Free Dark Realm: Book 5 Circles of Light series by E.M. Sinclair Page B

can’t.
.’
    One gold eye closed in
a wink. ‘Oh yes you can.’
    Gossamer looked at the
drink and wondered, with a hint of panic, if they had embalmers in
the Dark Realm who were as skilled and understanding as dear Snail.
She sipped cautiously. Oh my. It was slightly warmed and it tasted
– well, it tasted utterly wonderful. And she could feel it, going
down inside. Her hand shook suddenly. How could she feel any such
thing when she didn’t have any insides anymore?
    Peshan was still beside
her and he caught her hand, steadying it. ‘A healing has begun on
you Lady Gossamer,’ he said softly. ‘This is the blood drink of our
people. You know I think, that Corman is what you term dead. He
drinks this, as most of us do. We will explain more whenever you
ask. But for now I will advise you to drink a glass or two of this
each day for a while.’
    Twice in one day,
Gossamer realised. Twice in one day she had found herself
speechless.
     
    By the time Gossamer
and Shea reached their rooms, escorted by Jemin, neither of them
were really sure what had been said during their time with the
First Daughter. The conversation seemed to twist and jump, from one
topic to another. Gossamer found herself wondering just what
conclusions Lerran had come to after that apparently casual and
inconsequential conversation. To Shea’s disappointment, Jemin
couldn’t stay. He had other duties he must attend to, he told her.
In fact, he had to collect other members of Lerran’s innermost
circle and return with them to her chamber.
    When all were gathered
again, Lerran gazed into the flames beside her.
    ‘They are far stronger
than they know. And far stronger than we could have dared
hope.’
    Seola moved restlessly
in her chair. ‘You can’t think of sending the child, Lerran? I
understand how Gossamer Tewk may be an asset but surely you won’t
risk the child?’
    Lerran turned her gold
eyes on Seola. ‘I will risk anything Seola, and anyone, in this
cause.’
    Seola’s lips tightened
but she said nothing more.
    ‘Have you decided which
we should attempt first?’ asked Sword Master Favrian.Lerran shook
her head, her thick white hair loosening from its ties and curling
over her shoulders. ‘There will be two teams. One for the tormented
one, one for the sleepers.’
    Silence reigned as this
was considered. Jemin was the first to speak.
    ‘How many to each team
and which one will I serve?’
    Lerran laughed. ‘I had
already decided you will go Jemin. But you will go to the hurt
soul. It will be easier to open a gateway there, and to get you
back here if Veranta’s forces move more swiftly than we hope, and
we have need of you.’
    Jemin nodded,
satisfied.
    ‘Cyrek will go with
you, and you Seola. If Nenat is sufficiently recovered and is
willing, she will be the fourth of your team.’
    It was Seola’s turn to
nod agreement. Corman moved between the chairs, offering goblets of
the blood drink from a gleaming silver tray.
    ‘The second team, my
lady?’ That was Shield Master Garrol, his blue eyes showing a
concern that was not apparent in his voice.
    ‘To find the sleepers I
ask Favrian and Peshan to accompany Shea and Gossamer Tewk. Thus
two of each team are full bloods and yes, you must unleash your
joint powers if you deem such action called for.’
    Lerran looked again at
Seola and smiled, watching Seola’s dark eyes revert to their
natural gold. Seola travelled on behalf of the First Daughter more
than any other outside the Dark Realm , and keeping her eyes a
nondescript brown was second nature.
    ‘It is right that
Garrol should remain here as your Shield Lerran, but is it wise to
send Favrian away? You may have need of both Shield and Sword
Masters if the Imperium forces reach our Realm, even our
borders.’
    ‘Favrian’s guards are
beyond compare Chindar, as you well know. Malkos will be appointed
Sword Master in Favrian’s absence.’
    Favrian’s son Malkos
touched his brow, lips and heart, extending his hand in