FORBIDDEN TALENTS by Frankie Robertson Page A

thought it was a cat, though. Usually I catch myself looking up, thinking a bird has just flitted by or landed on a branch behind me. ”
    “ Does this have something to do with what the Elves did to us? ”
    Again, he nodded. “ That would be my guess. I think their minions are watching us. ”
    “ Minions? ”
    “ The Fey are more than one race. Some are greater, some are lesser. ”
    Celia cast a distressed glance around the room. “ Why would they be watching us? What do they want? ”
    Dahleven stepped closer and put his hands on her shoulders. “ Who knows? The Elves keep their own counsel. But I don’t doubt they have long had spies in every keep in the land, just as we do. We can just see them now, where before we could not. ”
    “ Almost. See them, that is. ” Half a smile twisted her lips.
    “ And there lies the trouble. We must guard against our inclination to startle at what we don’t quite see, and what others cannot see at all. If we’re not careful, we’ll be whispered about. Rumors of that sort are seldom kind and always reach unfriendly ears. ”
    Celia turned worried eyes up to his. “ Fine, I can do that. But what about these minions ? I don’t like the idea of them spying on me, even if the Elves did help us before. ”
    “ Nor do I. ” Dahleven decided not to remind Celia that the Elvish servants spying on them could be of the Dark variety. He gritted his teeth, biting down on his frustration. He had no practical solution, no way of shielding her. “ Do you want to move into my rooms? ”
    Unexpectedly, Celia grinned up at him. “ Are you sure you didn’t plan this? ” Then she sobered. “ No. Whatever they are, they’re probably in your rooms, too. ” She moved closer and Dahleven automatically put his arms around her. “ But I wouldn’t mind if you stayed here tonight. ”
     
    *
     
    Ragni’s emotions, tightly controlled in Wirmund’s presence, churned as he left the rooms. He walked unseeing down the long corridor, blinded by a blizzard of thoughts. Servants stepped quickly out of his way as he strode away from the Overprest’s private apartments, his boot heels striking sharp reports on the stone floor. How could Saeun have been so careless ? So misguided ? What drove her to to be so foolish ?
    Why didn’t she tell me ? He could have protected her. He would have put a stop to her foolishness before this disaster struck.
    Why hadn’t she trusted him? That cut deepest of all.
    Who had led her astray? The Daughters of Freya, no doubt. Oh, a few of them were all right, Thora for one, but some of those malcontents would allow, even encourage, any depth of apostasy to further their aims.
    Where is she ? He wanted to confront Saeun, to get some answers. He wanted to warn her, but she was surely watched, just as he probably was. And Kaidlin must be told, and the Kon.
    Gods, Father ! Ragni didn’t look forward to that conversation.
    Was this what Dahl wanted to tell me ? How could he have known and done nothing ? How could he have given me no warning ?
    Ragni’s hands clenched. It was late. Little time remained before the family would gather to feast with the Tewakwe, but there was time enough. He would make time. Before he talked with Kaidlin and Father, Dahl would explain himself.
    He didn’t even bother going to his brother’s rooms. He knew Dahl would be with Celia.
     
    *
     
    A loud, rapping on the door made Celia jump despite the comfort of nestling against Dahleven’s chest. She felt his arms tighten around her at the urgent sound. Now what ?
    Dahleven pitched his words to carry through the door. “ Go away. ”
    “ I will not! ” Ragni’s voice sounded more commanding than Celia had ever heard it. “ Open this door! ”
    Dahleven stiffened.
    He’s not used to that tone, not from Ragni. Not from anyone . “ Ragni sounds upset, ” she said.
    Dahleven stepped away from her, striding toward the door.
    “ Wait! ” Celia commanded.
    Dahleven jerked to a stop as