The Legendborn Cycle, #3
Oathbound
by Tracy Deonn
Contents
Chapter 51
Overview
In a flashback to three days earlier, Natasia arrives at Edwin Matthews's house and discovers both Lieges and Erebus's Mageguard surrounding Bree's father. Recognizing that Edwin is being targeted as leverage against Bree, Natasia disables the attackers and warns Edwin that his life is in danger. The chapter reveals Natasia's fear of Selwyn's worsening demonia and ends with Natasia producing Edwin's lost ring, entrusted to her by Faye.
Summary
Three days before Bree's imprisonment, Natasia watches Edwin Matthews's home in Bentonville. Three well-meaning Lieges guard the house, unaware that four Mageguard have surrounded it under a soundproof ward. Natasia concludes that Erebus Varelian sent the Mageguard not to protect Edwin, but to kidnap or kill Bree's father in order to control or punish Bree.
While waiting for the Mageguard to move after sundown, Natasia reflects on losing Selwyn's trail after their fight. Selwyn had hidden the true extent of his power while living with Natasia, then used Natasia's own lessons in deception against Natasia. Natasia is injured but recovering, and Natasia worries that because Bree's root pushed Selwyn further into demonia, Selwyn's reunion with Bree could be dangerous for both of them, especially if Bree does not remember Selwyn.
Natasia acts before the Mageguard and Lieges can endanger Edwin. Natasia incapacitates the four Mageguard, then is discovered by Ophelia, a former Scion and Liege of Geraint. Natasia tries a police-officer glamour, but Ophelia's bonded Lyss sees through it, forcing Natasia to knock both Lieges unconscious. A third Liege, bonded to Lamorak, arrives next, and Natasia subdues him as gently as possible.
Before Natasia can knock properly, Edwin opens the door and calmly confronts Natasia for knocking out people he considers good protectors. Edwin notices Natasia's injuries, and Natasia admits they came from Natasia's son. A wave of dizziness nearly drops Natasia, and Edwin instinctively tries to help, but Natasia refuses to go inside or involve police.
Natasia regains enough focus to warn Edwin that Edwin's life is in danger and that Natasia once promised to protect Edwin. Natasia also tells Edwin that Natasia's son may be coming for Bree, though not to hurt Bree. With the unconscious Mageguard likely to wake soon, Natasia produces Edwin's lost engraved ring from a necklace and reveals that Faye secretly gave it to Natasia years ago. Natasia urges Edwin to put the ring on before there is time to explain.
Who Appears
- NatasiaPOV character; protects Edwin, reflects on Selwyn, and reveals Faye entrusted Edwin's ring to her.
- Edwin MatthewsBree's father; guarded at home, confronts Natasia, and learns his life is in danger.
- Selwyn KaneNatasia's son; absent but central through Natasia's injuries, pursuit, and fears about Bree.
- OpheliaFormer Scion and Liege of Geraint; discovers Natasia and is knocked unconscious.
- LyssOphelia's bonded Liege; sees through Natasia's glamour and is quickly subdued.
- Liege of LamorakThird guardian at Edwin's home; arrives during the fight and is incapacitated by Natasia.
- Faye MatthewsBree's late mother; remembered by Natasia and revealed to have given Edwin's ring away.
- Erebus VarelianMage Seneschal; inferred by Natasia to have sent Mageguard to threaten Edwin.