C. L. Wilson - Crown of Crystal Flame (Tairen Soul)

The publication of this book brings to a close the dream I have pursued for over a decade. I first met Rain and Ellie in 1999 in between contract jobs as an IVR programmer and B2B marketing specialist. Their story consumed me. I fell in love with them, their friends, their world. Im so glad you did too.

Thanks to my wonderful familymy husband, Kevin; my daughters, Ileah and Rhiannon; and my son, Aidanfor supporting me and all the long hours of writing and writerly stuff. Special thanks to my mother, Lynda Richter, and my sister, Dr. Lisa Richter, for the tireless hours of reading half-baked manuscripts and helping me make them better, and to all the CPs over the years whove had a hand in making Rain and Ellies story the best it could be, especially my starfish pals: Christine Feehan, Kathie Firzlaff, Diana Peterfreund, Betina Krahn, Sheila English, Carla Hughes, and Sharon Stone. Thanks to my dad, the incomparable Ray Richter, for being my web guru all these years. A very special thanks to my agent, Michelle Grajkowski, and my former editor, Alicia Condon, because four years ago, you both took a chance on an unpublished writer and a monster manuscript no one else in publishing would touch. Last but not least, thanks to my new editor, Tessa Woodward, and my new publisher, Avon Books. I look forward to what I hope will be a long and fruitful relationship.

Rain knew loss. He knew what it was to wish for death. Ellysetta traced a pattern across the skin of his chest. She ran a hand down his torso, fingertips stroking the silky-smooth skin. All she had to do was touch him to set her world to rights. Rain

Aiyah?

About what you said earlier to Dorian. The bit about my leaving if the battle grows grim.

He caught her hand, stilled it. Ive already commanded your quintet to take you to safety when the time comes.

She rolled away and propped herself up on one elbow so she could see his face.

Lord Hawksheart said we should stay together, she reminded him. Do not leave your mates side, he said. You hold each other to the Light, he said. And he said we could only defeat the Darkness together.

He said many things. Most of which I dont trust.

The safest place for me is at your side. Whatever happens, we face it together.

His eyes closed and he nodded. Doreh shabeila de. So shall it be.

C ROWN OF C RYSTAL F LAME
Q UEEN OF S ONG AND S OULS
K ING OF S WORD AND S KY
L ADY OF L IGHT AND S HADOWS
L ORD OF THE F ADING L ANDS

I watch my loved ones weep with sorrow,
deaths silent torment of no tomorrow.
I feel their hearts breaking, I sense their despair,
United in misery, the grief that they share.

How do I show that, I am not gone
but the essence of lifes everlasting song
Why do they weep? Why do they cry?
Im alive in the wind and I am soaring high.

I am sparkling light dancing on streams,
a moment of warmth in the fays of sunbeams.
The coolness of rain as it falls on your face,
the whisper of leaves as wind rushes with haste.

Etrrnal Song, a requiem by Avian of Celieria

Celieria ~ Kreppes
24th day of Verados

The bodies of Talisa and Adrial have been sent back to the elements, Rain said.

After Talisas and Adrials deaths, the Kings Army continued marching to the great walled city-fortress of Kreppes to prepare for war. Rain and the Fey had stayed behind with Great Lord Barrial and his sons to say their final good-byes and return the bodies of their loved ones to the elements from whence they came.

Now, as he and Ellysetta stood before Celierias king in the chambers Great Lord Barrial had surrendered for Dorians use, Rain feared that the deaths of Adrial, Talisa, and Colum diSebourne on the fields of northern Celieria today had destroyed far more than three lives.

Only one month ago, the Fey had learned that the evil High Mage of Eld intended to unleash a terrible army upon Celieria. An army one of his Mages had compared to the mythic Army of Darkness, a world-conquering force of millions. Rain and Ellysetta had spent weeks trying to cobble together an alliance to combat the threat, but now, thanks to what had happened with Talisa, Adrial, and Colum, the small army theyd managed to assemble was in danger of coming apart at the seams.

King Dorian X of Celieria, who had not risen when Rain and Ellysetta entered, continued to scan the sheets of parchment in his hand as if Rain had not spoken, leaving the king and queen of the Fey to stand before him like chastised children summoned to the schoolmasters office.

Irritation flickered through Rain. Dorian had a right to his angerand Rain knew he deserved reproach for hiding Adrials continued presence in Celieria City from Celierias kingbut he would tolerate no discourtesy towards Ellysetta.

The Fey stand ready to fight, Rain announced, speaking to the top of Dorians bent head, but before this battle begins, King Dorian, the Feyreisa and I must know what impact our recent mutual loss will have on our alliance.

The hands on the parchment froze. The Celierian kings head lifted. Eyes hard as polished stones clashed with Rains gaze.

Its a little late for such concerns, dont you think? The quiet venom in Dorians tone came as a surprise. Since meeting the descendant of Marissya and Gaelens sister, Marikah vol Serranis, Rain had never regarded Dorian as much more than a too-weak, too-mortal product of a great Fey bloodline. Fey in name only, with little to recommend him as either a strong leader or a seasoned warrior. But there was a new edge to Dorian that Rain had never seen before. A flinty glitter in his eyes and resolute hardness to his jaw.

Trusting, accommodating Dorian vol Serranis Torreval had grown steel in his spineand with it a decidedly less favorable view of the Fey.

Rain spread his hands in a placating gesture. King Dorian

You knew! Dorian kicked back his chair and surged to his feet. All this time, you knew about Adrial and Talisa. You knew Adrial and the others hadnt gone back to the Fading Lands. Knew they were using their magic to hide their presence from Talisas husband. You knew, and you condoned it. Not only thatyou participated in their deception! He jabbed a finger in Rains direction. You, who posture and pride yourself on Fey honor, intentionally set out to deceive me, the Sebournes, and the Barrials.

Rains skin flushed. I know how this must seem

Seem? Dorian gave a harsh, humorless laugh. You spoke so eloquently about honoring our customs, holding our marriage vows as sacred as your own, and all the while, you plotted to rob a man of his wife. Is this the measure of Fey honor? Is this how low and worthless it has becomeor is it merely an indicator of how low and worthless your honor has become?

At Rains side, Ellysetta bristled, but he silenced her with a small touch of his hand. Nei sheitani. Dorian has a right to his anger. I did intentionally deceive him.

You counted on my trust on my belief in your honor, Dorian continued hotly. You manipulated me like the puppet my own nobles have accused me of being. You used my faith in the goodness of the Feyeven my love for my aunt, Marissya, and my ties of kinship to the Feyto deceive me. You are the reason three people died today! How I wish Id heeded Tenn vEn Eilans warning about you!

Thats enough! Ellysetta exclaimed. Her green eyes shot sparks. How dare you lay full blame for today at his feet? You, who bear as much blame as he?