Harold was watching the woman. “Caroline?”
“They lie, they’re grasping at straws, and desperate to place blame on us!” she seethed.
“Still,” Harold said as he watched Ryder closely. “Another Elder has accused you, and the process and rules must be upheld. Take her away,” Harold said and we waited as the Witches took Caroline away for questioning.
By questioning, they usually meant torture and then retirement. Retirement to the Guild meant she’d be dead by morning.
“Alden, you have been accused as well,” Harold said and when I growled he held up his hand. “However, in light of the new information you’ve brought us, we will request some time to review what you’ve told us. You will be—”
“Think hard on that one,” I warned as I read his mind. He was not keeping Alden here to question him, or kill him.
“It is protocol,” Harold said as he narrowed his eyes on us.
“Then I suggest you start a new one,” I snapped.
“Synthia, allow me to finish, please,” Alden said gently as he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Harold, I have given my time and my life to my Guild. I am done, and ready to start a new chapter. Synthia and friends are offering me a new start in a new Guild. One we can run together to police and handle the Fae. You’ve been infiltrated by creatures who can pose as us, and they are instigating a war against the Fae, one that could destroy their world and push them into ours. I am happy to give you a list of those who assisted in the slaughter; a list of those who remained loyal ‘til their deaths, as well. I don’t need to tell you just what would happen should they succeed. So I am stepping down. I will no longer be associated with the Guild. I would like to keep an alliance open, but first you need to flush out those who wouldn’t think twice about betraying the Guild. Caroline isn’t the only one who betrayed the Spokane Guild.”
“And the children; will they be returned or will you keep them from us?” Harold asked carefully.
“Most of them will be returned, but those who have no parents or a voice against the Guild will remain with me. I’ve been the only consistent thing in their lives. They will, however be given the choice to come back to you. That much I will concede. Trust me, Harold; this is so much bigger than either of us could have thought it was. If you need us, we will help you,” Alden said and then looked at me for confirmation.
“In a heartbeat,” I agreed and hoped that Harold wasn’t one of the main Mages involved in orchestrating this mess.
“You’d fight for us?” Harold asked, and I could see the camera man from one of the international news channels as he zoomed in on us.
“I came from the Guild, so with the exception of those who we suspect of being Mages or sympathetic to their cause, I would willingly help should you ask it of us. I will not be lied to, though, and I suggest you go through the history you have hidden in the catacombs here. I also suggest you take a good hard look at those who you trust. In response to what has been said, if you plan for an alliance, you need to give a statement and amend what you’ve told the Humans. They hang on everything you say, and choose to believe in this Guild. Fix it, please. If others descend on the race and choose to feed in the open, then you may pass judgment on them,” I said watching him closely. “However, you must show us proof of their crimes. We will do the same for you,” I said as I finished and stepped back.
“As will I,” Adam said from my right. “I was also raised in the Guild and I offer my hand in peace and support you if you ask.”
“As will I,” Liam said with a smirk. “I however was not raised at this Guild, but I will fight at my sister’s side anytime she needs it.”
“I will make you this promise as well,” Ryder said as we got ready to sift out. “If my people are unjustly accused, and murdered, I will bring a war to this world unlike any the Human race has waged before. Do not piss me off, and do not think these accusations have gone unnoticed by others who will try to gain support against us. I suggest you do not join them, for they won’t be alive much longer. I plan to eradicate them all. Your Gods can sort them out. I am the Horde King, but unlike my father before me, I choose to protect Humans as well as my people. You have Synthia to thank for that.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
The lesser Fae had vacated the castle. The Tree had been saved, and with each passing day, it grew stronger. I was glad to know that I’d played a part in saving it, but when it boiled down to it, it had been the Elder Tree. His sacrifice had brought a semblance of balance to our world, and while we knew the Mages weren’t done, we would be a race to reckon with.