Part 21 (2/2)

”Do you really think that's wise?”

Archer stared at her for a long moment, as if debating an entirely different

meaning than she'd intended. A s.h.i.+ver stole over her skin that had nothing to do with the sun setting. She was thinking about the last time they'd been down by the pond... and knew he was, too.

But then his expression changed, turned harder, and she knew he was in bodyguard mode again. Not that she wanted to reprise their little scene on that flat rock. Well, she wanted to, but she knew it would be better if they stayed in bodyguard mode from here on out. Dammit.

”Baleweg told me that moving through time isn't a precise thing. He can get the time right, but location is approximate. It's obvious Emrys is more skilled in that area. He moved Anteri in and out today and had the location pretty d.a.m.n precise.”

”Did you tell him? What did he say?”

”I haven't talked to him yet. I've been watching you.

”So, what do we do next? Where is Baleweg?” She'd been surprised that he

hadn't appeared since they'd returned. ”Don't you think we should all be together when you give your briefing, or whatever you call it?”

”Baleweg knows nothing about the court.”

”On the contrary.”

Both Talia and Archer turned to find Baleweg standing just on the other side of the fence. Talia smiled. Something about Baleweg had always made her feel safe. Not in the way that Archer did. More in the way that, well, she

supposed the way a child felt around a parent. That because they were older and acted wiser, somehow everything would always be okay if they were around. Another foolish notion. She, better than anyone, knew that having a parent guaranteed nothing.

”Why do you wish to discuss the House of Dalwyn, young Archer?”

”She must be told how it works, if she's to find her way through.”

”You'll be there with me, won't you?” Talia asked Baleweg.

”I've taught you how to focus your mind in order to expand your connective

feelings. There is not much more I can do.” He paused, looking slightly troubled.

”What is it?”

”I had hoped your other inherited abilities would have surfaced by now.

Not for the first time, Talia wondered if Baleweg shared her doubts about her ability to be a healer. ”I don't feel I know anything yet. And what I do know I'm not controlling very well.”

”It will take practice,” Baleweg said. ”But I think you control things better than you a.s.sume. You've had years of experience in controlling your gifts so others don't surmise your hidden talents. In fact, I'd say you will fare far better when you learn to loosen your formidable control. Perhaps that will provide a path to awakening those other talents you were born to possess.”

Talia glanced surrept.i.tiously at Archer. The one time she'd loosened her control was the time she had connected with him. She hadn't attempted that again. ”I'm still not sure I can help the queen.” She looked to Baleweg and gave voice to the one thing they hadn't discussed. ”What happens if I can't help her?”

Baleweg stepped closer and put his hand on her arm. She realized then that he

rarely actually touched her. She wondered just what powers this man truly

held.

”I'm afraid there is not much of a choice for you now, Talia. At least in terms of your safety.”

”You knew about Anteri, didn't you?” The accusation came from Archer.

Baleweg held Archer's gaze steadily. ”I sensed our time was dwindling. I believe you knew that, as well.”

Archer stared. ”Why didn't you warn me?”

Baleweg held up his hand. ”Talia needed to place her animals. You were there

with her and you felt the disturbance, as well, did you not?” He waited until

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