CHAPTER 6
THE POWER SHE CANNOT CONTROL
Elena's power grew stronger.
She could sense lies.
She could hear memories in ancient objects.
Sometimes, she saw events that had happened decades earlier.
But the visions came without warning.
One afternoon, she touched an old sword and collapsed.
She saw the king standing over a battlefield.
He was younger.
His queen stood beside him.
And someone else was there.
Aldric's closest adviser.
Lord Varian.
The man was smiling.
Elena opened her eyes.
Aldric was beside her.
"What did you see?"
"Varian."
Aldric stiffened.
"What about him?"
"He was there the night your son disappeared."
Aldric shook his head.
"Varian was fighting at the northern border."
"That's what everyone believes."
"Elena."
She sat up.
"I saw him."
Aldric looked conflicted.
"Visions can be incomplete."
"Then find out."
The king rose.
"I will."
That evening, Aldric summoned Varian.
The old adviser entered calmly.
"You requested me?"
Aldric watched him.
"Where were you the night my son vanished?"
Varian smiled sadly.
"Still asking that question after all these years?"
"Answer me."
"I was at the northern border."
Elena stood behind the king.
Her mark remained dark.
She listened.
Something felt wrong.
Varian continued.
"I have served you faithfully for twenty years."
Aldric's eyes narrowed.
"I know."
Varian glanced at Elena.
"But perhaps your new guest has already convinced you otherwise."
Elena stepped forward.
"I don't need to convince anyone."
Varian smiled.
"That is precisely what concerns me."
As he left, Elena whispered:
"He's afraid."
Aldric turned.
"Of what?"
"Me."