Starfire by Kate Douglas Page B

some point so we can help deliver them to the Forgotten Ones. Once that’s done, I have to return as soon as I can and take up my position on the council. I’ve got to have a firm grasp of things before the Forgotten Ones make their presence known.”
    He shook his head. “I’ve got the chancellor’s role for now, but my hold is tenuous. Today Ginny and I spotted a group of Lemurian guardsmen I’ve never seen before, which tells me that some of the council are up to something. I doubt it’s anything good.”
    Ginny handed him a tall glass of water. Alton took a few swallows and set it aside. “Thing is, I can’t afford to be away for long, or what little hold I have on the chancellor’s seat will be lost. While we’re here, though, Ginny and I have to try to remove the demon from my father.”
    He focused on Dawson. “I know you’re not familiar with Lemuria, but I may have to ask you to go into the mines with Selyn. Would you be willing to take this sword with you, to take it to the prisoner Selyn speaks of? That needs to be done as soon as possible. If my grandfather is still alive, his presence could change everything—in a good way.”
    Dawson almost laughed out loud. Go to Lemuria? Was Alton kidding? He’d give anything for the chance to see that fabled world. “I’ll do whatever you need, Alton. You know that.”
    Alton wrapped his arm around Ginny and tugged her close against his side, but his focus was on Dawson. “You’ve already done so much. You hardly know us, and yet you’ve opened your home and your heart to a cause that’s not even yours.”
    Dawson shrugged. “But it is mine. Every bit as much as it’s yours, don’t you think? If demons threaten Earth, it had damned well better be my cause. I’ve got as big a stake in the outcome as any of you.”
    “He’s right, you know.” Ginny smiled at Alton and snuggled close against his side. “This battle affects every single one of us.” Then, in a melodramatic whisper, she added, “Don’t scare the man off. He’s helping. We need him. He’s giving us a free place to stay with a really comfortable bed.” She kissed Alton’s cheek. “And he cooks. C’mon. Let’s go check on your father before you fold up on me and fall asleep on the floor.”
    Alton yawned. Then he nodded to Dawson. “Don’t let her kid you. We really do appreciate everything you’re doing for us. I don’t know where we’d be without your help.”
    “I think you’d be doing fine, but I mean what I say. Anything I can do, whatever I’ve got you can use; it’s yours.”
    Without another word Alton pushed himself away from the counter as if it took every last bit of his strength. Dawson snapped his fingers, and BumperWillow followed them back to the suite of rooms where Artigos was being held.
    Dawson glanced through the window on the door and saw Alton’s father stalking back and forth across the room like an angry lion. “You might want to have your swords out,” he said. “Your father’s pacing like he’s ready to kill someone.”
    Alton shrugged. “He probably is. Probably a good thing we’re keeping his sword well away. I imagine he and his demon are less than thrilled with their situation about now.”
    Dawson took the key from Selyn and unlocked the door as both Ginny and Alton drew their swords. Artigos stopped in mid-stride and glared at all of them as they entered the large room.
    “Is my assassination next on your schedule, my beloved son?” Artigos wrapped his arms across his broad chest and sneered at Alton. “Are you so afraid of your father that you must approach him with your weapon drawn?”
    “It’s pity more than fear I feel, Father. If I appear cautious, it’s not because of you. It’s the demon who rules your heart and mind that concerns me most. That and, whether you choose to believe me or not, your well-being.”
    Artigos laughed. “Demon? Controlling me? I think not.” Without warning, he lunged at Alton, but Alton