FIREFANGED

Chapter 23 (Changing Shifts)

Lightning flashed outside, casting hard shadows on my sudden ascension. Vigil Snow unlocked and opened the door, inviting Captain Glenn inside while Duke Ragir and Judge Small hurried away with their guard escorts. Glenn gave me a bow, clapped me on the back, and rushed out as well.

Vigil Thorn's bodyguards had come into the room. Thorn introduced me to Sentinels Volk, Peeler, and Timms, who all bowed carefully and shook my hand.

I presented the diminutive Yseria all around. The size difference was almost comical when compared to Thorn's men, but Yseria was now the sole bodyguard of a Vigil. The three massive sentinels each gave her a respectful nod. I surprised Yser with a hug and thanked her for being there.

Thorn gave me an emotional bow and a hug. She was a formidable woman and surprisingly hard to read in-depth for one who wore her mood so openly. There was a brazen hardness about her, a wall of protection around her heart that struck a familiar chord. I was immediately glad to have met her.

Vigil Snow had one warning for us before we left. "There are now three Vigils present in Berykholt, and the ascension of a Vigil always draws unwanted attention, no matter how secret we have tried to keep it. It is when a Vigil is most vulnerable. We must take precautions to maintain our safety and the safety of those around us."

It was still cats and dogs outside, but I wanted to get back to the others and share the news. I said good night and walked out with Yseria. We ran across the courtyard in the pouring rain and up a flight of stairs to our rooms.

It was late. The shared living room was empty.

I peeked into Raven's bedroom and found her asleep. Much to my relief, Andy was on duty, sitting by her bed.

I waved him out to talk. "Is she okay?"

"She still has trouble falling asleep on her own. Physically she has recovered, but her ordeal weighs heavily on her heart."

"Well—something has happened. We're going to have to increase our security immediately."

We heard a knock on the door from the stairwell. Not feeling anything amiss, I opened the door to Scouts Duncan and Jacka, dripping on the second-floor landing.

Jacka explained their presence: "Just letting you know that Captain Glenn has reassigned the scouts to guard this keep while there are dignitaries present. We'll be covering the keep entrance and this landing throughout the night."

I quickly introduced Yseria and asked that the scouts coordinate with her and Andarion. The dark elves would be splitting shifts in our living room tonight.

"Very good." Duncan offered me a huge grin. "Sleep well, Vigil Storm."

Andarion didn't miss a beat. "Mott, I think our boy is going up in the world. I'll take the first watch here. If there is any mayhem bound our way, I'd expect it sooner than later. The heavy weather would make great cover."

"Mott, if you would, Vigil Snow has asked that I take all precautions, and I could use a couple more hands to hold down the fort here until things settle down." I handed Mott a piece of paper. "Please ask Captain Glenn to round these two up and send them our way first thing in the morning."

I checked all of the rooms and windows on our floor before sitting down with Andy in the common area. Yseria had already turned in, and I badly needed to rest. I wasn't all that anxious about someone getting past Master Andarion or the elite scouts. I just needed to talk.

I began in a quiet voice: "Yseria saw my scars tonight in front of the Vigils, the duke, and the King's cousin."

"How did she react?"