The Secret of the Keepers by Elizabeth Isaacs

Author:Elizabeth Isaacs [Isaacs, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Raven Key Press
Published: 2013-11-23T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Elias and the Practice Fields

ELIAS’ EYES GLITTERED in frustration. “The Prince is still with the guard, but as soon as Rena found that you weren’t waiting for her, Gavin ordered that I go find you.” He put the box back on the shelf. “The Ancient One assured me this would remain hidden. I see he has underestimated your abilities to explore.”

“I don’t understand. I’ve touched that box before. Why can I see now?”

“You held it before you arrived at the Spider’s Respite. As soon as we discovered your new gift, I asked the Prince to keep the box from you.”

“Why not just tell me? I would have done what you asked.” My voice became a little higher as hurt stung through me.

He rocked back on his heels, his sapphire eyes glinted. “My lady, sometimes your curiosity overrules common sense.” He raised an eyebrow and looked around as if to prove his point.

I blushed. “What is this place?” The sketches and sculptures screamed with despair, and I couldn’t help but shudder.

“This is the ancient art born of pain. It was once housed in the cave of knowledge, but after you and the Prince became one, Malachi placed them here, so you would not be harmed. I see his instinct was right.”

I looked at the paintings of the dead, the sculptures of loss, and my eyes filled with tears.

“I understand why he hid the rest of this art, but why put Ester’s box here?”

“The minute you touched the fireplace, I suspected Ester’s gift. Something was amiss. It seemed too convenient Ester would make a simple box for the future Queen. Her abilities far exceed this work. I feared she had foreseen your new gift and was using it to usurp the protection surrounding you.”

“Elias, I don’t need to be protected all the time!” My voice rose off the walls as aggression ran amok.

His eyes glittered, and he smiled.

“I see the Prince has shared his aptitude for voicing an opinion.”

I scowled and then smiled back. He was right. I was definitely more opinionated now Gavin and I were married.

“Sorry.”

“Quite all right, my lady.”

We stood in an agreeable silence, the only sound the rush of the waterfall.

“I feel there is something you must know.” Elias’ brassy voice softened. “There was a time when I too allowed my judgment to be clouded with the need to protect.”

I grew uncomfortable. Elias had never shared anything personal ... ever.

“Elaine and I were chosen to be mates since birth, as is the way of our people. I never doubted my parents’ choice; my first memories were of loving her. We grew up sharing energy, and we were married as soon as we reached the age of passage. But during the early years, right after our ceremony, I made a horrible mistake.”

Elias reached on the top shelf and found a simple sketch. Aggressive black lines darkened the page. Thousands of Dokkalfar lay in piles around a lone figure. His broad shoulders, strong jaw, and the arch of his brow bore a striking resemblance to Gavin.

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