Free FORBIDDEN TALENTS by Frankie Robertson

We can’t understand the runes when they speak in riddles, and we can’t trust them when they don’t. What good are they? And what assurance do we have that Che’veyo’s gods speak any more clearly than ours? ”
    “ And yet he seemed quite positive, ” Neven added.
    “ A priest of any religion must speak with certainty, ” Ragni said, a half smile playing on his lips. “ The gods are not required to. And remember, Mother said Nai’awika admitted their shamans were in disagreement over the cause of these disappearances. ”
    “ There’s little doubt the Elves are involved, ” Neven said.
    Again a surge of unease came from Dahl. He’d confessed his encounter with the Elves to Ragni months ago, wondering if he should step aside as heir now that he was Fey-marked. Ragni hadn’t hesitated. His brother was as fit to become Jarl now as he had ever been.
    “ No, ” Dahl said. “ No doubt at all. ”
    Dahl and he had agreed Neven shouldn’t be told about Dahl’s encounter with the Elves. The other Jarls, not to mention the people of Quartzholm, would never accept Dahl as Jarl if they knew he was Fey-marked. With Neven ignorant, a Truth Sayer Talent would find no deception in him. For a moment Ragni wondered if he’d made the right decision, but reason quickly reasserted itself. Dahl was an excellent warrior and thoughtful leader. He would make a fine Jarl. Fey-marking hadn’t changed that.
    “ Now the only question is: what are we going to do? ” Dahl asked.
    “ Yes, that is the question, ” Neven said. “ But even if I do agree to this quest of the Tewakwe, you won’t be going. I won’t risk you being Fey-marked. ”
     
    *
     
    Dahleven walked down the corridor in step with Ragni as they headed for his rooms in the family’s wing. Their father had listened to both his and Ragni’s counsel, but Neven would make his own decision. Dahleven shook his head. He respected Loloma as a leader, but the idea of setting out on a quest in winter with no clear goal or destination and with little hope of glory attached seemed ridiculous. Especially when the stones counseled against it. Not to mention the risk of becoming Fey-marked . His gut twisted at the irony.
    He turned his mind to another unpleasant matter. He had to tell Ragni the whole truth. He’d botched it with his brother this morning. This time he’d be clear about Saeun. Dahleven gritted his teeth. He’d rather be facing an Outcast with a sword in his hand than this conversation. If he’d told Ragni from the first of her involvement with forbidden magic, this wouldn’t be happening. But the girl had helped him when no one else could. She posed no threat to Quartzholm, and Ragni hadn’t been involved then. It seemed right to keep their secret. And his brother was a priest of Baldur, after all, sworn to uphold the Laws of Sanction. He may have forgiven Thora’s possession of an unsanctioned amulet, but he’d have been duty bound to prosecute Saeun—to prosecute them both. Dahleven hadn’t wanted to put Ragni in the position of choosing between his loyalties. Now there was no choice. Ragni had to know.
    They turned the corner and nearly ran into one of Wirmund’s acolytes. The startled boy rocked back on his heels. “ Oh! I beg your pardon! I mean, Lord Dahleven ” —he bowed twice— ” Father Ragnar. I was sent to find you, Father. Father Wirmund requires you attend him. ”
    It was Loki’s timing.
    Ragni turned to Dahleven. “ Later. ” From another man it would have been almost a threat.
    His explanation would have to wait.
     
    *
     
    Ragni followed the acolyte while curiosity warred with irritation. What could Wirmund want? It was unusual for the Overprest to command Ragni’s presence. He must have a good reason. He’d better . Ragni would much rather be hearing Dahl’s excuse for being an ass about Saeun.
    Saeun . Ragni smiled. Even more than Dahl’s explanation, he wanted Saeun. Where was she now? Probably distracting little