The Whispering (2 page)

I stop myself from being startled
at hearing Harlu’s name spoken out loud.  My last run in with the leader of the Ange (I refuse to call him my brother), still shakes me up when I think of it.  The scene in the queen’s garden flashes in my mind and it takes an effort to keep my breathing in check.

“
I counted five,” says Alorn, rubbing at his chin – a habit I’ve grown used to seeing the elf warrior do when in thought.  “The one you mention may not be who you claim, dryad.  As for the others, I recognized the orc and Janlu.  The last one is definitely female, but I couldn’t make out who she is.”

“
You should not worry, son of Bi’irea, news of Prince Tharin’s arrival at the riakia tree doorway has reach the dryads of this realm.  He will be here in a few hours and you are welcome to wait until then. With him comes the future king of the Willow Clan, the Lithi warrior, and the son of Colsea.  They are also joined by one of the king’s best warriors.”

My heart skips a beat hearing that Tharin is here.  I ignore the butterflies and ask curiously
, “Who is the warrior?”

“
The human guard named Dalim.”

I think again about Lea
’ith and what she said about my father being at the tower.  Was I wrong to think Walem was my father?  Phoris told me once that he was warrior.  Maybe it is Dalim.  I shake my head, trying to refocus on the here and now.

“Why?” I ask a little irritated.  “With Ziri coming along, it would be like before and we did all right.”

Alorn
nods, answering, “When we first came for you we didn’t know about Falsad or Eathos, or that Kabba would be involved.  Also, I’m certain somehow knowing who he truly is has given Harlu a sense of entitlement.  He was dangerous before, but now knowing that he has the blood of the healers, he will corrupt that power and use it to get to you.”

“
So what are you saying?  That he has my abilities, that he has the gift of Jarhan, too?”

“
He does share your abilities to a point, my queen,” answers Si’i. 

“
Please call me, Lily,” I say distractedly.

Si
’i nods and continues.  “He doesn’t have the full power you have; and, of course, he doesn’t have Jarhan’s gift.”

“
Yeah,” I sigh. “Jarhan’s gift.”

The memory of what happened on the day of the Seating rushes back at me.  The sight of the demon screaming while his flesh burned in my hand has haunted me these past nights along with the death of those
I have come to love: Milina, Sema and Phoris.  Phoris.  His death weighs on me the most and like each time before when he comes to mind, I struggle to hold back my emotions. 

The thela trembles slightly and we look about us.  Si
’i reaches out to me and places a hand on mine.  “We feel your sorrow, Lily.  But you must pull in your emotions or you will give your whereabouts away to your brother.”

“
He’s not my brother,” I answer harsher than I mean to.  I sit back, letting out a breath.  “I’m sorry.  But he’s not my brother, Si’i.  He’s a monster.”

Si
’i reaches over to put her hand on my chest.  “He has marked you.  And I am not talking about the cut he made on your chest.”

Alorn turns to me
.  “He cut you?”

I shake my head
.  “It’s nothing.  Sema took care of it, but it did leave a scar.”

Alorn gets up abruptly and moves to a wall of the thela.  A window appears and he stares out of it
, his anger seething just beneath the surface.  I am surprise by his reaction as I watch him stand alone, distancing himself from us.

I turn to Si
’i and say, “Tharin will take care of Harlu.”  I glance quickly at Alorn as I move closer to Si’i, whispering, “I need your help.”

Si
’i nods and waves her hand toward Alorn.  “You may speak freely, Lily.  How may I help you?”

I take another
glance at Alorn before facing the dryad again.  “The demon, Falsad.  Can you sense him here in Pathen?”

Si
’i closes her eyes and becomes quiet for a moment.  When she finally looks up at me, she shakes her head and says, “No.  I’m sorry, Lily, I do not.  Perhaps he may appear later, but at the moment he is not in this part of Pathen.” 

Disappointed, I sit back in my seat.  I had hoped the demon would show up here and I would be able to fulfill my promise to Lucas and release his body from the demon who possesses it. 

Si’i asks, “Is there something else?” 

“
Yes, one more thing – Julia and Marilyn, and Marilyn’s sister.  Do you know where they are?”

“
The sister,” she starts, “is back at the hospital in Perth.  She is fine, but they are keeping her for another week of tests.  As for your foster mother and friend, they have decided to stay in Perth to be close to her.  You should know that your broth...that Harlu has paid two humans to retrieve them.”

“
Two humans?  Did they come here?” I ask and she nods.  “What did they look like?”

“
One was an older man.  His head was shaved close and his eyes like ice blue rimmed with red lashes.  His beard is also closely shaved and he looked fierce with tattoos on his arms and the side of his neck.  He was an extremely fit man, stocky and muscular.  Everything about him was angry and red.  The other was a younger, taller version of him, but built like a warrior.  With the younger one there is a lining of maliciousness.  I fear they meant to hurt your friend before turning her over to Harlu.”

Oh my God...Frank and Chris. 
Frank and Chris are here in Australia to take Julia?  And Harlu paid them to do it? 

“
I am sorry, Lily.  They were here three days ago.  I felt your presence then but by the time you arrived, they were already gone.”

“
Did these men find Julia and Marilyn?”

“
No,” she replies, shaking her head.

I look at Alorn
.  “I have to tell him, he has to know.  He’s the only one who can help me find them.”

“
The future king is now in Pathen, he will be here in a few hours.  Why not wait for him and the others?”

“
I can’t wait, Si’i.  Julia is in danger and it’s been three days now.  For all I know they may already have her...she’s in danger.  And Frank will blame Marilyn for Julie being here – he’ll hurt her, too.”

I stand to face Alorn.  Sensing my movements, he turns to
me and I spy Si’i discreetly wave her hand at him.  “What is it, Lily?” he asks.

“
Julia’s stepdad and stepbrother were here looking for Julia.  Harlu paid them to retrieve her.  They may already have her,” I answer. 

Alorn glances at the dryad
and then offers me his hand.  I take it and he pulls me toward the window indicating I take a look outside.  Below us, near the porch steps are three figures, two I recognize immediately.  The orc from Snow College and Janlu, one of Harlu’s head Ange.  The third I don’t know, but unlike the others, he is covered in black, including the mask hiding the lower part of his face.  All I can make out from here are dark brows and a straight nose.  I catch my breath when he suddenly looks up, eyes the color of azure seas, intense and knowing.  I feel Alorn tense next to me.  We remain still, locked in place by the blue gaze of the assassin.  It is another minute before this new Ange’s eyes lower and scans the yard around him – and we both let out a slow breath.  Alorn pulls me back and the window disappears.

“
Who is that?” I ask.

“
Dorlan,” he answers quietly. 

“
He is the warrior’s older brother,” answers Si’i.  I look at Alorn, surprised and confused at the same time. 

“
He’s your brother?  And he’s with the Ange?” I ask. 

Alorn remains quiet, looking
around him before facing the dryad.  “Is there another way out?”

She nods
.  “I will ask the other dryads for help.  You may walk the Path of the Leaves from tree to tree until you are at a safe distance.”  Si’i lifts her head and I immediately feel her calling to her kin.

“
Wait,” I grab Alorn by the arm, “what about Tharin and the others?”

Alorn
turns to Si’i, taking a piece of paper from his coat.  “I retrieved this from one of the rooms.  It’s the address of the hospital where the sister is.  Give it to Prince Tharin when he arrives.”

“
Yes, warrior, I will do as you ask.”  Si’i turns to me, taking my hand.  “I will let your prince know you are all right.  You will make a lovely bride, my queen.”  She turns, walks to the middle of room and sits down.  Suddenly, I want more than anything for Tharin to be here.

“
Alorn,” I turn to the elf only to find he has moved across the room, looking upward.  I follow his gaze to see the ceiling disappear and only a long hollow trunk spiraling skyward.  “Alorn,” I call again, trying to get his attention.

He
lifts his hand to calm me down as he looks at Si’i.  “When can we leave?”

“
The Path of the Leaves has been opened for your use.  The trees will protect you until you’re safely out of town.” 

I stare at the dryad as she smiles at me warmly. 
I want to thank her, to let her know that I will come back when things have settled and spend more time with her.  Alorn, however, doesn’t give me the chance as he pulls me up against him, holding on tight.  He quickly shifts his gaze to the dryad, nodding. He turns his face up as Si’i lifts her hands and we begin to slowly rise.  When we reach the tunnel we get caught in a strong stream of air, shooting us upward.  I bury my head into Alorn’s chest praying Julia and Marilyn are okay and Tharin will find me sooner rather than later.

~ * ~

Chapter Two

~ Tharin ~

“There’s no one here, Tharin,”
comes Tolan’s thoughts as I scan the small living room belonging to Marilyn’s sister. 

“
No, but there are signs that someone has been here earlier,”
I answer turning to him.

Tolan looks about with a mixture of anxiety and anger on his face.  He and Ziri arrived
back at the tower after Alorn left, leaving whatever business they had at the Willow Clan to his captain and new clan counsel.  I told him of my suspicions that Lily may have given the stone to Julia not knowing it was the key to Eirrell.  The danger that follows the key only drives his need further to find Julia.

Dalim comes down the stairs from the loft, shaking his head when he catches my eye. 
The experienced guard insisted on coming along when Kalis disappeared after the Seating.  Her disappearance is suspicious, but after the garden scene I know she has gone to be alone, to a home she has never shared with anyone.  It’s not the first time she has taken off when she is upset or distressed.

Since coming through the doorway, Dalim has proven us
eful.  Having someone who doesn’t have to hide his ears has made the trip less awkward and easier with the natives. 

“
Tharin,” calls Ziri from the kitchen area.  “You better come out here.”

“
What is it, Ziri?”

“
Outside,” he indicates with his head.  “Someone is asking for you.  She’s in the backyard with Mellis.”

I step out onto the back porch, the others following closely, spreading out to stand at my side.  Before me sitting at a small table under a mango tree is Mellis and a dryad with hair the color of flames.  Her sheath is made of mango leaves, full and healthy.  Someone has taken great care of this tree.  They sit chatting like long lost friends, Mellis
’ old smile and humor back in play.  I find myself eased by the scene of my young cousin laughing as he used to before losing Phoris.  They stop mid chatter as they both look our way.

Mellis stands and waves us over.
“Tharin, Tolan!  Come meet Si’i.”

I turn first to Ziri with
a nod and he disappears along the side of the house.  I glance at Dalim and he nods before disappearing back into the house.  I face Mellis and make my way to the small table, Tolan at my side.

The wood nymph rises and approaches to stand before us.  She bows deeply and then greets Tolan first
.  “I am honored to meet the future king of the Willow.”  She turns to me and greets, “I am honored to meet the future king of the Oak and of Velesi.”

Tolan
replies first. “We are honored to meet Si’i, the dryad of this thela and others of its kind.”

Si
’i smiles at my brother and turns back to me.  “I have a message for you, my prince.  The warrior, Alorn, has asked that I tell you where they are going and what has happened.”  Two mounds rise from the ground behind us and we take a seat.  Mellis grabs the two chairs and brings them forth for himself and Si’i.

“
Tell us what has happened, little sister,” I ask quietly.

“
Your warrior and bride left as soon as the Ange arrived.  They used the Path of the Leaves to get out of town to return back to Perth for the queen’s friend and foster mother.”

Tolan leans in anxiously
.  “What of her friend?”

S
i’i hesitates before answering.  “She is fine, Prince Tolan.  She is with the foster mother at a hospital where the sister was admitted.  However, the queen seemed anxious when I told her of the two foreigners who came by three nights ago.  I believe they were looking for your Julia.”

Tolan leans in,
“What two men?”

“
The queen was muttering to herself, but I believe she called the older one Frank.”

Tolan abruptly stands, turning to me,
“We need to get to Perth now.”

I get up slowly and Mellis does the same. 
“It is important you tell us the location.”

“
The warrior Alorn told me to send you to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.  I don’t know exactly where it’s located, I’m sorry.”  She hands me a piece of paper.

Tolan asks,
“Did the two men know about the hospital?”

Again Si
’i shakes her head at him.  “I can’t be sure, but the queen felt that they did.”

Tolan turns to Mellis
.  “Can you get a message sphere to Alorn?”

Mellis nods
.  “I will need some time to locate him first.”

“
Have Dalim help you.  He must know a way to locate him,” orders Tolan. 

“
Or I can use MapQuest and locate the hospital,” replies Mellis slowly.

“
I don’t care how you do it, just get the location,” snaps Tolan. 

Mellis ignores Tolan
’s abrupt tone and turns to Si’i.  He offers his hand to the dryad and she takes it gently. 

“
See you later, Si’i,” he promises and lightly kisses her knuckles. 

Si
’i actually blushes and to our surprise, she giggles at our young cousin.  Mellis turns to Tolan, nodding before disappearing into the house to find Dalim. 

I hesitate for a moment and turn
back to Si’i, asking, “How about the queen, is she well?”

“
She is, my prince, but she seems sad.  She worries about you as much as she misses you.” 

Something in me lights up
.  “She told you so?”

Si
’i shakes her head.  “No.  But it is obvious to those who are looking.” 

Without another word, she bows deeply
, walks back to the mango tree and disappears.  Si’i’s words lift my spirits and renew my determination to reach Lily.

We make our way
back into the house, where Dalim and Tolan leave to retrieve the vehicles.  The two SUVs are parked over a block down from the house; it won’t take them long to get them.  Ziri stands in front of a grandfather clock examining its face and is fascinated by it. 

He turns to me
.  “This is how they tell time here?” 

I nod and when it chimes the one o
’clock hour, his fascination and delight amuses me.  I will have to bring him back one day.  There are many wondrous things in Pathen he would find even more fascinating than a clock.

I turn my attention back to the window, looking across the street at a park.  I sense Lily
’s aura the strongest behind the tallow wood.  How long did she stay there waiting, watching? 

Suddenly,
someone puts a key to the door from outside, and we freeze as we watch the knob turn.  Within a blink of an eye, Mellis disappears into the back rooms and Ziri finds the corner between the wall and the clock, melting into the shadows.  I slip into a connecting sitting area, ducking behind heavy drapes.  The front door is within my line of view and I watch as it opens forward.  A woman in gray slacks and a white sleeveless shirt walks in.  She drops a duffle bag and her large purse on the floor and tosses the keys on top of a side table.  Her cell goes off and she answers it, closing the door behind her.

“
Marilyn,” she answers.

This is Marilyn?  The tall, tanned and attractive social worker tucks flyaway locks behind her ear
.  She blows at dark brown bangs that extend past the top of her heavy black rimmed glasses.  I expected Lily’s foster mother to be an elderly, heavy set, graying woman.  Instead, I watch a forty-something, slim, athletic figure walk into the sitting room and drop into the loveseat only a few feet from me.  She kicks of her shoes and crosses her long legs as she places her feet on the ottoman.

“
Hey, Jules, I just got here.  It’ll only take me a few minutes to get some clean clothes together.  Do you need anything else while I’m here?” 

She pauses as Julia gives her an answer and then says,
“What?” 

She sits up slowly, pulling her
legs in, elbows on her knees.  “What?” she replies louder, standing quickly. 

“
Is she there?  Let me talk to her.”  I can see the anxiety run through her, her brown eyes large with excitement as she bites at her thumbnail. 

“
Lily?  Oh my God, Lily!  How...I mean...what are you doing here...I mean there...?  What’s going on?  What?”  She becomes still, looking around nervously.  “No,” she answers, unsure.  “Leave now?  But, I mean I don’t understa...” 

She becomes quiet and slowly turns toward the front door when someone
turns the knob.

“
Lily, can you hold on for a sec...what?”  She becomes still and then says, “I’ll call you back.”

I can hear Lily trying to stop
Marilyn from answering the door and then quickly get cutoff when Marilyn hangs up on her.  I ready myself to move, but hold back when Marilyn reaches for a baseball bat hidden behind a rolling desk.  She stands with her back against the wall just behind the door, holding the bat above her head.  I move to catch her before she swings, but she is a lot faster than I thought.  I reach her just as she strikes a surprised Dalim over the head and before she falls over him.  I catch her by her arms.

Tolan pushes through and looks behind the door at us and then down at the daze
d soldier.  Marilyn struggles and kicks Tolan over when he reaches for Dalim, dropping the bat.  She twists in my arms and I let her go.  With speed that surprises all of us, she picks up the bat and holds it before her, waving it at me. 

“
Who the hell are you? And what the hell are you doing in my house?”

I take a slow step toward her, hands up and say calmly,
“We are friends of Lily and Julia, and Marilyn – this is your sister’s house.”

“
You son-of-a-biscuit-eater, how do you know my name?” she demands, swaying with the bat threateningly at me as Tolan helps a disoriented Dalim up.

Ah.  Now I know where Lily got that annoying sentiment.

Dalim straightens, looking at the blood on his hand from the cut at the back of his head, and glaring at the frantic woman before us. 

“
What the hell is wrong with you?  Give me that.” 

He snatches the bat from a shocked Marilyn, who steps back while looking for something else to hit poor Dalim with.  She jumps
out of the way when she bumps into Ziri and squeals when she backs up into Mellis.  Marilyn finds herself in a corner staring at us with a defiant look when she finally straightens and says, “The hell with this.” 

Everyone move
s at once, but Dalim reaches Marilyn first when she takes a deep breath and opens her mouth to scream.  She stares at the king’s guard with large and angry eyes, not happy to find his hand over her mouth.  Dalim grunts when she stomps his foot with her heel.  With a quick move, he pulls Marilyn to him so he is behind her with his hand still over her mouth. 

“
Listen, if you hit me one more time I will lock you in a room with snakes.”  Marilyn gives him a look as if he is a mad man, not a bit frightened by his threat.  “Fine, I’ll lock you in a room with me – naked.”  Marilyn’s eyes grow wide with a tinge of fear.  I finally step up.

“
Marilyn, my name is Tharin.  I’m here because Lily and Julia are in danger.  If you call Julia, she will tell you who we are.”

Marilyn
looks at me, then at Tolan, before she finally relaxes and nods.  I give Dalim the okay to release her and he reluctantly removes his hand.  She pushes away from him, giving him an indignant look before turning to me. 

“
What do you mean they’re in danger?” she demands shakily, trying to calm down.

Tolan steps up beside me and Marilyn
does a double take between the two of us.  “I’m Tolan, Julia’s betrothed.  Is she all right?  Where is she and why isn’t she with you?”

Marilyn shakes her head as if mentally stepping back
.  “You’re her what?  You’re Julia’s what?”

Marilyn
’s cell phone rings from the other room and she pushes past us to get to it.

“
Julia?” she answers.  Tolan is instantly at her side. 

I follow closely and Dalim comes in after.  Marilyn steps away fro
m Tolan giving him a suspicious look. 

“
Lily?”  I move up behind Tolan. 

“
Who is this?  Who?  Yeah, sure, just a second; which one of you is Tharin again?”

I step forward and she holds the phone out to me. 
“It’s for you.”

I can feel Tolan holding back from
snatching the cell from me as I put it to my ear.  The voice I was hoping to hear isn’t the one speaking to me. 

“
Tharin,” says Alorn, “I have Lily and Julia with me.  I’m taking them to the nearest park to find shelter.”