Read Children of Poseidon: Rann for Free Online Page B

down the beach and wondered why she’d come. Jewel’s oldest and closest friend visited every year, but never without warning. It was a long way to travel on the spur of the moment.
    He pursed his lips thoughtfully. Maya had matured into a powerful witch with her own sphere of influence, but he sometimes found it difficult to forget the tempestuous, uncontrolled teenager he’d first met. This grown-up version of Maya wouldn’t come visiting without a good reason. He still couldn’t believe Jewel wanted to leave. She belonged in his home, and he would miss her. The unfamiliar feeling of frustration nagged at him. He stared out into the darkness and jumped as Tamsin touched his arm.
    “Sorry, Sealord.” She gave him an apologetic smile. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I wanted a word.”
    She’d addressed him by his title, which suggested that what she had to say was important. He took her arm and led her to one of the stone seats, hoping she hadn’t had any more visions of death.
    “How can I help you?”
    Tamsin’s gaze focussed on the distant darkness where sea and sky met. “I’ve had a thought about the seawitch.”
    Rann’s attention sharpened. “Yes?”
    “She shouldn’t stay here.” Tamsin clutched his arm urgently. “She must leave.”
    “Why?” Rann kept his voice low. Tamsin appeared to be seeing something he couldn’t, and he had a great respect for her talents as a seer.
    “If she stays, there’ll be trouble.” Tamsin shivered. “Maybe for her, maybe for you, maybe for someone else, but whatever happens, she’ll die. Your island will be damaged.”
    Rann leaned back against the warm stone of the bench and considered her words. There was no point in asking Tamsin what kind of trouble; if she knew, she would tell him. Seers saw flashes of what might happen, what the future might hold, but they had problems with placing their visions in the context of reality. Still, she seemed pretty sure that the seawitch shouldn’t stay with him. He thought back to her words on the beach. Death and connections.
    “What do you suggest?” He wondered if prompting might stimulate her sight a little.
    “Send her to London with Maya.” Tamsin’s eyes refocused. “There might be someone there who can help her. Someone in the covens must know how to fix her.”
    “Will she take the trouble with her?” Rann wasn’t sure he wanted to pass bad fortune on to anyone else, and he was fond of Maya.
    “There’s trouble already in the North London coven. I’ve seen it coming. My dreams this week have been all over the place.” Her fingers tightened on his arm. “Old crimes are coming back to haunt the witches. I don’t think the seawitch can make it worse.”
    “Trouble?” Rann sat up straight. “Does Jewel know?”
    “I don’t think so. Maya is probably telling her now.”
    “So that isn’t why she wants to leave.” Rann shook his head, puzzled. “Do you know why? I always thought she was happy here.”
    “You’ll have to ask her that.” Tamsin relaxed now that she had delivered her news. “I’ll be leaving as well.”
    “I never expected you to stay so long,” Rann said. “I’m grateful you did. If there’s ever anything you need, please let me know.”
    Tamsin nodded. “Your island is beautiful. I’d like to return some time.”
    “You’d be welcome.”
    She stood up. “Goodnight, Sealord.”
    Rann placed his hand on her arm, stopping her. “Should I take the seawitch to London myself?” He respected Tamsin’s opinion.
    She shook her head. “I think it doesn’t matter. As long as she doesn’t stay here.”
    “And Jewel? Is it safe for her?”
    “Her past is calling her. I think she has no choice.” Rubbing her arms as though chilled, she disappeared into the house, leaving Rann alone.
    He sat back down on the bench and stared into the shadows. The warm night was sweet with the scent of the lush vegetation growing in the sheltered space, and he should have been