Island Shifters: Book 03 - An Oath of the Children by Valerie Zambito Page B

Captain Nash.”
    “Yes, the Ellvinians are our friends,” Kirby repeated with a brainless grin very out of character for the Royal Saber. Even stranger was the fact that Kellan knew he wore one to match.
    “We would be grateful for rooms after our long journey.”
    “Rooms!” Kirby shouted. “Lars! Lars Kingsley! We will need rooms for our guests!”
    Lady Samara smiled at Kirby. “It would make us feel most welcome if we were to stay at the mayor’s estate instead of an inn. Chandal stayed with the mayor during his last visit, and after his glorious recommendation, I absolutely must see it for myself.”
    “Lars!”
    Kellan came out of his trance enough to hear Kane mumble something about love struck idiots, but he ignored him. He did not want to be distracted from hearing Samara’s next words.
    Lars Kingsley bustled through to the forefront. “Chandal, welcome back, my friend!”
    Chandal greeted the mayor in the same singsong voice and repeated Lady Samara’s request for rooms at his estate. He explained that the Ellvinian sailors would remain on the ships at sea for their visit, but he would like rooms for the dozen or so in their personal entourage.
    “Of course,” the mayor exclaimed a little too loudly. “Follow me and I will show you the way.”
    Kellan watched the departing party with a beaming smile, but cursed when Kane yanked him around by grabbing a fistful of shirt at his shoulder. His brother’s golden eyes were ablaze. “What is wrong with you?”
    “Stop that,” Kellan roared and shoved him away. The effort cleared his tangled thoughts and he ran a hand down his face. “That was peculiar.”
    “Clearly.”
    “Did you hear her voice?” Kellan asked his twin. “It was pure magic.”
    “Her voice was normal to me. Nothing out of the ordinary.”
    “Izzy? Jala?” Kellan asked.
    The small Elf peeked around Kane. “I couldn’t see anything or hear anything!”
    “I heard it,” said Jala. “You are right, Kellan. It was beautiful.”
    “Trust me,” Kane advised through tight lips, “there is something off about these people and that’s not good since a whole lot more of them are coming this way.”

 
    C HAPTER 10
    T HE N EW O RDER
     
     
    Kenley plopped down on a old log lying on the side of the trail and took a long drink of water from the skin around her shoulder. Baya appeared a moment later, padding listlessly along the path, her head hanging low. It broke Kenley’s heart to see her friend in so much pain.
    Baya looked up and, noticing Kenley waiting for her, simply laid down with a whimper.
    Kenley had thought to give Baya time alone to grieve, but she could no longer hold back. She crossed the distance between them and hugged Baya around her neck.
    I am sorry, my friend.
    It is all just so senseless. Why did she have to die? Why did all the others have to die?
    I know. I wish there was more I could do to ease your hurt.
    Baya lifted her head and a large tear dripped from one green eye. Kenley had never once seen Baya cry in their fifteen years together and that single tear spoke of the tremendous pain she was in. Even though I did not see my mother as often as she would have liked, we were very close.
    I know.
    I never realized how irreplaceable a mother’s love is. Now that it is gone, I am terrified. I feel so alone and unsheltered. Is that silly at my age?
    No! Of course not. Kenley swallowed back tears of her own when she thought of how devastated she would be to lose her mother. Her confidence, her strength, her sense of well-being, were all gifts from her mother, and Kenley only had to look into the eyes of Kiernan Atlan to know just how much she was loved and cherished. She vowed never to take that relationship for granted ever again. I know I can never replace what you shared with Felice, but you have shelter with me, Baya, always and forever.
    Kenley buried her head in Baya’s soft white fur and held her friend tightly. They remained locked together in silent