Ash Fallen Read online

  He blushed and grinned good-naturedly. “What can I say? I didn’t want good wine to go to waste.”

  Arilisa shook her head, laughing, then immediately switched into planning mode. “Phynley, if you wouldn’t mind getting the wine. Take Kechpin with you. And Mixxun, how about if you and Trappson fetch the china? Bring it to the great dining hall. Bigginsmae, Reshaun, if you two could start wiping down the tables and putting on the linens, Rosalie and I will start on the menu.”

  With the staff dispersed on their errands, Rosalie and the head cook traded ideas for the feast. “What about daulket with a marmalade sauce?” Arilisa suggested.

  Rosalie thought about it. “It does sound delicious. The only problem is we’ve been eating a lot of daulket meat lately.”

  “Not with my marmalade sauce.”

  “True.” Rosalie agreed. “We also have quite a bit of tuskentee meat left.” She smiled to herself, remembering the pride of bringing down the great beast. “Do you have a special recipe you prepare with that?”

  The head cook’s face lit up. “I do. I have a mouthwatering recipe that’s been in my family for years.”

  “Perfect. Well, what if we offered both courses? Give them a variety?”

  “I think I like you,” Arilisa said. She produced two aprons from a drawer and tossed one to Rosalie. “I don’t let many folks into my kitchen, but you can join me anytime.”

  While Arilisa and Rosalie worked away in the kitchen, the rest of the staff filed in and out, asking for their next task. There were napkins to press and fold, goblets to set out, silverware to polish, and additional tables and chairs to be brought in from the outbuildings. Elaborate candlesticks were set on each table.

  “This is beautiful,” Rosalie mused. She’d slipped out of the kitchen for a break and to check out the great dining hall. Overflow seating spilled into the hallway. It would be a tight fit to host the entire Liberation Alliance, including the new recruits, but Rosalie loved that every person would get to partake in such a special feast.

  Arilisa came up beside her and patted her hand. “They’re going to love this.”

  “Thank you for helping make all this possible.”

  “It is our absolute pleasure.”

  Rosalie stepped outside to find Ash. She wanted him to make the announcement for everyone to wash up before dinner.

  “All of us?” he asked when she broached the subject.

  “Yes, all of you.”

  “Roe, wow, that had to be quite an ordeal to throw together. No wonder you’ve been avoiding me all day.” He clasped her hands in his and stared into her green eyes. “So, does this mean I don’t get you all to myself tonight?”

  “Hmm…” she teased. “I suppose there’s always dessert.”

  When he leaned in to kiss her, she side-stepped him, giggling. “Wash up. Give the order. Dinner will be ready in precisely thirty minutes.”

  The look of awe on the faces of the Liberation Alliance when they entered the great dining hall was all the thanks Rosalie and the kitchen staff needed. The head cook had suggested the food be pre-plated and include a portion of both main entrees. She’d offered the recommendation to save time – but it also made the table look beautiful and the delectable aroma of fresh baked bread and basted tuskentee meat wafted in the air. Rosalie was glowing with excitement at seeing the room packed full of people who were obviously enjoying themselves.

  “Your men clean up nicely,” she commented to Ash over dinner.

  “So do you,” he said, admiring the short, black dress she wore.

  “Oh, this ol’ thing,” she teased. “Apparently there were some wild parties held here back in the day. The head cook found this dress amongst the lost and found and had it cleaned and pressed for me.”

  “Thank goodness for wild parties,” Ash told her. He covered her hand with his and planted a kiss on the side of her head.

  Blushing, Rosalie switched topics. “Your men seem to be enjoying the food.”

  “You’ve probably spoiled them,” he said, pretending to be cross. “Now they’ll be demanding meals like this from here on out.”

  Marx joined the party, seating himself next to Ash and taking everyone by complete surprise. The Discerner typically kept to himself.

  “You came,” Ash said, stating the obvious.

  “I wasn’t about to miss this spread.”

  “Rosalie,” Ash said, “I don’t believe you’ve met my old friend Marx.”

  She tensed, then blushed. “Uh, I don’t believe we have,” she lied, extending her hand. “I’m Rosalie.”

  Marx took her hand in his. “It’s a real pleasure to meet you,” he said, casting a wink in her direction.

  “Am I missing something?” Ash asked.

  “Nope, just flirting with your girlfriend.”

  Rosalie pressed her napkin to her lips to stifle a laugh, and her shoulders relaxed. Between bites of food, she concentrated on the faces of her guests. Lexis, who sat across from her, and next to Othelia, was the only person who looked a little melancholy. Rosalie also noticed she’d barely touched her food.

  “Everything okay?” she finally asked.

  “What’s that?”

  She spoke up louder, assuming Lexis couldn’t hear her over the noise. “You look a little down.”

  “I’m okay. It’s just a bit warm in here.” Perhaps she worried her lack of enthusiasm offended Rosalie because she offered a tight smile and added, “But the food is delicious. This was so nice of you.”

  “I didn’t do it alone. The staff here is incredible. I’ll introduce you to them later.”

  Lexis shrugged, noncommittal and went back to picking at her food.

  Othelia glanced over at her Rosalie, shrugged, then winked at her. “Can’t please everybody,” she mouthed, to which Rosalie tried not to snort with laughter.

  “Well, I for one am enjoying this,” Ash whispered seductively. “But I was sort of more interested in that dessert you mentioned earlier.”

  Once the meal was over, Rosalie surprised her dinner party with entertainment. The mansion boasted a spacious events room complete with a small stage and a grand piano. According to the staff, the stage had been used by some of the finest musicians and actors. Tonight, what Rosalie had prepared would have to do.

  The Liberation Alliance of two hundred plus filled the events room and took their seats. Nervously Rosalie peered through the curtain from behind stage. She had butterflies in her stomach when she spotted Ash and Stryker in the front row. She began to worry she’d overreached assuming all these people would care to hear silly folk songs with a battle looming before them. It had been her hope the music would lift their spirits and get their minds off fighting for a while. But now, seeing the room packed with people, she was having second thoughts.

  “It’s just stage jitters,” a man named Sable whispered beside her. He was the head maintenance man for the house, and to Rosalie’s recent discovery, a fine guitar player.

  “I sure hope so.”

  The curtain opened and everyone applauded, though they had no idea what they were about to see. Rosalie stepped forward to the microphone at center stage. She’d changed into a long, shimmering dress Arilisa found for her. It hugged her curves and made her feel sexy and confident. The two musicians she’d managed to wrangle into helping her joined her on stage. Sable stood tall, clutching his guitar. It had always been his dream to perform on that very stage he himself had prepared for so many fine performers in years past. Beside him stood Etheleena, cleaning staff by day and violinist any chance she had. The piano loomed behind them.

  “Good evening,” Rosalie said once the applause died down. “I know everyone has been working really hard, and to show our appreciation, we’ve prepared some music for your entertainment.”

  There was applause and some hoots and hollers from the crowd. Rosalie took a breath and prayed they weren’t disappointed.

  “Beside me is Sable, on guitar, and Etheleena on the violin.”


  More applause. Sable glowed with pride and Etheleena took a humble bow.

  “And, while I’m told in the past this stage hosted many fine singers, I’m afraid tonight you’ll have to put up with me.” She flashed a smile, drew courage from the enthusiastic applause, then took a seat at the piano.

  As Rosalie’s fingers flew across the keyboard, and the first verse of the solemn melody poured from her lips, Ash sat up straighter in his chair. Her voice was smooth and sweet as honey. As she played, there was a genuine sadness to her tune.

  When you’ve gone away,

  Please remember me.

  I know you can’t stay,

  But please remember me.

  The violin and guitar joined in after the first verse. A hush fell over the crowd as the beautiful music filled the room. Rosalie looked out over her audience, smiling as she belted out the next verse with her powerful, velvety voice.

  I’ve only known you for a little while.

  And you always told me you would have to go.

  But oh, how I’ll miss that tender smile,

  There’s one thing I’d like you to know.

  She leaned in closer to the microphone, her lips almost brushing it as she crooned the sorrowful words. She closed her eyes, shoulders swaying to the music.

  I’ll never forget your pretty face,

  Or the way it felt when you held my hand.

  I’ll forever miss the warmth of your embrace,

  No matter the distance, or what far off land.

  So, when you’ve gone away,

  In my heart, you will stay.

  I only ask that you remember me.

  Ooh, remember me-e-e-e-e.

  Rosalie held the last note as the Alliance stood to their feet in applause. She’d managed to transport them away from an approaching battle, and into a great concert hall. Problems were temporarily forgotten as they clapped their hands and eagerly wondered what came next.

  She stood, stepped away from the piano, and bowed before her audience. Ash locked eyes with her and watched the adorable way her cheeks turned pink at his gaze.

  “If you don’t marry her, I will,” Stryker said beside him as he clapped his hands together with enthusiasm.

  Grinning, Ash said, “Remember you’re already married.”

  He chuckled. “She might make me forget.”

  “Thank you,” Rosalie told the crowd, returning to the microphone at center stage. “Now we’re going to speed things up a bit with an old favorite called Adalinia, Hold My Hand.”

  The familiar song title prompted a huge response from the crowd.

  “Oh good, you guys like that one. Okay, well we’ll try to do it justice.” She nodded to the violin player, who began the quick-paced solo. The crowd stomped their feet to the rhythm, and the guitar player joined in. Rosalie plucked the microphone from its stand. By the time her voice broke in, singing about the sweet-faced Adalinia, she’d captured everyone’s hearts.

  “Didn’t you think Lexis was acting strange tonight?” Rosalie asked when she and Ash were getting ready for bed.

  “Maybe a little, but I don’t really know her.”

  She started tossing throw pillows off the bed, then yanked back the covers. “She’s usually so friendly. If tonight was the first time meeting her, I would have thought she was…” She trailed off, feeling shame for the unkind words she was about to speak.

  Ash began to laugh. “I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who gets under your skin.”

  “Maybe I’m just being sensitive. I really wanted tonight to be special. She acted like we were… were… putting her out or something.” She blew out a breath and threw another pillow. This one bounced off a table leg and rattled a vase perched dangerously close to the table’s edge. She shot Ash a sheepish grin. “Oops.”

  “Everything really did turn out great. Who cares what she thinks? Perhaps being invited to a great feast is an insult in her village.” He grinned. “Who knows, maybe where she’s from there’s a tradition where they boil one of the party guests and serve them for dessert.”

  She giggled. “Would you stop with talk about dessert? Honestly, is that all you think about?” She grinned at him as she struggled with the zipper of her evening gown.

  Ash stared over at her, awestruck. Her gown accentuated her feminine shoulders and narrow waist. She was mouthwatering. When he came up beside her, she turned around, offering him her backside. She scooped up her auburn hair and held it atop her head, giving him full access to the zipper. The dress was cut lower in the back than he’d realized. He shook his head with appreciation, then unzipped it, slowly. When the shimmering gown fell to the floor, he placed a kiss on her bare back, between her shoulder blades. “Well, it is now,” he murmured, referring back to her comment about dessert.

  The dawn had barely broken when Ash and Rosalie were roused from sleep by a frantic knocking on their bedroom door. As Ash scrambled out of bed and worked to pull on his pants, the knocking became more intense.

  “I’m coming,” he grumbled. Bleary-eyed, he trudged to the door and yanked it open.

  Dillinger stood on the other side of the door. “I’m sorry, sir. Stryker wanted me to tell you that we’ve had a deserter.”

  “I don’t like that term. We no longer have prisoners, and no one is under any obligation to stay.”

  “Understood, but this case is a little different. It’s the nature of why the person left. Stryker thought it was best if you two met in private to discuss it.”

  “So why are you here instead of Stryker?” It was unlike Ash to act so cross, but he was still groggy, and Dillinger wasn’t making any sense.

  “He’s already in Marx’s room, discussing it with him.”

  Ash raked his fingers through his hair. “I see. Who is the deserter?”

  “Best if Stryker explains everything to you, sir.”

  “Alright. Tell him I’ll be right there.”

  Dillinger nodded, then made his retreat.

  “What’s going on?” Rosalie asked. She’d only caught about every third word but had heard enough to understand it wasn’t good news.

  “I’m not sure yet. I’ve got to talk to Marx and Stryker. I’m not sure how long I’ll be, but I’ll come back, okay?”

  “Okay,” she said, yawning and lying her head back on the pillow.

  He gave her hair a tug. “Go back to sleep.” He kissed her cheek, then stood to leave.

  “Love you,” she murmured, already drifting back to sleep.

  He stared at her for a moment longer before pulling on his shirt and shoes. He wasn’t looking forward to whatever Stryker and Marx had to tell him.

  “Let’s have it,” Ash said, stepping into Marx’s room.

  “Well, good morning to you too,” he said sarcastically.

  Ash crossed his arms in front of his chest but didn’t say anything.

  Marx cleared his throat and stared pointedly at Ash. “We had a deserter last night.”

  “That part I heard.” His tone was impatient.

  “It was Lexis.”

  Ash frowned. “That’s surprising. Would explain why she was acting strangely at dinner. And it’s a shame to lose a Soother.” He narrowed his eyes, arms still crossed. “Not sure if that’s worth getting me out of bed this early.”

  Stryker spoke up. “No, but this is. She left a note.” He handed Ash a folded-up slip of paper.

  Unfolding it slowly, Ash fought to appear calm. He didn’t need bad news this late in the game. He read the contents of the note, crumpled it up, then shoved it in his pants pocket. “You didn’t see anything like this coming?” The question was directed at Marx.

  “I’m a Discerner not a freaking psychic or miracle worker.”

  “Relax, I’m not accusing – just asking.”

  “Why don’t you just say what’s on your mind? That I’m losing my gift. I can’t see what happens to Rosalie. I didn’t see this.”

  “Hey, hey, Marx,” Ash said, softening his tone. �
��No one is saying that.”

  “Yeah, Marx,” Stryker chimed in. “No one is suggesting you held anything back or are losing your gifts. I’m a Discloser, and I got nothing when I met her. We just need to figure out what happened, and what we’re going to do about it.”

  “Sorry,” Marx said. “I guess I’m just mad at myself. I thought once Talon was gone things would get clearer. That just hasn’t been the case. I blame myself for this one. I really feel like I should have seen it coming.”

  “Maybe we have another Blocker amongst us and don’t know it,” Stryker offered. “Maybe they don’t even know it.”

  “It’s a possibility,” Marx said. “But I fear something else is at play. My intel says Lord Zebadiah has gotten deep into sorcery. It’s likely he’s channeling something that blocks my visions related to him.”

  Stryker asked, “So, what do we do?”

  Ash rubbed his chin, then straightened his shoulders. “We just do our best. And we fight. As planned.”

  “What did you find out?” Rosalie asked when Ash rejoined her. She was already up, dressed, and pacing the floors.

  He sat on the edge of the bed. “Well, you were right about Lexis acting strangely.”

  She sat down next to him. “Really, what happened?”

  “She left us last night.”

  “Do you know where she went.”

  “She didn’t say.”

  “Did she say why?

  “She did.”

  “Ash, what did she say?”

  He hesitated, thought of glossing over the facts, but decided in favor of full disclosure. He fished the note from his pocket, smoothed it out, and handed it over to Rosalie.

  She opened the note and read it aloud.

  It is with a heavy heart that I let you know I am leaving the Liberation Alliance. I can no longer live a lie. You see, it wasn’t by chance that you found me in Grockdurn. I was planted there by Lord Zebadiah. He knew you would keep me for my soothing powers. I was sent to be a spy amongst your camp. The idea was to sneak out tonight and report back to Castle Druin on your plans. But I’ve had a change of heart. I’ve made friends here and I see now that I was on the wrong side. But although I won’t be relaying your plans to Lord Zebadiah, I can’t stay. If he finds out I betrayed him, he will never let me live. I also know my betrayal of your trust is unforgiveable. Although I can’t expect your forgiveness, I hope you won’t hate me; especially you, Rosalie and Othelia. I truly considered you my friends.