Taken By Storm by Cyndi Friberg

Author:Cyndi Friberg [Friberg, Cyndi]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780984879816
Publisher: Cynthia L. Friberg
Published: 2011-12-09T00:00:00+00:00

“Yes, sir.” She mocked him with a smart salute.

Seeing his father certainly hadn’t improved Tal’s mood.

They reached the cushions and she followed their example as she sat. “If someone hacks off your hair, do you lose your powers?” she asked, making a bland gesture toward Vee’s ankle-length braid. She wasn’t going to sit here passively while they examined her like a science project.

Tal looked confounded but the older man laughed.

“Our abilities are not linked to our hair as it was with Samson,” Vee said.

“Who is Samson?” Tal asked.

“A story recorded in an Earth text called the Bible tells of a man who had unmatched strength so long as he did not sever his hair.” He turned back to Charlotte. “As an Ontarian shape-shifter learns to control the movement of their hair, sensation is created within the strands.”

“Your hair can feel?” she asked doubtfully.

“Yes,” Tal affirmed. “Cutting it causes pain, like injuring a finger or toe. It’s also a means of identification.”

“If the shape-shifter wishes to be identified,” Vee added.

Humility must not be part of a Mystic’s training, Charlotte thought with an inward smile.

Vee’s hair moved of its own volition to loosely circle his neck. It was not braided in the usual sense.

At least twelve partitions had been woven into an intricate pattern. Charlotte had never seen anything like it, so complex and beautiful.

She dragged her gaze back to his glittering eyes.

“How many shape-shifters are there on Ontariese?”

“Forty-seven have been invited to the Choosing.

Forty-one were chosen.”

“Why were the others turned away?” she asked.

“Especially if the ability is so rare?”

“Shape-shifting, as with any ability, is bestowed differently upon each person. Some are able to transform only one body part and hold the shift for an instant. For others, the change is effortless and they are able to manifest any shape they choose.” Vee’s voice flowed over her, relaxing her muscles, easing her anxiety. Was he doing it intentionally?

Could this man affect others with just the sound of his voice?

“Why has Joon chosen to emulate your appearance?” she asked.

“I should have forbade it when he first began, but he seemed only to amuse himself.” His lips pressed into a grim line. “I had no idea how violent his ambition would become or how he intended to use his ability.”

“Like what he did to Tal after he murdered Flur?” She cringed at how callous the words sounded. She hadn’t meant to be so insensitive.

Vee’s startled gaze shot to Tal. He seemed surprised Tal had told her.

“Precisely,” Vee said, turning back to Charlotte.

“Do ye know why I have summoned thee?”

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