Read Online The Third Fate by Nadja Notariani - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Nadja Notariani
Ads: Link
garner just that.
“ All rise,” Rhys announced, bringing the Council members to their feet in unison. “Council is now in session.”
As one, they sat. There were four senior members: himself, Rhys of Clan Macdouglas, Conrad of Clan Maccinnis, and Elinor of Clan Maceoghan. Arrayed outside in the great hall were the coven leaders of the four distinct precincts, ready to testify if called upon, awaiting any ruling handed down from the Council.
“ There is no question of what we felt,” Elinor of Clan Maceoghan stated gravely. “The only question is what action we can or should take at this time to discover its origin.”
All heads nodded in silent agreement. There was almost never dissension amongst the Council.
“ An Awakening has commenced, and not of the usual variety. This half-born has powerful blood, the blood of an ancient wakens in its veins. We must discover who it is and ensure they become fully vampire, or whoever it is must be destroyed.”
“ How are we to be at peace? One of the ancients themselves is hiding the identity of the half-born!” Conrad roared.
“ Or a Druid has gained enough power to supersede even the Council’s strength,” Rhys interjected.
“ I will not believe it!” Conrad responded tightly. “The Druids are but a shadow of their former selves. Who here will disagree? And you, Rhys, imply that a Druid could cloak even from the Council?”
Malcolm, highly respected, spoke.
“ It is never wise, Conrad, to underestimate your foe. We must tread carefully. An Awakening in and of itself is neither good nor bad. The Council’s concern must be that the subject is turned completely to vampire. But this can be done in many ways. First we must discover the identity of the changeling. It would do the vampire realm no good to simply kill off a changeling with the blood of an ancient! That’s madness!”
He took his seat again, hopeful that he had not exposed himself with the outburst.
Elinor sighed.
“ Malcolm, as usual, you speak with wisdom and logic,” she acknowledged. “Although I agree with Conrad that it must be another ancient cloaking the changeling, I cannot see the sense in killing one of our own before we know if they will accept their vampire life. What say you, Conrad of Clan Maccinnis?”
Conrad knew his own mind instantly, needing no time to deliberate. What he would answer was another matter.
“ I concur with Malcolm of Clan Gaunson. The Council must act with wisdom. If this changeling is the seed of an ancient, harming him or her could endanger the tenuous peace that now exists in the vampire realm.”
“ I must agree also,” Rhys voiced his opinion. “We cannot risk the stability of the entire realm without knowing more.” Rhys rubbed his eyes in frustration. “Have we come to a unanimous decision, then?” he asked, knowing through their link that they all concurred. It was polite formality more than necessity. As always, custom, tradition, and ritual reigned.
“ Aye,” Malcolm sounded, the others following in turn until all had voiced assent.
“ Then we wait,” Malcolm proclaimed with finality.
“ Let us hope the changeling completes the transformation quickly and the journey safely,” Rhys shared with Malcolm on the way out. “I’ve had shadowed premonitions concerning the Fates, Malcolm. It does not bode well. The Fates are nothing more than unruly children, yet they have the power to turn the world upside down.”
“ What you say troubles me, old friend,” Malcolm confessed, shaking his head. “It rarely bodes well when the Fates become temperamental.”
Malcolm secreted Rhys’ revelation away, worry furrowing his brow at the discovery. If the Fates were tampering with things all hell could break loose, and his daughter’s life may rest in the balance of childish whims.
Chapter Six
Paige’s symptoms were intensifying. Cael buffered the effects, mentioning smells before she had the chance and reacting to noises as if her
“ All rise,” Rhys announced, bringing the Council members to their feet in unison. “Council is now in session.”
As one, they sat. There were four senior members: himself, Rhys of Clan Macdouglas, Conrad of Clan Maccinnis, and Elinor of Clan Maceoghan. Arrayed outside in the great hall were the coven leaders of the four distinct precincts, ready to testify if called upon, awaiting any ruling handed down from the Council.
“ There is no question of what we felt,” Elinor of Clan Maceoghan stated gravely. “The only question is what action we can or should take at this time to discover its origin.”
All heads nodded in silent agreement. There was almost never dissension amongst the Council.
“ An Awakening has commenced, and not of the usual variety. This half-born has powerful blood, the blood of an ancient wakens in its veins. We must discover who it is and ensure they become fully vampire, or whoever it is must be destroyed.”
“ How are we to be at peace? One of the ancients themselves is hiding the identity of the half-born!” Conrad roared.
“ Or a Druid has gained enough power to supersede even the Council’s strength,” Rhys interjected.
“ I will not believe it!” Conrad responded tightly. “The Druids are but a shadow of their former selves. Who here will disagree? And you, Rhys, imply that a Druid could cloak even from the Council?”
Malcolm, highly respected, spoke.
“ It is never wise, Conrad, to underestimate your foe. We must tread carefully. An Awakening in and of itself is neither good nor bad. The Council’s concern must be that the subject is turned completely to vampire. But this can be done in many ways. First we must discover the identity of the changeling. It would do the vampire realm no good to simply kill off a changeling with the blood of an ancient! That’s madness!”
He took his seat again, hopeful that he had not exposed himself with the outburst.
Elinor sighed.
“ Malcolm, as usual, you speak with wisdom and logic,” she acknowledged. “Although I agree with Conrad that it must be another ancient cloaking the changeling, I cannot see the sense in killing one of our own before we know if they will accept their vampire life. What say you, Conrad of Clan Maccinnis?”
Conrad knew his own mind instantly, needing no time to deliberate. What he would answer was another matter.
“ I concur with Malcolm of Clan Gaunson. The Council must act with wisdom. If this changeling is the seed of an ancient, harming him or her could endanger the tenuous peace that now exists in the vampire realm.”
“ I must agree also,” Rhys voiced his opinion. “We cannot risk the stability of the entire realm without knowing more.” Rhys rubbed his eyes in frustration. “Have we come to a unanimous decision, then?” he asked, knowing through their link that they all concurred. It was polite formality more than necessity. As always, custom, tradition, and ritual reigned.
“ Aye,” Malcolm sounded, the others following in turn until all had voiced assent.
“ Then we wait,” Malcolm proclaimed with finality.
“ Let us hope the changeling completes the transformation quickly and the journey safely,” Rhys shared with Malcolm on the way out. “I’ve had shadowed premonitions concerning the Fates, Malcolm. It does not bode well. The Fates are nothing more than unruly children, yet they have the power to turn the world upside down.”
“ What you say troubles me, old friend,” Malcolm confessed, shaking his head. “It rarely bodes well when the Fates become temperamental.”
Malcolm secreted Rhys’ revelation away, worry furrowing his brow at the discovery. If the Fates were tampering with things all hell could break loose, and his daughter’s life may rest in the balance of childish whims.
Chapter Six
Paige’s symptoms were intensifying. Cael buffered the effects, mentioning smells before she had the chance and reacting to noises as if her
Similar Books
