Fires of War (War and Deceit #4) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,74

stepping forward and placing a restraining hand on the painted chief’s shoulder. “The elves are hers to protect, we don’t get a say in their safety.” Relief fills me at her support, but I’m sure I’ll hear from her later about making decisions that involve the tribe without checking with her first.

“Clarissa, my men can be trusted,” Merrin assures me, calling out now that Ragnar has returned to his place amongst the chiefs.

“If you could show some of your power to the magicians, that would help. They are all completely loyal to the Mother,” Ellis suggests, a haunted look flashing through his eyes, and I remember how we first met.

Ellis has the ability to push his will into his power. Grayson brought in the other high mages to rescue me from Arhaven, but when they arrived at the forge where Vaeril and I were being kept, they thought the elf was harming me. Ellis attacked, pushing his will to kill into the magic. I threw myself into the path of the magic, absorbing the blow. My body had unwritten the spell, but not before Ellis thought he killed me.

The idea of parading around in front of a group of mages and proving myself doesn’t sit well, but if that’s what I need to do, then I will. Judging by his stormy expression and the anger rolling down our connection, Grayson doesn’t like the idea either, but Merrin is looking at him with sympathy.

“I know you are not keen on the idea, Grayson, but you have to admit that if they could see the Great Mother working through Clarissa as we have, it would help to foster better relations with the elves,” Merrin proposes gently.

“If their faith is as strong as you claim, they shouldn’t need to see Clarissa’s gifts. It is not faith if you need to have proof,” Vaeril argues, and I have to bite my tongue to stop myself from groaning aloud. Not because I disagree, but because he chose now to speak up.

I can tell Grayson agrees from the jolt of surprise and annoyance down the bond. Not that he would ever let the elf know, but I get the impression Grayson has been saying something similar to his fellow high mages. However, hearing it from an elf only seems to make the tension in the clearing ramp up.

“How dare you?” Pierre shouts, marching back to his position with the other mages, but I cut him off before things can escalate.

“I will meet with them,” I agree, holding up my hand to try and calm the situation. I can’t guarantee what will actually happen when I meet the magicians—that will be up to the Mother.

We need to try and wrap things up while they are still relatively peaceful. Glancing over at Vida, I decide now is probably the best time to introduce her. I gesture for her to come forward, and she joins me at my side, dipping her head in a gesture of respect.

“High Mages, this is Vida. She is a keeper of the sacred stones for the tribespeople and one of their religious experts,” I announce, and notice they watch her with interest, particularly Ellis. “We asked her to attend so she can explain some of our shared history to you, if you are prepared to hear it?”

The four mages seem surprised, and although suspicion appears on Pierre’s face, the others seem willing. “We are interested to hear what you have to tell us,” Merrin answers with a small smile, and I see Vida’s shoulders relax a little, put at ease by the older magician.

“Thank you, beloved.” She nods at me before turning her gaze back to the mages. “Greetings. I am going to tell you the story of the gods and goddesses that ruled over us all, although it might be different than how you have heard it,” she begins with a wry smile as Merrin raises his eyebrow. Grayson struggles to hide a grin as he folds his arms over his chest. “There were seven gods and goddesses, brothers and sisters who created Morrowmer—Holume, Macca, Jos, Nathius, Tia, Sabine, and Shea,” she begins, and I remember someone mentioning Shea before and now realise who they were referring to. “Shea was the youngest and had many names, you know her as the Great Mother, the elves know her as Menishea, and she is also known as Mother Nature.”

Vida continues to tell the story of how humans and elves were created, but war broke out