The morning dawned under a dreary sky, thick clouds rolling in, and snow fell steadily on the inn. Lonna was still too weak to get up, her face pale and drawn. Loka remained by her side, a hand hovering over her, letting a soft, warm light emanate from her palm, weaving the delicate threads of healing magic. Although still weak, Raylee felt a renewed strength after the night’s rest. She’d resume her own healing in the morning and assist Loka in the afternoon; by then, she hoped to be stronger. Later, Raylee found herself seated with Lanni, Tercala, Trema, and the Ertonians. They’d gathered in one of the rooms, talking in low, urgent voices about what she could reveal concerning Lonna’s situation. “There were...limits on what we could talk about,” Raylee began, hands wrapped around a cup of warm tea. “She was being monitored constantly. Just getting her out of there was a challenge, let alone talking to her about what she went through. She was a prisoner. From what I can tell, she’s been a prisoner all this time—while we thought she was dead.” Trema’s brows drew together. “But she’s been gone for so long. Doesn’t she remember anything about who took her or why?” Raylee shook her head, frustration and sadness interwoven in her expression. “She has no idea how long she’s been gone or who first captured her. She doesn’t talk about the specifics of that time, but from what I gathered, it was the Tamerians who eventually took control of her imprisonment.” Lanni interjected, her voice steely. “They didn’t just imprison her; they brainwashed her. She thinks that most of her memories of us, her past life are just fantasies. I suspect her first captors convinced her those memories were illusions, a way for her to cope with the isolation.” Raylee nodded slowly. “She’s hinted at that, yes. Since then, they’ve kept her in a lab. She’s been studying DNA...connected to magic.” She turned to Trema, her gaze serious. “Do you know what that is?” Trema gave a slight nod, glancing at Chapado, who’d been teaching him. “I’m beginning to understand.” “Good.” Raylee paused, gathering her thoughts. “She wasn’t allowed to talk much about her work. But from what I know, she’s been studying magic’s effect on DNA, specifically developing defenses against magical attacks. A smaller part of her research is offensive, but she genuinely believes her work is to defend Tameria—not to attack Torthoc. It seems the treaties are holding...for now.” Tercala leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “You’re saying she experimented on children?” Raylee nodded, her expression grave. “Yes. She wasn’t given any more of a choice than Drepal was. I think Jahree was one of her patients. A lot of the children I’ve brought here were part of her experiments. But sometimes, she tried to resist. She refused to hurt them, and she was punished for it—brutally. There were times when it didn’t matter how many times she was beaten. She would still refuse. They would have one of the watch do it then. But the watch weren’t as capable as she was. So there was a greater risk to the children. I’m not condoning what she did, and I’m not saying Jahree shouldn’t be angry. He should. If he was one of her studies, it’s understandable. And a lot of the children I bring were part of her studies. Unfortunately, I don’t remember most of their names, and sometimes, I never knew the names of the children. Can you tell me about his trip?” Lanni’s frown deepened. “Jahree doesn’t remember much, but he told me about a time, over twenty years ago, when they lost everything. He mentioned a rabbit...a doll he had.” Raylee’s face paled as the memory hit her. “Yes, I remember him now. Yes, he was one of Lonna’s patients. That was the only reason I brought them. His family was...high-profile. His father was a prominent city engineer. His mother was a clerk, but she was desperate. She told me they were going to do worse to Jahree than he could survive. Bringing them here was dangerous, but I couldn’t leave them. I couldn’t.” Morina crossed her arms, her eyes hard. “You weren’t supposed to bring high-profile families. You put everything at risk.” Raylee’s jaw clenched. “I did what I had to. He’s alive now. He’s strong enough to serve as a soldier. What they had planned for him back there...he’d be gone, or worse—an empty shell. Even if the Thailyn, Shunati, and Lamdi were still around, it wouldn’t help.” The others exchanged glances, memories surfacing of the legendary healers Thailyn, Shunati, and Lamdi—whose combined powers had once been able to heal nearly anything short of death. Raylee knew they were comparing what they had now to what had once been. Even with the power of three, they couldn’t match the healing prowess of those who had come before. Lanni placed a hand on Raylee’s shoulder, nodding. “You did what you believed was best. Jahree’s here, and he survived. I’ll work with him to help him adjust, and we’ll talk to the kings on Lonna’s behalf.” Tercala’s gaze softened. “I’ll help care for Lonna. Once she’s recovered, I’ll make sure she doesn’t become a burden to our progress.” Kritalla raised a brow. “Your leave is over, isn’t it?” Ter nodded, a faint smirk crossing his lips. “Several days ago.” “Leave?” Lanni frowned. “I thought you were up here checking on Jahr and me.” “I am, but General Azlos didn’t feel it was necessary and wouldn’t send me. I had time off saved up, so I took it. Right now, I’m delinquent. The day after tomorrow, I’ll be a deserter.” Lanni shook her head. “These are extenuating circumstances. We’ll speak with General Azlos.” Raylee let out a long breath, rubbing her temples. “I’ve been trying to reach someone telepathically. So far, I’ve only reached a dragonling who was learning to count and a gentleman with Neil-boh who mistook me for his mate. Not much use there, I’m afraid.” Kritalla sighed softly. “What about Nalli? Could she contact the city guard?” “Nalli lives in Pomora,” Lanni explained. “There aren’t any guards there. It’s a small village, too small for a magistrate. Jahan would have been their first magistrate if his dad hadn’t done what he had.” Raylee raised an eyebrow. “What happened?” “His dad stole from the King’s council and put some of the money in Jahan’s account. It happened at times when Jahan couldn’t have been involved, but the kings worried about his dad’s influence, so they withdrew the job offer. No one’s been hired,” Lanni explained. “You’ve read everyone’s files, haven’t you?” Trema asked. Lanni shrugged. “So why didn’t you know Zan and I are brothers?” Trema pressed. “It’s not in there, and you don’t use dad’s name. I didn’t think you two were lovers, but I could tell you had a personal relationship. I figured you had been friends growing up.” “Is there anyone this Nalli can contact?” Raylee asked. “Who is she anyway?” “Jahan’s wife, the one that said Shri was his daughter. But their son has Narlin. Travel isn’t so good for him. Loka can give you details.” After a moment, Lanni stood, adjusting her belt, and slipped a knife into it. “I’m going to check on Jahree.” Kritalla got up, grabbed his sword, and followed her. #fantasy #magic #dragons #hiddenlands