Rise of the Seven (The Frey Saga, #3)(7)

A quick glance at Chevelle confirmed he had not been aware of their rare talent. Certainly the wolves had been.

“Is it possible then,” Grey asked, “that the same technique could be used to direct Frey’s power?”

“You mean to displace it?” Ruby asked.

“No, I was thinking of it not being entirely of her and therefore it could possibly be split from her own. But displacement may be a better option.”

“Would I be able to do that?” I asked Rider. “Can you send one another your power, or would I have to allow someone to borrow from me?”

“It is impossible to guess.” Rider contemplated the idea for a moment. “When we borrow, it is with a shared will. I am unsure whether it can be done otherwise, without that connection.”

I thought again of the wolves. This was no coincidence.

Rhys spoke up. “There is a danger in trying without the connection.” No one wanted to ask how he knew, but he could see our interest. “We discovered the link as children, quite by accident. I was under attack and would undoubtedly fall. My assailant was toying with me, enjoying the torment as he forced my brother to watch.”

My stomach turned as his words recalled the memory of Chevelle’s prone form writhing in agony.

“As I lay on the floor, listening to Rider’s shouts of protest over the sound of my own terrified screams, all I could think was that if I were as strong as him, if I had his power, I would crush this black demon standing over me. And he could think of nothing but saving me, giving me his own life in order to keep me alive, to defeat the elves attacking us.”

Anvil was generally not the meddlesome type, so his question surprised me. “Why were you attacked?”

Rider nodded. “It was some time before we understood that ourselves. At that point, we were very young, too inexperienced to grasp the extent of the situation. We were unaware that the entire kingdom was fearful of us. Some spoke of prophecy, others dared not speak of us at all. The pair of us were blamed for each calamity that came upon the realm, each misfortune of the king, though we were merely boys. The mob that came for us had no definable reason behind their actions but fear and superstition. And possibly clandestine orders from their ruler.”

I started to speak but faltered. Their tale was too reminiscent of raw memories.

Rhys finished out Rider’s explanation. “The irony is their attack gave us the ability they feared. Forced it upon us. Our response to that action not only revealed to us our full strength, but turned it against them.”

The room was silent for a long moment.

“The danger?” Chevelle finally asked.

“Yes,” Rhys answered, coming back to himself. It was clearly an emotional memory for him as well. “I doubt there would be issue with an attempt to borrow from Frey. But we have found it is impossible to give the power without injuring the non-connected receiving party.”

“They take it as a strike,” Rider explained. With a hint of chagrin, he added, “We also learned such by accident. As children.”

“Didn’t help our cause either,” Rhys said.

I had my doubts, but I was positive the wolves had not brought these men from the ice lands without good reason. “I will try.” Several of the others immediately bristled at the idea, but before they had a chance to voice their arguments I held up a hand. “Not today. I have a few things to check on first.”

“I will research the archives of the twins,” Ruby said.

“Thank you,” I replied, though I was fairly certain she’d have no luck there. When I had a free moment, I would have to find the wolves, and hope they would give me some indication if we were on the right track.

“I think we should break for now,” I suggested. “I don’t feel I can overcome this in one day and I’m confident you all have other tasks before this evening’s event.”

The group split into small sets, obviously agitated by the new plan. I glanced at Chevelle, unable to remove the painful image Rhys’ story brought to mind. His eyes met mine and I could see that he understood, knew that it had affected me. As he stood speaking with Anvil, his hand rose to his collar and he slid the material between his thumb and forefinger. I smiled and did the same. Funny how the small gesture meant more now, with Asher gone, than when we’d conceived it to subvert him.

Ruby grabbed my elbow and pulled me from the room, chattering about her ideas on the new theory. I let her.

When we reached the hall, Grey and Steed were standing together, deep in conversation. Ruby released her grip on me and immediately started a new discussion with Grey, drawing him down the hall with her.

Steed shrugged and laughed, apparently resigned to finishing his exchange with Grey later. “Hungry?” he asked.

“Ravenous.” I smiled and walked with him toward the dining room.

When we were alone in the corridor, he slowed his pace. “I’ve been meaning to apologize.”

I glanced at him curiously.

“If I had known... Frey, I never would have...”

“Oh,” I stopped him. “No, I cannot blame you for that.”

He smirked. I smacked his arm.

“What I mean is,” I explained, “I can’t charge you for what neither of us knew.”

“Still,” he said, “I do express my regret.” And then he smiled. “To you anyway.”