Destination Unknown

Let's Talk About Loyalty

Mara P.O.V.

Sam turns to Selene and Seraph first. He scribbles on his clipboard for a second and then begins.

"I would like you two to talk with Bardhyll, Andromeda and the children that came with them. I know that it's a lot of people but I feel that you will only need to ask Bardhyll and Andromeda, and if they agree, their children will follow. Katherine," Sam turns in a semi-circle to the chair Katherine is sitting in. "I'm going to have you speak with Phoenix and Fajra. And I want you to also speak with Kai, it's time that he is filled in on what's happening." He pauses for a second, scribbling something again, and then turning to Killian and Nimue. "You are going to speak with Nesrin and Antheia. I feel like if they agree, so will their children they brought." He turns to Dhara and Alastair, narrows his eyes, and I can see from the twitch in his eyebrow that he's figured out that they are going to want to work together. "You two are going to talk to Meliona, Sage, and Devika." He looks at his clipboard for  second before turning to me. "That is all the children that are here. I will be waiting for more to arrive today, and I have a mission for you." I narrow my eyes, skeptical of what he's going to ask me to do. 

"How can I help?" He holds my gaze for a second, and I see a shift in his eyes. I don't expec to like the next thing that comes out of his mouth. 

"I'm going to send you to seek the warrior children, more specifically, Bhaltair, the leader." I see Nimue shift uncomfortably. I look at her with my eyebrows knit. What does she know, and is not sharing? Everyone senses her discomfort, and waits for her to add the words obviously stuck on the tip of her tongue. She sighs and looks at Morgayne, before looking back to me.

"Morgayne and Cleo should go with you." My confusion only furthers. She sighs again, obviously not wanting to explain. I see Killian's face twisting to discomfort, and he takes a deep breath. "Morgayne is betrothed to the Bhaltair's son. It would help you to have her familiar face on you side. It might convince them to help us." I nod, understanding her logic, but still being confused, because from their looks, they don't want Morgayne and this boy to be betrothed. Something else is going on, and I have a feeling I should ask Killian and Nimue about it when they're alone. 

"Father," Alastair interrupts my intense staring at Killian and Nimue, and everyone pauses for his next statement. "I believe you told me that you were also keeping track of who might be the easiest to convince. It would be useful information to know beforehand." Sam looks at his clipboard again, and I see an aura of exhaustion flare up around him. He's been hiding it well, but if I look closer I can see that the past few days have truly been affecting him just as much as they have been affecting others. He sighs, obviously frustrated, but he quickly gathers his emotions. 

"Yes, you're correct. The only ones I believe you may have trouble convincing are Phoenix and Fajra. They were hovering around Lissa and Rex yesterday, so you should be cautious when giving them information. So actually, Katherine, I'm going to have Dhara speak with them, because she is able to wipe their memories if it comes to it. So I'll have you speak with Meliona, Devika and Sage instead. Once you explain everything to Kai he can help you." Sam pauses, looks at his clipboard and sighs. "Alastair, I'm actually going to have you do something different." Scribbling on his paper again, everyone waits in a weird silence. 

"During the night, I heard Lissa speaking with someone, and it was not any of the children that are here. She's planning something as well, and we have to be prepared for whatever it is she is going to do. So once you have spoke to your siblings, and if they've agreed to help, send them to Cassie's room, where I'll have Alastair waiting to direct them. Alastair, Mara, Dhara, I need to speak with you alone. Everyone else, you have your duties. Please get to them as soon as possible." Selene and Seraph look despaired that they have to stop swooning over each other and get off the couch. Everyone but the four of us files out of the room, Katherine talking to all of them as they go. Once the door is closed, Sam practically falls into a chair and sighs dramatically. I see a ripple of surprise go through the room, but it's quickly shut down by the curiosity I know everyone is feeling as to why he kept us behind. Just a quick assessment of Sam tells me that he's fighting the effects of not getting enough sleep. It's something that I'm more than accustomed to.