Desert Song (DeWinter's Song 3) Read Free Page B

of Ravenworth, had heard her son's carriage arrive and was waiting for him in the doorway of the drawing room.
    Michael went to her, searching her face and seeing the distress reflected in her eyes. He took her hand, finding it cold to the touch.
    "Mother, what's wrong?"
    She shook her head, unable to answer, and he drew her into his arms, causing the clump of lavender to fall to the floor to be trampled beneath his boots. Trepidation surrounded his heart as he felt her tremble. His mother was a woman of great courage, and he knew something terrible had happened.
    "It's Arrian, isn't it?" he asked, fearing to hear the worst.
    Kassidy lingered in her son's arms, drawing on his strength and hoping to find the courage she needed to tell him what had occurred. At last she pulled away, and green eyes stared into green eyes. "Your sister gave birth to a daughter and they are both well."
    Her eyes were shining with tears, and Michael couldn't remember a time when he had seen her cry.
    His great-aunt, Mary, came to him, and he saw sorrow in her eyes. "I'm afraid it's your father, Michael. Your mother has received grim news concerning him."
    Kassidy moved out of her son's arms, but kept a tight grip on his hand. She hesitated to speak, as if she couldn't form the words. "Michael, I'm so . . . frightened. Your father has disappeared. I'm told he was abducted, but they don't know by whom. The prime minister fears for his life. Her Majesty has also expressed her concern for your father's safety."
    "I advised Raile not to go to that barbaric country," Lady Mary stated emphatically. "I knew nothing but trouble would come from such a dangerous mission."
    Michael guided his mother gently across the room and seated her on a chair. Dropping on his knees before her, he took her small hands in his. "Tell me everything," he urged.
    Kassidy took a deep breath. "As you know, your father reluctantly agreed to this trip to Egypt. You know he doesn't like to go anywhere without me."
    Michael tried to be patient and not give in to the fear that gnawed at his insides. "Yes, I know. I received a letter from him just after he arrived in Egypt, and then another letter a fortnight ago. I've heard nothing since."
    Kassidy didn't want to cry, but now that she was with her son, she could no longer be brave, and tears spilled down her face. "He'd written me a note that was found in his room. He said he was going into the desert to meet with a man who promised to help him find the persons who were arming the bedouin tribes. He was hopeful that he would be home before . . . Christmas." Her voice broke.
    Michael glanced from his mother to his great-aunt. "When Father left, it was my understanding that he was only going to Cairo to confer with the viceroy about whoever it was that is arming and inciting the border tribes. He should have been in no danger."
    "It sounded so simple when he was trying to convince me it was his duty to go." Kassidy rose to her feet and turned to the window. "I don't know why your father went into the desert alone, or who he went to meet." She glanced up at the ceiling as tears continued to fall. "Why, Raile, why?" she cried.
    Lady Mary looked at Kassidy with growing concern. Kassidy and Raile had been inseparable. Lady Mary grieved for her niece.
    Michael went to his mother, hiding his own fears from her. "What's being done to locate father?"
    Kassidy made a hopeless gesture. "Her Majesty has assured me that they are doing everything they can. She promised me that if your father is alive, he will be found."
    "Why should anyone think my father is... dead?"
    Kassidy swallowed hard. "A messenger delivered to the British consul in Cairo a bloodstained shirt, claiming it was your father's. It had his initials on the pocket. They sent it to me to identify. There's no doubt it's your father's shirt."
    Michael swallowed a painful lump. "You know Father would never do anything foolish. If he went into the desert, he was well prepared for anything