Free Island Shifters: Book 03 - An Oath of the Children by Valerie Zambito Page B

knew Anah and the others cared little for their fellow countrymen. Born into privileged families, none of them had ever had to work a day in their lives. They did not know what it was like to go without the draught. They were spoiled ninnies who cared only about their next pleasure-inducing endeavor and that weakness was exactly what he was counting on.
    “Aye, Anah, it is the best news we could have hoped for. Soon, we will have enough wormwood to restore the entire nation to good health.”
    “Where is this source, Your Eminence?” Jarl questioned. “A new location discovered by Chandal during the Shiprunners’ last exploration?”
    “Again, aye. Chandal discovered an island where the wormwood is plentiful and the inhabitants are more than happy to share what they have with us. From the new plants that are delivered, we will be able to begin harvesting once again.”
    “What about the Titsu bug that destroyed almost all of our wormwood crops?” Balder asked.
    Does this idiot ever listen to what is discussed in these sessions?
    “As you should very well know, Balder, a repellent has been developed to treat the wormwood. With proper care of the plants, we should never find ourselves in this predicament again.”
    “Oh,” Balder said, around another mouthful of smoke.
    “There is more. This island that Chandal discovered is also a harborer of magic.”
    There, let them stew on that little morsel. Every hazy eye in the room turned toward him. He had their attention now.
    “Magic? It is very interesting, but why should that concern us?” Jarl asked, knowing full well why that should concern any Ellvinian.
    “The blood, Jarl! The blood.” Surely, even these nits could figure out his meaning.
    The pipe was put aside. “But, how?”
    “The Vypir.”
    Balder’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “I thought that thing was long dead!”
    “Oh, no, Balder. The Vypir is still very much with us and secured in his room in the bowels of this very building.”
    Jarl stood slowly from his pillow. They had danced around the issue long enough. It was time. “What you are suggesting is murder, Your Eminence.”
    Hendrix stood as well. “We are Ellvinians, Jarl! We have always had the blood!”
    “Oh, come now! It has been centuries since we have had the blood!”
    “Not for lack of trying!” He grabbed Jarl’s arm. “Think on it, Jarl! Why would you exist on water when you can have wine? Why would you dine from the midden heap when you can have fresh food?”
    “Aye, I say!” Balder enthused groggily and lifted his goblet in the air.
    “Aye!” Anah chimed in.
    Hendrix ignored them. It was Jarl he had to convince. “It is our birthright, Jarl. It is what our bodies require.”
    “Desire, not require.”
    Hendrix decided to ignore the distinction. “We must make a unanimous decision right here, right now. Magic users are on their way here to the island. Will we reprise the age-old practice of our ancestors? Will our veins once again sing with magic?”
    “The blood!” Balder yelled out once again.
    Hendrix looked into Jarl’s eyes. “What say you, Jarl? We will need to work together to perform the extractions and subsequent disposals. The public will never know.”
    “They will be so content with the wormwood that I doubt they will care very much about anything else,” Anah cackled selfishly.
    All waited in silence for Jarl to make his decision. It would not work unless all of the Seconds were in agreement.
    Finally, the Ironfinger nodded. “I am Ellvinian. I shall have the blood.”

 
    C HAPTER 9
    D ANGEROUS W ATERS
     
     
    Chandal pulled the rangefinder from his eye. “Impressive. I wonder if all the Massan magic users are able to move water.” When the stunning Eyereader standing beside him did not respond, he glanced at her.
    She drew in a deep breath and her eyes rolled into the back of her head. “I can smell them,” she murmured.
    “Aye,” Chandal agreed. He could smell them as well and the scent