The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea - Kerrelyn Sparks Page 0,43

looking much like her mother with long black hair and sea-green eyes. But to my amazement, the vision revealed that she would become even more beautiful than Cahira. And more powerful. She will surpass us in every way. My heart is so full of love and pride for her! I can hardly wait to tell Cahira!

Mid-Summer, Year 680.

Finally, Cahira returned for a visit, and I was thrilled to see her belly swollen with our child. She admitted that she has felt poorly the last few months, and she’s been unable to shift or swim. For the first time, she came by ship to see me.

And for the first time, I am afraid I have seen her true nature.

I told her of my dream, expecting her to be as excited and proud as I am. But she recoiled in horror. She insisted no one could be more beautiful or powerful than she.

Stunned, I questioned how she could speak so grudgingly of our beloved child. She shrugged and told me not to think twice about the matter, since she tended to be a bit grumpy these days due to the pregnancy.

But I have doubts now. I saw the horror on her face. I heard the rage in her voice. I am afraid I have been deceived. She may not be the loving person I thought she was.

Early Autumn, Year 680.

Cahira has not returned, although I occasionally receive a short message by carrier pigeon. She claims she cannot travel because of the pregnancy. I am anxiously awaiting news of our daughter’s birth. I know the child will be born healthy, for I have continued to see her in visions.

Late Autumn, Year 680.

Cahira has lied to me. She sent a note that our daughter died in childbirth. I know this cannot be true, for I have seen the child grow up in my dreams.

Cahira assured me she would continue to work on my behalf to make sure I will rule all of Aerthlan someday. My interest in being a ruler has waned. I wish to see my daughter. I wish not to live here alone for the rest of my life.

Brody groaned when he read those words. The Seer never did meet his daughter. But he hadn’t had to live alone. Five years later, he’d discovered Brody washed up on the island. And then he’d raised him like a son. Brody took a deep breath and continued to read.

I no longer trust Cahira. She has used me and my visions. She is working only for herself. So selfish and vain that she rejected her own child.

I have seen my daughter growing up in a convent, safe and loved by the sisters there. Did Cahira abandon her because of the dream I had? At least I know the child is safe. Happy and loved. Perhaps it is for the best that Cahira abandoned her.

As for me, Burien of Aerland, my heart is broken. But I must remain strong. I will continue to play along with Cahira’s schemes, so I will know what she is doing. Hopefully, someday, I will be able to put a stop to her evil plans.

With a sigh, Brody closed the journal. Poor Seer. It was a shame he had never met Maeve. But he’d been right. Maeve had been better off raised in the convent. Better off not knowing a mother who could abandon her for fear of being surpassed.

“I will watch over your daughter as promised,” Brody whispered. “So rest in peace, old man.”

Still in the guise of the Seer, Brody wandered into the garden to search for some vegetables to eat. The cat, Trouble, pretended to help him, digging little holes here and there.

A sudden clanging startled him. Good goddesses! Had the ship arrived to take him to Cahira’s island?

He pulled off the Seer’s clothes, then shifted into an eagle so he could fly to the cove where Nevis and Maeve had arrived two days ago. A small ship had dropped anchor, and he soared around it for a closer look. The flag on the mainsail was one he’d never seen before. A green background with a purple octopus in the middle.

A rowboat had been pulled ashore. Up on the bluff, a young man was waiting. Muscular arms and legs. Leather breastplate and armbands. Most probably a soldier. Was he a member of the Embraced army?

Brody flew back to the garden and shifted into the Seer again. After throwing on the old man’s clothes, he dashed into the cottage.