Free Born of Stone by Missy Jane Page B

poisoned dart? Something had dropped him like a sack of rocks. He’d gone down so fast he hadn’t even been able to send a call out to his kin. And what would they make of this? By now, they would know of the attack on Angor. By now, they would know he wasn’t doing his duty. He roared in anger. For nearly a century he had served as a protector to the realm and now he was unable to fulfill his purpose. Never had he been so helpless. And all because of a spurned Kevan? Iva would certainly like him to think so but he had his doubts.
      He looked from one wrist to the other at the material holding him captive. It wasn’t hemp or any other type of roping material with which he was familiar. It wasn’t steel or iron, but felt as cold as either. It was smooth against his skin so at least there would be no chafing. He had been tugging on it since the moment he’d woken in this position. His skin was sore but had yet to break. There was that, at least. Perhaps it was of a wizard’s making. Could one of the Twenty be in league with a mad Kevan? Not likely, but at this point he wouldn’t discount the possibility.
    No, disregarding any possibility could lead to his downfall. As far as he was concerned, no one could be trusted. He had attempted to morph into his gargoyle form soon after waking but to no avail. Was it the drug in his system? He was still a bit drowsy but not nearly as badly before. For now, all he could do was wait.
     
     
    Phaidra stood in the doorway and simply stared for a moment. He was glorious. For too long she had admired Nel from afar, watching him flit from one Kevan to the next without a true care for any. Was that why Iva had captured him? She thought not and knew it was wrong to hold him captive. But Iva and Kalypso were her superiors. She was but a lowly Fifth, not yet high enough for battles and certainly not high enough to question a First and Second.
    She held the flask of water to her breasts and took a deep, calming breath. No matter how good he always looked to her, or how badly she’d always wanted his attention, she knew her duty. She was to give him water—no more—and then leave him be. Those orders had come from Iva herself and brooked no argument. She glanced down at her simple dress with a frown. Fifths weren’t allowed the more colorful garments her elders wore, but she hated to finally approach a Master in such a plain robe. There was no help for it now. She needed to hurry and finish this so she could see to her other duties.
    With a final deep breath for courage, she entered the room. He hadn’t noticed her standing in the doorway, but as soon as she neared his gaze found her. She froze with ten steps still separating them. His golden-brown eyes assessed her from head to toe. Did he find her lacking? Most likely. She was short for a Kevan and her breasts were smaller than many. Also, her hair was darker than the Kevan’s usual golden or reddish locks and fell to her waist. Most of the Kevan were warriors and kept their hair short for fighting. Phaidra didn’t have a warrior’s spirit, much to her elders’ chagrin.
    She swallowed her apprehension and closed the distance, holding the flask out like an offering.
    “I bring you water, Master Nel.”
    He said nothing, only continued to stare at her. It made her nervous and she couldn’t stop her hands from trembling when she held the flask to his mouth. At first he didn’t react, but then when she was considering pulling it back he finally opened his mouth. She tilted the tapered mouth of the flask to cover his lower lip. Clear, cool water flowed and he drank it down eagerly. How long had he gone without? She knew he’d been captured sometime in the night and it was now midday. Had they kept him thirsty this whole time?
    He finally used his chin to push the flask up and she pulled it away. It was much lighter. He had taken nearly half.
    “Food?” he asked. “Will I be starved as well?”
    She opened her mouth to answer but