Bound In Blue: Book One Of The Sword Of Elements by Heather Hamilton-Senter Page B

for what happens in the wider world outside the Greenwood.”
    Daley and Rowan had been watching the exchange with confused looks on their faces, but Rowan seemed to suddenly understand something and stepped forward. “Lord Forest,” he said, bowing from the waist.
    “It's just a Path guide, Rowan . . . ,” Daley said and then his eyes widened. “Are you saying this is the Green Man?”
    “The Green Man, Silvanus, Jack in the Green, the Green Knight, Robin Goodfellow, even Robin Hood—they are all his names,” Rowan replied reverently. “He is the Lord of the Forest and the Keeper of the Paths.” One glance at Peter and I could see he was almost overcome by the thought he was standing in the same room as Robin Hood. I wasn’t so enthusiastic.
    Couldn’t Mom have a nice, normal, human friend I could rely on instead of another addition to the freak show?
    Robin Goodfellow scratched at his beard, but he looked pleased. “It’s nice to be recognized. As for my younger kin, you may call them ‘guides’ if you wish.” He glared at Daley. “But remember they serve at my discretion and allowance.”
    “Take care, Lord Forest.” Taliesin’s voice was quiet, but I could hear the warning in it. Goodfellow seemed to shrink a little.
    I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks Taliesin’s one scary dude.
    The so-called Green Man gestured towards me. “Viviane asked me to come if ever Miss Lynne needed me. Miss Lynne called, so she’s leaving with me, end of argument.”
    Daley was unimpressed. “Do you think you can take her if we don’t want you to?” Either my colors were coming back or there were actual sparks of static electricity dancing in Daley’s hair. Goodfellow flinched.
    Wood doesn’t like fire.
    Taliesin put his hand on Daley’s shoulder. “Easy, son. There is no need for us to be at odds. Miss Lynne has formed the impression she is being held here against her will and I apologize for that unfortunate misunderstanding. I am merely concerned for both her safety and the safety of others until she has greater knowledge and control concerning her abilities.”
    I’d had enough. “I’ve been around for nearly eighteen years and haven’t managed to kill anyone yet, you know.”
    “For nearly eighteen years you were hidden in the dark of the moon,” Taliesin replied. He meant Mom and whatever she’d done to me with that misty blue.
    Taliesin crossed the floor to stand in front of me. He wasn’t tall and we were almost eye to eye. “If you are no enemy to us, then I am no enemy to you. I will help you understand who and what you are and you will be free to choose your own path and destiny as long as it does not threaten mine.”
    “I want to go home,” I insisted stubbornly.
    “Will you at least return so we may investigate this ability of yours? Will you give us a chance to prove that we, at least, mean no harm?”
    I gave in. “I could come with Peter after school on Monday.”
    Peter cleared his throat. “Sorry Rhi, but I’m staying for a few days.”
    “What? Why?”
    “There are other Protectors here. They’re out on patrol right now, but I’ll meet them when they get back. This might be my one chance to learn about what I am.” His eyes pleaded with me to understand.
    I knew if I insisted, I could probably get Peter to come home with me, but would that be abusing the bond between us? Would I be yanking on his Protector chain or the friend one?
    “What are you going to tell your mom and dad?”
    “Early morning practices, crashing with one of the guys—it’ll be easy.”
    I nodded and the relief on his face confirmed my suspicion that I could have made it difficult for him to go against me.
    “I’ll cover for you with your parents, but what about school?”
    Lacey had been uncharacteristically quiet till now. “I’ve got it,” she said. “If I take in a note to the office saying Peter has mono or something, they’ll never question the signature.” She was right. The