Free Shamara by Catherine Spangler Page A

all over to keep the fever down."
    "That will be a cold day in the Fires," Eirene snapped, protectively grasping the top of the robe she'd discovered herself wearing. "What happened to my clothes, and who put me in this robe?"
    "Your clothing was covered with mud, and Darya sent me to get you something clean. She made me leave while she tended you." Jarek replied. "I don't know why you're so concerned with modesty. You were in a Pleasure Dome, offering your body in exchange for money. And it's not as if I haven't seen all of you."
    Embarrassed and outraged, she tried to twist away from him. "Go away and leave me alone."
    "You cut your hair." He caught a few strands between his fingers. "Changed the color. Why?"
    That brought her up short. She needed to consider the possible reasons Jarek had followed her to Elysia. He could be a psychic tracker, working for her uncle or the Leors, but she didn't think so. If that were the case, her uncle would be here by now.
    She thought it more likely Jarek had been at the Pleasure Dome by pure chance. When she had foolishly used her powers to heal him, he'd guessed she was an Enhancer and followed her, hoping to use her abilities to his own selfish advantage. He had strong mental powers of his own, making him a dangerous adversary. She could never allow him to know the truth, or let him coerce her.
    And she certainly didn't want him to find out her uncle or the Leors were most likely looking for her. That would give him even more power over her. He already posed a serious threat to her freedom. She turned her head away, tugging her hair free.
    He grasped her chin, turning her face back toward him. "Why?" he persisted.
    She felt awful, achy and weak, her thoughts muddled. If she wasn't careful, she could easily say something that would make her situation even more tenuous. "I was tired of my hair," she murmured. "Now go away and leave me alone." She closed her eyes with a sigh.
    "Feeling pretty bad?" he asked, his voice sympathetic.
    Probably just an act, she decided. He'd already lied to her about the seriousness of her illness, and he was a male, two strikes against him. She couldn't let her guard down for a millisecond. But, oh, she felt miserable. "I don't think death would feel as bad," she said fretfully.
    "I'm sorry." Again, he sounded sincere. He was just too dangerous. Too handsome, with his boyish charm and those dark, charismatic eyes. And obviously intelligent. She must be very cautious until she could get away from him. She heard the sound of liquid being poured.
    "This will make you feel better," he said. "Let me help you sit up, so you can drink it."
    His hand slid beneath her back and she forced her eyes open. She was feverish, and his touch felt cool. She tried to raise herself, but she was too shaky. He slipped his arm around her and supported her. She stared at the creamy liquid in the glass. "What is this?"
    "I have no idea. Darya mixed it and said you need to drink a dose every hour."
    Darya. Just thinking of the healer created a painful weight in Eirene's chest. "I missed my audience with her, thanks to you," she muttered, bitterly disappointed.
    He held out the glass patiently. "You were in no condition to meet with her. She offered to reschedule your audience."
    She took the glass and drank small sips, wincing with each swallow down her burning throat. She looked at Jarek as she handed him the glass. "You're not going to allow me to make that audience, are you?"
    He hesitated, watching her. This close, she realized there were golden specks splashed against the deep brown of his eyes. She also saw regret and determination reflected there. "No," he said. "I can't. I need you too badly."
    Her heart leaped into an irregular beat. How was she going to get free of this man? "What do you want from me?" she whispered.
    "I want you to help me."
    "How?"
    "By using your natural powers. If you're an Enhancer, you might be able to help me save my people."
    No. She couldn't help