped his thumb in his mouth after the honey drop, looking a little anxious.
As he sucked, Dmitri’s expression lightened and he glanced at me. “You come?”
