Magician's Touch (Deadly Touch book 3) Chapter 10: 10: No Threat

Read chapter 10 of Magician's Touch (Deadly Touch book 3) by Deb E Howell on NovelPedia.

The approach to the Presidential Palace was quite different from the last time. Braph had hired a steam carriage this time and, rather than being accompanied by his brother and the Syaenuk he’d traded for Orinia, he had his son Orin, nephew Joelin, the babe recently birthed by Orinia, and Maura his housemaid to help with the younger children. Orinia remained at home. Best not to risk the state reclaiming her, especially after her daughter’s escape. The babe they could have, but Orinia would not be taken again. Orin stepped from the carriage and walked with a confidence fitting a boy whose very being carried immense power. Joelin cried and kept trying to sit, or lie, but Maura maintained a firm grip on him with one hand while she carried the now-crying babe in the other. Braph would not miss them. Spring sun flared off the rounded, bulbous red roof and gave the white walls a golden warmth. Few guards stood atop the walls surrounding the estate; chatting or standing at ease. This time there was no Immortal hells-bent on ridding the world of Aenuks. This time, Braph’s approach was unthreatened and not openly unwelcome. He had an appointment, after all. Colonel Salmon – Salmen – was not at the gate. Another man stepped forward. “Braph Vastergaard?” “The very one.” Clasping his hands behind his back, Braph gave a very proper nod. “And my son. Kadesh wishes to meet him.” “Yes.” The guard gave a stiff nod in return. “ President Carlile is eager for you both to present yourselves.” He scowled and his gaze flicked between the rest of Braph’s entourage. “The Aenuk, possibly Syaenuk, babe.” Braph nodded to Maura and flicked his head towards the guard. Tears trickled from the woman’s eyes, but she stepped forward and held the babe for the guard to receive. The guard took the child gingerly and swiftly passed it to another guard. That guard opened the gate enough to slip through and let it close behind him. A sob burst from Maura. “I told you not to get attached,” Braph murmured to the woman, then turned back to the guard while holding out a hand to take Joelin’s. “And I have brought the president a gift. My nephew.” The toddler lay on his back crying intermittently, between taking an interest in the goings on and checking to be sure someone was paying attention. The guard – showing no sign of joining the dots between Braph and Joelin – appeared doubtful of the president’s interest. Maura stooped and hefted the child to standing and brought his hand up for Braph to grasp, murmuring reassuring platitudes to the child that Braph suspected were as much directed at herself. Braph closed his gloved flesh hand around Joelin’s wrist, and the toddler collapsed, trying to fall to the ground again. Braph lifted Joelin by the wrist and swung him so he sat on Braph’s hip. The child continued to scream. Braph tolerated it only in his knowing he would be free of it soon. Though, with a thought and a dash of power, he temporarily deafened that one ear. Much better. Orin curled a lip at the toddler. Braph looked over his shoulder at Maura. Tears wet her cheeks, and she cupped her chin in her hands. “You may go,” Braph said. One of Maura’s hands left her chin, as if she were going to reach out to Joelin, but she pulled it back and turned to go. Braph had sent the steam carriage away. She would have plenty of time to get to grips with reality on the walk home. He turned to the guard, who had still not opened the gate. “Believe me,” Braph said. “The president will like it.” The guard lifted an eyebrow. “I have an appointment,” Braph reiterated. The guard gave him a long look, then opened the gate wide enough for Braph and the children to make their way through single file. “Go to the main entrance and the house guard will show you the way.” Braph waved a dismissive hand over his shoulder as he sauntered up the path. He knew where Kadesh’s – President Kadeshbarnea Carlile’s – office was. He needed no guide. Still, he supposed letting people do their jobs was