The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea - Kerrelyn Sparks Page 0,78
have numerous ships. And we’ll get help from King Silas and the Norveshki war dragons. Also, Sorcha and her husband, the king of Woodwyn.”
Esther’s eyes widened. “Ye know all of them?”
“I’ve been busy.” Brody gave her a wry smile. “Working like a dog.”
His mother winced, obviously not finding his jest amusing. She tapped the table nervously with her fingertips. “Finally. After all these years, we will have justice for yer father and brother.”
“I’ll take care of Cahira. Don’t worry about that.”
“But ye must make sure she lifts yer curse first. That is most important.” Tears shimmered in Esther’s eyes. “I cannot bring Rudgar or Edgar back to life, but I can have you back.”
“It’ll work out. Trust me.” Brody reached across the table to squeeze his mother’s hand. How would she react, he wondered, if he told her he was in love with Cahira’s daughter? Would she be able to accept Maeve? After all, she knew all about the five Embraced girls who had grown up at the local convent.
Another knock sounded, and Vernon cracked open the door. “Yer Majesty, there are two men here with news from Princess Elinor.”
Esther jumped to her feet. “Bring them in.”
Two older men shuffled into the room, wringing their hats in their wrinkled hands. They bowed, and then their eyes widened as they noticed Brody.
“Och, ye’re here!” the sunburned one exclaimed. “We went to the Isle of Secrets to look for you and the young lass, Maeve.”
Brody stood. “You traveled there with Princess Elinor and Colonel Harden?”
“I did. Lobby is me name.” He motioned to the other man. “I found me mate, Tommy, there on the Isle of Secrets.”
“Aye.” Tommy nodded. “The Sea Witch blew up our ship six years ago. I washed ashore on the witch’s island.”
“Where is Elinor now?” Esther asked. “Is she all right?”
“She’s fine, Yer Majesty,” Lobby replied. “She and Nevis are in the village.” He withdrew a parcel of papers from his jacket. “She wrote all these notes for ye to send on to the kings on the mainland.”
Esther opened the notes, and Brody looked over her shoulder to read the first page.
Embraced children in the village
on the Isle of Secrets
Bettina, 19 (Spring Embrace) Can communicate with birds
Catriona, 19 (Fall Embrace) Can blow up fish
Elam, 18 Can trip people one at a time
Hannah, 16 Can make it rain in small areas
Kurt, 15 Can shift into a small rabbit
Powers of the following children are not yet revealed:
Naomi, 12
Olana, 11
Peter, 10
Quentin, 9
Rose, 8
Sarah, 6
Terrance, 5
In the castle:
Two toddlers, Uma and Victor, age 4, in the nursery Gabby, 17, a prisoner, can turn iron into gold
Gabby’s twin brother, Gavin, can shift into an orange tabby cat. Cursed by Cahira, he cannot shift back into human form. He spent the last two years with the Seer.
Brody jolted with surprise. Trouble was a young man? A shifter? No wonder he’d run off the minute they’d landed on the island. He must have gone searching for his sister.
Esther set the first page on her desk and studied the second page. Brody read over her shoulder.
The Embraced Army on the Isle of Secrets
General Kendric (Chameleon)
Colonel Alfred, 19 (Spring Embrace) Lightning power
Darroc, 19 (Fall Embrace) Wind power
Farah, 17 Fire power
Irene, 16 Power to make things grow
Jared, 15 Power to make rocks explode
Logan, 14 Power of speed (for running)
Mikayla, 13 Power of flight
Brody counted a total of eight soldiers, including the Chameleon. Some were very young and most probably inexperienced in using their powers during battle. “We can offset their lightning and wind power with Leo and Rupert. They have the same powers.”
“It all sounds dangerous.” Esther’s hand trembled as she set the second page on her desk. “I’ll make a copy of these, so I can send them with yer report to King Leo.” She turned to Lobby and Tommy. “Thank ye so much for yer assistance. Ye should rest a bit afore returning to the Isle of Secrets. I’ll have a room and meals prepared for you.”
“Thank you, Yer Majesty.” Lobby bowed.
She ushered the two old men out the door and gave instructions to the guard there. Then, she strode back to her desk. “What of you, Brody? Will ye rest here afore flying back?”
“I wish I could, but I need to be back before dawn. And I have to see Nevis and Elinor first.”
Esther sat down and readied a piece of paper to copy Elinor’s notes. “I’m going to be beside myself with worry. Both my children on the same island with that murderous witch.”