Page 49 of Taken By Fury
“Hello,” he spoke in Norwegian. “A pitcher of ale and five glasses.” He looked back at the others, who now sat at a table near the fire. “And how about some stew?”
“Coming right up.” The bartender poured the pitcher and placed it on a tray along with the glasses. “The server will bring your stew when ready.”
“Thanks.” Zander laid the money out on the bar. There was no missing the shock in the bartender’s eyes as Zander laid a coin next to the paper money. A coin that was fitted with Greydon’s coded message. The silver piece would be a good fit here and hopefully, would travel outside the village and have an even further reach. As Zander grabbed the tray and headed for the others, he had little doubt that the bartender would shift into his demon as soon as his duties at the bar were over. He was curious how many of their people might already be showing up back home.
Taking a seat between Orien and his mate, he passed a glass to each of them. “Anything?”
“She is here, but I can’t say if she is in this place,” Lysandra replied.
He looked at his brother, brow raised.
“I’m not sure. I believe we are in the right location.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice. “How the fuck am I supposed to know where to look?”
“I can only tell you that when you see her, something inside you will stir to life. It’s hard to explain, but you will have an almost uncontrollable urge to be near her.”
Orien took a gulp of ale. “Awesome. So, I’m to simply stroll around the village ogling all the females until one in particular strikes my fancy?”
He shrugged. “If that’s what it takes.”
The server arrived and set out bowls of stew and a basket of bread. “Is there anything else I can bring you?”
“This will be all, thank you,” Zander replied, and everyone dug in.
They ate in silence, each of them keeping their senses open and their hopes high that the princess would stroll through the door, but it never happened. An hour later, Aimee leaned in from across the table. “If I do not return soon, I fear Greydon will go stark-raving mad.”
“Yes, we need to get you back.” Zander once again looked between his mate and his brother. “Suggestions on how we proceed?”
“We finish our ale and leave. You guys go back home, and I’ll stay here. I saw an inn down the street,” Orien replied.
“Are you certain?” Zander didn’t much like the thought of his brother––who they had just gotten back––being here without backup.
“I am certain. Besides, there are plenty of our people here in case I should need help.”
That was true. Zander sensed them and if any had shifted as the beacon suggested, they would know their prince was here as well. Their DNA would have locked onto both of them in addition to the king.
“Very well.” Zander stood. “Then we shall get moving.”
Everyone also got to their feet and made their way out the door. Outside, it was dark, and the street was quiet except for a few people walking about. The queen approached Orien.
“You best take care, and please come home from time to time.” She kissed his cheek, then stepped away.
“I will.” He looked around. “Open your portal between these two buildings and get the queen home.”
Zander pulled his brother into an embrace while Bethany opened the portal. As everyone else stepped through, he hugged his brother tighter. “May the goddess be with you.” Then he backed away and into the portal.
Seconds later, they were home and greeted by the king.
CHAPTER20
Lysandra ran a broom across the floor of the small but comfortable home she had been born in. Sunlight poured in the open windows and doors, bringing in clean air and the scent of lilacs which bloomed in the front yard. Every once in a while she would look up at the painting on the wall and smile. She missed her mother, who had passed after they had fled Oshivana. She missed all her family.
Footsteps coming up the walk pulled her from her thoughts. She didn’t need to look to know who it was, but she did, anyway. Zander was always a sight to behold and today was no different. When he stepped inside, he pulled her into his arms, causing her to drop her broom.
“Why does my mate sweep the floor when she can magically clean this place?”
“Because I enjoy having something to do, and I wanted to spruce this place up.” She hoped that descendants of her mother might be found and one of them would wish to live in the cottage.
“Any word from Orien?” Her brother-in-law had been gone a week now, and she grew concerned.
