Gryphon's Glenn

Chapter Twenty

CHAPTER TWENTY

As soon as they returned to the castle with the prisoner in tow, the King hurried off to find someone he knew he'd need. He located Gabriel Evans, one of the castle's top sorcerers, in Helena's bedroom. Had it been another man, the King might have been concerned, but Gabriel would never dare to take Helena for himself. He was far too loyal for that.

"Gabriel. How unexpected to find you here," Girard said.

"My King," Gabriel said respectfully. "Helena was feeling ill. I came to assist her."

"I'm fine, Gabriel," Helena said quickly. She looked incredibly weak, and Girard knew that was not the case.

"What are her symptoms?" Girard asked.

"My King... May we speak privately?" Gabriel asked.

"With all due respect, Gabriel, if this concerns my health, I think I should be involved in the conversation," Helena objected.

"Of course," Gabriel replied. "She has been feeling rather weak, and she cannot hold down food. I am certain it will pass with proper rest."

"Of course," Girard said. He stroked Helena's hair soothingly. "Helena, I insist you remain in your room and take time to rest."

"But, my King, I have responsibilities-" Helena began to protest.

"Gabriel and the other sorcerers can spread those tasks between them until you are feeling better, my dear. Don't waste your energy worrying about such things. I want you healthy, Helena. Now, rest. I'll have Matty check on you later and bring you a potion for the nausea. Come, Gabriel. Let's leave her to rest."

"Yes, my King," Gabriel replied. He followed Girard from the room.

"What do you think is wrong with her?" Girard asked when they were alone.

"You've drained too much of her energy, my King. Helena is powerful, but even she can only spare so much at once," Gabriel replied. That was something Girard valued about Gabriel. He wasn't afraid to tell him the truth, even if it criticized his actions a bit.

"I understand that may have caused her weakness, but why can't she hold down food?"

"Her system is going haywire. You must let her recover, my King. Don't touch her energy for at least a week. Helena will not survive if you keep this up."

Girard sighed. "I will shift my focus to Bethany for a bit. I certainly don't want to risk losing Helena." He didn't add that if feeding on Bethany's magic wasn't enough, he would turn to his son. Vincent didn't really need magic in his realm anyway. He wouldn't notice if Girard took some for himself.

"Of course. I'll make sure Helena recovers quickly," Gabriel replied.

"Thank you, Gabriel. I have another task for you as well... We have captured a powerful sorceress. She cost me Holly Lynn. I would have killed her outright, but if we can recruit her instead, she'd make a powerful ally."

"Who is she, my King?"

"Takeisha Brewster."

Gabriel nodded. "What do you want me to do?"

"Try to convince her to join us. I am trusting you, Gabriel. You've always been able to charm the ladies."

"I'd be happy to," Gabriel said with a dark smile. "Is that all?"

"For now. Go on. I should check in with my Queen. With Taylee missing, she's become a bit unstable. I may need to increase the power of the spell."