Charlotte Stone and the Children of the Nymet (23 page)

A fire burned on the banks of the silver lake that flowed through the vaulted banquet hall. Heavy tapestries hung from the walls, their metal threads twinkling in the flickering light, but they did nothing to insulate the place from the cold of the mountains.

‘Next time we meet in Agrimony,' Dijin grumbled as he shivered, despite being sat on a pile of hot coals.

Luned and Malik nodded in agreement, their fingers blue in spite of the mittens they wore.

‘Why have you called us here, sister?' Morrigan demanded, pacing the room swaddled in furs and a number of woollen tunics as Rani Johari sat deathly still as always, Durga at her side.

‘There are urgent matters we need to discuss,' Durga replied to Morrigan's question. ‘Certain information has come to light, so to speak.'

‘The tree has been saved and is to be removed from the hands of the destructive humans. The gateway can be closed. What more is there to discuss?'

‘Do you really think it is a good idea to withdraw Albion's last defence?' Durga laughed. ‘Always so short sighted, sister.'

‘I could easily rip out that diamond heart of yours, you know,' Morrigan growled. ‘It would make a lovely addition to my mantle.'

‘I think not,' Durga said, totally unfazed by The Morrigan's outburst. ‘In any case, I am only speaking the words of my mistress.'

‘How do you know I'm not talking to her?'

‘It's all in the eyes.' Durga's fangs glinted in the harsh blue light of the crystal fires as her mouth curled into a smile. ‘Would you like me to look further into your soul, dear Morrigan?'

‘In the name of the creation, be civil. We need to be united.' Satvari, Queen of the Slyphs, floated between them. ‘Trouble is brewing, the zephyrs whisper stories of the covenant breaking and the Nivasi are growing restless. There are even disturbing rumours of a plot to kidnap a member of the Golden Root.'

‘You do not scare me, Durga,' Morrigan roared, ignoring the sylph. ‘I am the mistress of death and I govern ALL life… including you…'

‘You steal life; there is a difference… besides, we are immortal, you have no sway over us.'

A loud clicking echoed around the hall, interrupting their sparring. The human male, who had till now sat silently outside the glow of the fires, walked towards the Shriven Council. Shadows fell menacingly across Etienne's face.

‘Enough with the small talk. Don't you think it's time we talked about the girl?…'

Some say Syluria rose from the sea… and the Nivasi didn't like it

The seas are restless as Charlotte Stone returns to Syluria. There have been disturbing rumors surfacing that the House of Mer intends to destroy all Dry territories throughout the Triverse unless the ‘Vorla Lamp' is returned to their keeping.

Ancient bloodlines reveal hidden alliances and reluctant loyalties threaten to rip apart the tight-knit community of Brackenheath-on-sea as friend is forced to betray friend.

Meanwhile, the destruction that lurks in the Dreamtime continues to silently ripple through the Nymet.

Charlotte Stone and the Albion Gate
is book two of the Nymet Chronicles.

Due for release 2016

For more information on pre-ordering, special giveaways and competitions, as well as to learn more about Charlotte and the world of the Nymet, sign up to the official Nymet newsletter at
www.NymetChronicles.com

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Tasha O'Neill was born July 1975 in the city of Cambridge and grew up in Suffolk. Over the years she has lived in various parts of the UK but always ends up being drawn back to her East Anglian roots. Currently she lives near Woodbridge with two black cats.