Free Bound by the Mist (Mists of Eria) by Lisa Kumar Page B

to retrieve her.”
    Relian and his father outlined their thoughts and opinions for the council and asked that the other members do the same. Everyone had the chance to confer his or her ideas during the two hours that the king closeted them in the room. For the most part, any hostility at the thought of the human woman was carefully hidden, but he knew it existed. Body language could only hide so much.
    Before the council came to a close, the king made his final announcement. “There is to be a celebration tomorrow evening to announce Relian’s binding. The sooner it’s publicly announced, the better. I will require everyone’s attendance with the expectation that you will serve as buffers by allaying any negative thoughts that might be voiced. Please tell Relian or I of any concerns that cannot be resolved. Also, please don't discuss the information presented here in any way until the royal announcement of the binding has been given. Your discretion is much appreciated and expected.” He swept a steely gaze over all those assembled.
    Kenhel lost no time turning to Relian and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’ve achieved the chaos I’ve always so desired to create. Well done, my friend.”
     

 
     
     
     
    Chapter 8
     
    Relief and satisfaction rolled over Cal. Leaves swept across the sidewalk and crackled under her feet as the cool autumn air washed over her. She inhaled before letting the air slowly out of her lungs, which intensified her feelings of exhilaration. The jacket she brought with her was stowed away, not needed yet.
    She and Maggie had just finished a performance in the university’s auditorium this evening. When they managed to break away from the backstage crowd, they’d decided to head home. Lugging their assorted instruments and accouterments out of the building, they set off for Maggie’s car.
    “Ouch, Cal, watch it.” Maggie tried to rub her elbow where the guitar case had hit but couldn’t because of her full hands.
    Cal straightened from her stagger. “Sorry.”
    Maggie turned and stumbled under the weight of her belongings, crashing into Cal.
    “Maggie!”
    “Oops. Just returning the favor.”
    Cal, a retort on her lips, stopped abruptly. A rippling fog, made of a mist that carried the glistening of tiny minuscule stars, began to appear before them. It would’ve been a beautiful sight if she hadn’t known what it was.
    They both stood still as Maggie choked out, “Is that what I think it is? I’m pretty sure it is, but I still need a reality check.”
    Cal nodded. She couldn’t believe Maggie saw it, too. “This looks like the same one.”
    Maggie shook her head. “But I can see it! You said nobody ever noticed it but you. This is getting strange—well, stranger than it had been and that’s saying something.”
    Cal looked at her, feeling the frown form between her eyebrows. “It’s the same mist.” She bit her lip. “Should we try to turn around and hope to outrun it? Maybe it will leave us alone. I don’t want to involve you.”
    “Do you really believe that the mist will disappear without it doing what it came here to do?” Maggie shot back.
    “No.”
    “Alright then, that’s agreed upon. As for being involved, I already am by the mere fact that I know. And, not to mention, because I can see it. So don’t worry about me. Anyway, you shouldn’t always have to face this by yourself. If this thing...mist desires your company, it will also have mine, if I have any say in it. I’m not leaving you.”
    From Maggie’s tone of voice, Cal knew she wanted in on any action that might happen, no matter the cost. “I just hope you won’t regret it.” She eyed the mist. It seemed to expand and reach out toward them like a beckoning hand.
    “Nah, how could I regret an adventure with you? Nothing exciting ever happens to me, so I have to take advantage of excitement wherever I find it. And if I do seriously regret it, I won’t have anybody to blame but