Free The Whispering by L. Filloon

from the tower?” I ask Mellis.
    “ No, nothing,” he replies.  “But, I’ve taken a look at the map for King’s park.  It’s huge, bigger than the one in New York.”
    “ We’ll use the trees,” I say.  “You follow on ground, but if there is a hint of danger,” I turn to Lily, “you follow Mellis back to Velesi.”
    She quietly nods, and I sure hope she doesn’t have her fingers crossed behind her back. 
    Tolan moves past me and says, “Let’s go.”
    Without another word Tolan, Alorn and I take off but I take one last glance back at Lily.  She stands staring after me and when I know we’re no longer in her line of sight, she finally turns away.  An uneasy feeling comes over me and I almost pull up, turn around and head back. 
    “ What is it, Tharin,” asks Tolan.
    “ Nothing, I just hate leaving her,” I reply.
    “ She has Mellis and Julia; and if needed, she will call on Cessa.”
    I glance a t him and nod.  He is right; she is in good hands, but it doesn’t ease the dark feeling in my gut.
     
    We use the trees to travel as often as we can.  Some spots in the park the trees are set too far apart and we find ourselves moving along quickly on the ground.  Tolan and Alorn keep pace until we near the end of the tree line surrounding what looks like an open park area.  In the middle is a man-made pond with an island close to the edge at one end.  On the island is a playground with what looks like large tarps overhead, stretched from tree to tree providing shade.  The voices of children and their parents reach my ears and I curse under my breath.
    “ Tolan, do you see a bridge of any kind here?” I ask, scanning the area closely.
    “ The only bridges I see are connected from that playground to the edge of the pond, Tharin,” he answers .  “It’s too dangerous to move in with the park full like this.  Not only that, but it will be difficult not to be seen out in the open like this.”
    “ Damn it.  We’re wasting time, and we still have to find Ka’sith,” I reply, frustrated.  “Alorn, slip onto the island and take position.”  
    A slight tremor runs up my back – father.  Something is happening in Velesi and to the king, I’m certain of it now. 
    “ Tharin...” calls Tolan anxiously.
    “ I know, brother, I felt it, too.”
    “ So did I,” adds Alorn.  If Alorn feels it, it is definitely not a good sign.  Anxiety comes over me and I take a steadying breath. 
    “ Lily,” I reach out.  She connects immediately.
    “ Tharin, is everything okay?” she asks.  I sense the worry in her thoughts and her attempt to stay calm. 
    “ Yes, Lily, I’m okay.  We’re at the playground area call Lycopod Island.  How far are you from us?”
    “ I don’t know, hold on.”   She disappears, but returns after a few minutes.  “According to Mellis another ten, maybe fifteen, minutes.”
    I pull Mellis into the conversation.  “The playground is full.  We have no choice but to wait until the park empties.”
    “ We’ll stay several yards from you when we get there,” he replies.  “We’ll be close enough to help if you need it, but far enough to get Lily and Julia out of here if necessary,”
    For my thoughts only, he continues, “Fearless leader, I’ve a slight chill and not in a good way.”
    “ I know.  We all felt it.  Keep your eyes open and watch your back,” I caution.  I disconnect before Lily can ask any more questions.   
    “ Tolan, where are you and Alorn?”
    “ On the far side, close to the playground,” he answers.  “Alorn has moved ahead, he’s near the pond.  It looks like some of the parents are gathering their kids.”
    I give the command to hold back, wait for the park to completely empty out.  I spy Alorn within the playground area, hidden in one of the larger trees.  He settles himself on a branch, pulls his hood over his head and waits.  Even from where I stand I can feel the internal turmoil of his thoughts.  I reach