Conspiracy had a distinct smell to it. Add in treachery and fanaticism, and there was a stench. Afanasiv, Petru, Nicu and Benedek had been alive far too long not to recognize the never-ending cycle of extremism. There was also the underlying edge of dark magic tainting the land as they entered the easternmost corner of the territory. The strain was very faint, but it was there, a particularly ugly weave dedicated to turning friend against friend and family members against family. The weave was ancient but very powerful, taking the best of nature and turning it back on itself.
The ancients had gone in unseen, taking the form of clouds, knowing that if there were trouble, this place was the most likely center of it. Lada’s parents and their friends held leases to the largest farms. They held regular meetings for those belonging to the Sacred Circle, those holding to the old ways.
The plan called for Vasilisa to visit Lada. It would be natural for her, as a royal, to check up on Lada after her ordeal. In fact, it would be unseemly if no one visited her. It sounded like a solid plan when Vasilisa laid it out to everyone. Now, looking down at the tracks in the snow and seeing the jagged crack that split the earth at the back of the Belov property, Afanasiv wasn’t as happy with the plan as he had been.Someone had tried to cover the fissure by heaping snow around it so no one could see the fracture that allowed passage to and from the underworld.
Vasilisa wasn’t traveling alone. Dimitri’s lifemate had volunteered to accompany her on the visit. Where Skyler went, Dimitri wasn’t far behind. He traveled with the ancients, drifting with the low-lying clouds, inspecting the land below them.
The forest wasn’t as healthy as it should have been. The trees showed signs of strain. On close examination, Afanasiv couldn’t find evidence of the undead, but there were other toxic chemicals at work slowly poisoning the trees and bushes. He could hear them crying out for aid.
All those living or working on the Belov farm, all those visiting, would most likely be Lycan. Lycans guarded the forest and everything in it. How could they not hear the cries for help? How could they not see the healthy plants being choked to death by some outside source leaking into the soil?
I like none of this,he sent on the path used by the ancients. Dimitri was part of the path and could easily hear what he had to say.
Something is very wrong here,Nicu agreed.
I have seen this blight creeping close to the preserve,Dimitri said.We did not allow it to gain a foothold. The moment we spotted it, we wiped it out.
What is it, and where did it come from?Afanasiv asked. His radar was going off, telling him not only that something was very wrong but that there was danger here. He didn’t like that he wasn’t with his lifemate.
We suspect that this is something a mage has introduced into the soil. When we tapped into the mycelium system belowground,Dimitri said,that was the best explanation for what was happening.
Afanasiv knew the mycelium system was often a name given to the vast rootlike structure that connected the trees and plants, aiding in communication to ensure the health of the forest.Why would a mage want to poison the plants and trees?He was no longer drifting but was moving with purpose toward the farmhouse where Vasilisa would bearriving any moment to pay Lada a visit. Dimitri circled around toward the back of the large sprawling structure.
They hadn’t worried too much about the fact that Skyler would be consideredSange rau—an abomination—by the Sacred Circle members. Ordinarily, they would never be rude in front of a member of the royal family. If they refused to allow Skyler entrance to their home, that would go a long way to telling the ancients and royals just how strong a foothold the fanatics had.
Afanasiv believed Vasilisa would be able to handle any inquiries Lada’s parents might have regarding Skyler. She was adept at structuring answers and conversations so there was never a lie if anyone was good at hearing them the way Carpathians were.
Slow down, my lady,Afanasiv advised.I want to see what is taking place inside before you go in. This place feels wrong to me. It is heavy with darkness.
Dimitri added his opinion as well.It feels oily to me, mage oily. He’s here somewhere.
Not Xavier,Afanasiv said.Vasilisa sealed him in the underworld. He cannot escape. Even should he try to send slivers of himself, they would not get through. This is someone else.
Petru joined the conversation.Perhaps his brother Xaviero, or Barnabas. He is far worse than his father or uncles.
I have had no dealings with Barnabas, although I have heard of him. Word was sent to our prince, Mikhail,Dimitri acknowledged.
Afanasiv was at the actual farmhouse, moving with the slight breeze he had created with his brethren. The structure was made of logs that fit snugly into one another. The verandah was long and narrow, with a sloped roof matching the one above it so the snow could slide off easily. He didn’t make the mistake of expending energy, not if a high mage was close. He cautioned the others to be very careful, as well. He moved in close, though, allowing his senses to flare out as he scanned the interior of the large home.
Although there were few vehicles to give away the fact that severalpeople were inside, in one room, six people sat in a row of chairs facing a group of nine others. All were adults. He recognized Lada standing alone between the nine and the six. It felt as if she were in a courtroom being judged.
He had not taken blood from Lada, nor had he given her blood, so there was no bond between them.Vasilisa, did you give blood to Lada?He was extremely cautious now, ensuring that when he reached out to his lifemate, there was no spilling of energy that could be picked up by the mage he was certain was in the farmhouse.
There was nothing to show that a mage of great power was present, but the impression was there. It was nothing more than the feel of darkness—of gloom—hanging over the farmhouse. The weave of dark magic, an ugly pall he felt when he approached the eastern section of the royals’ territory.
Yes, several times,Vasilisa answered.
Is it possible for you to touch her mind without her being aware? Without any other being aware, even if someone else occupies her mind?
It would be a daring thing to do, even for an ancient. Afanasiv felt the immediate rejection of his plan by his brethren, all but Dimitri. Dimitri’s lifemate traveled with Vasilisa. If the mage had spies anywhere close to the farmhouse, they would have spotted the two women by now and reported to their master. Skyler couldn’t just disappear without a reason. Afanasiv intended to enter the farmhouse with Vasilisa through Lada. They would be able to ascertain what was going on and how safe it would be to continue with their plan.
Vasilisa didn’t answer right away. She thought it over carefully.I have never entered another’s mind when it is occupied by an enemy, my lord, but I am willing to try.
This mage is extremely powerful, sívamet. I would not want you to have to go up against him without any preparation.Afanasiv was careful in how he worded what he said. He didn’t want in any way to diminish her in front of the others or to make her feel as if he thought she couldn’t do it.
I have a delicate touch and have never been detected. I will try if you think it is necessary.
She wasn’t bragging. Vasilisa didn’t seem to have an ego when it came to being a warrior. If she said she had a delicate touch, she did.