Shadows and Light

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    Turning in a slow circle, she opened herself to her power as the Gatherer and listened.
    Death always murmured in the woods, just as life murmured there. But she heard no whisper from Death that indicated she was needed. Besides, there was the youth’s grin to consider—and the fact that Ashk had been oddly distracted while she’d been showing Morag some of the trails in the woods. Added to that was Ashk leaving her abruptly about an hour ago “to take a bath.”
    Whose arrival could be important enough that this Clan’s Lady of the Woods would feel compelled to look her best in order to receive them?
    A chill went through Morag. She could think of two Fae whose arrival might cause some excitement among the Clan here—the Huntress and the Lightbringer. The Lady of the Moon and the Lord of the Sun, the Lord of Fire.
    Would Dianna or Lucian visit a western Clan? The rest of the Fae in Sylvalan tended to avoid the Fae in the west whenever possible. There was no reason those two would visit here. Unless, somehow, they’d heard that Ari was still alive and now lived in this Old Place.
    But there was that youth’s grin and Ashk’s desire to look her best. Considering Ashk’s opinion of Lucian and Dianna, Morag didn’t think Ashk would make any special efforts for either of them.
    Morag shifted to her other form, spread her black raven’s wings, and flew along the forest trail back to the Clan house.
    Just to be safe. Just to be sure. As soon as she’d satisfied,, herself that these visitors were no threat to Ari and Neall, she’d return to the cottage.
    As soon as you‘ve satisfied your own curiosity, she admitted frankly. You want to see who could fluster Ashk.
    Morag landed just out of sight of the Clan house, changed back to her human form, then walked the rest of the way. She reached the Clan house at the same time Ashk walked out one of the doors.
    “How do I look?” Ashk asked, turning in a circle to show off the summer-green gown and the brown, richly embroidered overvest.
    Like a gentry lady — except you have the pointed ears and feral looks of the Fae, Morag thought. “
    You look lovely.”
    Ashk’s woodland eyes had a sparkle Morag hadn’t seen in them before.
    A horn sounded through the woods. Ashk’s nostrils flared slightly, as if she were trying to catch a scent on the wind.
    “They’re here,” Ashk said. She smiled at Morag. “Come and meet them.” Not waiting for Morag’s response, she walked toward a dark-haired man on a gray gelding and a young girl on a black pony as they slowly rode into view of the Clan house.
    Gentry, Morag decided as she moved to a position where she could watch Ashk as well as the strangers.
    That’s why she saw the boy riding behind the man. Seen straight on, the boy had been hidden.
    “Lady Ashk,” the man said with formal politeness.
    “Baron Padrick,” Ashk replied just as formally. “Come and be welcome.”
    Morag scanned the faces of the other Fae who were watching this meeting. They didn’t seem concerned or wary that the local baron had come to the Clan house. No, they seemed amused by the formality of the greeting. Just like the young girl on the black pony, who was rolling her eyes— which, in turn, made the boy scowl at her.
    “I brought someone to see you,” Padrick said. Reaching an arm back, he helped the boy down before dismounting.
    The girl, grinning now as she watched Ashk, dismounted and led her pony closer to Morag.
    Ashk studied the boy before giving Padrick a quizzical look. “You’ve brought a visiting baron to see me?
    ”
    Morag wanted to join the young girl in rolling her eyes. What was wrong with Ashk? It was obvious the boy was the man’s son. Anyone could see that by looking at them.
    The boy, both pleased and embarrassed, said, “ Mother .”
    Ashk stared at him coolly. “Mother? You’re mistaken, sir. My son is a boy of eleven years, while you are a tall, handsome young man.”
    “Mother! It’s me, Evan. Truly, it is.” He looked up at the man beside him. “Father, tell her.”
    Morag stared at the man, then at Ashk. Father? Mother? Ashk had mated with the local baron?
    Ashk tipped her head to one side, considering. “I’d know who you are for certain if I got a hug.” She opened her arms.
    When the boy glanced at the people around him and hesitated, Padrick said, “Lad, if you haven’t learned yet to recognize a good offer when you hear one, then I’ll be glad to take your hug as well as my