"They are both very adept at hiding their magic," Kiel suggested. "Perhaps they learned to do it from observing the Feyreisa."

Sol shook his head. He'd never felt so dazed… so … lost. As if the foundation of his world had been suddenly upturned and he was tumbling helplessly, with no idea which way was up or down. "And Laurie—if they're right, she had magic too."

"I confess we are as surprised as you, Master Baristani," Kieran said, "though perhaps we should not be. The Feyreisa is such a marvel, it seems only natural that your family would have its own share of unexpected secrets."

"Secrets, yes, but…magic…" He shook his head. "They're my daughters—and not adopted, as Ellie was. They're my own flesh and bone. Celierian—and mortal— just like their mother and me."

"Your wife was from the north, from an area where vast amounts of very powerful magic were released during the Mage Wars. Such a great concentration of magic would not dissipate without leaving its mark—as your wife reminded us many times. Hearth witches, hedge wizards, and many far more unpleasant mutations are common in those parts."

"Yes, but—"

"We knew your wife had a fierce aversion to magic, but to have spent her whole life hiding her own magic…Did she never mention anything about it?"

"No. Of course not. Lillis and Lorelle must be mistaken. They were only children. Who's to say that what they remember really happened?"

"They managed to hide their own magic all their lives," Kiel reminded him. "And they did it without the magical barriers the Feyreisa had holding back her powers. Disbelieve them if it eases your fears, Master Baristani, but Kieran and I cannot. Your wife must have possessed considerable magic to have passed on so strong a gift."

"I…" Sol looked from one Fey to another, his heart still struggling to reject the truth while his mind began fitting together the clues he'd seen but never recognized all his life. They slid into place like the perfectly carved pieces of a wooden puzzle box. "Laurie's young sister, Bess, was winded as a child in Dolan. When she was two years old, she set the neighbors' house on fire with magic, and her parents had no choice but to take her to the woods and abandon her. Laurie never forgave her parents for that—nor ever forgot the terrible price of magic."

Kieran's expression went grim. "Lady Darramon is nearly healed. The shei'dalins will be returning to the Fading Lands tomorrow. I urge you to go with them. Your daughters' gifts make them a treasure many will covet—and not just the Mages."

"Even if they could live safely here," Kiel added gently to forestall any objections, "they should be trained in the use and control of their gifts. As your wife's young sister proved, wild magic can be a danger. Your daughters are already both very strong, and if their magic rises the same way it does in the Fey, they have yet to come into their full power."

Sol had denied the truth about Ellie for so long, not wanting to see it. Not wanting to accept it. He could not continue to blind himself about Lillis and Lorelle.

Nor would he continue to risk their safety—not even to honor the last wishes of his dead wife.

"Kabei," Kieran said when Sol nodded in defeated acquiescence. "You and the girls should pack what essentials you wish to take with you. We'll leave as soon as the shei'dalins finish tomorrow. The Fey will bring the rest of your belongings later." He paused, then reached out to lay a hand on Sol's arm. "You are making the right decision, Master Baristani."

Sol met his gaze. "I pray to the gods you're right."

The Fading Lands ~ Plains of Corunn

Belliard vel Jelani ran faster than he ever had. He all but flew across the rolling, grass-covered landscape. Footfalls were but brief instants of impact launching him in long airborne leaps. Air powered his steps, and the Fey skin that never broke a sweat was beaded with perspiration.

Ellysetta was heading for Fey'Bahren with Gaelen, learning to weave Azrahn. He'd reached her on a private weave, and though she didn't want to admit it at first, she'd eventually confessed the truth. She'd confronted the Eye, and it had told her that only Azrahn could save the kitlings. And Gaelen— that infuriating, rock-headed, rules-defying rultshart!—had agreed to teach her how to spin it!

«Are you mad?» he'd railed at her. «Do you know what will happen if you're caught? You'll be banished! Rain will have to leave the Fading Lands with you or die from bond madness! Ellysetta, you cannot do this. Nei! It's insanity!»

She'd cut off his weaves and refused to answer him since. Gaelen had too.

Bel contemplated calling Rain. He wanted to. As the First General of the Fading Lands, he was duty-bound to do so. But Bel was also Ellysetta's lu'tan, and no matter how loyal he was to Rain, his bloodsworn bond came before all others.

And, frankly, Bel was terrified of what Rain would do if he learned Gaelen was teaching Ellysetta to weave the forbidden magic.

Blood would be spilled. Gaelen's, most likely, and lots of it. Rain might even kill him, which would cast Rain down the Shadowed Path, and then where would that leave Ellysetta and the Fey?

Nei, Bel couldn't tell Rain. What he would do, however, was go to Fey'Bahren himself and put a stop to their insanity. Once he'd beaten Gaelen senseless and curbed Ellysetta's foolishness, then Bel would call Rain to come chastise his truemate and impress upon her the insupportable madness of what she'd been trying to do.