Total pages in book: 208
Estimated words: 209645 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1048(@200wpm)___ 839(@250wpm)___ 699(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 209645 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1048(@200wpm)___ 839(@250wpm)___ 699(@300wpm)
The redhead squinted at her forehead and stated, “I see nothing.”
“It’s there,” the white-haired one stressed.
“It isn’t, Finnie. It’s in your imagination.”
“I’m in the sun all the time and we’re almost out of sunblock,” the white-haired one said, then turned to me. “I need to get a message to Valentine. She’ll stock us up.”
“Er…” I murmured.
The big man at Finnie’s side moved forward, casting her a glance that looked part beleaguered, part besotted, before he turned his attention to me, swept down in a somewhat respectful (but not entirely) bow and rose.
“As my wife said, I am Frey, and it is an honor to meet you, Queen Ha-Lah.”
“It is indeed. And you, King Aramus,” said the other man, who might not be as big as Frey, but he was still large, and dark headed, as was Frey, though there was just a hint of silver in each man’s hair. This one swept a low, respectful bow and came up, declaring in a deep voice, “Apollo Ulfr.”
I nodded, fascinated, for he had the most extraordinary green eyes.
Even greener than Prince True’s.
True’s reminded me of the forest.
This man’s looked like jade.
“We forget, we’ve been together so long,” the redhead batted a hand between herself and Finnie, “it’s good to be around someone from home that, we, uh…that is…” She faltered then smiled. “I’m so honored to meet you.”
She then curtsied much like her husband, that being properly.
I dipped my head, fascinated by these two bizarre-acting females.
“Aramus,” Frey stated, moving to my husband and clasping his hand.
“Frey,” my husband replied, clasping back and then they pounded each other stoutly on their shoulders.
They broke, and Frey threw out a hand. “As noted, my wife and my friends.”
My husband nodded to the others and looked back to Frey.
“Should I deduce the elves have been talking?” he asked, tipping his head toward the dragons.
Frey’s face grew serious. “We were warned and did not delay taking our voyage.”
“And how did you find us?” Aramus asked. “We’re far from home.”
“We were headed to Nautilus but received a message from a witch we know. She guided our way,” Frey answered.
I wondered what witch knew of us but did not get the chance to ask.
“It is good you’re here,” Aramus said low.
“I’m glad you think so, for it isn’t only us. I’ve sent for Lahn and Tor,” Frey informed him.
I felt grave surprise.
“Dax Lahn?” I asked. “The mightiest warrior of The Southlands?”
“The mightiest warrior anywhere, I’d say,” Apollo entered the conversation.
“And King Noctorno of Hawkvale and Bellebryn,” Frey noted, and his attention shifted to Aramus. “They’re some weeks behind, but they’re coming.”
“It’s our understanding we’ll need all the might we can get. Therefore, they’ll be most welcome additions. If the Beast ever surfaces,” my husband said.
“I had noticed things seem peaceful,” Finnie remarked. “We were expecting pandemonium.”
“The last quake we had was the mightiest of all,” Aramus told her.
“I expect it was,” Frey replied. “At sail, we felt it as a swell we nearly did not navigate.”
Aramus nodded, his face grim, and he looked down at me.
I moved closer to him.
If they felt it as a swell at sea, it would have been a fierce tidal that hit Mar-el.
“We have not received any birds that communicated devastation,” I reminded him, sliding an arm around his waist. “Our people are hearty. They will endure.”
He curved his arm around my shoulders and nodded, though he looked no less grim at my assurances.
“Nothing since, King Aramus, and it’s been weeks,” Apollo put in.
My husband gave the man his attention. “It has gone off schedule. We cannot know if this is good, or if it is bad. With the last quake, we also heard a mighty roar. It was made clear with that, not only is he closer to the surface, he is angry. He’s been imprisoned under the earth for millennia. We are on guard.”
“There is a prophecy—” Frey began.
“We know of it,” Aramus told him, pulling me even closer. “And it’s in hand. Mars, the king of Firenze, has wed Silence, Countess of the Arbor of Wodell. In roughly a month’s time, Prince True of Wodell will marry Farah of Firenze. After that, we’re to Airen in order that Prince Cassius can marry Princess Elena of the Nadirii.”
Frey cast a satisfied glance at Apollo. “So love has prevailed. Excellent news.”
“Love has prevailed?” I asked.
Frey looked to me and stated simply, “The prophecy.”
“Yes,” I said. “The unions of these nations through marriage will give additional power to the men and women wed.”
“Through love,” Frey amended.
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand,” I told him.
Frey looked from me, to Apollo, his wife then to Aramus.
“These are not love matches you speak of?” he inquired.
“No. Arranged marriages, to fulfill the prophecy,” my husband answered, but I could feel the stiffness in his frame.
The others shifted uncomfortably as they gazed about each other in the same manner.