Silver Skeletons: Book 3 The Rose Tree Chronicles

Chapter Twenty-Two: An Awakening at a Wake

"Those who are sold as Slaves officially become Slaves when the proper paperwork is turned in to the Association of Slave Owners."

Because Polaris was on his own and not part of a slow caravan, he made haste and managed to arrive at Lakeblood Manor in the former Kingdom of Saíd on Zafirô 18, eleven days after he learned of Myrdor's passing. The once red trees were void of leaves and flawless white snow blanketed the ground, the black rune-like designs of which decorated the estate with a dark elegance. Polaris's coach rolled up to the entrance and the butler answered the large, gunmetal doors.

"Your Honor," he said. "The lady is expecting you. Allow me to show you to her and I'll have someone take care of your coach and horses."

"Thank you," said Polaris.

The butler removed Polaris's black coat and showed him to a sitting room this time. Here the marchioness sat reading in front of a roaring fireplace and Rein was already there reading the same book over her shoulder.

"Lord Polaris!" said Ivanna the moment he entered with the butler. She closed her book and stood from her tall, crimson wing chair. "It's always wonderful to see you. Rupert, please see to it that his luggage is unpacked in his chamber and that his servants are shown to their rooms."

"Yes, my Lady," said the butler.

Polaris glowed at the sight of Ivanna and they hugged in greeting just as they had before.

"You look so much better than you did during your last visit," Ivanna said. "Aside from your hand, of course. Let's be rid of this then."

Ivanna unwrapped the bandage and healed Polaris's knuckles.

"That's much better," Polaris said. "Thank you."

"Of course," Ivanna replied. "I'd offer you something to eat after such a tedious journey, but supper will be served within the next twenty minutes. During which, we can discuss the reason you're here. In the meantime, how about you warm yourself by the fire?"

"That sounds wonderful."

Polaris took a seat in the black and red wing chair that was etched in gold. He observed the intricately carved obsidian that formed the fireplace and brushed the remaining flakes of snow off the collar of his deep purple shirt.

"I'm curious," he said. "Being part fire elemental, why do you sit by fire? You're capable of warming yourself naturally."

"Many fire elementals find fire comforting," Ivanna explained as she adjusted the skirt of her green and black gown. "Lightning storms too. I think Ravan touched on this a little when he came to see you."

"Ravan's a fire elemental?" Polaris asked.

Ivanna nodded. "And human. I believe he is in fact half of each. Whereas I am a quarter of each."

"Right, because you're half mermaid," Polaris remembered. "Fascinating. Nadia's a hundred percent."

"I'm aware."

"Yes, I suppose it still stuns me. But I'd rather not discuss her just yet. What has kept you so busy in Saíd?"

"I've been expanding my organization, as I mentioned last time."

"Right, how has that been going?" Polaris asked as he held his chin on his freshly healed knuckles, pleased to be able to use the hand again.

"Well so far. These things are a bit slow-going since rapport must be built and one must choose possible informants carefully. I must learn where everyone's loyalties lie, their motivations, and their ultimate goals. Especially now that I recently learned Ariana is looking to create her own network of informants, so that's quite exciting."