Cast in Flame. Michelle Sagara

first time.

      It was not fear, he told her softly, but caution. Caution, when dealing with my kin, is not only wise, but necessary.

      A stray memory of Teela stretched, catlike, across Kaylin’s narrow bed passed by; she made an effort not to grab it.

      Even An’Teela. Perhaps, in her current situation, especially An’Teela.

      I don’t understand why you can’t come to us.

      I am not entirely mobile; the Castle itself demands most of my concentration.

      Is Annarion aware that we’re approaching him now?

      He should be. If he is not, consider why.

      Kaylin exhaled. We need to bypass the ancestors.

      Yes, sadly, I believe you do. Be cautious, Kaylin. It is not in your nature, but try. I think the possibility that they remain bound to the Castle’s environs during this upheaval is low. There is nothing in the Castle that presents more of a danger to you now.

      She thought of him. He laughed; she could feel the warmth of his surprise and amusement. Yes, he replied. But I am only a danger to you should I decide that your death—at this moment—suits my purpose. It is your preservation that is proving more challenging—but that is oft true of mortals. The humor dimmed. If An’Teela can communicate at all with my brother, she must make the threat the ancestors pose clear.

      I can’t imagine she’s not trying. Teela was unimpressed. Annarion would likely be less so.

      Yes. But it may be enough to focus his fury; to narrow it. He...is still my brother at heart, but we have both changed in inexplicable ways—to each other.

      * * *

      “I do not think it wise,” Teela said, when Kaylin hesitantly asked her to tell Annarion that danger times two was likely to pop up at any time.

      “I know. But we don’t have Nightshade with us. We can’t circumvent the ancestors—if they’re still standing guard at the doors at all.” Kaylin slowed. She’d bypassed the ancestors on the way into the forest, the first time. They had had to walk through them to leave it.

      Clearly it was easier to find one’s way into the heart of the Castle than to leave it, even for Nightshade.

      “I know you don’t like the chain line,” she began.

      Teela waved her, imperiously, to silence. “I’ll accept it. You think you can take us to where we have to go?”

      “Yes. I should warn you that if I can, it’s a one way journey; we get back the long way. Severn?”

      He was already winding links of chain around Teela’s waist. Kaylin was surprised: she’d meant to use the chain as a rope line. It didn’t look like he could fight while they were bound together.