Free Echoes by Christine Grey Page A

hers. “I understand, Lady Dearra. I will do as you say. I will honor you and the memory of Lord Hugh.”
    “Good! I knew I could count on you, as I know I can count on all of the Maj. I will go in the morning.”
    Dearra took her leave of the Great Hall, not bothering to glance back as she went. Outwardly, she was strong, forceful, and in command. Inside, she was terrified and not entirely sure she was doing the right thing. She had no idea how the king would react, or even what she would say to try and convince him.
    ***
    Try to get some sleep, Dearra. Tomorrow will be here before you know it, and you will want to be ready for your trip to the mainland.
    “There’s too much going on inside my head, Brin.”
    You’ve done everything that can be done. Phillip will stay with William and Catherine. He will join them in one of the last groups leaving the island with the children. Rordan will follow your instructions. Not everyone is as confident as Trevor. You heard what Wayland had to say. He is not alone. Many believe as he does, and they will be vigilant. You need to focus on the king right now.
    Do you want me to sing to you? You always like that. Unless—Oh, for Tolah’s sake! That’s not going to help!
    “Huh? What’s not going to help?”
    You tell him to go away, Dearra! I have enough trouble getting you to calm down without him coming up here and getting you even more worked up .
    “Who, Brin? What’s going on?”
    A firm knock sounded on Dearra’s door, and she sat up in her bed and reached for her robe.
    “Dearra, open the door,” Darius said.
    No, no, no! Send him on his way. He doesn’t belong here in the middle of the night. Haven’t we already established that?
    “Oh, Brin. You’re overreacting. That was ages ago.”
    “Dearra! Open this door or I will break it down! Brin, stay out of this!”
    Darius began to pound on the door again, and it sounded as though he was going to make good on his threat.
    “Darius! You’re so impatient. You’ll have half of Maj up with all that noise. Just give me a moment to put on my robe, for Cyrus’s sake.”
    The pounding stopped, and Dearra shrugged on her robe and tied the sash at her waist.
    Humph. I still say you should send him away. Your father would have a fit if he— I’m sorry, Dearra. I didn’t mean…I’m sorry.
    “It’s all right, Brin. I forget he’s gone sometimes too.”
    Dearra unlocked her door and opened it wide to admit Darius. He swept into the room, closed the door behind him, and locked it once more.
    “What is it, Darius? It’s late.”
    Yes, what do you want, boy?
    “I was worried about you. You don’t have to do this, Dearra. Let someone else go. Daniel would do it. Let Rordan take charge of the island, and stay here to help him while Daniel goes to the king.”
    “This is my task to do. I can’t ask someone else to go in my place. I am responsible for the people of Maj, and I have given my word to protect Mirin Tor. I can’t do that standing behind Rordan.
    “I will take Daniel with me. Aesri and Niada have agreed to go as well. I didn’t know it, but Aesri says that Niada was very fond of my father. Carly will stay here. She tells Daniel she is better, but I have my doubts that she is completely recovered. Aesri agrees she should remain behind.”
    “She won’t like that,” Darius said, shaking his head.
    “Daniel already told her, and she seems resigned. She kicked up a little fuss, but Daniel reminded her that Kahn would not be happy were she to leave him again. We thought that if you stayed with her as well—”
    “What? I’m going with you!”
    I told you he was going to be stubborn.
    “Darius, I don’t think it’s such a good idea for you to go. The king is…unpredictable. He doesn’t know you like we do. I think—”
    “I’m going, and that’s all there is to that. If you think I am letting you out of my sight for one moment, then you don’t know me at all.”
    “Think, Darius.” Dearra