“By casting an illusion so the Abyss appeared to contain the missing Bringers,” Juna said. “We thought we were freeing them, when in reality we were opening the Summoners’ prison.”
“An illusion?” The older woman shook her head. “I thought only the Summoners possessed such power?”
“That is true.” Gregory’s gaze leveled on her.
“What are you saying—that the Summoners still exist?” She looked down the table for confirmation and then back to Gregory.
“That is exactly what I am saying, Lady Tobin. I won’t sweeten the situation. The reality is that Vile controls a large clan of Summoners.”
Beatrice’s voice came from the other end of the table. “But why would the Summoners agree to work with the Bane.”
“They didn’t agree to work with the Bane,” Jade said. “They are the Bane.”
“Saint’s help us.” Lady Tobin pressed her hand against her chest. “Please tell me this isn’t true.”
Inhaling deeply, Gregory straightened in his chair and then slowly exhaled. “Vile, the Demon King, was once Ander, King Harlin’s brother. The story is long and convoluted, but suffice it to say that Ander, along with many other Summoners, escaped imprisonment and fled to Inness, where they have been plotting for more than a thousand years.”
“And what of the Abyss now? Has it been opened?” Beatrice asked.
“We don’t know.” Ravyn toyed with her linen napkin. “We tried to reverse what we had started, but I don’t know how successful we were.”
“I believe, at the very least, we weakened the wards.” Juna took a drink of her wine and swallowed. “I fear we may be looking at a Summoner invasion soon.”
“What can be done?” A note of panic laced Beatrice’s voice. “We need to prepare.”
“Agreed,” Gregory said. “There are many other issues we need to take into consideration though. Things best not discussed here. First and foremost, we must begin to build our forces.”
“But how?” Lady Tobin asked. “The residents of Illuma Grand have no powers.”
“They will,” Luc said.
“I have always thought you different than the rest of us, Sir Gregory. As I look at each one of you, I see the marks of full power.” She narrowed her gaze. “When I first met Ravyn, she had no Tell mark.”
Her unasked question hung in the air.
“I am to be first,” Beatrice said into the silence. She pointed at Juna. “She promised if I rallied those who wished to fight, I would be brought to full power.”
“It seems there has been much going on under my nose, even with those I love.” Lady Tobin turned her piercing stare back on Gregory. “So is that it? Have I heard all the important issues so that I might decide my course of action?”
“Nearly,” Gregory said.
She leaned back in her chair as if expecting more grave news. “What is it then? I doubt you can shock me any further.”
“I am King Arron’s youngest son.” He straightened in his chair. “And we have found my brother, the heir to the Bringer throne.”
Her eyes widened to the size of silver ducats. “I stand corrected; you have shocked me.”
“Well hold on to your bodice, Lady Tobin, because he isn’t finished,” Luc said.
She heaved a heavy sigh. “Where is our reigning king now?”
“I should think he’s flying over some sleeping village,” Luc mumbled.
Jade elbowed him in the arm.
Lady Tobin squinted. “I don’t understand. Please don’t tell me he was taken by the Bane as well?”
“Of a sort, my lady. It turns out the heir is Icarus, Vile’s second-in-command,” Gregory said. “And my half brother.”
Before she could reply, the doors burst open and Fromme Bagita, along with two other people stormed in. “What is the purpose of this clandestine meeting?”
Lady Tobin covered her shock at Gregory’s announcement by plastering on a benign smile. “The purpose was to eat food, Fromme. I’ve offered our guests lodging and refreshments, as is my right.”
Deceit and anger swamped Rell, the emotions rolling from the man and woman standing behind Lord Bagita. Too tired to deal with their reactions, she strengthened her mental shields.
“I doubt that is all that goes on here,” the rat-faced man said.
“You’re right, Deputy Master Byrnes.” Gregory pushed away from the table and stood. “We are discussing how best to deal with the Bane threat.”
“Not you, too,” the woman standing next to Byrnes scoffed. “Haven’t we had enough of that nonsense from Lord Blackwell?”
Rhys slowly stood, his expression darkening. Despite having seen him as a dragon and having trained with him at the manor, this was the first time Rell had ever seen him appear truly menacing. “I grow tired of your poisonous words, Lady Grimes.” His gaze shifted to Fromme. “While you three plot for power over the Bringers, the Bane lay siege to Inness.”
“So you would have us believe.” Fromme puffed out his chest. “But we are not sheep who will blindly follow you on your crusade against an imaginary foe.”
“There is not an ounce of my being that cares whether you believe me or not, Lord Bagita.” Rhys stepped away from his chair and paced around the table. “But I will not allow any more Bringers to be taken by the Bane while you plot and deceive your way to a throne that does not exist.” He stopped a foot from the three intruders. “And I will not stand by while you sell immortal weapons to the highest bidder so you can line your pockets with gold.”
“How dare you accuse me of thievery,” Fromme blustered. “Do you know who I am? My brother is a Superior in the Order of the Saints. For your false accusations I could have you thrown in prison for the rest of your life.”
With a quick flourish of his hand, Rhys pulled his sword from his sheath and pressed it against Bagita’s neck, grabbing the man by his fur collar to hold him in place. Fromme screamed, his eyes and mouth rounding in fear. All those at the table jumped to their feet, but didn’t intervene. Lady Grimes squealed and jumped back, knocking into Deputy Master Byrnes.
“I have watched you bleed our people dry,” Rhys gritted out. “I have endeavored to guard our people while you turned a blind eye to those who have gone missing. I allowed you to question Ravyn as if she was some kind of criminal.” He leaned in, bringing his nose close to Fromme’s. “But that ends now.”
“Rhys.” Ravyn’s voice cut through the tension. “He’s not worth it.”
Tension stretched through the room while everybody waited to see what Rhys would do. Rell glanced at Siban, but his gaze was fixed on the scene near the door, as if concentrating more than would be natural on Lord Bagita. She opened herself up to Siban, trying to sense what his Tell sent him. The impression ran deep, layer upon layer of deception. Her instinct urged her forward, away from the table.
Rhys lowered his sword and backed away. Fromme huffed and repositioned his weighty robe on his shoulders, scowling at the group. Rell walked four more steps and stopped, staring at the man, not knowing why she needed him to see her, but trusting her Tell that there was a purpose.
“What are you staring at, girl?” Fromme asked.
“Lord Bagita?” Meran said, drifting away from her chair to stand next to Rell. “Have you been introduced to the newest member of the Bringers?”
First he looked at Meran, his expression tightening. He stared at her for several long seconds. “Ascendant?”
She smiled. “Well, I used to be. But I have given up that title so that I might join in the battle against the Bane.”
Shock registered on the three intruders faces. “But you were of the highest order. Most beloved by your followers,” Fromme said. “Why would you give up such an esteemed position to join—” He waved a meaty hand toward the group. “Them?”