The Ward of Castoria

  Chapter 16

  Nardoc

  Dane knew he was not going to be sent to the Reflection this time since both Castien and Beckwyn were home. He tried not to let it bother him too much as he walked to Tetari’s quarters. Dane found her sitting at the table with her eyes glazed over. She was obviously seeing the future, but the frustrated look on her face bothered him. He had not seen her like this in a while.

  Tetari was whispering to herself statements that were too low for Dane to hear. After a few minutes of respectfully waiting, he asked quietly, “You summoned me?”

  Tetari’s eyes focused on him. Her vision abruptly ceased. She had a worried expression on her face and motioned for Dane to sit next to her. She sighed and said, “This one perplexes me.”

  Dane sat at the table and said, “I’m sorry to hear that. Do you have a name I can tell Beckwyn?”

  “Yes and no,” said Tetari.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “The last name is Thorner.”

  Dane felt as if he had been punched in the chest. “That’s impossible,” he whispered.

  “I’m afraid it’s true,” she said sympathetically. “Once again, I see both of them being attacked.”

  “I’ve never heard of a creature attacking the same person twice.” Dane could not stand the thought of Bryn being in danger again.

  “The father was never attacked before. This could just be an odd coincidence that different creatures attacked two members of the same family. Perhaps that is why I have two different visions when it comes to the Thorner family. My guess is the creature will be after the father. But the other vision of the daughter is so clear, I cannot be sure.”

  “Are you able to tell me when the attack will take place?” Dane asked.

  She reflected for a moment and said, “I believe it will be very soon. You must send them immediately.”

  Dane grabbed Tetari’s hand and said, “Please allow me to go and protect her. I cannot be easy waiting here for news.”

  “I’m not sure that it is wise,” she said regretfully. “You were distracted last time when you were around her and it was almost too late then.”

  Dane pleaded with her. “I will not make that mistake again. Please, Tetari. I can defend her better than any of my Protector brothers.”

  She raised an eyebrow and said, “I never thought you doubted Beckwyn’s and Castien’s abilities before.”

  He ran his hand through his hair and was impatient to go. Dane got up abruptly from the table and paced back and forth. “I don’t mean it that way. She means more to me than she means to them. I would die to protect her.”

  “I am sure your Protector brothers are willing to die for any human in danger as well,” said Tetari.

  “I beg you, Tetari. I must be allowed to go.”

  Tetari thought for a moment and said, “Very well. Take Beckwyn with you.”

  Dane flew from the table and left the room without even a farewell to Tetari. He was worried about Bryn. He had never heard of the same person being attacked twice, but he did not doubt the possibility of it. He would feel better, however, if he could be certain Bryn was wearing the necklace. He knew her stubborn temperament and was not sure she was. All Dane knew was that he could not let anything happen to her.