Starfire by Kate Douglas Page B

crushed. At the same time, he knew wonder, and the powerful awareness that his life would never be the same again.

    Sticking to the shadows, Taron managed to get through the mining level without stumbling over one of those massive guards. From there he climbed more stairs to the main level, and then went straight to his quarters with the ruby sword.
    Within a few minutes he’d found his grandfather’s white leather scabbard in the back of his closet. The leather was still supple, the buckles and straps soft and well used, though not badly worn, considering the fact that his grandfather had fought in the DemonWars before Lemuria sank beneath the sea. Though the ruby blade was larger than the average crystal, it fit perfectly into the scabbard. The leather didn’t hide the gold pommel, but at least the unusual crystal was out of sight.
    Taron quickly shoved the ruby sword beneath the bed and sent out a message for Roland.
    Taron! Where are you?
    Roland. Thank goodness! I’m in my quarters. I have something here you have got to see. I need your help.
    I’m on my way, Taron. Stay put. Things are beginning to happen. Artigos has been taken. He is on his way to Earth, and Alton is preparing to take over the council. You might not be safe if word gets out about the crystal swords before he’s got complete control.
    Taron glanced at his bed and thought of the ruby sword lying beneath it. Roland, I think the crystal swords might be the least of our problems.

    Alton paused outside the portal that led to his mother’s lodgings. Enough time had passed that Dax and Eddy were well away from Lemuria, possibly at Dawson’s by now. At least Artigos couldn’t make contact with anyone, should the trance wear off. Alton knew he’d run out of excuses to delay any longer.
    “Alton?”
    Ginny’s soft fingers wrapped around his wrist.
    “I know.” He took a deep breath. “I’m ready.” He really did not want to have this conversation with his mother. How did one approach a woman who had lived a lie for most of her life? Though her rooms connected to the residence his father kept, that door was kept locked, and his parents had maintained separate entryways to their own rooms since the great move.
    Even Alton hadn’t realized the truth—that their marriage was truly a sham.
    He thought of how much he loved Ginny, how complete she made him feel, and sadness for his mother’s lonely life almost felled him. What he intended to tell his mother now could very well be the final blow. How much disappointment could a person bear?
    Ginny gazed up at him, cupped his face in her hands, and kissed him. “I love you, Alton. You can do this.” Then she took his hand in hers and lightly tugged him toward the doorway.
    “You’re sure?” He looked down at their fingers, so tightly linked. Of course she was sure. Ginny never doubted herself—or him. Her faith set a high standard for Alton.
    She made him a better man than he ever could have been on his own.
    “I’m sure,” she said, tugging him closer. Her soft laughter melted away much of the anxiety that had been building since Dax and Eddy took Artigos away.
    “C’mon. It’s time to talk to your mom.” Ginny kept her hold on his hand. Alton sighed and pressed a small button beside the door. Soft tones echoed on the other side of the portal.
    The shimmering light brightened, and Ginny followed Alton through, into Gaia’s lodgings. His mother waited on the other side with her hands folded tightly beneath her chin. When she saw them, she bowed her head, formally acknowledging the two of them. Then she raised her chin. Tears streamed from her eyes.
    “What have you done?” Her harsh whisper condemned them both. “He called to me. He begged for my help, but now I can’t reach him. What have you done to him?”
    Ginny shot Alton a quick glance.
    Alton froze, obviously stunned by his mother’s accusation. Ginny took one look at his ashen face and stepped forward. “Gaia, Artigos is