Shards of Time Read Free

disappeared again—to the left this time. It happened again and again, as if they were playing some strange and frustrating game not of Seregil’s choosing .
    Rounding a final turn, he could see Alec crouched against the wall that dead-ended at the far end of the hallway. He had his face in his hands but Seregil knew him by his blond braid and his clothing. When his lover looked up, his once beautiful face was nothing but an empty-eyed skull. Suddenly a door opened behind him and Alec fell through it. The door disappeared as suddenly as it had come .
    “No!” Seregil screamed. “Alec! Talí, come—”
    “—back!”
    The desperation in Seregil’s voice jolted Alec awake in time to catch something hard and blunt in the face. With a grunt of pain and surprise, he automatically reached out to fend off an attacker, but instead felt Seregil sitting bolt upright in bed, trembling and covered in cold sweat. His voice was ragged and eerie as he whispered over and over, “Come back! Please come back!”
    “It’s all right, talí.” Alec gently pulled him back down, settling with Seregil’s head on his shoulder. It was too dark to see him, but Alec could feel his lover’s heart hammering against his ribs, and the clamminess of his skin. Seregil was no stranger to nightmares, but it had been ages since he’d had one like this. “What was it?”
    “A bad one.”
    “What about?”
    “I—I can’t remember.”
    “You talked in your sleep. You were begging someone to come back.”
    “Really?” Seregil drew a shuddering breath. “I don’t know. I can’t remember anything except being terrified.”
    “Maybe you will in the morning. How’s the headache?”
    “Still bad.”
    “I’ll get you something.” But when he tried to leave the bed, Seregil’s arms tightened around him.
    “Please, stay.”
    Alec pulled the sheet up to Seregil’s chin and rubbed his back, as he had so many nights after Nysander’s tragic death. It was a long time until he was certain Seregil was asleep.
    The following morning they woke late. Seregil looked positively haggard.
    “Does your head still hurt?” Alec asked.
    “No, thankfully, but I don’t think I slept well.” Seregil rubbed at his eyes, then frowned up at him. “Bilairy’s Balls, what happened to your face?”
    “You did, talí. You thrashed around while you were dreaming.” Alec went to the tall looking glass and ruefully examined the small bruise under his right cheekbone. “You’re a hazard to sleep with sometimes.”
    Seregil came over and gently kissed the bruise. “I’m sorry.”
    “Maybe it was just the rich food last night. Alania’s cook uses too much spice and butter.”
    “That’s probably it,” Seregil said with a chuckle, but it sounded a bit hollow, for they both remembered a time when his nightmares had been more than mere dreams.
    Late-morning sunlight streamed in through the dining room doors. In the garden beyond, the crocuses had already vanished and jonquils and fragrant hyacinth were in bloom under the budding lilacs. Fresh green leaves adorned the rosebushes. Seregil and Alec were lingering over a late breakfast when Runcer ushered in Thero and his young apprentice, Mika.
    Ten years old now, the sandy-haired boy had grown half a hand span since Thero had rescued him from the sleeping death. Bright and inquisitive, and a bit mischievous at times,Mika was utterly devoted to Thero. His wide grey eyes shone with pride and adoration at every approving word.
    Runcer went off to the kitchen to fetch extra dishes and milk for Mika.
    “What brings you two out so early?” asked Alec, pouring a mug of strong Aurënen tea for Thero.
    “Early?” Thero scoffed. “It’s nearly noon and you’re still in your dressing gown. Did Alania keep you two out all night again?”
    “No, we finished early, as it happens,” said Alec.
    “I like her,” Mika informed them, reaching for a spiced bun. “She kisses me, but she gives me sweets,