sword of light
TRANSCRIPT
SWORDOFLIGHT(Book2oftheJakeThomasTrilogy)
STEVENA.TOLLE
Copyright©2013StevenA.TolleAllrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbook
maybereproducedinanyform,physicalordigital,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionoftheauthor.
Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,placesandincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor'simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblance
toactualeventsorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.SageVestBooks2215-BRenaissanceDrive,PMB2233
LasVegas,NV89119
CoverbyRoyMigabon
(www.roymigabon.weebly.com)MapsbyCletaGidcumb(www.cletagidcumb.blogspot.com)
TABLEOFCONTENTSAcknowledgementsMapChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTenChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenChapterFifteenChapterSixteenChapterSeventeenChapterEighteenChapterNineteenChapterTwentyChapterTwenty-OneChapterTwenty-TwoChapterTwenty-ThreeChapterTwenty-FourAbouttheAuthor
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
IwouldliketothankTimLeffingwell,RichCole,ShellyKidwellandLisaKowalskiforreviewingandproofingthedraftofthebookandofferingsuggestionstomakeitbetter.Idoublyappreciatethemsincetheyfreelyofferedtheirtimeandsetasidethattimeintheirbusylivestohelpme.
ImustacknowledgeRoyMigabon,thecreativetalentbehindthecoversofmybooks,forhisgraspofmyvision.Heisajoytoworkwith.
Finally,mydeepgratitudetomyfriend,CletaGidcumb,forworkingoutsideofhercomfortzonetocreatethemapsthatIuseinthesebooks.
INMEMORIAM
Whileworkingonthisbook,IwasshockedbythesuddenandtragicpassingofSharonHowze,thebelovedwifeofmyfriendofdecades,TedHowze,andlovingmotheroftheirthreesons.Shewasakindandcaringsoul,takenunexpectedly,andshewillbemissed.MaysherestinGod’speace.
DEDICATION
Tothosewhoseek
tobringtheLightintotheworld
MAP
CHAPTERONE
"Princess."KeriaturnedatDominic'ssoftwhisper.HerheartachedasshesawJake
lyinglimpandunmovinginDominic'sarms,tearscomingtohereyesdespiteherattempttobestrong.HehadnotgivenanysignsoflifeotherthantheriseandfallofhischestsincethatfinalbrilliantdisplayofpowerthathadenabledCreatos’destruction.
"YouneedtohelpJonas."Dominicsaidquietly.IntheconfusionfollowingCreatos'demise,theyhadescapedthecliff
fortressandweremakingtheirwayupthesurroundinghillstoentertheforest.Thefewscatteredgroupsofdemonsandhalf-mentheyhadencounteredwerequicklyoverwhelmedbyJonasandHailyn.KeriahadbeenstunnedbythepowerJonaswieldedwhenhefoughtofftheattackers.LikeanavatarofLight,hisdazzlingmagichadforcedbackthedarknessanddestroyedthehalf-menandImpswithseemingease.
LookingpastDominic,shesawJonasinthepalemoonlightstumblealong,clearlyexhausted.Evenso,hecontinuedtoscanthesurroundingareaforanythreat,hisstaffgrippedtightlyinhishand,facedetermined.Evenasshewatched,healmostwentdownashisfootingslipped,butheplantedhisstafftopreventit.
"Gobackandlendhimsupport."Dominiccontinued."Heisoutonhisfeetandmyhandsarefull."
KerianoddedandfellbacktoJonas.Shesteppedcloseandwrappedherarmaroundhiswaist.Jonasgaveheratiredsmileandputhisarmacrosshershouldersastheycontinuedalong.ShesawMarcusturnbackandfrownwhenherealizedthatshewasattherearoftheirline,butheturnedbackafterashort,sharpgesturefromDominic.
Theyreachedthetreelineandmadetheirwayoverthetopoftheriseandintotheforestproper.Keria’seyesandthoughtsturnedbacktoJake,hisheadjustvisiblearoundDominic'sback,rollingslightlywitheverystepDominictook.Hehadriskedeverythingforher,appearinglikeaherofromoneofherstoriestoconfrontthedemonlord.Hehadfoughttorescueherfromafatethatwastooterribletocontemplate.Themerethoughtofitsentcoldshiversthroughherbody.Intheend,hehadusedhisownlifeforceinadesperateattempttosaveherwhenthedemonlordmovedtokillher.SheprayedthatJonascouldhelphim;sheowedhimherlife.
Theycontinuedbacktowherethegrouphadlefttheirhorses,weavingsilentlythroughthetrees.Theycouldhearinthedistancethesoundsofthehalf-menridingtoandfro,punctuatedwithfaintshoutsandcurses.Marcuswassureinhisdirectionandtheyarrivedbackatthestandoftreesthathidtheirhorses.Theyfoundthehorsesunharmed,thoughDominic'swarhorsewaslatheredandhadseverallargewoundsvisibleinthefaintlight.
Safelyintheshelterofthetrees,KeriasawHailynbrieflyembraceherpowerandlayherhandsonthehorse.Keriawatched,fascinated,asthegashesclosedandthestallionshookitshead.AsHailynreacheduptostrokethehorse’shead,shereleasedherpower,plungingtheareabackintodarkness.
"Princess,youtakeJonas'horse;hewillrideDontas."DominicsaidashecarriedJakeovertoShadow.HegentlylaidJakedownnexttothehorse,andthenturnedbackthegroup.HewalkedovertostandinfrontofJonas.
"Youareinnoconditiontofight."Hesaid,lookingintentlyatJonas."Givethegirlyourstaff.Sheappearstobeinbettershapethanyou."
WithoutwaitingforJonastorespond,DominicglancedoveratHailyn."Doyouthinkyoucanprotectthegroup?"Heaskedquietly,tryingtodetermineherstrength.
"Ican,Dominic."Sherepliedresolutely."I'mtired,butnottothepointofexhaustion."
HeturnedbacktoJonas,holdingouthishand.Jonashesitated,butfinallynoddedandplacedthestaffinDominic'shand.DominichandedittoHailyn,andthenhelpedJonasovertoDontas.Dominichelpedhimintosaddleandsethisfeetinthestirrups,whereJonasswayedslightlyashetriedtoretainhisbalance.
"Princess,youwillneedtoridenexttoJonastokeephimonhishorse."Dominicsaid."Weneedtogetbacktothewagonbeforewecanallowhimtosleep."
KerianoddedandwentovertoJonas'horse,whereMarcushelpedherontoitsback.Keriareturnedhistightsmileandhesqueezedherhandbeforeheheadedtohishorse.Whatatangledmessthisis.Shethoughtasshewatchedhimmountup.Hehadmadehisfeelingsforherclearandnowsheowedhimablooddebtaswell;hehadalsobravedthedemonstorescueher.
Dominicquicklyorganizedthesmallparty.Marcusled,thentheprincessandJonas,followedbyDominicwithJake,andHailynguardingtherear.Theywouldstaycloseandrideasquietlyaspossible.Dominicwantedtoavoidanyfurthercontactwiththedemonsandhalf-men,ifatallpossible.
DominicliftedJakeintosaddle,keepinghimsecuredwithonearm,andswungupbehindhim.HewrappedhisarmsaroundhimtograspShadow'sreinsandholdhiminthesaddle.HenoddedtoMarcus,wholedthesmallbandawayfromthedemons'lair.
...Strivingtostaveoffthetiringeffectsfromheruseofpower,Hailynscanned
thesurroundingforest,strainingtohearanysoundsofapproachingdangerastheymadetheirwaybacktowardsthewagon.Theforestwasquiet,thedarknessoppressive,surroundingthemlikeacloak,makingithardtoseeveryfarastheytraveled.Asshegrippedthestaffinherrighthand,shecouldfeelthecarvedrunesagainstherpalmwhileshecontrolledherhorsewithherleft.Inthedarkness,shecouldjustmakeoutMarcusasheledthemthroughthetrees.HergazeshiftedtoDominic,stoppingassheglimpsedJake,unconsciousandwrappedinDominic’sarms.Thesighttoreather,butshetriedtoforceherselftofocusonthetaskathand,thoughhereyesreturnedtoJaketimeandagain.
Withherattentionsomewhatdistracted,shewasstartledwhenMarcussuddenlyletoutaloudcurseasanImpandfourhalf-menappeared.Theyhadarrivedwithoutwarninginanopeninginthetrees.Heimmediatelyspunhishorseandchargedatthegroup,swordout.Hailyn,shakingoffhersurprise,quicklyembracedherpower.Thestaffmagnifiedhermight,hershiningformblazedbrightlyandlitthearea.Raisingahand,sheunleashedamassiveburstofclerics’fireintothedemon.Thedemonstaggeredback,cursinginpain,itsfleshblistering,whileMarcusrodeintothehalf-men,swordmoving,scatteringthem.Beforethedemoncouldsetitself,Hailynfollowedupwithanotherblastofmagic,thisoneoverwhelmingthedemon’sdefensesandreducingittoash.
Withthedemondestroyed,sheshiftedherfocusonthehalf-men.ShesawoneclosingwithMarcusfrombehind,swordreadytoplungeintohisback.Beforeshecouldreact,aboltofclerics’firestruckthehalf-manandheexplodedintoash.ShesawJonas,glowinginpowerandswayinginhissaddle.Theprincess,herhandonhisarm,wassupportinghimashestruckoutagain.Hailynsentawaveoffireracingtowardstheremaininghalf-menclosinginonMarcus,quicklydestroyingthem.
SherodeovertoMarcus,scanninghimandhishorseforanyinjuries.Shereachedovertolayahandonhimtobesurewhenhewavedheroff.“I’mfine,buttheyscoredmyhorse.”Hesaid,whilecontinuingtowatchthesurroundingwoods.
Hailynleanedoverandsetherhandonhishorse.Shesentherpowerintoit,
feelingthewoundliningthesideawayfromher.Concentrating,sheclosedthegash,keepingherpowerinthehorsewhilemakingsureitwashealedproperlyandtherewasnopoisoninthewound.Satisfied,shesatbackuprightinhersaddleandMarcusgaveheranodofthanks.Heturnedhishorsebacktowardsthedirectiontheyweretraveling.
Assheheadedbacktoherpositionattherearoftheline,HailynglancedoveratJonas,theglowofhispowernowgone.Hegaveheraweaksmileandanod,hisfacetiredanddrawn,theprincessrightnexttohim,handonhisarm.AsshepassedDominic,whohaddrawnhisswordwithrighthandwhileholdingbothhisreinsandJakewithhisleft,hesaidquietly.“Welldone,girl;nowreleaseyourpowerbeforeweloseallofournightvision.”
Embarrassedthatshehadtoberemindedtodoso,shereleasedherpower,plungingthegroupbackintodarkness.Shetookupherpositionagainandtheycontinuedon.
Shortlyaftertheirfight,Hailynheardthesoundsofhalf-mencallingtoeachotherinthedistancefromtimetotime,butthosesoundseventuallyfadedaway.Theyavoidedanyfurthercontactwiththeirenemiesastheyrode.Afterwhatseemedtobeaninterminableperiodoftime,ridingquietlythroughthedarkforestwithonlythesoftsoundsofthehorsesintheair,shewastakenbysurprisewhenthetreessuddenlyendedandtheycameoutontotheforestroadwheretheyhadleftthewagon.
AsMarcusgatheredhisbearingandturnedontotheroadtoleadthembacktowherethewagonlayhidden,Hailyntookinadeepbreathandsighedasshesurveyedtheopenspacealongtheroad,thefaintmoonlightseemingbrightaftertheforestdarkness.Shecontinuedtoregardtheopenroad,relievedtobeoutofthetrees,asshetookherplaceastherearguard.
Ittookthemanotherhalfhourtofindthewagon,searchinginthedark,astheyhadcomeoutoftheforestacoupleofmileseastofitshidingplace.Oncetheygatherednearit,Dominiccalledthegrouptogether.
“Weonlyhaveafewhoursbeforesunrise.”Hesaidquietly.“Wewillmovethehorsesintotheforestnexttothewagon.Weshouldfeedandwaterthemandletthemrest.IwillputJakeinthebackofthewagon,butIdonotwanttoattempttohookupthewagoninthedark.Oncethesunisup,wewillstartmovingbacktowardsAlleon’sforces.”HeglancedatJonas,almostasleepinthesaddle.“ThiswillalsogiveJonastimetosleepandrecoversomeofhisstrength.”
HailynandKeriamovedrapidly,clearingaspaceforJakeinthewagonbed,
layingdownblanketsonthewagonfloor.Dominic,withMarcus’help,carriedJaketothewagon,removedhisarmorandsword,andlaidhimdown.Keriacoveredhimupwithanothersetofblanketsandmadeapillowforhishead.RecallingJonas’warningofthedangersoftheclericstouchingJake,DominicwavedawayHailyntoensurenoaccidentalcontactwiththeboy.
Dominicgrabbedsomeblanketsandspreadthemoutonthegroundnexttothewagon.HehelpedJonasdownfromDontasandledhimovertotheblankets.Jonassanktothegroundandwasquicklyasleep.
DominicandMarcusfedandwateredthehorses,whileHailynandtheprincessbroughtoutandpreparedsomeofthetravelrations.Aftertheyhadalleatenasmallmeal,Dominicspoke.“Princess,trytogetsomesleepaswell.Marcus,HailynandIwillkeepwatch.”DominicmovedbacktoShadow,strippingoffhistornandbloodyshirtandpullingoutacleanone.
HailynwatchedasKeriaclimbedintothewagonbedandlaydownnexttoJake,movingclosetohimwithherhandrestingonhischest,almostcuddling.Hailynsighedbitterlyandturnedaway,asshefeltthepangsofjealouslysurgethroughher,unbiddentearsspringingfromhereyes.
Assheturned,shesawMarcusalsolookingatthewagon,hisfaceamaskinthefaintlight,eyesdarkandbrooding.Hewasclearlynothappyaboutthearrangementeither.
Suddenly,Dominicwasthere,glancingatthewagonwithknowingeyes.Hisvoicecutthroughthenight.“Ineedyoubothfocused.”Hesaidfirmly.“Wedonotknowwhatwillhappeninthedaysahead;fateisastrangething.Whateverhappenswillhappen,butfornow,youneedtobealertandputanyotherthoughtsaside.”Withthat,hemovedoffintotheforest.
HailynsharedalookwithMarcusbeforesheheadedouttoguardtheeasternapproach.Shefoundaplacenexttoalargetreewithseverallargebushesnearitstrunkwhereshecouldwatchtheroadwithoutexposingherself.Shesatdown,leaningbackagainstthetree,tryingtostayfocusedonhertask.Butwithsleepinessspreading,herthoughtsbegantowander.
ShewasheartsickthatshecouldnottouchJakeormakeanattempttohelphim.Heronlyoptionwastowatchhimlyinginthatwretchedstate.Wouldherecover?Whathadhedonetohimself?Wouldhebethesame?Herworryforhimovercamethefeelingsofjealousyasshewrestledwithherunpleasantthoughts.
Afterwhatseemedaneternity,theskybegantolightenintheeast.Shesattherequietly,shakingherselffromtimetotime,hereyesdroopingdespiteher
bestefforts,waitingforthesuntorise.Shesatthereuntilthesun,inaflareofreddish-goldlight,liftedintotheskyoverthemountains.Shewearilystoodandheadedbacktothewagon.
Whenshearrived,shesawthatDominicandMarcushadalreadyreturnedandwerequietlyharnessingthehorsestothewagon,toallowKeriaandJonastosleep.Oncethewagonwasready,DominicwentovertowakeJonas.
IttookseveralgentlenudgesfromDominicbeforeJonaswokewithagroan.Hiseyesflutteredforafewseconds,thenopened.HetookamomenttogethisbearingsandslowlystoodwithsomehelpfromDominic.Hisfacewasstilldrawnandtired,buthiseyesquicklyregainedtheirfocus.Helookedaround,sawHailynandmovedovertoherwhileDominicwenttowaketheprincess.
“Youdidwell,mydearchild.”Jonassaidgentlytoher.“Now,youcanrestwhileIwatchoveryou.”Hesaidwithasmileasheheldouthishand.
Hailynquicklyputthestaffinhishand,relievedthatJonaswasup.“Areyousureyouarestrongenough,Master?”Sheasked,concerninhervoice.“Youonlyhadacoupleofhoursofsleep.”
“Iamtired,butnolongerhavethewearinesslikebefore.”Jonasreplied,lookingcloselyather.“Youlooklikeyouarereadytofallasleepstandingthere.Youcansleepaswetravel.”
Astheyturnedbacktothewagon,DominicwasspeakingtoKeria,whowasrisingfromthewagonbed.“YouwillbemorecomfortableonDontas,Highness,thanbouncingaroundinthebackofthewagon.Ifyoufeelyoustillneedtosleep,Icantieyouofftokeepyouinthesaddle.”Hesaidwithaslightsmile.
KeriagaveDominicanunamusedlookwithoutreplying,buttookhishandtohelpherdown.MarcuscameovertohelpherontoDontas.Jonasclimbedontothewagon’sbench,Hailynjoininghim.Hereachedintothewagonbed,carefullyavoidingcontactwithJake,andpulledablanketout.WithanodtoDominic,whowasnowmountedonShadow,theyrodebackontotheroadandheadedwest.
Astheyrode,HailynglancedbackatJake,lyingtherepaleandunmoving,andtearscametohereyes.Shetriedtocontrolthem,butwithherbodyworndown,shefailed.
“Wewillfindawaytohelphim,Hailyn.”Jonassaidsoftly,voicesympathetic.“HavefaithintheOne.Idon’tbelievethatthisrescuemissionwastheonlypurposeofJake’sappearance.”
Nodding,shefacedforward,tearsstillflowing.Jonasrolledtheblanketinto
atightballandplaceditnexttohimonthebench.“Liedownandsleep.”Hesaidgently.“Thingswilllookbetterwhenyouwake.”
Hailynlaydown,curlinguponthebenchandrestingherheadontheblanket.ShefeltJonas’handcomedowntorestprotectivelyonhershoulder.Thattouchseemedtoreleaseherandsheimmediatelyfellasleep.
…Theycontinuedonfortherestoftheday,Dominicinthelead,Marcusinthe
rear,buttheyneithersawnorheardanysignofpursuit.Asthesunbegantosetinthewest,Dominicfoundasmallgulchofftheroad,shelteredonthreesidesbysteepwallsandhiddenfromtheroad.Therewasonlyonewayin,sotheycouldeasilydefendtheposition.
Despitethisaddedprotection,JonasagreedwithDominicthatitwouldbebettertoforgoafire,sotheyatecoldrationsfortheeveningmeal.Theyunsaddledthehorses,allowingthemtofeedandrest.DominicandJonassenttheotherstobed,takingthefirstwatch.MarcususedtheblanketstosetupasleepingareaforKeria,andthenlaydownonthegroundclosetoher,quicklyfallingasleep.Hailynsetupherblanketsnexttothewagon.
JonaswenttothewagontocheckonJake.Coveredinblankets,Jakewasstillunresponsive,lookingfrail,hishairstreakedwithwhite.Butheisalive.Jonasthoughtgratefully.Hegavearuefulshakeofhishead,andthenturnedtoheadouttowardstheroadwhereDominicwaskeepingwatch.
Dominicwassittingonasmalllog,hisswordout,studyingtheapproachtotheirposition.Jonassatdownnexttohim,layinghisstaffacrosshisknees,gratefultobesittingdown,hisbodystilltired.Theysatinsilenceforawhile.
“Howdidyoufindus?”Jonasaskedquietly,breakingthestillness.“Ididnotexpecttoseeyouagainwhenyoudidnotcatchupwithusafterthatfirstday.”
“Thehalf-menandtheirmastersweremorepersistentthanIexpected.”Dominicreplied,stillstaringahead.“EventhoughIthinnedthemoutsome,IwaspushedfarthersouththanIplannedandwasforcedtohideoutforatime.BythetimeIgotclearandcircledback,IhadlittlehopethatIwouldcatchyou,eventhoughIdroveShadowhard.Ialmostmissedwhereyoulefttheroad.ImovedasfastasIcould,butwasslowedbyacoupleoffightsalongtheway.OnceIsawthatyourtrailendedattheroadthatledtothedemons’lair,Iassumedthatyouwentinonfoot.Youdidagoodjobofhidingthehorses,butIsawthesignsleadingofffromtheroad.BythetimeIgottotherocks,nighthadfallenandIsawyouslippingintothecliffface.Itriedtocatchyou,butyou
weregoodatstayingaheadofme.Onceinside,Ihadseveralencountersalongtheway,asyouhadstirreduptheplace.Ifollowedthesoundsofthebattleandfoughtmywaytoyou.Therestyouknow.”
“Well,Iamgladthatyouwerethere.”Jonassaid.“YouhelpedJakewhenheneededitandthatenabledustoprevail.IwilladmitthatIthoughtIhadlostyouagainwhenthedemonlordstruckyou.”Hechuckledsoftly,layingahandonDominic’sshoulder.“Butyouhavealwaysbeentougherthananyoneshouldhavetherighttobe.”
Dominicsmiledslightlyatthecomment.“Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter,Iwasnotveryconfidentaboutmychancesatthatpointeither.”
Hissmilefaded.“Whatareyougoingtodoabouttheboy?”Dominicasked.“Ifyouthinkitmaycostyouyourlife,youhadbetterbesurewhateveryoudowillwork.”
Jonasfrowned,thinking,andthenshruggedhisshoulders.“Jakeisalive;thatiswhatisimportant.Heseemsstable,thoughhedoesnotseemtobeimproving.Thereisalwaysthepossibilitythathewillrecoveronhisown,butIwillwatchhimclosely.IfwegethimbacktoSanduas,Icanstudyhim,thendetermineacourseofaction.”Hepausedforamoment.“Also,IwillsendamessagetoTomaris.Hemayhavesomeinsightintothis.”
“Ithinkthatmaybethebestoptionfornow.”Dominicstated.“FromwhatIsawandheardwhileattheKeep,Tomarisseemslikelytohavetheknowledgeandpowertohelptheboy.Thereisnoneedforyoutoriskyourlife.”
Jonasnoddedandtheyfellsilent,turningtheirfocustothetaskathand.Theykeptwatchwithoutincident.Alittlepastmidnight,JonaswokeMarcusandHailyn.Jonashandedhisstafftoher,thencrawledintohisblanketsandletsleeptakehim.
Jonaswokeupshortlybeforedawn,theaircrisp,thenightslowlygivingwaytotheapproachingsun.Theextrasleephadrefreshedhim,theresidualwearinessnowgone.HelookedaroundandsawthatDominicwasalsoupandabout.TheygrabbedsomerationsandwentouttorelieveMarcusandHailyn.Theysentthembacktogetsomethingtoeatandpreparetodepart.
HeandDominicreturnedtothesamefallenlog,eatinginsilence.Astheysatthere,thesunfinallyrose,bathingthehillsinlight.Finishingtheirmeal,theywerepreparingtoreturntothewagonwhentheyheardthesoundsofanapproachinghorseontheroad.Reactingimmediately,Dominicdrewhisswordandmovedquicklytowardstheroad,Jonasclosebehind.
Dominicfoundaplacewherehecouldtaketheriderbysurprise,crouching
behindsomethickbushesnexttotheroad.Hebroughthisswordup,preparedtoactquicklyasthehoofbeatsdrewcloser.Hewaited,stillasastone,sensingJonasrightbehindhim,readytosupporthim.Hewatchedtheroad,whichcurvedawayfromhispositiontogoaroundahill,expectingtoseeahalf-manrideup,planninganattackinhismind.
Whentheridercameintoview,Dominicsawthathewasridingconfidently,scanningthesurroundingtrees,dressedinchainmailoverleather,aswordhangingfromhisbelt,andagoldeneagleemblemonhischest.Dominicrelaxed,stoodandsteppedoutontotheroad,raisinghishandingreeting.TheridersawDominicinstantlyandraisedahandinresponse.Dominichadrecognizedhim;hewastheleadscoutfromAlleon’sarmy.
CHAPTERTWO
SergeantWerdanwasashort,wirymaninearlymiddleage.Hishairwasgraying,agelinescreasinghisforeheadandthecornersofhiseyes,buthecarriedhimselfwiththeairofaveteran.Despitehisage,thebrowneyesabovehischiselednosewerestillpiercingandpredatory,remindingDominicoftheeagleemblazonedinhischest.Dominicrememberedhimfromhisarmydays,knowingthatWerdanhadbeenasoldierallofhislife,nevermarryingorhavingchildren.Hewasalsoataciturnman,quietandserious,passingoverpromotionbecausehepreferredthesolitarylifeofascout.Allinall,agoodman.DominicthoughtashelistenedwhileJonasfinishedexplainingtheirsituation.
“Onceyouhaveyourpeoplereadytogo,IwillleadyoubacktoSirAlleon.”Werdansaidshortly,butpolitely,whilehiseyesneverstoppedscanningthesurroundingarea.“Iwillkeepguardwhileyoumakeready.”
“Weshouldbereadytomovequickly.”Jonasreplied.“HowfartoAlleon?”“Theywillhavebeguntomarchbynow,soweshouldmeetthembymid-
day.”Werdansaid.“Theyareheadedhere?”Jonasasked,surprised.“Theyhadtakenthe
southernroad.Whathappened?”“Wefoundevidencethattheprincesswasnotonthesouthernroad.Iwilllet
SirAlleonexplainittoyou,BrotherJonas,ifyoudon’tmind.”Werdanreplied,clearlynotcomfortablewithextendedconversation.
“Thatwillbefine,SergeantWerdan.”Dominicinterjected.“Wewillgatherourthingsandbereadytomoveshortly.”
Werdannodded,ridingoffashortdistancetowherehecouldbetterwatchtheroad.
DominicandJonasmadetheirwaybacktocamp,arrivingtoseethatMarcushadalreadyhookedupthewagonhorsesandwassaddlingtheothermountsinpreparationtodepart.HailynandKeriahadrepackedandloadedthesuppliesinthewagon.DominicandJonaswentoverandtoldthemofthearrivalofSergeantWerdan.
ThankstoMarcus’effort,theyweremovingouttotheroadinjustafewminutes.Astheyturnedontotheroad,Werdanrodeover,givingMarcusashortnodandKeriaabowfromhishorse.“Iamgladtoseeyouunharmed,YourHighness.”Hesaidpolitely.“SirAlleonwillberelievedtoseeyouaswell.”
Werdanrodeofftotaketheleadandtheybegantoheadwestagain.
DominictookuptherearguardwhileMarcusrodenexttoKeriabehindthewagon.
Theweatherwascomfortableastheyrode,withalightbreezeandscatteredcloudsdriftinginfrontofthesunasitslowlyroseinthesky.Dominicdroppedbackfromtimetotime,seekingsignsoftheirenemies,buttheforestremainedquiet.
JustasWerdanhadsaid,theycameuponthreeofAlleon’soutridersshortlyaftermid-day.AfterashortconversationwithWerdan,twoofthesoldierstookupflankingpositionsneartheprincesswhilethethirdrodebacktorelaythenewstothemainforce.Afteranotherfifteenminutesofriding,DominiccouldhearthesoundsofAlleon’sarmymovingalongtheroad.
WerdanrodeaheadtogivehisreporttoSirAlleon.Alleon,dressedinfullarmor,haltedhisforcesandrodeouttomeetthem.HewasclearlyrelievedtoseeKeriaashegreetedher,awidesmilecreasinghisfacedespitetryingtolookserious.Hepromisedtoreturnhertothesafetyofthecityasquicklyaspossible.HegaveJonasaheartywelcome,hisgoodnatureshiningthrough.
Dominicrodeover,Alleongivinghimasaluteashedrewnear.“IseethatIshouldhavefollowedyou.”Alleonsaidself-consciously,thoughhiseyesstillshonewithgoodcheer.“Nexttime,Iwillletyoutakecommandandyoucanjustpointmeinthedirectionyouthinkisbest.”
“Youdidwhatmadesenseatthetime,Alleon.”Dominicreplied.“Wehavetheprincessback,thatiswhatisimportant.”
“Truly.”Alleonsaidwithasmile,nodding.“Let’ssurroundherwithclericsandsoldiersbeforemyluckrunsout.”HemotionedKeriatorideforward.“Highness,ifyouwill.”
Theyrodebackintothearmy,thesoldierscheeringandcallingoutgreetingstoKeria,theclericsgatheringaroundJonasandHailyn.Astheyapproachedthesupplywagons,DominicwassurprisedtoseeKeria’scarriagemixedinwiththewagons.HelookedquestioninglyatAlleon.
“Wefounditalongthesouthernroad,abandoned,theafternoonoftheseconddayafterweparted.”Alleontoldhim.“Therewasasmallenemyforcewaitinginambushnearit,butwequicklydefeatedthemandturnedaroundtofollowyourpath.Ipushedthehorseshard,tryingtomakeuptime.Theclericsweresomewhatcrosswithmeforthat,asIallbutexhaustedthemastheyhadtohealthehorseseverytimewestopped.”
Alleonstopped,slidingoffhishorsewithaclang,andmotioningthemdown.“Wewillhaveaquickmealandshareourreports.”Hecalledoverhis
officersandhadthemdeploythesoldiersindefensivepositionsaroundthearea.Jonassentthebulkoftheclericswiththesoldiers.
Severalaidesquicklysetupafieldtablefromthewagonswhilethecooksheatedupsomerations.Whiletheyate,JonasandDominictoldAlleonabouttrackingdownthekidnapperstothedemons’lairandthedestructionofCreatos.
AlleonglancedoveratJonas’swagon,whereHailynwaswatchingoverJake,andshookhishead.“Iknowhewastrainingwithyou,Dominic,soIdonotmeantogiveoffense,butIdidn’tthinkthathehadthatkindofcourage.”Alleonsaid,respectinhiseyes.
“Couragecanbefoundinanyone,SirAlleon.”Jonassaid.“TheOneprovidesusallwiththecapacity;itjusttakestherightkindofmotivationforittocomeout.”HeglancedmeaningfullyatKeria.
Alleontoldthemwhathappenedwithhisforce.HeexpandedonwhathehadalreadytoldDominic.Thearmyhadfollowedthepassageofthehalf-menanddemonssouthuntiltheycameupontheabandonedcarriage.Hehadsentseveralsearchpartiesintothesurroundinghills,lookingforsignsoftheprincess.Oneofthesepartiesstumbledontothewaitinghalf-menanddemons.Theylosttwoclericsandtensoldiersbeforetheywereabletogatherenoughforcestocrushthedemons.Oncethefightingwasdone,Alleonhadorderedthedeadsoldiers’horseshookeduptothecarriageandturnedthearmybacktowardsthecrossroad.Theymovedasquicklyaspossibletotrytocatchup.Whentheyhadbivouackedneartheminers’camp,AlleonhadspokenwiththeirleaderandlearnedthatDominic’sgrouphadcomeandgone.HesentWerdanaheadtoseewhathecouldfindwhilethearmyfollowed.
“Youmadequiteanimpressionontheminers,Dominic.”Alleonsaidwithashortlaugh.“Iheardthemdebatingwhethertheywouldopentheirgatesifyoureturned!”Dominicsmiledgrimlyatthat.
Suddenly,Keria,whohadbeensittingnexttoMarcussimplylistening,stoodandspoke.“Iwanttothankyouforallofyourefforts,SirAlleon.Pleaserelaymydeepestthankstothesoldiersandclericsunderyourcommandfortheircourageandcommitmentintheattempttorescueme.”Shesaid.
“Ofcourse,YourHighness.”Alleonreplied.“Whatisyourplannow?”Sheasked.“Togetyoubacktothecityasquicklyaspossible,ofcourse.”Alleon
stated.“Seeingthesizeofthisforce,Iamthinkingofsomethingelse.”Keriasaid,
herfaceneutral.
“Whatwouldthatbe?”Alleoncautiouslyasked.“Iwantthedemonsandtheirfollowerspunished.”Shestated.“Theytook
mehostageandkilledthemembersofmyescort,includingCostuasandpoorNataly.”Hervoicebrokebriefly,butsherecovered.“IwantyoutogoandclearoutthatnestofdemonswhereIwasheld.”
“Princess,Iwouldgladlymeteoutjusticetothosethathaveharmedyou,but,withallduerespect,mymissionistorecoveryouandreturnyousafelytoyourfather,theKing.”Alleonsaid,lookinguncomfortable.“HewillhangmefromthewallsofSanduasifIdon’timmediatelybringyouhome.”
“Myfatherisnothere,SirAlleon.”Keriastatedprimly.“Also,therewereotherstrappedinthatplace;IheardtheircrieswhileIwasconfined.Whenitwasjustoursmallgroup,Iknewtherewasnooptionbuttoleavethemtotheirfates.Now,withthismanysoldiersandclerics,weshouldbeabletooverwhelmthedemons’forcesandrescuethosepoorsouls.”
“Icannotriskyoursafetynowthatyouarefree,Princess.”Alleonprotested.“Iamsurethekingwillallowustoreturnanddestroythatplaceafteryouarebackhome.Iwillaskthekingforthehonorofleadingthatmissioninthenamesofthelost.”
“Iwillnotabandonthosepeopletrappedthere,nowthatthemeanstorescuethemishere.”Keriasaidstubbornly.“Considerthisaroyalcommand.”Alleonfrownedandslowlyshookhishead,lookingforawayout.
“Princess,Iunderstandyourgriefanddesireforretribution,aswellasapplaudyourcompassion,butSirAlleonisunderordersfromtheking.”Jonassaid,joiningtheconversation.“Donotplacehiminapositiontohavetodefyyouoryourfather.LetusreturntoSanduas.IwillsupportAlleontoreturnwithasmanyclericsascanbespared.”
“Ican’tbelievethatyouwouldleavethosepeopleinbondage,BrotherJonas.”Keriaresponded,shakingherhead.“Ifnotforme,wouldyousimplydepartknowingtheywerethere?”
“No,YourHighness.”Jonassaidreluctantly.“Butyouarehere.Thatchangestheequation.”
“Iwillalwaysbegratefultoyouforrescuingme,BrotherJonas,but,inthis,youarewrong.”Keriastated,adefiantlookonherface.“Icannotforceyoutosupportme,butthesoldiersfallunderroyalcommand.Iwillsendthemagainstthedemonswithoutyourclerics,ifImust,butIwillnotleavethosepeople.”
Jonasfrownedatthat,hisfacetightening,butbeforehecouldreply,Dominicspoke.“Imayhaveasolutionthatwillsatisfybothsides.”
BothJonasandKerialookedathimforamoment,thennoddedthatheshouldcontinue.
“Howmanyclericsarehere?”HeaskedJonas.“Thirty-eight,plusHailynandmyself.”Jonasreplied.“Givemeeighteenofyourstrongestclerics;Alleoncansparethirtysoldiers.
Iwillleadthatforceagainstthedemons;Ihaveafeelfortheplacenow.”Dominicreplied.“Theclericswillbebetterweaponsthansoldiersinthewarrensatthedemons’fortress.ThatwillleavethebulkofthesoldiersandhalftheclericswithAlleon.”
Jonasconsidereditforamoment.“Iwillsendfifteenandgomyself.”Hesaid.“Likeyou,IhavebeeninsideandIwillbebestabletoorganizetheclerics.”HelookedatKeria.“Ifthisissomethingyouareinsistingon?”
Kerianodded.“Iam,BrotherJonas.”“Asforyou,Princess,youwillgowiththerestofAlleon’sforcebackto
Sanduas.”Dominicsaid.“Thatway,yourfathercannotfaultAlleonfornotreturningyouasquicklyaspossible.Also,youcanlookaftertheboyuntilJonasreturns.”
KerianoddedheracceptanceandturnedtospeaktoAlleon.Shecouldseethedisappointmentinhiseyes,knowingthathewouldmissthefighting.“SirAlleon,Iwouldaskyoutogowiththisexpeditionasmychampion.Iwishforyoutodeliverthejusticeyoumentioned.”
“Iwouldgladlyacceptsuchacharge,Highness,butyoursafetywasplacedintomyhandsbytheking.”Alleonsaid,risingandgivingherabow.“IamnotsurehowIcansatisfybothdemands.”
“Putyoursecondincommand.Withallofthesoldiersandclericsarrayedaroundme,youhaveaccomplishedallyoucantokeepmesafe.”Keriareplied.ShegaveAlleonabriefsmile.“Pleasegoforme.Iwillexplainthingstomyfather.”
“Itwillbemyhonor,YourHighness.”Alleonsaid,asmilecrossinghisfaceashebowedagain.“Iwillbringyourjusticetothosefoulcreaturesandsuccorthelostsouls.”
Theymovedquicklytoorganizetheirrespectiveparties.WhileDominicwenttothesupplywagonstogetanotherbreastplate,Alleoncalledforvolunteerstojoinhimandorderedhissecond,CaptainGrashin,togettherestturnedaroundandreadytomove.Jonascalledtheclericstogether,explainingthesituation.Hepickedouthisfifteen,thenputtheremainingclericsunderthedirectionofanolderfemaleclericnamedSilvan.HetookSilvanovertothe
wagonwhereHailynwasstillsitting,explainingwhathadhappenedtoJake.“Donotallowanyoftheclericstoattempttohealhim;itmaybefataltoany
whoattemptit.”Jonassaidastheystopped,gesturingatJake.“Justkeephimcomfortableandhavethesoldiershelpmovehim,ifnecessary.OnceyouarriveatSanduas,sendamessengertoTomaris’Keep.InformhimofJake’sconditionandaskforanyhelphecanprovide.IfIdonotreturn,youmayneedtosendJaketotheKeep.”
“Wewillcareforhim,Brother;youworryaboutyourselfandthosewithyou.”Silvanreplied.ShelookedoveratHailyn,whohadclimbeddownwhiletheyweretalking.“IwillseeHailynsafelybacktotheTemple.”Shesaidkindly.
“Master,Ialsohavebeeninside,perhapsIshouldgowithyou-”Hailynbegan.
“No.”Jonasstatedfirmly,shakinghishead.“YouhavedonemorethanIshouldhaveaskedofyou.Idonotdoubtyourcourageorskill,butyouwillreturntoSanduas.”Hegaveheraknowingsmile.“IwantyoutohelpSilvanwithJake.Ifhewakes,hewilllikelywishtoseeafamiliarface.”
“Ofcourse,Master.”Hailynsaid,quicklyglancingoveratJake.ShelookedbackatJonas.“Pleasebecareful.”
“Ialwaystrytobecareful.”Jonassaidwithasoftlaugh.“Sometimes,itjustdoesn’tworkoutforme.”
Thesoundsofapproachinghorsesinterruptedthem.DominicrodeuponShadow,leadingDontas.Hehadanewbreastplateon,thoughitdidnotseemtofitparticularlywell.Jonaslookedmeaningfullyatit,aslightsmileonhisface.
“ItwasthebestIcouldfind.”Dominicsaidwithashrugofhisshoulders.“IwillhaveNorlanmakeanewone,ifwereturn.”HehandedthereinsofDontastoJonas.“Wearereadytogo.”
JonasclimbedintothesaddleandfacedSilvanandHailyn.Heraisedahand.“GowiththeblessingsoftheOne.MayHeseeyousafelyhome.”
“Aswithyouandourbrothersandsistersaswell.”Silvanreplied,noddingherhead.
Withthat,DominicandJonasrodeovertojoinAlleonandhissoldiers,thechosenclericsfallinginbehindJonas.Amidtheshoutsofencouragementfromtheassembledsoldiers,manyraisingtheirswordsorspearsinsalute,thesmallergrouprodethroughtherestoftheforceandheadedeastontheroad,quicklydisappearingaroundthebend.
CaptainGrashincalledtherestofthesoldersbackintoorderandbeganto
turneveryonearound.Itwascrampedonthenarrowforestroadandtooknearlythirtyminutestogetthewagonsturnedaroundandhisforcedeployedashewantedit.Oncehewassatisfied,herodeovertoKeria,whowasbackinhercarriage.
Thecarriagehadtwosoldierstodriveit,botharmedwithbows.Silvanhadarrangedtenofherclericsaroundthecarriageforprotection;therestweredispersedthroughouttheformation.AlongwithMarcus,whowasonhishorsenexttothecarriage,twentysoldierswereassignedtoguarditdirectly,stayingascloseastheroadwouldallow.
“YourHighness,withyourpermission,wewillgetunderway.”CaptainGrashintoldKeria,handraisedinsalute.
“Youhavemypermission,Captain.Letusdepart.”Keriareplied.WithashoutfromGrashin,amidthesnortsandwhinniesfromthehorses,
thearmybegantherideoutoftheforest.…
HailynwasdrivingJonas’wagon,positionedashortdistancebehindKeria’scarriage.Shesatthere,hermindwanderingfromtimetotime,astheforestrolledby.SheoftenturnedtolookoverhershoulderatJake,hopingforachangeinhiscondition,butheremainedthesame.
Shewassurprisedwhen,astheskybegantodarken,thearmycontinuedtorideon.WhenSilvanrodeby,movingaroundthecaravantocheckontheclerics,Hailynhailedher.
“Sister,arewenotstoppingforthenight?”Sheasked.“No,Hailyn.”Silvanreplied.“GrashinandIhavedecidedthatwewill
continueonuntilwecleartheforest.Youshouldprepareyourselfforalongnightinthatseat.”Withthat,sherodeon.
Thepaceslowedasnightfellovertheforest,theleadriderslightingtorchestoilluminatethewayahead,butthearmydidnotstop.Hailynrecognizedthesideroadthatledtotheminers’campastheypasseditindark,andthenjustlikethat,itwasgone.Themonotonyofthejourney,withonlythesoundsofhorsesandthesoftmurmurofsoldiers’conversationsaudibleinthedarkforest,begantotakeitstoll.Hailyncaughtherselfdriftingoffonseveraloccasions,shakingherselfawake.Shetriedtofocusonthemovementoftheridersinfrontofher,desperatetostayalert.Itwasadifficultandlongnight,butneardawn,theycameuponthemainnorth-southforestroad.Asthesuncameupandshoweredthetreesinlight,theyturnednorthandpickedupthepaceoftravel.Theyrodeatasteadypaceformostofthemorning,finallyarrivingatawell-worndirttrail
thatstretchedacrosstheforest.Theyturnedwestagain,movingslowlythroughthetrees,andfinallyexitedontotherollingplainsinthelateafternoon.
Hailynwasgladtobeoutoftheforest,savoringtheopenlandinfrontofher.Oncethearmywasoutofthetreesandontotherollinggrassland,Grashincalledforahalt.Exhaustedsoldiersslowlyclimbedofftheirhorses,shakingtheirlegsandstretching.Thehorsesbegantograzeonthegreengrass,movingslowly,clearlytired.
AfteraquickcheckonJake,Hailynclimbeddownfromthewagon,gratefulforthechancetomovearound.ShewascheckingonthewagonhorseswhenSilvanrodeup.
“Hailyn,weneedtohealthehorsesandrelievethemoftheirfatigue.Wearenotstoppinghere.”Silvansaid.“Wewillcontinueonuntilwereachthelocalgarrison.Grashinhasalreadysentridersahead.Itwillbesaferwithsomestonewallsaroundus,allowingustorelievethesoldiersandrestthehorses.Onceyoufinishwithyourhorses,seetotheothersinthearea.”
“Yes,Sister.”Hailynreplied.Silvangaveheranodandrodeoff.Hailyn,alongwithherfellowclerics,spentthenexttwentyminutesmoving
fromhorsetohorse,usinghermagictorefreshandreinvigoratethem.Inspiteofherownfatigue,shecouldnothelpbutsmileattheplayfulheadnudgesandsoftwhinniesfromthehorsesaftershehadrestoredthem.
Assoonastheclericshadfinished,thearmyremountedandbeganmovingagain.Freeofthetrees,GrashinhadtheformationcloseranksaroundKeria’scarriagewhiletheoutriderslittorchesasnightsettledonthearea.Hailynfoundherselfgettingimpatientwiththepace,readyforsleep,almosttryingtowillthegarrisontoappear.Theopengrasslandsdidnotgiveherthesamesenseofforwardmovementasshehadintheforest.
Herminddrifting,herbodycravingrest,shewastakenbysurprisewhenthecheerwentupfromthesoldiers.Standingup,shecouldseearoundthecarriageandoverthesoldierstospytheburningtorchesthatlinedthestonebattlementsofthelocalgarrison’sfortress.
Withinanhourofspottingthefortress,everyonewassafelyinsidethewalls.Thecourtyardwaspackedwithwagonsandsoldiers.Nearlyeveryinchofavailablegroundwastakenupbysleepingsoldiers,manywhosimplysanktothebareground,forgoingblankets.Thehorseshadbeentakentothestablearea,withmanytieduptotheoutsideofthecorral,asthebarnwasnotbigenoughtoholdthemall.Asshepreparedthewagonseatasamakeshiftbed,HailynwatchedsomewhatenviouslyasKeria,withMarcusbyherside,wasledintothe
garrisoncommander’squarterstosleepinarealbed.Sighing,Hailynrearrangedherblanketsagain,tryingtocushionthewooden
seatabitmore.Despitetheaccommodations,shewasgratefultobeinsidethewalls,knowingthatJakewasnowsafe.Ashadbecomeherhabit,shelookedintothewagonbedtocheckonhim.Helaythereashehadsincethebattle,eyesclosed.Hestillhadnotgivenanysignsofcomingaround.Shehadtoresisttheurgetoreachdownandtouchhisface.Asshesatthereandstudiedhisfaceinthetorchlight,shealmostjumpedoutofherseatwhenhiseyessuddenlypoppedopen.
…Inthehillsfartotheeast,withthetorchesburningbrightlybehindhim,
Delanslowlypacedacrosstheroughroad,lookinguptowardstherocksandtrees,watchingforanyoneapproaching.Hehaddrawnthenightwatch,whichinitiallyangeredhim.Aftersomethought,though,hehaddecideditwasbetterthanbeinginsidewiththeMasters.Theywerestillinafury;itonlytookasinglewrongwordoractiontobringtheirwrathdownonanyofthefollowers.
Delanallowedhimselfashort,uglychuckle.ThatidiotSibanhaddrawntheattentionoftheMasters,astheysquabbledoverwhowouldlead,sayingoutloudthattheyshouldsimplyletthestrongestonedoso.Temporarilysettingasidetheirdifferences,severaldescendedonhimandrippedhimapart,makingabloodymess.Itwasalessontoanyothersthathadopinionstheywishedtovoice.
Secretly,DelanwasgladsincehehatedSiban.HehadbeenanarrogantfoolandtriedtolordoverDelanwhenthedemontheyservedplacedhimincharge.TheMastershadsavedhimtheeffortofhavingtokillSibanhimself.
Still,therehadbeenmuchconfusionaftertheirlordhadfallen.TheMastershadbeguntofightamongstthemselvesforpower,rallyingfollowerstotheirside.Therehadbeennumerouspitchedbattlesinsidethefortress,withseveralgroupsfleeingintotheforest,untiltheMastersworkedoutasystemtogovernwhatwasleft.
Intheend,threeoftheMasterswouldnowworktogethertomakethedecisions.Delanshookhisheadashethoughtaboutit.Hereallydidnotcarewhoranthings.Heonlywishedtobeoutraiding,takinglives,gold,andwomen.
Asheglancedbackattheothertwofollowersstandingguard,heheardthesoundofapproachinghorsescomingfromtheforest.Itmayjustbesomeofthosefoolswhoranoff,butIneedtobesure.Hedrewhisswordandmovedup
towheresomestrategicallyplacedbouldersborderedtheroad,designedtopreventanyattackerfromflankingtheguards.Hesteppedintothemiddleoftheroadandwaited.
Thesoundgrewlouder.Hecouldtellthattherewasafairlylargepartyapproaching.Hethoughtofraisingthealarm,buthewasnotgoingtorisktheMasters’wrathifitwasonlysomeofthefollowersreturning.
Inthedimlightofthetorches,hesawalargemanonablackhorsecomeridingoverthecrestofthehill.Asthehorseranstraightforhim,alongbrightswordappearedintheman’shand.Behindhimcamemoreriders.
Delan,alreadybringinghisweaponup,felthimselfgocoldwhenhemadeoutthescarsontheman’sface.Heknewwhothiswas!Hebegantoshoutthealarmwhenseveraloftheridersweresuddenlysurroundedbybrightlyglowingyellowauras,theonebehindthescarredwarrioroutshiningthemall.ThecryonhislipsdiedwhenabrightlanceofyellowfireracedouttowardsDelan,strikinghim,andhewassuddenlynomore.
CHAPTERTHREE
“Wherearewe?”Jakeasked,voicesoftandraspy,lookingupatHailyn,whowasstaringdownathim,hereyesshininginthelightofthetorches.
“Weareatthefortressofthelocalgarrison,nearthenorth-southhighway.”Hailynreplied,alargesmileonherface.Shereachedouttotouchhisface,but,hersmilesuddenlyfading,withdrewherhand.“Howdoyoufeel,Jake?”
“Reallyweak.”Jakereplied,tryingtoshiftintheblankets.“Icanbarelyliftmyhead.”
Jakefeltasthoughhiswholebodywassuckeddryofstrength.Hehaddriftedinaquietdarknessafterhehadlaunchedhislastattack.HehadbeensofrightenedbythethoughtofKeriadyingthathehadfranticallytriedtogathereverylastbitofpowertostopCreatos.Therehadbeenabriefsensationofhisbodybeingdrained,asifsomethingwasbeingpulledfrominsidehim,thendarkness.Hewouldoccasionallydetectasoftmurmur,asifhearingvoicesfromagreatdistance.Therewerebriefmomentswhenanimpressionofmovementintrudedinthatquietplace.
Hehadbeendriftingalong,oblivioustoeverything,whenavoicesuddenlyroseinthedarkness.Itwasthesamevoicethathadspokeninhisdisturbingdream.Youhavedonewell,child.Thevoicesaid,kindandgentle.Butyoumustwake.Withthat,hebecameawareofsoftsoundsofmensnoringandfirescrackling,couldfeeltheblanketsagainsthisskinandopenedhiseyes.Ithadtakenhimamomenttoforhiseyestoadjust,finallyseeingHailynwiththewatchfiresinthebackground.
“Youshouldjustrelax.”Shestated.“Wearesafehere.”“Whathappened?”Jakeasked.“IsKeriaok?”“Sheisfine,thankstoyou.”Hailynresponded.“Wedefeatedthedemon
lordandallofusmadeitoutofthedemons’fortress.”“Dominic?”Jakeaskedquietly.HerememberedtheblowthatCreatoshad
struck.“Jonashealedhim,Jake.”Hailynsaidreassuringly.“Heishisusualself.”Jakeletoutabreathhedidnotrealizehehadbeenholding,afeelingofrelief
spreadingthroughhisbody.Hetriedtomoveagain,buthisbodydidnotseemtowanttowork.
“Doyouneedanything?Hailynasked.“Somewater.Mymouthfeelssodry.”Jakesaid.
Hailynreacheddownandpulledherwaterskinfromunderthewagonbench.Outofreflex,shestartedtohandittoJake,butthenrememberedJonas’admonishment.
“IfIsetitdownnexttoyou,canyoupickitup?”Hailynasked.Shehesitatedforamoment,butcontinued.“Jonasbelievesthatyousomehowinterjectedyourlife-forceintoyourmagicduringthebattle,justasyoudidbeforeintheforest.Heisnotsurehowtohelpyouyet,buthasinstructedthatnoneoftheclericsaretotouchyouorgettooclose.Heisconcernedthattheclerics’magicmaytriggerthetransferofpowerthatoccurredbetweenyouandhim.Hefearsthat,inyourcondition,suchaconnectionmaykillthecleric.”
Jakewasstunnedbythat,butdidnotknowwhattosay.Whenhetriedtolifthisarm,itwasclearthatmanipulatingthewaterskinwasbeyondhim.“Maybeyoucouldjustpouritinmymouth?”Jakesuggested.
“Iwillhelphim.”AfamiliarvoicesaidasMarcuswalkeduptothewagon.Hehadtakenoffhisarmor,butstillhadhisswordon.WithaslightsmileforHailyn,hetookthewaterskinfromher,thenreachedintothewagonbedand,withunexpectedgentleness,liftedJake’shead,bringingtheskintoJake’smouth.
Jakedrankdeeplyandgratefully.Marcuswatchedhimclosely,removingthewaterskinwhenJakegaveaslightnodandsettinghisheadbackontotheblankets.
“IaminyourdebtforsavingKeria,Jake.”Marcussaidasrecappedthewaterskin,histoneserious.“Youfacedthedemonlord,somethingIknowthatIcouldnothavedoneand,becauseofyoursacrifice,Keriawasrescued.Exceptforgivingupmypursuitofheroranythingthatwouldharmher,Istandreadytorepaythatdebt.YouonlyneedtellmewhatyouwishandIwillmakeithappen.”
“Wecandiscussthatlater,Marcus.”Jakesaidcautiously.“Howisshe?”“Tired,butsafe.”Marcusreplied.Hegesturedtowardsthecommander’s
quarters.“ShewascleaningupandpreparingforbedwhenIlefther.”MarcusstoodnexttothewagonwhileHailynfilledJakeinontheeventsthat
hadoccurredsincehelostconsciousness,addinghisperspectivefromtimetotime.HehelpedJakeeatsomerationsanddrinkmorewaterwhilehewasthere.
AfterHailynfinishedspeaking,hemadetoleave.“IwillbesleepingoutsideKeria’sroom,ifyouneedme.”Hesaid.“Ibelievethatwewillspendtomorrowhere,allowingthesoldiersandhorsestorest,thendepartthefollowingday.Iwillcomebyinthemorningtocheckonyou.Goodnighttoyouboth.”With
that,hestrodebacktowardsthecommander’squarters,carefullysteppingoverandaroundthesleepingsoldiers.
“Ineedtogetsomesleep.Youshouldtryandrestalso,Jake.”Hailynsaidwithayawn.“Iwillbehereifyouneedme.Justcallout.”Shegavehimanothersmile,andthenlaydownonthewagonbench.
Jakelaytherelookingupatthesky,thetorchlightblockingoutsomeofthefainterstars.Amidstthesnoresofthesoldiers,heheardHailyn’sgentlebreathfallintotheregularrhythmofsleep.Hestaredatthedarksky,histhoughtschurning,thenslowly,hismindcalmedandhefellintothefamiliaroblivionofsleep.
…Withthesunalreadyinthesky,Jakewoketosmellofcookingfoodandthe
soundsofthehustleandbustleofsoldiersmovingaboutthecourtyard,talkingandlaughing.Hetriedtolifthishead,butwasonlyabletoraiseitafewinches,feelingasifsomeinvisiblehandwasholdingitdown.
“Goodmorning,Jake.”Hailyn’svoicecamefromthebenchbehindhim.Hetwistedhisheadaroundtolookather.Shewasinfreshclothesandevidentlyhadfoundthetimetobathe,herdamphairglisteninginthesun.Shegavehimawarmsmile,herbrowneyescatchingthemorningsun,thegoldenflakesseemingtoshine.“Howdoyoufeel?”
“Everythingseemstobeworking,butmybodyisstillreallyweak.”Jakesaid,returninghersmile.“IwishIknewwhathappenedtome.”
“Youneedtorestandbepatient.”Hailynresponded,voiceconfident.“OnceMasterJonasreturns,Iamsurethathewillfindawaytohelpyou.”
“Ifwhatyousaidabouttheclericsandmeisright,thenIcan’tlethimdoanything.”Jakestated.“Idon’twanthimtogethurtorworseforme.”
“Well,thatisanissuethatwewilladdresswhenithappens.”Hailynsaidsoothingly.“Maybeyouwillsimplygetbetterwithalittletime.”
“Maybe.”Jakesaid,turninghisheadback.“IjustwishIcouldsitup.”“Thatiseasyenough.”Marcus’voicesoundedashewalkeduptothe
wagon.JaketurnedhisheadtoseethatMarcushadalsobathedandchangedintocleanclothes.IguessI’mtheonlyonewhoisn’tgettingashower.Jakethoughtself-consciouslyashelookedathisdirtyclothes.
Marcuspiledsomeblanketsagainstthesideofthewagon’srails,andthenassistedJakeintoasittingposition,liftingandpullinghimuntilhewasrestingagainsttheblankets.JakewasembarrassedthatMarcushadtodomostofthework,butwasmostlydistractedbyanoddcrawlingsensationthatoccurred
whenMarcustouchedhim.Hehadnotnoticeditlastnight,butnowitfeltlikeantscrawlingonhim,ofallthings.Itwasslightlyuncomfortable,butmostlyjustreallyweird.ItfadedawaywhenMarcusreleasedhim,leavingJakeponderingwhatitwas.
Nowsittingup,Jakehadaviewofthecourtyard,seeingthesmokerisingfromthenumerouscookfires,observingthegroupsofsoldiersworkingandnoticingtheguardsonthestonebattlementswatchingforanyapproachingdanger.Thesmellofcookingfoodsethisstomachgrowling.JakeblushedslightlywhenherealizedHailynhadheardit.
“Iwillgetyousomethingtoeat,Jake.”Shesaidassheslidoffthewagonbench.Jakewatchedherasshemadeherwaytowardsthenearestcookfire,noddingandrespondingtothegreetingsfromthesoldiers.
“HaveyouthoughtmoreonhowIcansettlemydebt?”Marcusasked,pullingJake’sattentionbacktohim.
“Look,Marcus,youdon’towemeanything.”Jakesaid,lookinghimintheeye.“WebothwantedKeriasafeandwebothdidwhatwecouldtomakethathappen.”Hepausedforamomentbeforecontinuing.“Iwouldliketocontinueourtruce,atleast.Iwouldratherhaveyouasafriendthananenemy.”
“WhataboutKeria?”Marcusaskedquietlyandintently,leaningclose.“Howcanwebefriendsifwebothwanther?”Henowpaused,lookingaway,thenlookedbackatJake,eyesdetermined.“Iwillnotstepaside.Iloveher.”Hestatedsimply.
Jakesighedheavily,lookingdown.Hedidnothaveagoodanswerforthat.Hetriedtoraisehishandtohisface,butcouldonlymakeitabouthalfway,hisarmshaking,thenletitfallbackintohislap.
“Letusputthatasidefornow.”Marcussaid,anoteofsympathyinhisvoice.“Iwillhonorourtruce.Wecandiscussitlater,onceyouhavehealed.”
Theyremainedtherequietly,bothlostintheirownthoughts,untilHailynreturnedwithaplateoffood.MarcustookitfromherandhelpedJakeeat.Thefoodwashotandsatisfying,distractingJakefromhistroublesforthemostpart.ThatstrangesensationreoccurredeverytimeMarcus’shandgotveryclosetoJake,almosttouching,fadingwhenheremovedit,takingsomeoftheenjoymentawayfromthefood.
AfterJakehadfinishedeating,Marcusexcusedhimselfandwentbacktothecommander’squarters.Adjustinghispositiontogetcomfortable,Jakejustsatthere,staringaimlesslyattheactivityinthecourtyard,hismindjumbledwiththoughtsofKeria,Marcusandhisphysicalcondition.Hailynsatonthebench,
watchinghim,butsayingnothing.“Howisourpatientthismorning?”Afemalevoiceintrudedintohis
thoughts,pullingJake’sattentionoutward.Jakesawamiddle-agedfemaleclericapproaching,aseriouslookonherplainface,herhair,streakedwithgrayandpulledtightlybackfromherface,tiedintoalongponytail.ShenoddedagreetingtoJakeandturnedtowardsHailyn.
“Heisbetterthanyesterday,SisterSilvan.”Hailynrepliedcourteously.“Heisstillphysicallyweak,butheknowswhereheisandhasanappetite.”
“Thatisgoodtohear.”Silvansaid.ShecameclosertoJake,peeringathisface,tryingtogaugehiscondition.Sheleanedin,studyinghisfaceandlookingoverhisbody.Whenshegotcloser,Jakecouldfeelthatcrawlingsensationagain,butitwasmuchstrongerthistime.Hefrowned,wonderingwhatitcouldbe.HewasnotsureifheshouldmentionittoHailyn,sinceshecouldnottouchhimtoseeiftherewasanythingwrong.Thankfully,Silvanbackedaway,apparentlysatisfied,andthesensationfadedaway.
“Iwillleavehiminyourcare,Hailyn.”Silvansaidasshemadetogo.“Tryandresttoday.WewillbeleavingatfirstlighttomorrowanddrivinghardforSanduas.”WithanodtoJake,shestrodeoff.
Fortherestoftheday,Jakesattherethinkingandkeptdriftinginandoutofsleep.Whenawake,hewasdistractedandfrustratedbyhisweakenedstate,notfeelingtheneedforconversation.Hailynseemedcontenttosimplybenearby,talkingwithJakewhenhewantedtotalk,sittingandquietlyreadingascrollwhenhewasquiet.
MarcuscameoutseveraltimestoseeifJakeneededanything,bringingwaterandfoodwhenasked.JakehadtoendureMarcushelpinghimtothelatrines,sincehislegswerenotabletosupporthisweighttogoonhisown.Marcustookitinstride,unaffected,butJakewasembarrassedtoneedhelpinthis,consciousofthesoldiersnearby,aswellasHailyn.Theindignityofnotbeingabletocareforhimself,combinedwiththatoddsensationthatreturnedwhenMarcushelpedhim,hadputJakeinafoulmoodbythetimehecamebacktothewagon.
Hesatthere,hisfrustrationandangerathimselfboilingover,and,forthewantofdoingsomething,reachedforhismagic.Hisfrustrationfadedwhen,afteramoment’sdelay,hefelthismagiccomealive.Itfilledhim,thatfamiliarthrillbrighteninghismood.Hecouldseethebluenimbusofhispowersurroundinghim.
“Jake,whatareyoudoing?”Hailynasked,concerninhereyes.
“IjustwantedtoseeifIcouldcallitup.”Jakesaid,holdingontohispowertightly.Withhismagic,hefeltstrongerandtriedtopushhimselfup.Tohissurpriseanddelight,hewasabletomove.Hestillfeltweak,buthewasabletoslowlymovetotheedgeofthewagon,swinginghislegsovertherear.Takingadeepbreath,hetriedtostandup.Hislegsbuckledforamoment,buthewasabletorecover.Lettinggoofthewagon,hetookahesitantstepawayandstoodthereswaying.
“Thatisenough,Jake.”Hailynsaidfirmly,afrownonherface.“Pleasegetbackintothewagon.Youshouldnottaskyourself.”
“I’malright,Hailyn.Ijustwanttotrysomething.”Jakesaid.Hestoodstillforafewseconds,gettinghisfeetunderhimandlegsset,andthenreleasedhispower.Immediately,hislegsgaveoutandhecollapsedtotheground.HemutteredcursesasseveralnearbysoldiersheardHailyn’sstartledcryandcametohisaid.
Beforehecouldattempttorecallhispowerandstand,theyliftedhimbackintothewagonatHailyn’scommand.Shecameovertostandnearhim,herfrustrationofnotbeingabletogetcloseortouchhimvisibleonherface.Jakegrumbledhisthankstothesoldiers,whoreturnedtowhattheyhadbeendoing.
“Jake,pleasetrytobepatient.”Hailynsaidgently.“Iknowyouwanttoreturntonormal,butitmaytakesometime.”
“Iknowthat!”Hesnappedather,immediatelyregrettingit.Heknewitwasnotherfaultanditwasn’tfairtotakeouthisfrustrationonher.
“I’msorry,Hailyn.”Jakesaid,lookingoverather.Hefeltevenguiltierwhenshegavehimaslightsmile.“Itisjustsofrustratingtohavetosithereandnotbeabletodoanything.”
“You’renotthefirstpatientwhohasbeencrosswithme,Jake.”Shesaidwithalittlelaugh.ShemovedclosertoJake,whichcausedhissensationtomanifest,stronglikeitwaswithSilvan.“WemusthavefaiththatMasterJonaswillreturnandfindasolutiontoyourcondition.”
JakenoddedandHailynsteppedaway,returningtothewagonbenchandthesensationfaded.Heembracedhispoweragain,allowinghimtomovearoundthewagonbedandgetcomfortable.Oncehesettledin,hereluctantlyreleasedthepower,feelingtheweaknessreturn.Hewasnotsurewhatwouldhappenifhetriedtocontinuouslyholdhismagic,rememberingTomaris’admonishmentaboutthemagiceventuallytiringhisbody.Inhisweakenedstate,itmightbesomethingdecidedlyunpleasant.Onthebrightside,hethought,atleastIwon’tneedsomeonetofeedmeorhelpmetothebathroom.
Lateintheafternoon,Keriaemergedfromthecommander’squartersandmadeherwaytothewagon,smilingandacknowledgingthesoldiersshepassed,Marcusatherside.ShegaveJakeawidesmilewhenshesawthathewassittingupandlookingather.Shehurriedovertothewagon,climbingintothebacktokneeldownnexttohim.
“Jake.”Keriasaid,joyandreliefinhervoice.Shetookhishand.“Iamsohappytoseeyouupandawake.Iwouldhavecomesooner,butthegarrisoncommander,CaptainGrashin,andIhavebeenplanningthereturntriptothecity.”
Jakesavoredthefeelofherhandinhis,despitethatoddsensationthatcamewithit.“Iunderstand,Keria.I’mjustgladtoseethatyou’resafe.”Hereplied.
“Iowethattoyou,Jake.”Shestatedquietly,leaningclose,smiling.“Yousavedmylife.WhenwereachSanduas,youneedonlyaskandIamsuremyfatherwillgrantyouwhateveryouwish.”Shegavehimameaningfullook.
Jakeflushedslightly,awareofMarcusandHailynstandingnearby,theclosestsoldierswatchingtheirexchange.“Let’sgetyoubacktothecityfirst,Keria.Wewillhavetimetodiscusseverythingthen.”HesaidasheglancedatMarcus.
Keriacaughthismeaning,noddingandreleasinghishand.“Ofcourse.Makesurethatyourest.”Shesaid.
Ratherthanleaving,shestoodupinthewagonbedandlookedoutoverthecourtyard.ShenoddedtoMarcus.
“Attention!”Heshouted.Thesoldiersinthecourtyardinstantlyreactedtothatorder,snappingupright
andallconversationsceased.Realizingwheretheordercamefrom,theyturnedtofacethewagon.Keriawaiteduntilshehadeveryone’sattention,thenspoke.
“IdeclarethatJakeThomasisaHeroofSanduas.”Shecalledout,voicecarryingacrossthecourtyard.“Hehasshownbraverybeyondwhatanyonewoulddemandandthroughhisactionsbroughtmeoutofbondage.Itismycommandthatallpresentherewillhonorhimandprovideanyaidorassistanceifheasks.”
Thesoldiers,almostinunison,drewtheirweapons,raisingtheminthesky.“HonortoJakeThomas!”TheyshoutedwhileJakeflusheddeepredattheattention.
Keriawaiteduntilthevoicesdieddown.“Further,LordMarcusisalsonamedaHeroofSanduas.Withoutanymagicalprotection,butonlyabraveheart,heaccompaniedJake,SisterHailynandBrotherJonasintothedemons’
lair.Hewastheirsword,keepingthemsafeandfightingtorescueme.Honorhimaswell.”
“HonortoLordMarcus!”Thesoldierscheeredagain,shakingtheirweapons.Marcusbowedinacknowledgement.
“WhileBrotherJonasandSisterHailyncannotbesonamedbecauseoftheircalling,Iaskedthatyouhonorthemaswell.”Keriacontinuedwhenrelativequietdescendedoverthecourtyard.“TheyfaceddownahostofImpsandaDemonLordtofreeme,withtheirpowerandfaithintheOnebringingtheLightintothatdarkplace.Iwillalwaysbeintheirdebt.”ShegesturedforHailyntostand.
Hailynstoodandraisedherhand.“WeclericsarebutservantsoftheOne.”Shestated,gesturingtowardstheotherclericsinthecourtyard.“WewoulddothesameforanyofHischildren.HonorHim,forHeprovidedourstrengthandallowedustobevictorious.”
Thesoldiersletoutanothercheer.“HonortotheOneandHisclerics!”TakingMarcus’hand,Keriasteppeddownfromthewagonasthesoldiers
returnedtotheirduties,thecourtyardbuzzingwiththeirconversations.ShelookedatJake,hereyesshiningwithjoy.“IwillleaveyouinHailyn’scare.Wewillberidingwithoutstoptothecityatfirstlight,sogetsomerest.”
AfterKeriawentbackinside,Jakedecidedtoinquireaboutashower.Hissaddlebagswereinthewagon,sohecalleduphismagicandpulledoutasetofcleanclothes.Hewasabletoslowlywalktotheshowerpoint,accompaniedbyasoldieratHailyn’srequest.
Bythetimehehadcleanedupandchangedhisclothes,thesunwassetting.Ashemadehiswaybacktothewagon,heobservedthesoldierslightingthewatchtorches.Eventhoughhehadnotwalkedagreatdistance,hecouldfeelhislegsgettingshakydespitehispower,sohewasgratefultoclimbbackintothewagonbedandleanagainsttherails.Heheldontohispoweruntilhefinishedeating,andthenreleasedit.Heembracedtheweaknessthatsettledoverhisbodyandallowedhimselftofallintosleep.
…Jakestartedawakewhenthefirsthornssounded,callingthesoldierstorise.
Theskywasstilldarkasthecourtyardcamealivewithsoundasthesoldiersbeganrollinguptheirblankets,packingawaytheirsuppliesanddonningtheirarmorandweapons.Jakesawgroupsofsoldiersthatwerereadyheadingouttheopengate.Hailynwasalreadyup,speakingwithacoupleofnearbysoldiers.ShenoticedthatJakewasawakeandcameover.
“Oncethesoldiersclearoutofthecourtyard,thehorseswillbebroughtinandhookeduptothewagons.”Shetoldhim.“Oncethatisdone,wewillbeginthetripback.”Shetossedawrappedpacketnexttohim.“Itiscoldrationsthismorning.”
Jakeembracedhispower,hisshiningformthrowingbackthenight,andarrangedhisarmor,saddlebagsandblanketstoformamakeshiftseatinthewagonbed,sohecouldfaceforward.Ashewasdoingthis,thehorseswerebroughtinandsoldiershookedthemtothewagon.ThesoldierssalutedJakewhentheywerefinished,whichheawkwardlyreturned.
Hailyntookthereinsandstartedthewagonoutofthegates.Theyweredirectedtoaspottowaitfortherestoftheformationtogather,severalsoldiersonhorsebackstandingguardcloseby.Whiletheywaited,JakefinishedhisrationsandtalkedquietlywithHailyn.
Astheskybegantolightenintheeast,thehornssoundedagain.CaptainGrashinrodeovertohisofficersand,aftergivingthemtheirorders,calledforthearmytoformup.Keria’scarriagewasthelasttoleavethesecurityofthefortress.Marcus,hisarmorreflectingthelightofthetorches,wasridingnexttoit.Asbefore,theydeployedthebulkoftheforcesandclericsaroundthecarriage,withJakeandHailynplaceddirectlybehindthecarriage.Withafinalblastofthehorns,theformationbegantomove.
WithHailynbusyguidingthehorses,Jakespentthedaybouncingaroundthewagon,embracinghispowerwhenheneededtomove,butotherwisewithnothingtodo.Theformationpickedupspeedwhentheymadeitontothehighway,startledtravelershurryingofftheroadasthearmypassed.
Intheearlyafternoon,hismindwandering,Jakewassittingthereboredwhencallsbegantosoundthroughouttheformation.AtCaptainGrashin’sshoutedorder,thearmycametoahalt.JakesawMarcusgiveastart,leanovertosaysomethingtoKeria,thenrideforward.Afterseveralminutes,Jakeheardthesoundofapproachinghorsesandsawalargegroupofsoldiers,coveredinchainmailandleather,shieldsandswordshangingfromtheirhorses,rideuptoKeria’scarriagebehindMarcusandCaptainGrashin.
AsJakestudiedthem,hecouldjustmakeouttheepauletspinnedtotheirarmor.Theyallworethesameinsigniaofarearingbear.Theinsigniaseemedfamiliar,butittookJakeamomenttorecognizethatitwasthesameimagethatwasonMarcus’shield.
CHAPTERFOUR
Curiousaboutwhatwashappeningandtiredofjustsittinginthewagon,Jakeembracedhispower,feelingitgivehimaburstofstrength.IgnoringHailyn’sadmonitiontoremain,heslowlyslidfromthewagonbedandmadehiswaycautiouslytowardsKeria’scarriage.AtHailyn’ssignal,asoldiershadowedhimcloselyincasehefaltered.Hailynquicklyclimbeddownfromthewagonandjoinedhimaswell.JakegrittedhisteethatHailyn’sover-protectiveness,butdidnotsayanything.
Whentheygotclose,theyheardMarcusalreadyexplainingthesituationtoKeria,whohadsteppeddownfromhercarriage.“CaptainJustianismyfather’schiefman-at-arms.”Marcussaidashepointedatthelargemanattheheadofthenewsoldiers’formation.“Hispartywassenttoaidourrescueattempt.”HenoddedatJustian.“Captain,pleasecontinue.”
“YourHighness.”Justiansaidrespectfully,hisdeepvoicerumbling,withanodofhishead.“Amessengerfromthecapitalcametomylordandlady,tellingthemofyourcaptureandoftherescueattempt.LordMarcelasgatheredtwohundredofhismen-at-armsanddepartedforthecapital,toassistyourfatherifneeded.Despitethesmallchanceofsuccess,giventhetimethathadpassed,hesentmypartysouthinanattempttojoinupwiththearmyor,barringthat,attempttolocatewhereyouwerebeingheld.”
“Youandyourmenhavemythanksformakingsuchaneffort.”Keriareplied.“IamsurethatmyfatherappreciatesLordMarcelas’response.”
“Withyourpermission,wewilljoinyourforcetoescortyoubacktothecapital.”Justiansaid.
“Yourpresencewillbemostwelcome,CaptainJustian.”Keriastated.Shelookedatthesmallcrowdaroundhercarriage,smilingwhenshesawJakestandingattheedge.“Weshouldcontinueon,don’tyouagree,CaptainGrashin?”
“Atonce,YourHighness.”Grashinreplied.HelookedovertoMarcus.“Yourfather’smencanreinforcethesoldiersatthefrontandrearoftheformation.”
MarcusnoddedandturnedtoJustian.“Deploythemen,Captain,thenreturntoridenexttome.”
“LordMarcus.”Justiansaidwithasalute.Herodeovertohismen,speakingquietlywithhislieutenants.
“Weshouldgetbacktothewagon.”HailynsaidtoJakeasthenearbysoldiersbegantoredeploytotheirassignedpositions.Jakenodded,turningbacktothewagon,bitingbackacurseashislegsbuckledabit.Hecaughthimself,willinghislegstobesteady,andmadehiswaybacktothewagon,Hailynandthesoldiercloseby.Hewasgratefulthathewasabletoclimbintothewagonbedwithoutanyassistance.Henoddedhisthankstothesoldier,whogaveJakeasaluteandwenttoremounthishorse.
AsJakewassettlingbackintohismakeshiftseat,theordertoresumethemarchwascalledout.Withthecreakingofleatherandwood,theformationbegantomove,slowlyatfirstthenwithmorespeed.
Oncethearmyhadsettledintoitspace,JakeaskedHailynifsheknewanythingaboutMarcus’family.SheshiftedinherseatsothatshewassittinginapositiontowatchtheroadaheadwhilenothavingtoturnherheadtospeaktoJake.
“MasterJonashastaughtmeaboutsomeofthecourtpoliticsandthenoblefamilies.”Shesaid.“Marcus’fatherislordoveralargeholdingoflandinthenorthwesternpartofSanduas,borderingtheInlandSea.Theirfamilycrestistherearingbear,asymbolofthewildanimalsthatliveintheforestedmountainsoftheirholdings.Theyhavelargetimber,fishingandfarmingconcerns.Hisfamilyisoneoftherichestandmostpowerfulofthenoblefamilies.Assuch,Marcus’fatherhasagreatdealofinfluenceinthecapitalwhenheisatcourt.”
Sheglancedaround,makingsurethatnoonewastoocloseandloweredhervoice.“Whilestillveryattractive,hismotherwasconsideredthegreatbeautyofthekingdominheryouth.Rumorhasitthatshehadhopedtobequeen,butwasmarriedtoLordMarcelaswhenhisfatherrequesteditfromKingHenold,Keria’sgrandfather.SomesaythatleftLadyAreliabitteranddistantfromhersons.”
“Sons?”Jakesaid,surprised.Sincehedidnotreallyknowhim,hehadassumedMarcuswasanonlychild.
“Marcushasabrother,Rolas.”Hailynsaid.“Heisfouryearsolder,butspendsmostofhistimeattheirholdings.Heisknownasagreathunterandfighter.”Shesighedsadly.“Ihavebeentoldthattheyarenotcloseandonlyspeaktoeachotherwhennecessary.”
Jakemulledthatover,thinkingofhisownyoungerbrother.HeandRusswerealsoaboutfouryearsapart.WhileRusscouldannoythehelloutofhimattimes,theywerestillprettyclose.JakecouldnotimaginewhatitwouldtakeforhimtodislikeRussenoughtonotspeakwithhim.
“ItwaspartlybecauseofthistensionthatMarcuswassenttothecityfouryearsago.”Hailyncontinued.“TheofficialreasonwasforhimtotrainwiththeRoyalGuard,butMasterJonasknowsotherwise.”
“Thanks,Hailyn.”Jakesaid,studyingMarcusridingahead,Justiannexttohim.HewassurprisedthathefeltsorryforMarcus’situation.
Afterareststopinthelateafternoon,wordwasrelayedthatthearmywouldnotstopforthenight,butdriveonuntiltheyreachedSanduas.Theclericswentaroundhealingthehorsestomakesuretheycouldcarryon,andthenthearmycontinued.Asthesunsankbehindthehorizonanddarknessenvelopedthesurroundingplains,theoutriderslittorches,lightingtheway.Thepaceslowedabit,butwithsolidroadbeneaththem,thearmyrodeconfidentlyahead.
Shortlybeforedawn,theycameupontheRoyalHighwayandturnedeast.Afterridingallnight,thesun,shiningbrilliantlyintheclearblueskybeforethem,gavethemrenewedenergy.Grashinsentsomeridersaheadtoclearthehighway,thenpickedupthepace.Soldiersandclericsateinthesaddleastheyrodeon.Theymadeabriefstopnearmid-daytoallowtheclericstocheckontheconditionofthehorses,andthenstartedforwardagain.
JakerecognizedthewaystationwhereheandDominichadstoppedwhenhefirstarrivedastheypassedbyintheearlyafternoon.Thatgavehimanideaoftheremainingdistancetothecity.Henoticedtravelersliningtheroadnearthehighway,movedasidetoallowthearmytopass.Asthewaystationfellawaybehindthem,hewasgladtoknowthatthejourneywouldbeoversoon.
Thesunwasclosetosettingwhentheymadetheirwaythroughthefoothills,crestingthefinalhillandseeingthecitylyingbeforethem.Acheersprangupamongstthesoldiersandseveralbegantosoundhorns.Grashinincreasedthepace,movingasfastasthewagonswouldallow.Astheydrewcloser,Jakecouldhearhornsreplyingfromthecity.Hesawsoldiersmovingouttolinetheroadastheyapproachedthecitygates,whichwereopenandinviting.
Theformationslowedasthefirstridersreachedthegateandturnedasidetoformupalongthewalls,clearingthewayfortheKeria’scarriageandtheotherwagons.JakeheardthecheersandshoutsfromtheassembledsoldiersasKeriapassed,hercurtainspulledbacksothemencouldseeher.Echoesfromthehorsesandwagonssoundedastheypassedthroughthetunnelandrodeintothecourtyard.Anothersetofcrieswentupfromtheassembledcrowdswhofilledthecourtyard,residentsandnoblesalike.ThestreetleadingtothepalacewaslinedwithRoyalGuardsmenandregularsoldiers.SeveralGuardsmenonhorsebackformedupnexttothecarriageasitcontinuedupthestreet,their
officerspeakingwithMarcus.MarcusdroppedbacknexttoHailynandJake.“Continuetothepalace.”He
said.“OurpresencehasbeenrequestedbyKeria.Shewishestoacknowledgeourroleinherrescuebeforethekingandassembledcourt.”
Nightwassettlingoverthecityastheypassedthroughtheroyalcourtyardandenteredthepalacegrounds.Astheycametoastopnearthepalaceentrance,JakenoticedthatsoldiersbearingMarcus’familyemblemweremixedinwiththeRoyalGuardspreadthroughoutthepalacegrounds.Severalgroomscamedownthepalacestepstotakecontrolofthehorses,allowingthemtodismount.
Jakeembracedhispower,lightingthearea,thenclimbedoffthewagonandretrievedhisarmorandsword.IfMarcuswerewearinghisarmor,Jakewoulddothesame.Hetriedtohurry,butevenwithhispower,hewashavingdifficultieswiththestraps.Marcussawhimstrugglingandcameovertoassisthim.
“Thanks,Marcus.”JakesaidasMarcushelpedhimgethisarmorinplace.Marcussimplygavehimanodand,onceJake’sarmorwassecured,movedovertostandnexttoKeria,whowaswaitingbyhercarriage,watchingthem.Jakebeltedonhisswordandwentovertojoinher.
Hailyncameoverandtheymovedintothepalace,followingKeriaastwoRoyalGuardinceremonialarmorescortedher.Whentheyreachedthethroneroom,thedoorswerealreadyopenandJakecouldseethekingonhisthrone.Theguardsstoppedatthedoor,butKeriacontinuedpastintothecrowdedhall.ThekingrosewhenhecaughtsightofKeriawalkingdownthecentercarpetandcamedownthedaissteps.Keriacontinuedtomovetowardsherfatheratacontrolledpace,ignoringthesuddenmurmuringofvoicesthatspreadthroughthehall.JakefollowedMarcus’sleadwhenhestoppedseveralyardsfromthedais,allowingKeriatowalkthefinaldistancealone.
“Father.”Keriasaidformallyasshestoppedandcurtsiedtotheking,hervoicecarryingacrossthehall.“Ihavebeenrescuedfromourenemiesandhavereturnedtoyou.”
Theking,eyesfilledwithtearsofjoy,repliedformallyaswell.“Iampleasedtoseeyouingoodhealthandpraisethosewhorescuedyou.”Withthat,hesteppedforwardandembracedKeria,hisarmsfoldingaroundherandholdingtight.Jakeheardhimsay“Mydearestdaughter…”beforethewordsweredrownedoutfromthecheersthateruptedfromtheassemblednobles.
ThekingheldKeriaforalongmoment,thenreluctantlysteppedback,Keriaturningtostandathisside,hishandstillonherarm.Heraisedahandandthe
cheersdied,thehallgoingquiet.“Ideclarethattherewillbethreedaysofcelebrationtohonorthereturnoftheprincess.Theplanningwillstarttomorrow,butfortonight,Iwishtobealonewithmydaughter.”ThecrowdrespondedwithbowsandcurtsiesandbegantomovetotheexitswhenKeriaspokeup.
“Wait.”Shesaidloudly,thecrowdstoppingandturningbacktowardsthedais.“Forgiveme,Father,butIwouldliketoacknowledgethosethatrescuedmebeforewedepart.”Attheking’snod,shegesturedforJake,MarcusandHailyntostepforward.
“Iwouldnotbeheretonightbutfortheeffortsofthesethree,alongwithBrotherJonasandLordDominic.”Keriastated.“LordMarcus,JakeThomasandSisterHailynbravedthefortressofthedemonswhocapturedmeandfoughttofreeme.JakeThomaschallengedthedemonlordwhileLordMarcusandSisterHailynbattledtheotherdemonsandtheirfollowers.ThroughJake’ssacrifice,theydestroyedthedemonlordanddroveofftheotherdemons.Torecognizetheirheroics,IhavedeclaredthatLordMarcusandJakeThomasareHeroesofSanduas,worthyofallhonor.”
Whenshepaused,thehalleruptedinanotherroundofcheers.Keriaraisedherhandandthecheeringquieted.
“IcannotoverstatethecourageofBrotherJonasandSisterHailyn.”Shecontinued.“Theywereoutnumberedbythedemonhordes,butthroughtheirpowerandfaithintheOne,theystoodagainstthem,wieldersoftheLightagainsttheDark.”
“Lastly,IwouldberemissifIdonotnotethecrucialroleLordDominichadinourvictory.HefoughttoprotectJakeThomasandensurethesuccessoftheirmission,severelywoundingthedemonlordinthebattleandnearlylosinghislifeforthedeed.”Shelookedtowardsherfather.“Iknowthatyouhaveyourdifferenceswithhim,Father,butIaskthatyouhonorhiminthis.”
“Iwouldgladlyhonorhim,ifhewouldacceptit.”Thekingsaid.“WhereareDominicandBrotherJonas?Forthatmatter,whereisSirAlleon,whomIentrustedthismission?Iwasinformedthattheywerenotwithyourparty.”
“Onmycommand,theywentbacktothedemons’fortresswithaforceofclericsandsoldierstofreetheothercaptivesbeingheld,aswellasdestroyanyremainingdemonsandhalf-men.”Keriasaidproudly.“Theywillreturnoncethatisaccomplished.”
“Whentheyreturn,IwillspeakwiththemaboutwhathonorsIcanbestow.”Thekingsaid.HelookedoveratJake,wavingathisglowingpower.“Whydo
youneedyourmagic,JakeThomas?Therearenoneherethatwillharmyou.”“Jakeweakenedhimselfwhenhesavedme,Father.”Keriainterjectedas
Jakestruggledtofigureoutawaytoexplainit.“HeneedshispowerforstrengthuntilBrotherJonasreturnsandfindawaytohelphim.”
ThekinglookedcloserandsawthedamagedonetoJake.Whenhespokeagain,hisvoicewasgrateful.“IwillnotforgetwhatyouhavedoneforSanduasandforme.Iaminyourdebtforsavingmydaughter’slife.Ifyouneedanything,cometomeanditwillbeprovided.”
“Thankyou,YourMajesty.”Jakesaid,bowingslightly.“IamsimplyhappythatKeriaissafe.”HeglancedoveratMarcusandHailyn.“Also,Ican’ttakeallofthecredit.KeriawouldnotbefreeifIdidnothaveDominic,Jonas,MarcusandHailynwithme.”
“Suchmodestydoesyoucredit,Jake.”Thekingreplied.“Nevertheless,theofferstands.”
Hestraightenedandlookedoutacrossthehall.“Thisaudienceisatanend.”Hepronounced.“Mycouncilwillmeetmid-morningtodiscussthecelebrations.Goodnighttoyouall.”Withthat,heturnedandledKeriaofftowardshisprivatechamber.Kerialookedbackatthegroupandgavethemasmallwavebeforedisappearingthroughthedoors.
Jakecouldfeelhislegsstartingtoquiverastheyturnedandstartedtowardsthemaindoors.Theywerealmosttothepressofpeopleleavingthehallwhenaman’svoicecalledoutbehindthem.“Marcus.”
Marcusstoppedandturnedaround,JakeandHailyndoingthesame.Jakesawahandsomeoldermanapproaching,tallandlean,withgray-streakeddarkcurlyhair,dressedinfineclothes.JakecouldnothelpbutthinkthatthisishowMarcuswouldlooklaterinlife,sosimilarwasthemaninappearance.
Walkingnexttohimwasastrikinglybeautifulwoman,almostastallastheman,dressedinadarksilkdressthatclungtoherbody.Jakeguessedshewasinherearlyforties,herporcelainfacestillsmooth,buthintsoffinelinesaroundherdarkeyesandredlips,withwispsofgrayvisibleinherlong,darkhair.Whileshewasphysicallyattractive,Jakegotasenseofcoldnessradiatingfromher,afeelingofaloofnesstotheplightofothers.MaybeitwasthelackofwarmthinhereyeswhenshelookedatMarcusortheneutralappearanceonherface,butJakeimmediatelyfelthewouldnotwanttobethepersontocrossher.
“Father.”Marcussaidtotheman.Hegaveaslightbowtothewoman.“Mother.”
“Wewerepleasedtohearthatyouaccompaniedthequesttofreethe
princess,son.”LordMarcelassaidashecameupandhuggedMarcus.“Youhavebroughtgreathonortoourhouse.”
HesteppedbackandMarcus’mothercameforward.LadyAreliadidnotembraceherson,butsimplytouchedhisface.“Iamgladtoseeyouunharmed,Marcus.”ShedidnotsoundlikeaconcernedmotherorparticularlygladtoJake.“Itappearsthatyourtraininghereinthecity,whilekeepingyoufromhome,hasbeenworthwhile.”
“Morelikehehadthemagic-wielderstoprotecthim.”AtallmanbehindMarcus’parentsspat,lookingatMarcus.Hewasinhistwenties,dressedinmailwithaswordbeltedon.Whilehetookafterhismother,hestillcloselyresembledMarcus,soJakefiguredoutwhohewasbeforehesaidwithcontemptinhiseyes.“Isn’tthatright,brother?”
Marcusfrownedatthat,meetinghisbrother’sstare,eyesangry,butsimplysaid.“Ifyousayso,brother.”
Jake,feelinguncomfortablebeingcaughtinthisfamilydynamic,lookedatHailyn,tryingtosubtlymotionwithhiseyesthattheyshouldleave.Beforetheycouldstartmoving,LordMarcelasspoke,disappointmentandangerclearinhisvoice.“Rolas,thatwasunkindandbeneathyou.DonotbelittleMarcus’accomplishment,especiallyinfrontofhiscomrades.”AfterwaitinguntilRolassullenlynodded,LordMarcelasturnedandlookedexpectantlyatJakeandHailyn.
“Father,asyouheard,thisisJakeThomasandSisterHailyn.”Marcussaid,gesturingtowardsthemandbreakingthestarewithhisbrother.“Theybothshowedgreatcourageinthefaceofourenemies.Withoutbothofthem,itislikelythatourmissionwouldhavefailed.”
“Iextendthethanksofourhousetoyouaswell.”LordMarcelassaidurbanelyasheextendedhishandtoJake.Jaketookit,noticingthefirmgripandcallousedhands.LordMarcelasgaveaslightbowtoHailyn.“YouwillalwaysfindwelcomeatourholdashonoredcomradesofMarcus.”
“Iwouldaddmythanks,aswell.”LadyAreliasaid,herdarkeyesfocusedonJake.Jakefeltuncomfortableasshelookedathim,thosecoldeyesstudyinghim.“IamgladthatMarcushassuchfriends.”
“Thankyou,mylordandlady.”Hailynrepliedwithanodofherhead.“Youhonorus.IknowthatyouwanttocatchupwithyoursonandIneedtogetJakehometorest,sowewilltakeourleaveofyou.”
“Ofcourse.”LordMarcelassaid.“Goodnight,Sister.Jake.”Heheadedtowardsthedoors,hiswifeandRolasfollowinghim.
Marcuslingeredforamoment.“Ifyouneedme,sendamessageandIwillcome.”Hesaid,lookingatJake.“IassumeyouwillbewiththeMastersmithandhisfamily?”
“Yes.”Jakesaid.“Untilthen,goodnight.”Marcussaidtothemandlefttofollowhisfamily.JakeandHailynmadetheirwaybackoutside,thepaceslowasJakefelthis
strengthbegintofade.Bythetimethegroomsbroughtthewagontotheentrance,hislegswerequivering.Hegratefullyclimbedintothewagon,sweatingfromhiseffortstostayupright,andlethispowergo.
ItonlytookafewminutestorideovertoNorlan’shouse,findingwarmlightstreamingfromthewindows.JakewassurprisedtoseeNorlan,MadalinandCherisesittingonthefrontporch,MaxislayingatCherise’sfeet.Theystoodasthewagonapproached,Maxisrisingandplacinghimselfbetweenthemandthegate.WhenHailynstoppedthewagonandcalledoutagreetingtothefamily,Jakeusedhismagicagain,slowlyclimbingoutofthewagon.Hetookslowhesitantstepstowardsthegate,Hailynhoveringcloseby.HemadeitjustinsidethegatewhenMaxiscollidedwithhim,knockinghimtotheground.JakecoldnothelpbutlaughashefoundhimselftryingtopushthedogawayasMaxishappilylickedhisface.
“Getoffhim,youdumbdog.”Norlansaidgood-naturedlyashepulledMaxisaway,allowingJaketogetbacktohisfeet.
Madalin,tearsofjoyinhereyes,threwherarmsaroundhim,pullinghimclose,herhugtight.Onceshefinallyreleasedhim,Cherisecameupandgavehimaquickhug,asmileonherface.Jakewasgladtoseethatshewasbetterspiritsthanwhenhelastsawher.
“Weheardthatyourpartyhadreturned,butwewerenotallowedintothepalacegrounds.”Norlansaid,stillholdingontoMaxis,whosetailwaswaggingenthusiastically.“Wehopedthatyouwouldreturnhereafterthenoblesfinishedwithyou.”
“What’shappenedtoyou,Jake?”Madalinasked,alarminhervoiceasshelookedcloselyatJake’sface.Hereyeswereworriedasshecarefullyreachedupandtouchedthewhitestreaksinhishair.
“SomethinghappenedwhenIwasusingmymagictotrytorescuetheprincess.”Jakesaid,gratefulforherconcern.“Jonasisnotcompletelysurehowithappenedandhastoresearchtheissuebeforehecandoanythingaboutit.”
“Whereishe,bytheway?”Norlanasked.“IexpectedeitherheorDominic
tobewithyou.”“Itisalongstory.”Jakereplied.Hegesturedtowardsthehouse.“Let’sgo
sitdownandwecantellyouwhathappened.”“Ofcourse,Jake.”Madalinsaid,gentlyholdingontohisarm.Shewalked
nexttohimastheyheadedbacktothehouse.Maxisbarkedunhappilyashewasleftoutsidewhiletheotherswentinside,settlinginatthekitchentable.
MadalinbroughtoversomefruitandwaterasJakeandHailyntoldthemeverythingthathappenedsincetheyleftthecity.Theydescribedthebattleatthedemons’lairandexplainedwhattheyknewofJake’sinfirmity.HailynspokeaboutwhytheclericscouldnotyethelpJake.TheyfinishedwithKeriasendingDominicandJonasagainstthedemonsandoftheirreturnjourneytothecity.
“Thatisenoughfornow;wehaveplentyoftimetotalk.”Madalinsaidfirmly,standingandendingtheconversation.“Youshouldgotoyourroomandgetsomerest,Jake.Iwillmakesurethatyouarenotdisturbed.”Basedonthelookonherface,Jakepitiedthepersonwhotriedtodisturbhim.
MadalinlookedoveratHailyn,studyingher.“Youneedrestaswell,Hailyn.”
“Ido.”Hailynsaidasshestood.“IalsoneedtogetthewagonandhorsesbacktotheTemple.IwillcomebytomorrowtocheckonJake.”Shestartedforthedoor.“TheblessingsoftheOnebeuponyou.”
“Letmeseeyouout.”NorlansaidandjoinedHailynasshewentoutthefrontdoor.
“Toyourroom,Jake.”Madalinsaiddeterminedly.Jakegaveherasmileandstood,movingtowardsthebackdoor,Madalinaccompanyinghim.
Thenightairwascoolandthestarswereshiningbrightlyashecrossedthepatioandenteredhisroom.Oncehewasinside,Madalinaskedifheneededanything.“Somewaterwouldbenice.”Jakeansweredandshelefttogethimapitcher.
Afterhehadunbeltedhissword,hangingitfromapeginthewall,andgratefullysatdownonhisbed,thecurtainpulledbackandNorlanenteredwithhissaddlebagsoverhisshoulder,Maxisstickinghisheadinaswell.“Hailynsaidthesewereyours.”Norlansaidasheputthemonthestoolinthecorner.
“Thanks,Norlan.”Jakesaid,yawning.Feelingthecomfortofthebedunderhim,sleepcalledtohim.“Wouldyoumindhelpingmetogetoutofmyarmor?”
“Ofcourse.”Norlansaid,comingoverandassistingJakeinundoinghisarmorstraps.OnceJakeremovedit,Norlantookthearmorandstackeditneatlynexttothesaddlebags.
“Iamsogladtoseeyouagain,Jake.”Norlansaidasheturnedback,hisvoicethickwithemotion.“Ihaveprayedforyoursafereturn.”HecameoverandembracedJake,hispowerfularmsholdinghimtight.“Itoldyouthatyouhavebecomelikeasontome.”
“Iamgladtobeback.”JakesaidwhenNorlan,lookingsomewhatembarrassedbyhisemotionaldisplay,releasedhim.“Idon’tthinkIwouldbeabletodealwithallthiswithoutyouandMadalin.”
“Ithasbeenourpleasure.”Norlansaidkindlyashemadetoleave.“Getsomesleep.”Hepausedatthedoorway,lookingback.“Wewilldowhateverisneededtofindawaytohelpyougetbetter.”Withthat,heleft.
AfterMadalinreturnedwiththewater,thenleft,blowingoutthecandlesasshewent,Jakepulledoffhisclothesandclimbedintobed.Hereleasedhismagic,wearinessquicklyspreadingthroughhisbody.Hebegantodriftoffwhenheheardthecurtainmove.HelookedovertoseeMaxisentertheroom.ThedogcameoverandlaidhisheadonthebednexttoJake.JakewasstartledthathecouldfeelthatstrangecrawlingsensationwhenMaxiswasclose.
AfteraquicknudgeagainstJakewithhishead,Maxismovedawayandlaydown,curlingupatthefootofthebed.ThesensationfadedonceMaxismoved,butasJakethoughtaboutit,herealizedthathehadnotfeltthatsensationfromanyonewhenhehadbeenholdinghismagic.Hebegantoconsiderwhatthatcouldmean,butexhaustionovertookhimandhefadedoffintosleep.
CHAPTERFIVE
TheclashofsteelagainststeelreverberatedoffthewallsurroundingthetrainingareaasMarcusparriedtheswordblowaimedathisheadandclosedwithhisopponent,ayoungmanencasedinthearmoroftheRoyalGuard,withanopen-facedhelmatophisheadandashieldonhisleftarm.Heslammedhisshieldintohisopponent’s,drivingtheyoungmanback.Hethrusthisswordintothesmallopeninginhisopponent’sguardastheyoungmantriedtorecoverhisbalance.Hisopponentparriedtheblowjustintime,butcouldnotavoidMarcus’shieldwhenheswungitagain.Theyoungmantriedtoraisehisownshieldtoblockit,butwastooslowandMarcus’blowhithiminhishelmandsenthimtumblingtotheground,losinghisgriponhissword.Marcusclosedwithhim,bringinghisswordoverheadforthefinishingblow.
“Iyield!”Theyoungmancried,raisinghisemptyswordhand,alookoffearonhisfaceashesawthefireinMarcus’eyes.
Marcusstopped,cursingunderhisbreath,loweringhisswordandshakinghishead.IletRolasgetundermyskinagain.Hethoughtbitterlytohimself.Hesheathedhisswordandofferedhisopponentahandtohelphimup.
“Ithoughtyouweregoingtotakemyheadoff.”TheyoungmansaidashistookMarcus’hand.“DoIoweyoumoneyIhaveforgottenabout?”
“Iapologize,Daen.”Marcussaid,pullingtheyoungmantohisfeet.“Ihadalongnightandletmyemotionsgetthebetterofme.”
“Nexttime,letmeknowwhenyouareinthatkindofmoodandIwillhaveNathensparwithyou.”Daenreplied,takingoffhishelmandrubbinghishead,indicatingtheotheryoungmanleaningagainsttherailsontheedgeofthetrainingarea.
“Iwarnedyouthathelookedlikehewasoutforblood.”Nathencalledoverwithalaugh.“Youarejusttoobull-headedtoheedmyadvice.”
MarcusgrinnedslightlyatthatasheandDaenwalkedovertoNathen.ThesetwowerehisclosestfriendsamongsttheRoyalGuard.TheyhadbeeninthesametrainingclasswhenMarcusfirstarrivedinthecity.BothDaenandNathenhadgraduatedandtakentheirplaceintherankswhileMarcuscontinuedtotrain.MarcuswasnotallowedtoactuallyjointheGuard,duetohisrankandposition,thoughhewasunofficiallyinductedbytheGuardsmen,allowinghimtoshareinthecamaraderieandclosebondthatdevelopedbetweenthesoldiers.
Hisfriendshipwiththesetwowassurprisinggiventheirdifferent
backgrounds.Daen,closetoMarcusinheightandsize,withatannedface,lightbrownhairandgreeneyes,wasafarmer’sson.Hisfamily,astheyhadformanygenerations,farmedasmallholdinginthesouthwestofthecountry.Withfourolderbrothersandonesistertocarryonthefarmingtradition,Daen’sfatherdecidedthathewantedadifferentlifeforhisyoungestsonandsenthimtothecapitaltoapprenticeatrade.Muchtohisfather’sdismay,DaendecidedtojointheRoyalGuardinstead.MarcusknewofnootherrecruitthathadworkedashardanddiligentlyasDaen,whoheldhimselftothehigheststandard.WhileDaenhadnotexcelledatthecombatarts,hewassmartandascapableasanyintheGuard.
Ontheotherhand,Nathen,slenderandalittleshorterthantheothertwo,withaleanfaceandshortblondhairandblueeyes,wasfromaminornoblefamily.Hewastheonlysonofhisfamily,withanolderandayoungersister.HisfathersenthimtothecityspecificallytotrainwiththeRoyalGuardtoenhancetheirstandinginthepeckingorderofthenoblefamilies.Nathenwaslessthanenthusedwhenhefirststartedtraining,usedtolivingalifeofrelativeease.Earlyon,hewasnotonetoobeytherules,especiallythosehethoughtwereoutdatedorirrelevant.Thoughhisinstructorshadconsidereddismissinghimonseveraloccasions,Nathenhaddemonstratedtalentwiththeswordandbow.ThoseskillshadkeptNathenintrainingandheeventuallystoppedfightingtherules,thoughhewouldtellanyonewhoaskedwhathethoughtaboutthem.Healsohadamischievousstreakthatmanifesteditselfwithpranksandjokes,oftenattheexpenseofMarcusandDaen.
Thethreehadbondedwhentheinstructorshadassignedthemtotraintogether,holdingeachaccountablefortheactionsoftheothers.Sometensionhaddevelopedbetweenthematfirst,butthatsoonpassedastheyfoundthemselvesgrowingclosertogetherastheyfacedacommonadversary-theirinstructors.Thetraininghadbeenphysicallyandmentallychallengingandthethreewereabletoleanoneachothertomakeitthrough.Marcuswasgratefulthattheirfriendshiphadcontinuedafterthetraininghadfinished;thesetwowereascloseasbrotherstohimnow.
Hisrealbrother,ofcourse,wasthereasonhehadgonetoDaenandNathenintheearlymorning,askingthemtocomesparwithhim.RolashadcontinuedtoneedleMarcus,mockingandchallenginghim,ashetriedtotellhisparentswhathadoccurredduringtherescuemission.TheyhadgoneuptotheroomsinthepalacethatthekinghadsetasideforMarcus’family,sittingdowninthecomfortablechairsofthelibrary.Hisfatherhadtriedtokeepthepeace,
admonishingRolasandencouragingMarcus,whilehismothersattherewatchingquietly.Finally,Marcus’patiencewithhisbrotherhadreacheditsendandonlytheirfather’sorderhadpreventeditfromcomingtoblows.Marcushadgonetohisroom,butsleepwouldnotcome,soheslippedoutquietlyandwenttofindhisfriendstoworkoffhisanger.
“Whathasyouinsuchamood,Marcus?”Daenasked.“Ifiguredyouwouldbehappytobebackinthecity.”
“Rolas.”Marcusstatedshortly.“Ahh.”Daensaidsympathetically,sharingalookwithNathen.TheyknewofMarcus’estrangementfromhisbrother.Marcushadtoldthem
muchofwhathappened,butnotall.Theyknewthatthetwohaveneverbeenclose.MarcushadtoldthemofRolas’jealousyofhisrelationshipwiththeirfather,whomRolassaidfavoredtheyoungersonovertheolder.Rolashadalwaysbeenoutspokeninhisclaimastherightfulheirtotheirfamily’sholdingsandsawMarcusasathreattothat.
WhatMarcuskepttohimselfwastherealreasonhehadbeensenttothecapital.Growingup,withhisfatheroftenbusyorawayonbusiness,hismotherdistantandRolasasatormentor,Marcusfoundsolacewithhisnannyandherhusband.Evenafterhehadgrownoldenoughtonolongerneedananny,SelaceandTenanhadalwayswelcomedMarcusintotheirhome.Tenanwasoneofhisfather’shuntsmenandtaughtMarcustrackingandhunting.SelacewastheretoencourageandconsoleMarcusasachild,givinghimtheaffectionthathismotherdidnotshow.Withnochildrenoftheirown,theyweresurrogateparentstoMarcusandhefeltclosertothemthanhisownfamily.
WhenMarcushadjustturnedsixteen,Tenanwaskilledwhileouthuntingintheforest.Itappearedthat,whilecleaningthedeerhehadkilled,hewasattackedbyabear.TheyfoundTenan’smangledbodynearthedeercarcass.Tracksledoffintotheundergrowth,wheretheyfoundthebear,dead,withTenan’sknifestillinit.WhenthisnewsreachedMarcus,hewasdevastatedandwentimmediatelytoseeSelace.ThoughMarcusattemptedtocomforther,shewasinconsolable.
ThenextdaybroughtanotherhammerblowtoMarcus’heart.Inthenight,Selacehadgonetothefallsthatfedtheriverneartheholdingand,inherdespair,hadthrownherselfoff.Someofthehousemaidshadfoundherbodyintherocksthatmorning.Shatteredbythenews,Marcushadgonetooneoftheoutbuildingsandbrokedown,weeping.Rolasfoundhimthereandbegantomockhim,callinghimababyandhurlingotherinsults.Marcuswasusedtohis
brother’staunting,usuallycontaininghisangerandwalkingaway,butwhenRolassaidthatTenanandSelacewereonlyservantsandnotworthyofanobleman’stears,somethinginsideMarcussnapped.
HechargedRolas,catchinghimoffguardanddrovehimoutintothecourtyard.Theyfelltotheground,punchingandkickingeachother.Theyregainedtheirfeet,stillswinging.Neitherwasholdingback,withMarcusconsumedbyrageandRolasbyhate.Theservantsandcraftsmenscatteredasthetwofoughtandrolledaroundthecourtyard,attemptingtokilleachotherwiththeirbarehands.
Whentheybattledclosetotheblacksmith,thingstookadeadlierturn.RolasgrabbedanearbyswordandMarcusfollowedsuit.Thetwoclosedwitheachother,swordsmoving.Theyhadonlybegunwhenseveralofthemen-at-armsbarreledinandwrestledthembothtotheground,strippingthemoftheirweapons.Theywerebothdraggedunceremoniouslytothecellssetasideforprisonerswaitingfortheirfather’sjudgment.
TheirfatherwastheangriestMarcushadeverseenhimwhenhecametothecellsintheearlyevening.Hewassomadthathealmostcouldnotspeak.Afterblisteringtheirearsaboutbreakingthepeaceandhowdisappointedandashamedhewastobetheirfatheratthatmoment,heleftthembothlockedupforthenight,barringanyfoodorwater.
Thenextdaytheywerereleased,withaman-at-armsassignedtoeachofthemtopreventarepeatofthedaybefore.Theirfatherhadmadethemapologizeandshakehands,promisingtobehavelikebrothersshould.Marcuscouldtellhewastroubled,knowingthatitwasonlywords,and,shortlyafterthefuneralforSelaceandTenan,hisfathertoldhimthathewasbeingsenttotrainwiththeRoyalGuard.Despitepartingwithhisfather,Marcuswaseagertogo.
“Well,Iknowofseveraltavernsinthecitywhereitwillbeunlikelythatyourbrotherwouldfindyou.”Nathensaidlightly.“Ifyoucanbringyourselftogotosuchplaces,Iamsurewecanfindsome,umm,distractionstotakeyourmindoffyourtroubles.”
“I’msureyouknowofallsuchplaces,Nathen.”Marcussaid,shakinghisheadwithasmileonhisface.“Thankyoufortheoffer,butwhileIcouldgiveafigaboutRolas,IdoubtKeriawouldbetoohappyifIwascaughtinsuchaplace.”
“Myapologies,Marcus;Iforgotyouarearomanticatheart.”Nathensaid.“I,forone,amnotbotheredbysuchconcerns.”
“Weknow,Nathen.”Daensaid,rollinghiseyes.“TheOnepreserveus,we
know.”Thethreesharedalaugh,Marcusfeelinghismoodlighten.“Youbothdisappointmeso.”Nathensaid,feigningdisillusionment.He
glancedup,atwinkleinhiseye.“Let’sgogetsomethingtoeatbeforeMarcusdecideshewanttopoundoutmoreofhisfrustrationsonme.”
Astheybegantowalktowardsthemessarea,avoicecalledacrossthetraininggrounds.“LordMarcus.”
Astheyturnedtowardsthevoice,MarcussawJustianwalkingtowardsthem.Hecameuptothem,bowingslightlytoMarcus.“Yourmotherhasrequestedthatyoureturnandhavethemorningmealwithyourfamily.”Justiansaid.
“Ofcourse,Captain.”Marcussaid,hisgoodmooddissipating,butkeepingthedisappointmentoutofhisvoice.Helookedathisfriends.“IwillcomebytoseeyouwhenIcangetfree.”
“Weunderstand,LordMarcus.”Nathensaidmockingly,withagrinandanexaggeratedbow.WithanodfromDaen,theycontinuedontothemessarea.
“Let’sgo,Justian.”Marcussaid,headingbacktowardsthepalaceandsteelinghimselfforanunpleasantmorning.
…Jakeawokefromadreamlesssleeptoseethesunlightstreaminginthrough
thewindows.Madalinmusthaveletmesleeplate.Jakethoughttohimself.Hecalleduphispower,feelingstrengthreturntohisbody.Hesatupandslowingstood,movingaroundhisroomandgettingdressed,butleavinghisarmorandswordbehind.
Hepushedthecurtainasideandsteppedoutontothepatio.Hestopped,enjoyingthesunshineonhisfaceandfeelingthecoolbreezemovearoundhisbody.Hecouldseesomedarkscatteredcloudsinthedistance,bringingthepromiseofrain.Afterafewmomentsofcontemplation,hewentinsidethemainhouse.
HesawMadalinandCherisesittinginthefrontroom,MadalinreadingandCherisesketching.Madalinlookedupwhenhecameintothekitchen,risingandcomingovertohim.
“Goodmorning,Jake.”Shesaid,reachinguptotouchhisface.“Howareyoufeeling?”
“Thesameasyesterday.”Jakereplied.“AslongasIholdmymagic,Icanatleastmovearound.”
“Come,Isetasideaplateforyou.”Shesaidasshewenttothecounterto
pullaplateoffoodfromunderacloth.ShesatatthetablewhileJakeate.“Isthereanythingyouwantatthemarket?”Madalinaskedsolicitously
whenJakehadfinished.“Ineedtogoandgathersomeitems.Cherisewillbegoingwithme.”
“I’mfine,Madalin.”Jakereplied.“Well,youshouldgobacktoyourroomandrest,then.”Madalinsaidasshe
stood,takingtheplateovertothewashsink.“YouneedtoconserveyourstrengthuntilBrotherJonasreturns.”
“IthinkIwillhangoutoutside.”Jakesaid.“ItisanicedayandIcouldusesomesun.”HesawthedisapprovinglookcrossMadalin’sface.“Ipromisetonotdoanythingcrazy.IfIstartgettingtired,Iwillgolaydown.”
“Fine.”Madalinsaid,voiceneutralthoughshedidnotlookpleased.“MaybeIshouldhaveCherisestaywithyou.”
“Thereisnoneedforthat.”Jakesaidhurriedly.“Iwillbefineand,besides,thereisnothingshecoulddoifsomethingdidhappen.”
“Allright,Jake.Iwilltrustyou.”Madalinreplied.Sheheadedtothefrontroom.“Let’sgo,Cherise.”Shesaidtoherdaughterassheheadedoutthefrontdoor.Cherisejumpedupand,withawavetoJake,followedherout.
Jakewentoutthesidedoor,slowlywalkingaroundthesideyardandenjoyingthesunshine.HeworkedhiswayovertotheothersideofthehouseandletMaxisoutofhisenclosure.Thedogwasenthusiastic,bouncingaroundJakeashecontinuedtowalkaround.
Maxis’energyseemedtobolsterJake’s.Hemovedfaster,testingthelimitsofhisstrength.Heplayedandwrestledwiththedog,thoughMaxiswouldoftenknockhimoff-balance.Afterawhile,though,Jakefelthisenergyfailing,hismusclesstartingtoshake,soheheadedforthebenches.
Hesatdown,gratefultobeoffhisfeet,thendecidedtoliedownashisstrengthcontinuedtowane.Maxisstayedwithhim,lyingdownnexttothebench.Withthewarmsunoverhead,Jakeclosedhiseyesandreleasedhispower.WithMaxiscloseby,hefeltthatnow-familiarsensationreturn.Hetriedtoignoreitand,afterafewminutes,henoddedoff.
HewokeupwhenMaxis’barkintrudedintothatpeacefulnothingness.MaxisbarkedagainandJakecouldhearthesoundofahorsestopping,hoovesclompingonthestonesofthestreet.Jakeembracedhismagic,sittingupandseeingayoungmaninthepalacefinery,hishorsebehindhim,standingontheothersideofthegate.TheyoungmanwaslookingwarilyatMaxis,whohadmovedtostandbetweenhimandJake,teethbaredandgrowling.
“It’sok,Maxis.”Jaketoldthedogashemadehiswaytothegate.Maxisstoppedgrowling,butstayedclosetoJake.
“JakeThomas?”Themansaid,stillwatchingMaxis.“Yes.”Jakereplied.“Ihavebeensentfromthepalacewiththismessageforyou.”Themansaid,
cautiouslyhandingJakeasealedparchment,thenjerkinghishandback.Lookingrelievedthathestillhadhishand,hestoodtherewaiting.Obviously,hewastoreturnwithamessagefromJake.
Jakecrackedthesealandopenedtheparchment.Hereadthemessage,seeingthatitwasaninvitationtothepalaceforadinnerandceremonytotakeplacetomorrownight.NorlanandhisfamilywereinvitedtoattendasJake’sguests.
“IneedtocheckwithNorlanandMadalinfirst.”Jakesaid.“Canyoucomebacklater?”
“Ihavemanyduties,soitisunlikely.”Themanreplied,movingbackandswingingupontohishorse.“Simplysendamessagetothepalace.IwillinformthemtoexpectareplyfromJakeThomas.Goodday.”Withthat,heturnedandrodeoff.
ItwaslateafternoonwhenMadalinandCherisereturned,carryingseveralpackages.Jaketriedtohelpthem,butMadalinpolitelywavedhimoff.Jakefollowedthemintothehouse,chattingwithCherise.AfterMadalinhadfinishedputtingawayhergoods,Jaketoldherabouttheinvitation.Shebrightenedatthethoughtofattendingapalacefunction,butsimplysaid.“IwillneedtospeakwithNorlanbeforewecommittogoing.”
Jakewentbackoutside,sittingonthebenchesandenjoyingtherestoftheday,Maxisstayingcloseby.Shortlybeforedark,Hailynappeared.Maxisrushedtothegate,happilygreetingHailynasshecameintotheyard.Hailynpettedthedog,whoobviouslyenjoyedtheattention.
“Howareyou,Jake?”HailynaskedasshewalkeduptoJake,stoppingseveralfeetaway.“Youseemtobefeelingbetter.”
“I’mthesameasbefore.”Jakereplied.“WhenIhavemypower,Ifeelstrongerandcanmoveabout,butwithoutit,Icanbarelyliftmyarms.”
“Youshouldn’texpectasuddenchange.”Hailynsaid,lookingcloselyatJake’sface.“Likely,anyimprovementwillbegradual.Ifyoulookonthebrightside,youdon’tseemtobegettingworse.”
“Iguess.”Jakesaid,shrugginghisshoulders.“CanItellyousomething?Idon’twantyoutoworryordoanything.”
“Ofcourse,Jake.”HailynrepliedasshetookaseatonthebenchacrossfromJake.“Youcantellmeanything.”
Relieved,Jaketoldherabouttheunusualsensationthathefeltfromotherswhenhewasnotholdinghismagic.“Itseemstobestrongerwithclericsforsomereason.Onlynow,withmypower,Idon’tsenseitfromyou.”Jakefinished.
“Releaseyourpowerandseewhathappens.”HailyntoldJake.Hereleasedhispower,swayingashisstrengthfailed,barelyabletostay
upright.Thesensationreturned,withJakefeelingitcomingfrombothMaxisandHailyn,butvastlystrongerfromher.Hecalleduphismagicandthesensationfaded.
HeandHailyndiscusseditforawhile,tryingtofigureoutwhatitwas.Intheend,theydecideditwasabyproductfromhisinjury.Hopefully,whenJonasfoundawaytohelpJake,thesensationwouldleaveaswell.Theysatinsilenceforabit,eachlostintheirownthoughts.
“HowarethingsattheTemple?”Jakefinallysaid,movingtheconversationtosomethingdifferent.
“Abitfrantic.”Hailynstated.“EveryoneisconcernedforMasterJonasandtheclericsthatwentwithhim.Someoftheclericsarediscussingwhattodoiftheydonotreturn.SisterSilvanisactingasChiefClericuntiltheycomeback.”
“I’msurethatJonasandDominicareok.”Jakesaidreassuringly,thoughhewasalsoworriedaboutthem.“Ibettheywillbebacksoon.”
“Wecanonlypraythatitwillbeso.”Hailynsaid,pausingwhenthefrontdooropenedandNorlancameout.Jakehadnotrealizedthathehadcomehome.
“Goodevening,Hailyn.”Norlansaidgood-naturedly.“Weareabouttositdownfortheeveningmeal.Wouldyouliketojoinus?”
“Thankyou,Norlan.”Hailynsaidasshestood.“Iwouldlovetostay,butIamalreadylate.IhavetoreturntotheTemple;IhavesomedutiesImustattendtotonight.”
“Anothertime,then.”Norlansaid.“Youarealwayswelcometojoinus.”“TheblessingoftheOneonyou,Norlan.”Hailynsaid,noddingherhead.
ShelookedatJake.“Andonyou,Jake.IwilltrytocomebytomorrowwhenIhavemoretime.”Sheturnedandleft,Maxisfollowinghertothegate.
“Let’sgoinside,Jake.”Norlansaid.Aftertheyfinisheddinner,theydiscussedattendingtheceremony.While
shewouldlikeanightatthepalace,MadalinwasconcernedwhetherJakecould
makeitthroughthenightinhiscondition.Jakeassuredherthathewouldrestmostoftheday,soheshouldbefine.NorlandidsaythatitwouldbehardtoturndowntheinvitationsincethereappearedtobeanexpectationthatJakewouldattend.Also,lookingoveratCheriseandseeingherexcitement,hesaiditwouldbeatreatforhertoattendapalacefunction.Intheend,theydecidedthattheywouldallgo.
Norlanstoodandsaid.“Iwillgotothepalacetoletthemknow.”Jakewenttobacktohisroom,grabbingatowelandstrippingoffhis
clothes.Hewentoutandtookaquickshower,thenreturnedandclimbedintohisbed.Oncehereleasedhispower,awaveofexhaustionspreadoverhimandhewasquicklyasleep.
…Fartothewest,attheedgeoftheInlandSea,thefigureindarkrobesfrom
Creatos’caverodeuptothecovewherehisMaster’sservantswerewaitingforhim,hishorselatheredandtremblingunderhim.Thenightmadethingshardtosee,buthecouldhearthesoundofthesurfasthewavescrashedagainsttherocksthatsurroundedthecove.
Asmuchashehatedridinghorses,hehadriddenthisonestraightfromCreatos’stronghold,pushingthehorse.Hewasforcedtoslowandrestitattimes,sincekillingthehorsewouldmeanfindinganotherandhewasavoidingtownsandvillages.Hewasnotafraidofencounteringanyoneoreventwoclerics,butifagroupconfrontedhim,hemaybetestedbeyondwhathecouldhandle.Topreventsuchasituation,herodearoundthosesettlementsinhispath.
Hecouldmakeoutthewaterahead,withthelongshadowoftheboatwaitingforhim,pulleduponthesand.Hesawseveralshadowyfiguresmovingaroundtheboat,thesailorsstandingreadytoshoveoffatamoment’snotice.
Herodeuptotheboat,ignoringthesuddenbaringofsteelwhenthesailorssawhim.Oncetheyrecognizedwhohewas,theysheathedtheirweaponsandpreparedtosail.Hehadmixedfeelingswhenhegratefullygotoffhishorse,thecreatureaboutreadytocollapse.Asmuchashedislikedriding,heabsolutelyloathedseatravel.Hecouldnotcontrolhisstomachonthevoyagehere,spendingmuchofhistimebeingsick.Someofthesailorshadthoughtthatwasamusinguntilhemadeanexampleofoneofthem.Afterthat,hethoughtwithself-satisfaction,theyhadbeennothingbutcourteous.
Ashemadehiswaytothewoodenlongboatwithsailorsalreadymanningtheoars,heheardthesoundofapproachinghorses.Hespuntoseeagroupof
foursoldiersappearalongtheridgethathidthecovefromview,carryingtorches.Accompanyingthemwasacleric,glowinginpower.
“Youinthecove,haltinthenameoftheking!”Oneofthesoldierscalledoutastheystarteddownintothecove.
Thefigurewaiteduntiltheygotclose,thenunleashedablastofdarkfire,theblackflamessweepingoverandenvelopingthesoldiers.Hesmiledatthesoundsofthemenandhorsesscreaming.Thesefoolsdidn’tknowwhomtheyweremessingwith.Hethoughtgrimlyasheturnedtogo.
Hewassurprisedwhentheclericrosefromtheburningpiles,herrobesandfleshscorched,butstillglowinginpower.Shereleasedaboltofclerics’fireathim.Hedeflectedtheblow,sendingitintothesky.Hereturnedherfirewithhisown.Shewasabletoblockmostofit,thoughshecriedoutassomeofitreachedher.Shewasabletolaunchanotherineffectiveattackbeforehewasabletooverwhelmherdefensesandreducehertoasmolderingheap,hercriesdyinginthenight.
Heturnedandclimbedaboardtheboat,thecrewmovingquicklytolaunchandheadtosea.Hewrappedhisrobestighterasthesprayofthewavescarriedoverthebow.Hethoughtaboutthatstupidclericwithanamusedsmile.WhilehestillfearedhisMaster,theonethingherelishedsincecomingherewasthatnoonecouldeverpickonBruceTaliaagain.
CHAPTERSIXThelightofthetorchesilluminatingthepalacecourtyardmadetheshadows
seemtodanceagainstpalacewallsasJakesteppedoutofthecarriage.Hisownshiningformdrewstaresfrommanyofthepeopleenteringthepalace,makinghimfeelsomewhatself-conscious.Tryingtoignorethelooks,headjustedhisswordbeltandranhishandsdownhisdoublet,smoothingthematerial,thenturnedtoofferhishandtoCherisetoassistherassheexited.Cherisehadalightbluedresson,theskirthangingtoherankles,soitwasawkwardforhertonavigatethecarriagesteps.Onceshewasout,hedidthesameforMadalin.
“Thankyou,Jake.”Madalinsaidasshesteppeddown,dressedinaredsatingown,herhairupinanelaboratestyle.Shehadbeenfussingwithherhairallafternoon,muchtoNorlan’samusement.
Norlanexitedlast,dressedinhisbestbrowndoubletandpants,withhisknee-highbootspolishedtoahighshine.Helookedslightlyuncomfortableinsuchfinery.
Thepalacehadsentthecarriagetobringthemtotheevent,honoringJake’spositionasaHeroofSanduas.Jakehadwelcomedit,ashehadbeenunsureonhowhewouldmakeittothepalace,givenhiscondition.HehadenvisionedpushingbeyondhisstrengthandshowingupbeingcarriedNorlan’sback.
“Let’sheadinside.”Norlansaid,gesturingtowardstheentranceandofferinghisarmtohiswife.Madalinsmiledatherhusband,apleasedtwinkleinhereyes,asshelaidherhandonhisarm.JakeofferedhisarmtoCheriseandtheyfollowedherparentsintothepalace.
Despitehisattempttodisregardthespeculativelooksandwhispers,Jakeknewthatheandhismagicwerethetopicofmuchdiscussionastheymadetheirwaytothethroneroom.Uncomfortablewiththeattention,hetriedtofocusonkeepingasteadyandstablepace,thoughhebegansweatingslightlyinsidehisdoublet.
Whentheyreachedthethroneroom,apalaceofficialstoppedthem.Hecheckedfortheirnamesonalistand,afterfindingthem,hadtheheraldannouncetheirnamestothecrowd.Anotherpalaceservantcameoverandledthemtoatablenearthethrones.OtherguestswerealreadyatthetableandNorlanandMadalinengagedtheminpoliteconversation.
Jakelookedaroundthehall,seeingthatthetableshadbeensetuponeither
sideofthecarpetthatleadtothethronedais.Asmallertablewassentnexttothedais,whichJakeassumedwasfortheking.HefoundMarcusontheothersideofthehall,dressedinafinedarkgreendoublet,handrestingonhissword,lookingsomewhatpensiveashewaitednexttohisfather,whowasspeakingwithseveralothernobles.MarcusnoticedJakeandnoddedingreeting,whichJakeretuned.JakesawthatMarcus’motherwasspeakingwithtwootherwomenwhilehisbrotherwasstandingapart,atankardinhishand.Rolaswasdressedinalightgreendoublet,withagoldbadgeofhisfamilycrestpinnedon.Jakeobservedthathewasalsoarmedwithasword.
Theking’sheraldcamethroughthedoorsnearthethrones,rappinghisstaffontheground.“KingKirstentheFirst,SovereignKingofSanduasandhisdaughter,HerRoyalHighness,PrincessKeriacomes!”Hecalledoutassilencedescendedinthehall.“Theycome!”
AflurryofbowsandcurtsiesrippledthroughthehallasthekingandKeriawalkedin,herhandonherfather’sarm.Theymadetheirwaytothedais,smilingandacknowledgingpeopleinthecrowdwithnods.Keriastoppedatthedaisstepswhileherfatherascendedtohisthrone.Heturnedtoaddressthegatheredassembly.
“Wecometonighttocelebratethesafereturnofmydaughter.”Thekingsaid,voicecarryingthroughthehall.“Beforewebeginthecelebrations,Iaskthatweobserveamomentofsilencetohonorthosethatfelldefendingherandthosethatfelltorescueher.”Thecrowdwentquiet,withonlythefaintcrackleofthetorchfiresaudibleinthehall.
Afteraboutaminuteofsilence,thekingspokeagain.“Marcus,sonofMarcelas,approachthethrone.”JakeheardthequietmurmuringfromthecrowdasMarcus,wholookedsurprised,walkedtothedais,then,attheking’sgesture,knelt.Asthekingcamedownthestairs,aRoyalGuardapproachedwithabejeweledswordinhishands.
Thekingtooktheswordandhelditaloft.“Marcus,sonofMarcelas.”Thekingformallyintoned.“Tohonoryourbraveryandcommitmenttothesafetyoftheprincess,Inowdeclarethatyouaretobeknightedinthepresenceofthesewitnesses.”
“DoyousweartotheOnetoobeythewillofyoursovereign,toalwaysspeakthetruth,tocarryarmstodefendthisrealm,toprotecttheweakandinfirm,andtogiveyourlife,ifneeded,intheserviceofthesecauses?”Thekingasked,lookingatMarcus.
“Isoswear,myking.”Marcusrepliedformally,bowinghishead.
“Then,bymypowerandauthority,Iknightyou.”ThekingsaidashelaidtheflatofhisswordbladeonMarcus’head.Hepulleditaway,handedtheswordbacktotheGuardandlaidahandonMarcus’shoulder.“Arise,SirMarcus.”
Marcusstood,shakinghandswiththeking,asthecrowderuptedincheers.KeriacameoverfromwhereshewasstandingandlightlykissedMarcusonthecheek.JakesawMarcus’fatherbeamingwithpride,shakinghandswiththeothernoblesnearhim.Hismotherwaspolitelyclapping,butherfacebetrayednootheremotion.Ontheotherhand,emotionswereevidentonRolas’faceashescowledand,tiltinghisheadback,drainedhistankardandsignaledforanother.
“Letusfeast.”ThekingannouncedasheandKeriawenttothesmalltablenexttothedais.Marcuswentbackovertohisfamilyasthecrowdbegantositdownattheirassignedtables.Hisfatherembracedhimandledhimtoaseatnexttohisatthetable.
ThetablenearJakewaslong,withwoodenbencheswithroomfortenoneachside,lookinglikeanoversizedpicnictable.Jakesatdownattheendofthebench,nexttoNorlan,whileMadalinandCherisetooktheseatsacrossfromthem.Jakewatchedasservantscamethroughthedoors,bearinglargetraysoffood.Theservantswerequickandthetablebeforethemwassooncoveredwithvariousmeats,vegetables,pastriesandfruit.Otherservantscamebytoofferdrinks,carryingpitchersofale,wine,fruitpunchandwater.Whilehewastemptedtohavesomeale,Jakewassurethat,inhiscurrentcondition,hewouldhearaboutitfromMadalin,sohestuckwithwater.NorlanandMadalinchosethewinewhileCherisehadthepunch.
Dinnerprogressedquickly,withthepeoplenexttoNorlanandMadalinmakingsmalltalkwiththemwhiletheyate.Jakecontinuedtoeatuntilhewasstuffed,pausingonlytochatwithCherise.Thehallbuzzedwithconversationswhiletheservantswereseeminglyeverywhere,replacingfoodtrays,refillingcupsandclearingdinnerware.
Oncedinnerwascompleted,theservantsclearedthetablesofthetrays,butcontinuedtoprovidethedrinks.Jake,sittingcontentlyashelethisfoodsettle,wassurprisedtoseeKeriacomeovertothetable.Everyoneatthetablebegantorise,butKeriagesturedforthemtoremainseated.
“Goodevening,Jake.”Keriasaidwithabrightsmile.Aservantcameoverwithachair,placingitattheendofthetablesoshecouldsit.“Iamsogladtoseethatyoucouldmakeit.”SheplacedherhandonJake’s.
“Thankyou,Keria.”Jakesaidwithasmile,enjoyingthewarmthofherhand.
“Goodeveningaswell,MasterNorlan,MistressMadalin,andCherise.”Keriasaidwithanodofherhead.“Itrustthatyouareenjoyingyourselves.”
“Ihaveneverriddeninacarriagebeforeorseensomanybeautifuldresses.”Cherisesaidbrightly,hereyesbrimmingwithjoy.“Thisiswonderful,Keria.”
“Cherise!”Norlansaidsharply,glancingattheothersatthetableandsoundingslightlyscandalized.“YoumustaddresstheprincessasYourHighnessorPrincess.”HelookedatKeria.“Iapologizeforherpoormanners,YourHighness.Nodisrespectwasmeant.”
“Noapologiesareneeded,MasterNorlan.”Keriasaidlightly,smilingatCheriseandtouchinghercheek,nowbrightredfromembarrassment.“ItoldCherisethatshemayusemyname.”
JakesatbackandwatchedasKeriaengagedCheriseandMadalininconversation.Cherisesoonforgotaboutherfather’srebuke,talkingandlaughingwithKeria.Aftersomelastwords,KeriaturnedbacktoJake.
“Howareyoufeeling,Jake?”Sheaskedquietly,hisblueaurareflectinginhereyes.“Youseemtobeabletomovearoundfairlywell.”
“I’mok.”Jakereplied.“Istillgettiredprettyquickly,butotherthanthat,Iamdoingfine.”
“Youmustn’ttaxyourself,Jake.”Keriasaidseriously.“Idonotwanttoseeyouharmyourselffurther.GettingplentyofrestseemsbestcourseuntilBrotherJonasreturns.”
“I’mnothurtingforsleeporrest,Icanassureyou.”Jakesaid,tryingtokeeptheirritationoutofhisvoice.HedidnotwanttoupsetKeria,buthewasgettingalittletiredofbeingsurroundedbywomenwhowanttomotherhim.Hedidnotneedanymoreremindersofhiscondition.
“Thatisgood.”Keriastated.Sheglancedbackoveratherfather,whomotionedforhertoreturn.Shestood,smilingatJake.“Iwilltrytocomebackinalittlewhile.”Withanodtotherestofthetable,sheleft,walkingbacktohertable.
Jakestaredafterher,admiringherform,thensighedwistfully.WhatamIgoingtodoabouther?HowdoImakethingsrightwithhim?HethoughtasheglancedacrosstheroomatMarcus.Shakinghishead,hesawasympatheticlookinMadalin’seyeswhenhegazedinherdirection.Hegaveheraslightsmileandashrugofhisshoulders.Heshiftedonthebench,tryingtogetcomfortable,thensattherelostinthought,staringatthetorchesonthefarwall,
untilthekingstoodandspokeagain.“Letthemusicanddancingbegin.”Thekingsaid,signalingatthemusicians
inthecornerofthehall.Servantscameandmovedsometablestoopenupalargespaceinthemiddleofthehall.Oncetheareawascleared,themusiciansbegantoplay.
JakewatchedasthekingandKeriawentoutanddanced,anintricateandformaltypeofdance.AsthedanceendedandKeriakissedherfatheronthecheek,thehalleruptedinapplause.Smiling,thekinggesturedforothersofjointhem.Couplesbegantomovetothedanceareaasthemusicianbegananothermelody.JakesawMarcusapproachKeria,clearlyaskingforadance.ShesmiledandnoddedandMarcusledherouttothedancearea.
Jakewatcheditwithsomemixedfeelings.WhilehewouldlovetodancewithKeria,hedidnotknowthestepsandhisstrengthmightnotlastlongenough.So,heconsignedhimselftosimplywatch,hisgazeonKeriaasshedancedandlaughedwithMarcus.
HisattentionwassuddenlydrawnawaywhenhesawRolasapproachinghistable,atankardinhishand.Jakecouldtellthathehadbeendrinkingheavily,hisstepslightlyunsteady.
“WhytheyletyouinIwillneverknow.”Rolassaidharshlyashestoppednexttothetable.Jakecouldseeangeronhisface.“Itisbadenoughthattheyarefawningovermydearbrother.”Hespat.HelookedJakeupanddown,acruelsmileonhislips,andsneered.“Youarenobetterthanajumped-uppeasant.”
“Thereisnoneedforthis,mylord.”Norlanbegan,risingslightly.“Jakeishereattheinvitationoftheking.Perhapsyoushouldreturnto-“
“WasIspeakingtoyou,smith?”Rolassnarled,staringatNorlan.“Youandyourfamilyarenotmuchbetter.”
JakefeltangercoursethroughhimashesawNorlanbitebackareplyandsitdown,fistsclenched,theothersatthetablelookinguncomfortable,withMadalinconcernedandCheriselookingscaredandhurt.Beforeheknewwhathewasdoing,Jakesurgedtohisfeet.
“Backaway,asshole.”Jakesaidthroughgrittedteeth.“Areyougoingtomakeme?”Rolassaidominouslyashesethistankardon
thetableandhisotherhanddriftedtowardshissword.“Perhapsyouthinkyouaremyequal.”
Jakestaredback,deliberatelycrossinghisarmsacrosshischest,angerkeepinghimfrombackingdown,butatrickleoffearwormeditswayintohis
thoughts.HewasinnoconditiontofightandRolashadyearsofexperienceonhim.
“Rolas!”JakeheardMarcus’voicecutthroughthemusic,lowbutdirect.Jakesawhimcomingoverfromthedancearea.“Whatdoyouthinkyouaredoing?”Marcusasked,facetight,asheconfrontedhisbrother.
“Noneofyourconcern,SirMarcus.”Rolassnapped,contemptuous.HesteppedbackandturnedtofaceMarcus.“Doesyourlittlefriendneedyoutoprotecthim?”Hebarkedashort,sharplaugh.“Youalwayshavehadasoftspotforthosebeneathus.”
Marcus’facewentflat,butbeforehecouldreply,LadyAreliaunexpectedlyappeared,withCaptainJustianatherside.“Rolas,youwillremoveyourselftoourquarters.Youhavehadtoomuchaleforyourowngood.”Shesaid,voicecool.
“Iamagrownman,Mother.”Rolassaid,alookofdefianceonhisface.“IwillgowhenIplease.”
“YouwillleavenoworIwillhaveCaptainJustiandragyoufromthishalllikeacommoncriminal.”Shereplied,hervoicenowice,eyeshard.
JakewatchedasRolasglaredathismother,jawmusclesclenchingandunclenching,weighingdefiance.LadyAreliasimplyretunedthatstare,eyeslikedarkstones.
“Asyouwish,Mother.”Rolasfinallysaid.HepushedpastMarcus,wholethimgo.AtLadyArelia’swhisperedinstruction,JustianfollowedRolasoutofthehall.
“Introduceme,myson.”AreliasaidtoMarcus,indicatingNorlanandhisfamily.
“Mother,thisisMastersmithNorlan,hiswifeMistressMadalinandtheirdaughter,Cherise.”Marcustoldhismother.
“MasterNorlan,pleaseacceptmyapologiesfortheboorishbehaviorofmyson.”Areliasaid,voicecalmandlevel.“Iwillseethatheissuitablypunished.”
“Thankyou,mylady.”Norlanreplied,voicesteady,butJakecouldstillseesomeangerinhiseyes.
“Donotworry,lovelychild.”AreliasaidtoCherise.ShekneltdownnexttoCheriseandcuppedherchininherhand.“Youwillfindthatmenoftenactfoolishly.Youmustnotallowthattoruinyourenjoymentofalovelyparty.”ShelookedupatMarcus.“Surelyyoucanassistherinthis,myson.”
“Yes,Mother.”Marcusreplied.“Again,myapologies.”Areliasaidasshestood.ShelookedoveratJake.
“Toyouaswell,JakeThomas.”JakewasdecidedlyuncomfortablewiththewayLadyAreliawaslookingat
him,hereyesstudyinghim.Hefeltlikehewaspuzzlethatshecouldnotfigureout.Hebowedhishead,breakingthestare.“Nothingtoforgive,mylady.”Jakesaidproperly.
AreliastaredatJakeforanothermoment,thenturnedandleftthehall,goingtothedoorthroughwhichRolashaddeparted.
“MayIhavethisdance,Cherise?”Marcusaskedformally,bowingslightlyandtakingherhand.Cherise,alargesmileonherface,noddedhappily,dramaforgotten.Marcusescortedhertothedancearea.
Jakesatbackdown,drinkingsomewaterandwatchingMarcusandCherisedance,Cherise’sfacealightwithjoy.Whenthemusicpaused,Marcusmotionedforablond-hairedyoungmaninRoyalGuardfinerytocomeover,introducedhimtoCherise,andleftthemtodance.HecamebackovertoJake’stable.
“Withyourpermission,MasterNorlan,mayIhavethisdancewithyourwife?”Marcussaid,holdingouthishandtoMadalin.Withapleasedsmile,MadalintookhishandandtheyweresoondancingnearCherise.
NorlanleanedovertoJake.“WhileIappreciatewhatyoudid,Jake,youmustbecarefulwiththesenobles.”Hesaidquietly.“Don’tletyoursenseofhonorgetyouintoasituationthatwillonlyendbadly.”Hepattedhimontheshoulderandreturnedtowatchinghiswifeanddaughterdance.
AfterMadalinfinishedherdance,shecamebackovertothetablewhileCherisecontinuedtodance,againwithMarcus.Withasmile,MadalingesturedatNorlan.“Come,husband.”Shesaidlightly.“Youwillnotgetawaywithjustsittingthere.Wehavetodance.”SheglancedatJake.“Willyoubealrightbyyourself,Jake?”
“Iwillbefine.”Jakereplied,nudgingNorlantostandup.“Havefun.”WhileJakewassittingandwatchingthedances,losinghimselfinthemusic,
aservantcameuptohimandspoke.“Thekingrequestsyourpresenceathistable.”
Frowningslightlyashewonderedwhatthiswasabout,Jakenoddedandstoodup.Hemadehiswayovertotheking’stable.Keria’schairwasempty,asshewasoutdancing.
“Youwantedtoseeme,YourMajesty?”Jakeaskedpolitely.“Yes,Jake.”Thekingreplied.HegesturedatKeria’schair.“Pleasesit.”OnceJakewassitting,thekingleanedoverandspokequietly.“Istherenot
anyrewardthatIcangiveyouforyourroleinfreeingKeria?”
JakethoughtaboutaskingtoseeKeria,hisgazedriftingovertowardsher,whereshewasdancingwithMarcus,smilingandlaughing.Beforehecouldspeak,thekingfollowedhisgazeandshookhishead.
“Myprohibitionstillstands,Jake.”Thekingsaidfirmly,thoughhiseyesweresympathetic.“Keriahasaresponsibilitytothekingdom.Shewillbeaqueensomedayandshehastomarrysomeonewhocanstandbesideher,challengeherprivatelywhenneeded,andleadthisnation.”Hepaused,thenasked.“Doyouwishtobeaking,Jake?”
“King?Me?!”Jakeexclaimed.Theideaseemedsooutlandishthathealmostlaughed.
“Ifyoudonotwishtobeaking,thenwhypursueKeria?”Thekingpressed,faceserious.“Besidesthefactthatyouareastrangerandthenobleswouldnotacceptyou,ifawaywasfoundtoreturnyoutoyourworld,wouldyouforswearyourhomeandfamilytoremainhere?”
Jakewascaughtoff-guardbythequestion.Hewasembarrassedthathehadnotthoughtaboutitthatway.Hethoughtofhisfamilyandfriendsandofallthefamiliarthingsofhome.Hefinallyshookhishead,sayingquietly.“No.Iwouldgohome.”
“Jake,IrecognizethatKeriaisabeautifulyoungwoman.”Thekingsaidkindly.“WhenIwasayoungmanaroundyourage,Ipursuedabeautifulwoman,onlytohaveherbecomeunattainable.However,inspiteofwhatIthoughtwasadevastatingblow,ImetandfellinlovewithKeria’smother.Iconsidermyselftobealuckymanforit.”Hepaused.“DoyouunderstandwhatIamtryingtosayhere?”
“Ithinkso,YourMajesty.”Jakesaid,unabletokeepthedisappointmentoutofhisvoice.HegazedlonginglyatKeria,savoringherbeauty,but,withasinkingfeelinginhischest,knewthekingwasright.ItwouldnotbefairtoKeriaforthistocontinue,especiallyifhecouldfindawayhome.MaybeIcanatleastdosomethingright.Hethoughtasanideacametohim.
“Astomyreward,IwouldaskthatyouconsiderMarcusforKeria.”Jakesaidhaltingly,feelingthiswasthetoughestthinghehadeverdone.“Heisinlovewithher.”
ThekinglookedoveratMarcus,aslightfrownonhisface.“Icannotpromiseyouthat,Jake.”Hesaid,sighingheavily.“HemaybegoodforherandIacknowledgehisfeelingsforher,butImustalsoconsiderthewishesoftheroyalcouncil,whichisoftendrivenbypoliticsandposition.”
Thekingheldouthishand.“Iknowthatthisisnotwhatyouhadhopedfor,
Jake.Ihopethatawaycanbefoundtosendyoubacktoyourrightfulworld.Whenyoureturnthere,Ihopeyouwillthinkkindlyofme.”
“Ofcourse,YourMajesty.”Jakesaidrespectfully,shakingtheking’shand.“Tobehonest,IhavebeentreatedbetterherethanIhadanyrighttoexpect.”
“Iwillletyougetbacktothecelebrations.”Thekingsaid.“Enjoythenight.”
Jakenoddedandwentbackovertohistable.HecouldnotbringhimselftolookoveratKeriaashepassedthedancearea.Norlanwassittingatthetable,sippingsomewine.HenoticedthelookonJake’sface.
“Whathappened?”Heasked,concerninhisvoice.“Youlooklikeyougotsomereallybadnews.”
“I’mfine,Norlan.”Jakesaid.“I’mjusttired.IthinkIwillhavethecarriagetakemebacktothehouse.”
“LetmegetMadalinandCheriseandwecanleave.”Norlansaid,standing.JakesawCherisedancingwithaboyaboutherage,smilingandclearly
enjoyingherself.Madalinwasdancingwiththeblond-hairedyoungman,laughingatsomethinghesaid.“No,Norlan.”Jakesaid.“Letthemenjoytheparty.Icanmakeithomebymyself.”
“Areyousure?”Norlanasked.“Yeah.”Jakesaid.“Don’tworry.I’llbefine.”Jakeslowlymadehiswaytotheexit,hisminddistantasheconsideredwhat
hadjusthappened.ThegroomsquicklyhadthecarriagebroughtaroundandJakegratefullyclimbedin.Hestaredoutofthewindow,watchingthecitypassby,thesoundsofthecarriageechoingoffthenearbybuildingsasitwoveitswaybacktoNorlan’s.
Jakethankedthedriverafterhehadsteppeddownfromthecarriage,themaingatetothehouseonlyafewfeetaway.Jakemadehiswayintotheyardasthecarriagelefttoreturntothepalace.HewentovertoMaxis’enclosureandletthedogout.MaxisseemedtosenseJake’smood,stayingcalmandremainingclosetohim.Jakewenttohisroom,MaxiscurlingupatthefootofthebedwhileJakeremovedandhunghisswordbeltonthewall.Jakequicklyundressedandclimbedintobed.HethoughtaboutKeriaandwhatthekinghadsaid.Hereleasedhismagic,hopingthathewouldquicklydriftofftosleep.
Instead,hisemotionsandthoughtscontinuedtoroil.Hetriedtocalmhismind,butsleepwasalongtimeincoming.
CHAPTERSEVEN
Jakeawokeatthelightknockonthedoor.HecalleduphismagicandshiftedintoaseatedpositionjustasNorlanenteredhisroom.Norlanlookedlikehewassomewhatunwell,withaslightpallortohisfaceandsomebagsunderhiseyes.
“Goodmorning,Jake.”Norlansaidpleasantly,despitehiscondition.“AreyouabletojoinusforthemorningmealorshouldIhaveMadalinbringyousomefood?”
“Iwillcomeinside,Norlan.”Jakereplied.HegesturedtowardsNorlan.“Areyoufeelingwell?Youlookabitundertheweather.”
“I’mfine,butIdon’tthinkIshouldhavehadsomuchwine.”Norlansaidwithalightsmileandaruefulshakeofhishead.“Istillenjoydrinkingagoodwine,buteveryyearthatIgrowolder,ifIdrinktoomuch,thenextmorninggetsabitmoreunpleasant.”
“Iunderstand.”Jakesaid,rememberinghishangoverfromthepartyatMatt’shouse.Heswunghisfeetoutandstood.“I’llbeinassoonasIgetdressed.”
Norlannoddedandleft.Jakeputonhisclothesandsteppedoutontothepatio.Hesawthattheskywascloudyandacoolwindwasblowing.Thecloudswerenotverydark,soJakehopedthatthatmeantnorain.Heheadedintothehouseandfoundthefamilyalreadyatthetable.
Duringthemeal,JakelistenedwithanamusedsmileasCheriseexcitedlyrecountedallofthedancingatthecelebration.Shespokealmostnon-stop,pausingonlytotakeabitetoeatatthepromptingofherfather.MadalinlistenedwithacontentedlookonherfacewhileNorlanshookhisheadatCherise’sgushingaccountofalloftheattentionthatMarcushadshownher.LookslikeMarcushasanotheradmirer.Jakethought.Butafterwhatshewentthrough,I’mgladshewasabletohavesuchagoodtime.
Afterbreakfast,Jakereturnedtohisroom,settledbackontothebedandreleasedhispower.Helaythere,lostinthought.ThegoodmoodthatcamefromseeingCherisehappyfadedasheconsideredwhathappenedlastnight.Hereplayedhisconversationwiththekinginhismindseveraltimes,tryingtodetermineifheshouldorcouldhavesaidanythingdifferent.
ThinkingaboutKeriamadehimdepressed.Visualizingherinhisheadwasalmostpainfulasshewassobeautiful.Herememberedthefeelofherbodynext
tohisastheyhadkissed,thefragranceofherperfumeandthesmileshegavehimlikeitwasforhimalone.Hewasgivingherupand,tomakethesituationworse,hefeltthatoutofrespectforwhatMarcushaddone,hehadtopromotetheideaofMarcusandKeriatotheking.
But,despitethesenseofloss,heknewinhisheartthatitwastherightthingtodo.Hewasnotlookingtobeakingand,ifthewayhomeappeared,hewouldtakeitwithouthesitation.ItwasnotfairtoKeria,orMarcusforthatmatter,forhimtocontinuetochaseafterher.Hehadtohardenhisheartagainstsuchattachmentsandstayfocusedonfindinghowtogetbacktohisownworld.Iwillbetough.Hethoughtresolutely,thoughitdidnotmakehimfeelanybetter.
Focusedonhisthoughts,hewasstartledbyasoftknockonhisdoor.Asheembracedhispowerandsatup,heheardHailyn’svoice.
“MayIcomein?”Sheasked.“Sure,Hailyn.”Jakereplied.Hewatchedassheenteredhisroom,dressed
inherwhiteapprenticerobes.Sheseemedtobeingoodspirits,givinghimasmileandcameoverandsatatthefootofhisbed.Hepulledhiskneesbacktowardshischesttomakesurethatshedidnotaccidentlytouchhim.
“Howarefeeling,Jake?”Sheinquired.“Fine.”Jakesaidcasually.“Notmuchhaschanged.”“Thatisbetterthanthingsgettingworse.”Hailynsaidlightly.“Didyou
enjoythecelebrationatthepalace?”“Itwasok.”Jakesaid.Hewasstruckbyasuddenthought.“Howcomeyou
werenotinvited?YouhadasbigaroleinKeria’srescueasmeorMarcus.”“Iwasinvited,butmydutiesattheTemplekeptmefromattending.”She
said,shakingherhead.“IthinkIwouldhaveenjoyedseeingifyoucouldlearnthedancestepsinanight.”Shefinishedwithagentlelaugh.
“Istayedawayfromthedancing.”Jakesaidhurriedly.“Iwasnotabouttotripoversomeone’sfeettryingtokeepup.”
“Youshoulddance,Jake.”Hailynrepliedwithanamusedlookinhereyes.“Itisgoodforthespiritandthebody.Besides,womenlikeamanwhocandance.”
“Maybe,onceIamhealed,Iwillhaveyouteachme.”Jakesaidwithachuckle.“IthinkIneedanyhelpIcangetinthewomendepartment.”
“Whydoyousaythat?”Hailynasked,tiltingherheadandgivinghimacuriouslook.
JaketoldHailyneverythingthathappenedthepreviousnight,includingtheconversationwiththeking.Sheseemedsympatheticforthemostpart,offering
himwordsofsupportashetriedtoexplainhisfeelingsaboutitall.However,whenhetoldherabouthisdesiretobetoughandfocusongettinghome,shewaslessthanaccommodating.
“Iunderstandyourdesiretoreturnhome,butyoucannotsimplyignoreyourfeelingsorthoseofthepeopletryingtohelpyou.”Shesaiddirectly,adispleasedlookonherface.“Todosomeansthatyouaresimplyusingpeopletogetwhatyouwant.Thatiswhatthedemonsdo.”
“Waitaminute,I’mnofreakingdemon.”Jakesaidwithsomeheat.“JustbecauseIdon’twanttogettooattacheddoesn’tmeanIdon’tcare.”
“Iknowthat.”Hailynsaid,holdingupherhands.“Iwasjusttryingtopointoutthatyouareaperson,likeweallare,andyoucan’tgiveuponhappiness,caring,compassionandtheotheremotionsthattheOnehasgivenustoenjoythislife.”
Shereachedforhim,thenpulledherhandbackwithafrustratedgrimaceonherface.“Youcanstillenjoyfriendship,fellowshipandloveuntilyoureturntoyourhome.”Shepausedforamoment,thencontinued.“Surely,youknowthatNorlanandMadalinloveyou.Wouldyoudisregardthat?”
“No.”Jakesighed,thentakingadeepbreathandreleasingit,notwantingtofightwithher.“IappreciatewhatallofyouhavedoneformeandIunderstandwhatyouaresaying,Hailyn.Itjustpissesmeoffthatitcanbesounfair.”
“Thingswillworkoutthewaytheymust.”Sherepliedserenely.“TrustintheOne,Jake,anddon’tletthedisappointmentsstandinthewayofhappiness.”
“I’lltry.”Jakesaidashestaredintothoseunusualbrowneyes.Hegaveherasmile,whichshereturned.“Youareagreatfriendtohave,Hailyn.Iamsogladthat-“Hewasinterruptedbyanotherknockonhisdoorframe.
“Comein!”Hecalledout,expectingtoseeNorlanorMadalin.HewassurprisedwhenMarcusenteredhisroom.Hewasdressedinafine,
butplain,whiteshirtandblackpantswithhisswordbeltedon.LikeNorlan,heappearedtobesufferingfromahangover.MarcuspausedwhenhesawJakeandHailynsittingonthebed.
“IamsorryifIaminterrupting.”Marcussaidsmoothly.“Icancomebacklater.”
“No,pleasestay,Marcus.”Hailynsaidasshestood.“IneedtogetbacktotheTemple.”ShelookeddownatJake.“ThinkonwhatIsaid,Jake.Iwilltrytoseeyoutomorrow.”WithanodtoMarcusasshepassed,shepushedthecurtainasideandlefttheroom.
“Whatbringsyouby?”Jakeasked.“Youlooklikeyoucouldusesome
sleep.”Marcusshookhisheadslightly,rubbinghistemples.“Myfriendsdragged
metothetavernsafterthecelebrationended.”Hesaidwithaweakgrin.“Idon’tdrinkmuchandthereseemedtobeanendlesssupplyofale.Ifeellikesomeoneispoundingonmyheadwithahammerfromtheinside.”
JakechuckledatthedescriptionwhileMarcuswenttoretrievethestoolandmoveitnearthefootofthebed.Hesatdown,sighingcontently,thenturnedhisattentionbacktoJake.
“Icamebyfortworeasons.”Marcussaidquietly.“Thefirstistoapologizeformybrother’sbehaviorlastnight.YouleftbeforeIcouldspeakwithyou.”
“Whatishisproblem?”Jakeasked.Hepaused,thencontinuedwhenMarcusdidnotrespond.“Iknowthatyoutwoarebrothers,but,really,he’satotaldick.”
Marcussattherequietlyforamoment,thenspoke.“RolashasalwaysfeltthatIwasathreattohisposition.Hehasclaimed,foraslongasIcanremember,thatourfatherfavorsme,theyoungerbrother,overhim,therightfulheir.HebelievesthatIamtryingtounderminehimandcheathimoutofhisinheritance.”
“Youwouldthinkthathewouldgetbeyondit.”Jakesaid.“You’vebeenawayfromhomeforawhile,right?”
“Yes,buthedoesnotseeitlikethat.”Marcusreplied.“HeisnowafraidthatIhaveinfluencewiththekingandwilluseittotakemyfather’stitleandlandswhenhepasses.NothingIsaymakesanydifference.”
“Well,I’msorrytohearthat,Marcus.”Jakesaid.“Really,I’msorry.”“Thankyou,Jake.”Marcusreplied,noddinghishead.“Whatisthesecondreason?”Jakeasked.“Iwantedtoknowwhatthekingsaidtoyoulastnight.”Marcusstated
directly.“Afteryouleft,Keriawenttospeakwithherfather.Ididnothearwhatwassaid,butshewasinamoodafterwards.Shewouldnottellmewhathadupsether,butIgathereditwaswhatthekingspokewithyouabout.”
Jakeconsideredforamomentonwhattosay,thensighed,shakinghishead.Marcusdeservedtoknow.Jaketoldhimwhatthekinghadsaid,aswellaswhathesaidtotheking.MarcussimplylookedatJakeoncehefinished,reflectingonwhathejustheard.
AfterafewtensemomentsforJake,Marcusspoke.“Iappreciateyourhonestly.IthinkthatKeriaseesitdifferently,butIbelievethatyoumadetherightdecision.”HeheldupahandbeforeJakecouldsayanything.“Idon’tsay
thattobecruelortoapplaudmygoodfortune,butbecauseIthinkthatyouhavealongroadaheadofyoubeforeyoucanreturntoyourhome.”Hepausedbriefly.“Iknowsomethingofbeingseparatedfromhome,soIamsympathetictoyourplight.”
HestoodandcameovertoJake,extendinghishand.“Iseemtofindmyselfgettingfurtherindebttoyou.”Marcussaid,asmileappearingonhisface.“Iwouldlikeanyhardfeelingsthatexistedbetweenustofadeaway.Iacceptyourofferfromtheroadandwantyoutoconsidermeafriend.”
Jakeslowlystoodandshookhishand.“Thankyou,Marcus.”Jakesaid.“JusttakecareofKeria.”
“Withmylife.”Marcussaidseriously.Hetunedtoleave.“Youshouldcontinuetogatheryourstrength.”Hepausedatthedoor,lookingback.“Ifyouneedmyhelpforanything,sendamessageandIwillcome.”
AfterthecurtainclosedbehindMarcus,Jakeheardamurmurofvoicesfromtheyardandglancedoutthewindowtoseewhoitwas.MadalinandCherisewereatthefootofthestepstalkingwithMarcuswhileNorlanlookedonfromthedoor.JakewatchedasMarcustookCherise’shandandkisseditashesaidsomethingtoher.JakesawCheriseabsolutelyglowwithdelightasMarcusturnedtogiveMadalinaformalbow,Madalinwithapleasedsmileonherface.Marcusdoeshaveawaywithwomen.IthinkIneedtoaskhimforsomepointers.Jakethoughtsardonically.
AsMarcusnoddedtoNorlanandleft,Madalinturnedtogobackinside.JakesawthatsheblushedslightlywhenshesawNorlanlookingatherwithhisarmscrossedandacockedeyebrowandcrookedsmileonhisface.Madalinwenttohim,layingherhandonhisarmandwhisperingsomethingtohimthatmadehimthrowbackhisheadandlaugh.TheywentbackinsidewhileCherisereleasedMaxisfromhisenclosureandtheyranaroundintheyard.
Jake,feelingalittlecoopedup,wentoutsideandjoinedCheriseandMaxis.Thedaywasstillcoolandcloudy,whichmadetheexercisepleasant.Hewasamusedby,butdidgrowslightlytiredof,CheriseextollingthevirtuesofMarcus.HewasgladthatheandMarcuswerenolongerrivals,butitsuckedabittogetremindedofwhatagreatguyhewas.Afterall,Jakethoughttohimself,Iamnotallthatbadaguyeither.Afterawhile,heclaimedtobetiredandreturnedtohisroom.
Heclimbedbackintobed,sittingupwithhisbackagainstthewall,andreleasedhispower.Hestaredatthefallwall,lostinthoughtsofKeria,Marcusandhome.HeponderedonhowhecouldpossiblyreturntoEarth,since
everyonehereseemedtobeatalossonwhattodo.Helosttrackoftime,withallofhisfocusinward.Beforeherealized,itwaslateafternoon.Withouthispower,hebegantofeelweakandwasconsideringlyingdownforanapbeforedinnerwhenhisdoorcurtainpulledasideandKeriacameintohisroom.Shestoppedandstaredathim,herbeautifulfaceamaskofanger.
“Keria!”Jakeexclaimedashecalleduphismagic,sittingupstraighter.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Howcouldyouagreewithmyfather’sidioticdecision?!”Shesnapped,hergreeneyeslikehardemeralds.“Andwithoutevenspeakingwithme?”
“Keria,Icanseethatyouareupset.”Jakesaid,softlyandcautiously.“Ididn’tknowhowtotellyou,butyourfatherisright.YouwillbeQueensomedayandIcan’tbeaking.”
“Howdoyouknowthat,Jake?”Shereplied,voicesofterbutangerstillplainonherface.“YouarethemostunusualboyIhaveevermet.Youriskedyourlifetosaveme,butyouwouldn’tevenargueforthechancetofindoutwithmyfather.”
“WhatcouldIsay?”Jakereplied.“Ilikeyou,Keria,butifawayhomeshowedupnow,Iwouldtakeit.Yourfatherwasrightaboutthat.”
“Maybeyoucannevergohome.”Keriasaid.“Haveyouthoughtofthat?”“Ithinkaboutitallthetime.”Jakestatedangrily.“Don’tyouthinkIknow
thatImaybestuckhere?”“Thenwhynotacceptthatandstayherewithme?”Keriasaidgently,
steppingcloser.“Youhavefaceddownanddefeateddemons;surelywecanfindawaytomakemyfatherrelentifyoureallywantedit.”
“Look,twothings.First,Idon’tknowhowallofthepoliticsandnoblethingworks.Second,itwouldnotbefairtoyouif,outoftheblue,Icangohome.”Jakesaid,tryingtobereasonable.“Youneedsomeonewhoknowsthesystemandwhowillalwaysbehere.”Jakeswallowed,stillnotbelievinghewasgoingtosaythis.“SomeonelikeMarcus.”
Keriastiffened.“So,youarejustlikemyfather;thinkingthatyoucanselectsomeoneformewithoutaskingwhetherIwantthatperson.”Shesaidhaughtily.Jakecouldseeunshedtearsstandinginhereyes.“IthoughtyouwouldunderstandthatIsimplywanttochoosemyownway.”Shepaused,thensaiddirectly.“Icanneverhateyou,Jake;youriskedallformeandhavesufferedforit.ButIdon’tthinkIwilleverforgiveyouforthis.”Withthat,sheturnedandmarchedoutthedoor.
Jakesatthere,stunnedandhurt.Hebroughthiskneestohischest,resting
hisarmsonhislegs,handscurlingintofists,jawclenching.Hestaredatthefarwall,tryingtoboreaholeinitwiththeangerinhisheart.Thisisallbullshit.Hesnarledtohimself.Ididn’taskforanyofthis.Ican’tgohomeandIcan’tstayhere.Atleast,nothowIwouldwant.
Hewassofocusedonhisangerthathemissedthefaintvoicescomingfromtheyard.So,healmostjumpedoutofhisskinwhenthedoorcurtainwhippedbackandDominicstrodeintotheroom.
“Dominic!”Jakeexclaimed,shockedtoseehim.Dominic’sclothesweretravel-stained,hisbreastplatescarredwithscratchesandadeepgouge,andabandageononearm.Hestoppedatthefootofthebed,crossinghisarmsandlookingatJake.
“Youshouldn’tmakeawomanlikethatunhappy,boy.”Dominicsaidinthewayofagreeting,noddingtowardsthewayKeriahadgone,anamusedlookinhisbrightblueeyes.“Shecanmakeyourlifeaterrorifshewants.”
“Whendidyougetback?”Jakeasked,hisgratificationatDominic’sreturnoverwhelminghisangerandfrustration.“Howdidthebattlego?”
Dominicpulledthestooloverandsatdown.“Wejustarrived.”Hesaid.“WestoppedoffattheTemplefirst.Thegirlwasthereandtoldmethatyouwerebackhere.”HelookedcloselyatJake,hiseyesevaluating.“I’mgladtoseeyouupandabout.Shementionedthatyoucouldmovewiththeassistanceofyourpower.”
“Yeah,itbeatslyingaround,thoughIstillgettiredeasily.”Jakesaid.“Tellmewhathappened.”
“Webreachedthefortresseasilyenough.”Dominicstated,tonematter-offact.“Onceinside,weoverwhelmedtheinitialforceofdemonsandhalf-men,buthadtostartsplittingofftoclearthepassagewaysandrooms.Weassignedtwosoldierstoeverycleric;AlleonandIprotectedJonas.Ittookusallnightandintothenextday,butwewereabletokillordriveoffallofthedemonsandtheirfollowers.Theplacewasriddledwithpassagewaysthatledtothehills,somanythatfleduswereabletoescape.”Dominicshookhishead,clearlynothappyaboutthat.“Wedidnothavealargeenoughforcetogoafterthem.Wehadlostfiveclericsandtheirescortsduringthefighting.Theywerekilledwhentheywereclearingrooms,separatedfromthemainforce,andcorneredbythedemons.”
“Wedidfindandfreearoundadozencaptivesinthedungeons.”Dominiccontinued.“Theytoldusthattherehadbeensomein-fightingamongstthedemonsandmanygroupsofthehalf-menhadfledthefortressbeforewe
arrived.Wetookthecaptiveswithusandburnedanythingthatwasofusebeforeweleft.Theclericstreatedthecaptivesandweescortedthemtothelocalgarrisonfortress,whereweweretoldthatyouhadstoppedonyourwaytothecity.Werestedovernight,thenheadedbacktothecapital.”
“Alleonhasgonetothepalacetoinformtheking.”Dominicfinished,standingup.“IneedtogetShadowandDontastothestables,aswellasgetcleanedup,butIwantedtocheckonyoufirst.IwillcomebytomorrowwithJonas,sohecanassessyourcondition.”Heheadedforthedoorway.“Goodnight,boy.”
“I’mgladthatyouandJonasarealright.”Jakeblurtedout.“Iwasworriedaboutyou.”
Dominiclookedbackoverhisshoulder.“Thankyou,Jake.”Hesaidsimplyandleft.
…Earlythenextmorning,withthesunbarelyoverthehorizon,theskyfilled
withscatteredcloudsandacoolbreezedriftingthoughthegarden,Hailynrakedthedirtpathsthatcrisscrossedthroughtheplants.AllapprenticeswereassignedtaskstokeepuptheTemplegrounds.Shewasgratefulforthephysicallaborsinceitallowedheranopportunitytoquietlyreflectonthingsassheworked.Sheespeciallylikedspendingtimeinthegarden,enjoyingthefreshscentsfromtheplantswhilethebirdssangfromthetreesoverhead.Itwasverypeacefulandrefreshing.
“Hailyn!”Avoicecalledtoher.ShelookedovertoseeCesila,anotherapprenticejoggingovertoher.Cesilastoppedafewfeetaway,pantingslightlyfromherexertions.“MasterJonashasrequestedthatyoucometothesanctuarynow.Iwillfinishyourworkhere.”
HailynhandedtheraketoCesila,brushingoffsomestrayleavesfromherrobesasshewalkedovertothenearbydoorwayandenteredtheTemplebuilding.Shewentthroughthelibrary,noddingtotheclericsandapprenticesstudyingthere,andpassedintotheTempleproper.ShealwaysappreciatedthebeautyoftheTemple,thecoloredglassinthetallwindowsfillingitwithcolorduringtheday.Shewalkeddownthecenteraisle,withthepolishedwoodenbenchesoneitherside.Directlyahead,shesawthelargecandleonthealtar,itsflameglowingsoftly.ItwasalwayskeptlittosymbolizetheeternalnatureoftheOne.AboveitwasthelargewhitebannerthatrepresentedtheLightoftheOne.
ShestoppedbrieflybeforethealtartogiveherthankstotheOne,andthen
headedtothesanctuarydoorbuiltintothewallnearthealtar.Thesanctuarywasasmallroomthatwassentasidefortheclericstospeakwithpeoplethatrequestedprivacy.Apprenticesalsowerecalledtothesanctuarywhentheyweretobecounseledbytheclerics.Shedidnotthinkshehadcommittedanyinfractions,soshewasnotsurewhyshewasbeingcalled.TheheavywoodendoorthatblockedsoundsfromcarryingintotheTemplewasopen.Whenshepausedatthedoor,shecouldhearsoftvoicescomingfromthesanctuary.
“Master.”Hailyncalledintothehallwaythatledtothesanctuary.“Iamhere.”
“Comein,Hailyn,andclosethedoorbehindyou.”Jonas’voicecamebacktoher.
Shepulledtheheavydoorclosed,havingtostrainabit,anditshutwithahollowboomthatechoedinthestonehallway.Asshewalkeddowntheshortdistance,shesawthatthesanctuarywasbrightlylitwithmanycandles.Whensheenteredthemainroom,shepaused,surprised.Therewasalongwoodentablesetupwithasinglechairsittinginthemiddleoftheroom,facingit.Sittingbehindthetablewerefiveclerics.
Jonassatinthemiddlechair,awelcomingsmileonhisfaceandhisstaffrestingagainstthewallbehindhim.Sittingtohisright,SisterSilvan,herhairpulledtightlybackasusual,watchedHailynenter,herfaceneutral.SilvanwasinchargeofthehealingclinicandwassecondonlytoJonasinhealingskills.ToherrightsatBrotherKethen,aportlymanwithcalculatingeyes.Kethendidnotwieldtheclerics’magic,butwasinchargeoftheTemple’sfinanceandbusinessinterests.
ToJonas’leftwasaclericthatHailynknewverywell.SisterLaverawasanolderwoman,herhairgrayandfacelinedwithage.Shealsodidnotwieldpower,butshewasknownasapersonwithasteelwill.Thatwaswhyshewaschosenastheclericinchargeoftheapprenticetraining.Hailynknewthatbeneathherhardexterior,Laverawasalsoacaringwoman,alwaystheretocomforttheapprenticeswhentheywerehomesickorhadbecomeoverwhelmedbythetraining.SittingnexttoherwasBrotherTrence,aleanandmuscularmaninearlymiddleagewhowasinchargeoftheclericsthatservedinthearmy.Heoftentaughttheapprenticeshand-to-handcombatskills,preparingthemforpossiblemilitaryduty.
“Pleasesit,Hailyn.”Jonassaid,gesturingtotheemptychair.Hailynwentoverandsat,drawingadeepbreathandcalminghermind.She
returnedJonas’look,herhandsfoldedinherlap,andwaited.
“IhavespokenwithyouabouthowIfeltyouwerereadytotaketheteststoleavetheapprenticeship.”Jonassaid.“Havingwatchedyouduringtherescueoftheprincess,aswellasSilvan’sobservationsfromthetripback,Ihavedecidedthatthetimehascometotestyourknowledgeandskills.Ifwearesatisfied,wewillwelcomeyouasafullcleric.”Hepausedforamoment,thenasked.“Areyoureadytofacethetests,Hailyn?”
“Iam,Master.”Shereplied,keepinghervoicesteadyinspiteofthesuddenknotinherstomach.
“Thenweshallbegin.”Jonassaidformally.“Describeforustheroleoftheclericinthelivesofthepeople.”
Hailyntookadeepbreathbeforeresponding,focusedonprovidingthebestanswer,committedtopassingwhatevertestswouldbegivenher.
…Itwasmid-afternoonwhenDominicandJonasappearedatJake’sroom.He
hadspentmostofthedayroamingtheyard,playingwithMaxisandsleeping.Hewassittingonhisbed,inspectinghissword,whenthedoorcurtainpulledbackandtheywalkedin.
“Hello,Jake.”Jonassaid,lookingcloselyatJake’sface.“YoulookbetterthanwhenIlastsawyou.”
“I’mgladtoseeyou,Jonas.”Jakeresponded.“Ifeelbetterwithmypower,butamstillveryweakwhenIdon’thaveit.”
“Releaseyourpowerandletmelookatyou.”Jonasstated.Jakesatbackagainstthewall,thenreleasedhismagic,feelinghisstrength
fadeaway.Heimmediatelyfeltthatstrangecrawlingsensation,thistimecomingverystronglyfromJonas.Jonassteppedcloser,causingthesensationtoincrease,makingitfeelasifthousandsofantswereswarmingoverJake’sbody.WhenJonascalleduphispower,hisshiningauralightingtheroom,thesensationbecameunbearable.UnsurewhatwashappeningandconcernedforJonas,Jakesummonedhispower,cuttingoffthesensation.Jonassteppedback,alookofconfusiononhisface.
“Stayback,Jonas.”Jakesaid.“Youmaygethurt.”“WhydoyousaythatJake?”Jonasinquired.Sighing,Jakeexplainedasbesthecouldabouthissensationandhowitwas
strongestfromtheclerics.JaketoldJonasthatHailynhadspokenwithhimabouttheriskstotheclerics.Hefinishedbydescribinghowhispowerseemedtocutoffthesensation.
“Interesting.”JonassaidwhenJakefinished.Hestoodthere,watchingJake
andthinking.Afterafewmoments,hespokeagain.“IamnotsureIcanfindanythingaboutthisinourtexts.Ibelievethatwewilljusthavetotryandhealyou,Jake.Thereisariskthere,butwewillnotknowifwedonottry.”
“No,Jonas.”Jakesaidstubbornly.“Iwillnotallowyouoranyoneelserisktheirlifeforme.”
“Jake.”Jonassaidreassuringly.“IamaservantoftheOne.MylifeisinHishands.IfIamtofallhelpingyou,thenthatismyfate.”Hecameforward,shiningbrightly.
“No.”Jakestatedagain,liftinghisswordandpullinginmoreofhispower,readytodeflectanyattemptbyJonastousehismagiconhim.“Iwillnotletyoudothis.”
Jonasstopped,alookoffrustrationonhisfaceattheswordandJake’sinsistence.
“Boy!”Dominicsaidsharply,hisfaceamask,thoughhiseyesseemedtoshine.“Putthatdownandstopactingthefool.Jonasknowsthedangers.”
Jakestaredback,refusingtolowerhissword.Dominicbegantomoveforward,clearlypreparedtotakethesword.
Suddenly,aknocksoundedatthedoor.Norlansteppedinside,freezingwhenhetookinJakeandJonasglowinginpower,theswordinJake’shandandthelookonDominic’sface.“I’msorrytointerruptwhateverisgoingon,butamessengerishere,askingforyouboth.”Hesaidcautiously.
“Wewilldiscussthislater,boy.”DominicgrowledatJake.HemotionedtoJonasandtheyfollowedNorlanout.Standingintheyardwasasoldierwhoseuniformindicatedthathewasassignedtooneofthecitygates.Threehorsesweretiedupatthefence.
“BrotherJonas.Dominic.”Thesoldiergreetedthem,givingthemeachanodofhishead.“Iwassenttofindyou.ThereisacarriageattheNorthGatewithseveralsoldiersasanescort.Thecaptaindidnotrecognizetheirarmoranduniforms,sowehaltedthem.TheAletonianinchargerequestedtospeaktoyoubyname.HeaskedustotellyouthatTomarisishere.”
CHAPTEREIGHT
ThecrowdatthegatecourtyardpartedasDominicandJonasrodepast,followingthemessenger.Astheyapproachedthegateandwererecognized,thesoldiersmanningthegatebegantoholduptraffic,clearingapathoutside.Theyrodeovertoanothergroupofsoldiersguardingaplainandunassumingcarriage,onethatamoderatelysuccessfulmerchantmayown.
Dominicsawthecaptainoftheguardspeakingwithanarmoredmanastrideabrownhorse.Hisarmorshoneinthelateafternoonsun,reflectingthegoldenlight,standingincontrasttohisdarkface.Therewerefourothermenonhorsebacksurroundingthecarriage,dressedinthesamearmor.Dominic,withJonasrightbehindhim,rodeslowlythroughthesoldiersstandingguard,whomovedasideastheypassed.Hecametoastopnexttothecaptain.
“Greetings,Moshanna.”Dominicsaid,raisinghisrighthandinsalute.“Ididnotexpecttoseeyouhere.”
“Greetings,Dominic.”MoshannaDeepwoodreplied,returningthesalute.“Tomarishassomeinformationthathesaidcouldnotwaitformessengers.”
“Hello,Dominic.BrotherJonas.”Afamiliarvoicecalledfromthecarriage.DominicglancedoverandsawTomaris’duskyandlinedfaceasheleaned
outofthecarriagewindow.Hiswhitehairseemedtocatchthesunwhilehisunusualpurpleeyesseemedtotakeineverything.HegesturedforJonastocomecloser.Jonasrodeoveranddismounted,goingtostandnexttothecarriagewindow.Thetwoputtheirheadstogetherandspokequietly.
“Captain.”Dominicaddressedtheofficer.“Thesemenarefriendsandposenothreattothecity.IwillvouchforthesemenandBrotherJonasandIwillescortthemwhiletheyareinthecity.Isthatsufficienttoletthempass?”
“Ofcourse,Dominic.”Theofficerreplied,givinghimashortbow.“Thankyou,Captain.”Dominicsaidwithanodofhishead.“Sendyour
messengerwithussohecanbringthishorseback.”Thecaptaincomplied,relayingtheordertothesoldier.
DominiclookedbacktowardsJonas.“Jonas.”Hecalledover.“ShouldweheadtotheTemple?”
JonasspokewithTomarisagain,andthenlookedatDominic.“No.GotoNorlan’s.”Hemotionedasoliderovertotakethehorsehewasriding.“IwillridewithTomaris.”
DominicnoddedasJonasclimbedintothecarriage.HemotionedtoDeepwood.“Joinme,Moshanna.”Hesaidpolitely.“Pleasehavethecarriageandyourmenfollowus.”Deepwoodgavetheorderstohismenandthedriverofthecarriage,thenrodeovernexttoDominic.
Withthecreakofleatherandwoodandsoundsofhorseshoesringingoffthepavingstones,thegroupheadedintothecity.
…AfterJonasandDominichadleft,Jakehadsheathedhisswordandgone
outsidetowalkoffsomeofhisnervousenergy.HewassurprisedandabitunsettledtohavefaceddownbothJonasandDominic.HealsofeltslightlydetachedandconflictedbetweenhisregardforbothmenandhisdeterminationtonotallowJonastoriskhislifetoattempttohelphim.HewaswrestlingwithhisemotionswhenNorlanjoinedhim.
“Whatwasgoingon,Jake?”Norlanaskedquietly,concerninhisvoice.“WhydidyouhaveyourswordonJonas?”
“Hewasgoingtoattempttohealme,butIthinkifhetries,hewillbeseriouslyhurtormaybeevendie.”Jakereplied,glancingaroundtomakesurenooneelsewasnearby.“Thatisthereasonhedidn’tdoitbefore.UnlessIknowforsurethathewon’tgethurt,I’mnotgoingtoallowhimtoriskhealingme.”
“IfJonascannothealyou,thenwhatwillyoudo?”Norlaninquired.“Youcannotstayinthisstate,whereonlyyourpowerallowsyoutomove.”Hepaused,thinking.“ItrustJonasknowswhatheisabout.Ifhebelievesthattherearenootheroptionandthinksthatitcouldwork,maybeyoushouldlethimtry.”HeplacedahandonJake’sshoulder.“Youcannotdecideforotherwhatriskstheywilltake.”
“Thisisdifferent,Norlan.”Jakestatedstubbornly.“IknowthatJonasisskilledinhealingandthinksthathecandosomethingforme.ButhowcanIlivewithmyselfif,tohealme,Jonasdies?”
“Idon’thaveaneasyanswerforyou,lad.”Norlanreplied,sighingheavily.Hepaused,thenspokemorefirmly.“IfIcoulddosomethingtohelpyou,evenifitmeantriskingmylife,Iwould.IknowthatJonasandDominicwoulddothesame.Wearegrownmen,capableofdecidingforourselveswhatwewillgambleourliveson.Youmayjusthavetofindawaytocometotermswiththat.”
Theywalkedaroundtheyardinsilence;JakewrestlingwithhisfeelingswhileNorlanwasseeminglycontenttolethim.Afteracoupleoftimesaround
theyard,Norlanstopped.“Iknowthatthisisahardmatter,Jake.”Hesaidsimply.“YouriskedyourlifetorescueCheriseandtheprincess.Theydidnotaskforit,butaregratefulthatyoudid.Donottrytodenysomeonefromdoingthesameforyou.”HepattedJakeonthearmasheturnedtogointothehouse.“IthinkthatyourconcernforJonas’well-beingisadmirable,buttrytorememberthat,inthiscase,concernrunsbothways.”
AfterNorlanwentbackinside,Jakeheadedbacktohisroom.Hesatonhisbed,restless,contemplatingwhatheshoulddo.WhatNorlansaidmadesense,buthecouldnotbringhimselftoletJonasdieinanattempttohelphim.
Hewassittingthere,unhappily,mullingoveralloftheoptions,whentherewasaknockathisdoor.HeheardHailyncalloutfromtheotherside.
“Jake,areyouin?”Sheasked.“I’mhere.”Hereplied.“Comein.”TherewassomethingdifferentaboutHailynwhenshewalkedintohisroom.
Atfirst,Jakecouldnotfigureoutwhatitwas.Sheappearedthesame,withhercurlybrownhairneatlydone,asmileonherfaceandhappinessshininginthosegolden-flakedeyes.Likeaboltfromtheblue,itcametohim.Shewasdressedinbrownclerics’robes.
“Whathappened,Hailyn?”Heinquired.“Whyareyouintheclerics’robes?”
“Ipassedmyteststhismorning.”Hailynsaid,delightinhervoice.“I’mnolongeranapprentice.”
“Congratulations,Hailyn!”Jakeexclaimed,happyforhersuccess.“Whatwerethetestslike?Whatwillyoudonow?”
Hailyncameandsatattheendofthebed.“Ifacedapanelofclerics,includingJonas,whotestedmeonmyknowledgeoftheteachingsoftheOne.Afterthat,Iwasgivenpracticalexercisestocomplete,includinghealingintheclinic.Oncethatwasfinished,IwaitedintheTemple.Itseemedforever,buteventuallyJonascameouttotellmeIhadpassedandwelcomedmeasacleric.Afterseveralhoursofcontemplationandprayer,SisterSilvanbroughtmemynewrobes.Ihavespentthelastcoupleofhoursclearingmythingsfromtheapprenticequartersandmovingintotheclerics’quarters.Therewillbeaformalceremonyinafewdays,butfornow,Ihavebeengivenleavetorestandrelax.”
“AstowhatIwilldo,thatwilldependonJonas.”Shecontinued.“SinceIamahealer,ImaybesenttoservewiththearmyorImaystayandworkintheclinicattheTemple.ItisalsopossiblethatIwillbesenttoserveacommunityelsewhereinthecountry.”
“Elsewhere?Really?”Jakemuttered,startled,havinggrownsousetoHailynbeingnearby.HewassurprisedthatthethoughtofHailynleavinghurthimmorethanhavingtosaygood-byetoKeria.“Thatsucks.”
“Don’tworry,Jake.”Hailynsaidsoothingly.“ItislikelythatJonaswilltakeyoursituationintoconsiderationwhenmakingthedecision.”
“Ihopeso.”Jakestated.HelookedatHailyn,meetinghereyes.“Youaremyclosestfriendhere.Idon’tknowwhatIwoulddowithoutyou.”
“Iamgladtohearthat,Jake.”Hailynsaidwithasmile.“Ihavegrownfondofyouaswell.”
Jakesmiledback,blushingslightlyandcursingagainthathecouldnotseemtostaycoolandcollectedaroundwomen.I’msureMarcuswouldhavesomethingsmoothtosay.Hegrimacedtohimself.
Beforehecouldsayanything,thereweresuddenvoicesoutside,thenthedoorcurtainpulledbackandDominicsteppedinside,followedbyJonas.Bothhadanairofanticipationaboutthem.ToJake,theyseemedtohavelettheearlierconfrontationslide.“Wehavesomeonewhowishestospeakwithyou,boy.”Dominicsaid.
ThecurtainpartedagainandJakewasamazedtoseeTomariscomeintheroom.HewasdressedinthesamegrayrobehealwaysworeattheKeep,thatslighthunchontheshouldersvisibleashewalkedslowly,abrownsatchelhangingfromhisshoulder.HelookedoveratJake,thosepurpleeyeswiseandknowing,butturnedtoHailyn,whowasrisingfromthebed.“Whoisthislovelychild?”Heasked,hisvoicerheumylikeJakeremembered.
“ThisisHailyn,thenewestclericoftheTemple.”Jonasrepliedforher.“SheandJakearegoodfriends.”
“Itisgoodtohavefriends,isitnot?”Tomarissaid,moreastatementthanaquestion.
“Greetings,MasterTomaris.”Hailynsaidwithanodofherhead.“JakehastoldmeabouthistimewithyouattheKeep.”
“Hashe?”Tomarisasked,soundingpleased.“Itismypleasuretomeetyou,SisterHailyn.Perhapswewillhavetimetospeakwitheachother.”
TomaristurnedtoJake,comingcloser,hiseyesstudyingJake’scondition.“Releaseyourpower,child,soIcanseewhathasbeendonetoyou.”Hesaidreassuringly.“Jonashastoldmewhatyoudidandaboutyourcondition.”
“Idon’tthinkthatisagoodidea.”Jakeresponded.“Idon’twantanyonetogethurt.”
“Fearnot,Jake.”Tomarissaidwithalightsmile.“Thereisnodangerhere
forme.”Takingadeepbreath,Jakeletgoofhismagic,wearinesssettlingoverhim
likeablanket,andwatchedasTomarisdrewnear.Jakecouldfeelthatcrawlingsensationradiatingoffallofthem,moststronglyfromTomaris,JonasandHailyn,withaweakersensationfromDominic.OnceTomarisstoppednearhim,Jakefeltasuddenchange.Ifhisconditionhadallowed,hewouldhavejumped.Unexpectedly,hecouldnolongerfeelanythingfromTomaris!
Jakewatched,fascinatedbytheabsence,asTomarisclosedhiseyesandslowlyreachedouttotouchhisforehead.JakefeltTomaris’warm,dryandpapery-feelingskin,buthealsofeltadifferentsortoftinglingfromthattouch.Hefeltitspreadthroughhisbody,distractinghimfromtheothersensation.Tomarisstayedlikethatforseveralmoments,thenpulledhishandaway.Heopenedhiseyes,givingJakeapatontheshoulder,thenturnedtoaddressJonas.
“ItisgoodthatyoudidnottrytohealJake.”Tomarissaid.“Itisasyoususpected.Jakeintertwinedhislifeforcewithhispowerwhenhelaunchedthatlastattack.Hadyoutriedtohealhim,likelyyouwouldhavedied.”
“Thenistherenothingtobedone?”Jonasaskeddejectedly.“Ifweworktogether,Ithinkwecanaddresshisinfirmity.”Tomarisreplied,
lookingdownandgivingJakeareassuringsmile.“Thereisarisk,butitwillbelessthanifeitherofustriedonourown.”HeturnedbacktoJonas.“However,wemustdiscusswhatIdiscoveredbeforewetakethatstep.”
“ShouldIremain,MasterTomaris?”Hailynasked,unsureofherplaceinthissituation.
“Pleasedo,mydear.”Tomarissaidkindly.“Ibelievethatyoushouldhearthis.”Hailynnoddedandsatbackdownattheendofthebed.
TomariscalledinDeepwood,givingJakeanothershock;JakehadnotconsideredthatDeepwoodwouldbehereaswell.DeepwoodgaveJakeabriefsalutebeforeturningtoTomaris.
“Moshanna,pleasemakesurethatnooneattemptstodisturbus.”Tomarisrequested.
“Ofcourse,Tomaris.”Deepwoodreplied,thenwentbackoutside.Oncehewasoutside,Tomaris’facetookonalookofconcentration,
gesturingtowardsthewalls.Jakecouldsuddenlyseeashimmeringintheair,similartoheatwavescomingoffhotground,coverthewalls,windowsanddoor.Oncetheshimmeringwascomplete,Tomarispulledthestoolover,sittingdownandpullinghissatcheltohisfront.
“WhenDominicandJakelefttheKeep,Ialsoleft.”Tomarisexplained.“I
havebeentrackingdownrelicsandinformationaboutourenemiessinceIwasayoungman.Overthelongyears,Ihaveheardmanyrumorsandtalesoflostartifacts,piecingtogetherwhatIcouldtodetermineifthetaleswerereal,and,whenpossible,retrievingtheseartifacts.”Hereachedintohissatchelandgentlypulledoutanancient-lookingscroll,dryandcrumbling,holdingittenderly.“Ilefttofindthis,oneofthethingsIhadfearedwaslosttotheages.”HelookedoveratJonas.“ThisisthescrollofArnes,tellingofhisvisitbytheGuardian.”
“Arnes?!”Jonasexclaimed,lookingshocked.“Areyousure?”Hailynhadherhandoverhermouth,hereyeslookingstunned.EvenDominicseemedtakenaback.
“Quitesure,Jonas.”Tomarisstatedwithconviction.“Who’sArnes?”Jakeinquired.“Arneswasthefirstcleric,Jake.”Tomarissaidgently.“Whenthedemons
appeared,hecameoutofthewilderness,empoweredwiththeclerics’magicandtaughtittotheotherclerics.ItissaidthathehimselfwastaughtbytheGuardian.”
“Guardian?”Jakeasked,feelinglostinthisconversation.“TheGuardian.”Tomarissaid,lookingoveratJonas.“Itisabeliefofthe
clericsthattheCreatorassignedaGuardiantoprotectthisworldfromthedemons.”
“Hedoesn’tseemedtohavedonetoogoodofajob.”Jakestated.“Manyhavethoughtthesame,Jake.”Tomarissaid.Heliftedthescrolland
begantogentlyunrollit.“Here,inArnesscroll,isthetaleoftheGuardianandofhisfailure.”Withthat,hebegantoread.
…TheGuardianwaswanderinginthemarketofacityontheeasterncoast,
surroundedbythepeoplewhopassedhimby,unawareofhispresence.HewasaservantoftheCreator,immortal,havingexistedbeforeTimeitself.Hewastaskedwithprotectingallofthepeopleonthisworld,confrontinghislostbrotherswhentheysoughttoinfluenceman.TheyweretrappedintheDarkness,butcouldstillreachintothespiritualrealm.
Hefeltforthetelltaledarkeningofaperson’sspirit,asignthathisfallenbrotherswereatwork.Hetraveledfarandwide,hissensestrainedtodetectthedisturbancesinthespiritualrealm,seekingtoconfronthisenemiesbeforetheycouldharmthosetheysoughttoinfluence.Hewasforbiddentocompelthepeopleofthisworldtodoanything,thoughhecouldappearinthephysicalworld,histrueessencehidden,offeringcounselandadvice.
Hewasenjoyingthelifeandvitalityofthemarketplace,listeningtothepeoplehaggle,argueandlaugh.Suddenly,anoverpoweringspiritualdisturbancestaggeredhim,darkwavesofevilsweepingoverhim.Hecaughthimselfandtriedtocalmthesuddentrickleoffearthatsprangupinsidehim.Hehadneverfeltanythinglikeitbefore.Still,hewastheGuardianofthisworld,chosenbytheCreator,andhemustconfrontwhateverhadjusthappened.Heeasilylocateditsorigin,radiatingmalevolencelikeanopenwound,andsteppedoutofrealityandmovedtothatspot.
Asheappearedatthepointofthedisturbance,hewasastonishedforasecondtime.Hesawatearinthefabricofrealityitself.Thistearexistedinboththespiritualandphysicalrealm.Hewouldhavetohealthistearinbothrealms,sohesteppedoutofthespiritualrealmandbecamefleshonthephysicalplane.Hewastallandpowerfulinhisphysicalform,clothedinshiningarmor,hisbreastplatecarvedwithintricaterunes.Hefoundhimselfinasparselywoodedarea,thetreesthatwerestandingappearedstunted,thegroundlitteredwithrocksandboulders.
Inthephysicalworld,thetearappearedasalarge,rotatingvortex,wedgedbetweentwolargeboulders,theedgeslinedwithredfireandatthecenterthedarkestblack.Hecouldfeelthestrengthofthetearanddrewhissword.Thesword,createdandgivenintohishandsbytheCreator,wasfilledwiththeLight.ThisgavetheGuardianmorepowerthanhehadinhimself.Theswordflaredbrilliantlyashedrewit,rivalingthesuninthesky,itspowerfillinghim.Hestudiedthetearforseveralmomentsbeforemovingforward.Hewouldcloseitquicklyandthenrepairthedamageinthespiritualrealm.
Ashebeganmovingtowardsthetear,avoicerosebehindhim,chillinglyfamiliar.Hespun,eyeswideningashesawhimstandingthere.Itwashisformerbrother,theonewhomhehadbeenclosestto,bothemotionallyandinpower,inthatperiodbeforeCreation.HehadfallenintoDarkness,butwassomehowstandingonthisworld.Theyhadfoughtbitterlyduringtherebellion,eachstrivingtodestroytheother.ThereweresomephysicalalterationsfromhistimeintheDarkness,butitwashe.Thatisimpossible.TheGuardianthought,stunned.
“So,itisyou.”Hisfallenbrothersaidwithsatisfaction,atwistedandcruelsmileonhisface.“IthoughtIhadfeltyourpresenceonthisworld.”
“Idonotknowhowyouescapedyourprison,butyouwillfindthatyourreleaseisshort-lived.”TheGuardiansaid,movingtowards,swordready,confidentinhispower.
“Thatwouldbetrue,ifIhadcomealone.”Thedemonlaughed.Hegesturedandfromhidingplacesamongsttherocksmoredemonsappeared.TheirshapesandappearanceshadbeenalteredfromthelongeonsspentintheDarkness.TheyspreadoutandsurroundedtheGuardian.Herecognizedseveralofthestrongestbytheiressence,includingCreatosandHelvan.Thosetwobegantoorganizethelesserbrothersnearthem.
“Thisworldwillbeours,Guardian.”Thedemonlordtaunted.“Youcannotstandagainstus.”
“IamaservantoftheCreator,entrustedtodefendthisworld.”TheGuardianbravelystated.“YouwillfindthatIamnoteasilydefeated.”Withthat,hesurgedforward,swordmoving.
Callingfortheotherstoattack,thedemonlordsentablisteringstreakofdarkfiretowardshim,whichtheGuardianextinguishedwithhismight.Hewasclosingwiththedemonlordwhenhewasstruckonallsidesbythedemons’powers.Hewasbuffetedbythatassault,butovercameit,hisformandswordnowblindinglybright,shiningwiththepurestwhitelight.Helashedoutattheclosestdemons,hispowerburningintothem,severaloftheweakeronesexplodingintoash.
Hecontinuedtryingtogetwithinstrikingdistancetousehissword,butthedemonsweremoving,shiftingpositions,whilecontinuingtorockhimwithattacks.Hefeltsomeofthedarkenergyslippasthisdefenses,burninghisskin.Hegrimacedatthesuddenpain,somethingthathehadnotfeltsincetherebellionagainsttheCreator.
Hewassurroundedonallsidesnow,ashiningislandinaseaofdarkfire.Needingtoprotecthimself,hewasunabletobringhisfullmighttobear,damagingsomeofthedemons,butunabletodestroyenoughtomakeadifference.Hewasstilldevelopingaplanofattackwhenthedemonschangedtactics.
Hewasunabletomovefastenoughwhenseveraldemonsthrewthemselvesagainsthimphysically.Theypulledathim,tryingtobringhimdowndespitethepainthathispowercausedthem,theirclawsscoringhisarmor.Hewasabletothrowoffhisattackers,hisswordswingingandcatchingthem,destroyingthemwithflaresofLight.
Nowthemorepowerfuldemonschargedhim,theirfireslammingintohimastheyclosedthedistance.HecouldnotavoidCreatosandthedemonlordastheycrashedintohim,rockinghimwithblowswhiletheotherdemonskeptupaconstantbombardmentofdarkfire.Hesentaflareofpowerintothem,causing
pain,butnotenoughtodislodgethem.Callingforthhislastreservoirofstrength,hesucceededinthrowingoffCreatos,butthedemonlordseizedhishandholdingthesword,ignoringthepaintheswordcaused,andtwisted,wrenchingtheswordfromhishand.
Theswordfelltotheground,itsLightsuddenlyextinguished.TheGuardianattemptedtoretrieveit,butwasforcedbackbythedemons’might,theirpowerburningpasthisdefenses.Withouthissword,heknewthathecouldneverdefeatthismanyofhisfallenbrothersandwouldfall,leavingthepeopleofthisworldunguarded.Withacryoffrustrationandpain,hesentablastofpowerintohisenemies,gainingameasureofspace,andtranslatedoutofthephysicalplaneandfled.
…Tomariscarefullysetthescrolldownonhislap.Theroomwasquietasthey
allcontemplatedwhattheyhadjustheard.Afterseveralmomentsofreflection,Tomarisspokeagain.
“Thescrollgoesontosaythat,afterhisdefeat,theGuardianappearedtoArnes,whowaslivingaloneinacave,andshowedhimhowtoaccesstheclerics’power.HeexplaineditsusesandbidhimtogooutandbringotherstotheserviceoftheOne.”Hepaused,thensaid.“Further,itstatesthattheGuardianwouldcontinuetoopposethedemonsashecould,butwithouthissword,hecouldnotdirectlyconfrontthemorhealthetear.Thereisamentionthathemustcontinuetohidehispresencetopreventthedemonsfromtrackinghimdownanddestroyinghim.”
“Whydidn’ttheOnesimplybanishthedemons?”Jakeasked.“Thatwouldseemtobetheeasiestwaytotakecareofthis.Thatwouldhavepreventedathousandyearsofchaos.”
“IcertainlydonotknowthemindoftheCreator,Jake.”Tomarissaidwithasoftchuckle.“Wehavetoassumethatthereisareasonforallthings,evenifwecan’tunderstandwhy.”
“Also,considerthatourlivesarebutlikeflashesoflightinthebroadsweepoftime.”Tomarissaidmoreseriously.“YouareyoungandIamsurethatthetimetoreachyourageseemstohavetakenalongtime,butatmyage,thatperiodofmyownlifeseemsbutabriefmoment.Canyouimaginewhatathousandyearswouldbetoanimmortalcreaturethatexistedbeforethecreationoftime?Likely,thoselongyearsseembutwhatafewminuteswouldbetous.”
“Nowthatweknowthis,Tomaris,whatdowedowithit?”Dominicasked.“Youdidnotsimplycomeheretogiveusahistorylesson.”
“Youarecorrect,Dominic.”Tomarisreplied.“IthinkIhavefoundawaythatwecanhelpJakereturntohisworldandgainanotherweaponinourfightagainstourenemies.”Hepaused,lookingateachofthem,appearingtogaugewhatreactionhiswordswouldbring.“IbelievethatwemustfindandrecovertheGuardian’ssword.”
CHAPTERNINE
“Areyoumad,Tomaris?”Dominicasked,voicedeathlyquiet.“HowcanweaccomplishsomethingthattheGuardiancannotdo?”
“IamsaneIassureyou,Dominic.”Tomarisrepliedevenly,takingnooffence.“Istilldon’tunderstandhowJakewasbroughthere,otherthanittooksomeoneorsomethingwithgreatpower.EvenifIsolvethatpuzzle,IlackthestrengthtoevenattempttoreturnJaketohisworld.Theswordisasourceofgreatpower.Withit,IbelievethatwestandthegreatestchancetobesuccessfulinhelpingJake,aswellashavingamightyweapontowieldagainstourenemies.Ifweweretosucceed,perhapstheGuardianhimselfwouldappear,sendingJaketohishomeandclosingthetear.”
Hepausedforamoment.“Also,itmaybeamadidea,asyousuggest,butIdoubtthatourenemiesevendaretobelievethatwewouldmaketheattempt.WhatarewecomparedtotheGuardian?Thatmaygiveustheedgeweneedtobesuccessful.”
“Whereisthesword,then?”Dominicdemanded.“Whyhaveyounotseizeditbefore,ifitcanbedone?”
“Idonotknowtheexactlocationofthesword.”Tomarisadmitted.Hehelduphishandswheneveryone,shockedandindisbelief,begantoprotest.Afteritquieted,hecontinued.“Iamconfidantthatwecanlocateit,butitwilltakecourageanddetermination.WhenIwasayoungerman,Iheardmanystoriesofapowerfulobjectthatthedemonsprotected.Itrackeddownthoseleadsandfoundcluesthatnowindicatetomethattheobjectofthosestoriesisthesword.Thedemonscannottouchorusetheswordasitisananathematothem,buttheyprotectittokeepitfromtheGuardian.IwasneverabletofinditorIwouldhaveattemptedtotakeit;itismovedfromtimetotime.”
“WhatIproposeisdangerous,withasmallchanceofsuccess,buttherewardisgreat.”HelookedatDominic.“Iknowthatyouhavesmallregardforyourownsafety,butareyouwillingtoriskyourlifeforachancetosendJakebacktohisproperworld?”
“Iwouldriskit,aslongasitisnotafool’serrand.”Dominicreplieddirectly,faceneutralandarmscrossed.
TomarisnoddedandturnedtoJake.“Jake,areyouwillingtofacedangerandhardshipinanefforttofindawayhome?”Heasked,watchinghimclosely.
“Iwould,ifIwasn’tinthiscondition.”Jakestated.Tomarissatsilentforawhile,studyingJakeandthinking.“Ibelievethat,
withJonas’assistance,Icanhelpyouwiththat.However,Ithinkthatwecanuseyourcurrentconditiontoaidus.”
“Doyoustillbelievethatthedemonshavespiesinthecity,asyoumentionedinyourletter,Jonas?”Tomarisasked.
“Ido.”Jonasreplied.“WeknowthattheirattackwasdirectedatJake.Theyknewofhim,wherehelivedandwithwhomheassociated.Theycouldonlyknowthatifsomeoneinthecitywasprovidingthatinformation.”Heabsentlyscratchedhisbeard.“Also,theattackontheprincesswasmeanttodrawJakeout.Someonehadtoknowthescheduleofhertravelsandthatwouldonlycomefromthepalace.”
“Letususethistoouradvantage.”Tomarissaid.“WewillletitbeknownthatIamtakingJakebacktotheKeeptostudyhiscondition.Oncewearesafelyaway,wecansendhimoffinsearchforthesword.”
“SurelyyoudonotintendtosendJakeoffbyhimself?”Jonasasked,incredulous.
“No.”Tomarisreplied.“Hewillneedsomeonewhoknowssomethingoftheworldandcanhelpguidehim.”
“Iwillgo.”Dominicsaid.“Iwillprotecthim.”“No,notyou,Dominic.”Tomarisdisagreed.“Youaretoowellknownand
ifourenemiesseeayoungmanwithyou,theywillknowwhothatisandrealizeourruse.”Hecontinuedmoregently.“Youwillsearchforthesword,butnotinthewayyoumaythink.”
“Whothen,ifnotme?”Dominicdemanded.TomarislookedoveratHailynandnodded.“Absolutelynot!”Jonasinterjected.“Shehasjustbarelypassedhertests.If
aclericisneeded,thenIwillgo.”“No,friendJonas.”Tomarissaidkindly.“Youareaswellknownas
Dominic.Yourpresencewoulddrawunnecessaryattention.”HelookedatJonaswithameasureofsadnessinhiseyes.“Also,Isometimehaveglimpsesofwhatmaybe.Inthesevisions,Ihaveseenthatyouwillbeneededhere.Ifyouarenotpresent,thenterriblethingswillhappen.”
“Then,IwillfindanotherclerictogowithJake.”Jonasreplied,frustrationevidentonhisface.“Hailynisnotready.”
“Jakewillneedsomeonethathetrustsandcanrelyon.”Tomarisresponded.“CanyoufindaclericwhowillcaremoreforJakethanthis
beautifulchilddoes?”Jonaswasquiet,hisjawclenchingashethoughtofhowtorespond.Inthat
silence,Dominicspoke.“Sheisaclericnow,Jonas.”Hesaiddirectly.“Shemaybeyoung,butshe
isaskilledhealer,level-headedandbrave.Theboyandhergetalong,whichisimportantonlongmissions.Sheseemsthebestchoice.”
HeturnedtoHailyn.“WillyougowithJake,girl?Knowingtherisksandthesmallchanceofsuccess?”Dominicasked.
Hailynstraightenedandresponded.“Iwill,Dominic.”ShelookedoveratJonas.“IfBrotherJonasallowsit.”
Jonasstruggledwithhisemotions;hesawboththelongingandthefearofbeingleftbehindinhereyes.Heknewofherfeelings,buthethoughtofheralmostlikeadaughter;hewasclosertoherthananyoftheotherapprenticesintheTemple.HewrestledwithhisdesiretoprotectherandrealizationthatDomwasright.Sayingasilentprayerforstrength,hetriedtobelievethathewasdoingtherightthing.
“Hailynwillgo.”Hesaidreluctantly.“AsDomsaid,sheappearstobethebestchoice.”Heputahandonhershoulder,tryingtoignorethelookofreliefonherface.“SheisaclericoftheOneandwemusttrustinHisgracetokeepthembothsafe.”
“Westillfaceachoice.”Tomarissaid.“FromwhatIhavebeenabletopiecetogether,Ibelievethattheswordisinoneoftwolocations.Whileitisimpreciseandthetruelocationunknown,onesetofcluespointstothenorth,somewhereinBeragan,whiletheothersuggestsitisinthefarsouthofAletonia,neartheSouthernWilds.WhatIproposeisthatwesendJakeandHailyntothenorthwhileDominicwillaccompanyMoshannatothesouth.MoshannaisfromAletonia,sohecanassistDominic.”
“Shouldn’twesendsomesoldiersorotherclericsalongwiththem?”Jonasasked.“WhileDomcanusuallytakecareofhimself,demonslikelyguardthesesitesandonlyclericscansucceedthere.”
“Stealthwillbekeytothisquest,Jonas.”Tomarisreplied.“Toolargeagroupanditwillattractattention.Also,neithercountryislikelytowelcomeSanduansoldiersroaminginsidetheirborders.”Hethoughtforamoment.“WhileJakeandHailynhavethepowertostandagainstthedemons,DominicandMoshannawillneedsomemagicontheirside.”
“Whatdoyouproposethen?”Jonasqueried.“CanyoufindaclericaroundJake’ssize?”Tomarisresponded.“Onethat
isstronginhispower?”Jonasthoughtitover,andthennodded.“IknowaclericthatItrusttodo
this.”“ThenyouwillannouncethatHailynandthisotherclericaregoingona
missiontotheclericsofBeraganandtheywillaccompanyuswhenweheadbacktotheKeep.”Tomarisstated.“Oncewegettothecrossroads,wewilldressJakeinthecleric’srobesandsendthemnorth.TheclericwillactasJake’sdoubleuntilwereachtheKeep,thenhecanaccompanyDominicsouth.Dominic’spresencewithmypartyisobvious,asheisknownasJake’sprotector,andwillreinforcetheideathatJakeisattheKeep.”
“Remember,wemustkeepthisplansecret.”Tomariscautioned.“Ifourtruepurposeisknown,thenthedemonswillmovetheswordorreinforcetheirpositions.”
“Areweagreed?”Heasked.DominicgaveacurtnodwhileJonasdidsoreluctantly.HailynlookedatJakeandtheybothindicatedyes.
“Now,ithasbeenalongday.Iamoldandtravelisnotaspleasurableasitoncewas.”Tomarissaid.“Wewillusetomorrowtoprepareforthejourney,thenJonasandIwillreturntomorrownighttohealJake.Wecandepartearlythenextmorning.”
“CometotheTemple,Tomaris.”Jonassaid,headingtothedoor.“Wehaveroomforyouandyourmen.”
“Thankyou,friendJonas.”Tomarisresponded.“Yourhospitalityismuchappreciated.”HelookedbacktowardsJake.
“IfyouallowmeaprivatemomentwithJake?”Tomarisrequested.“Wewillwaitoutside.”Jonassaidandheleft,followedbyDominicand
Hailyn.“Child,thisisadangerousundertaking.”Tomarisbegan.“IfIwasyounger
andcouldendurethephysicaldemandsofthisquest,Iwouldaccompanyyou.SinceIcannot,youmustrelyonyourstrengthandpower.Evenifyouremainundetected,youmaystillfacechallengesthatwilltestyoutoyourlimits.Rememberwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishandhavefaithinyourself.”
“However,youmustlearntocontrolyourfear.”Hecontinued.“Ibelievethatyourfeariswhattriggeredtheintertwiningofyourlifeforcewithyourpower.Jonastoldmeofwhathappenedthatcausedyoutotouchthatforce.Bothtimesitsoundedasifyouwerefrightenedenoughthatthefearoverwhelmedyou.IknowthatDominichastriedtotrainyoutokeepfightingevenwhenafraid.Thatcontrolisthesamewithyourpower.”
“IadmitIwasscaredoutofmymind,butallIdidwastrytogainmorepower.Ididn’tdoanythingdifferent.”Jakestated,lookingdownathishands,seeingtheunnaturalpaleness.“Istilldon’tunderstandwhatyouandJonasmeanbymylifeforce.”
“Yourlifeforceisthatwhichanimatesyourphysicalbody.”Tomarisexplained.“Ihavetoldyouthatmanisacreatureoftwoworlds,thephysicalandspiritual.ThelifeforceisagiftofLightfromtheCreatorthatprovidestheenergythatpowersyourbodywhilebindingyourspirittoyourmortalform.Butyoushouldknowthatitisafiniteresource.Asweage,itslowlydissipates,causingthebodytoweakenandthatspiritualbindingtobecomefrayed.Onceitisexhausted,thebodydies,thebonddisappearsandourspiritsreturnstotheCreator.”
“Insomeway,youareabletotapintoit.”Hecontinued.“SinceitispureLight,itisverypowerfulagainsttheforcesofDarkness.But,asyouknow,thereisacostforusingit.Ifyouusetoomuch,thenyouwilldie.”
“Youhavebeenluckysofar.”Tomarisstated.“Inthefirstinstance,youhadJonasnearbytosuccoryou.Youhadyourfriendstobringyououtthesecondtime.Iwillbeabletohelpyounow,butonceyouonlyhaveHailynwithyou,athirdusemaymeanthateitheryouorshewilldie.ThatiswhyIurgeyoutogaincontrolofyourfearsincefearisthetrigger.Iwillnotsaythatyoumaynotfaceasituationwherethatusewillberequiredtodefeatyourfoes,butifyouuseit,knowthatitwilllikelykillyou.”
“HowdoIkeepfromusingit,then?”Jakeasked.“Controllingfeariseasiersaidthandone.”
“Unfortunately,Icannothelpyouthere.Onlyyoucancontrolyourfear,Jake.”Tomarissaidunderstandingly.“Youmustholdontocourageandcalmnessinthefaceofdanger.Keepintheforefrontofyourmindsomethinglikehome,orperhapssomeonespecial,thatwouldbelostifyoucannotcontrolyourfearandarekilled.”
Tomarisrosetoleave.“Ifyouwishtosayfarewelltoyourfriendshere,Iwouldencourageyoutodothat.”Hesaidkindly,eyescompassionate.“Yourfateisunclear,butwhateverresultsthisquestbrings,itisunlikelythatyouwillreturn.”Withthat,heturnedandleft.
Jakereleasedhismagic,saggingagainstthewall,andthoughtaboutallthathadbeensaid.Hisemotionswerejumbledandconflicting.Hefeltexcited,nervousandsadatthethoughtofleaving,butwastroubledbytheribbonoffearthattwistedinhismindashecontemplatedembarkingonaquestthatwouldbe
fullofdangers.…
ThenextdaypassedquicklyforJake.Knowingthathemayneverseethemagain,hegotupearlyandwentwithNorlantothesmithytospendsometimewithDernandAlmos.Thewalkwastiring,buthetriedtostayengagedfortheirsake.Hespentacoupleofhourstalkingwiththem,catchinguponallthathappenedsinceheleft.WhenNorlansuggestedthathegobacktothehouse,hesaidhisgoodbyes,politelytellingthemthathewouldtrytoreturnafterhefinishesattheKeep,keepingthefinalityofhisdeparturetohimself.Theyhadbeengoodfriendstohimwhenheneededfriends,soitwasaslowandsadwalkbacktothehouse.
HethenspenttherestofthedaywithCheriseandMadalin.TheyhadbeentoldthathewasreturningtotheKeepsoTomariscouldfindawaytohealhim.Theypaidcloseattentiontohim,fussingoverhimreally,andalreadyteary-eyedregardinghisdeparture.Jaketriedtoputonabraveface,notwantingthemtoworry.
WhenNorlanreturnedintheearlyevening,Dominicwaswithhim.Jakenoticedthathehadadifferentbreastplateon,onethatlookedlikehisoldone.Jakeaskedhimaboutit.
“Youhaveagoodeye,boy.”Dominicreplied.“Thisismyoldarmor.Irecovereditafterwehadclearedthedemons’fortress.Itwascustom-madeformeandIwantedtoseeifNorlancouldpoundoutthedentandfixthestraps.Ihadgonetothesmithythismorning,arrivingshortlyafteryouleft,hopingthatsomethingcouldbedone.WewerediscussingitwhenJonasandTomarisarrivedatthesmithy.Iamnotsurewhathedid,butwithTomaris’help,Norlanwasabletorepairit.”
“Ithinktheoldmanusedsomemagic.”Norlanstated,scratchinghishead.“Reheatingforgedmetalistricky;doneincorrectly,itcanruinthestrengthofthemetal.IdidnotthinkthatIcouldpossiblygetitdonebeforetomorrow.WhenTomarissaidhecouldhelpmewithit,Iwasskeptical.Buthedidsomething,standingtherewithhiseyesclosed,forthemetalseemedtobecomealmostlikeclay.Iwasabletorepairitanditcooledquickly,quickerthanitshouldhave.DernandAlmosmadethenewstrapswhileIworked.”Heshookhisheadinwonder.“Iwouldswearthatthesteelisasstrongasiteverwas.”Hebarkedashortlaugh.“IfIcouldhirehim,Iwouldmakeafortune.”
“We’llfindouthowwellitisdonewhenithastostopthefirstarroworswordthrust.”Dominicsaidsardonically.“ButIamgladtohaveproperfitting
armoragain.”DominicacceptedMadalin’sinvitationtostayfordinner.WhileJakeand
CheriseplayedwithMaxis,NorlanandDominicsatontheporchbenches,talkingquietly.Withthedaylightfadinginthewest,Tomaris’carriageappearedatthegate.JonasandTomarissteppeddownandenteredtheyard.MaxisranovertoTomaris,stoppingandsniffinghim,shakinghisheadasifhecouldnotunderstandthescent.Tomarissmileddownatthedogandpettedhim.WhenJonasandTomarisjoinedtheothermenonthebenches,JakewassurprisedthatMaxislaydownandstudiedTomaris,appearingtobepuzzlingoutwhohewas.
Madalincameout,seeingthenewcomersandaskingiftheywouldliketojointhemfordinner.WhenJonasagreed,shecalledCheriseinsidetohelpher.JakesatdownnexttoDominic,absentlylisteningasthemenmadesmalltalkabouttheweatherandthegoing-onsofthecity.
Themealwasdeliciousasusual.Oncetheyfinishedeating,Dominicdepartedtofinishgatheringsuppliesforthetrip.Asheleft,hetoldJakethatHailynwouldtakeDontasashermountonthewaytotheKeep.
“IthinkJakeshouldpackandgetsomerest.”Jonassaidgentlyashestood.“Theywillbeleavingearlyinthemorning.”HelookedatNorlanandMadalin.“TomarisandIneedtospeaktoJakeaboutsomeaspectsofhiscondition.Wewillaccompanyhimtohisroomtodiscussitprivately.”
Nighthadsettledoverthecityastheycrossedthepatio.OncetheywereinsideJake’sroom,Tomarisagaincreatedthatshimmeringofairtosafeguardtheroom.Satisfied,heturnedtoJake.“Liedownandreleaseyourmagic,child.Wearegoingtotrytohealyounow.”
Jakecomplied,stretchingoutonthebedandlettinggoofhispower.Heimmediatelyfeltthatstrangecrawlingsensationradiatingfromthetwomen.Asbefore,thesensationsuddenlyceasedfromTomarisasheapproachedJake.
“Jonas.”Tomarissaid.“WhatIneedforyoutodoissurroundJakeandIwithyourpower,asmuchasyoucanwield.Youdonotneedtodoanything,butbepreparedformetodrawonit.Doyouunderstand?”
“Iunderstand.”Jonassaid,hisformshiningbrightlyashecalleduphispower.
“Closeyoueyesandrelax,child.”TomarissaidgentlyashesatdownnexttoJake.Hiseyestookonafar-awaylookashelaidhishandonJake’sforehead.“Now,Jonas.”
Jonassenthismagictosurroundthetwo,drawingasmuchashecouldthroughhisstaff,dazzlingtheair.Hewatchedasthetworemainedencasedin
hispower.Suddenly,theairaroundthetwoflaredintoabrilliantwhitelight,almostblindinginintensity,overwhelminghisownlight.Jonasfelthispowersuddenlyrushingthroughhim,unabletostoptheflowasitswirledaroundJakeandTomaris.Heheldon,servingasaconduitofpower,themagicsweepingthroughhimlikeariverofLight.
Asquicklyasitbegan,thelightdisappearedandthepullofhismagicstopped,leavingJonaspantingandabitlight-headed.Tomarisfellback,stumblingoffthebedandslippingontothefloor,thewallpreventinghimfromcollapsingcompletely.Jonasmovedtohimwhenhesawbloodflowingfromhisnoseandhiseyesseemedunfocused.Jonaskneltandsenthismagicintohim,soothingwavesofhealing.
Tomarisblinked,rousing,andshookhishead.“Thankyou,friendJonas.”Hesaidwearily.“IfearthatImisjudgedwhatwasneededtohealJake.”
JonaslookedovertoseeJakesitup,hishairwithoutatraceofwhite,hisbodyandcomplexionnormal.Hebreathedasighofrelief,thenreachedoverandsentaprobeofmagicintoJake,assessinghiscondition.JonaslethispowergowhenheknewthatJakewashealed.
“ThatwasnotsomethingIwanttodoagain.”Jakesaid.“Ican’treallydescribeit,butitwasn’texactlypleasant.”HeshookhisheadandlookedovertoTomaris,seeingtheblood.“Areyoualright?”Heaskedhurriedly.
“Iamfine,child.”Tomarisreplied.Hepushedhimselftohisfeet,swayingslightly.“However,Idoneedsleeptorecoverfully.”
“WewillgobacktotheTemple.”Jonassaid.“Iwillmakesurethatyouarenotdisturbed.”
TomarisnoddedandlookedbackatJake.“Doyouhaveacloakorsomethingthatcanhideyourface?”TomarisaskedJake.
“Ihavemyhoodie.”Jakereplied,confused.“Thatwillworkfortonight.”Tomarisstated.“Ifyouneedtoleavethis
room,useitandyourpower.Rememberthatyouaresupposedtobeinyourpreviouscondition.IfJonasisrightaboutthespies,thenyoumustcontinuetoactasifyouareinfirmuntilwearesafelyaway.”
“Iunderstand.”Jakesaid.“IwilltellNorlanandMadalinthatyoushouldbeleftalonetonight.”Jonas
said.“Youwillhaveachancetosaygoodbyeinthemorning.Iwillalsomakesureyouhaveahoodedcloaktomorrow.”
“Youshouldsayyourfarewellsnow.”Tomarissaidquietlytothemboth.“Youcannothaveanycontactinthemorning.Iwillwaitforyououtside,
Jonas.”Heheldontothedoorframeasheslowlydeparted,thedoorcurtainclosingbehindhim.
“Jonas,Icannotbegintothankyouforeverythingyouhavedoneforme.”Jakebegan,tryingtoclearhisthroat,feelingittighten.“Youmademefeelwelcome,setmeupwithNorlanandMadalin,andhavebeenhereformewhenIneededyou.”Hepaused,voicebreakingslightly.“Iwillneverforgetyou.”
“Iwillnotforgetyouaswell,Jake.”Jonassaid,pullingJakeintoahug.“IhavegiventhankstotheOnethatyoucametous.Inowpraythatyouwillbesuccessfulandreturnsafelytoyourhomeandfamily.”
Jakereturnedthehugforamoment,thenJonasreleasedhim.“TakecareofHailynandkeephersafe,Jake.”Jonassaidseriously,eyesshiningfromunshedtears.
“Iwilldomybest.”Jakereplied.PattingJakeontheshoulderforthelasttime,Jonasturnedandfollowed
Tomarisout.Jakesatdown,feelingthesenseoflossalready.Hewentthroughthepainof
beingseparatedfromhisfamilyandfriendswhenhearrivedandwasnowfacingthesamewithhisnewfriends.Dwellingonitisnotgoingtohelp.Hetoldhimself.Getupanddosomething.
Hestoodup,relishinghisnewstrength,grabbedhissaddlebagsandbegantopack.
CHAPTERTEN
Jakewasawake,dressedinhisarmorandsword,whenDominicstrodeintohisroom.Itwasstilldarkoutside,anhourorsobeforesunrise.Hehadnotsleptmuchthenightbefore,tossingandturningashismindracedwithimaginedpossibilitiesanddangers.Despitehisrecovery,hewasnervousasheknewthatconfrontationswiththedemonsandhalf-menlayaheadofhim.AfterthebattlewithCreatos,hefeltprettyconfidantthathehadthepowertowithstandmostdemonsone-on-one.However,itwasanearimpossibilitythattheGuardian’sswordwouldbeguardedbyonlyonedemon.HowheandHailyncouldlocateandsafelygainaccesstoittroubledhimthroughoutthenight.Hopefully,Tomariswouldhavefurtherinstructionstoassistthem.
HewasalsosomewhatanxiousabouttravelingwithHailyn.Theywereclose,buthehadneveractuallyspentthatmuchtimealonewithagirlbefore.Theywouldbeontheirown,tryingtostayoutofsightforthemostpart.Thatmeantsharingacamp,likelyasmallone,anddealingwiththeirbodilyneedsalongtheway.Hejusthopedthathewouldnotembarrasshimself.
“Areyouready,boy?”Dominicsaidashetossedacloakwithahoodtowardshim.“Jonaswasgrantedleavebythekingtohavethegateopenedtoallowustoleavebeforethesunrises.”
JakehurriedlyputthecloakonoverhisarmorasDominicpickeduphissaddlebags.“Remember,youaresupposedtobeweakened.”Hesaidasheslungthemoverhisshoulder.“Pullupthehoodandwalkslow.”Dominicturnedandleft.
Jakecalleduphismagicashepulledthehoodoverhishead,hisformshiningbrightly,bathingtheroominanazurelight.Heslowlyturned,tryingtoetchtheroomintohismemory.Ithadbeenagoodplacetostay,asclosetoahomeashewouldhavehere.Sighing,hetriedtoshrugofftheslightmelancholythatdescendedonhim,straightenedhisshouldersandwentoutside.
Lookingacrosstheyard,hesawTomaris’carriageontheothersideofthegate,lightedbythetorchesinhissoldiers’hands.Dominicwasinfrontofthecarriage,alreadyastrideShadow,speakingquietlywithDeepwood.Asheslowlymadehiswaytowardsthecarriage,hesawHailynsittingonDontas,hergazeonhim.Shewasdressedinbrownleggingsandboots,withacowledrobe,beltedatthewaist,whichonlyextendedtomid-thightoallowherlegsmorefreedomofmovement.Nexttoherwasasimilarlydressedmalecleric,who
lookedtobeinhismid-twenties,withmedium-lengthdarkhairandaneasysmileonhisface,sittingcomfortablyonachestnut-coloredhorse.
Insidethefence,nearthegate,heobservedTomarisandJonastalkingquietlywithNorlan,MadalinandCherise.Hefeltapangoflossashemadehiswaytowardsthem.Thesepeoplehadshelteredhim,caredforhim,andactedasasurrogatefamilyforhim.Nowhewasleaving,likelytoneverreturn.Hewasnotsurewhathecouldsaythatwouldadequatelyconveyhisfeelingstowardsthem.
Makingsurethathisfacewasasdeepinthecowlaspossible,hestoppednexttothem.HecouldseethetearsinMadalinandCherise’seyes,holdingeachother’shand.NorlanwasstandingnexttoMadalin,hisarmaroundhershoulders,tryingtobestoic,eyesdry,butJakeknewthatwasanact.
“Goodmorning,Jake.”Jonassaidwithanodofhishead.“IwishthatIcoulddomoreforyou,butIbelievethatTomarisisthepersonbestabletofigureouthowtohelpyou.”
“Iknowthat,Jonas.”Jakereplied,goingalongwiththedeception.“YouhavedonemoreformethanIdeserve.”
“Ithasbeenmyhonortodoso,Jake.”Jonassaid.Heraisedhishandandspokeagain,voicegentlewithanundercurrentofsuppressedemotion.“Wemustnowsayfarewell.MaytheblessingsoftheOnegowithyou,Jake,andmayHegrantyouawayhome.”
“Thankyou.”Jakeresponded.Jaketurnedtothefamily,feelinghisthroatgoingtight.Norlancameupto
himandpulledhimintoanalmostcrushingembrace.“Iwillmissyou,Jake.”Hesaidinatightwhisper.“Ialsohopeyoufindawayhome,butifnot,returnhere,forthisisyourhomeaswell.”Afteranotherfewmoments,Norlanreleasedhim.
Madalinthrewherarmsaroundhim,pullinghimclose.“Ourlovegoeswithyou,Jake.”Shesaid,voicecracking.“Staysafeandwriteifyoucan.Donotforgetus.”
“Never,Madalin.”Jakesaidsoftly.“Iwillneverforgetwhatyouhavedoneforme.IonlywishIhadawaytorepayyourkindness.”
“Nopaymentwilleverbenecessary,Jake.”Madalinsaidassheleanedinandkissedhischeek.Jakekepthisheaddown,hopingthatshewouldnotnoticehistruecondition.
OnceMadalinletgo,Cherisecameinandhuggedhim,cryingsoftly.“Iwishyoucouldstay.”Shesobbed.“Ifeelbetter,safer,whenyouarehere.”
“IwishIcould.”Jakesaid,hugginghertightly.Amidhisroilingemotions,athoughtoccurredtohim.“Ifyoueverneedsomeonetoprotectyou,askforMarcusandtellhimIsaidthatheshouldwatchoveryou.Iamsurehewill.”Jakefelthernod.
“I’llmissyou.”Cherisesaidbrokenly,releasinghim,thenturnedandthrewherselfintohermother’sarms,weeping.
Beforehisemotionsgotthebestofhim,heturnedtoTomaris.“I’mreadyifyouare.”Hesaid,voicecatchinginhisthroat.
“Yes,child.Weshouldgetstarted.”Tomarissaid,thenturnedtothefamily.“Allayyourworries.IwilldoeverythingIcantoprotectandassistJake.”Hesaidcompassionately.“Donotfearforhissafetywhileheiswithme.”Norlangaveastiffnodofhishead,whileholdingontohiswifeanddaughter.
“Joinmeinthecarriage,Jake.”Tomarissaidasheheadedforthegate,Jonasathisside.“Itistime.”
Withonelastlonggazeatthefamily,JaketurnedandfollowedTomaris.HewaitedwhileJonashelpedTomarisintothecarriage,thenmadetofollow.Ashegrabbedthehandletopullhimselfintothecarriage,thesoundofhorsesapproachingmadehimpause.HewassurprisedtoseeMarcusrideup,flankedbytwomeninRoyalGuardarmor.Marcusdismountedandapproachedhim.
“Ijustheardthatyouaredeparting.”HesaidashestoppedinfrontofJake.“Iwishedtosayfarewell.”
“Thankyou,Marcus.”Jakesaid.HeglancedoveratCherise.“Willyoudomeafavor?”
“Justask.”Marcusreplied.“WatchoverNorlanandhisfamilyforme,especiallyCherise.”Jakesaid
quietly.“Theyhavebeenthroughalotbecauseofme.IwillfeelbetterifIknowyouareprotectingthem.”
“Itwillbemyhonor,Jake.NothingwillharmthemwhileIlive.”Marcusanswered.Hepaused.“Doyounotplantoreturn?”
“Idon’tknowwhatwillhappen.”Jakesaidtruthfully.“IhavetoassumethatIwillnot.”
“Itisbettertoexpecttheworse.”Marcusagreed.“Alwayskeepthatinmindwhileyouareontheroad.”Heheldouthishand.“Mayyourjourneybesuccessful.”
Jaketookit.“I’mgladwebecamefriends,oratleastnotenemies.”Marcusnodded,lookingatJake’sface.Jakesawhiseyeswidenslightlyand
hisgripbecomefirmer,pullingJakeabitcloser.Hesawandnowheknows.Jakethought,dismayed.
Jakeleanedclose.“Youcannottellanyone,Marcus.NotKeriaorevenNorlan.”Hewhisperedurgently.“OnlyJonasknows.”
“Iwillkeepyoursecret,Jake.”Marcussaidquicklyandquietly.“Itakeitthatyouhaveotherplansthanwhatwasannounced?”
“Yes.”Jakeresponded,glancingaround.“Ican’tsayanythingmore.”“Fairenough.”Marcussaid.“Mayyoufindsuccessinyourquest,whatever
thatmaybe.”HereleasedJake’shand.“DonotworryaboutNorlanandhisfamily.Iwillkeepthemsafe.”
“Thanks,Marcus.”Jakesaid.Marcusturnedandheadedbacktohishorse.Oncehewasbackinthe
saddle,hegaveJakeafinalsalute,andthenheandhiscompanionsrodeoff.JakemotionedJonasover.
“Whatisit?”Jonasaskedsoftly.“MarcussawmyfaceandknowsthatI’mnotgoingtobehealed.”Jake
said.“Hepromisedtokeepitsecret.”Jonasmulleditover.“Iwillmakesureofthat.”Hesaidfirmlyand
resolutely.“Itrusthim.”Jakestatedquickly.“Hewillkeephispromise.”“Ofcourse.”Jonassaidabsently.HemotionedforJaketoclimbintothe
carriage.“Youneedtobeoff.”Nodding,Jakeclimbedintothecarriage.WithafinalwavetoJonasandthe
familythroughthewindow,JaketurnedaheadandthequestfortheGuardian’sswordbegan.
…Thepartyrodethroughouttheday,onlystoppingbrieflytofeedandwater
thehorses.LikeDominicandhehaddone,theystoppedattheNorthReachwaystationasthesunwassetting.Therideinthecarriagehadbeenquietforthemostpart,withJake’sthoughtsonthosebackinSanduasandTomarissittingtheresilent,hiseyesclosed,seeminglycontenttowaitforJake.
Atthewaystation,Jakewasforcedtoplaytheinvalidagain,shininginpowerwhilekeepinghishoodup.Hemadeashowofit,makinghiswayslowlythroughthedininghalltotheroomhewassharingwithDominic.Dominicbroughthimhisdinner,thenwentbacktojointherestinthehall.Jakeateinsilence,anxiousnowtobeonhisway,sohecouldbefreeofthismasquerade.
Hewaslyingonhisbed,histhoughtsfocusedonwhatwascoming,when
Dominicreturned.Hesatupwhenthedooropened,thensankbackdownwhenhesawitwasDominic.
“What’sonyourmind,boy?”Dominicasked,seeingthelookofconcernonJake’sface.
“I’mjustthinkingaboutwhatIhavetodo.Idon’twanttoscrewup.”Jakereplied.HelookedupatDominic.“I’malsoalittlescared,tobehonest.”
“Thatisgoodtohear.”Dominicsaid.“Ifyouwerenotafraid,Iwouldbeworried.”Hesatdownonhisbed.“Controlthatfear,butkeepitinthebackofyourmind;itwillmakeyoucautious.Whenyouconfrontobstaclesinyourjourney,justrememberyourlessonsandreactaccordingly.”
“But,whatif-.“Jakebegan,butDominiccuthimoff.“Leaveoverthe‘whatifs’,boy.”Hesaid.“Thinkingonitdoesnogood.
Whatwillhappen,willhappen.Yousimplyneedtostayfocusedandbepreparedtodealwithwhatcomes.”
“That’seasyforyoutosay.”Jakeretorted.“Youhavealotmoreexperiencewithstufflikethis.”
“AndhowdidIgainthatexperience?”Dominicaskedrhetorically.“Bytrialanderror,likeallgoodlessons.Youlearnedfromthebruisesonhowtoproperlydefendyourselfwithasword.Youfaceddemonswithyourpower,despiteyourfear,learninghowtofightthem.Youwilllearnyourwaythroughthisaswell.”Hesnorted.“Also,youhavethegirltokeepyououtoftrouble.”
“Doyouthinkwehaveachance?”Jakeaskedquietly.“Tomarisbelievesittobesoand,sofar,Ihavebeengivennoreasonto
doubthisjudgment.”Dominicreplied.“Thereisdangerahead,evengreatdanger,buttherewardmaybeawayforyoutoreturnhome.Onlyyoucandecidewhatyouwillrisktoaccomplishthat.”
“IjustwishIhadabetterideaofwhattoexpect.”Jakesaid.“Then,whenweareontheroad,askTomarisifhehasanythingmoretosay
otherthanwhathehastoldus.”Dominicresponded.“I’msurehewillhavesomeadviceforyou.”Heleanedovertoblowoutthecandles.“Now,getsomesleep.”
Astheycontinuedtheirjourneythenextday,JakedecidedtofollowDominic’sadvice.HeaskedTomarisifhecouldtellhimanythingelsemoreonwhathehadplanned.
“Whenwecampnearthecrossroadstonight,youwilltradeplaceswiththeyoungcleric.”HetoldJake,eyesknowingandsympathetic.“Inthemorning,you,dressedasacleric,andHailynwillcontinuenorthtowardsBeragan.Jonas
hasprovidedaletterofintroductiontotheChiefClericofBeraganthatwillgiveyoupassagetoDunanty,thecapitalofBeragan.”Hereachedintohisrobesandpulledoutasmallpieceofparchment,handingittoJake.Jaketookitandsawseveralrunesonthepaper.Confused,helookedoveratTomaris.
“Whenyoureachthecapital,youshouldasktheChiefClericifhecandecipherthoserunes.”Tomariscontinued.“Iwasonlyabletoacquirethemrecently.WhatIknowisthattheyarefromancientBeragan.Withouthavingtheirkey,though,Ihavenotbeenabletointerpretthem.”Hepaused.“However,Ibelievethattheyrefertoapossiblelocationofthesword.”
“Ifyoucan’tinterpretthem,whydoyouthinktheChiefClericcan?”Jakeasked.
“WhileIhaveanextensivelibrary,Idon’tknoweverything,child.”Tomarissaidwithalaugh.“ItispossiblethattheclericsofBeraganwillknowwhattherunesmean.Thatwillsavetimethatwecannotspendseekingthekey.”
“Afterwegetthere?”Jakeasked.“Whatthen?”“Youwillneedtofollowthecluesasyoufindthem.”Tomarisreplied.
“Youwillhavetothinkyourwaythroughthisand,sometimes,simplyfollowyourinstincts.IfIknewmore,Iwouldtellyou.IwouldnotriskyouifIknewwheretheswordislocated.Iwouldsimplyhavesentalargepartyofclericsandsoldierstorecoverit,trustinginthemtogettherebeforethedemonscouldmoveit.”
“Iamanoldman,Jake.”Tomariscontinued.“WhileIstillhavemypower,mybodyisfading;Icannotdothisquestmyself.IfIcould,IwouldleaveyouinthesafetyoftheKeepandgomyself.”Hesighedbitterly.“Asitis,sinceIcannotgo,someonemust.Ibelievethatyouhavethepowerandintelligencetoaccomplishit.Otherwise,Iwouldnothavesuggestedit.Youhavestoodagainstademonlordandsurvived;thatisnosmallthing.”
“Ihadhelp.”Jakestated.“Andyouhavehelpnow.”Tomarisresponded.“Youandthegirlcanmatch
mostdemonsnowandyourpowerisnotreacheditslimit.Whenyouheldit,ItriedtodetermineiftherewasanychangesinceyoulefttheKeep.Ibelievethatithasgrownstronger.”
“Well,Iguessthatisonethinginmyfavor.”Jakemuttered.“Beatpeace,Jake.”Tomarissaidsoothingly.“IbelievethattheCreatorhas
broughtyouhereandHewouldnothavedonethatiftherewasnotmoretoyouthanyoubelieve.”
Whentheystoppedforthenight,movingofftheroadandontothegrassy
plains,andsetupcamp,Taric,themalecleric,cameovertothecarriage.WhenheandJakeweretradingclothes,Jakewassurprisedtoseethathewaswearingchainmailunderhisrobes.Heaskedhimaboutit.
“Manyclericswhoserveinthearmyweararmor.”Taricsaidwithawinkandalaugh.“Secretly,ofcourse;wearenotsoldiers.WhilesomepuristsstatethatweshouldtrustintheOneforourprotection,IbelievethatHegaveustheabilitytoshapemetalforjustthispurpose.ItwouldseemtobeaninsulttoHimtonottakeadvantageofHisgifts.”
Jakechuckledatthatwhilehepulledtherobesoverhisownarmor.…
Hailynwassittingnearherblankets,stretchinghersoremuscles,whenTomarisappeared.Hehadmovedsoquietlythatshejumpedabit,startledwhenhespoke.
“I’msorry,child.”Hesaidwithasmallsmile.“Ididnotmeantofrightenyou.”
“Youdidnotfrightenme,MasterTomaris.”Sheresponded.“Yousimplycaughtmeoffguard.”
“MayIjoinyou?”Heasked.“Ofcourse.”Hailynreplied.Tomarisslowlysettledtotheground,sittingacrossfromher.Helookedat
herforseveralmoments,hisunusualeyesseemingtoseeinsideher.Shetookadeepbreathandstaredback,tryingtoachieveacleric’scalm.Thatseemedtoimpresshim,forhesmileddeeplyandnoddedhishead.
“Youhavestrengthinyou,child.”Hesaidapprovingly.Hissmilefaded.“Youwillneedthatstrengthonthisquest.”Hereachedintoapouchonhisbeltandremovedasilveryobject.WhenHailynlookedclosely,shesawthatitwasabracelet,itssurfacecoveredinrunes.Withastart,sherecognizedtherunesasthesameonesonJonas’staff.ShelookedatTomaris,thequestioninhereyes.
“Yes,child.”Hereplied,turningthebraceletoverinhishand.“Therunesarethesame.IcopiedtheseruneswhenIwascreatingthestaffthatIgavetoJonas.”
Hiseyestookonafarawaylook.“WhenIwasmuchyounger,Isoughtoutallthingsrelatedtopower.Ihadtheideathat,ifIfoundoldandancientartifactsormanuscripts,Icouldusethemtoincreasemyownknowledgeandpower.”
Heshookhishead.“ItwasduringoneofmyqueststhatIfoundthis.Itwasinacave,deepintheGrayRidges,onethatIbelievedArneslivedin.Isearchedit,spendingdaystracingitspassages,withoutfindinganyevidencetosupport
mytheory.Infrustration,Ikickedatastone.Whenitrolledaway,Isawthattherewasasmallopeningunderit.Whensomethingglitteredbackinmytorchlight,Ireachedinandpulledthisout.”
“Itookitwithmetostudy.”Hecontinued.“WhenIworeit,itwouldincreasemypower.Idonotunderstandhowitwasdone,thoughIhaveatheory.Overtime,though,Ibegantowearitlessandless.Ieventuallyputitawaywithmyothercollectionsasnewitemscaughtmyattention.ItwasonlywhenJonascametomedidIrecallit.Iwantedtohelphim,butIwasloathtopartwithit,soIcreatedthestaff,copyingtherunesonthebracelet.Tomysurprise,itseemedtohaveagreatereffectonacleric’spowerthanmyown.”
Hehelditouttoher.“Iwantyoutotakeit.ItmaynotbeaspowerfulasJonas’staff,butitcangiveyoutheincreaseinpoweryouwillneed.”
“Icannottakeit,MasterTomaris.”Hailynsaid.“Yousaidyourselfthatyoudonotwishtopartwithit.”
“Iamoldernow,child,andmytimewillsoonbefinished.”Hesaidwithasadsmile.“Youaregoingtofindanobjectofgreatpower.Knowingitspower,ourenemieswillhavesomeoftheirstrongestguardingit.Youwillneedallofthepoweryoucanwield.”Heplaceditinherhand.“Helpanoldmanfeellikehehasdoneallhecantoassistyou;pleasetakeit.”
Hailynturneditoverinherhand,startledtofeelsoftwarmthradiatingoffit.Shepulleditoverherrighthand,butrealizedthatitwastoobigtostayonherwrist.Shewasstartingtopullitoffwhenitseemedtoshrink,formingitselftoherwrist.Shetuggedatitanditcameoffeasily.Fascinated,sheslippeditbackonandshookherhand.Despitetheshaking,itstayedinplace.
Shecalledupherpower,feelingitsurgeintoher,heraurasuddenlyshiningbrilliantly,similartowhenshehadheldthestaff.ShelookedoverwonderinglyatTomaris,whowasslowlyrisingtohisfeet.
“Whatisit?”Sheasked.“Youmustkeepitsecret,child.”Hesaidquietly,lookingapprovinglydown
ather.Heglancedaroundtomakesurenoonewasnear.“Afterallofmyresearch,IhavecometobelievethatitisapieceoftheGuardian’sarmor,madebytheCreatorHimself.”
…Earlythenextmorning,withthesunstillbehindtheGrayRidges,theparty
brokecamp.Therewasacoolbreezeblowing,theskyoverheadcloudyandgray.Pullingtheclericrobesoverhishead,Jakehopedthattherewouldbenorain.Hekneltandrolleduphissword,vambracesandgreavesintohissleeping
blankets.Dominichadpointedoutthathisswordmightdrawattention,sinceclericsdidnotcarrythem.
“TheroadtoDunantyisfairlysafeasitispatrolledbyBeragansoldiers.”Dominichadsaid.“Stayontheroad;rememberthatyouareaclericnow.Keepyourswordhiddenuntilyouhaveleftthecity.”
Oncehehadpackeduphisgear,heheadedovertothehorses.Whenhegottowherethehorsesweretiedup,hesawthatHailynwasalreadymountedonTaric’shorse.
“IthoughtyouwereridingDontas.”Hestated.“Thatwastogethimoutofthecityforyou,Jake.”Shereplied.“Sinceyou
aresupposedtobeonyourwaytotheKeep,itisunlikelythatanyonewouldlooktwiceatthehorse.”
“Isee.”JakesaidashewentovertowhereDontaswastiedupnexttoShadow.Thehorsegreetedhimwithasoftwhinnyandagentlepushofitshead.Jakestrokedthehorse’sheadforafewmoments,thennoticedthatbothDontasandShadowwherealreadysaddled.
“Iwasupearly,soIsaddledhimforyou.”Dominic’svoicecamefrombehindhim.JaketurnedtoseeDominicapproachingwithhissaddlebagsoverhisshoulder.DominicstoppedinfrontofJake,lookingdownathim,eyeshard.
“Ihaveonemorelessonforyou.”Hesaidsoftly,thoughhiseyesseemedtogleamlikeblueice.“Onthisjourney,youmusthardenyourheartandbepreparedatalltimestodefendyourselfandthegirl.Ifyoufaceanopponent,youmuststrikehardandfast,aimingtokillasquicklyaspossible.Ifyouthinkthereisadanger,attackfirst.Thereisnoplaceforchivalryonthismission.”
“Iwillrememberthat,Dominic.”Jakesaid.Herealizedthatthismightbethelasttimehewillseehisprotector.Hefeltatightnessinhisthroatandchest.Heclearedhisthroat.“Ican’tthankyouenoughforeverythingyouhavedoneforme.”
“Itwasmyhonor,Jake.”Dominicsaiddirectly.Heheldouthishand.Jaketookit,buthisemotionsmadehimgaveDominicaquickhug.Dominic
seemedtakenabackbythat,butJakefelthimpathimonthebackbeforepushinghimaway.
“Enoughofthat,boy.WestillhavetorecovertheswordandbringittoTomaris,sowemaynotbedonewitheachotheryet.”Dominicsaidgruffly.HeincreasedhisgriponJake’shand.“RememberwhatIhavetaughtyou.Bepreparedtoact,butfollowthegirl’slead.Sheknowsmoreabouttheworldthanyou.”Withthat,hereleasedJake’shandandmovedovertoShadow.
Jaketiedoffhisblanketsbehindhissaddleandmountedhishorse.HerodeovertoHailyn,whereshewasspeakingquietlytoTomaris.
“Nowyoudepartonthisgreatquest,mychildren.”Tomarissaidseriously.“Stayhiddenasmuchaspossible.Followwherethecluesleadyou.Recoverthesword,ifyoucan,andreturndirectlytotheKeep.Rememberthatifthedemonsknowthatweareafterthesword,theywillmoveit.Therewillbenosecondchancetorecoverit.”
Hecontinued.“Ifyoucannotfindtheswordafterexhaustingallpossibilities,returntotheKeep.ItmaybethatDominicwassuccessful.”
“Onefinalword.”Tomarissaid,hisfacesoftening.“Trustandcareforeachother.Friendshipandlovearethetwothingsthatthedemonscanneverhave.Thatiswhatmakesusstrongerthanthem.”
“Gonow.”Hefinished,givingthemabow.“HoldontoyourcourageandpowerandmaytheCreatorgrantyousuccess.”
SharingalookandanodwithHailyn,JakedirectedDontastowardstheroad.Withafinalglanceback,JakesawDominic,sittingonShadow,givehimaformalsalute.Jakereturnedit,andthenturnedforward.TappingDontaswithhisheels,heandHailynrodeaway.
CHAPTERELEVEN
Alongwoodenlever,paintedbrightwhiteandtiltedabovetheroad,wastheonlyindicatorthattheyhadarrivedattheborder.Theopenplains,coveredintallgreengrassthatgentlyrippledlikewavesontheoceaninthebreeze,seemedtostretchforeverinalldirections.Jakewasgratefulforthewindasittamedthewarmthofthelateafternoonsun.Hehadonhisshirt,paddingandarmor,coverbytheclericrobes,whichmadehimsweatprofusely,soanyreliefwaswelcome.
JakeandHailynhadbeenridingnorthalongtheroadsincetheydepartedfromcamp.Northofthecrossroads,theroadhadtransitionedtoawidehard-packeddirtroad.Theyhadpassedtravelersandmerchantsgoinginbothdirections.Mostdidnotlooktwiceattwoclericsridingtogether,thoughsomehadstoppedandaskedforhelp,mostlyforminorinjuriesorsickness.JakeallowedHailyntotaketheleadinthesesituations,simplysittingonhishorse,smilingandnoddingwhilesheperformedhealings.
Thereweretwotentssetupnearthepole,oneoneachsideoftheborder.JakesawhorsestiedupneartheclosesttentwithSanduansoldiersinarmor,theirbackstothetrafficmovingnorth,manningtheborderarea.Ontheothersideofthegate,hesawsoldiersdressedinbrownleatherclothingandboots,coveredinchainmailthatextendeddowntomid-thigh.Theycarriedcurvedswordsbeltedonatthewaist,withpointedmetalhelmsontheirheads.TheywererandomlystoppingandquestioningtravelersheadingintoBeragan.Therewerealsohorsestiedupneartheirtent.
SomeoftheSanduansoldierscalledoutgreetingstoJakeandHailynastheypassed.WhentheyenteredBeragan,asoldierstoppedthem.Hewastallandthin,withanangularface,longbrownhairandbrowneyes.Hehadasinglesilverslashpaintedacrosshisarmor,runningfromhisleftshoulderdowntohisrightwaist.
“Whereareyoutraveling,clerics?”Heaskeddirectly,butpolitely.“WebringamessagetotheChiefClericofBeraganfromtheChiefClericof
Sanduas.”Hailynannounced,pullingouttheletterwithJonas’seal.Thesoldierlookedcloselyattheseal,thenlookedbackatHailyn.“Have
youbeentoDunantybefore?”Heasked.“No.Thisisourfirsttime.”Shereplied.Henoddedandmotionedtoacoupleofsoldierssittingonhorsesnearby.
Onehadtwothingreenslashesonhisarmor,whiletheotherworeplainarmor.
“Ihaveacoupleofsoldiersreadytoreturntothecapital,Sister.”Hesaid.“Itwouldbetheirprivilegetoescortyouthere.Theywillensurethatyouarrivesafelyandwithoutincident,ashonoredguests.”
Hailyn,herfaceserene,thankedhim.“Thatismostkind,myfriend.”Shesaid.“MaytheblessingsoftheOnebewithyou.”
Thesoldiernodded,andthenmotionedthemtocontinueon.Astheyrodeforward,thetwosoldersformedupnexttothem.Theonewith
thegreenslashesrodenexttoHailyn.Hewasanolderman,withastoutbuild,thickdarkhairandagoateeonhislongface,thoughhisdarkeyeshadaworld-wearinessinthem.TheonethatrodenexttoJakewasonlyalittleolderthanhewas,shortandwiry,withshortdarkhairandashavenface.Hesatinthesaddlestiffly,hisbackramrodstraight,affectinganairofcompetenceandsoberness.
“IamSergeantHersel,Sister.”TheonenearestHailynsaid,withanodofhishead.“MycompanionisMescal.Ifyouwish,wewillreachasmallvillagewithaninnnearnightfallandstaythenightthere.”
“Thatsoundsfine,SergeantHersel.”Shereplied.“HowlongistheridetoDunanty?”
“Atapacethatwillnottirethehorses,weshouldarrivebytheafternoontwodaysfromnow.”Hestated.“IwillnowtaketheleadwhileMescalwillguardtherear.”Withthat,hebootedhishorseseveralpacesaheadwhileMescaldroppedbackseveralpaces.
“Whatdoyouthinkaboutthis?”JakewhisperedtoHailyn.“Itseemsstrangethatwewouldneedanescortwhenothertravelersdon’tgetone.”
“TheclericsinBeragandonothavethesamefreedomofactionaswedoinSanduas.”Hailynrespondedsoftly.“Theclericsherefallundertheauthorityoftheirqueen.Shehasthefinalwordonwhattheycanorcannotdoandwheretheycango.Likely,anyoutsideclericswouldreceiveanescortlikethis,sotheycanbewatched.”ShenoddedtowardsHersel.“WeneedtobecautiousonwhatwesayuntilwereachtheChiefCleric.”
AsHerselhadsaid,nightwasdescendingovertheplainswhentheyreachedthevillage.Theroadintersectedthevillage,withwoodenbuildingsbuildoneitherside.Theroadhadbeenpavedwithstoneinthevillage.Theyrodethroughslowly,asthereseemedtobeaconstantflowofpeoplecrossingtheroad,headingtovariousbuildings.Theyfinallystoppedwhentheywerealmosttothefarsideofthevillage,pullinguptoathree-storywoodenbuilding.Therewasbrightcandlelightstreamingfromthefirst-floorwindowsandthebuzzofvoicesandmusiccomingfromtheopenfrontdoors.
“Mescalwilltakeyourhorsestothestables.”Herselsaidashedismountedandindicatedthattheyshoulddothesame.“Takeyoursleepingrollsandsaddlebagswithyou.”
Oncetheyhadretrievedtheirgear,HerselledthemintotheinnwhileMescalleftwiththehorses.Onceinsidethemainhall,Jakewasoverwhelmedwithlight,noiseandthesmellsofcookingfood.Lookingaround,hewassurprisedbythenumberofpeopleintheinn.Allofthetableswerefull,withservinggirlscarryinglargetraysoffoodortankardsofale,carefullynavigatingtheirwaythroughthecrowd.HeandHailynfollowedHerselovertoalargeman,tallthoughabitfat,withdarkhairsurroundinghisbaldplate,dressedinanlongclothapron.Hewasstandingnearalargedoorthatledtothekitchen,withtheservinggirlsgoinginandout.Hisbrowneyesmovingquicklyfromsidetoside,heseemedtobetryingtowatcheveryoneatonce.
“Greetings,Kelsan.”Herselsaidwhenhestoppedinfrontoftheman.HegesturedtoindicateHailynandJake“Ineedroomstonightformyguests,aswellasformyselfandanothersoldier.”
“Ionlyhaveoneroomleft.”Kelsanreplied,continuingtoscanthehall.“Itissmallwithtwobeds.Thereisalsoroominthestables.”
Herselconsideredthesituation.“Iwillallowmygueststotaketheroom.”Hefinallysaid.“MescalandIwillsleepinthestable.Foodwillneedtobesenttotheirroomandthestables.”
“Twogold.”Kelsansaid,lookingatHerselforthefirsttimeandholdingouthishand.
“DoIlooklikeacountryloutwhohasneverleftthefarmbefore?”Herselrepliedsarcastically.“Onegold.”
Kelsanlaughed,arich,throatylaugh,andcockedaneyebrow.“Youdohavethelookofsomeonewhocan’tremembertowipethemanureoffhisfeet.”Heretorted.Hiseyestookonapredatorygleam.“DoIappeartobeasimpletonimpressedwithyourarmorandsword?Twogoldoryoucansleepinthestreet.”
AsmallsmilecreasedHersel’sfaceasheandKelsanbegantonegotiatewhiletradinginsults.Jakewatchedwithacertainamusementasthetwohaggled.Atfirst,basedonthepersonalnatureofthejibes,hewassurethattheywouldbesleepingoutside,butafterHerseldeliveredaparticularlynastyonerelatedtoKelsan’sparentage,theinnkeeperletoutahowlofdelight.
“Thatonewasworthagold!”Kelsanroared,startlingthenearbypatrons.“Onegoldfortheroomandmeals.”Hestuckouthishand.
Herselshookit,paidKelsanandturnedtoJakeandHailyn.“Iwillcomeand
wakeyoubeforefirstlight.”Hesaid.“PleasefollowKelsantoyourroom.Foodwillbebroughttoyou.Iwillaskthatyouremaintheretonight.”
“Thatisfine,SergeantHersel.”Hailynresponded.“Untilthemorning.”Herselsaid,noddingtoKelsanandgoingthroughthe
kitchendoors.“Followme,Sister.Brother.”Kelsansaid.Heledthemthroughthe
crowdedroomtoaflightofstairsleadingtotheupperlevels.Theywentdownacrampedhallway,withseverallanternslightingthehallway.Thewoodenfloorcreakedastheymadetheirwaytoadoorattheendofthehall.
Kelsanproducedakey,unlockingthedoorandsteppingaside.Inthecrampedroom,thereweretwosinglebeds,separatedbyasmalltableagainstthefarwallwithasinglelanternonit.Abovethetable,asmallwindowwasopen,allowinginbothfreshairandthenoisefromtheroadbelow.JakefollowedHailynintotheroom,throwinghisstuffononeofthebeds.
“Herselisagoodman.”Kelsansaidfromthedoorway.Theyturnedtolookathim.“Hemaybeabitofapainwhenitcomestorules,butthatisprobablythemilitarytraining.Youcanrestassuredthathewilltreatyouproperlyandgetyoutowhereyouaregoing.”
“Fromsomeofyourinsults,Iwouldnothavebelievedthatyouthoughtsohighlyofhim.”Hailynsaid.
“Ohthat.”Kelsansaidwithachuckle.“Donottroubleyourself,Sister.HerselandIareoldfriends.Icannotjustgivehimwhathewants;hehastoearnit.Theinsultsareourwayofsettlingwhowins.Iwillhaveyourfoodbroughtup.”Hesaidasheclosedthedoor.
“Whatdoyouthinkwillhappenwhenwegettothecapital?”Jakeaskedashesatdownonhisbed.“Itisgoingtobedifficulttodowhatweneedtodoifwehaveanescortwithusallthetime.”
“JonastoldmethathisletterexplainsthatwearelookingforinformationthatcanbenefitallclericsandhewillshareitwithBrotherKal,theChiefClericofBeragan,ifwearesuccessful.”Hailynsaidquietly.“HehasrequestedthatKalfindawayforustotravelwithoutmilitaryescort,toensurethattheclericswillmaintaincontroloftheinformation.WewillhavetoseeiftheChiefClerichasthepowerorinfluencetodothis.”
“Ifhecan’t?”Jakeasked.“Wewillhavetoworkwithwhatwegiven.”Hailynstated.“Jonasbelieves
thatKalhasmoreinfluencewiththequeenthanisgenerallyknown.Wehavetohopethatisthecase.”
Aknockonthedoorinterruptedtheconversation.Jakeopenedthedoortorevealaservinggirlontheotherside,bringingthematrayoffoodandwater.Settingthetraydownonabed,shetoldthemthatshewouldreturntoretrievetheemptyplates.Sheclosedthedooronthewayout.
AfterJakeandHailynfinishedeatingandthegirlreturnedtotakeawaythetray,Hailynsaid.“Weshouldgetsomesleepsincewewillberisingbeforethedawn.”Sheclosedthesmallcurtainoverthewindowandleanedoverandblewoutthelantern,plungingtheroomintodarkness.
JakecouldheartherustlingofclothingasHailynremovedherrobesandclimbedintoherbed.Heflushedatthethoughtofherundressing.Hequicklystripeddowntohispantsandshirtandslippedintohisbed.Heshiftedontohisside,facingHailyn.Hiseyeshadadjustedtothedarknessand,withasliveroflightmakingitswaypastthecurtain,hecouldmakeoutHailyn’seyeslookingovertowardshim.
“Goodnight,Jake.”Shesaidsoftly.“Goodnight,Hailyn.”Hereplied.Hewatchedashereyesclosed,justmakingoutaslightsmileonherface.
Jakegazedatherforwhile,watchingherdriftoffintosleep,thenturnedover.Hefeltalittleoddandunsureofhimself,beingthisclosetoherastheyslept.Hewrestledwiththosefeelingsuntilsleepfinallytookhim.
…AsHerselhadpromised,theyapproachedthecityofDunantyinthelate
afternoonofthethirdday.AfterleavingKelsan’sinnbeforedawn,theyhadriddenallday,arrivingatanothervillageandinnneardark,stayingthere,andthencontinuedonthenextmorning.
Theweatherhadturnedlesspleasantthesecondnight,withastrong,coldwindblowingfromthenorth.Graycloudshadgatheredoverhead,occasionallysprinklingthemwithdropsofrain.Jakewasnowgratefulforallofthelayershewaswearing.
Inthehazylight,withthesunhiddenbytheclouds,thecityseemedtoriseoutoftheplainslikeasolitaryhill.Ithadroughstonewalls,unlikethesmoothwallsofSanduas,whichsurroundedthecityinacircle.Astheygotcloser,Jakecouldmakeoutthedefensivecutoutsalongtopofthewall.Therewasaflowoftravelersenteringandleavingthroughthemaingates.Theheavymetal-bandedwoodengatedoorswereswungopen,theentrancemannedbyseveralsoldiers,whowerewatchingthepeoplecomingandgoing.
Herselrodeconfidentlythroughthegates,theguardssalutinghimashe
passed.Thehorses’hoovesseemedtoringastheytransitionedfromthedirtroadtothepavedstreetsofthecity.Onceinsidethewalls,Jakesawthatthebuildingsinthecityweremostlymadeofwood,withsomestonebuildingsrandomlyinterspersed.Jakenoticedthecuriouslooksthatthepeopleonthestreetsgavethemastheyrodepast.Theycontinuedontowardsthesquatcastlethatwasbuiltonasmallhillinthecity’scenter.
Thecastlewasbuiltentirelyofstone,withthesamerough-cutfeaturesofthemainwalls.Jakesawsoldierspatrollingalongthewalls.Largemetalbrazierstoppedthemaingate,withseveralsoldiersonhorseback,aswellasonfoot,standingguard.Longgreenbannershungoneithersideofthegates.
Herselrodeuptoasoldiersittingonahorsewithasinglegoldenslashpaintedacrosshisarmorandsaluted.Themansatstifflyinthesaddle,hisfaceneutral,handrestingonhissword,watchingtheothersoldiers.Hisarmorwasspotlessandhisdarkhairandmustacheneatlytrimmed.Themanradiatedanairofself-importance.“Greetings,Captain.”Herselsaidpolitely.“IsChiefClericKalinthecastle?”
Theofficerlazilyreturnedthesalute.“KalisattheTemple.”HesaidashetookinJakeandHailynsittingbehindHersel.“Whatbusinessdoyouhave?”
“ThesetwoclericsbringamessagefortheChiefClericfromtheChiefClericofSanduas.”Herselrepliedashegesturedbehindhim.
“Whatareyournames,clerics?”Theofficerdemanded.“Yourvisitwillneedtobereportedtothequeen.”
“IamHailynandthisisTaric,Captain.”Hailynsaidsmoothly.“MaytheblessingsoftheOnebeonyouandyourqueen.”
“Thankyou,Sister.”Theofficerreplied,thoughhedidnotsoundappreciative.HemotionedtoHersel.“EscortthemtotheTemple,Sergeant.”
Herselsaluted,thenturnedhishorseawayfromthegate.Theyrodethroughthecityforawhile,passingshops,innsandtaverns,finallyarrivingatalargewoodenbuilding.Thebuildingwaslocatedinapark-likesetting,withgreengrassandtallpinetreessurroundingthebuilding.Theedgeofthestreetcurvedtowardsthebuildingtomakealargepavedareaalongthesidenearthestreet.Thebuildingitselfwaslongandwide,standingaroundtwostoriestall,madefromlargelogs.Asetoflargewoodendoorsstoodastheentranceneartherearofthebuilding.
Jakesawmenandwomenmovingaboutthegroundsindarkgreenrobes,whopointedandwhisperedtogetherwhentheynoticedhimandHailyn.Healsosawafewindarkgreenpantsandbrownboots,wearingarmorandasword,
withagreenhoodlyingagainsttheirbacks.HelookedovertoHailyn,whoshrugged.
“SergeantHersel,wearenewhere.”Shesaidpolitely.“Whoarethemenandwomeninarmor?Dotheclericshavetheirownguards?”
“Thosearethefightingclerics,Sister.”Hereplied.“Theyaretrainedincombatandoftentravelalonetoremotevillages,bringingtheWordandengagingthedemonsandtheirfollowers.”
Theystoppednearthemaindoorsanddismounted.Herselbeckonedaclericover.Thewomanlookedtobeinherearlythirties,shortandslight,withherlongbrownhairhangingloose.ShehadacuriouslookonherplainfaceasshestaredatJakeandHailyn.
“Sister,theseareclericsfromSanduasbearingamessagetoChiefClericKal.”Herselexplained.“MayIleavetheminyourcare?”
“Ofcourse,Sergeant.”Shereplied.“IwillescortthemtoBrotherKal.”“Thankyou,Sister.”Hesaid.HeturnedtoHailynandJake.“Ihopethat
youfoundmyescortadequate.”“Youhavetreatedusverywell.”Hailynstated.“Weappreciateallofyour
help.MaytheblessingsoftheOnebewithyou.”Herselnodded,thenswungupintohissaddle.“Ihopeyourreturnjourneyis
aspleasant.”Heresponded.HemotionedforMescaltofollowandtheyrodebackintothecity.
“IamElsia.”Thefemaleclerictoldthem.“I’mTaric.”Jakesaid,rememberinghiscover.“I’mHailyn.”Hailynechoed.“Greetings,Brother.Sister.”Elsiasaid.Sheturnedtoheadinsidethe
doors.“Pleasefollowme.”WhentheyenteredtheTemple,Jakenoticedastrongpinescentintheair.
Theymadetheirwaydowntheaislethatranbetweenthecarvedwoodenbenchesthatfacedtowardsthealtar.Alongthelogwallswereironrungsfortorchesandcutpinebranches,hangingindecoration.Therewasalargesinglecandleburningonthestonealtar.Severalclericsweresittinginthebenches,eyesclosedinsilentcontemplation.
Elsialedthemtoasetofdoorssetofftothesideofthealtar.Sheknockedandwaited.Amalevoicecamethrough.“Enter.”
Elsiaopenedthedoorandmotionedthemthrough.JakeandHailynsteppedintoalargeroom,withshelveslinedwithscrollsbuiltintothewalls.Therewasanornatelycarvedwoodendesksetnearthebackwall.Behindthatdesksata
largeman,dressedindarkgreenrobeswithagoldenedgeonhiscowl.Hewasplumpandbald,withalonggrayingbeardandbushyeyebrows.Beneaththeeyebrows,hisdarkeyesweresharpandintelligent.HelookedquizzicallyoveratElsia.
“BrotherKal,thisisSisterHailynandBrotherTaricfromSanduas.”Sheexplained.“TheybringamessagefromtheChiefClericofSanduas.”
“Thankyou,Elsia.”Kalreplied.“Pleasehavesomedrinksbroughttous.”Elsianoddedandleft.
“WhatdoesJonaswantfromme?”Kalsaidwithasmile.“HeandImetattheborderlongagoandIknowthatheisacapableleader.Heisunlikelytosendhisclericsthisfarsimplytoexchangepleasantries.”
“Hereishisletter,BrotherKal.”Hailynsaidasshepulledtheletteroutofherbeltpouch.“ItshouldmakeclearBrotherJonas’intentions.”
Kaltooktheletter,lookingitover,thenbreakingthesealandreading.HewasstillreadingwhenElsiareturnedwithatraywithapitcherofwaterandcups.ShepouredJakeandHailynacupwhiletheywaited.
WhenKalfinishedreading,hesattheremusingforafewmoments.HelookedoveratElsia.“Thankyou,Sister.”Hesaid.“Pleaseseethatwearenotdisturbed.”Elsianoddedandleft,closingthedoorbehindher.
“Whatdoyouknowofthisinformation?”Kalaskedquietly.“Notmuch,Brother.”Hailynsaid.“Weonlyhaveafewcluestogoon.”
ShegesturedtoJake.“Wehavethese.”Jakesaidasheproducedtheparchmentwiththerunesthat
Tomarishadgivenhim.HehandedittoKal.Kalstudiedtherunes,eyebrowsdrawingtogetherinconcentration.Hesat
thereforseveralminutesbeforehespokeagain.“Thisisanancientlanguagefromthewest,beyondtheCrescentHills.”He
finallysaid.“Icannotsaywhattheymean.Thekeytointerpretthemisnothereinthecapital.TheonlyplaceIknowthatsuchakeyexistsisatKersant.”
“Whereisthat,Brother?”Hailynasked.“ItisasmallcitywestoftheCrescentHills.”Kalresponded.“Ithasa
librarythathousesmanyancientdocuments.”“TheCrescentHills?”Jakeasked.“Itisarangeofhills,toosmalltobeconsideredmountains,thatextendsouth
fromtheNorthernWastes,thencurvewesttowardstheInlandSea.”Kalstated.“Theyareafivedayjourneytothewest.”
“Isthereawayforustogetthere?”Hailynasked.
“Imaybeabletogetyououtofthecity.”Kalrepliedafteramoment.“However,thereisaproblem.Bytheorderofthequeen,alloftheclericsoutsideofthecityarerequiredtosendregularreportstome.InthecaseofKersant,wehavenothadanyreportsfromtheTempleinweeks.Somethingwedon’tunderstandhashappenedthere.”
…Fartothewest,BruceTaliawalkedthroughthestonehallwaytohis
Master’sthroneroom.Hehadhishoodupandhisblackcloakpulledtight.HeglancedcontemptuouslyattheImpsandhalf-menwhopassedby,forcedtomakewayforhimashewalkedstraightdownthemiddleofthehallway.Hesawthehatred,aswellasthefear,intheireyes.Theyknewwhathecoulddo.
Hehadspentthedayrecoveringfromtheseavoyageataninninthecity,gettinghisstomachsettledbeforehecametothefortress.Theresthadhelped,thesensationofstillbeingonthewaterhavingfaded.Hehadtakenhistimecoming,feelingnohurry.
Ashewalked,hecouldnothelpbutrememberthefirsttimehehadbeenbroughttohisMaster.Hehadbeenterrified,surroundedbyImpsandtheirfollowers,stillnewtothisworld,unsureofwhatwashappening.Theyhaddraggedhimhere,ignoringhispleasandcries.HehadbeenthrowndowninfrontofhisMaster,hismusclesrefusingtoworkwhenhewastoldtostand.Hehadhuddledthereuntilhewasliftedfromthefloor,facinghisnewMasterforthefirsttime.Thathadbeenthestartofhisjourneytowherehewastoday.
Shakinghishead,heapproachedthelargecarvedwoodendoorsthatledtothethroneroom.Thedoorswereinlaidwithgoldanddecoratedwithpreciousstones.HewassurprisedthathisMasterfelttheneedtobringsomebeautyintothisplace.Hemotionedtotheguardsmanningthedoorsandtheyhurriedlypulledthemopen.
Heenteredthethroneroom,takingnoticeoftheotherdemonsthatwerestandingintheroom,waitingfordirection.Thethroneroomwaslarge,stretchingatleastonehundredfeetwideanddeep,withthestoneceilingthatwasatleastfiftyfeethigh.Thewallsweremadeoftightlypackeddarkgreystones,uniforminsizeandsmoothlycarved.Severalchandeliersofcandleshangingfromtheceiling,aswellasbraziersliningthewalls,littheroom.Thetallstonethronewasslightlyoffset,nearthebackwall.Nexttothethroneweretwonaturallyoccurringstones,withalargegapbetweenthem.Inthisgap,Brucesawthatnow-familiarswirlingpitofdarkness,framedbyredfire.Itwastheportalthatallowedthedemonsintothisworld.
HisMasterwasstandingnexttohisthronewhenBruceentered.BrucewasstillawareofhowmuchhisMasterwasunliketheotherdemons.Bruceapproachedhim,kneelingwhenhecamewithinafewfeet.
“Ihavereturned,Master.”Hesaid.Hefeltatrickleofsweatworkitswaydownhisbackasthedemonlordstudiedhiminsilence.
“Whathaveyouseen?”Thedemonfinallyasked.“Creatosisdead,destroyedbyJakeThomasandhisclericfriends.”Bruce
replied.“Creatoshadalwaysconsideredhimselfgreaterthanhewas.”Thedemon
repliedwithaslightsmile.“Tellmeallthathappened.”BruceexplainedwhathehadwitnessedinCreatos’fortress,includingthe
finalbattle.“JakeheldhisownagainstCreatosthroughoutthebattle.Heshowedgreatpower,butitwasthatfinalreleaseofpowerthatnearlydestroyedCreatos.Hewasstrugglingtorecover,butwasfinishedoffbytheclericwiththestaff.”Brucefinished.“HeisthemostpowerfulclericthatIhaveeverseen.HewithstoodthepowerofnumerousImpsbyhimself.”
“IhavehadreportsofthisclericfromSanduas.”HisMastersaid.“Ioncethoughthemaybemyoldenemyindisguise,butnolongerbelievethat.”Hesatdownonhisthrone.“Itistimethatsomethingisdoneabouthim.”
“Iwillgo,Master.”Brucesaidquickly.“IamsureIcangetcloseenoughtokillhim.”
“No.”Thedemonlordreplied.“Idoubtevenyouhavethepowertoovercomehim.”
Brucegrittedhisteethinfrustration.Hehaddemonstratedhispowermorethanonceagainstthosedemonsthatquestionedhisabilities.HeglaredupathisMaster.
“Doyouwishtotryyourselfagainstmeagain,myreluctantpupil?”Thedemonlordlaughed,joinedinbytheotherdemonsintheroom.“Ifyoutry,IwillnotbeasgentleasIwasthelasttime.”
Bruceshudderedslightly,recallingthepainfullessonthathisMasterhadtaughthim.Heswallowedhispride,pushingdownhisanger.“No,Master.”Hesaidtightly.Herepeatedthelinehehadbeentaught.“Ilivetoserveyou.”
“Good,forIhaveotherplansforyou.”Thedemonlordstated.“Iwantyoutogotowheretheswordisbeingheld.Ithinkitistimeforittomoveagain.Youwillfindaninnocentalongthewaytocarrytheswordandbringitbackhere.Iwantitbackundermyprotection.”
“Yes,Master.”Brucerepliedquickly.“ButifImayask,whataboutthe
cleric?”“Donotworryyourselfabouthim.”Thedemonlorddeclared.“Thecleric’s
deathisalreadymovingtowardshim.”Hegesturedtowardsthedoor.“Youmayleaveus.”
Brucerose,bowingtohisMaster,andturnedtoleave.Hesawtheotherdemonssmirkingathimashewalkedaway.Fistsclenched,hetriedtokeephisangerincheckashemovedtothedoor.Hehatedbeinglaughedat.
“Bruce.”HisMaster’svoicecarriedsoftlybehindhim.Hestoppedandlookedback.“Noneofmybrothersorourfollowersaretobeharmed.IfIfindoutthatyouhavedisobeyedmeinthis,youwillfeelmywrath.”
“Asyouwish.”Brucerepliedtightly,turningandleavingthethroneroom.Oneday,Iwillmakeallofyoupay.Hethoughttohimselfashestormedoutofthefortress.
CHAPTERTWELVE
Combinedwiththeheatfromthesunbeatingdown,thedust,dungsmellandtheconstantclangingofthecowbellsfromtheseeminglyendlessherdbegantowearonJake.HewasstandingnexttoDontas,hisrighthandonthesaddlepommel,hislefthandgraspinghisswordhilt,squeezingitinfrustration.Allhecouldseewasabrownandblacklineofcattle,movingslowingalongtheoppositeroad,withthecattledriversspreadoutandridingupanddowntheline,shoutingandcrackingwhipstomaintainorder.
Theywerehaltedatacrossroads,atwo-daysridewestofDunanty,standinginacrowdoftravelerswaitingaswell.Wilhamhadtoldthemthattheymightrunintotheherdersdrivingtheircattlesouthtorichgrazinglandstopreparefortheapproachingautumn.JakeglancedunderDontas’necktowardshim.
Wilhamwasslimmaninhisearlythirties,aboutJake’sheight,withlightbrownhairanddarkeyes.Hisfacewasplain,withaseriouslookthatbefittedhiscalling.Hehadaslimscarthatranacrosshisrightcheek,leavinganemptyfurrowinhisshortbeard,paleagainsthistanface.Hewasdressedinthearmorandgreenhoodofawarriorcleric.
Hewasspeakingquietlywithseveralpeople,Hailynstandingnexttohim.Asteadystreamofothertravelersseekinghealingoracleric’sadvicehadapproachedthemwhiletheywaited.Atleasttheyhavesomethingtodo.Jakethought,bored.
TheyhadwaitedinDunantyfortwodaysbeforeBrotherKalhadbeenabletoarraignforpermissionforthemtoleave.JakeandHailynhadbeeninvitedtodinewithhimbothnights,JakelettingHailynengagehiminconversation,fearingthathewouldgiveawaythathewasnotreallyacleric.Kalhadtakenhisrelativesilencewithgoodgrace,glancingathimfromtimetotime,butnotsayinganything.
ItwaswhentheyarrivedonthesecondnightthatKalpresentedthemwithsealedlettersandinformedthemthattheywouldleavethenextmorning.
“Thelettersarefromthequeen.”Hehadtoldthem.“Ifyouarestoppedbysoldiersorneedassistance,simplypresenttheseletters.Theyinformthereaderthatyouaretravelingonbehalfofthequeenand,ifpresented,thatpersonisforbiddentointerferewithyouandmustprovideanyassistanceneeded,ifasked.”
“Thankyou,Brother.”Hailynreplied.“Thisisagreatgift.Wehadonlyhopedtobegivenleavetodepart.”
“Well,beforeyouthankme,thereisacondition.”Kalrepliedwithasmile.“ABeraganclericwillaccompanyyoutoensurethat,iftheinformationisfound,itisshared.Now,ItrustJonas,butIagreedtosatisfythequeen.”
“Weunderstand.”Hailynrespondedpolitely.“Alocalclericshouldmakethejourneygofastersincetheywillknowtheland,thepeopleandtheircustoms.”
“Ithoughtthesame.”Kalsaid.HelookedoveratJake,aplayfulgleaminhiseye.“Onceyouareclearofthecity,youcanchangebackintoyourarmorandwearyourweapons.Wecan’thaveanyonecominguptoyouforhealingbymistake.”
“Howdidyouknow?”Jakeasked,aghast.Hehadbeensosurethathehadnotgivenanyhintsthathewasnotacleric.
Kallaughed,shakinghishead.“Jonasinformedmeinhisletter.Heexplainedthatyouwerenotacleric,butasoldiersenttoprotectSisterHailyn.Heapologizedforthedeception,butwrotethathebelievedthatyoutravelingasaclerictothecapitalwouldavoiddelaysorquestionsofyourintent.”Hepaused.“IthinkthatIagreewithhim.Youridinghereopenlyprobablywouldhaverousedsuspicionsinthepalaceandmadeitmuchharderformetosecureyourdeparture.”
“Won’tmyarmorandweaponsstillattractattention?”Jakeasked.“Youmayattractsomeduetothefactthatyouareanoutsider,butsinceitis
clearthatSisterHailynisnotBeragan,youridingwithherwillnotseemstrange.Thesightofasoldierridingwithaclericiscommonplacehere.”Kalreplied.“Also,youwillbewithWilham,theclericIamsendingwithyou.Hispresencewilllikelykeepmostquestionsatbay.”
Afterdinner,theywereintroducedtoWilham.HehadrespondedtoKal’ssummons,stridingintoKal’sstudy,anairofquietconfidenceabouthim.Hewaspolite,butserious.Hehadbeenwiththeclericssincehismid-teens,becomingawarriorclericafterhisapprenticeship.HehadtraveledtothewestseveraltimesandwasfamiliarwiththeCrescentHillsandthelandbeyond.
Themorningtheyleft,withtheskycloudyandacoolnortherlywindblowing,Kalhadgiventhemheavycloakswithhoods,madeofleatherwithawaxycoatingontheoutside.“Thesewillhelpkeepyouwarmanddry.”Hehadsaid.“Theweathercanchangerapidlyontheplains,sunnyandwarmoneday,stormyandcoldthenext.”
FollowingWilham,theyhadriddentothewesternroadandkeptasteadypace.Theroad,cuttingacrosstherollingplains,alightbrownsliceinthewavinggreengrass,wasmadeofhard-packeddirt,relativelysmoothdespitethemanywagonsandhorsesthattraveledit.Theyhadspentthefirstnightataninninasmallvillage,wakingintheearlymorningandridingonuntiltheearlyafternoon,butnowstuckbythecattledrive.
Jake,seeingtheothertravelersmoveawayfromHailynandWilham,duckedunderDontas’neck,andmovedclosertothem.
“Howmuchlongerarewegoingtobestuckhere?”Jakeasked,hisirritationclearinhisvoice.“Can’tweridearoundthissomehow?”
“Havepatience,Taric.”Wilhamsaid.JakeandHailynagreedthatheshouldcontinuetousethatnamewithothers.“Itmaynotseemit,butwewillbeonourwaysoon.”Hepointedtoacattledriverwearingabrightredclothbelt,sittingonahorsewatchingtheherd.“Thatisthecattlemaster.Healwaysridesneartheendofanyherddrive.Weshouldseetheendshortly.”
“Ifyousayso,BrotherWilham.”Jakemuttered.Thethreestoodthereforanothertenminutesuntil,finally,thelastcows
passedby,followedbyseveralbrightlypaintedwagons.Assoonastheroadcleared,themassofstucktravelersbeganmovingwest.Therewassomecursingandshovingastheyrodeintoanothergroupoftravelersheadingeast,theroadcloggedwithhorsesandwagons.Jakesawasmallgroupofsoldiersrideupandrestoreorder.
Oncethecrowdsdissipatedsomewhat,theymountedtheirhorsesandcontinuedtheirjourney.Jakewasrelievedtobetravelingagain,hisimpatiencefadingastheyrode.
“OncewereachSulimntonight,theroadwillbecomemuchlesstraveled.”Wilhamtoldthem.“MostofthetownsandcitiesareeastofSulimn.Whenweleavethere,therewillbeonlysmallvillagesalongourpathuntilwereachKersant.”
Asthesunwasdriftinglowinthewesternsky,Jakenoticedalong,darksmudgethatseemedtorisefromtheplains,spreadingacrossthehorizon.HeaskedWilhamaboutit.
“ThosearetheCrescentHills.”Hereplied.“Theyarestillfaroff,butweshouldreachtheirbasebeforenightfalltomorrow.”
Thesunhasjustset,withabeautifulpalateofredsandorangespaintingthesky,whentheyreachedSulimn.Itwasasmallstone-walledtown,setofftothenorthoftheroad,itsmaingateopen.Therewerefourguardslightingwatch
torchesastheyenteredthetown.Theguards,dressedinleatherarmorandcarryinglongsteel-tippedspears,aswellasshortclubsanddaggershangingfromtheirbelts,salutedWilham,lookingrelievedtoseehim.TheygazedcuriouslyatJakeandHailyn.Wilhamnoddedtotheguardsastheyrodepast.Heledthemtoalargeinn,setnearasmallcourtyardinthecenterofthetown.Therewasalargegroupofpeoplemillingaboutthecourtyard.
Astheydismounted,Jakenoticedthatthecrowdinthestreetwatchingthem,pointingandwhispering.SeveraloftheclosestcameuptoWilham,lookingsomewhatconfusedbyHailyn’spresence,butstillspeakingwithhim,theirtonesoftandurgent.Jakecameovertostandwiththem.
“Iheardaboutitaswell.”Amiddle-agedwomaninfineclotheswasfranticallysaying.“Thereweretalesofseveralbandsofthecrazedones,somehavingdemonswiththem,attackingthevillages.”
“Isawonevillage,aboutaday’sridenorthofhere,withmanyhomesburnt,itspeoplescattered.”Afatmandressedinthewornclothesofalaborerinterjected.“Wedidnotstaytofindoutifthecrazedoneswerestillaround.”
“Crazedones?”JakewhisperedtoHailyn.“TheBeragandescriptionforhalf-men.”Sherepliedsoftly.“Fearnot,goodpeople.”Wilhamannouncedloudly.“Tonight,thankstothe
One,youaresafe.”HegesturedtowardsHailyn.“SisterHailynandIarehere.Wewillstandagainstanyattackofthecrazedonesortheirmasters.”
“Whatabouttheoutlyingvillages?”Someoneinthecrowdshouted.“Inthemorning,Iwillgoandinvestigate.”Wilhamstated,lookingaround,
unconsciouslygrippinghissword.“Iwilltrackdownthisbandorbandsofourenemiesandputanendtothem.”
Jakeheardacollectivesighofrelieffromthecrowdastheyslowlybegantodisperse.Wilhammotionedthemtofollowhimintotheinn.
Theinnwasafarcryfromtheotherplacesthattheyhadstayedin.Whilemanyhadraucoushalls,thisonewashalf-full,theatmospheresubdued,amusicianplayingquietlyinacorner.Thepatronslookedoveratthemastheyentered,manylookingrelievedatthesight,thenreturnedtotheirquietconversations.
Theinnkeeper,astoutwomanwithgrayinherhairandaspotlessapronon,refusedtotakepaymentfortheirrooms.“AtleastIknowthatwearesafewhileyouareundermyroof.”ShetoldWilham.
Aftertheywereshowntheirrooms,theywenttoasmall,privateroomoffthemainhalltoplan.Theroomwasplainlydecoratedwithafireplaceinone
wallandasmallwoodentableandfourchairsinthecenter.Astheysatdown,thedooropenedandacoupleofservinggirlsbroughtfoodanddrinkstothem.Oncethegirlsdeparted,Wilhambegan.
“Ifthestoriesaretrue,Imusttrackdownthesebands.”Wilhamstated.“Itisthewarriorclerics’swornmissiontoprovideprotectiontothepeoplefromthedepredationsofthedemons.”
“Wedon’thavethetimetospendlooking.”Jakesaidcautiously.“Ifthedemonsfindoutthatwearelookingfortheinformation,thentheywillmoveittowherewecanneverreachit.Wehavetocontinue.”
Wilhamfrownedatthat.“BeforetheOne,Ihavesworntodefendtheinnocent.IhavetoknowforsurebeforeIcangoanyfurther.”
“Andhowlongwillthatbe?”Jakeaskeddirectly.“Days,weeks?”HemetWilham’seyes.“Wesimplydon’thavethetime.”Herepeatedsoftly.
Wilhamnoddedreluctantly,unhappy.Theysatinsilenceforawhile,allowinghimtocontemplatetheiroptions.Heatelittle,sittingslumpedinthischair,hismindfocusedonthedecisionbeforehim.Hefinallyrousedhimself.
“Imuststayanddetermineifourenemiesarehere.”Hesaidslowly.HeglancedoveratHailyn,eyesappraising.“Sister,doyouswearbeforetheOnethattheChiefClericofSanduaswillsharetheinformationyoufindwithus,ashesaid?”Heaskedseriously.
“Ido,Brother.”Hailynrepliedformally.Shereachedoverandplacedherhandoverhis.“WeallservetheOne.Youmusttrustwhatyourhearttellsyou.”
“Then,inthemorning,youbothwillcontinueontoKersant.”Hesaid,reliefanddeterminationonhisface.“IwillfollowassoonasIfinishmyinvestigation.”Hetookadrinkfromhiscup.“Youonlyhavetofollowtheroad.YouwillreachtheCrescentHillstomorrow.Itwilltaketwodaystomakepassageoverthem.KersantliesonthewesternedgeoftheHills.Ifyouhaveanydifficulties,usethelettersyouweregiven.”
“Thankyou,Brother.”Hailynsaidgently.“Iunderstandthetrustyouareplacinginus.Wewillnotdisappointyou.”
“Idonotdoubtit.”Wilhamsaid,rising.“Wewillspeakagaininthemorning.”Withthat,helefttheroom.
“Ididn’tthinkhewoulddothat.”Jakestated,surprisedbytheturnofevents.
“Heknewyouwereright.”Hailynresponded.“Wedonothavethetimetospendtrackingdownhalf-men,buthehastohonorhisoath.”Sheglancedover
atJake,anunreadablelookinhereyes.“So,nowweareonourown.”“Onourown.”Jakeagreed,takingalongdrinkfromhiscup.Withthesunbelowthehorizon,thetownstillcoveredinshadow,Jakeand
Hailynroseandmadereadytoride.Intheemptymainhall,theyquicklyatethemealpreparedforthem,andthenwenttothestablestogettheirhorses.Astheyleft,theinnkeepergavethemseveralmeals,stuffedinpouches,asagift.JakeandHailynfoundWilhamalreadyinthestables,hishorsesaddledandreadytogo.Theyquicklygottheirhorsessaddledandfollowedhimtothetown’smaingate.Theystarteddowntheroad,headingwest.
“Stayontheroad;itwilltakeyoutoKersant.”Wilhamsaid,faceseriousinthepalelight.“Whenyoureachthecity,youwillfindtheLibrarynearthecenter.Youcannotmissit;itisthelargestonebuildingwithadomedroof.Beyondit,theTempleissetuponasmallhill,overlookingthecity.”Heleanedcloser,voicedropping.“Remember,wehavenotheardfromKersantinweeks,soyoumayberidingintotrouble.Becarefulandcautious.”
“Wewill,Brother.”Hailynreplied.“Youmustbecarefultoo.”“Ialwaysam.”Hesaidwithaslightsmile.“MaytheOnegrantyou
success.”“Andyou.”Hailynsaid.Withthat,Wilhamturnedhishorsenorthandrodeoff.JakeandHailyn
pickedupthepaceoftheirhorses,settlingintoamoderatepace.Thoughthesuncameoutfrombehindthescatteredclouds,thetemperaturestayedcoolandpleasantfortherestoftheday.ThedarksmudgeoftheHillsgrewlargerastheyapproached.
Therewaslittletrafficmovingalongtheroad.Theysawtheseveralwagonsandanoccasionalrider,butforthemostpart,theyrodealone.Theypassedbyseveralsmallvillages,earningcuriouslooksfromtheresidents,butnoonestoppedthem.
Theterrainbegantochangeastheymadetheirwaywest.Thegrassbegantothin,withmoretreesdottingthelandscape,andthegentlyrollingplainstransitionedintomorepronouncedhillsandhollows.Thegroundbecamerockier,withrandomrockformationsrisingfromthegroundlikescatteredstatues.
AsWilhamhadsaid,theyreachedthehillsneardusk.ThehillsappearedtobemorelikesmallmountainstoJake.Hesawtheroadbeganawindingclimbintothehills.HeandHailynmovedofftheroadintoasmallstandoftrees,settingupcamp,hiddenfromtheviewofanypassersby.Theyateaquickmeal
asnightdescendedandHailyntookthefirstwatchasJakerolledouthisblanketsandtriedtosleep.
Thenextdayseemedasiftheyweregoingtoclimbforever,thegoingslowerthanJakewouldhaveliked.Theroadcontinuedtoriseintothehills,neverseemingtodescendinanyappreciableway.Theydidnotencounteranyonethroughouttheday,thenoiseoftheirpassageseeminglytheonlysoundsintheworld,makingJakeuneasy.Itwasiftheyweretheonlytwopeopleleftontheplanet.Hebegantoworriedlylookaround,hismindimaginingunseenthreats,buttherewasnothingbutthetwoofthem.Finally,theynearedthesummitasthesunwassetting.Hopefully,wewillmakebettertimegoingdownhill.Jakethought.
However,theweatherchangedinthenight.Thecloudsgathered,thetemperaturedroppedandagentlerainbegantofall.Quicklycoveringuptheirsupplies,JakewasgratefulforthecloaksKalhadgiventhem.Theywereindeedwarmandtherainrolledoffthewaxysurface.
Inspiteofthenearlyconstantrain,theymadeittotheothersidebythelateafternoonofthenextday.Therainletupjustastheyspiedtheplainsbeyond,thoughthecloudscoveredthesky.Astheycrestedthelasthill,Kersantbecamevisibletothem.
Kersantwasasmallcity,nestledatthebaseofthehills,surroundedbyalargestonewallthatencircledthecity.Theroadtheywereonranuptothemaingates,whichwereopen.Jakecouldseethewarrenofstreetsandalleysthatranthroughthestoneandwoodbuildings.Themainstreetledtothecenterofthecity.Itpassedthroughawidestonecourtyardbeforeleadingtoalargebuildingsittingonasmallhill:theTemple.Onthesideofthecourtyardwasatallstonebuildingthattoweredoverthenearbybuildings.Jakecouldeasilyseethedomedrooffromthisdistance.ThathadtobetheLibraryofKersant.
Astheyrodeoutofthehillsandapproachedthegate,Jakefeltasiftheleadenskywasbearingdownonhim,weighingdownhisspirit,oppressiveinitssmotheringsameness.Thegraycloudsoverheadwashedoutthefaintsunlight.Thecolorsoftheworldseemedtohavefaded;everythingwasnowtaintedwithanashenhue.
Atthecitygate,thetwosoldiersstandingguardstoppedthem.Themenweredressedinchainmailandpointedhelms,armedwithlongpikesandswordsontheirbelts.Theylookedwary,theireyesdartingbehindthem,astheybroughttheirpikesdownandcrossedthem,barringtheirway.
“Whatbusinessdoyouhavehere?”Thesoldierontheleftaskedbrusquely.
“Wearecautiousofoutlanders.”“WehavecometoseekouttheLibrary.”Hailynrepliedassheundidher
cloak,revealingherclerics’robe.“Arewenotallowedinthecity?”“Forgiveme,Sister.”Themansaidquickly.Helookedbehindhimagain.
“Areyousureyouwishtoenter?Itmaybebetterifyoureturnanothertime.”Hesaidquietly.
“Whatistheproblem?”Sherespondedgently.“Ionlywishtospeakwiththelibrarian.”
Beforehecouldspeak,anothersoldierapproached,anofficerbyhisuniform.Hecameup,apprisingHailynandJake,eyesgoingwideatthesightofHailyn’srobes,andturnedtothesoldiers.
“Whatisgoingon,soldier?”Hedemanded.“Whyareyoublockingtheirway?”
“Justaskingtheirbusiness.”Themanreplied,eyesscanningthecitybeyond.
“Letthempass,youfool.”Theofficersaid,hisvoicesoundingnervous.“Wedonotwanttobeknownasinhospitable,dowe?”
“Ofcoursenot,sir.”Theguardanswered,hisfacesuddenlyturningpale.Hequicklyliftedhispike,theothersoldierdoingthesame.“Ifyouwishtoenter,youmay.”
“MaytheblessingoftheOnebeonyou.”Hailynintoned,raisingherhand.Sheturnedtotheofficer.“Canyougiveusdirectionstoagoodinninthecity?”
“Simplyfollowthisstreet,Sister.”Themanreplied.“ThebestinnistheSleepingLady.ItisneartheLibrarycourtyard.”
“Thankyou.”HailynsaidassheandJakerodeintothecity.Jakeobservedthegroupsofpeoplestandingnearthefrontofmanyofthe
buildings,watchingthempass.TheywouldglancetowardsJakeandHailyn,andthenspeakquietlytogether.SeveralhurriedlyturnedandleftwhentheysawthatJakehadnoticedthem.
Hewassuddenlyuncomfortable,hissensestellinghimthatsomethingwasnotrighthere.Hecouldalmostfeelthehiddensub-currentoffearwormingthroughthecity.Whatisgoingon?Hethoughtworriedly.Hewascertainthathewouldnotlikefindingouttheanswer.
“Somethingisscreweduphere.”HetoldHailynquietly.“Can’tyoufeelit?”
“Yes,Jake.”Shesaidsoftlyasshewatchedthepeoplemovingabout.“Weneedtobecautious,butlet’sseeifwecannotfindoutwhattherunesmean
now.Wecanalwaysleaveandsleepinthewoods.”TheyheadedtotheLibrary,itsrounddomeclearlyvisibleovertherestof
thebuildings,guidingthem.TheyenteredthewidepavedcourtyardthatcoveredtheareainfrontoftheLibrary.AstheypassedthefountaininthecenterofthecourtyardandstoppednearthemaindoorsoftheLibrary,ateenagerinwhiterobescamerunningacrossthecourtyardtowardsthem.JakenotedthathecamefromthedirectionoftheTemple.
“Sister,IamNiclos,anapprenticeoftheTemple.”Hesaidassoonashecaughthisbreath.“Areyouahealingcleric?”
“Iam.”Hailynreplied.“ThankstotheOne.”Hesaidquickly.“CanyoucometotheTemplenow?
Wehaveinjuredpeople,butourlasthealingclericleftsometimeago.”HailynglancedatJake,whoshookhisheadno.“Ihavetogo,Jake.”She
saidsoftly.“IcannotletotherssufferwhenIcanhelp,especiallyintheTemple.”
“ThenIwillgowithyou.”Jakereplied.“No.”Hailynsaid.“Findoutwhatwecameherefor,thenjoinme.”“Iwillcomebackforhim,ifyouwish,Sister.”Niclossaidhurriedly,
lookingbacktowardstheTemple.“Please,canwego?”“Wewillgo,Niclos.”Hailynsaid,leaningdownandplacingacalminghand
onhisshoulder.ShelookedovertoJake.“Wehavetotakesomerisks.”“Idon’tlikeit,butifwearegoingtodoit,let’sdoit.”Hestated.“Iwillbe
thereassoonasIcan.”“IwillwaitforyouattheTemple.”Shereplied.SheturnedtoNiclos.
“Leadon,Niclos.”JakewatchedasHailynrodeoff,followingNiclos,whotookoffback
towardstheTempleatarun.Shakinghishead,heslidoffDontasandtiedoffthereinsatahitchingpostnearthedoors.Heglancedaround,themostlyemptycourtyardfillinghimwithmisgiving.Getonwithit.Hegrowledtohimself.
Heclimbedthestairsthatledtothemainentrance,twolargewoodendoorsthatwereopen.HepassedbythestonecolumnsthatbracketedthedoorsandenteredtheLibrary,hisfootstepsechoingsoftlyinthestoneentryway.Hepausedandlookedaround.Thereweresmallroomsofftothesides,withthemainlibrarydirectlyaheadthoughalargearchway.Thehallwayandroomswerelitwithamultitudeofcandles,groupedtogetherinlargeironcandleholders.Therewereatleastfortyorfiftycandlesineachholder.Glancingup,Jakesawthatthestoneceiling,atleastfiftyfeethigh,was
decoratedwithbrightcoloredstones,arrangedincomplexmosaics.Hetookadeepbreathandwentintothemainlibrary.Theroomwashuge,
itsroundwallsmadeofpolishedstone,withthedomedrooftoweringoverthecenter.Therewererowsofwoodenshelvesradiatingfromthecenter,likespokesonawheel,filledwithscrollsandbooks.Jakenoticedtheslightlydustysmellintheroom,faintbutever-present.Ashemadehiswaytothecenteroftheroom,hesawafewpeoplestandingaroundtheroom.Theyseemedstartledbyhispresenceandquicklymovedoff.
Inthecenteroftheroom,therewasanopenspacewithtablesandchairsspreadabout,withcandlesnearby,lightingthearea.Hespottedamaninadarkrobemovingabouttheshelves,returningscrolls.Themanwastallandthin,withalongfacetoppedwithunkemptdarkhair.Jakeapproachedhim,tappinghimontheshouldertogethisattention.Themanjumpedandspunaround,startled.
“Sorry.”Jakesaidquickly,seeingthefearintheman’sbrowneyes.“Ididn’tmeantoscareyou,butIwantedtoknowifyoucanhelpme.”
Themangainedcontrolofhimself,studyingJakeinhisarmor,thoughheglancednervouslyaroundtheroombeforehespoke.“Whatassistancedoyouneed?”Themanasked.
Jakepulledouttheparchmentwiththerunes.“Iamtryingtofindthekeythatwillinterpretwhattheserunesmean.”
TakingtheparchmentfromJake,themanlookedcloselyattherunes.Afterstudyingthemforsometime,hehandedthepaperbacktoJake.“Followme.”
ThemanledJakeovertoatableneartherowsofshelves.“Sitandwaithere.”Themansaidofficially.“Iwillfindyouthescrollsyouneed.”Themanwentdownoneoftherows.
Jakesatdown,lookingaroundthelibrary.Hefeltasuddentwingeoffearwhenherealizedthathewastheonlypersonintheroom.Hetriedtostaycalm,refusingtolethisimaginationgetthebestofhim.Shortly,themanreturned,carryingseveralscrolls.
“TherunesappeartobefromtheHighLanguageperiod.”ThemansaidashesetthescrollsdownnexttoJake.“Thesescrollsarethecommontranslationsfromthatperiod.Theyshouldbeabletoassistyou.”
“Thanks.”Jakesaidashereachedforthenearestscroll.“Ihavemydutiestoattendto,soIwillleaveyoutoyourresearch.”The
mansaidasheturnedtoleave.“Youmayleavethemonthetablewhenyouarefinished.”
Jakenoddedasthemanwalkedbackintotherowsofshelves.Hepulledoneofthecandleholdersclosetogivehimmorelight,thenpulledouttheparchment,layingitnexttothescroll,andbegantolookforanswers.
…TheTemplerearedaboveHailynassheslowlydismounted.Thestructure
waslarge,withseveralsmallerbuildingsattachedtothemainsanctuary.Thegrounds,filledwithtrees,bushesandotherplants,werenotwellmaintained.Thatwassomewhattroublingtoher,butshetriednottojudgethemtooharshlyuntilshehadachancetospeakwithanothercleric.
Noticingthattherewerefewapprenticesaroundthegrounds,HailynquestionedNiclos,whowaswaitingnervouslynearby.“Wherearetheclerics,Niclos?”
“Manyhaveleft,Sister.”Hesaid,glancingaround.“Thefewthatremainareinthesanctuarywiththewoundedandsick.”
“Whydidtheyleave?”“Ishouldletaclerictellyou.”Herepliedashepushedopenthedoorson
oneoftheoutbuildings.“Pleasefollowme.”Despitehermisgivings,shefollowedhimintotheTemple.Hetookher
downalonghallwaythatendednearalargeopeningontherightthatledintothemainsanctuary.“Inhere,Sister.”Hesaidashewentdowntheshortsteps.
Shefollowedhimdown,lookingcautiouslyaroundthemainsanctuaryastheywalkeddownthecenteraisle.Thetallstonewallsweredimlylit,thewoodenbenchesslightlyaskew,anunusualodorintheair.Shefacedforwardandsawthetherewerepeoplecoveredwithblanketslyingonthebenchesclosetothealtar.Shenoticedatallfigureinclericsrobesbendingoveroneoftheinjured,apparentlyministeringtothem.
Shewaswalkingtowardsthecleric,preparedtoassist,whenshestoppedsuddenly,Nicloshaltingwithher.Ithadnotregisteredwhenshefirstglancedatit,butsomethingwaswrongwiththealtar.Whenshelookedatitagain,shesawtheeternalflamewasout.Noclericwouldallowthattohappen!Shocked,sheinstinctivelycalledupherpower,hershiningformchasingawaytheshadows,andwhippedherheadaroundtolookatNiclos.
“Forgiveme,Sister!”Hecriedout.“Ihadnochoice!”Spinningonhisheel,heturnedandranoutofthesanctuary.Shewastakenaback,butbeforeshecouldreact,theclericnearthealtarspoke.
“Donotholditagainsthim.Hetrulydidnothaveachoice.”Analienvoice,mockingintone,camefromthedarkenedhoodasthefigurestraightened.
Humanhandsthatendedinclawsreachedupandpushedthehoodback.Hailynsawwhatlookedlikeanattractivewoman’sface,completewithwavyblackhair,exceptthiswomanhadpitchblackeyesandamouthfullofsharpteeth.“Haveyoucometodielikealloftheothers,littlecleric?”Thedemontaunted,itsformsuddenlysurroundedwithdarkpower.
Hailynheardmovementallaroundher.ShespunslowlyaroundtoseeImpsappearinthedoorways,cuttingoffanyavenuesofescape.
…Jakegroundhisteethinfrustrationashefeltlikehewasgettingnowhere
withthescrolls.Hepushedthembackangrily,unabletofigureouttherunes.Maybeifthelibrariancameback,hecouldgetsomehelp.Herubbedathistemples,tryingtocalmdownandchaseofftheuncomfortablefeelingthathadtakenholdofhisbody.
Caughtupinhisemotions,ittookamomentforhimtorealizethesensationhewasfeeling.Hesprangtohisfeet,spinningaround.AcrosstheroomfromhimwasanImpwithfourmennexttoit.
“Studytimeisoverforyou,boy.”TheImpsneered.“Killhim!”Thedemonordereditsmen.
Jakecalleduphismagicasthemendrewtheirswordsandchargedathim.Hesentawaveofbluefireracingacrosstheroomashemovedawayfromthetable,sweepingoverthemenandtheImp.Tohisshock,whiletwoofthemenexplodedintoashandtheImpwasknockedback,itsformsmoking,theothertwomenranthroughhismagicunharmed.
Shit!Hecursedtohimselfashedrewhisownsword.Hisswordwasbarelyoutofitssheathwhenthetwomenclosedwithhim.Hedesperatelyparriedthelowthrustonhisrightwhilethrowinguphisarmoredforearmtoblockthehighattackonhisleft.Jakecriedoutashefeltaribbonoffireacrosshisleftcheekastheman’sswordgrazedhisface.Atthesametime,hissword,slidingalonghisopponent’sblade,droveintotheotherman’sthighandwaswrenchedoutofhishandasthemanfell,screaming.
Jakethrewhimselfawayfromtheotherman,narrowlydodgingablow,rollingtohisfeetanddrawinghisdagger.Beforehecouldgetset,hewasstruckbyablastfromtheImp,knockinghimoffbalance.Fightingtoregainhisequilibrium,helaunchedablazingazureboltofpowerattheImp,blastingitbackintotheshelves,whichcollapsedontopofitinadeafeningclatterofcollapsingwood.Hewasforcedtodiveawayagainasthemanclosedwithhim,swordslashing.Hebitbackacryofpainastheman’sswordscoredalonghis
thighashepassed.Jakehobbledbacktohisfeet,asthemanattackedagain.Ifyouonlyhavea
daggerwhenfacingamanwithasword,closeandgetinsidehisguard.Dominic’sinstructionsoundedinhismind.Despitehisinjuredleg,heleaptintotheman’sattack.Hefelttheman’sswordglanceoffhisbreastplate,slidingalonghissideandcuttingintotheinsideofhisleftarm.Oncehewaspasttheswordhilt,Jakedesperatelywrappedhisleftarmaroundtheman’sright,pinninghisswordarm.Themanlefthandcameup,smashingintoJake’sfaceandthenpushinghisheadback,tryingtodislodgedhim.Jakebroughthisdaggerup,slammingitintotheman’sunprotectedarmpit.Themanroaredinpain,thenbrightbloodfrothedfromhismouth.Jakeyankedhisdaggeroutandstruckagain.Themanshuddered,hisstrengthsuddenlygone,andcollapsed.
Jakestaggeredback,lookingformoreopponents.Helookedattheotherman,whowaslyingstillontheground,Jake’sswordnexttohiminapoolofblood.Suddenly,withaloudcrash,theImpthrewofftheshelvescoveringitandstood.Jakedidnotgiveitachancetoattack.HefocusedablastofpowerthattorethroughtheImp,reducingittoashesbeforeitcouldevencryout.
Jakelimpedovertowherehisswordwasandpickeditup.Hesawthatthemanwasdead,hiseyesfixedandstaring.Musthavehitthefemoralartery.Hewasmovingtowardsthepileofash-coveredclothesofthehalf-men,planningtowipethebloodoffhissword,whenhedetectedmovementbehindhim.
Hespun,bringinghisswordup.Thelibrarianwaslookingatthedestructionwithashockedexpressiononhisface.HesawtheangeronJake’sfaceandfelltohisknees.“Pleaseforgiveme,youngmaster!”
“Yousetmeup!”Jakeshouted,hisangergrowing.Hemovedcloser,bringinghisswordup.“WhyshouldInotbelievethatyouarewiththem?”
“TheywouldhavekilledmyfamilyifIdidnotsendamessage.”Themanpleaded,hisfacepale,holdinghishandsup.“IwastoldtoalertthemofanystrangerswhocametotheLibrary.”
“Whatthehellaredemonsdoinghere?!”Jakesnapped.“Theyarrivedwiththeirfollowersnearlytwomonthsago.”Themansaid,
lookingattheground.“Theykilledofftheclericsandanywhostoodagainstthem.Weweretoldthatanycaughttryingtofleewouldbekilled,alongwiththeirfamilies.Wehavebeentrappedsincethen.”
“Wherearethey?”Jakeasked,loweringhisswordbutwatchingtheroomformovement.
“ThedemonshavetakenovertheTemple.”Themansaid.
Jakefelthimselfgocold.Hespunaroundandranasfastashisinjuredlegwouldallow.HeexitedtheLibrary,stoppingatthetopofthestairsandlookedtowardstheTemple.Inthelowlight,hesawbrilliantflashesoflightexplodingthroughtheTemplewindows.
“Hailyn!!!”HeshoutedashefranticallyrantoDontas.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Tryingtododgethestreaksofdarkfirethatflewfromthedemons,Hailynpulledinasmuchpowerasshecould.Herformblazedwithintenselight,asshetriedtodefendagainstthedemonsthatattackedherfromallsides.Shewasbuffetedbytheblackpowershecouldnotavoid,thesanctuaryreverberatingwiththesoundsclashingmagics,asshetriedtodeflectthedemons’firerainingdownonher.Shethrewherselftotheside,usingthebenchesascover,andsentablastofpowerradiatingoutinalldirections.SheheardthesoundsoftheImpsbeingknockedback,butthefemaledemonsurgedforward,passingthroughherpower,itsbodyencasedprotectivelyinebonfire.
“She’smine!”ThefemaledemoncriedandtheattacksceasedfromtheImps.ItsneeredatHailyn.“Youarestrong,littlecleric,butthatstrengthwillnothelpyouintheend.”ThedemonpunctuateditssentencebylevelingamassiveboltofpoweratHailyn.
Sheblockedtheattack,thoughitrockedherbackonherheels.Shehadamomentarytwingeoffear;thisdemonwasthemostpowerfulshehadeverfaced.Sheshookoffherconcern,tryingtowrapherselfincalm,andthenconcentratedhermight,sendingablazeofclerics’firestreakingatthedemon.Thedemonwasstaggeredslightly,itsformsizzlingfromthecollisionofpower.
Thedemonscreamed,thatalmost-humanfacetwistedinhate,attackingagain.Hailynshifted,slidingtoherright,tryingtoavoidadirectblastwhilecounterattacking.Thecollidingmagics,yellowchallengingtheblack,stunnedtheveryairoftheTemple,thenoisefromopposingpowersdeafening.Therapidconcussionsreverberatedoverandoverinthestonehall,magnifyingintoanoverwhelmingsound.Theybattledforseveralminutes,withneitherabletogainanadvantage.
Thedemonpausedmomentarilyinitsattack,changingpositionsandmovingquickly,tryingtogetaclearangleonHailyn.Sheresponded,slidingalongthebenchestomatchthedemon.Inthesuddenquiet,anewvoicesounded.
“Areyouhavingtrouble,sister?”Amockingvoicesaid.Hailynlookednearthealtar,herheartsinking,seeinganotherfemaledemonenter,almostidenticaltotheoneshefaced,exceptthisonehadasilverymaneofhair.“Can’tyoudealwithonesmallcleric?”
“Iwillfinishherquicklyenough,sister!”Thedemonspat,glaringoverattheotherone.“Afterwards,Imayteachyoualessoninhumilityaswell.”
Thenewdemonjeeredatthat,thechillingsoundechoingoffthewalls.“Youwillregretthedayyoutry.”
Screaminginanger,thedemonattackedagain,swingingitsfiststowardsHailyn,darkfirestrikingout.Hailyndeflectedtheattackandcountered.Herattackknockedthedemonbackandshefollowedwithanotherquickstrike.ThedemonscreamedinrageandpainasatrickleofHailyn’spowerwasabletopenetrateitsmagicalprotection.Itmovedagain,itsformsmoking,andslashedwithitsclawsatthebenchnexttoit.Thebenchshatteredintolarge,jaggedpieces.ThedemonsnatchedapieceupandflungitatHailyn.Shewasforcedtoduck,avoidingthewoodasitflewpast.
Thedemoncontinuedtohurlpiecesather,smashingbenchesasitmovedcloser,keepingHailynoff-balanceandmoving.Hailyncouldnotlaunchanattack,doingeverythingshecouldtokeepfrombeingstruck.Despiteherefforts,shewasalmosttoolate,divingawayatthelastmoment,asalargechuckofwoodwhistledpastherhead,closeenoughthatanedgeofittuggedatherhair.
Asshedove,thedemoncharged,closingwithher.BeforeHailyncouldreact,itspower-shroudedclawedhandcamedown,thedemondrivingpasttheconflictingmagics,andgrabbedherbyherrightwrist,yankingherup.Hailynbitbackacryasthedemon’spowerburnedher.
Asquicklyasthedemon’shandclosed,itsprangopen.Thedemonletoutascreamofagony,releasingHailynandleapingback,itshandblisteringandsmoking.Hailyn,settlingherfeetunderher,feltasuddenrushofpowerandafieryheatonherwrist,differentfromthedemon’stouch.Theheatwaspresent,butdidnotharmher;infact,itsoothedawaytheburns.Shelookedatherwristinamazement.Therunesonthebraceletwereblazingwithwhitelight.
“TheGuardian!”Thedemonshrieked,clutchingitsruinedhand.Hailyndidnothesitate,attacking,hermagicseekingthedemon.Shefeltthe
powersurgethroughher,heryellowfirestreakedwithbrilliantwhite.Hermightsmashedintothedemon,tearingpastitsprotectiveforce,andconsumedit.Itgaveafinalscream,explodingintoash.
“Killher!”Theotherdemonshouted,attackingHailyn.TheImpsresponded,darkfirecomingatherfromallsides.Sheattemptedtobalanceherpowerfordefensewhilestilltryingtolaunchattacksonthefemaledemon.
Hailynwasbuffetedbytheonslaught,theimpactsrockingherbackandforth.Thefemaledemonwasmoving,buttheconstantattackscausedHailyntoreactawkwardly,inspiteofdesperatelytryingtokeepthedemoninfrontof
her.Offbalance,herreactionwastooslowwhenthedemonunexpectedlypickedupapieceofthebrokenbenchesandthrewitather.
Thewoodslammedintoherchest,stunningher,anddroveherbackintoabench,theimpactknockingherbreathaway.Shefellforwardontothestonefloor,landingonherhandsandknees,hermindnumbandherbodyunresponsive.Sheglancedupandsawthedemonsprintingtowardsher.Shetriedtogatherherpowerasthedemonleaptintotheair,clawsextendedtotearherapart,butknewshewasalreadytoolate.
Outofnowhere,apowerfulboltofbluefirestreakedpastherandstuckthedemon,hurlingitback.Scramblingtoherfeet,sheglancedbehindhertoseeJakestandingatthesanctuaryentrance,shininglikeacobaltstar,theashfromtheImpsthathadbeenguardingthedoorsettlingathisfeet.Hehadhisswordinhishand,butHailynsawthathewascoveredinblood,anastycutvisibleonhischeek.TheImpsbegantoattackhim,forcinghimtorespond.
Sheturnedbacktothefemaledemon,whichwasrisingfromthefloor.Hailynattacked,thesteakofyellow-whitefireflaringlikeapieceofthesun,andhermightstaggeredthedemon,itsbodysteamingandskincracking.Sheattackedafinaltime,hermagicoverwhelmingthedemon’sdefenses,anditexplodedintoash.
SheimmediatelytargetedthenearestImps,herpowercuttingthroughthem.Jake,limpingandgrittinghisteethagainstthepain,movedupnexttoher,stillattackingwithhismagic.TheystoodtogetherinthemiddleoftheTemple,resoluteagainstthedemons,theradianceoftheirpowersblendingintoagreenishhalooflight.Workingintandem,theybroughttheLightbackintotheTemple.Theywereabletosweepawaythedemons’power,quicklydefeatingtheImps.Astheremainingdemonsturnedtoflee,withoutanythingbeingsaid,theyimmediatelypursued,catchingthemandcuttingthemdown.
WhentheyreachedthefarsideoftheTemple,theystoppedandJakesheathedhissword.Astheyturnedtolookateachother,HailynreachedoverandquicklyhealedJake.Reliefspreadoverhisfaceashiswoundsclosed.
“IwassoafraidIwouldnotreachyouintime,Hailyn.”Jakesaid,voicecrackingslightly,ashetookherhand.Helookeddownather,concernandreliefclearinhiseyes.Shewassurprisedwhenhepulledherintoahug,holdinghertight.“Isawthelightofyourbattle.IrodeasfastasDontascouldmove.IwassurethatyouwouldbekilledbeforeIcouldgetheretohelpyou.”
Shewasmovedbyhisadmission,happythathewasexpressingthesefeelingstowardsher.Heheldherforafewmoremoments,thenreleasedher,
lookingsomewhatembarrassedbyhisunexpecteddisplay.“Weneedtostaytogetherfromnowon.”Hestatedquietly,hischeeksred,
lookingateverythingbuther.“Iagree,Jake.”Hailynreplied,faceneutral,butsmilinginside.Heblewouthisbreath.“Weneedtomakesurethatwe’vedestroyedallof
thedemons.Wecan’tleaveanybehindorhaveanyescapetoreportthatwewerehere.”
“ItmaybebestforustocleartheTemplegroundsfirst,thenmovebackintothecity.”Hailynsuggested.
Hisformbrightenedashedrewinmorepower.Helookedather,hisblueeyesshining,andgentlytookherhand,holdingittenderly.Shegavehimasmile,whichhereturned.Hereleasedherhand,hissmileturninggrim.“Let’sdothis.”
…WhenJakefinallywokeup,itwaslateafternoon.HelookedoveratHailyn
inthebedacrosstheroom,sleepingcontently.Hesmiledashewatchedhersleep.Athoughtdriftedinhisconsciousness.She’sprettyevenwhenshesleeps.Heshookhishead,grimacing.Don’tbeaperv.
Hegotupquietly,tryingnottodisturbher,andmovedtolookoutthewindow.Hesawthatthecityresidentshadgatheredinthestreets,thesoundoftheirjubilationechoingthroughoutthecity.Hewassurethattheywouldbecaughtupinthatwhentheywentoutside.
Theyhadspenttherestofthenightfightingandmoving.TheyhadclearedtheTemple,findinganddestroyingseveralImpsthatwerehiding.Oncetheydidthat,theyworkedtheirwaytowardstheLibrary.Theydidnotencounteranyresistanceastheydescendedthehill.
Whentheyreachedthecourtyard,theyfoundoutwhy.Onthefarsideofthecourtyardweretheremainingtendemonsandtheirfollowers,atleasttwohundredmen.Jakeknewthatiftherewerenon-alteredmeninthatgroup,theywouldsimplyoverwhelmandkillthem,astheirpowercouldnotharmthem.However,theycouldnotturnbackastherewasnoplacetoruntothatwouldmakemuchofadifference.
Lookingforoptions,Jakesawaladderleadingtotheroofofanearbytwo-storystonebuilding.JakepulledHailynovertoit,gettinghertoclimbasthedemonsunleashedtheirforcesagainstthem.Jakesentablastofpowerintothechargingmen,destroyingthehalf-meninthegroup.JakeprovidedcoverforHailynasshequicklyclimbedtheladder,deflectingthedemons’firewhilestill
sendingburstsofmagicintothechargingmen.OnceHailynreachedtheroofandbeganattackingthedemons,Jake
scrambleduptheladder.Hereachedtheroofjustasthemenreachedthebottomoftheladder.Jakesentanotherblastdowntheladder,butnothinghappenedasthefirstmenwerenothalf-men.Fromtheroof,Hailynwassendingwaveafterwaveofclerics’fireintothedemonsandcrowdedmen,illuminatingtheskyasifitwasinthemiddleofalightningstorm.Underherfire,thehalf-meninthemassoffightersexplodedinash,decimatingtheirranks.Butatleastoneinfiveofthemenwerenotunderthedemons’influenceandtwentyofthemquicklygatheredatthebaseoftheladder.Jakedrewhisswordashecontinuedtoattackthehalf-men,readytostrikedownanywhoreachedtheroof.ThisislikethefreakingAlamo.Hethoughtbitterly.
Watchingthemenbegintoascendtheladder,Jakeknewthathehadtokeepthemofftherooforthatwouldbetheend.TrustingHailyntodealwiththedemons,hestoodatthetopoftheladder,hisswordready.Hewasrelievedthatthemendidnotseemtohavebows,sohedidnothavetotrustinhisarmortogivehimprotection.Hewaited,grippinghisswordtightly,andunleashinghismagicintothecrowdofmen,hopingthatmoreofthemwerehalf-menastheydrewclose.
Asthefirstmannearedthetopoftheladder,Jakebroughthisswordbackoverhisshoulderandstruck.Themanfell,screaming,knockingofftheothermenontheladderinhisdescent.Beforetheycouldstartbackuptheladder,theairwassuddenlyfilledwiththesoundofhorns.Frombehindthedemons’force,thelocalsoldiersappeared,pikesandswordsattheready,chargingintothefight.Thedemonstriedtoturntheirforcestoengagethisnewthreat.Severalsoldierswerekilledastheforcescollided,burnedbythedemons’fire,beforeHailyndirectedherpoweratthedemons.Themenbelowtheladdertriedtoresist,thenflee,asthesoldiersswarmedoverthem.
Freedfromhavingtodefendagainstthemen,JakejoinedHailyninattackingthedemons.Withbothofthemconcentratingtheirpower,theywereabletorapidlydestroythem.Oncethedemonsweregone,theylaidwastetotheremaininghalf-menwhilethesoldiersfoughtwiththeotherdemonfollowers.
MorequicklythanJakewouldhavethought,thebattlewasdone.HeandHailynclimbeddown,greetedwithcheersfromtheassembledsoldiers.Thecaptainwhohadbeenatthegatecameupandformallysalutedthem.WhileHailynmovedtohealthewoundedsoldiers,hespoketoJake.
“WhenwesawtheflashesoflightfromtheTemple,weknewthatsomething
importantwashappening.Yetwewereafraidtodoanything.”Helookeddown,embarrassed.“Pleaseunderstand.Wehavebeenlivinginfearsincethedemonstookcontrol.”Hepausedforamoment,andthencontinued.“Itwaswhenwesawthedemons’followersgatheringandmovingtowardsthecourtyard,somethingtheyhadneverdonebefore,thatweknewwehadtoact.Withallofthemtogetherinoneplace,wedecideditwasouronlychancetopossiblyridourselvesofthem.Ifwefailed,atleastwewoulddiefightinglikesoldiers,notcoweringinfright.”
WhenHailynfinishedhealingthewounded,sheandJakeaccompaniedthesoldiersastheysystematicallysweptthecitytomakesureitwasclear.ThepeopleappearedstunnedastheyopenedtheirdoorsandsawJakeandHailynshiningbrightlyinthemidstofthesoldiers.Manyofthelocalmengrabbedwhateverweapontheycouldfindandjoinedthesoldiers.
Itwasslightlybeforedawnbeforeitwasdecidedthatallofthedemonsandtheirfollowersweredestroyed.Withbothofthemwearyfromthecontinuoususeofmagic,theyweregiventhebestroomattheSmilingLadyInntorest.CaptainJanue,theleaderofthesoldiers,assuredthemthattheywouldbeundisturbed.
“Whatisgoingon,Jake?”Hailyn’ssleepyvoicecalledovertohim.Heturnedandsawherslowlysittingupandstretching.
“Lookslikeaparty.”Hesaidwithasmile.“Icanseealotoftankardsinpeople’shands.”
“Shouldwejointhem?”Sheaskedcoyly.“Idoubtwewillhaveachoiceoncewegooutside.”Jakeresponded,
laughing.Hewentoverandsatonthecornerofherbed.“Areyoufeelingrested?”He
inquired.“Youdidmostoftheworklastnight.”“I’mfine,Jake;thankyouforasking.”Shereplied,smiling.“Icoulduse
somethingtoeat,though.”“Whenyouareready,wecangodownandgetabite,thenheadtothe
Librarytoseeifwecanfindoutwhattherunesmean.”Hesaid.Hestoodandwentovertostartputtingonhisarmor.“Weneedtogetmovingbeforewordofthisspreads.”
Theinnkeeper,athinandofficiousman,haddinnerservedtotheminaprivateroom.Oncetheywerefinished,theywentoutsideandheadedfortheLibrary.
Alongtheway,theyweregreetedwithwellwishesandtankardsofale.Jake
politelytooksomedrinksfromthetankardsshovedintohishandswhileHailynsimplyrespondedwithblessings.IttookthemsometimetomakeitthroughtherevealersandreachtheLibrary.Onceinside,theyfoundthemanwhohadbeentherethenightbefore,cleaninguptheareathathadbeendestroyedbyJake’sfightwiththeImp.
“Greetings,youngmaster.”ThemanwelcomedJakeastheycameuptohim.“Ihaveheardofthedeedsyoudidlastnightandextendmythanks.”HelookedoveratHailyn.“Toyouaswell,Sister.CanIhelpyouinsomeway?”
“CallmeJake.”Jakereplied,figuringthatafterlastnight,hiscoverwasalreadyblown.“Actually,IcouldnotfindwhatIneededtoabouttherunesbeforethedemonappeared.”Hepulledouttheparchmentwiththerunes.“Couldyouhelpusfindoutwhatthesemean?”
“Itwouldbemypleasure,Jake.”Themansaidashetooktheparchment.“MynameisJolas.Iamthechieflibrarian.”Helookedattherunes,scratchinghisbeard.“PleasesitdownandIwillseeifIcanbringtheproperscrolls.”
JakeandHailynsettledatoneofthetableswhileJolasrummagedthroughthelibrary.Hereturnedshortlywithtwoscrolls,bothlookingoldandfragile.Pullingoverachair,hesatdownandgentlyunrolledthefirstscroll.Hestudieditinsilence,finallyshakinghishead,thensetitasideandopenedthesecondscroll.Afterafewminutesofreading,hestopped,lookingbackandforthbetweentheparchmentandscroll.Noddingtohimself,hemotionedJakeandHailyntocomecloser.Theycameandstoodbehindhim,lookingoverhisshoulder.
“Youcanseethattheserunesappeartomatchtheruneslistedinthescroll.”Hestated,pointingtoasectionofthescroll.“Thisscrollisoversixhundredyearsoldandcomesfromthenorth.Theclosesttranslationseemstobe‘IslandofNor’.WhileIcannotbeabsolutelysure,IthinkthatitisreferringtoNordernLake.Itisalargelake,aboutaweek’sridetothenorth.Ithasanislandnearthecenterofthelake.IdoknowthattherunesarenotreferringtoanislandintheInlandSea,sothathastobeit.”
“Canyougiveusdirectionstothislake?”Hailynasked.“IbelievethatIhaveamapthatIcangiveyou.”Jolassaid.Heroseandwentbackintotheshelves.Hecamebackoutwithasmall
scroll,whichheunrolledandlaidonthetable.JakecouldseethatitwasamapthatcoveredthewesternpartofBeragan,fromtheInlandSeatotheCrescentHillsandnorthtotheNorthernWastes.Tothenorthwestofthecity,almostcenteredbetweentheSea,HillsandWaste,hesawalargeblueareathathadto
representNordernLake.“Canyoutellusanythingaboutthelake?”Jakeasked.“Itisinasparselypopulatedarea,thepeoplemostlyfarmersandcattle
grazers.”Jolasresponded.“Theyareastrangepeople,superstitiousandwaryofstrangers.Therearesomewholivealongtheshoreofthelake,fishingitsdepths,butmanyhavelefttheareaovertheyears.”Hepaused.“Icandomoreresearch,ifyouwish,butthatisaboutallIknow.”
“Thatwillnotbenecessary,MasterJolas.”Hailynsaid.“Themapissufficientforourneeds.”
ItwasturningdarkastheylefttheLibrary,workingtheirwaythroughthecrowdbacktotheinn.Whentheyarrived,theyfoundCaptainJanuewaitinginthemainhall.Hegreetedthemanddirectedthemtotheprivateroom.Oncetheywereinsideandthedoorclosed,hespoke.
“Didyoufindwhatyouneeded?”Heaskedpolitely.“Wedid.”Jakestated.“Whydoyouask?”“YouhadmentionedthatyouwerelookingforsomethingintheLibrary,soI
hadhopedthatyouwerenotsuccessfulandwouldbeinthecityforalittlewhilelonger.”Hesighed.“Thecityeldershaveaskedmetoseeifyouarewillingtostayuntilthecapitalcansendusclericstoreplacetheoneskilledbythedemons.”
“Wecan’tstay,Janue.”JakesaidaftersharingalookwithHailyn.“Itwon’tbelongbeforewordgetsoutaboutwhathappenedhere.Ican’ttellyouwhatwearedoing,butitisveryimportant.Weneedtoaccomplishitbeforeourenemiesfindoutwhatwearedoing.”
“Wehavenoholdonyou.”Hesaidquickly.“Iwillexplainittotheelders.Wewillkeepthegatesecuredandhopeforthebest.”
“TheremaybeaclericnamedWilhamarrivingsometimewithinthenextweekorso.”Jakesaidtoreassurehim.“Hewasaccompanyingus,buthadtoinvestigatesomething.Hesaidhewouldfollowassoonashewasable.He’sawarriorcleric,soheshouldbeabletohelpyou.”
Januenodded.“Ifyouareleaving,isthereanythingwecandoforyou?Icansendsomesoldiersalongtoprotectyou,ifyouwish.”
“Thanks,butthesoldiersmightattracttoomuchattention.”Jakesaid,decliningtheoffer.“Ithinkallweneedissomeextrafoodandwater.”
“Whenwillyouleave?”Janueasked.“Firstthinginthemorning.”Jakesaid,glancingatHailyn,whonodded.“Iwillhaveextrarationspreparedandwaitingforyou.”Janueresponded.
“Iwilldepartnowsoyoucanpreparetoleave.Yourhorseswillbesaddledandreadytotravelbyfirstlight.”Withaslightbow,helefttheroom.
Theywentbacktotheirroomtoorganizeandpack.Alightmealwasbroughtupforthem.Aftergettingeverythingtogetheranddoingsomeplanningwhileeating,Jakewassurprisedthathefelttheneedtosleep.Decidingnottofightit,hecrawledintobed.Hailynfollowedhisexample,blowingoutthecandlesandclimbingintoherbed.Jaketossedforabit,finallyfallingasleep.
ItwasstilldarkwhenhewokeandfoundHailynalreadyup.Theygatheredtheirbelongingsandwentdowntothemainhall.Theinnkeeperwasaway,butthecookquicklypreparedahotbreakfastforthem.Oncetheyfinished,theywentoutsidetofindJanuewaitingforthemwiththeirhorsessaddledandreadytogo.
Thetemperaturewascool,almostcold,astheyrodeslowlytothecitygate.Theeasternskywaslightening,thepromiseofdawnwritteninthesky.Whentheyarrivedatthegate,theyfoundsoldiersliningbothsidesoftheroad.AtJanue’scommand,theysnappedtoattentionandsalutedwiththeirweapons.
“Ipraythatyoufindwhatyouarelookingfor.”Januesaidtothemquietly.“Knowthatyouwillalwaysbewelcomedhere.”
“Thankyou.”Jakereplied.“MaytheblessingsoftheOneshineonyouandyourcity,Captain.”Hailyn
added.“Andyouaswell,Sister.”Januesaidwithanodofhishead.“Safetravels.”WhenJakeandHailynrodetowardsthegate,Januestoodinhissaddleand
shouted.“HailtotheservantsoftheOneandoursaviors!Hail!”“HAIL!”Thesoldiersshoutedinunison,shakingtheweaponsastheyrode
past.“HAIL!”Withthesoundofthesoldiers’cheersechoingbehindthem,JakeandHailyn
turnedtheirhorsesnorthandrodeawayinthedawnofanewday.
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
DominicstoodnexttoShadow,gentlystokingthehorse’sneck,hiddenfromanypasserby’ssightbytheoverhangingbranchesoftheforest.Theyhadstoppedtorestthehorsesagain,theunevengroundunderthetreesmakingthetravelslowandtiringfortheirmounts.Behindhim,hecouldhearthesoftconversationbetweenMoshannaandTaricastheclericexaminedtheirhorses.
Dominicwasgazingacrossthegentlyslopinggroundtowardsthemainnorth-southhighway,thewayhewouldhavepreferredtotravel.Theforestendedabruptly,itsedgeclearlydefinedfromloggingandtheanimalgrazingthathadoccurredoverthelongyears.ItformedthewesternborderofthegreatvalleythatranthegreaterpartofAletonia,stretchingbetweentheGrayRidgesandthecostalmountains.Itwasthemainfarmingareaofthecountry;mostlyopenfieldswithlittlevillagesdottingthevalleyfloor,manynearthemainroad.
AftertheyhadlefttheKeepandcrossedtheGrayRidges,followingalittle-usedmountainpass,Moshannahadbeenadamantthattheyshouldstayintheforest.Hearguedthatitwasbettertotravelunseen,albeitslower,thanhavetoexplaintheirpurposetoeverypassingpatrol.WhileDominicwasnotconvincedofthelogic,thiswasMoshanna’scountry,sohehaddeferredtohisjudgment.
Thereissomethingthatheiskeepingtohimself.Dominicthought.Whilehetrustedtheman,hecouldsenseadeeperreasonwasbehindMoshanna’sreluctancetotravelopenly.
Heglancedbackatthetwo,thecontrastinpersonalitiesstriking.Moshannawasdressedinhisarmor,witharoughhoodedcloakhangingfromhisshoulders,whileTaricwasbackinhisbrowncleric’srobe,hischainmailhiddenbeneath.Moshanna,hisdarkfaceseriousandalert,waslisteningpolitelyasTaric,abroadsmileacrosshisface,wasattemptingtogetMoshannatolaughathisjokes.
Shakinghishead,Dominicreturnedtohisstudyoftheroad.Ashegazedoutatthevalley,hislefthandcomingtorestlightlyonhisswordhilt,thetouchseemedtodirecthisthoughtsbacktotheshorttimethattheyspentattheKeep.
TheyhadpassedthoughtheKeep’smaingateinthelateafternoonoftheseconddayfollowingJakeandHailyn’sdeparture.Afterashortreportfromtheguards,theyrodedirectlyintothemainchamberoftheKeep,thecarriagecarryingTomarisandTaricstoppingnexttothestairs.SeveralofMoshanna’ssoldiersarrivedandtookthehorsestothestableswhilehe,MoshannaandTaric
hadjoinedTomarisinhisdininghall.Dinnerwasbroughtandaftertheyhadfinishedeating,Tomarisspoke.
“WithJakeandyoungHailynsearchingthenorthernprospect,youwillgosouth.”Theoldmanhadsaid.“TherearecluesthatindicatethatapossiblelocationoftheswordisinthefarsouthofAletonia,neartheSouthernWilds.Therewasawordthatwasrepeatedinseveraloftheclues-Parshis.Ittookmesometime,butIfinallydeterminedthatthisisareferencetotheancientruinscurrentlyknownasParshalthia.Theseruinsofalong-lostcityarelocateddeepintherockyhillsthatbordertheWilds.”
“Ihaveheardofthatplace.”Moshannasaid.“Mosttravelersknowtoavoidit.Itissaidthatifyouenterthatcity,youwillnevercomeout.”
“Whichmakesitanidealplacetohidethesword.”Tomarisreplied.“Itispossiblethatourenemieshavetakenstepstoencouragethatreputationtokeeptheclericsandothersaway.”
“Iftherearedemonsthere,shouldn’twehavemoreclericsthanmyself?”Taricasked.“Iamnotafraidoffacingdemons,butifthereareenoughpresent,Iwillnotbeabletostandagainstthem.”
“Youmightfindnothingbutlong-abandonedbuildingsanddust.”Tomarissaidreassuringly.“However,ifyoucandeterminethattheswordisthere,thenyouwillneedtorecruitadditionalallies.PerhapstheAletonianclericswouldassist.”
“Thatassumeswedon’tgetourselveskilledbeforewecansendsucharequest.”Taricrepliedsarcastically,agrimsmileonhisface.
“Ihavetheutmostconfidenceinyourabilities.”Tomarissaidpleasantly.“Besidestheirfightingskills,DominicknowshowourenemiesthinkandactwhileMoshannaknowsthepeopleandthelandinwhichyoutravel.Youarestronginyourpower,givingthemprotectionfromthedarkpowerofthedemons.KeepyourfaithintheCreator.”
Tomarisstood.“Youshouldrest.Youwillleavetomorrownight,slippingoutwhiletheKeepsleeps.WhileIamconfidentthatourenemiescannotpenetratetheKeep,itisprudenttoassumethattheyhaveinformantswatchingit.”
DominicandTarichadbeengivenroomsnearwhereheandJakehadstayedduringtheirtimeattheKeep.Dominichadtakenadvantageofthebathtocleanup.Whenhehadcomeouttothemainroom,dryingoff,therehadbeenagentleknockonthedoor.HecrackedopenthedoortoseeTomarisstandinginthehallway.
“MayIcomein?”Theoldmanhadasked.Dominicnodded,steppedasideandallowedhimtoenter.Tomarishadgone
overtositontheedgeofthebedacrossfromthedesk.Dominicretreatedintothebatharea,puttingonacleanshirtandpantsandreturned.Hepulledthechairawayfromthedesk,hisswordbelthangingoverthebackofthechair,andsatdown.
“Idonotmeantointerruptyourrelaxation,butIwantedtospeakwithyoualone.”Tomarissaidoncehehadsettled.
“Whatdoyouwishtosay?”Dominicasked.“Youhavethemostexperiencedealingwithourenemies.”Theoldman
replied,staringintoDominic’seyes.“WhileMoshannaandTaricareconfidentintheirskillsandpower,theywillnaturallylooktoyouforleadership.Iknowwhyyourefusehealingifyoucan,butinthisquest,ImustaskyoutoallowTarictohealyou.Yourbattleknowledgemaybecriticalforsuccess.Thisquestismorethansimplyhelpingthechildreturnhome.WiththeGuardian’ssword,wemayhaveatooltoridthisworldofthedemonsandtheirinfluence.Thinkofalloftheinnocentsthatmaybesparedtheterrorthatthedemonsbringifwesucceed.”Hepausedforamoment.“Willyougivemeyourwordthatyouwillaccepthealing?”
“Iwillaccepthealing,ifrefusingwouldpreventmefromcontinuing.”Dominicreplieddirectly.“Iwillnotacceptitforminorortrivialwounds.”
“Thatwillbesufficient.”Tomarissaidquietly.Hecontinuedgently.“Someday,Ihopethatyouwillbeabletoletgoofyourpainandstoppunishingyourself.Somethingsarebeyondourcontrol,nomatterhowmuchwethinkotherwise.”
“Onlydeathwillreleasemefrommyloss.”Dominicstatedbluntly.“Asyouwill,Dominic.”Tomarissaid,noddinghishead.“Idonotwish
youtobeangrywithme.PleaseforgivemeifIhavecausedyouanyadditionalhurt.”
“Thereisnothingtoforgive,Tomaris.”Dominicsaidwithawaveofhishand.Hesmiledbriefly.“Jonashasbeensayingthesamethingstomeforyears.”
Theysatinsilenceforafewmoments.Dominicwascontenttowaituntiltheoldmanspoke.
“MayIseeyoursword?”Tomarisaskedsuddenly,holdingouthishand.“IwouldliketoseehowtheMastersmithusedtheformulaIgaveJonas.”
Shrugging,Dominicreachedbehindhimanddrewhissword,handingitto
Tomaris.Theoldmansattherestudyingthebladeforabit,runninghisfingersoverit,eyessharp,lookingcloselyatthemetal.Heturneditoverinhishands,thenhelditouttoDominic,hiltfirst.
“Thatismarvelouswork;heisaskilledcraftsman.”TomarissaidasDominictookthesword.Whenhepulleditback,hesawatraceofbloodonit.Tomarislookeddownathishand,asmallcutvisibleonhispalm.“Youkeepitsharpaswell.”Hesaidwithachuckle.
Tomarisreachedoutwithhisrobesleeveandquicklywipedthebloodofftheblade.Hepulledoutapieceofclothfromhisrobe,wrappinghishandasDominicputawaythesword.“Thecurseofoldage:slowreflexes.”Tomarissaidwirily,risingfromtheedgeofthebed.“Iwillletyougetsomerestandseeyouofftomorrownight.”
Thefollowingnight,aftertheKeephadgonetosleep,Dominic,MoshannaandTaricwentdowntothestables.TheyweresaddlingtheirhorseswhenTomarisappearedandwentovertoMoshanna.Eventhoughtheyspokesoftly,Dominicwasabletohearwhattheysaidinthequietofthenight.
“Iknowthatyoudonotwishthistrip,myson.”Tomarissaid,layingahandonhisshoulder.“YouareneededorIwouldnotaskitofyou.”
“Ihavepledgedtoobeyyou.”Moshannahadresponded.“Igowhereyoucommand,Tomaris.”
Tomarissimplynodded,thenstoodby,waitinguntiltheyweresaddledandreadytoride.Hesteppedcloseandsaid.“Ifyouaresuccessful,theremaybeanewdawninthisworld.Trustandprotecteachother.Lookforalliesalongtheway.MaytheblessingsoftheCreatorgowithyou.”
TheyhadriddenoutthroughasecrettunnelthatemergeddeepintheGrayRidges.Moshannaledthemthroughthemountainsandintotheforestwithoutincident.
Awagonappearedontheroadbelow,bringingDominicoutofhismemories.Hewasabouttoturntospeakwiththeotherswhensomethingaboutthewagonstoppedhim.Helookedatitclosely,thefiguressmallatthisdistance.Hesawarideronahorseinfrontofthewagon,withaslimmanandalargemanridingthewagon.Ashewatched,hecouldjustmakeoutthewhitehairontheslimman.
HeswungupintoShadow’ssaddle.Heglancedoverattheothertwo,whowerelookingcuriouslyathim.“Waithere.”Hesaidshortlyasherodeintotheforest,parallelingtheroad.
…
MartiswaslostinthoughtasRanechdrovethehorses,Fraderridingalittleaheadofthewagon.Hewastryingtofigureouthowhecouldrecoverfromwherehehadfallen.Hejustknewthatheneededtogetsomewheresafe.EversincetheyhadfledthatcursedtownNumaria,hehadbeencallinginhisaccountsandcashingout.HehadclosedhisaccountsinBeragan,collectingthegoldthatwassafelystoredinthewagon’ssecretcompartment.TheyhadriddenintoAletonia,cautiouslymakingtheirwaysouth,stoppingatvillagesortownsonlywhentheyneededsuppliesorwherehehadinterests.Hiscautionwaswellfounded,ashisformerbusinesspartnerhadmadeabundantlyclear.Hefeltasurgeofangerandfearashisminddriftedbacktothoseevents.
Justtwodaysago,theyhadstoppedatJaquin’sstoreinamediumsizedtownnorthofwheretheycurrentlywere.HeandMartishadtiesthatstretchedbackyears,tiesthathadbeenprofitableforboth.Aftersomehaggling,Martishadsoldhimhissharesoftheoutstandingbusinesstheystillhadtogether.Jaquinhaddrivenahardbargain,sensingMartis’desiretobegone,andpurchasedthesharesforafractionoftheirworth.Martishadhatedtosellforthepricehedid,buthewantedtoseverallofthetiesthatcouldleadbacktohim.
Jaquinhadinvitedthembacktohishome,whichwasontheoutskirtsoftown,askingthattheyjoinhimforamealbeforetheyleave.TheyhadarrivedatJaquin’shome,alargewoodenstructurewithastonefireplace,simplebutelegantlyconstructed,befittingarelativelysuccessfulmerchant.Theysatinthelivingarea,drinkingwinewhileJaquin’swife,apleasantandattractivewomaninadressthatemphasizedherlargebosom,andtheirson,athinboyinhismid-teens,preparedtheeveningmeal.Whentheyfinallysatdowntoeat,Jaquinsenthissonoutonanerrand.
“Justsomethingthatneedstobedonetonight.”JaquinsaidwhenhesawMartisfrownatthedepartinglad.“Theboycaneatwhenhefinisheshisduties.”
Itwasafterthemeal,asJaquinandheweresittingintwooverstuffedchairs,sippingmorewineandtalking,whenMartisfiguredoutwhattheerrandwasabout.
“Martis,Iheardadisturbingreporttheotherday.”Jaquinsaidasheabsentlyswirledhiswineinhiscup,hiseyessharpandpredatory.“AcustomerwastalkingabouthowamanwaswantedinSanduasforconsortingwithdemons.”
Martisstiffened,glancingoveratRanechandFrader,whoweretalkingandflirtingwithJaquin’swifeinthenextroom.Hetriedtocoveritbycoughing,buthecouldtellthatJaquinhadseenhismovement.
“Hepulledoutthedescriptionandshowedme.Thereisquitealargereward
offeredtowhoeverbringsinanolderwhite-hairedman,posingasamerchant.Heissaidtobeaccompaniedbytwohiredhands.”Jaquinsaidquietly.Hisfacehadacruelsmileonit,greedinhiseyes.“YoucanimaginemysurprisewhenIrealizedthatitwasnoneotherthanmyoldbusinesspartner.”
Terrorcoursingthroughhisbody,MarislashedoutandsmashedhiscupintoJaquin’sface,sendinghimtumblingoutofhischair,whilecryingouttoFraderandRanech.HeheardJaquin’swifebegintoscream,whichcutoffwhenRanechwrappedhisarmaroundherthroatandsqueezed.Fraderranoverand,atMartis’nod,thrusthisknifeintoJaquin’schestashewastryingtogetoffthecarpet.Hegroanedandshuddered,thensankbacktothefloor,hisbloodspreadingitsdarkstainacrossthelightcarpet.Ranechsqueezedandtwistedhisarm,breakingJaquin’swife’sneck.Shecollapsedwhenhereleasedher,acrumpledheaponthefloor.
Pantingfromfear,Martishadorderedthemout.Fraderoverturnedsomelanternsastheyracedouttothewagon,settingthehouseablaze.Astheyrodeaway,anglingawayfromthetown,theycaughtaglimpseofsoldiersridingalongtheroad,torchesheldhigh,headingtoJaquin’s.Theyrodeasfastasthenightwouldallow,circlingbacktotheroadandridingthroughthenight.Wecanheadtothefarsouthandrideoverthemountainsintothecity-states.Hethought.Icanfindaplacetohideoutthere.Hopefully.
Shakinghisheadandreturningtothepresent,hewonderedagainhowthisallhappened.Eversincehehadbeendraggedintothesearchforthatboy,hislifehadbeenturnedupsidedown.Hewascutofffromhisfamiliarhaunts,couldnottrustanyoneanymore,andwasnowawantedman.Worseofall,hewasnowknownasworkingwiththedemons,thethinghehadkepthiddenforalltheseyears.Cursingsilentlytohimself,hethought.Idonotseehowthiscouldgetanyworse.
Glancingup,asifsummonedbyhisstatement,thethingthathadgivenhimnightmaresmaterialized.Ittooktheshapeofalargewarrior,scarredfacecoldandhard,ridingablackwarhorse,comingoutofthewoodsandblockingtheirpath.
…TaricstoodwithMoshanna,watchingasDominicrodeoutandconfronted
thewagon.HesawthemanonthehorseinfrontofthewagondrawhisswordandchargeDominic,ignoringthecriesofoneofthemenonthewagon.
“Idiot.”HeheardMoshannasayquietlynexttohim.Dominic’sswordflashed,catchingthesunlightashedrewit.Herodeinto
theman’scharge,swordslashingastheypassed.Taricsawthemansway,thenslideoutofhissaddle,tumblingtotheground.
Ridingforward,Dominicpointedhisswordasthetwomenonthewagon,darkspotsofbloodontheblade.Taricwastoofarawaytohearwhathesaid,butsawthementhrowtheirknivesandotherweaponsinthebackofthewagon.Hewatchedasthelargemanclimbeddownandpickedupthefallenman,carryingthebodyandsettingitinthewagonaswell.Dominichadtakenthereinsofthefallenman’shorse.HepointedwithhisswordtowardswhereTaricandMoshannawerestanding.Thewagonturnedandheadedacrossthefieldintheirdirection,Dominicridingbehindthem.
…Oncethewagonwasinthesafetyofthewoods,Dominicdismounted.He
sawthatMoshannahaddrawnhisswordandwasstandingreadyifthemenmadeanymoves.Hestrodeuptothewagon,lookingupatthemen.
“Getdown.”Heordered,facesetandhiseyeslikeice.Hewatchedthemscrambledown.Whentheywereontheground,he
orderedthemtokneeldownandlookedoveratMoshanna.“Iftheytrytomove,killthem.”Hestated,Moshannagivinghimashortnod
inreturn.Hewentoverandinspectedthewagon.Thereweresomesupplies
surroundingthedeadmaninthewagonbed,butnothingofrealvalue.Hecrawledunderthebed,takinghisdaggerandtappingthehiltonthewoodenplanks.Henoticedaslightdifferenceinsoundtowardsthemiddleofthebedascomparedtothesides.Heslidoutfromunderthewagonandwentovertothemen.
“Iknowthatthereisacompartmentbuiltintothewagonbed.”Hesaidashestareddownatthewhite-hairedman.“YouwillopenitorIburnthewagontothegroundtogetinside.”
Themannoddedfearfullyand,atDominic’sgesture,wentunderthewagonandopenedthehiddencompartment.HescrambledbacknexttothelargemanwhenDominicpointed.
Dominiccrawledbackunderthewagonandlookinsidethecompartment.Hesawseverallargepouchesshovedtowardsthefrontofthecompartment.Hepulledoneout,feelingtheweightandhearingtheclickingofcoins.Heopenedittoseeitfilledwithgoldandsilvercoins.Heshoveditbackinandclosedthehatch.
“Cleric,seeiftheyareundertheinfluenceofthedemons.”HetoldTaric.
Taricnodded,hisformsuddenlyshining,andplacedhishandonthewhite-hairedman.Nothinghappened.Herepeatedtheprocesswiththefatmanwithsimilarresults.Steppingback,Taricsaid.“Theyarenormalmen,Dominic.”
“Merchant,youwillnowtellmeeverythingyouknowaboutwhatthedemonsaredoing.”Dominicstatedashekneltinfrontoftheman.“Youdonotwantmetohavetopullanswersfromyou.”Themanflinched.
Haltinglyatfirst,themanbeganspeaking.Heclaimedthathewasforcedbythedemonstodowhathedid.HethoughttrackingdownJakewashisonlymission.Heclaimedtonotknowthatthedemonswouldattackthecity.HewasorderedtofollowDominicandJaketoNumaria.
Dominicwassurethatthemanwashidingmore,buttheydidnothavetimetospendinterrogatinghim.Hestood,knowingwhatheneededtodo.HeglancedoveratMoshanna,whocaughthismeaningandnodded.
Taricalsosawthelook.“No,Dominic!”Hesaidasheplacedhimselfinfrontofthemen.“Iwillnotallowyoutomurderthesemen.”
“Intheirownwords,theyhaveadmittedtoconsortingwithdemons.”Dominicsaidsharply.“Theyhelpedthedemonsattackthecity.WecannotkeepthemwithusandIwillnotreleasethembackintotheworld.”
“ThenwemustturnthemovertotheAletonianauthorities.”Taricsaidresolutely.“IamaservantoftheOne.Thesemenmaybefollowersofthedemons,buttheyaremen;yousawmeexaminethem.Theyshouldanswerfortheircrimes,butitmustbebytrial.Thatway,theymayhaveachancetoreflectontheirtransgressionsandmakeamendswiththeOnepriortoanypunishment.Iamconcernedfortheireternalspirits,nottheirphysicalbodies.”
“Clerics.”Dominicsaid,shakinghishead,resigned.HelookedoveratMoshanna.“Whatdoyouthink?Canwefindawaytogetthemtoalocalgarrison?”
DominicsawMoshannagrimace,thennodhisheadslowly.“Wecantaketheroad.”Hefinallysaid.“Wewillencounteravillagelargeenoughtohaveagarrison.”
“Isthereaproblemwiththat?”Heasked,noticingthereluctance.Sighing,Moshannalookedoverathim.“WhenIleftAletoniaandwentto
serveTomaris,Ileftbehindsomeenemies.”Hesaidquietly.“ThatiswhyIwantedtopassthroughthecountrywithminimalcontact.IfmyenemiesknowIamhere,therewillbetrouble.”
“Wewilltrytokeepthisshort.”Dominicreplied,lookingovertowardTaric.“Ifyouaregoingtoinsistonthis.”
“Iam.”Taricstated.Hefacedthekneelingmen.“Theclerichassavedyourlifetoday.”Hesaid,
voiceemotionless.“Youwillrideinthewagon,followingme,untilwereachthegarrison.Ifyoumakeanyattempttoflee,Iwillendyouboth,despiteanythingtheclericsays.Isthatclear?”Themenfearfullynoddedtheirunderstanding.
Shortly,theywereridingoutoftheforestandtakingtheroadsouth.Dominictookthelead,withTaricandMoshannafollowingbehindthewagon.Moshannapulleduphishood,hidinghisfaceastheyrodeforward.
ItwasneardarkwhentheyfinallyreachedthevillageofArpetigo.Thevillagewasspreadoutoneithersideoftheroad,thebuildingsmadeofwoodwithstonefoundations.Theyreceivedsomecuriouslooks,butnoonestoppedthem.Nearthesouthendofthevillage,Moshannatoldthem,wasoneoftheroadsthatraneasttowardsthecapital.Atthejunctionoftheroadswasthefortressofthelocalgarrison,asquatstonebuildingwithlargewoodengates.Thegateswereopenandapairofsoldierswerelightingtorchesoneithersideofthegates.Dominicledthemtothegates,stoppingwhenaguardsteppedintothemiddleofthepath,holdinguphislefthand,palmout.
“Identifyyourselfandstateyourbusiness.”Thesoldiersaid,tonebriskandbusinesslike.Hewasdressedinarmor,chainmailencasinghisarmsandlegs,withabreastplateoverhischest.Hehadalongswordbeltedaroundhiswaistandaroundsteelhelmcoveringhishead.Heheldalongwoodenspearinhisrighthand;thetipwasawickedlookingbarbedsteelpoint.
“IamDominicofSanduasandIbringcaptivestoturnovertothequeen’sjustice.”Dominicrepliedformally.
“LordDemonhunter.”Themansaid,eyesgoingwideandbowing.“IamSergeantSefanRiverborn.Itismyhonortogreetyou.”
“Demonhunter,Sergeant?”Dominicinquired.“Thatisthenamewhichwehonoryouwithhere.”Riverbornreplied.
“Wordofyourendlessfightagainstthedemonshasreachedtheearsofthepeople.Youhavemuchhonorandareheldinhighesteem.IfImaybesobold,bythequeeneven,somesay.HowmayIassistyou?”
“ThesemenonthewagonarewantedinSanduasforworkingwiththedemons.”Dominicstated.“Theyhelpedintheattackonthecity,givingthedemonsvitalinformation.IcannotescortthembacktoSanduasandmyfriendtheclericinsiststhattheybetried.WetrustthatyoucanholdthemandseeifthequeenwillsendthembacktoSanduasortrythemherself.”
Theman’seyeshadgoneflatwhilelisteningtoDominic.Heglaredatthemensittingonthewagon.“Wehavenouseforthosethatconsortwithdemons.”Riverbornstatedbluntly.“ButIwillhonoryourrequestandholdthem.Iwilldispatcharidertothecapitaltoseewhatmycommanderswishdone.”
Heturnedandcalledformoresoldiers.Eightmen,similarlydressedandarmed,cameoutofthefortress.Theytookuppositionsaroundthewagon.
“CanIofferyourpartyaplacetostayforthenight?”Riverbornasked.“Theaccommodationsarebasic,butclean.”
“Thankyou,Sergeant,butwewillfindaninn.”Dominicbegan.Ashespoke,Moshanna’shorsemoved,shiftingtotheside,pulling
Riverborn’seyetohim.HecaughtaglimpseofMoshanna’sdarkfacebeneaththehood.
“Whoisthisman,LordDemonhunter?”Riverborndemanded.“YouarenotknowntohaveAletoniancompanions.”
BeforeDominiccouldrespond,RiverbornstrodepasthimandstoppedinfrontofMoshanna.“Identifyyourself.”Hedemanded.
Moshannadidnotrespond.AtRiverborn’ssignal,thenearbysoldiersloweredtheirspears,thesharpsteelaimedatMoshanna.RiverbornusedhisspeartopushbackMoshanna’shood,revealinghisface,whichhadaresignedlookonit.Atthesight,DominicheardRiverborn’ssharpintakeofbreath.ThesoldierskepttheirspearsonMoshannaasRiverbornreturnedtoconfrontDominic.
“Doyouknowwhothismanis,Demonhunter?”Riverbornasked,faceunhappy.“Youareknowntohavegreathonor,soIdonotbelievethatyouwouldknowinglyassociatewithatraitoroftherealm.”
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
“Atraitor?”Dominicsaid,incredulous.“HowhashebetrayedAletonia?”“Heranfromhishonor,pledgedbeforethequeen.”Riverbornreplied,
glaringatMoshanna.“Betrayingyourwordtothequeenisthesameasbetrayingthequeenherself.”
“Whatnow,Sergeant?”Dominicasked.“HeismycompanionandIwillnotabandonhim.”
“Hemustbetakentothecapitaltofacethejudgmentofthequeen,LordDemonhunter.”Riverbornstated.“Youmayaccompanyhim,ifyouwish.”
“Wewill.”Dominicsaid,lookingoveratTaric,whonodded.“Imustinsistthatyoustayheretonight.”Riverbornsaid.“Wewillleaveat
firstlight.”HelookedbackatMoshanna.“Sinceyouhaveclaimedhimasacompanion,Iwillnotrelievehimofhisweapons,ifyouwillpledgehiscooperation.”
“Beforeyouagree,knowwhatthatmeans.”Riverbornsaidquickly,holdinguphishandtoforestallDominic.“Sinceheisdeemedatraitor,hiswordmeansnothing.Ifyoupledgeforhim,youareguaranteeinghisproperconduct.Ifheweretotrytoescapeorturnonmysoldiers,youwouldbeexpectedtokillhimtopreserveyourhonor.Ifyouweretoaidinhisescape,youwouldbeattaintedwithhiscrimeandbedeemedanenemyoftherealm.”Hepaused.“Doyoustillwishtopledgeyourword?”
“Ido,Sergeant.”Dominicreplied.“Verywell.”Riverbornsaid,motioningforhismentolowertheirweapons.
“Iwillhaveaspacesetasideforyouandfoodbrought.”Henoddedoveratthewagon,agrimlookonhisface.“Thedemonfollowerswillgetthecellstonight.”
“Thatsoundstoofineforme,butIwilldefertoyourjudgment,Sergeant.”Dominicsaid,lookingoveratthewagonandseeingthewhite-hairedmerchantquail.
Theywereledintothefortress,itsstarkgraystonewallsrisingaroundthemtoformacourtyard.Inthecenterofthecourtyardstoodasquatbuildingbuiltfromthesamestones.Itwasasinglestorywithdefensivebattlementsconstructedaroundtheroof.Inthecenterofthebuildingwasasetofheavywoodendoors,boundinsteel.Therewerethinverticalslitsbuiltintothewallsofthebuildingtoallowforarcherstoshootout.
Nearthefarwall,Dominicsawthattherewereseveralsteelcages.Theyweresmall,onlyaroundthreefeetbythreefeet,withalowceilingonlyaboutfourfeethigh,forcingwhoeverwasinittobendoverorkneel.Thedirtfloorwascoveredwithalightdustingofstraw,withbarelyenoughroomtoliedownifyoucurledup.Dominicwatchedasthemerchantandhismanweretakenoverandtossedroughlyintothosecells.
Theydismountedinfrontofthedoorsofthemainbuilding,allowingtheirhorsestobetakenawaytothestable.Whentheyentered,Dominicsawthattheroominsidewasaustere,thewallsplainandunadorned,withsomeironbraziersforlightandwarmthandafewpiecesofrough-hewnwoodenfurniturespreadabout.Thereweretwohallwaysoneithersideoftheroom.Riverbornledthemtotheoneontherightanddownthehallwaytoanotherdoor.Heopenedthedoortorevealasmallroomwithseveralwoodenpalletsonthefloorandasmalltablewithalanternonit.Thepalletswerecoveredwiththinclothmattressesstuffedwithstraw.
“Iapologizefortheaccommodations,BrotherClericandmylord.”Riverbornsaid.“Thesearequartersforsoldiers,sothereisnotmuchcomforttobefound.”
“Wehaveallsleptinworseplaces,Sergeant.”Dominicreplied.“Thiswillbesatisfactory.”
“Doyouhaveanymenthatneedacleric’sattention,Sergeant?”Taricoffered.“Iwouldbemorethanhappytohelpthem.”
“Ido,Brother.”Riverborntoldhim.“Wehavenotseenaclericinsometime,soyourassistancewouldbewelcomed.Pleasefollowme.”
OnceTaricandRiverbornleft,DominicsatdownonapalletandmotionedMoshannatodothesame.Oncehesatdown,Dominicspoke.
“Whatisthisallabout,Moshanna?”Hesaidquietly.“Ifindithardtobelievethatyouwouldbetrayanyone,leastofallthequeen.”
Moshanna,hisdarkfacepensive,satstillforafewmomentsbeforereplying.“InAletonia,aman’shonorisconsideredsacred,hiswordabondthatcannotbebroken.Inthiscase,itistruethatIbrokemyword,onepledgedbeforethequeen.”
“Why?”Dominicaskedsoftly.“Manyyearsago,myfatherwasanofficerinthearmy.”Moshannasaid.
“Thiswasinthetimewhenthequeen’sfatherwasstillking.Thekinghadfoursiblings,twosistersandtwobrothers.Theking’syoungestbrotherservedinthearmyinthesamecommandasmyfather.Overtime,theybecamefriends,
despitethefactthatmyfatherwasacommoner.Duringabattlewiththedemonsandtheirfollowers,myfathersavedtheprince’slifewhenhisunitwasoverrun.Myfatherrushedhismenin,battlingtheirwaythroughthedemons’followerstotheprince,andpulledhimout.Whentheyreturnedtothecapital,theprincepersuadedthekingtomakemyfatheranoble.Whilehewasaminornoble,hisclosenesswiththeprincemadehimpopularatcourt.”
“Hecontinuedhisclosefriendshipwiththeprincethroughouthislife.TheprincemarriedlateinlifeandIwasfourwhenhisdaughter,Sharin,wasborn.Overtheyears,ourfamiliesstayedcloseandIwasinmanywayslikeanolderbrothertoSharin.WhenIturnedseventeen,Ijoinedthearmy,followinginmyfather’sfootsteps.IhadbeenstationedintheremotereachesofthecountryforseveralyearsbeforeIwastransferredbacktothecapital.WhenIdidreturn,IfoundSharintobeawomangrown,beautifulandgracious.Werenewedourfriendship,butovertimeitbecamesomethingmore.Ourfeelingsdeepenedandwefoundourselvesinlove,somethingneitherofushadanticipated.Wekeptitsecret,forshewaspartoftheroyalfamily,boundupinthepoliticsofcourt,whichmadeourloveproblematictosaytheleast.”
Moshannapaused,hiseyesfaraway,andthencontinued.“Bythistime,theoldkinghaddiedandthequeenwasnewuponherthrone.Thenoblesjockeyedamongstthemselves,eachhousetryingtogetclosetothequeentogainadvantage.DarriusOceansong,theeldestsonfromoneofthemostpowerfulhouses,tookaninterestinSharin.Shewasagrandprizeforanyhousethatshemarriedintoassheacousintothequeen,withroyalblood,thoughnotinthelineofsuccession.Darriuswasafewyearsolderthanme,withareputationasaskilledswordsman,thoughhewasalsoknownforhisambition,aswellashiscruelty.”Hesighed.“Somehow,hefoundoutaboutSharinandI.”
“ItwasduringapublicaudiencewiththequeenwhenheaskedherforSharin’shand.Hewaslookingatmewhenhespokethewords,asmileonhisface,andIrealizedthenthatheknew.Beforethequeencouldrespond,mypassionovercamemeandIchallengedhim,proclaimingmyloveofSharinandmydesiretowedher.”HelookedoveratDominic,facenowgrim.“Iclaimedthatmyhonorwasatstake.Mattersofhonoramongthenoblefamiliesaresettledthroughduelstothedeath.Webothpledgedbeforethequeentomeetincombat,withthevictorgainingtherighttoaskforSharin’shand.Whilehisreputationwiththeswordwouldhavestoppedanyother,Iwasnotgoingtosurrendermylove.Thequeenacceptedmychallengeandboundustomeetinthreedaystimetosettleourdispute.”
“Thenightbeforetheduel,asIwassayingmyprayersintheTemple,Sharincametome.Shetoldmethatherconfidantshadfoundoutthat,ifIweretotriumph,Darrius’familywouldmovetoavengehisdeathbykillingmeandmyparents,aswellasmyyoungersisterandherfamily.Cryingandclingingtome,shebeggedmetoflee,despitemyhonor,tosavemylife.Shetoldmethatshecouldnotbeartobethereasonformydeath.ShesaidshewouldratherendurebeingDarrius’wife,knowingIwasalive,thanseemetakenfromthisworld.Itriedtoreasonwithher,tellingherIwasunafraid,but,inside,Iwasalsotornbythethreattomyparentsandsister.”
Moshannasadlyshookhishead.“So,intheend,Igavewaytoherwishesandfled.IknewthatIwouldbeattaintedasatraitorwhenIdidnotpresentmyselfatthearena,soItookahorseandrodeawayfromthecapital.Duetomyshame,Ichoosenottoseemyparents,butSharintoldmethatshewouldinformthemofthetruereasonwhyIleft.IrodetotheGrayRidges,losingmyselfinthemountains.Imademywayoverthepasses,withnorealdirectionorpurpose.IwasneartheKeepwhenIencounteredTomaris,whowasreturningfromoneofhisquests.HeinvitedmeintotheKeep,listenedtomystoryandofferedmeaplacewithinhisGuard.Thatwasnearlytenyearsago.”
“Tenyears?”Dominicasked.“HowdidRiverbornrecognizeyouafterallthistime?”
“Allsoldiersaregivendescriptionsofthosedeemedtraitors,especiallythosethatbetrayedthequeen.”Moshannasaid.“Itisconsideredagreathonortoreturnatraitortofacethequeen’sjustice.Duetothecircumstancesofmybetrayal,itislikelythatmydescriptionisnearthetopofanytraitor’slist.”
“Sowhydidn’tyoustaybehind?”Dominicdemanded.“Surely,wecouldhavefoundsomeoneelsetoleadusthroughAletonia.”
“TomarisinsistedthatIneededtogo,sohereIam.”Moshannareplied.“IwasconcernedthatIwouldbealiabilityonthismission,buthedismissedthat.ItoldhimthatIthoughthewasmakingagravemistake,butIsworemyselftohimwhenhegavemeaplaceinhisGuard,soIobeyedhiswishes.”
“Whatwillhappentoyouwhenwearriveatthecapital?”Dominicinquired.“Icannotseeagoodendtothis.”
“AsRiverbornsaid,Iwillbetakenbeforethequeen.”Moshannasaid,shrugginghisshoulders.“Itwillbeuptoher,buttheheadsmanisthelikelyoutcome.”
“IwillseeifIcanreasonwithher.”Dominicsaid.“Iamknowntoher,soshemaylisten.”
“We’llsee.”Moshannasaid,lookingresigned.Thenextmorning,withthesunstillbelowthehorizon,theyleftthefortress
andbegantheridetothecapital.Themerchantandhismanwereboundhandandfootandplacedinthewagonbed,withoneofRiverborn’ssoldiersdrivingthewagon.DominicrodeupnearRiverborn,withMoshannaandTaricrightbehindthem.ThereweretwosoldiersridingaheadofDominicastheadvanceguardandfoursoldiersridingbehindthewagon.
“Howfartothecapital,Sergeant?”Dominicaskedastheyrode.“Wewillmakeitacrossthevalleybyearlyafternoonandshouldbeableto
navigatethecoastalhillsbeforedark.”Riverbornreplied.“Daneliasisontheothersideofthehills.”
Thevalley,dottedwithfarmsandanimalranches,rolledbyastheyrodeeast.Theweatherwasmild,withscatteredwhitecloudsdriftingoverhead.Bymid-morning,agreenishsmudgegrewonthehorizonastheydrewclosertothecostalhills.Whentheyarrivedatthehills,Dominicsawthattheyweresmall,similartothehillswestofSanduas,thoughtheywerecoveredinagreengrasswithonlyafewtreesdottingtheland.Astheyrodethroughthehills,thehintofsaltairbegantogrowmoreprominent.Withthesunattheirbacks,lowinthewesternhorizon,theycrossedthelastridge.
Downtheslopeofthehill,Danelias,thecapital,spreadoutinfrontofthem.ThecitywasbuiltalongtheshorelineoftheOuterOcean.Ithadwidestreetsthecrisscrossedthecity,withstonebuildingsbuiltalongtheirpaths.Dominicnoticedthatthebuildingsweremorecrowdednearthewater,withlargerbuildingstothenorth.Healsospottedthepalace,builtonarisetothenorth,overlookingtherestofthecity.Ithaddelicatespiresrisingfromthecornersofthewallthatsurroundedit,thebuildingitselfmadeofalight-coloredstonethatcaughtthelightofthesettingsun.Nearthecenterofthecitywasalargearena,itsovalshapestandingoutfromtherestofthebuildings.Tothesouth,hesawanotherlargebuildingthatwasbuiltnearthewater,surroundedbyagreengarden.
“Whatisthatbuilding,Sergeant?”Dominicasked,pointing.“ThatistheTemple,mylord.”Hereplied.Dominicnoddedandreturnedtostudyingthecity.Itwashemmedintothe
northandsouthwherethehillsranintotheocean,thesidesfacingtheseaworndownintoshearcliffs.Therewasanaturalbreakwatertothenorth,wherearockyoutcroppingjuttedsouth.Aman-madebreakwaterwasbuild,extendingfromthesouthernhillsnorthtocreatealargeharbor.Twolargestonetowers
werebuiltattheendsofthebreakwaters,servingaslighthousesanddefensivepositionsattheharboropening.Intheharbor,Dominicsawatleastadozensailingvesselsandthreelargewoodenshipsthatlookedlikewarships.
Thecityitselfwasprotectedbyalargestonewallthatranfromthenortherncliff,curvingtowardsthehills,thenbacktothesoutherncliff.Theroadtheywereonrantowardsthemaingates.Strongbattlementsandanopenfieldthatpreventedanyenemyfromadvancingunseenprotectedthegatesthemselves.
Theycontinuedon,ridingthroughthegates.Intheopencourtyardbeyondthegates,asoldieronhorsebackhaltedthem.Hewasamiddle-agedman,tallandslim,withadarkcomplexionandjet-blackhair.HewasdressedinasimilarfashionasRiverborn’ssoldiers,buthisarmorwasfiner,withagoldenstripeontheleftshoulderofhisbreastplate.Riverborngavehimasalute,whichwasreturned.
“Whereareyougoing,Sergeant?”Thesoldierdemanded.“Whoaretheseforeigners?”
“IambringingthetraitorDeepwoodtothepalacetofacethequeen’swrath,Captain.”Riverbornstated,pointingatMoshanna.“ThisisDominicofSanduasandBrotherTaric.TheyarecompanionsofDeepwoodandhavepledgedthemselvestohim.ThetwointhebackofthewagonareaccusedbyLordDominictobefollowersofthedemons.Iwasbringingthemtofacethequeenaswell.”
“Iwillsendaridertoinformthequeen.”Thesoldiersaid.Hebeckonedoveranothersoldieronhorsebackandsenthimridingofftowardsthepalace.Theofficerturnedbacktothem.“Youhavebroughtmuchhonoruponyourself,Sergeant.Haveyourmenwaithere.Iwillhavemysoldiersprovideanescorttothepalace.”
“Welcome,LordDominic.”Themansaid,noddinghishead.“IamCaptainRenralStoneworth.Ihaveheardthestoriesofyourendlesspursuitofthedemons.Itwillbemyhonortoescortyoutothequeen.”
“Thankyou,CaptainStoneworth.”Dominicreplied.Hegesturedtowardsthepalace.“Shouldwecontinue?”
“Ofcourse,Demonhunter.”Stoneworthsaid.Hecalledoverhismen,havingthemformuparoundthesmallpartywhileRiverborn’ssoldierswentovertoanearbybuilding.Oncehewassatisfied,theystarteduptheroadthatledtothepalace.
Thesunhadsetbythenandthetorchlighterswereout,movingtoandfromthelamppoststhatlinedtheroad.Theyreceivedsomecuriouslooksfromthe
peopleinthestreetsastheyrodepast,buttheyseemedfairlyuninterestedforthemostpart.Thepalacegrewlargerastheyrodecloser,thelightsofthewatchtorchesflaringintothedarkeningsky.
Theywereseveralblocksfromthepalacewhenapartyoftwentyarmoredmenonhorsebacksuddenlyrodeoutofthesidestreetsandblockedtheirway.Stoneworthhaltedhismen,thenrodeslightlyforwardofthegroup.
“Moveaside!”Heordered.“Youareinterferingwiththepassageofthequeen’ssoldiers.”
Amanrodefromthecrowd,dressedinfinedarkclothes,ashiningbreastplatevisibleunderthecloakthehungfromhisshoulders.Hewastallandrangy,hisdarkfaceruggedlyhandsome.HehadahaughtylookonhisfaceashefacedStoneworth,hishandrestingonhisswordhilt.Outofthecornerofhiseye,DominicsawMoshannastiffen,hisfacegoingflat.
“IamLordDarrius,Captain.”Themansaid,hiseyesonMoshanna.“Mymenwilldealwiththistraitorandhiscompanions.”HecalledmockinglyovertoMoshanna.“Iwillhaveyourheadbeforethenightends,Deepwood.
“Withallduerespect,LordDarrius,thisisamatterforthequeen.”Stoneworthstated,sittingstifflyinhissaddle,thoughhelookedworried.“Youmayaccompanyustothepalace,butIhavegivenmywordtotheDemonhuntertotakehimtothequeen.”
“Youareondangerousgroundhere,Captain.”Darriussaid,turninghisgazetoStoneworth.“Ifyoudonotreleasethetraitortome,Iwillbeforcedtotakestepstoretainmyhonor.”Hegrippedhissword,itsmeaningnotlostonStoneworth.
“Iwillnotreleasehimtoyouhere,LordDarrius.”Stoneworthsaid,swallowinghard,ashedrewhisownsword.“Defensivepositions!”Hecalledtohissolders,whodrewtheirownswordsandspreadouttosurroundtheparty.HecontinuedtofaceDarrius.“Onlybythequeen’scommandwillIturnhimovertoyou.”
Darriuslaughedashesignaledhismen.Theydrewtheirweaponsandbegantomoveforward.DominicmotionedTarictostaybehindhimashedrewhisownsword.Moshanna’sswordwasalreadyinhishand,hiseyesfixedonDarrius.
Beforethebattlecouldbejoined,anewsoundintruded.Outofthenightcametherhythmicbeatofmenmarchinginunisonandthefaintechoofjinglingmetal.FrombehindDarrius’men,alargegroupofsoldiersappearedinthestreetfromthedirectionofthepalace,movingatanear-runinorderedrows,
theirlongspearsheldattheready.Theywereledbyaverylargeman,hisheadshavedbald,dressedinaheavy
breastplate,witharmorcoveringhisarms,andleatherpantswithcloseknitsteelringsabovehisdarkleatherboots.Therewerefourgoldenstripesonhisbreastplateandalargewarhammerinhishands.
Withoutpausing,heshoulderedhiswaythroughDarrius’menwhilehismenbegantoformaringaroundthem.HestrodeovertowhereDarriuswassittingonhishorse.
“Whatmadnessisthis,LordDarrius?”Themansaid,hisvoicedeepandcommanding.“Youknowbetterthantointerferewiththequeen’ssoldiers.”
AngertwistedDarrius’face,buthisvoicewassuddenlycautiouswhenheaddressedtheman.“Itisamatterofpersonalhonor,CommanderFarrious.ThetraitorDeepwoodinsultedmyhonorandthatdemandsretribution.”
“Itisthequeen’splacetodeterminethat,mylord.”Farriousstatedbluntly.HegesturedtowardsDarrius’soldiers.“DismissyourmenandaccompanymetothepalaceorIwillorderthemdispersed.”Atthat,Farrious’soldiersleveledtheirspearsatDarrius’men,withatleasttwospearsaimedateachone.
Darriuslookedaround,hisfrustrationclearonhisface.Heseemedtobeconsideringresistance,butinsteadcalledovertohismen.“Loweryourweaponsandreturntothebarracks.Iwillgotothepalaceandspeakwiththequeen.”WithalastbalefullookatMoshanna,heturnedhishorseandrodetowardsthepalace,Farrious’soldiersmakingapathforhim.
“Thatwasbravelydone,CaptainStoneworth,butfoolish.”Farrioussaid,shakinghisheadslightly.“LordDarriusisnotamanwhotakesslightslightly.IwillmakesuretosendmyQueen’sGuardwithyouwhenyoureturntoyourbarracks.”Stoneworthnoddedhishead.
“Youmayputupyoursword,LordDominic.”FarrioussaidashefacedDominic.“Youwillnotbemolestedagain.IamNundalFarrious,CommanderoftheQueen’sGuard,andIwillescortyoutoherpresence.”Aslightsmilecrossedhisface.“Idon’tknowifyourememberme,butIaccompaniedthequeenwhenshevisitedSanduasthoselongyearsago.”
“Youareahardmantomiss,CommanderFarrious.”Dominicrepliedashesheathedhissword.“Youandthatoversizedmalletofyourswerethetopicofmuchdiscussionamongstmytroops,mostofitonhowtoavoidoffendingyou.”
Farriouslaughed,thedeepsoundechoingoffthenearbywalls.“Iwonderedwhyeveryonewassopleasanttome.”
Dominicgrinnedslightly.“Ididtrainmysoldierstothinkcritically.”
Farriouschuckledsomemore,shakinghishead.Hismirthfaded.“Weneedtocontinuetothepalace.Youareexpected.”Hemovedovertohistroops,callingoutorders.Theyformeduparoundtheparty,spearsready,andatFarrious’command,movedforward.
Theyarrivedatthepalace,passingthroughthegatesandhaltednearthemainentrance.Thedoorsweremadeofsteel,inlaidwithgoldrelief,andstoodopen.Farrious’soldierspulledthemerchantandhismanfromthewagon,takingthemunderguard,whiletheothersdismounted.Satisfiedwithwhathesaw,Farriousledtheminside.Theentryhallwasasinglelargeroomthatstretchedthewidthofthepalace,thestonewallstallandcoveredincarvings,theroofaseriesofdomes.Acrossthehallwasanothersetofdoors,guardedbyfouroftheQueen’sGuard.
FollowingFarrious,theypassedthroughthedoorsintothethroneroom.Theroomwassimilartotheentryhall,withahighroofandcarvedstonewalls.Thisroomwasfilledwithpeople,mostinfineclothing,liningbothsidesofthelargebluecarpetthatledtoatalldaiswithasinglechairontop.Thethronewasmadeofalight,highlypolishedwood,high-backedandintricatelycarved.Onthethronesatthequeen.
NeniaWindrun,QueenofAletonia,wasanolderwoman,herdarkhairstreakedwithgray.Despitethelinesonherface,Dominicsawtheremnantsofherformerbeauty.Shehadbeensliminheryouth,thoughshenowappearedthinandslightlyfrail.Herdarkeyeswerestillsharp,though;theintensitywasasDominicremembered.
Atallmandressedinpalacelivery,standingnexttothethrone,calledout.“Comeforwardandapproachthequeen.”Hisvoicecarriedthroughthehall.
Theystoppedbeforethethrone,Farrious,Moshannaandthesoldiersdroppingtooneknee,whileDominicandTaricbowed.Themerchantandhismanwereshovedtothefloor,forcedtosprawloutontheirstomachs.
“WelcometoAletonia,LordDominicandBrotherCleric.”Thequeengreetedthemwarmly.“WehavenotreceivedmanyvisitorsfromSanduasoverthelastfewyears.”
ShemotionedtoDominic.“Approachme,mylord.”Shesaid.“Ithasbeenmanyyearssincewesaweachotherlast.”
Dominicclimbedthedais,stoppingtwostepsfromthetop,bringinghimtoeyelevelwiththequeen.Shereachedoutandtouchedhisface;herfingerswarmastheytracedhisscars.Hesawsadnessinhereyeswhenshespoke.
“IwasdevastatedwhenIheardofwhathappenedtomybelovedElidonaand
yourson.”Thequeensaidsoftly.“Youhavemyundyingsympathy.”“Youhonorme,YourMajesty.”Dominicreplied.“Thehonorismine,Dominic.”Thequeenreplied.“IlovedElidonaasif
sheweremyownfleshandblood.Youhonorhermemorywithyourunceasingwaronthedemons.”
Sheleanedforward.“WhyareyouwithMoshannaDeepwood?”Sheaskedquietly.“Hispresencecomplicatesmatters.Areyouawareofwhathehasdone?”
“Iam,YourMajesty.”Dominicrepliedsoftly,awarethattheothersinthecourtweretryingtohear.“However,Ineedhim.Weareonaquestofgreatimportance,onethatcouldbringanendtothedemons.Wewouldhavecontinuedthatquest,unseen,butforBrotherTaric’sinsistencethatthetwodemonfollowersonthegroundreceiveatrial.Iwouldhavekilledthemandbeendonewithit,butheconvincedmetoapproachyoursoldiers.Moshannaknewwhatcouldhappen,butcameanyway.”
“Whatdoyouseekthatcanputanendtothedemonscourge?”Thequeenasked.
“Itisanobjectofgreatpower,rumoredtobeinthefarsouth,neartheWilds.”Dominicresponded.“Wehopedtoapproachinsecret,thethreeofusridingquickly,lestthedemonsbecomeawareofourmissionandtakestepstocounterus.Theremaybedemonsthere,butwewillnotknowuntilwereachthelocation.”
Thequeensatthereforafewmoments,thinking.“ThatissomethingIwouldliketosee,butgettingyououtofthecitymaybedifficult.”SheglancedoveratDarrius.“LordDarriusistheheadofhishouse,onethatisrichandinfluential.IcannotbeseenasforgivingMoshanna’sbrokenvow,thoughIknowthetruereasonforit.”
ShesawthesurpriseinDominic’seyes.Shesmiledbriefly.“Myyoungcousinhastoldmeeverything.TherewasnoproofthatDarrius’familymadethethreats,soIcouldnotriskmovingagainstthem.Outofcaution,IdidtakeDeepwood’sfamilyundermyprotection,quietlyandwithoutthemknowing.”
“Sowhatnow,YourMajesty?”Dominicinquired.“Stepback,Dominic,andyouwillsee.”Shetoldhimwithanotherbrief
smile.WhenDominicreturnedtostandnexttoFarrious,thequeenspoke.“Lord
DominicofSanduasisafriendofAletoniaandwillbetreatedassuch.”Shesaidforcefully.“HehasinformedmeofthereasonforhisvisitandIfindthatI
willsupporthim,thoughthecausewillremainsecret.”Shepointedtothetwolyingontheground.“Takethesetwodemonfollowerstothedungeon,wheretheycanawaittheirfate.”Farrioussoldierscomplied,draggingthetwofromthehall.
“SisterAnatan.”Thequeencalled,lookingaroundthecrowd.“Iamhere.”Awomanindarkbluerobesreplied,steppingforward.She
wasarobustwoman,herdarkwavyhairhangingdowntohershoulders.Shemovedwithaneasygracethatbeliedhersize.
“LordDominic,BrotherTaric,thisisSisterAnatan,theChiefClericofAletonia.”Thequeenintroducedher.SheturnedtoAnatan.“Sister,IwouldlikethreeclericstoaccompanyLordDominicwhenheleaveshere,tosupportBrotherTaric.Theyshouldbestrongintheirpower.”
“Ofcourse,YourMajesty.”Anatansaidwithabow.“Iwillsendasmallpartyofsoldierswithyouaswell,Dominic.Thatshould
preventanyfurthermisunderstandings.”Thequeensaid.SheturnedtoFarrious.“Commander,pleasemakesurethatLordDominicisresuppliedandhavetenQueen’sGuardreadytoridebythemorning.”Farriousnodded.
“Thatleavesuswiththematterofthetraitor,MoshannaDeepwood.”Shesaid,lookingdownathim.“Youbrokeyoursacredvowtome,damningyourself.ForthatIshouldsendyoutotheheadsman.”Shepaused,andthencontinued.“However,LordDominichastoldmethatherequiresyourpresenceonhismission.Ihavedecidedtosupporthim,soIcannotdenyhimyourassistance.”
“Wouldyoulethimgofree?!”Darriusdemandedloudly,steppingforward.“Youcannotbeserious.Youmust-”Hecutoffwhenthequeenrosefromherthrone.
“Cannot?Must?”Thequeensaidharshly.“Youforgetyourself,LordDarrius.Ifyouthinkyoucandemandanythingfrommeinmyownthroneroom,youaresadlymistaken.IfyousayanotherwordthatIfindunwelcome,Iwillhaveyoujointhedemonfollowersinthedungeon.”
Darriusbitbackareply,hiseyesstillangry,thenbowed.“Ofcourse,YourMajesty.Pleaseforgiveme.IfImayask,willyouforgivehimhiscrime?”
“No,LordDarrius.”Thequeensaidasshesatbackdown.“IamonlygrantinghimparoletoassistLordDominic.Hefacespossibledeathonthismission,butifhesurvives,hewillreturntofacemyjustice.”SheturnedtoDominic.“Iwillrequireyourpledgeonthis,LordDominic,thatyouwillbringMoshannaDeepwoodbacktothecapital,onceyourmissioniscomplete.You
areamanofhonor,soallcantrustyourword.”DominiclookedoveratMoshanna,thequestioninhiseyes.Moshanna
nodded.Dominicfacedthequeen.“Onmyhonor,Idosopledge,YourMajesty.”
CHAPTERSIXTEENOntheothersideoftheGrayRidges,withthetorchlightsguidinghisway,
Marcuswascrossingthepalacecourtyard,walkingslowlyandenjoyingthebrisknightair.Heglanceduptoseethestarsshiningbrightlyoverhead,brilliantpointsoflightintheinkyblacksky.
HewasreturningtothepalaceaftercheckingonNorlanandhisfamily.Madalinhadinsistedthathestayfortheeveningmeal,pilingfoodonhisplateuntilhewasfull,thenheandNorlanhadsatoutsideforawhile,talkingoveramugofale.
Thatiswhatafunctioningfamilydoes.Hethoughttohimself,shakinghishead.NotthatIwouldknowanythingaboutafunctioningfamily.
Thethoughtofhisfamilyputadamperonhisgoodmood.Hewasabitsurprisedthattheywerestillatthepalace,havingassumedthattheywouldhavereturnedtotheirholdingsonceKeriawasbacksafely.Hewasgladtobeabletospendsometimewithhisfather,butthattimewaslimitedashisfatherwasofteninmeetingswiththeking.
HisfatherhadfinallyrelentedandallowedhimtoreturntohisquarterswiththeRoyalGuard.Theatmosphereinhisparent’squartershadbeenstifling,havingtoendureRolas’presencewithallthegracehecouldmuster.Thesurprisingthinghadbeenwhenhismotherhadspokenupandsupportedhim,claimingthatshewishedforsomepeaceandquiet.Atleastathisquarters,hecouldfindDaenandNathenwhenheneededtotalk.
Well,atleastDaen.Hechuckledtohimself.NathenhadgottenintosometroublewiththeRoyalGuard’scommander.Nathenhadletlooseoneofhiswitticismsaboutanorderthathadcomedownregardingtheiruniforms.Unfortunatelyforhim,CommanderHelgrantwaspassingbyandoverheard.AfterbeingtakentotaskbyHelgrant,whochastisedhimforlackinggoodorderanddiscipline,Nathenwassenttoworkinthedungeons,thedutythatallthesoldiersoftheRoyalGuardhated,pullingtheovernightshift.Nathenhadbeenmoresubduedsincehestartedworkingthere.Atleast,whereanyonebutDaenandIcouldhear.
Notthathewasspendingthatmuchtimeinhisquarters.AfewdaysafterJakeleft,Keriahadcometohim.Theyhadgoneforawalkaroundthepalacegrounds,stoppinginaquietalcovethatwashiddenfromview.Theyhadsat
closetogetheronthesmallbenchandspokeoftheirfeelingsforoneanother.Sayingthatshehadbeenactingfoolish,KeriaaskedforhisforgivenessforherinterestinJake.
“Iknownowthatitwasnevertobe,buthewassomeonenewandexciting,maybeevenanescapefrommyduties.”Shehadtoldhim,tearsinhereyes.“Hedidcomeafterme,fightingthedemonstorescueme.Thatwouldmakemostwomenconsidersuchaman.”Shetookhishand.“Butyouwerealsothere,fightingforme.Withouttheclerics’power,youwereprobablymostatrisk.Yet,youstillcame.Iknowthatinencouraginghim,Ihavehurtyou.Youhavebeenmyclosestfriend,mydefenderandrescuer,butIdonotdeserveyou.Iwillunderstandifyoudonotwishtoseemeagain.”
“Keria,IwillnotsaythatyourfascinationwithJakedidnotbotherme.”Hehadreplied.“Butthereisnothingtoforgive.YouknowthatIloveyou,thatIwillendureanythingforyou.Weareandalwayswillbefriends,butyouknowIwishforustobemorethanthat.”
Shehadlookedathim,notspeaking,thengentlytookhisheadintoherhands,leanedinandkissedhim.Hepulledhertightagainsthim,relishingthefeelingofhernexttohim.Whentheyheardsomeonepassingby,theyquicklybroketheirembrace,lookingaround,buttheywerenotseen.Hehadfelttheexcitementandjoyofknowingthatshewashis.
“Howcanwemakethisformal,Marcus?”Sheasked,stillholdinghishand.“Myfatherdoesnotseemedinclinedtoconsideryouasasuitor.”
“Wecouldalwaysrunoff.”Hesaidlightly.“I’msurewecouldfindanicecottagesomewhere,farawayfromthepalaceanditspolitics.Maybetakeupfarmingorsomeotherhonestliving.”
Kerialaughedsoftly,picturingthetwoofthemworkingtheground.“Untilmyfather’ssoldierstrackedusdown.Idon’tthinkeitherofuswouldlikewhatcameafterthat.”
“Iwillspeakwithmyfather.”Hehadsaid.“Maybehecouldconvinceyourfathertoallowthismatch.”
Truetohisword,hehadspokentohisfatherthatveryevening.Hisfatherseemedpleased,pouringsomewine,andassuredhimthathewouldpressthecasewiththeking.Hismotherhadsattheresilently,aneutrallookonherface,listeningbutnotparticipatingintheconversation.Hehadnotseenhisfathermuchsincethatnight,butwasconfidentthathewasengagingthekingduringtheirmeetings.
Afterthatnight,hehadspentmostofhisfreetimewithKeria.Theyhadto
becircumspect,buttheyseemedabletofindsomeprivacy,eveninapalacefullofservants.Herelishedthosetimes,justthetwoofthem,holdingeachother,kissingandtalkingquietly,whilekeepinganearoutforanyinterlopers.Thethoughtmadehimsmile.
“Marcus!”HeheardDaenshout,comingfromthedirectionofthepalace.HeglancedoverandsawDaenrunningovertohim.
“Whatisit,Daen?”Marcusaskedwhenhegotclose.“Iwassenttofindyou.”Hisfriendreplied.“Thekinghascalledthecourt
togetherforanannouncement.Yourpresenceisrequired.”“Whatisitabout?”Marcusaskedashefellinbesidehisfriend.“Idon’tknowandIdidnotask.”Daenstated.“AllIwastoldwastofind
you.”Theymovedbriskly,almostajog.Marcusdidnotwanttobethereasonfor
delayingtheking’sannouncement.Theyenteredthepalacecourtyardandheadedtothenearestentrance.Whentheyreachedahallwaynearthethroneroom,Daenstopped.
“Unfortunately,Iwasnotaskedtoattend.”Hesaid.“Iwillwaitforyouhere;youcantellmewhathappenedafter.”
Marcusnoddedandcontinuedintothethroneroom.Hesawthatalmosteveryonefromcourtwashere.Fortunately,thekingwasnotyethere,soMarcusrelaxed.Hismotherandbrotherwerestandingnearthedais,hisfathermarkedlyabsent,buthespottedJonasstandingnearthecentercarpet,hisarmswrappedaroundhisstaff,chattingwithsomeofthepeoplenexttohim.Marcusdecidedtogostandwithhim.Jonasnoddedtohimwhenhestopped,continuingtospeakwiththepersonnexthim.
JonashadcalledMarcustotheTemplethedaythatJakeleft.HewantedtoensurethatMarcusunderstoodtheneedforsecrecyregardingJake’scondition.OnceJonaswassatisfiedwithMarcus’discretion,hetoldhimsomeofwhathadhappened;specificallythatJakewaslookingforapowerfulartifact.Marcusknewthathewasnotbeingtoldeverything,buthefelthonoredthatJonaswouldtrusthimwiththeinformationthathedidreceive.
JonashadalsoaskedMarcustobealertforanysignsofthedemons’spyinthepalace.Hewantedtofindoutthespy’sidentityandneutralizethatperson.JonasandMarcushadmetseveraltimesafterthat,sharinginformationandsometimesjusttalking.MarcuscouldtellJonaswasworriedaboutJake,HailynandDominic,sohetriedtobeavailableifJonaswantedtospeak.Duringoneofthesesessions,MarcushadtoldJonasofhisintentionstowardsKeria.Jonashad
simplysmiledandwishedhimgoodluck.Keriacameintothehallthroughthedoorsnearthedais.Shenoddedand
spokewiththenoblesasshemadeherwaytoherchair.Whenshesatdown,shelookedoveratMarcus,smilingbroadly.Hereturnedthesmile,givingheranodofhishead.
“Youshouldbemoresubtle.”Jonassaidquietly,hiseyesknowing.Hemadeaslightgesturetowardstheassemblednobles.“Youwillsetthetongueswaggingwiththislot.Remembertobepatient.AllthingscomeintheOne’stime.”
BeforeMarcuscouldreply,theking’sheraldcameintothehallandbangedhisstaffthreetimes.Thecrowdquieted.“Thekingcomes!”Hecalledout.
Marcuswatchedasthekingenteredthehall,followedbyhisfather.Thekingclimbedthedaisandsatonhisthrone,Marcus’fatherstandingnexttohim.Marcusnoticedthatthekingseemedratherpale,athinsheenofsweatvisibleonhisface.HeglancedoveraJonas,whowaslookingonwithconcerninhiseyes.
Whenthekingspoke,however,hisvoicesoundedstrong,carryingthroughoutthehall.“Ihavecalledyoutogethertomakeahappyannouncement.Recenteventshavepromptedmetoconsidertheneedformydaughtertomarryandproduceanheir.Asafather,Ihadhopedtodelaythatdayforawhilelonger.Butasking,Icannotriskputtingtherealminjeopardy.”
“So,IhavehadaseriesofdiscussionswithLordMarcelas.Wehaveagreedthatthebestwaytoservetherealmistojoinourhouses.”Thekingannounced.“Therefore,mydaughter,Keria,PrincessoftheRealm,istobemarried.”
Thehalleruptedincheersandapplause.Marcus,notquitebelievingwhathewashearing,lookedoveratKeria,catchinghereye,seeingjoythereandexchangingsmiles.
Whenthecrowdquieted,thekingcontinued.“Intendaystime,thePrincessKeriawillmarryRolas,LordMarcelas’eldestson.”
Marcus,stunnedasifhehadbeenpunchedinthestomach,lookedoverandsawRolasstaringathim,acruelsmileonhisface.
…Jonaskepthisfaceneutral,thoughhewasshockedbytheannouncement.
HecaughtmovementnexttohimandreachedovertostopMarcus,butwastoolate.
“NO!”Marcusshouted,rageanddisbeliefonhisface,ashesteppedintothecenterofthehall.“Iwillnotallowit!”
“Controlyourself,SirMarcus!”Thekingsaidsternly,risingfromhis
throne.“Itisnotyourplacetodisallowanything.”“Why,Father?”Keriacriedout,risingfromherchair,dismayonherface.
“Youdidnotevenconsultme!”“Father,howcanyoudothistome?!”Marcussaidatthesametime,
ignoringtheking.“YouknowofmyfeelingsforKeria.”“Marcus!”Hisfatherreplied,steppingforward.“Youshameyourself.This
isagreathonorforthefamilyandyourbrother.Donotallowyourjealousytoruinit!”
“Jealousy?!”Marcusretorted.“Ifeelnothingbutbetrayal!”“ENOUGH!”Thekingshouted,slamminghisfistdownonthearmofthe
throne.ThehallwentsilentasthekingbeckonedtotheRoyalGuardstandingnearby.
“SirMarcus,youwillremoveyourselffromthehallwithoutanotherword.”Thekingstatedinamorenormalvoice,thoughhisbodyshook.“Youaresworntoobeyme,sohonoryouroath.”
“Please,YourMajesty.”Marcusbegan,butthekingcuthimoff.“SirMarcus,youarebanishedfromthepalaceuntilafterthewedding.”The
kingorderedcurtly.“SpeakagainandIwillbanishyoufromthecity.”JonashadmovednexttoMarcus,puttinganarmaroundhim,squeezinghis
shoulder.Hecouldfeelhimshakefromhisrepressedrage.“Iwillmakesureheobeysyou,YourMajesty.”Jonassaidcalmly.“Pleaseforgivehim.Heisstillyoung.”
“Leave,Marcus.”Jonaswhisperedtohim.“GototheTemple.Iwillfindaplaceforyoutostayuntilthiscanberesolved.”
Marcusnoddedsharply,steppingaway.Hemadeabowtotheking,hiseyesstillonKeria,thenspunonhisheelandstrodefromtheroom,theRoyalGuardtrailinghim.
Thekingsatbackdown,wipinghisforehead,hisbodystillshaking.Jonasapproached,concerned.“Youlookunwell,Majesty.”Hesaidcautiously,hisbodyshiningashecalleduphispower.“MayIexamineyou?”
Thekinglookeddown,seeingJonasapproach,thenhelduphishand.“No,BrotherJonas.”Thekingsaid.“Iamsimplytired.Iwillbefinewithsomerest.”
“ItwouldbebestifImadesure.”Jonaspressed.“Someillnessescanbeconfusedwithweariness.”
“No,Isaid!”Thekingstatedcurtly.“Willnooneobeymethisevening?!”“Forgiveme,YourMajesty.”Jonassaid,bowing.“Ididnotmeantoinsult
you.”“ItmaybebestifIretire.”Thekingsaid,rising.HelookedoveratMarcus’
father.“Forgiveme,LordMarcelas.ThisisahappynightforbothofusandIallowedittoberuined.”
“Nonsense,YourMajesty.”Marcelassaid,bowingdeeply.“ItisIwhooweyouanapologyformyson’sbehavior.”
“Pleaseenjoytherestofthenight.”Thekingsaid.Heleftthehall,withKeriarightbehindhim,pleadingquietly.
JonaswatchedasthenoblesgatheredtocongratulateLordMarcelas,LadyAreliaandRolas.Hequietlymovedtowardstheexits,troubledbywhathadjustoccurred.Somethingwasseriouslyamiss,heknew,butwasnotsurewheretobegintofindoutwhatitwas.
Lettinghispowergo,heleftthepalace,hopingtocalmdownMarcusandpreventhimfromdoingsomethingevenmorefoolish.
…Nearmidnight,withacoolbreezeblowingdownfromtheGrayRidges,
LieutenantJeffreysstoodonthebattlementsoverlookingtheapproachtotheEastGate,leaningagainstthestonesandcheckingthearealitbythewatchtorches.Yawning,hestretchedandmovedaround,tryingtofightoffsleep.Hewasstilladjustingtothenightshift.Hewasfillinginfortheregularnightofficer,whowasgoneonleavetovisitfamily.
Absently,herubbedathiseyepatchoverwherehislefteyehadbeen,stillnotcomfortablewearingit.Helostthateyeinthebattleofthecity,reactingtooslowlytoaswingfromahalf-man,thetipoftheswordstrikingtheeye.Bythetimethebattledieddownandtheclericswereabletoreachhim,theeyehadbeendamagedtooseverelytosave,despitetheirbestefforts.
That’stheriskofbeingasoldier.Hethoughtsagaciously.Hiswifewassupportive,buthadbeengentlysuggestingthatperhapsitwastimeforanotherlineofwork.Giveneverythingthathappened,hewouldhavebeenreceptivetothatidea,exceptthathewaspromotedafterthebattle.Hedidnotseehowhecouldturnitdown,giventheextracoinandincreasedsocialstatus.So,hewasnowthedeputycommanderofthedaywatchontheEastGate.
Thesoundofapproachinghorsesdrewhisattentionbacktowardsthecity.Itisastrangetimeforaride,especiallysincethegatesareclosed.Hethought.Fromthesound,itappearedtobeafairlylargeparty.Hemadehiswayovertothestairsandheadeddowntothegatearea.
Whenhearrived,hesawadozenmenonhorseback,comingtoahaltnear
thegate.HenotedthattheywerearmedandwearingthesymbolofLordMarcelas’house.Helookedatthebigmanslightlyoutinfrontoftherest.Heraisedahandingreeting.“Alittlelateintheeveningforaride,isn’tit?”Heasked.
“Itisn’tforpleasure,Icanassureyou.”Themanreplied.“Iwouldratherbebackinbedwithmywoman.”HepulledoutaparchmentandhandedittoJeffreys.“Weareheretoprovideanescortforanarrivingprisoner.”
“Aprisoneratthishour?”Jeffreyssaidincredulously.“Ourstandingordersaretokeepthegateclosedandlockeduntildawn.”Helookedatthemenmoreclosely.“Idon’tseeanyonefromtheRoyalGuard.Theyareinchargeofthedungeons.”
“WehavebeentaskedbythekingandLordMarcelastosupporttheRoyalGuardwhilewearehereinthecity.Wedrewtheshortstrawandgotthedungeons.”Themansaidwithashrug.Hepointedattheparchment.“Thosearemyorders,signedbythekinghimself.”
Jeffreysopenedtheparchment,adjustingittocatchthemostlight.Thebanner-menofLordMarcelasareoperatingundermyorders.
Thegateistobeopenedtoallowthetransferofaprisoner.LordMarcelas’banner-menwillescorttheprisonertothedungeons.Thisisanimportantmatterfortherealm.Provideanyaidrequiredandfollowtheirdirections.
Theparchmentwassignedbytheking,overtheroyalseal.Jeffreysshookhishead.I’mnotsurewhatthesenoblesarethinkingattimes.
“Whenistheprisonerdue?”Jeffreysasked,handingtheparchmentback.“Iwastoldmidnight.”Themanreplied.“Theymaybebehindschedule.”“Ridersandawagonapproaching,Lieutenant.”Oneofthearcherscalled
down.“Iguesstheyareontime.”Themansaidwithasmile.“Openthegates,
thendrawyourmenback.”“Asyouwish.”Jeffreysreplied.Hewentovertothegate,releasingthe
locks,andwentintothegatehouse.Hehadhismenopenthegate.Oncethegatewasopen,heorderedthemtostaywheretheywere.Hewentoutsideandclimbedthestairstothebattlementsonthewall.Thereheorderedthearcherstomovedownthewalluntilthewagonwassafelyinsideandhadleftthegatearea.
Beforeheclimbeddown,heglancedoverthewallandsawthewagonapproaching.Itwasalargewagon,pulledbysixhorseswithasingledriver,madeofdarkwoodboundinsteel.Insteadofawagonbed,therewasawooden
cell,thewallsandroofbuiltofthesamethickwood,withoutanywindows.Whilehetoldhimselfthatitwasonlyawagon,therewassomethingaboutitthathedidnotlike.Eightmenonhorsebackwereescortingthewagon,allwearingLordMarcelas’symbol.
Hewentdowntocheckthegate,thenorderedhismentopullbackuntilthewagonpassed.Theywatchedfromadistanceasthemenandthenthewagonenteredthecity.Jeffreysfeltachillgothroughhisbodyasthewagonslowlyrolledpast,thewoodenwheelscreakingagainstthepavingstones.Itwasonlyacoupleofminutesbeforeitwasoutofthecourtyardandintothecity.
Thelargemancameridingover.“Thankyouforyourcooperation,Lieutenant.”Hesaidwithanamusedsmileonhisface.“Youmaynowshutthegatebeforesomethinggetsin.”Withthat,heturnedandrodeoffafterthewagon.
Jeffreysquicklygothismentoclosethegate.Herelockedit,double-checkinghisworkandwentintothegatehousetogetsomethingtodrinkandfigureouthowtoexplainthisincidentinthedutyofficer’slog.
…Withthelateafternoonsunsinkinglowinthehorizon,Nathenwasgladto
beoutside,breathinginthefreshair,takinghistimeheadingtotheTemple.HehadamessageforBrotherJonas,butfortunately,therehadbeennoordertorun.
Heabsolutelyhatedworkinginthedungeons.DespitetheGuard’seffortstokeepthemclean,theyweredarkanddank,withtheodorofunwashedmenfillingtheplace.Hesniffedhisclothes,surethesmellhadpermeatedthecloth.
Ofallofthethingshehadseenandheardsinceworkinginthedungeons,lastnighthadbeenstrangestyet.ItwaslateinthenightwhenagroupofLordMarcelasmenshowedup.Theyhadwavedaroundanorderfromtheking,andthenhadalloftheRoyalGuardmovetothefarendofthedungeons,closingthedoorsbehindthem.Then,aboutahalf-hourlater,theyopenedthedoorsandtoldtheRoyalGuardthatthelowestlevelwasoff-limitstoanybutLordMarcelas’men.Hedidnotlikethelowerlevelsanyway,sothatwasfinewithhim.
Oneday,Iwilllearntokeepmyfatmouthshut.Hethought.Hedidnotthinkthatwhathesaidwarrantedthepunishment,somethingaboutlookingprettyenoughthattheirenemieswouldbesmittenandsurrendertotheircharms,butthenagain,Helgrantdidnotseemtopossessasenseofhumor.
HehopedtoseeMarcuswhilehewasattheTemple.Whenhehadgottenoffshift,DaenhadtoldhimwhathadhappenedlastnightandofMarcus’banishment.I’mtheonewhoshootsoffmymouth,notMarcus.Hewouldhave
likedtoseeit,though.HecouldonlyrememberacoupleoftimesthatMarcushadgottenreallyangry;mostofthetime,hewascalmandcollected.Marcusangryandshoutinginfrontofthekingwouldhavebeensomethingtosee.
WhenhereachedtheTemplegrounds,hefoundanapprenticetoleadhimtoJonas.JonaswassittinginthesmallsanctuaryoffthemainTemple,talkingquietlywithanolderfemaleclericwithgray-streakedhair.
Nathensketchedaquickbow.“Greetings,BrotherJonas.Ihavebeensenttorequestyourpresenceatthedungeons.Anewprisonerisapparentlyverysick.Sincetheyarenotsurewhatisailinghim,Iwastoaskforyou.”
“Ofcourse.”Jonasreplied,rising.Nathensawhimlookingcloselyathisface.“Aren’tyouoneofMarcus’friends?Nathen,Ibelieve;theonewholikescourtingtrouble.”
“Yesandno,Brother.”Nathensaidwithasmile.“IamNathen,butIwouldnotsayIlikecourtingtrouble.Iblameitonmyparentsformypoorupbringing.”Hefinishedwithaplomb.
Jonaschuckled,clappinghimontheshoulder.“Well,Nathen.Letusbeoff.”
“IsMarcushere?Iwouldliketoseehim,ifIcould.”Nathenasked.“I’msorry,butheisatMastersmithNorlan’s.”Jonasstated.“I’msureyou
heardaboutwhathappenedlastnight.”Justmyluck.Nathenthought,shrugging.HewasturningtoleadJonas
awaywhenayoungmaleapprenticecamerunningin.“MasterJonas,pleasecomequickly!”Theboysaid,panting.Jonas
interruptedtheboybyraisingahand.“Wait!”Jonassaidfirmly.“Takeabreathandspeakslowly.Aclericmust
remaincalmwhenothersarefallingapart.”Theboyflushedbrightred,embarrassed.Hedidashewastold.Afterhe
releasedthebreath,hespoke,choosinghiswordscarefully.“Forgiveme,Master,butayoungchildwasbroughtintotheclinic.Sheranintotheroadwayandwasstruckbyawagon.Thewagonwasfullyloadedwhenitranoverher.Sheisneardeath.”
Jonasseemedtohesitate,concernonhisface,butthefemaleclericspokeup.“Seetothechild,Jonas.IwillgowithyoungNathenhereandcheckonthisprisoner.”
“Thankyou,Silvan.”Jonassaid,soundingrelieved.Hefollowedtheapprenticeout,movingquickly.
“Letusgo,Nathen.”Silvansaid.“Iwouldliketogetbackbeforeitgetstoo
late.”“Rightaway,Sister.”Hesaidwithamischievousgrin.Whileheledherbacktothedungeons,hecontinuedtotrytogetherto
laugh.Shesmiledathisjokes,butnotevenachucklefromher.Ialwaysseemtogettheserioustypes.Hethoughtdisappointedly.
ThedungeonsweresituatedintheMilitaryQuarter,neartheedgeofthecourtyard.Whentheyarrived,Nathenledherdowntothefirstlevel,wheretheRoyalGuardwasposted.Standinginthestonehallwaythatledtothecells,speakingwiththeofficerincharge,wasthelargemanwhoservedMarcus’father.Justianwashisname,Nathenrecalled.HecockedaneyebrowatthesightofSilvan.
“YouweretoldtobringBrotherJonas.”JustiansaidsharplytoNathen.“Wastheordernotclearenoughforyou?”
Nathengrittedhisteeth,bitingbackareplythatcouldinflamethesituation.Beforehecouldsaysomething,Silvanspoke.
“Iamquitecapableofdeterminingwhatistroublingthisprisoner.”Shesaiddirectly,afrownonherface.“IfitissomethingthatIcannothandle,IwillreturnwithBrotherJonas.”
“Asyouwish,Sister.”Justiansaidwithanodofhishead.HepointedatNathen.“Youcancomeandholdthetorchforthecleric.”
Nathenlookedoverattheofficer,grumblingunderhisbreath,buttheofficermotionedforhimtogo.
Justianledthemdownthestairs,grabbingatorchandshovingitintoNathen’shand.Thetorchlightdidnotseemtopenetrateveryfarintheever-presentdarkness.Therewastheslowsteadysoundofdrippingwaterandthetemperaturegrewcolderastheydescended.
Whentheyreachedthelowestlevel,NathensawthattherewereonlyacoupleofJustian’smenstandingguardoutsideofaheavywoodendoor.Severaltorcheslitthearea.Noddingtothemen,JustianturnedtoSilvan.
“Theprisonerisbeingkeptatthefarendofthehallway,inthebiggestcell.”Hesaidasheunlockedthedoor.“Idon’tknowifwhathehasiscatching,sobecareful.”
“Whyisamanbeingkeptinsuchconditions?”Silvansnapped,gesturingatthearea.“Thisisnothealthyforthebodyorspirit.”
“I’monlyfollowingmyorders,Sister.”Justiansaid.“Youcanaddressitwiththekingifyoulike.”
“Iwilldojustthat.”Shereplied.“Comealong,Nathen.Letusseetothis
poorman.”Beyondthedoorwasalongandwidehallway.Therewereonlyafew
torcheslit,sothehallwascheckeredwithpatchesoflightanddark.Theymadetheirwaydownthehallway,Nathenfeelingmoreandmoreapprehensive.Hewaslookingaround,tryingtogetfamiliarwiththepassage.Theywerealmosttothefarendwhenthedoorclosedbehindthem,adullboomechoingdownthehall.Asthedoorclosed,itcutoffthelightfromtheoutsidetorchesandthesoundmadeNathenjump.
Suddenly,Silvanwasblazingwithpower,thelightthrowingbacktheshadows.Directlyaheadwasasetofcelldoors,standingopen.“Thereissomethingwronghere,Nathen.Beready.”Shesaid.
Nathennodded,drawinghissword.Silvancautiouslymovedforward,enteringtheroom.
Theroomwaswideandempty.Therewasasecondaryhallwayinthefarcorner.Thehallwayspacewaspitchblack,thewallshadingitfromSilvan’sglowingform.Astheyslowlyapproachedit,avoicecamefromthatblackness,freezingthemwheretheystood.
“YouarenotwhoIwasexpecting.”Thedeepvoicesaid,thesoundterrifyingNathentohiscore.Outofthedarkness,atallman-shapedfiguresteppedintothelight.
“RUN!!”Silvanscreamedathimassheunleashedablazingstreakofclerics’fireatthefigure.Nathenheardthecracklingofconflictingpowersandthesoundofthedemonlaughing.HestumbledbackasthedemonstruckatSilvan.Shescreamedahigh-pitchedscreamasthedarkfireburnedintoher.Somehow,shestayedonherfeet,fightingthoughthepain,andattackedagain.
Intheflashesoflightfromthebattle,Nathensawthesmallholeinthefloorthatactedastheprivyforthecell.Desperate,histerrorovertakinghim,hescrambledtoit.Heclawedatthestones,tryingtopullthemup.Withthemortarweakenedwithage,hewasablepryafewloose,enlargingthehole.
WithafinalcryofagonyfromSilvanasshefell,thebattlebehindhimended,theroomplungingintodarkness.
“Whereareyougoing,mylittlerabbit?”Thedemonchuckledbehindhim.Overthepoundingofhisheartbeat,Nathenhearditcomingforhim.
Completelyterrified,hedoveforward,shovinghimselfintotheprivyholeheadfirst.Grippingthestones,hepulledwithallhisstrength.Suddenly,thewholethinggaveway.Hefelttheagonyofthedemon’sfireasitstruckhislowerlegrightbeforehefell,tumblingintothedarknessinarainofstone.
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
“Marcus.”MarcusturnedfromthefurnacewhenheheardNorlancallovertohim,
wipingthesweatfromhisface.Hewasatthesmithy,wearingthesameleatherapronsandmetalfootgearasNorlan’stwoapprentices.JonashadsuggestedthathegotoNorlan’sfortheeveningmeal,sohecouldbearoundfriendswhiletheyfiguredoutwhattodoaboutKeria.Afterthemeal,whenMarcusandNorlanweretalkingoutside,Norlanhadsuggestedthatheshouldcomebythesmithyanddosomephysicalworktoclearhismind.Whenheawokethismorning,hedecidedtotakeNorlanuponhisoffer.
Marcushadbeenhaulingloadsofwood,coalandiron,aswellasworkingthebellowsatthefurnace,constantlymoving.HeonlystoppedwhenMadalinandCherisehadbroughtthemid-daymealforhimandtheothers.Theexertionshadtheintendedeffect;hewasabletothinkaboutwhathadhappenedmorecalmlyandrationally.
Norlanwasstandingovernearhissmalloffice.MarcuswassurprisedtoseeJonasstandingthere,butevenmoresotoseeDaen,hisfacelookingevenmoreseriousthanusual.NoddingtoAlmos,whowasusingthefurnace,heleftthesmithyareaandwalkedacrossthesmallyardtowheretheywerestanding.
Jonaslookedathimcritically,noddingslightly.“I’mgladtoseeyouactive.Toomuchsittingaroundbroodingisnothealthy.”
“IamgratefulthatNorlanmadetheoffer.”Marcusreplied.“Ithinkthatithashelped.”
“Excellent.”Jonassaid.Hethenloweredhisvoice.“However,wehavesomethingmoreimportanttodiscuss.”HeturnedtoNorlan.“Mayweuseyouroffice?”
“Ofcourse,Jonas.”Norlansaidandledthemintothesmallroom.Oncetheywereinsideandthedoorwasclosedbehindthem,Jonasspoke
again.“DaencametotheTemplelookingforyou,Marcus.Hehassomethingimportanttotellus.”HegesturedtoDaen.
“Thismorning,webegantogetaseriesoforders,signedbytheking.”Daenstated.“TheordersbegantoreassigntheRoyalGuard.Somewereorderedtoaugmentthesoldersatthegates,butotherswerebeingsenttotheremoteborderforts.Atfirst,noonethoughtanythingaboutit,sincethenumbersspecifiedineachorderweresmall,butwhentheorderscontinued,itbecameapparentthat
almostalloftheRoyalGuardwasbeingsentfromthepalace.Helgrantwenttoseethekingtoprotest,butcamebackwithSirAlleon,whowasorderedtoleaveforthewesternfortsimmediately.SirAlleontooktwentyGuardsmenwithhimwhenheleft.”
“Helgrantwasassuredthatthesedeploymentsweretemporaryandinformedthatyourfather’smen-at-armswouldfillinatthepalacewhiletheRoyalGuardwasaway.”Daenshookhishead.“Helgrantwasfurious,butgavetheorders.AfterSirAlleonleft,hepulledmeasideandtoldmetogoandinformyouandBrotherJonas.Iwasorderedtostaywithyouandnotreturntothepalace,soatleastoneRoyalGuardwouldbeleftinthecity.”
DaenlookedoveratJonas,whonodded.“Also,Nathendidnotreturnfromthedungeonslastnight.Hehatestheplace,soheisusuallybackinthebarracksassoonashisshiftends,butIhavenotseenhimsinceheleftyesterdayafternoon.”
“SisterSilvanwentwithNathentoattendtoasickprisoner,orsoweweretold.”Jonasinterjected.“ShedidnotreturntotheTemple.WhenIwenttothedungeonsthisafternoon,lookingforher,IwastoldthatthelogsshowedthatshehadleftaroundhalfanhouraftershehadarrivedwithNathen.TheytoldmethatIcouldcomeinsideandlookmyself,butIdeclined.”Hepaused.“Therewassomethingaboutitthatdisturbedme.Justsoyouknow,allofthemenatthedungeonswereyourfather’smen.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbythat,Jonas?”Marcusasked,butfeltasuddenhollownessinside.“Iamangrywithhimandheisalwaysinthemiddleofthecourtpolitics,butmyfatherisnotanenemyoftherealm.”
“Iappreciateyourloyalty,Marcus.”Jonassaidgently.“Butsomethingisverywronghere.WhywouldthekingsendtheRoyalGuardaway,onlytoreplacethemwithyourfather’smen?Also,whenIwenttothepalacetodiscusswhathappentoSilvan,Iwasturnedawayatthepalacegates.Theguards,yourfather’smen,saiditwasorders.IamtheChiefClericofSanduas;whatreasonwouldtherebetokeepmeout?TheonlythingIcanthinkofistokeepmeawayfromtheking.Yousawhowhewastwonightsago.CombinethatwithwhatDaenhasjusttoldus,wecannotdenythatthereisanefforttosurroundthekingwithyourfather’smen.Whobutyourfatherwouldhavetheabilitytosoorderhismen?”
“Icannotbelievethatmyfatherwouldmoveagainsttheking.”Marcusstated,shakinghishead.“Theyhavebeenfriendsforalongtime.Therehastobeanotherexplanation.”
“Ifthereis,weneedtofindoutwhatitis.”Jonassaid.HelookedoveratNorlan.“Ifyoudonotwishtobeinvolvedanyfurther,Norlan,Iunderstand.Theremaybegreatriskininvestigatingwhathashappened.”
“Ifyouarethatconcerned,Jonas,thensoamI.”Norlansaid,squaringhisshoulders.“Itisunlikelythatifsomethingbadhappensitwouldpassmyfamilyby.I’mnotsurewhathelpIcanbe,butIamwithyou.”
“Thankyou,Norlan.”Jonassaid.Helookedateachoftheminturn.“Weneedtobecautious.DaenandIwillreturntotheTemple.Marcus,youandNorlanshouldcontinueasifnothinghashappened.Finishyourwork,andthenheadhome.Onceitstartstogetdark,cometotheTemple.Wehavemuchtodiscuss.”
…Keriapulledonherdressingrobeastheseamstressesleftherroom,taking
thefabricsampleswiththem,deepindiscussionoverthedetailsofherweddinggown.Shesteppedoffthesmallpedestalnearthemirrorandbeganpacingaroundherbedroom.
Shehatedthatherfatherwasforcinghertomarrythatodiousman.Shehadspokentoherfatheratlength,alternativelypleadinganddemanding,tryingtoreachhimandhavehimcalltheweddingoff.ShehadbeggedhimtoallowhertomarryMarcus,arguingthatitwouldstillallowthejoiningwithLordMarcelas’family,butwithsomeonethatsheloved.Herfatherrejecteditoutofhand,finallyorderinghertoherroomandforbiddinghertodiscussitanyfurther.
Tomakemattersworse,whenshehadtriedtoleavethepalacegroundsthismorning,shewasturnedback.TheRoyalGuardondutytoldherthatherfatherhadorderedherconfinedinthepalaceuntilafterthewedding.Thathadsentherintoarage.Shestormedintoherfather’schambers,demandingtoknowwhyshewasaprisoner.Hetoldherthatitwasforherowngood,topreventherfromdoingsomethingrash.Thatwastoomuchforher.Shelostanysenseofpropriety,yellingandcursingathim,threatingtocuthimoutofherlifeforever.Hehadrespondedinkind,hisfacegrowingred,bellowingather,tellinghertostayinherquartersorhewouldhaveherputinchains.
Despiteherfrustrationandanger,shewasworriedforherfather.Hedidnotseemhimself.Whenshefirstspokewithhimaftertheannouncement,hewaspaleandsweating,hishandsshakingslightlyashedrankhiswine.HehadrefusedtoallowhertosendforJonas,sayinghewasfine.Hedidnotlookanybettertoday.
Lostinherthoughts,shedidnotrealizethatherdoorhadopeneduntilshesawRolasstridingintoherroom,atankardinhishand.
“Howdareyou?!”Shehissedathim,pullingherrobetight.“Youcannotjustcomeintomychambersuninvited.LeaveorIwillhaveyoutakenawayinirons.”
“Isthatanywaytotreatyourfuturehusband?”Rolas,eyesslightlybloodshot,askedwithasmileonhislips,unconcerned.
““YouwillleavenoworIwillinformmyfatheraboutyourboorishbehavior.”Shesaid,tryingtorecoverhercalm.Hestoodtherewatchingher,andthentookaslowanddeliberatedrinkfromhistankard.
“Youwillregretdisobeyingme.”Shesaidflatly,drawingherselfup.Sheraisedhervoice.“Guards!!”
Despitehercry,Rolassimplystoodtherewiththatevilgrinonhisface.Afterafewmoments,whentheguardsdidnotshowup,helaughed.“Itappearsthatthereisnoonecomingtoyourrescue.”
Hecameovertoher,reachingouttotouchherface.Shejerkedherheadback,buthereachedoutandgrabbedherneck.Hesqueezedtightlyandpulledherclose.Shecouldsmellthealcoholonhisbreath.
“Youbelongtomenow.”Hesnarledquietly,smilegone,eyesflatwithanger.“Youhadbetterlearntoguardyourtongue.YouwillsoontakeanoathtoobeymeandIwillholdyoutothatoath.Oncewearemarried,youronlydutywillbetoproduceanheir.”Hissmilecameback,cruelandcold,thoughhumordidnottouchhiseyes“Iprefermywomenalittlerougheraroundtheedges,butwearestuckwitheachother.Youhadbettermakepeacewiththat.”
BeforeKeriacoulddoanything,awoman’svoicecamefromthedoorway.“Rolas,releaseher.”
Grimacing,heshovedKeriaback,lettinggoofherthroat.Shestumbledbackwards,butwasabletocatchherbalance.Asshelightlyrubbedwerehehadgrabbedher,shelookedovertoseeLadyAreliaandCaptainJustianstandinginthedoorway.
“Justian,escortRolasbacktoourquarters.”Shesaid,lookingcoldlyatherson.“Ifheweretohappentostumbleintothewallseveraltimesalongtheway,Iwouldhopethatwouldconvincehimtogiveupdrinking.”
Grumblingunderhisbreath,Rolasturnedandleft,withJustianrightbehindhim.LadyAreliacameintotheroomandsatdowninoneofthechairssetnearthewall.ShemotionedKeriatojoinher.Afteramoment’shesitation,Keriacameoverandsatdown.
“Ifyouwishtofindsomehappinessinmarriage,mydear,youwillneedtolearntoidentifyandmanageRolas’moods.”Areliastated.“Trynottoantagonizehim.”
“Idonotplantomarryhim.”Keriasaidsharply.“Aftermyfatherlearnsofthis,yoursonwillbeluckytokeephishead.”
“Thatisexactlythewrongthingtodo,Highness.”Areliastatedfirmly.“Thekingandmyhusbandhaveagreedonthisunion.Youwouldnotwishtoseeaschismdevelopbetweenthem,doyou?Thatcouldleadtounfortunateconsequences.”
“IwillbeQueensomeday,soIwillnottoleratesuchamantositbesideme.”Keriaretorted.Shetookacalmingbreath,softeninghervoice.“LadyArelia,ifyoutrulywanttoseeourfamiliesunited,convinceyourhusbandtoagreetoamarriagewithMarcus.HeandIareamuchbettermatch.Weloveeachother.”
“WhileIwishmysonthebest,thatwillnothappen.Rolasisthefirst-bornandMarcelas’heir.”Areliasaid,studyingKeria.“Ifyouwishtobeagoodqueen,youmustputthebestinterestsoftherealmbeforeyourowninterests.Startingaconflictwiththerichestnoblehousewouldnotbeinanyone’sbestinterest.”
“Iwouldratherdiethanmarrysuchaman.”Keriastated.“Ihaveheardmanywomensaythat.”Areliasaid,rising.Shelookeddown
atKeria,eyesnowcold.“Noblewomensuchasourselvesmustfindawaytoendurewhatfatedealsus.Noteveryonegetstohavethemanofherdreams.Youshouldthinkonthat,Princess,aswellashowtomakepeacewithRolas.Youwillbemarryinghim,whetheryoulikeitornot.”Withthat,shemadetoleave.
Atthedoor,sheturnedback.“Ishouldwarnyou.YourfatherhasreplacedtheRoyalGuardinthepalacewithmyhusband’smen.Donottryanythingfoolish,child.Therewillbenoonetohelpyouifyoudo.”
KeriastaredindisbeliefasthedoorshutbehindArelia,suddenlyshuddering.ThesoundofthedoorsclosingremindedherofthecellinCreatos’fortress.Sheknewthatshewasacaptiveagain.
…AsMarcuswalkednexttoNorlan,headingintotheTemple,passingthe
apprenticeclericsignitingthetorchesinthegardentoprovidelightagainstthedarkeningsky,thecalmingbenefitofworkingatthesmithyhadfaded.Hismindwasturning,desperatelytryingtofigureoutwhatwashappeningandwhy.
Hewasstilluncertainwhattobelieve.Hejustcouldnotfathomwhatwouldcausehisfathertoplotoractagainsttheking.Thatwouldbesooutofcharacterforhim.But,withthestrangemovementofhisfather’smenintopositionsthatrightfullybelongedtotheRoyalGuard,hecouldnolongerbecompletelysure.
Theymadetheirwaytothesanctuary,findingJonasandDaenalreadythere,sittingintwoofthefourchairsintheroom.Therewasapitcherofwineandfourglasses,sittingonasmalltablenearthechairs.Marcuswentoverandpouredthewineintotheglasses,handingonetoeachman,thensatdownintheremainingchair.
“Iamstillnotconvincedthatmyfatherisbehindwhatisgoingon.”Marcussaid.“Iagreethatsomethingoddishappening,buttheordersthatarebeingcarriedoutarefromtheking.Couldhisapparentillnessbeaffectinghisjudgment?”
“Maybe.”Jonassaid,strokinghisbeard.“Therearesomeillnessesthatimpairjudgmentorcausethepersontobeopentosuggestion.But,untilIcanexaminehim,wecannotknowforsure.Itriedtosendanotherclerictothepalacethisafternoon,thinkingthatitmightjustbemethatisbarred,butshewasturnedawayaswell.”
“WithoutwantingtocauseMarcusanyoffence,butperhapsthekingandhisfatherhavebeencompromisedinsomeway,maybesomethinghappenedthatleavesthemopentocoercionbyothers?”Norlansuggested.“Theydoseemtobeworkingtogether.”
“Nooffenceistaken,Norlan.”Marcussaid.“Idoubtit,though.Ihaveneverheardevenawhisperofmyfatherdoinganythingthatwouldbeconsidereddishonorable.”
“Canwesomehowgetthearmyinvolved?”Daenasked.“Ithinkthatifthesoldiersbegantoquestionwhatwashappening,wewouldgetsomeanswers.LordMarcelasdoesnothaveenoughmentostandagainstthem.”
“Iagreethatwouldgettheirattention,Daen,buthowwouldwemakethathappen?”Marcusresponded.“Ifitwerefoundoutthatweweretryingtoturnthearmy,thenthekingwouldsimplyorderthemtoarrestus.Ican’tseethemturningagainstthekingononlyourword.”HelookedatJonas.“Theonlywayitcouldworkisiftheclericshelpedconvincethem.”
Jonasshookhishead.“Ican’ttelltheclericstodothatononlyavaguesuspicion.ItwouldviolatetheAgreement,whichinturnwouldmeanthatthekingwasnolongerboundbyit.ThatwouldmaketheTemplevulnerable.IwillnotriskitunlessanduntilIknowmore.”
“Whatcanwedothen?”Norlanasked.“IthinkthatweneedtodeterminewhathasbefallenSilvanandNathen.”
Jonassaid.“Ifwecansolvethat,itmaygiveusbetterinsightonthetruepurposebehindallthathashappened.”
“Wherewouldwestart?”Marcusasked.“Wecannotgetintothepalaceandwewoulddrawattentionifwetriedtogointothedungeons.”
“MaybeIcangetin.”Daenstated.“IbelievethatIcangetCommanderHelgranttowriteanorderthatIneedtoretrievesomeitemsfromthebarracks.HeiscurrentlyattheSouthGate.”
“Iapplaudyourcourage,Daen,butwemustbecautious.”Jonassaid.“IfthekingandMarcus’fatherarecollaborating,asNorlansuggested,thenitispossiblethatHelgranthasbeencompromised.Ibelievethatwemustdothisourselves.”
“Insteadofthat,whynothaveDaenfindsomeoftheGuardsmenwhoworkedinthedungeonsandengagetheminconversation?”Marcussuggested.“Hewouldnotsayanythingspecific,butthatmaybeausefulwaytogatherinformationwithoutrevealingourtrueintent.”
“Icanagreetothat.”Jonassaid.HelookedatDaen.“Doyouthinkyoucanbecircumspectinyourquestionsastonotdrawattention?”
“Ican,BrotherJonas.”Daensaidconfidently.“IcancheckwiththeremainingGuardsmenstillinthecity.IfIcannotfindsomeonethere,Icanalwaysrideouttothenearbyarmygarrisons.”
“Ifweareagreed,thenIsuggestwestartthere.”Jonassaid.Theothersnodded.“Weshouldmeetagainintwodays.Hopefully,Daenwillhavesomeinformationtohelpusplanwhattodonext.”
MarcusgotupandwalkedoutwithDaen,whileNorlanstayedtospeakwithJonas.TheywentaroundtotherearoftheTemplegroundswherethebushesandtreeswerethick,soDaenwouldbelesslikelytobeseenleaving.
“Don’ttakeanyrisks,Daen.”Marcussaidquietly.“Ifyouthinkthatsomeoneisgrowingsuspicious,leaveimmediatelyandreturnhere.”
“Idohavesomecommonsense,Marcus.”Daensnorted,asuddengrinonhisface.“Younoblessometimesseemtothinkonlyyouhaveabrain.”
Marcussmiledatthat.“IthinkNathenhasbeenabadinfluenceonyou.”Hissmilefadedasheheldouthishand.“Luckbewithyou.”
“Youtoo,Marcus.”Daensaid,grippingMarcus’hand.“I’llseeyouintwodays.”Withafinalnod,heslippedintothebrushanddisappeared.
MarcusslowlymadehiswaybacktowardstheTemple.Hestoppedneara
lowwall,leaningagainstitandlookingupatthesky.Highcloudsobscuredmostofthestars,makingthenightseemdarker.
HestartedthinkingaboutKeria.Hisbodytensedandhefelthisangerre-awakenasheconsideredthefactthatshewassupposedtomarryRolasinonlyeightdays.WhilehehadnottoldJonasorNorlan,hehaddecidedthatiftheydidnotfindanyanswersbeforethen,hewouldfindawayintothepalaceandconfronthisbrother.Ifhemust,hewouldfighthimforKeria.
Hewasbattlinghisbrotherinhismind’seyewhenasuddenrankodorassaultedhisnostrilsandheheardarustlingcomingfrombehind.Hespun,drawinghissword,andconfrontedashapestaggeringawayfromthebushes.
“Holdandidentifyyourself.”Marcusordered.“Marcus,isthatyou?”Afamiliarvoicesaid.“ThankstotheOne.”The
figuretookanotherstepandcollapsed.“Nathen!”Marcuscriedasranovertohim,kneelingdownandcradlinghis
head,ignoringthestrongoffensiveodoremanatingfromNathen’stornanddirtyclothes.Checkinghimforinjuries,hesawthatNathen’slegswerebare,hisbootsandpantslegsgone,thefleshblisteredandoozing.Hewasshockedthathehadbeenabletowalkonthematall.
“Whathappened,Nathen?”MarcussaidashemovedtopickhimupandtakehimtoJonas.
Nathen,eyeswide,reachedoutandgraspedMarcus’chainmail,curlinghisfistsintothemetal.“Demon!”
…InthedungeonsofDanelias,Martissatinthedarkcell,staringatnothing.
Hecouldsometimeshearthefaroffsoundoftheocean,echoingdownanairvent,butnotnow.Ranechwasasleepnearhim,snoringloudly.Hestretchedouthisfootandgavehimasharpkickintheside.Ranechdidnotwakeup,butrolledoverontohissideandthesnoringstopped.Atleastforalittlewhile.Martisthoughtbitterly.
Hehadoftenfallenintodespairsincehehadbeenbroughthere.TheAletonianswhoworkedinthedungeonsdidnothidetheirdisgustforhim.Theydeniedhimlight,exceptwhentheyfedhim,whichwasalwaysawateryanddisgustinggruelandapieceofstalebread.Theydeliberatelyspilledhischamberpotwithoutcleaningitup,leavinghimtoendurethestrongodorofwaste.HewasforcedtosharethesmallcellwithRanech,eventhoughtherewereemptycellsallaround.
Heshudderedwhenherecalledtheknivesandothersharpinstrumentsthat
theguardswouldbringin,sharpingthemwhilelookingathimwithsmilesthatchilledhimtohiscore.Heknewthatitwasonlyamatteroftimebeforetheystartedusingthoseitemsonhim.IwilltellthemeverythingIknow.Hetoldhimself.Bettertogostraighttotheheadsmanthanendurethatfornogoodreason.
Downthehall,heheardthemetaldoorthatledtothecellsopen.Heblinkedagainstthesuddenlightfromthetorchheldbythemanwhocamedownthehall.HiscountenancewasconcealedbythetorchlightinMartis’eyesandadeephood.
“AreyouthemancalledMartis?”Themanaskedquietly.Martisdidnotrecognizethevoice.
“Iam.”Hereplied.“Whoareyou?”“Thatisnotimportant.”Themansaid.“Ionlyhaveasinglequestionfor
you.Ifyouwerefreed,whatwouldyoudoforthepersonwhofreedyou?”Martisfeltasuddentingleofhope,conflictingwiththefearthathewas
beingledintoatrap.Hedebatedhowbesttorespond,butdecidedthathehadnothingtolose.
“Iwoulddowhateverthatpersonaskedmetodo.”Hestatedcautiously,waitingfearfullyforthejawsofthetraptosnapshut.
“Correctanswer,merchant.”Themansaid,hissmilevisibleinhisvoice.“Youandyourmanwillbegivenhorsesandweapons.Youwillreceivehalfthegoldthatwashiddeninyourwagon.TheDemonhuntertoldtheQueen’sGuardaboutitbeforeheleftanditwasconfiscated.”
“Thenwhat?”Martisasked,surprisedbytheoffer.“Then,youwillperformthemissiongiventoyou.”Themanstated.His
voicetookonatoneofmenace.“Knowthis,merchant.Ifyoufailinthismission,youwillbebeggingforthemercyofaswiftdeathbeforeIamdonewithyou.”
“Iwillnotfail.”Martissaidquickly.Themannodded.“Someonewillcomeforyoushortly.Youwillbegiven
yourtaskatthattime.”Themanturnedandleft,plungingthecellbackintodarkness.
Martiscouldnothelpbutsmile.Hewoulddohisbesttocompletewhatevermissionwasgivenhim.Thenagain,optionswerealwaysavailabletosomeonewhowasfree,withapurseofgoldandahorse.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
Inthelateafternoonofthenextday,withthesunsinkingonthehorizon,Jakecrestedthelastlowhill.Hesawthelakespreadoutinfrontofhim,thesunlightsparklingasitdancedoffthewater.HehaltedDontas,pausingtotakeintheview.Hailynrodeupbesidehim,stoppingaswell.
Theywerestillatleastanhourfromthelakeshore,thelandflatteningoutasitranfromthehillstothewater.Hecouldjustmakeoutsomebrownspotsalongtheshore,theirshapesuchthattheyhadtobeman-made.Homesorotherbuildingslikely.Hethought,concentrating.Maybesomeboatsinthewater.
Thelakeitselfwaslarge,fourorfivemileswideandatleastthatlong.Dominatingthescenewasthelargeislandthatrosefromthemiddleofthelake.Whiletheislandlookedfairlylevel,asingle,largerockycliffjuttedupintotheskynearitscenter.Itappearedtobeseveralhundredfeettall.ItsshaperemindedJakeofasmallerversionofDevilsTowerinWyoming.Itslightgraycolorcontrastedwiththegreenfoliageofthetreesatitsbase.Ashelookedclosely,hesawashimmeringthatrandowntheclifffacethatcouldonlybeawaterfall.
“Weshouldheadtothebuildingsandseeifwecanfindsomeonewithaboatwhowillbewillingtotakeustotheisland.”Hailynsaid.
“JustwhatIwasthinking.”Jakesaidwithasmile,whichHailynreturned.Theyhadspentmuchofthetimeontheroadtalkingtoeachotherabouttheirhopesanddreams,sharingsecrets,soJakefeltmuchclosertoHailynthanbeforetheyleftSanduas.
ThetripfromKersanthadbeenfairlyuneventful.Exceptforarainstormthattheyranintoonthethirddayout,theweatherhadheldfairlysteady,coolandpleasant.Theyhadventuredintoavillageoncetogathersomesupplies,butmostlystayedawayfromotherpeople.Theymadegoodtime,ridingthroughoutthedayandstoppingonlyatnight.
HebootedDontasintomotion,headingdownthehill.Hegotthehorsetoasteadygallop,Hailynridingathisside.Withthelandcoveredinshortcloversandthetreesthatwerepresentscatteredaroundinsmallstands,theywereabletoheadstraightforthebuildingswithoutanydeviation.
Astheygotcloser,Jakesawthatthebuildingswereactuallyasmallhomeandabarn,builtnearthelakeshore.Therewasawoodensplit-railfencethat
surroundedtheproperty,withasmallgatenearthehome.Behindthebarnwasasmallpierthatextendedintothelake.Tiedupattheendofthepierwasawoodenboatwithasinglemastrisingfromthecenterofthecraft.Theboatwaswiderinthemiddlewithanarrowbowandstern.Nearthebarnwereseveralwoodenracks,lookinglikeA-frameswithasinglewoodenpolerunningacrossthetop.Therewassomethinghangingfromthem,buttheywerestilltoofarawaytomakeoutwhatitwas.
Whentheywerenearthehome,theyslowedthehorsestoawalk,approachingslowly.Jakecouldnowseeitwasfishhangingfromtheracks,coveredinsalt.Whenhelookedbacktowardsthehouse,hesawthedooropenandamanstepout.
Themanwasslim,dressedinbrownleatherclothing.Heappearedtobeinhisthirties,witharecedinghairlinepushingbackhislightbrownhair.Hisfacewasruddy,evidencethathespenthistimeoutdoors.
Jakenoticedthatfacewasunwelcoming,thesentimentmadeclearbythelongspearinhishand.JakemotionedHailyntostopandtheyhaltedthehorsesnearthegate.
“Whatdoyouwant?”Themandemanded.“Wearelookingforsomeonewhocantakeustotheisland.”Hailynsaid
gently.“Wemeanyounoharm.”“Doyouhaveadeathwish,strangers?”Themanaskedwithasharplittle
barkofalaugh.“Noonegoestotheisland.”“IamaclericoftheOne,goodsir.”Hailynresponded.“Ihavetogotothe
island.Areyousurethatthereisnoonewillingtosailustoit?”“Acleric,huh?”Themangrunted.“YouarenotdressedliketheclericsI
haveseen.”“WearefromSanduas.”Hailynsaid.“Wearetravelingwiththepermission
ofthequeen.”“Maybeshewillcomeandtakeyoutotheisland.”Themansaid
sarcastically.Hestudiedthemsomemore,frowningatJake’sweapons,obviouslythinkingthingsover.
LookingbackatHailyn,heasked.“DoyouswearbytheOnethatyouandyourcompanionmeannoharm,cleric?”WhenHailynnodded,herelaxedsome,groundinghisspear.“Ifyouareseriousaboutgoingtotheisland,Icanatleastfeedyousomethingotherthantravelrationsforalastmeal.IdowanttostayontheOne’sgoodside.”
“Thatwouldbeverykindofyou,goodsir.”Hailynsaidwithasmile.“My
nameisHailynandthisisJake.”“MynameisTurlic.”Themanreplied.“Iamafishermanandtrader.Be
welcometomyhome.”JakeandHailynslidoftheirhorsesandtiedthemoffonthefence.They
enteredthroughthegateandwereescortedintothehouse.Itwasasimplehome,withalargelivingarea,asmallkitchenandtworoomsbuiltagainstthefarwall.Therewasarough-hewnwoodentablenearthekitchen.Inthekitchenitselfstoodaplumpwoman,plainlydressedinasimplecottonskirtandblouse,withherhairpulledbackintoalongponytail.ShelookedquestioninglyoveratTurlic.
“ThisisSisterHailynfromSanduasandhercompanion,Jake.”Turlicsaid.“Theyhaveafoolnotionofgoingtotheisland,soIwantedtomakesuretheyhaveonelastgoodmeal.”Hegesturedatthewoman.“Thisismywife,Ralien.”
“Bewelcome,Sister.”Raliensaidgraciously.Shegesturedatthetable.“Pleasebeseated.”
Oncetheyhadsatdown,Ralienbroughtoversomecups,thereturnedwithtwopitchers,onewineandtheotherwater.TurlicpouredhimselfsomewinewhileJakeandHailynchoosethewater.
“Sister,whydoyouwanttogotheisland?”Turlicasked.“Wearelookingforsomethingimportant.”Hailynreplied.“Itmayassist
theclericsandwebelieveitisontheisland.”“Youarestrangershere,soIfeelitismyobligationtowarnyou.”Turlic
said,frowning.“IwasnotexaggeratingwhenIsaidnoonegoestotheisland.Oh,theoccasionalfoolishyoungmanandhisidiotfriendswillmaketheattempt,theirmindsfilledwiththelegendsofapricelesstreasurethatissupposedtobeontheisland.”
Turlicshookhishead.“Justlastyear,therewerefourladsthatsailedtotheisland.Threewentashorewhiletheforthstayedwiththeboat.Theoneontheboatsaidheheardscreamsshortlyaftertheylanded.Heclaimedthathesawoneoftheothersrunoutofthetrees,bloodiedandbeggingforhelp,thensomemonstercameoutofthetrees,grabbedthewoundedoneanddraggedhimback.Theoneontheboatreturnedimmediately,hisfacepaleandterrified.Aftertellinghistale,hewaslastseenridingahorseasfastasitwouldcarryhimawayfromthelake,headingintothehills.”
“Iamnotsurewhatwastrueandwhatwasnot,butthereisrealdangerontheisland.”Hefinished.“Yourfriendmaybegoodwithhissword,butthere
couldbethingstherethatswordsoraclericcannotdefendagainst.Pleasereconsideryourintentions,Sister.”
“Iappreciateyourconcernforoursafety,Turlic.”Hailynsaid.“Butwehavetogototheisland,regardlessofthedanger.”
Turlicfrownedatthat,clearlythinkingabouthowhecoulddissuadeher.Inthesilence,themaindooropened,drawingJake’sattention,andayounggirlentered.Shewaswearingasimplebluedresswithbrownleathershoes.Jakenoticedthatshewaswearingashawlwrappedaroundherhead,shadingherface.Mostnotably,herleftarmwasbentatanangle,asifshewererunning,seeminglylockedinplace.
ShefrozewhenshesawJakeandHailynsittingthere.TurlicsawJake’slookandturned.
“Thisisourdaughter,Milyn.”Hetoldthem,painevidentonhisface.“Whathappenedtoherarm?”Hailynaskedgently.“Therewasaplaguethatsweptthroughheretwoyearsago.”Turlicreplied
afteramoment.“Itonlyseemedtoaffectthechildren.Mostdiedfromit,butMilynsurvived.Itleftherarmuseless.”
“Icanlookatit,ifyouwish.”Hailynsaidquietly.“PerhapsIcandosomethingtorelievethesymptoms.”
“Youwouldbewastingyourtime,Sister.”Turlicreplied.“Aclericcamethroughseveralmonthsaftershehadrecovered.Hetriedtohealher,buttoldusthatthedamagewasdoneandcouldnotbereversed.”
“Iwouldstillliketotry.”Hailynsaid.Turliclookedoverathiswife.Afterfewmoments,shenodded.Hesighed,
turningtohisdaughterandgesturingtoher.“Comehere,mylove.”Hesaidgently.
Thelittlegirlcameover,slowlyandhesitantly,andstoppednearherfather.Hailynmotionedhertocomecloser.“Iwillnothurtyou,child.”Shesaidsoftly,awelcomingsmileonherface.
Atthegentleproddingofherfather,MilynwalkedovertoHailyn.SheflinchedwhenHailynreachedouttopushhershawlback.Whentheshawlfellfromherhead,Jakesawwhyshewaswearingit.
Therightsideofherfacewassmoothandclear,whatachild’sfaceshouldlooklike.However,theleftsidewasaruin.Deepredscarscreasedherfacefromherhairlinetowhereherdresscoveredhershoulders.Thescarshadpulledbacktheleftsideofhermouth,leavingitinapermanentgrin,withherteethexposedandsomedroolleaking.Herlefteyewascoveredinawhitefilm,
blindingher.“Thisiswhattheplaguedidtomybeautifuldaughter.”Turlicsaidbrokenly,
hiseyesfullofunshedtears.Hailyndidnotreact,lookingkindlyatthegirl,thesmilestillonherface.
Shegentlytookthechild’sheadintoherhands,andthenclosedhereyes.Warmyellowlightfilledtheroomasshestartedtoworkherpowertoheal.Jakesawherbrowsfurrowinconcentration.Theysatthere,watching,butnothingseemedtobehappening.
JustwhenJakewassurethatHailynwouldgiveup,aflashofwhitelightdrewhisattentiontowardsherhands.Hewasstartledtoseetherunesonthebraceletglowingsoftly,thewhitelightpulsing.Ashewatched,smallburstsofthelightflowedfromthebraceletintothegirl.
TurlicandRaliengaspedasthewhitelightbegantocoverthedamagedareasoftheirdaughter.Jakewatched,transfixed,asthescarsonthegirl’sfaceseemedtomeltaway,restoringherskin,herleftarmunbending.Hermouthrelaxedandthewhitefilmfadedfromtheeye.Withafinalflare,thelightoftherunesfadedaway.
WhenHailynpulledherhandsawayandopenedhereyes,Milynwasstandingtherewhole,herbodymended.Sheburstintotearsofhappinessasherfatherandmothercameoverandembracedher,showeringherwithkisses.
Jaketurnedfromthescenetogivethematleastsomeprivacy.HeleanedovertoHailyn.“Whatdidyoudo?”
“Idon’tthinkIdidanything,Jake.”Shewhispered.“Iwastryingtofixthedamage,usingmypower,butnothingwashappening.Suddenly,Ifeltheatonmywristandfeltthatwarmthflowintothegirl.Ididn’ttrytouseit;Ijustletitcontinuetoflow.”
“Sister.”TheyturnedtofaceTurlicwhenhespoke,hisvoicechokedwithemotion.Thereweretearsstreamingdownhisface.“Icannotbegintothankyouforwhatyoujustdid.WhileIfearforyoursafety,ifyouinsistongoing,Iwilltakeyoutotheislandinthemorning.Pleasestayheretonightasourguests.”
…AstheymadetheirwaytoTurlic’sboat,thesunroseonthefarhorizon,
decoratingthedistantskyinakaleidoscopeoforangeandreds.Itwasvisibleonlybriefly,itslightshiningacrossthelandfromthesliverofopenskythatexistedbetweenthelandandthegraycloudsthatwerecoveringthearea.Itslidbehindtheclouds,mutingitslightandwashingoutthecolorsofthewaterand
land.JakeandHailynfollowedTurlic’sinstructionsandtooktheirplacesnearthe
sternoftheboatwhileTurlicmadereadytosail.Beforeheundidthemooringropes,heattachedasmalldingytotherearoftheboat.Withtheslight,butsteadybreezeblowingacrossthelake,Turlicraisedhissail,thecanvascatchingthewind.Heuncoiledtheropesholdingtheboattothedock,thentookhisplaceattherudderastheboatstartedtomove.
Theysailedoutintodeeperwater.Turlicturnedtheboat,adjustinghissailtokeepthewind,andheadedtowardstheisland.Theypickedupspeed,thewatermakingagentlelappingsoundagainstthewoodasthebowcutthroughthesmallwind-drivenwaves.
“Wehavedecidedtoexplorethecliffareafirst,Turlic.”Jaketoldhim.“Canyougetusascloseaspossible?”
Whilekeepinganeyeonhissail,henodded.“Iwilltakeyoutowheretheriverontheislandflowsintothelake.Thereisawiderbeachthere,abetterplacetoland.Theriverappearstooriginatefromthecliff,butitisimpossibletonavigate,soyouwillhavetowalk.”Hepaused.“Ihopethatfollowingtheriverinlandwillgiveyousomeprotectionfrombeingsurroundedbywhateverisontheisland,withthefast-flowingwateractingasabarrierononesideatleast.”
Helookedatthem,hisfaceresolute,butunhappy.“Iwillnotsetfootontheisland.ThatiswhyIbroughtthesmallboat;youwillhavetorowtoshore.Iwillwaitforyoujustoffshore.”Helookedaway.“Ihopeyoucanforgivemycowardice,especiallyafterwhatyoudid.”
“Thereisnothingtoforgive,friendTurlic,norareyouacoward.”Hailynsaidsoothingly.“Youcannotaidusthere,sothereisnoneedforyoutocomealong.Knowingthatyouwillbewaitingforusisagreatrelief.”
“Youarekind,Sister.”Hereplied,adjustingtherudder,hiseyesfocusedontheislandgrowingcloser.“Iwillwaitforyouforthreedays.Theboatwillbereadytosail,nightorday.Afterthreedays,Iwillhavetoreturntoshore.”
“Weunderstand.”Hailynsaid,lookingatJake.“Fromwhatyouhavetoldus,ifwearenotbackinthreedays,thenitislikelythatwearenotcomingback.”
Thatthoughthungoverthemastheyapproachedtheisland,thecentralclifftoweringoverthemandthesoftroarofthewaterfalldriftingacrossthelake.Jakecouldseethattheshorewasamixofrocksandsand,withthetreelinesetbackanywherefromafewfeettoseveralyards.Hecouldonlyseethetreesmovinginthewind;therewasnoevidenceofanythinglivingontheisland.
Turlicturnedtheboatagain,readjustingthesailandparallelingtheshore.Theyfollowedthegentlecurveoftheisland.Afterafewminutes,Jakecouldhearthesoundofflowingwater.Theyroundedarockypointandasandybeachopenedupinfrontofthem.Inthecenterofthebeach,aswiftmovingrivercutthroughittothelake.Jakesawwhytheycouldnotsailuptheriver.Therewerescatteredrocksstrewnthroughit,thewaterroilingoverthem,churningwhite.
Whentheywerestillatleastacoupleofhundredfeetfromshore,Turlicloweredhissailandwenttothebow,droppingametalanchor.Oncetheanchorsettledonthebottom,hetiedoffitsropetothebow.Theboatdriftedashortway,thentheropepulledtaunt,holdingitinplace.Hereturnedtothesternandpulledthesmallboatclose.
“Becareful,SisterHailynandfriendJake.”Hesaidashehelpedthemclimbintotheotherboat.“Idonotwishtoreturnalone.”
“ItwillbeastheOnewills.”Hailynrespondedkindly.“Havefaith.”“Iwilltry,Sister.”Herepliedwithaforcedgrin.“Wemaybecomingbacksoonerthanyouthink,Turlic.”Jakesaidasheset
theoarsintheirholders.“Idoubtthiswilltakeusmorethantoday.”“ThatIwillprayfor,Jake.”Hesaidashepushedtheirboatgentlyaway.
“Thesoonerwecanbeawayfromthisplace,thehappierIwillbe.”Jakenodded,andthenbegantorow.Heonlyhadtorowforafewminutes,
navigatingasclosetotheriverashecouldget,andthentheywereonthebeach.Oncetheboatslidtothestop,JakejumpedoutandhelpedHailynofftheboat.Hepulleditfurtheronthebeach,makingsureitwassecurelygrounded.
Withthenoisefromtherivermaskinganyothersound,theycarefullylookedaround,seekingsignsofmovement.Afterafewmoments,Jakepointedtowardstheriver,thenuptowardsthecliff.HailynnoddedandturnedtosignaltoTurlicthattheyweremoving.Jakedrewhisswordandstartedtowardstheriver,Hailynrightbehindhim.
Theyreachedtheriverandlookedinland.Theriverbankswereajumbleofstone,leadingtowardsthecliff,thelandrisingslightly.Takingadeepbreath,Jakeembracedhismagicwhilescanningthesurroundingterrain,hisswordheldattheready.Hailynstayedrightbehindhim,herpowershiningbrightly.
Theymadetheirwayslowly,takingcaretowatchwheretheywerestepping,tryingtomaintainfootingonthesometimesslipperyrocks.Theyreachedthetopoftheshortinclineandsawthattheriverranstraighttothecliff.Jakecouldseetheclifffaceaheadthroughthegapinthetreesthattherivermade,thewaterfallcoveringmostofwhatwasvisible.
Theriverbankwaslessrockyhere,makingtheirpassageeasier.Theymovedquicklyandsoonfoundthemselvesclearingthetreesandfacingthecliff.
Nowthattheywereclose,Jakesawthatthecliffwasmorerounded,theedgesforwardandthecenterback,almostformingahorseshoeshape.Thewaterfallfellfromthetopofthecliffintoalargeoval-shapedpond,whichinturnfedtheriver.Hesawseveralopeningsalongthecliffface,mostnaturallooking,butsomelookedasifsomeonehadmadethem.Orsomething.Hethoughtgrimly.
“Whatnow?”HewhisperedtoHailynwhilecontinuingtoscantheareafordanger.
“Let’sfollowtheedgeofthepondtothewaterfall.”Shesuggested.“Theremaybeanopeningwecannotsee.”
Nodding,Jakestartedforwardagain.Hewasstartingtosweatfromthetension,despitethecooltemperatures,hiseyesconstantlyroamingforanythingoutoftheordinary.Despitehisworries,theymadeitaroundthepondwithoutincident.
JakewastryingtoseeiftherewassomethingnearthefallswhenHailynpointed.Jakefollowedherhandandsawasmallopeningatthebaseofthecliff,thedarkshapepartlyobscuredbythefallingwater.Jakenoddedandbegantoslowlyworkhiswaytowardsit.
Theroarofthefallswasdeafening,thespraycomingoffitsoakingtheirclothes.Thefootingwasslippery,makingthepassagemorechallenging.Therewasasmallgapintherocks,filedwithwater,rightbeforetheopening.Jakesheathedhissword,tookacoupleofquickstepsandjumpedthegap.Hisbootsslippedonlandingandheslidintothecliffface,grabbingtherockstokeephisbalance.Oncehewassecure,heturnedandmotionedtoHailyn.Shemadeherleap,Jakecatchinghertokeepherfromfalling.Tradingatightsmilewithher,Jaketurnedandheadedintotheopening.
Onceinside,theirpowerslightingthearea,Jakedrewhisswordagain.Hesawthattheopeningledtoaroughtunnelthatrandeeperintothecliff.Hewipedthemoisturefromhisfaceandmovedforward.
Thetunnelroseandfell,aswellasmadeseveralturnsbeforeitopenedintoalargechamber.Thecrashingofthefallingwaterechoedinthechamber,fillingitwithsound.Thechamberwasaboutahundredfeetwide,withatallceilingthatformedaroughdomeabovethem.Jakecouldmakeoutseveralopeningsaroundtheedgesofthechamber.However,onethingpulledhisattentiontowardsit.
Againstthefarwallofthechamberwasacoarsetableofstone.Itlookedaboutsixfeetlong,standingonasinglepedestalthatwasbuiltonasmallrise.Itwasnottheshapeorconditionofthetablethatdrewhimtoit;itwasthefactthatitwasglowingsoftlyinapalewhitelight.HeexchangedasurprisedlookwithHailyn,andthenstartedtowardsit.
Whentheygotveryclosetoit,Jakefelthismagicsuddenlysurge,hisauraflaringbrilliantly.Hedidnotdoanything;itsimplyincreasedinintensity.Whilehewasprocessingthesensation,Hailynsuddenlygaspedbehindhim.Jakespunquicklyandsawherpowershiningbrightlyaswell.However,shewasstaringatherwrist.Jakesawthattherunesonherbraceletglowinginthesamepalelightasthetable.
“Jake,Icanfeelitpullingatme.”Shesaid,eyeswide.Shemovedclosertothetable.Whensheputherhandonit,therunesflared,aquickflashofsilverylight.Theyfadedbacktoasoftpulsingglowwhensheremovedherhandfromthetable.
“Theswordwashere;Iknowit.”Shesaid,eyesglowingwithjoy.“Ifeellikethebraceletiscallingtome.Ithinkitcanleadustothesword.”
“Isitcloseby?”Jakeasked.Hailynconcentratedforamoment,andthenshookherhead.“Igotasense
ofagreatdistance,towardsthenorth.Itisnotclose.”“Thenlet’sgetoutofhere.”Hesaid,steppingawayfromthetable,
motioningbackthewaytheycame.“ThatIcannotallow.”Asinistervoicecalledoutbehindthem.Theyspunaroundandsawafiguremoveintothechamberfromoneofthe
otheropenings.Asitcameintothelight,Jakefeltfearriseupunbidden.Thefigurewasman-shaped,standingaroundsixfeettall,andpowerfullybuilt,itsmusclesrippingasitmoved.
Jakeknewitwasademon,buthehadnotseenonelikethisbefore.Thisoneseemedlikeademonhewouldhavepicturedbackhome.Ithadahumanface,withflowingdarkhair,butthesamejet-blackeyesastheotherdemons.Ithadsharpclawsattheendofitsfingersandadeepreddishcolortoitsskin.Surmountingitsheadweretwoslightlycurlingblackhorns.
“Ihavenotseenaclericinmanyyears.”Thedemonsaid,itsdarkpowersuddenlysurroundingitsbody.ItpointedatJake.“Ihaveneverseenonelikeyou,though.”
“Andyouwon’tagain.”Jakesaidashesteppedforwardandattacked,launchingablastofpoweratthedemon.
Thedemonstaggeredbackfromtheblowandcounter-attacked.Jakedeflectedtheattack,feelingthedemon’sstrength.Hewasalittlesurprisedbyit;itwasthestrongesthehadfacedsinceCreatos.ButbetweenHailynandme,itdoesn’tstandachance.Hethoughtconfidently.
Asifreadinghismind,Hailynmovedofftohisside,givingheraclearshotatthedemon.Beforeshecouldattack,thedemonmovedsideways,tilteditsheadbackandletoutastrange,high-pitchedcall.Itechoedthroughoutthechamber,reverberatingdownthepassageways.
AsHailynstruck,ablazingbeamofclerics’firelashingatthedemon,Jakeattackedaswell.Thetwinblastsofpowerslammedintothedemon,knockingitdown,itsformsizzlingandburning,acryofpainescapingfromitslips.Butbeforetheycouldfinishitoff,moredemonsbegantoflowintothechamberfromtheotheropenings.
TheyweremostlyImps,buttherewereseveralofthefemaledemonsliketheonesatKersant.Behindthemcameatwinofthedemontheywerejustfighting.Demonfirecamestreakinginatthemfromallsides,forcingthemtodefend.Beforetheycouldtryandrun,thedemonscutofftheirescaperoute.
Thefuryofthedemons’powerforcedthemtogiveground,Jakefeelingthedarkenergybreakingthroughhisdefenses,burninghim.Heclenchedhisteethagainstthepain,buthecouldnotkeepthedemons’firecompletelyaway.Hailyn,standingnexttohim,wasalsobeingpressed,herpowershining,butshewasnotfaringmuchbetter.Thechamberseemedtoshakefromtheclashingexplosionsoftheconflictingpowers.
Drivenbackstep-by-step,Jakebegantodespair.Hedidnotthinkofhowtheycouldgetoutofthis.Theoverwhelmingnatureofthedemons’attackpreventedhimfromcountering,forcinghimtofocusondefensealone.Eventhatwasnotsufficientenough.
Retreating,theywereforcedbacktowardsthetable.Whentheywerealmostontopofit,theyenteredthatinvisiblebubbleofpowertheyfeltbefore.JakefelthispowersurgeandHailyn’saurabecamealmostblinding.Therunesonthebraceletflaredtolifeagain,outshiningbothoftheirpowers.
Usingthissurge,Jakesentablastofpower,acobaltwallofmight,intothemassofdemons.Hismagicknockedtheweakeronesdown,whiletheothersstaggeredback.Hailyndirectedalargeboltofswirlingyellowandwhitefireintothedemons,severalImpsexplodingtoashwhenitcrashedintothem.Jakefollowedwithanotherattack,destroyingoneofthefemaledemons,itsfinalcryofagonyfillingthechamber.Thedemonscontinuedtoattack,scatteringaround
thechambertomakethemlessofatarget.“YouattackandI’lldefend!”JakeshoutedovertoHailyn.Shenodded,her
faceamaskofconcentration.FilledwiththepoweroftheLight,theyfoughton.Jakedeflectedthe
demons’firewhileHailyndestroyedthedemonsonebyone.Jakedidnotknowhowlongthebattleraged,buthecouldfeelexhaustioncreepinguponhimwhenthelastImpwasdestroyed.HesawthatHailynwasswayingaswell.Bythen,theywereleftfacingthetwomaledemonsandaremainingfemaledemon.
Reachingover,JakepulledHailynclose.Leaningoneachother,theycontinuedtofight.Theyrapidlydestroyedtheremainingdemons,strikingdownthelastonewhenitturnedandtriedtoflee.
Inthesuddensilencethatfollowed,Jakefelltohisknees,hispowerwinkingoutandhisskinrawfromtheburnshereceived.Withhisearsstillringingfromtheexplosionsofpower,Hailynkneltdownnexttohim,herhandonhisneck.Jakefeltherpowerflowintohim,healinghiswounds.Whenshefinished,shegavehimawanesmile,andthencollapsed.
Hisbodytremblingfromexhaustion,heforcedhimselftocradleherbodyandpickherup.Hewantedtobeofftheislandincasetherewerestilldemonspresent.Hestaggeredtowardsthetunnelthattheycamein,Hailynheldprotectivelyagainsthisbody.
…Turlicwaitedonhisboat,worrygnawingathim,staringtowardsthesmall
boatontheshore.Theyhadbeengoneforseveralhoursandhisimaginationwasfillinghismindwithaseriesofequallyhorriblefatesthatcouldbefallthosetwo.
Iamnotamantofacesuchthings.Hethoughtbitterly.Asuddenflashofmovementontheislandcaughthisattention.Hetensed,
waitingforsometerrortoappear.Tohisrelief,hesawJakecomestumblingoutofthetreeline,carryingHailyn.HesawJaketripandfalltothesand,spinninghisbodytoavoidlandingonHailyn.Hetriedtopushhimselfup,butfellback,unabletorise.
Movingquickly,Turliccuttheropeattachedtotheanchorandraisedhissail.Hedirectedhisboattowardstheshore.ThisissomethingthatIcando.Hetoldhimself.
CHAPTERNINETEENTheportofFarSouthernwasbusyintheearlymorninglightasDominic
rodeShadowdownthemainstreettowardsthelocalgarrison.Thewarmoceanbreezeathisback,blowingoffthewavesandheadinginland,broughtwithittheharborsmellsofsalt,fishandgarbage.Alongwiththecriesofthegullswheelingoverhead,thetradersandmerchantswerealreadyatwork,theirconversationsandnegotiationslendingaconstantbuzzofnoiseechoingoffthewallsofthebuildings.Moshannarodebesidehim,withthefourclericsandtensoldiers,theirlongspearsangledupandthespearpointscatchingthesun,formedupbehindthem.
Fourdaysearlier,theyhadbeentakentotheharborinthecapital.Awaitingthemwasasleektradingship,withtwinmastsandarakishbow,calledtheWavemistress.Itscaptain,asupremelyconfidantmannamedBrelis,struckDominicasamanwhowasnotaboveskirtingthelawifitwasprofitabletohim.Brelishadaroguishairabouthim,impeccablydressedinfineclothes,incongruentwithaworkingship’scaptain.However,CommanderFarrious,whohadaccompaniedthemtothedock,toldhimthatthequeenmadeapersonalrequesttoBrelistocarrythemsouth.
Assoonastheyhadloadedthehorsesintheholdsbelowdeck,theshiphadunmooredandslippedfromtheharbor.Onceontheopensea,theshipcaughtthewind,risingandfallingasitsbowcutthroughthewaves,pickingupspeed.Dominichadjoinedthecaptainonthebridgeaftertheylefttheharbor,standingatthestern,watchingtheshoreslowlyshrinkonthehorizonbehindthem.
“Haveyoueverbeentosea,mylord?”Brelisasked,asmileplayingonhisdarkfaceashewatchedTaricruntothesiderail,heaving.Severalofthesoldierswerealreadyattherail.“Youseemtohavemorefortitudethansomeofyourcompanions.”
“Ihaveseenthingsthatwouldupsetthestomachmorethansomewaves,CaptainBrelis.”Dominicreplied,turningtowardshim.“Itissimplyamatteroftraininganddiscipline.”
“PleasecallmeBrelis,myLordDemonhunter.”Themansaidwithalaugh.“Wouldyoucaretomakeawageronwhetherdisciplinewillhelpyouifwerunintooneofthestormsthatcanriseinthesouthatthistimeoftheyear?”
“Forgiveme,Brelis,butyouhavethelookofamanwhowouldgolooking
forastormjusttowinthatbet.”Dominicsaid.“IthinkIwillkeepmycoin.”Brelislaughedloudly.“ImustsaythatIlikeyou,mylord.Thisshouldbe
anenjoyabletrip.”Despitehisseeminglyjovialdemeanor,Brelisranatightship.Hissailors
hurriedtoobeyhiscommandsandhewasnotabovetellingDominicoranyoneelseontheshipwhattodo,expectingtobeobeyed.Hekeptaconstantwatchontheirnavigation,checkinghischartsagainsttheirspeedanddirectiontotracktheirlocation.Theshipspedalongdayandnight,keepingtheshorejustbeyondthehorizon.
TheyhadarrivedatFarSouthernlatelastnight,butwereforcedtowaitoutsidetheharboruntiltheharbormasterarrivedjustbeforedawn.TheharbormasterstoodnexttoanddirectedBrelisashemaneuveredtheWavemistresstothedock.Oncetheshipwasmoored,Brelis’sailorsbegantoleadthehorsesfromtheholdswhileDominic’spartygatheredtheirequipmentandsupplies.
“Iwillwaitforyouhere,mylord,toreturnyoutoDanelias.”BrelistoldDominicashepreparedtodisembark.Agrincrossedhisface.“Thequeenispayingmehandsomelyformytime,sothereisnohurrytoreturn.”
“Iwilltrytorememberthat,CaptainBrelis.”Dominicreplied,shakinghishead.“Iwouldnotwanttodoanythingtoshortchangeyou.”
Theywereheadedtothelocalgarrisontogathersomeadditionalsuppliesandawaterwagon.TheareawhereParshalthiawaslocatedwasbarrenandhot,withlittlewateravailable.Thewaterwagoncarriedenoughwatertotakecareoftheirandthehorses’needs.Itwouldslowthemdown,butMoshannatoldhimthattheycouldnotmakeittoParshalthiawithoutit.
Dominicglancedbehindhim.SergeantStonebuilder,theQueen’sGuardinchargeoftheothersoldiers,wasridingbehindTaricandHalana,theyoungfemalecleric,withafrownonhisface.StonebuilderhadnotbeenhappywhenDominichadtoldthem,beforetheylefttheship,thatMoshannawashissecond.
“Mylord,Imustprotest.”Hehadsaid.“Youcannotputatraitorinchargeofus.Hehasnohonor.”
“Sergeant,Iamincommand,placedtherebythequeenherself.”Dominichadresponded,fixingthemanwithasteadystare.“Moshannaismysecondandyouwillobeyhim.Ifnot,Iwilltakeyourmenandleaveyoubehind.YoucanexplaintoCommanderFarriousorthequeenwhyyourefusedtoaccompanymeasyouwereordered.”
Stonebuilderhadsatthereinstonysilence,finallynoddinghishead.“Itwill
beasyousay,mylord,butIdonothavetolikeit.”Dominicshookhisheadasheturnedforward.TheAletoniansandtheir
honor.Hethought.Moshannaneedstofindawaytoclearhisname.Theyrodeuptothelocalgarrison’sfortress,asquatbuildingmadeofthe
sameredstoneastherestofthebuildings.Itwaslocatednexttothewallthatsurroundedthetown,nearthemaingates.Theystoppedthehorsesunderanareadesignedforshade,openbutcoveredbyathinthatchedroof.DominicsentStonebuilderinsidetoarrangeforthewaterwagonwhiletherestwaited.
Aftertwentyminutes,Stonebuildercamearoundfromtherearofthebuilding,drivingawagonpulledbyfourhorses,withtwoverylargewoodenbarrelsmountedinplaceofthewagonbed.AtMoshanna’scommand,oneofthesoldierstiedoffStonebuilder’shorsetohisown.
“Areweready,Sergeant?”Dominicasked.“Weare,mylord.”Stonebuilderstated“Thenletusbegin.”Dominicsaid,spurringShadowforward.Astheypassedthroughthetowngates,headingwest,thepavedroad
transitionedtoahard-packeddirtroad.Thelandaheadofthemwasarockydesert,thesoilamonotonouspalebrown,withjumblesofredandlightyellowrocksrisingfromtheground.Theroadtheytraveledonextendedintohillsthatseemedtogoonforever.Exceptforsomegreenerynearthecoast,thehillswerelargelybarrenofplants.
Asthemorningpassedandthesuncontinueditsriseinthesky,thetemperaturebegantoriseaswell.Everyonewassoonsweating,thesoldiersburdenedwiththeirarmorandtheclericswiththeirrobes.DominicnoticedTaric,hisfacebrightred,starttoswayslightlyinhissaddleastheyrode.Halana,ridingclosetohim,handedhimawaterskinandencouragedhimtodrink.Afterhehaddrunkdeeply,shereachedoverandclaspedhishand,herformglowinginpower.Whenshereleasedherpower,hisfacewaslessflushedandhestraightenedinthesaddle.Heleanedclosetoherandsaidsomethingquietly.Sheletoutasoftlaughandpattedhishand,alargesmileonherface.
DominicsawthatMoshannahadfollowedhisgaze.Theysharedalook,bothslightlybemused.AfterHalanahadusedherhealingtohelpTaricwithhisseasickness,theyhadbecomeinseparableontheship.Theywerealwaystogether,oftenjustthetwoofthem,talkingquietly,theirinterestineachotherobvious.
“Areyousurethisisn’twhyJonassentyouwithme?”HehadsaidtoTariconthethirddayatsea.“Maybehewashopingtoseeyoumarriedoff.”
Tarichadflushedbrightred,embarrassed.“Itisnotlikethat,Dominic.Halanaisaskilledhealerandsheissimplyteachingmenewtechniques.”
“Ithoughtclericsweresupposedtotellthetruth,Brother.”Dominicreplied,cockinganeyebrow.HeclappedtheyoungclericontheshoulderasTaricsputtered,tryingtofigureoutaresponse.“Justmakesurethemissionisfinishedbeforeyoudecidetorunofftogether.”
Bymid-day,theyhaltedtowaterandrestthehorses.Theyateaquickmeal,sittingintheshadowoftheirhorsesandrefillingallofthewaterskinsfromthewagon.
“Thisheatcaneasilykillyou.”Welsen,oneoftheAletonianclerics,toldthemallastheypreparedtomount.HeandQuilian,thefourthcleric,werebotholdermen,eachhavingservedwiththearmy.“Untilwegrowusetoit,weallmustcontinuetodrinkwater.Everyoneshouldbeconsumingatleastaskinanhour.”
“Wewillalldoasyousay,Brother.”Dominicordered.Theyreachedtothemainnorth-southtraderouteinthelateafternoon.After
anothershortbreakwheretheclericscheckedontheconditionofbothmanandhorse,theyturnedsouth.Theroad,ifitcouldbecalledthat,waslightlytraveled.
“Thereisnotmuch,ifany,tradewiththepeopleoftheSouthernWilds.”Moshannaannouncedastheyheadedsouth.“IwasassignedtothegarrisonhereforsometimewhenIwasasoldier.Whilenotmuchisknownabouttheircustoms,theyareatribalpeople,constantlywarringwitheachother.Someinthenorthhadheadedsouth,hotheadslookingforadventureandclericsgoingtospreadthemessageoftheOneorjusttoattempttounderstandthesoutherners.Fewevercameback.WemayrunintobandsoftheWildmenasweheadsouth.Unlesstheyoutnumberus,theyarelikelytoscatter.Whileafightisunlikely,wemuststayvigilant.”
Asthesunsetinthewest,theystoppedandmadecamp,findingasuitableplaceashortwayofftheroad.Asnightsettledoverthehills,thetemperaturebegantofall.Afteradayofoppressiveheat,therelativelycoolnightfeltcold.Someofthepartybegantoshiverandwrappedthemselvesintheirsleepingblankets.
Dominicsetthesoldiers’scheduleforwatchwithStonebuilder,checkedonShadow,andthenwentovertositnexttoMoshanna.
“Whatcanweexpectgoingforward?”Heasked.“WeshouldbeabletomakeittotheroadthatleadstoParshalthia
tomorrow.”Moshannarepliedquietly.“Ihaveneverbeenthere,butIwastoldthatitisonlyaboutahalf-dayridetotheruinsfromthere.”
Dominicnodded.“DotheWildmentravelthere?Shouldweexpecttohavecontactwiththem?”
Moshannashookhishead.“Idoubtit.FromwhatIknowofthem,theytendtosticktothetradingroute,raidingthoseunfortunatesthatventuretoofarsouth.Iammoreconcernedaboutcomingacrossthedemonsandtheirfollowers.”
Heglancedovertowardstheclerics,whoweresittingnearthewagon.“Weonlyhavefourclerics.Wemustmakesurethattheyareprotectedorwewillsurelyfail.Iwouldrecommendthatweassignasoldiertoeach.Thatwillonlyleaveusandfivesoldierstomaneuver,butweneedtheclericswholeandfighting,ifwefacethedemons.”
Dominicconsideredit,andthennodded.“Inthemorning,IwillhaveStonebuildertaskhismentoprotecttheclerics.”
Theybrokecampintheearlymorning,ridingoutasthesunwasrising.Asthedaypassed,theheatroseandwasasbrutalasthedaybefore.Travelingthroughtherockyterrain,theroutewouldsometimesleadintosmallcanyonsthatproducedenoughshadetoprovideasmallmeasureofrelieffromtheharshheat.Despitetherelativecomfortofthecanyons,Dominicrefusedtostoptorestwhileinthem.Hepreferredopengroundwheretheycouldseetheirenemiescoming.
Inthelateafternoon,astheywerecrestingahill,Moshannahaltedthecolumnandpointeddownalongthepath.Inthedistance,throughtheheatshimmerrisingfromtheground,Dominicsawasmallgroupofmenrunningfromtherockyoutcroppingsthatlinedtherouteahead.Hecouldjustmakeoutwhatlookedlikelight-coloredarmoronthemenandlongwoodenspearsheldintheirhands.Thegroupturnedsouthalongtherouteand,constantlylookingbackovertheirshoulderstowardstheoutcroppings,continuedtorun.
“Wildmen?”HeaskedMoshanna.“Yes.”Moshannarepliedashestudiedtheoutcroppingsahead.“They
appeartobefleeingfromsomethingandIdon’tthinkitwasus.”Dominicnodded,havingthoughtthesamething.Heturnedandspoketothe
restoftheparty.“Wearecontinuingforward,butremainalertandready.TheWildmenappeartoberunningfromsomething,sothereislikelydangerahead.Ifattacked,wewillchargethroughtheambush,thenwheelaround.”
Theyrodeforward,therockyoutcroppingsaraggedmazeofredandgray
stone.Thesoldiersheldtheirspearsattheready,theclericsglowinginpowerwhileDominicandMoshannadrewtheirswords.Astheyenteredthearea,apalatabletensionhadgrippedthegroup,eyesscanningtherocksforperil.
Exceptforthesoundsofthehorsesandthewagonastheymoved,theairhadgonestill.Inthatstillness,Dominicheardthefaintsoundsofmovementamongsttherocks.Hetriedtolocatethepositionofthesound,butitfadedaway.TherewasabriefmomentofquietbeforeTariccriedoutashelaunchedablastofclerics’fire.“Demons!”
Outoftherocksfrombothsidesoftheroute,sixImpscameleapingout,bodiessurroundedbytheirpower.Taric’sblowstruckoneofthedemons,slammingitbackintoaboulder.Theotherclericsbegantofightwiththedemons,deflectingtheattackswhilethesoldiersloweredtheirspears,surgingforward.
Rightbehindthedemonscameatleastfifteenoftheirfollowers,howlingandchargingforward.DominicwheeledtofacetheonesonhissideoftheroutewhileMoshannaleaptfromhishorse,movingforward,swordready,morecomfortablefightingontheground.
AsDominicchargedShadowintothegroupcomingoutoftherocks,awidewaveofclerics’firestreakedpasthimandslammedintothemen.Thehalf-meninthegroupexplodedintoash,buttheothersmovedforwardunharmed.Dominicrodedirectlyintothem,swordswinging.Hecaughtonewithastroketothehead,themancrumplingtotheground,thendeflectedaswingfromanother’ssword.Shadowrananotherdown,hishindlegskickingout.
DominicrealizedthatthecloseproximityoftherockswouldpreventShadowfromeffectivemaneuvering,soheslidfromthehorse,rollingtohisfeetandseeingthetwomenracingforward.Hedrewhisdaggerandmettheircharge.Heslippedpastthefirstman,deflectinghisblade,andthendrovehisdaggerintothethroatofthesecondman.Releasingthedaggerasthemancollapsed,hespunandengagedtheotherman.Hisopponentwasgood,hisswordmovingquickly,butDominicchargedintohisguard,theman’ssworddeflectedbyhisbreastplateandsmashedhisforearmintotheman’sface.Asthemanstaggeredback,Dominic’sswordwasalreadymoving.Histhrustcaughtthemanbetweenhisthroatandthetopofhisarmor.Themancollapsed,bloodpulsingfromthewound.
Withnootherfollowersnearhim,Dominicranforward.Hecaughtaglimpseofademonahead.Heboundedoffashortrocknearthedemonandleaptforward,swordoverhead,pointdown.Thedemon,whichwasdirectingits
followers,musthaveheardhisapproach.Itspun,darkpowercoursingarounditsbody.
TimeseemedtoslowforDominic.Hesawtheblackfiregatherinthedemon’shands,thenlaunchtowardshim.Heknewthathecouldnotavoidtheblow.Embracethepain.Hegrimlytoldhimself,prayinghismomentumwouldallowhimdrivehisswordhomebeforehedied.
Justasthedemonfirereachedhisbody,brilliantgolden-whitelightburstfromhissword.Thelightshatteredthedemon’sattack,overwhelmingitsdarkpower.Beforethedemoncouldreact,Dominic’sswordslammedintoitschest,theglowingbladesizzlingasitslidin.Thedemonscreamedonce,thenconvulsed,explodingintoash,drivingDominicback.
Hestaredathisswordforamoment,thebladenormalagain.IthadtobeTomaris.Hethought,recallingtheoldmanhandlinghissword.Heshouldhavegivenmesomewarning.Thatsuddenlighthasstartledhimsomuchthathehadalmostdroppedthesword.
Shakingoffhisthoughts,hesurgedbackintothefight.Anotherdemonfelltohissword,thelightflaringagain,andthenhewasengagedwiththreeofthedemons’followers.Hewasusingallofhisskilltokeeptheirbladesaway,hissinglebladeablurasheparriedtheirblows.Suddenly,aspearpointthrustfrombehindhimonhisleft,takingoneofhisopponentsinthestomach.Anotherspearflashedpasthimonhisright,knockingtheothermanback,followedbyStonebuilderwithhisswordinhishand.
“Hold!”DominicheardMoshannashoutbehindhimashefinishedthemaninfrontofhimwithacoupleofswiftblows.Dominicturnedaroundtoseetheremainingtwodemonsretreatingwithwhatwasleftoftheirfollowersintothestonesacrosstheroute,deflectingtheclerics’attacksastheyfled.
DominicsalutedStonebuilderandtheothersoldierthathadcometohisaid.Hewhistled,callingShadow.Thehorsemadeitswaythroughtherocksbacktohim.Dominicswungintothesaddleandrodeforward.Hesawthattwoofthesoldiersweredead,burneddownbythedemons.Theclericswereallunharmed,movingaroundhealingthewounded.
DominicrodeovertoMoshanna,whowasinspectingthebodyofoneofthefallendemonfollowers.Hewasunharmed,hisskillwiththeswordprotectinghim.
“Anythinguseful?”Dominicasked.Moshannastoodandshruggedhisshoulders.“ThismanwasAletonian,but
wasnotunderthedemons’power.Ihaveheardthatsomeservewillingly,but
thisisthefirsttimeIhavefacedonesuch.Thereisnothingonhimtogiveanyclues,butI’mnotsureIlikewhatitportends.”
“Wewillprobablyfacemoretroublingthingstomorrow,iftheswordisintheruins.”Dominicsaidquietly,gazingtowardsthesettingsun.“Let’smoveoffandfindasafeplacetocamp.Wewillallneedourrestbeforetomorrow.”
…Fartothenorthandwest,wherethesunwasstillwellabovethehorizon,a
hoodedandrobedfiguresatinthewoods,watching.BruceTilianeededtofindsomeonewhocouldcarrytheswordandthislookedtobealikelyspot.
Whilehesatonhishorsewaitingandwatching,heshifteduncomfortably.SomethingaboutthesewoodsremindedhimofAndersonGrovebackhome.Hecouldnottellwhatitwas,maybethetrees,butitbroughtbackmemories.Eventhoughhehatedthosememories,theystillcame,unbiddenandunwelcome.
Hehadbeenawkwardasateenager,thin,ganglyandabitofaklutz.Hisinterestinsci-fiandfantasyoversportsidentifiedhimasageek.Whenhefinallyhitpuberty,hisrewardwasabadcaseofacne.Hisfamilyhadstruggledtomakeendsmeet,soheneverhadthecoolclothesandacarwasoutofthequestion.Hehadacoupleoffriends,geekslikehim,buthealwaysdesiredwhatheperceivedasthegoodlifeoftherichkids.
Unfortunately,thatwasnevertobe.Despitehisbesteffortstofitin,TimMastersandJoeWallacehadmadehighschoolalivinghellforhim.Timplayedbaseballandwasconsideredoneofthebestlookingguysinhisclass,tallwithblondhairandblueeyes.HisfriendJoe,dark-hairedandshorter,spenthisfreetimeintheweightroomandwasknownasquitethelady’sman.TheyridiculedBruceateverychance,pullingcruelpranksonhimandhumiliatinghiminfrontofthegirls.ThepivotalmomentcameafterhehadsummonedthecouragetosendSallyHill,aprettyandpopulargirlinhismathclasswhomhehaddesperatelywantedtodate,anoteaskingherout.
Tohissurprise,hereceivedareturnnote,signedbySally,askinghimtomeetheratAndersonGroveafterschool.Sheexplainedthatherfriendswouldneverunderstand,soshewantedtomeethimprivately.Suchwashisexcitementoverherresponsethatheneverconsidereditwasanythingbutanhonestreply.
HehadwalkedouttotheGrove,constantlycheckinghimselftoensurehelookedhisbest.Hewenttothespotwhereshesaidtomeether,gettingthereearly.Hewasthinkingaboutwhatheshouldsay,gatheringhiscourage,whenafamiliarvoicestartledhimoutofhiscontemplation.
“Whatadumbass!”HeheardTim’svoicesoundfromthetreesnearby.His
heartsankashesawTimandJoewalkoutoftheGrove.Timwaslookingathimwithacruelgleaminhiseyes.“DidyoureallybelievethatsomeonelikeSallywouldactuallybeinterestedinyou?”Hespatcontemptuously.
“Youaresucharetard!”Joesaid,asmirkonhisface.Hishandscurledintofists.“I’mgoingtoenjoykickingyourass.”
Brucesprangtohisfeet,backingaway.Heknewhisonlyoptionsweretofight,whichwasoutofthequestion,orrun.TimandJoe’spositionsmeantthattheonlywaytorunwasbackintotheGrove.MaybeIcanlosetheminthetrees.Hethought.
Beforeeitherofthemreacted,BrucespunandranasfastashecouldintotheGrove.Heheardthehootsoflaughtercomingfrombehindhim.
“Keeprunning!”HeheardJoeshoutgleefully.“YouwillonlyenduptiredandbeatenwhenIamdonewithyou.”
Terrifiedbythethoughtofthosetwocatchinghim,Bruceranashardashecould.Heturnedandweavedthroughthetrees,tryingtoshakehispursuers.Hesoonlosttrackofwherehewasrunning.Hecameoutintotheclearingaroundthepond,hisbreathraggedinhisthroat.
Stoppingtocatchhisbreath,hekneltontherockthatjuttedintothepond.Hisheartpounding,heheardhistormentersgettingcloser.Heknewthattheywouldsoonhavehim.Heblinkedbackthesuddentears,anticipatingthepainthatwouldshortlybevisiteduponhim.
Adesperateideaformedwhenhesawthetallreedsthatweregrowinginthemiddleofthepond.Heslidintothecoldwaterandmadehiswaytothereeds,hopingthathecouldhideinthemandprayingtheywouldgivehimenoughcover.Hetreadedwater,tryingtostayasstillaspossible.HehadjustcaughtaglimpseofTimcomingoutofthewoodswhenitfeltlikesomethinggrabbedhimbyhislegsandhewaspulledunder.
Instinctively,hescreamed,knowingitwasstupid,butinsteadofswallowingwater,hefoundhimselfsurroundedinabrightlight.Hecouldnotmove,thelightwrappingtightlyaroundhisbody.Ithadbeenwarminthelight,theonlysensationbeingoneofmovement.
Lostinthatwarmth,hehadnotbeenpreparedwhenthedarknesssuddenlyslammedintothelight.Hehadbeenterrifiedanewwhenthedarknesshadovercomethelight,surroundinghiminacold,blackoblivion.Thecoldwaseverywhere,numbinghismind,butthesensationofmovementhadcontinued.
Thedarknessbegantofade,slowlydissipatinglikeamist.Whenitcleared,hehadfoundhimselfonarockyhill,acoolcostalwindblowing.Helooked
around,seeingsomescatteredtreesamongsttherocks,theskyovercast,filledwithroilinggrayclouds.Fallingtohisknees,heheldhisheadinhishands,certainthathewaslosinghismind.
Whilehekneltthere,completelybewildered,hefeltsuddenlylightheaded.Ashesatdowntoforestallfallingover,hisheartstillpoundinginhischest,heheardtheapproachofhorses.Helookeduptoseeagroupofmenonhorsescomeridingoverthehill.Brucesawthattheywerearmedwithswordsandwearingleatherarmorwithmetalringssewedin.Theyrodeuptohimandencircledhim.
Brucesawthewildlookintheireyesforthefirsttime.Theyweregrinningathim,tauntinghimastheycircledhim.Theyfinallystopped,themanapparentlyinchargeslidingoffhishorse.Brucetriedtotalkwithhim,tofindoutwhatwashappening,butthemansimplylaughedandslappedhimhardacrosstheface.Themanroughlygrabbedhimbythearm,twistingitandforcinghimtotheground.Shortly,Brucefoundhimselfboundanddrapedoverahorse.
Themenrodeoff,laughingandjoking,Brucebouncingagainstthehorse’sback.Hisheadrockingbackandforth,Brucecouldonlycatchglimpsesofwheretheyweregoing.Itwasonlywhenthemenslowedthathewasabletoseewhatlayahead.
Beforethemwasalargefortress,madeofuglydarkgraystones,toweringabovetherollinghills,aheavymetalgatenearthebase.ItremindedBruceofsomethingoutofoneofhisfantasynovels.Themenrodeuptothegateandstopped.
Hewasdraggedoffthehorseandyankedtohisfeet,themenunconcernediftheyhurthim.Theypushedhimintothefortress,proddinghimalongwithkicksandblows.Thelargehallwayhefoundhimselfwascoldandfrightening,withonlyafewtorcheslightingtheway.
Suddenly,hefeltasifsomethinghadseizedhisheartandslammedhimintoanicylake,pureterrorcoursingthroughhisbody.Ashortrobedfigureappearedinthehallwayaheadofhim.Themenguardinghimbowedasthefigureapproached,draggingBrucetohisknees.Bruce’steethwerechattering,tearswellinginhiseyes,feelinglikehewasgoingtopisshimselfasthefigurestoppedinfrontofhim.Hestaredinhorroratthebrown-scaledface,thoseblackeyesandsharpteeth.
“Iwilltakehimfromhere.”TheImpsaid,clutchingBruce’sarm.Themenbowedagainandleft.ThedemonyankedBrucetohisfeet.“Let’sgo,boy.My
Masterawaitsyou.”ItsaidwithalowchucklethatfrozeBruce’sblood.Hewashalf-draggeddownthehallandpulledthroughthesetofdouble
doors.Hecaughtaglimpseofthestonethroneandthatswirlingblackvortexbeforehewasslammedtothestonefloor.
“Donottreatourguestsoroughly,mybrother.”Anothervoice,deepandpowerful,saidfromthedirectionofthethrone.“Iwanthimtofeelwelcomehere.”
“Asyoucommand,Master.”TheImpsaid,backingaway.“Rise,mortal.”Thevoicesaid.Brucesenseditcomingcloser.“Youwill
notbeharmedanyfurther.”Brucelayquiveringonthefloor,unabletorise,hisbodyunresponsive,terror
overwhelminghim.Helaythereuntilhefelthandsgrasphisshouldersandlifthimup.Lookingup,hesawhisMasterforthefirsttime.
ThesoundofthedoorofthefarmhouseopeningandclosingbroughtBrucebacktothepresent.Heshudderedslightly,recallingthatfirsttouchofhisMaster.HisMasterhadshownhimmanythings,includingthetruenatureofhispower,buthestillhatedandfearedhim.
Agirlaroundfifteenorsixteenhadexitedthehouse,headingtowardsthebarn.Shewasdressedinaroughlinendress,ashawlcoveringhershoulders,withleatherbootsvisibleunderherskirt.Perfect.Brucethoughtashestartedhishorseforward.
Hecircledaroundtothebacksideofthebarn,gettingoffthehorseandlistening.Heheardthegirlsingingsoftlyassheworkedinside.Hewentovertothesidedoorandslippedinside.
Thegirlwasdistracted,feedingthecowsthatwereinsidethebarn,anddidnotnoticehimatfirst.Heapproachedher,studyingherashegotclose.Shewasattractive,withlightbrownhairandpaleskin.Whenshestraightenedandcaughtsightofhim,hesawherprettyblueeyesgrowwidewithfear.
ShescreamedoncebeforeBruceusedhispower,reachinginandtouchingherlifeforce.Sincehewasawielderofthedemons’power,thegirl’slifeforcehurthim,hiseyebrowsclinchingfromthepain.Heenduredit,ashisMasterhadtaughthimthatheonlyneededtodrawatinybittoinfluenceher.
Herscreamendedandshestaredathim,eyesnowunfocused.Gentlypullingatherlifeforce,hespoke.“Youwillcomewithmeandnotresist.YouwilldoasIcommandwhenIcommandit.Nodifyouunderstand.”Thegirlnodded.
Hegentlyreleasedherlifeforce,allowingthesuggestiontotakehold.
“Followme.”Hesaidandexitedthebarn,thegirlclosebehindhim.Afterheclimbedontohishorseandpulledherupinfrontofhim,hebegan
torideoffwhenanarrowflewpasthishead,thefletchingmakingaslightbuzzingsoundasitpassed.Lookingbacktowardsthehouse,hesawanoldermanstandingintheyardbetweenthehouseandbarn,notchinganotherarrowintohisbow.Behindhimwasawomanwholookedsimilartothegirl,clutchingasmallboytoher.
“ReleasemydaughterorIwillnotmissthistime!”Themanshouted,raisingthebow.
Brucelaughed,hispowerfillinghim.Beforethemancouldreact,Brucecoveredhimindarkfire,themancryingoutinagonybrieflybeforecollapsingintoaburningheap.Brucestruckthewomanandboy,killingthemaswell.
Thegirlcriedoutatthesightandbegantoweep.“Enough!”Brucesnappedasheturnedthehorsenorth.
Thegirlimmediatelywentsilent.Brucebootedthehorseforward,holdingontothereinswithonehandandwrappinghisotherhandaroundthegirl.Hecouldfeelherbreastsrightabovehisarmastheyrode.Anotherbenefitoffindingthisgirl.Hesmiledtohimself,thinkinglustfulthoughts.
Astheyrodeaway,theblack,oilysmokeroseintotheairbehindthemandnearsilencedescendedoverthefarmstead.Theonlysoundintheareawasthelowcracklingofburningflesh.
CHAPTERTWENTY
Withadensebankofcloudsoverheadblockingoutthemoonandstars,thetorchesliningthestreetsmadesmallpoolsoflight,separatedbygapsofshadow.MarcuswaitedneartheTemple,standingintheshadows,hisshieldonhisarm.DaenandNathenwerejustbehindhim.AfterMarcushadcarriedhimtoJonasforhealing,Nathentoldthemwhathadhappenedinthedungeons.BothweredressedintheirarmorandanewswordhadbeenfoundforNathen.
Nearby,hiddenfromview,werefiftyRoyalGuardsmen,alongwithtenclerics.TheywerewaitingfororderstomoveoutfromCommanderHelgrant.MarcushadbeensurprisedwhenHelgranthadcomebackwithDaenwhenhehadreturnedfromtryingtolocatetheGuardsmenwhoworkedinthedungeon.HelgrantandJonashadspokenprivately,andthenHelgranthadjoinedtheirmeetinglastnight.HeannouncedthathewouldsupportanyactionthatJonasfeltwasneeded.
“Weneedtotrackdownthisdemon.”Jonashadsaid.“Ifitcanmoveaboutthroughthetunnelsandsewers,thenitcanstrikeanywhereinthecity.Iamafraidthatincludesthepalace.”
“Wealsoneedtofindawaytogettotheking.”Hecontinued.“Wehavetoknowifheisundertheinfluenceofthedemon.Ifheisactingoutofduressorbeingheldcaptiveandforcedtomaketheordersheisissuing,thenweneedtorescuehim.”
“Howdoyousuggestthatweaccomplishthis?”Marcusasked.“Wearebarredfromthepalaceandmyfather’smen-at-armscontrolalloftheaccessestoit.”
“Maybenotall.Nathentoldusofhisflightfromthedungeons.”Jonasreplied.“Hespokeofstrugglingupasetofstairswhenheheardvoicesthatsoundedlikeyourfather’smenandwasforcedtoretreatbackintothesewers.Ibelievethatthosestairsofferawayintothepalace.CommanderHelgrantcantakehismeninthatway.”
“So,wearegoingtoassaultthepalacefromtheinside?”Marcusasked.“EvenifHelgrantcangetenoughGuardsmentoovercomemyfather’smen,fightinginthepalacewillputKeriaatrisk.Iwillnotallowthat.”
“Stoppingademonrunninglooseinthecityismoreimportantthananyone’spersonalsafety,includingtheprincess.”Jonasargued,thoughhisfacewascompassionate.“Ifwecancontrolthepalace,thatdeniesthedemonastrong
location.”“Letmegoinfirstthen.”Marcuspleaded.“Iknowmywayaroundthe
palace.IcanreachKeria’sroomandsafeguardherwhenHelgrantbeginshisassault.”
“Iwillgowithyou,Marcus.”Nathenstated.“Youwillneedsomeonetoguardyourback.”
“Iwillgoaswell.”Daensaid,lookingatHelgrant.“IftheCommanderapproves.”
“Weareallsworntoprotecttheroyalfamilyandhavemadeamessofit.”Helgrantsaid.“Ifyouthreebelievethatyoucanreachanddefendtheprincess,thenyouhavemypermissionandblessing.IwillgatherasmanyoftheRoyalGuardasIcanfindtoassaultthepalace.Wewillseekoutthekingonceweareinside.”
“Iwillsendmyclericswithyou.”Jonassaid.“Ifthedemonisthere,youwillneedtheirpower.”
“Whatareyougoingtodo,Jonas?”Marcusasked.“IamgoingtofollowNathen’spathbacktothedungeons.”Jonassaid,face
turninggrim.“WiththeRoyalGuarddispersed,wedonothaveenoughmentoassaultboththedungeonsandthepalace.Thepalacemusttakepriorityforyourmen.Ifthedemonisstillinthedungeons,Iplanonconfrontinganddestroyingit.Ifitisgone,thenIwillattempttotrackitdown.”
“Iwillgowithyou.”Norlaninterjected.Hehadbeensittingtheresilently,listeningtotheconversation.“Iamnotasoldier,butIwillnotallowyougooffbyyourself.Theremaybenormalmenthereaswell,soyourpowerwillnotbeenough.”
“Youshouldstaywithyourfamily-.”Jonasbegan.“Ihavepledgedmyselftothiscause.”Norlaninterrupted,voicefirm.“I
cannotstandbywhileyouallriskeverythingtosaveourcity.”JonascouldtellthatNorlanwouldnotbedissuaded.“Iwillwelcomeyour
presence,Norlan,butyoumustagreetofleeifItellyouto.”“Wecandiscussthatwhenitcomestopass,Jonas.”Norlanstated,crossing
hisarms.EvenasMarcusthoughtofwhatNorlanhadsaidthepreviousnight,Norlan
appearedfromtheTemple,walkingnexttoJonas.Marcuswassurprisedwhentheystoppednearby.Norlanwaswearingaheavybreastplate,histhickarmsbare,holdingalargewoodenmaulinhishand,asinglemetalspikeextendingfromeachendoftheheadofthehammer.HewasholdingtheleashtoMaxisin
theother,thebigdogstayingclose.MarcusandHelgrantjoinedthem.“Wheredidyougetyourarmorand
weapon,Norlan?”Marcuswhispered.“Imadethemfollowingtheattackonthecity.”Herepliedquietly.“Iwas
determinedtobeproperlypreparedtodefendmyfamily,iftheneedroseagain.”“WhereareMadalinandCherise?”Marcusinquired.“IsentthemtostaywithfriendsandtoldthemtofleethecityifIdonot
returnbythemorning.”Norlansaid.HereachedoverandpattedMaxis.“CheriseinsistedthatItakethedog.”
“Weareasreadyaswearegoingtobe.”Jonassaid,hisstaffrestinginthecrookofhisarm.“LetusdothisandmaytheOnegrantusvictory.”
AtJonas’signal,Nathentookthelead,takingthembacktotheopeningthathehadcomeoutwhenheescapedthedungeons.Theopeningwasfairlysmall,sotheyhadtoenteroneatatime.Helgrantorderedsomeofhismenprotectthearea,watchingforanyonethatcouldgiveawaytheirlocation,whiletheyenteredintothesewers.
Marcuswentthroughtheopening,nosewrinklingatthesmell,seeingwhatlookedlikeablackpitdirectlyahead.Thestonefloor,slickwithmoisture,begantoangledown,descendingintothedarkness.HesawtheGuardsmenaheadofhimdisappearastheycrossedintothatblackness.Hefollowed,shiftinghisshieldtohisbacktofreehishands.Ashepassedintothetunnel,abrightlightsuddenlyshonebelow,lightingthenarrowwallsasJonascalleduphispower.Hewasjoinedbytheotherclerics,fillingthesewertunnelswithgoldenlight.MarcussawNorlanbelowhim,Maxispressedagainsthisleg,astheyslowlymadetheirwaydown.
AfterallofthepartywasgatheredinthetunnelsandHelgrantnoddedtoJonas,theystartedtowardsthepalace.Jonasplacedclericsattheendsoftheirline,preparedtodefendagainstthedemon.Thetunnelsechoedtheirpassage,despitetheirbesteffortstomovequietly.
Theysooncameuponacrosstunnelandhalted.Afterglancingdownthetunnel,NathenspokequietlytoJonas,whonoddedandcalledthemtogathercloser.
“Nathentellsmethatthisisthetunnelthatleadstothepalace.”Jonassaidquietly.“Marcus,yourteamwillgofirst,followedbytherestoftheforceaftertenminutes.Fiveoftheclericswillgowiththatforce.Theotherfivewillremainhere,toprotectyourrearifthedemonappears.NorlanandIwillcontinueontothedungeons.”
Heraisedhishandinbenediction.“GowiththeblessingsoftheOne.MayHekeepyousafeandinHisLight.”Withthat,he,Norlanandthedogcontinuedon,disappearingintothedarktunnels.
“Lucktousall.”Marcussaidtotheothers,lightingasmalltorch,thenmotionedNathenandDaentojoinhim.Theystartedforward,thelightoftheclericsfadingbehindthem.
Afteraroundfiveminutesofwalking,theyreachedasetofstairsliketheoneNathenhadmentioned.MarcuslookedthequestionatNathen,whonodded.Theypaused,listeningforanysounds.Hearingnone,Marcustossedthetorchintotheslowlyflowingwater,plungingthemintodarkness.Hestrappedonhisshieldanddrewhissword.DaenandNathenfollowedhislead,armingthemselves,andthentheystartedup.
Astheyclimbed,thestairsmadeseveralturns,buttherewasnoexitthattheycouldfind.Theycontinuedup,movingquickly,butquietly,listeningforanysounds.Theywereapproachinganotherturninthestairswhentherewasasuddenlightahead.
Theyflattenedthemselvesagainstthewalls,tryingtostayhidden.Theyheardthelowsoundsofmentalking,andthenthelightfaded,followedbythesoundofadoorclosing.
Theymovedahead,ascendingthestairsuntiltheycameuponawoodendoor.Marcusputhisearagainstthedoor,listening.Hecouldnottellifanyonewasontheotherside.Hetookadeepbreath,slowlyliftingthelatch,themetalsqueakingslightlyasitrubbedagainstthedoorframe.Lungingforward,hethrewthedooropenandleaptintotheopening.
Hesawthathewasinastorageroom,withtoolsandboxesscatteredaround,andsomestrawcoveringthefloor.Therewereseveraltorcheslitandhangingonthewalls.Acrosstheroom,hesawtwopalaceservants,themenbackingawayinsurprise,eyeswideanddisbelieving.MarcusquicklycrossedtheroomtoconfronttheservantsasDaenandNathenfollowedhimin,movingtoblockthedooragainstthefarwall,preventingtheirexit.
“Donotcryout.”Marcustoldthemenfirmly,raisinghissword.Themenbackedawayuntiltheywereagainstthewall.“Weareheretodefendtheprincess.TheRoyalGuardwillbefollowingusshortly.Ihavetopreventyoufromwarningtheothers,sowewillconfineyouhere.Ifyouaretrueservantsoftheroyalfamily,youhavenothingtofear.Youwillbereleasedwhenwehaveaccomplishedourmission.”
ThemencompliedwhenDaenfoundsomeropeandorderedthemtokneel.
Hetiedofftheirarms,thengentlylaidthemdownandboundtheirfeet.Nathentoresomestripsfromtheirclothinganduseitasgags.Theyshiftedthemenbehindsomeboxes,andthenmovedon,exitingtheroom.
Theyenteredthehallwaybeyondtheroom.Theydidnotseesignsofanyoneelse.Movingswiftly,theywenttotheendofthehallway,wheretherewasaconnectinghallway,thisonelitwithmanytorches.
“Doyouknowwhereweare?”Marcusasked,notrecognizingthearea.“Youhavegottostartinteractingwiththecommonpeople,Marcus.”
Nathensaidlightly,thoughhewaswatchingthetunnelformovement.“Thisistheconnectingtunnelthatallowstheservantstomovequicklyandunseenfromthekitchenstotheroyalsuites.Weneedtogoright.”
Nodding,Marcusledthemdownthehall,fullyexpectingtorunintosomeservantsalongtheway.Surprisingly,theymadeittothestaircaseattheendofthehallundetected.Nathenmotionedtogoup.Marcusheadedupslowly,hiscompanionsrightbehindhim,hisswordready.Whentheyreachedadoornearthetopofthestairs,Nathenputahandonhisshoulder,haltinghim.
“Thiswillopenintothehallwaythatleadstotheroyalsuites.”Nathenwhisperedinhisear,solowthatMarcuscouldalmostnothearhim.“Wearelikelytorunintoguardsontheotherside.”
Marcusnoddedandgraspedthelatch.Heslowlyopenedthedoor,lookingoutofthegrowinggapdownthehallway.Severalfeetaway,hesawthebacksoftwoofhisfather’smen-at-arms.HegesturedtoDaenandNathen,indicatingtwoenemies.Whentheynodded,hepushedthedooropenandsurgedforward.ThemenhadbarelybeguntoturnatthenoisewhenMarcusplungedhisswordintothebackofthemanontheright,drivingitthroughhim,thepointexitingtheman’schest.Theotherbegantocryout,butDaenslammedhisshieldintotheman’sheadandthrusthisswordintohischest.Themanfellnexttohiscompanion.
Theyquicklydraggedthedeadmenintothestairwell,closingthedoorbehindthemandcontinuedon.Marcushatedhavingtostrikeamanfrombehind,buthewoulddoitoverandoverifitmeantprotectingKeria.Heknewthewaynowandhurriedtowardsherrooms.
Whenhereachedthehallwaythatledtoherrooms,hepaused,lookingdownthehall.HestiffenedwhenhesawRolasandtwosoldiersapproachherdoor.Rolassaidsomethingthatcausedthementolaughroughly,andthenstrodeintoKeria’sapartment.Hesawthesoldiersleanagainstthedoor,listening.
“Rolasishere.”Marcustoldhiscompanions,voicecoldandhard.“There
aretwosoldiersatthedoor.IwantyoutodealwiththemwhileIconfrontmybrother.”Whentheynodded,Marcuschargeddownthehall,DaenandNathenmovingwithhim.
Thetwosoldiersjerkedbackfromthedoors,handsgoingtotheirswords,asthethreeheadedstraightforthem.Marcusdrovehisshieldintotheclosestone,knockinghimbackintohispartner.Spinningawayfromtheimpact,hechargedthroughthedoorswhileDaenandNathenengagedthesoldiers.
Glancingaroundthesittingroom,hesawthatRolaswasnotthere.HeheardKeriacryoutfrombehindthecloseddoorsofherbedroom.Hismindsuddenlyredwithrage,heranforwardandslammedintothedoors,shatteringthelocksandsplinteringthewood.Hestumbledbriefly,butcaughthimself.
Acrosstheroom,nearthebed,MarcussawthatRolashadKeriabyonearmwhilehisotherhandwaspullingatherdress.MarcussawaredmarkonKeria’scheekwhereshehadbeenstruck.HisbrotherpushedherawayashespuntofaceMarcus.
“So,mydearbrotherreturns.”Rolassaidmockinglyashedrewhisswordandsteppedawayfromthebed.“Playingtheherountiltheend.Thistime,Fatherwillnotbearoundtosaveyou.”
Teethclenchedinfury,Marcusclosedthegapwithhisbrother.Hisbrothermovedquicklytocounterhim,hisswordmoving.Marcustooktheblowinhisshield,slashingwithhissword.Hisbrotherdancedoutoftheway,andthenattacked.Marcusbarelydeflectedthestrokewithhissword,andthenswunghisshield.Hisshieldclippedhisbrotherontheshoulder,knockinghimoffbalance,buthewasabletomoveoutofthereachofMarcus’swordbeforehecouldstrike.
Thesoundoftheclashingsteelechoedintheroomasthetwobrothersfought.Theycircledeachother,stalkinglikepredators,oneattackingwhiletheotherdefended.Therewasnothoughtofquarter,thehatebetweenthemoverwhelminganysenseofchivalry.Theycontinuedtoattempttolandadecisiveblow,buttheywereevenlymatched.
DaenandNathenburstintotheroomandmovedtosupportMarcus.TheywereclosingonRolaswhenMarcusshoutedatthem.
“No!”Heyelled.“Heismine.ProtectKeria.”Hisfriendssharedalook,butwentovertothebed,placingthemselvesbetweenthecombatantsandtheprincess.
RolassneeredatMarcus’warning.“Itistheotherwayaround,littlebrother.Youaremine!”Withthat,hesurgedforward,hisswordspinningand
dartingin,attackingallout.Marcuswasforcedbackbythesavageryoftheattack,barelykeepingRolas’
swordatbay.HestumbledagainstapieceofKeria’sfurniture,losinghisbalance.Rolasstruckquickly,hisswordslippingpastMarcus’guard,thepointdrivingintothechainmail.Marcusfelttheswordtipslideintohisflesh,suddenpainbloominginhisupperabdomen.
Hespunaway,bringingshielduptodeflectRolas’nextattack.Ashedidthat,Rolasswunghisforwardleg,catchingMarcusnearhisankles,sweepinghisfeetfromunderhim.Marcusrolled,dodgingaheavyswingthatrangasthebladestruckthefloor,tryingtogethisfooting.Rolasfollowed,afixedsmileonhisface,hisswordcomingdownagain.Marcuswasabletogethisshieldupintimetocatchtheblow.
ButRolaswasoverconfident,steppingtoocloseinhisapproach.Marcusdesperatelyswunghissword,thetipcatchingRolasjustbelowhisknee.TheswordbitdeepandRolasstumbledback,howlinginpain.
Marcusgottohisfeetandcharged,shieldup.Rolastriedtomove,buthisinjuredlegslowedhim.Marcusslammedintohim,drivinghimfromhisfeet.MarcusthrusthissworddownwardsandstruckRolasjustbelowtheheart.Hisbrotherconvulsed,astrangledscreamcomingfromhislips,andhisswordtumbledfree.Marcusyankedhisswordoutandfellback,goingtoonekneeandclutchinghiswound.
Rolaslookedoverathim,hisvisagerackedwithpain,buteyesfilledwithhate.“Youthinkyouhavewon,brother,butyouhavealreadylost.”Hegasped,thenshudderedoncemoreandlaystill.
AsMarcuskneltandstaredathisbrother,hisemotionsroiling,Keriaandhisfriendscameuptohim.Theyliftedhismailandpushedacrumpledpieceofbedsheetagainsthiswound,securingitwithlongstripsofcloth.Afterthebandagewasinplace,theyhelpedhimup.Grippinghissword,hespoke.“WeneedtogetKeriaoutofthepalace.”
Keriaplacedahandonhisarm,shakingherhead.“Wecannotleaveyet.Wehavetoseeifwecanmakeittomyfather’squarters.Somethinghashappenedtohim;Iknowheisindanger.”
“TheRoyalGuardareassaultingthepalacebynow.”Marcussaid.“Itistoodangerousforustotakeyouthere.Wemustgetyououtofthepalace.IswearthatIwillreturnandlookforyourfather.”
“Iwillnotleave,Marcus.”Keriasaidstubbornly.“Icangiveyouaroyalcommand,butIwouldratheryousupportmeinthis.”
Marcusstaredatherasheweighedhisoptions.Hisfirstinstinctwastosimplygrabheranddragherfromthepalace,butheknewthatwouldbeamistakethatwouldcosthimdearly.Hecouldleaveherhere,underNathenandDaen’sprotection.Unfortunately,shewouldsimplycommandthemtodoasshesaidandtheywould.Whilehewasloathtoexposehertodanger,hedidnotseeanyothergoodoptionifsheinsistedongoing.
“Verywell,Keria.”Marcussaid.“However,myconditionisthis:youwillagreetoobeymeuntilwearesafelyawayfromthepalace.IfIfeelthatitistoodangeroustocontinue,wewillturnaround.IfItellyoutorun,youwillrunwithoutquestion.Doyouagreetothis?”
Kerialookedintohiseyes,herowneyesshiningwithprideandlove.“Iagree,Marcus.”Shesaidsimply.
“Staynexttome.”Marcussaidastheystartedtowardsthedoor.Astheygotclosetothehallway,theycouldhearthedistantshoutsandscreamsasfightingragedinthepalace.Helgrant’steamhadindeedbeguntheirassault.Marcusglanceddownthehall,butotherthanthetwobodiesofthesoldiers,noonewasinsight.
Hesignaledandtheymoveswiftlydownthehall.Theyheadedtowardstheking’schambers,stoppingtoglancedownthecrossinghallways,thencontinuedon.Marcusknewthattheywouldbepassingtheapartmentsthatthekinghadassignedtohisfamily.Astheydrewclose,hestoppedthesmallparty.
“Ineedtoconfrontmyparents.”Hetoldthemquietly.“Theyarebehindmuchofwhathappenedhere,soIneedtoknowwhy.Wemaygetsomeanswersthatwillhelpussavetheking.”HelookedoveratKeria.“Iftheywillnottalk,thenwewillcontinueon.”
Sheplacedahandonhisarmandnoddedsympathetically.“Wewillstop,Marcus.”
Theycontinuedslowlymovingforward,watchfulforLordMarcelas’men-at-arms.Theyreachedthedoorstotheapartmentswithoutanyconfrontations.MarcuswasreachingforthehandlewhenDaennudgedhim.HeturnedandsawCaptainJustiancomingdownthehall,swordinhand.MarcusstartedtostepforwardwhenNathenstoppedhim.
“Go.Iwilldealwiththisone,Marcus.”Hesaidgrimly,faceamaskashestaredatJustian.“IowehimforwhathappenedtoSisterSilvan.”
“Go,Marcus.”Daensaidaswell.“Wewillmakesureyouareundisturbed.”Marcusnoddedandopenedthedoorashisfriendsmoveddownthehall.He
andKeriawentinside,closingthedoorbehindthem.Marcusmotionedfor
Keriatostaybehindhimastheymovedtowardsthelivingquarters.Therewereonlyafewcandlesburningwhentheyenteredthelibrary.Thosecandlesandthecracklingembersinthefireplaceweretheonlylightintheroom,leavingpocketsofshadow.WhenMarcuslookedtowardsthefireplace,hesawthetopofhisfather’sheadinoneofthechairsfacingthefire.Hemovedaroundthechairtoconfronthisfather.
Hisfatherwassittingthere,slightlyslumpedover,skinpaleandeyesopen,fixedandstaring.Hismouthhungopen,drieddroolvisibleonthecorners,hisfacecoveredinroughstubble.Marcuskneltdownandreachedouttotouchhishand,butitwasalreadycold.HeheardKeriagasp.
Movementnearthecorneroftheroomcaughthisattention.Herosequicklyandbroughtuphissword.Ashewatched,hismothersteppedintothelightofanearbycandle,holdingawineglassinherhand.
“Whatisthisabout,Mother?”Marcusdemanded.“WhathappenedtoFather?”
Hismothersatdowninachairandtookanotherdrinkbeforesheresponded.Shelookedupatherson,hereyescoldbutslightlyunfocused.“Thatwasyourfoolishbrother’sdoing.”Shesaid.“Itoldhimthatthepotionhadtobeusedinsmalldoses,buthedidnotlisten.”
“Potion?”Marcusdemanded.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”“IwasgivenapotionbythedemonsIserve.”Hismotherreplieddirectly,
seeminglyunconcernedabouttherevelation.“Itmakesmenbiddabletosuggestion.Ithastobeusedcarefullybecausetoomuchwillkill.”Shesmiledacruelsmile,twistingthatbeautifulface.“WhydoyouthinkyourfatherandthekingagreedtomarryRolastotheprincess?Yourfatherlovedyouandwantedtoseeyouhappy.Afteryouhadmadeyourintentionsknownthatnight,Ihadtotakesteps.”
“Why,Mother?”Marcussaidsadly.“Whydidyoubetrayus?”“BecauseIshouldhavebeenQueen!”Shesnapped.Sheswayedslightly
andraisedahandtoherhead.“Ifithadnotbeenforyourfather’sinterestinme,Iwouldhavewontheking’sheart.Buthisfatherandtheking’sfatherputanendtothat.Itshouldhavebeenmeonthethrone,notstuckinthefarreaches,expectedtobenothingbutabroodsow.”
“ItwasshortlyafteryouwerebornthatIcommittedmyselftothedemons’cause.”Shecontinued,thoughhervoicebegantoslur.“IwastoldthatIwouldonedayrule,ifIdidwhatIwasinstructed.Atfirst,Iwasonlyaskedforinformationaboutthecourt.Then,Iwasgivenapotionandtoldtomakesure
BrotherJonasdrankit.Iwasabletoslipitintohisdrinkatapalacefunction,buthiswifedrankitinstead.Thatwaswhenshetookillanddied.”
“IwasmoresuccessfulwhenIwastoldtoeliminatethequeen.”Shesaid,lookingatKeria.“Itwasonesmallsteponthepathtoruling,mydear.Yourmotherwassimplyanobstaclethathadtoberemoved.”
ShetookanotherdrinkofherwineandturnedbacktoMarcus.“Iwasforbiddentokillyourfather,though.Mymastersthoughtthatitwouldbetoosuspiciousifheweretodie,andthenImarriedtheking.Iwasstuckwithmylotuntilrecently.”
“Thedemonsdecideditwastimetochangethedirectionoftherealm;Sanduasanditsclericshadthwartedthemlongenough.IwastogetRolasmarriedtotheprincess,andthenwecouldeliminatethekingandKeria,leavingthekingdominourhands.”Sheshookherhead.“Ofcourse,itwaslikelythatIwouldhavetoeliminateRolasaswell.Hewasjusttoounstable.”
“Youhavecondemnedyourself,Mother.”Marcussaidharshly.“Youwillnotescapetheheadman’sax.”
“Youarewrongaboutthat,myson.”Areliasaid,anothersmilecrossingherface.“Ihavefailedinmytask.Ihavenointentionofbeingherewhenthedemoncomesforme.”
“Iwillnotallowyoutoleave,Mother.”Marcusstatedcoldly.“Idon’tneedyouforthat,Marcus.”Hismothersaid,liftinghercup.“There
wasenoughpotionleftformetoescape.”Sheshuddered,thecupfallingfromherhand.Herheadslumpedforward.“Escapefromallofyou.”Shewhisperedandwentlimp.
Marcusstoodandsimplystaredather,hismindnumb,stunnedanddisbelieving.Keriacameuptohim,wrappingherarmsaroundhim.“Weneedtogo,Marcus.”Shesaidgently.“Thereisnothingyoucando.”
Blinkingawaysuddentears,henoddedandstraightenedhisshoulders.TheylefttheapartmentstofindDaenkneelingdownandwrappingpartofhisshirtaroundNathen’sarm,whowassittingandleaningagainstthewall.Amakeshiftbandagewasalreadyaroundhishead.
MarcuslookeddownthehallandsawJustianlyingonthefloor,apoolofbloodaroundhim.AshereacheddowntohelpNathenup,thesoundofapproachingmenechoeddownthehall.HepulledNathentohisfeetandsteppedforwardtomeetthisthreat.
Severaltensemomentspassed,thenherelaxedwhenCommanderHelgrantappeared,leadingagroupofRoyalGuardsmen.Theywereallbloodied,but
whole.HelgrantsawKeriabehindMarcus,reliefcrossinghisface.Hestepped
forwardandknelt.“YourMajesty,wehavesecuredthepalace.TheremainingmenofMarcelas’forcehavefled.”
Marcusstartedatthetitleused.Keriasteppedforward,eyeswideandsuddenlyfulloftears.“Whatareyousaying,Commander?”Shesaidbrokenly.
“Wefoundyourfatherinhisquarters,myQueen,butthekingwasalreadydead.”Helgrantsaidsympathetically.
Keriastoodthere,swayingslightly.“Thankyou,Commander.”Shesaid,voicethickwithemotion.“Sendrunnerstothearmygarrison.Tellthemthatthesoldiersaretodeployaroundthecity.AnyofLordMarcelas’menfoundaretobecapturedorkilled.Also,sendsoldiersandclericstosecurethedungeons.”
“Therearesomeclericswaitinginthesewers,myQueen.”Daensaid,kneeling.“Withyourpermission,NathenandIwillgofindthemandleadthemtothedungeons.Wealsohavetofreeacoupleofservantsthatwelefttiedup.”
AtKeria’snod,Marcus’friendsrandownthehall.HelgrantsentoneofhissoldierstorelayKeria’sorder,thenorderedtherestdownthehallwaystomakesuretheareawassecured.HelookedatKeria’sface,sympathyinhiseyes,thenmoveddownthehallashortway,leavingMarcusandKeriaalone.BeforeMarcuscouldsayanything,sheturnedandthrewherselfintohisarms,weeping.
…Withthesmellofthesewersfadingslightly,NorlanfollowedJonasasthey
madetheirwayupthecrumblingstonestairs,Maxisathissideandhismaulgrippedtightlyinhishand.TheyhadworkedtheirwaythroughthesewersandfoundthestonesthatindicatedNathen’sfall.Theyquietlyexploredtheareauntiltheydiscoveredthesestairsleadinguptowardsthedungeons.
Theyreachedthetopofthestairsandfoundarustingmetaldoorbarringtheirway.NorlanslippedpastJonasandtriedtoliftthelatchashepulledonthedoor,butitwasrustedshut.MotioningJonastostepback,Norlanjammedoneofthespikesonhismaulintothelatchand,usingthemaulasalever,pulledwithallofhisstrength.Withaloudsquealofgrindingmetal,thelatchgaveway.Hejammedthespikebetweenthedooranditsframeandpulledagain.Afterafewsecondsofeffort,therustedhingesgavewayandthedoorcreakedopen.Norlanpulleditopen,thensteppedthrough,maulattheready.
Maxisslidpasthim,movingahead.Jonaspattedhimontheshoulder,indicatingtocontinue.Theyslowlymadetheirwaydownthestonehallway,Jonas’shiningformthefirstlightthesewalls,coveredinaslickgreenishmoss,
hadseenindecades.Theycametoasharpturninthehall,whichledtoanotherdoor,madeofheavywood.
Maxisstoppedagainstthedoor,sniffingaroundthebottom.Hestiffened,hishacklesrisingandalowgrowlrumblinginhischest.NorlanreachedoutandpulledthedogbackfromthedoorwhileJonasreleasedhispower,thehallwaygoingdark.Norlancarefullyliftedthelatch,winchingatthesuddenclickitmade,thenslowlypulledthedooropen.
Heglancedoutandsawthathewasunderwhatlookedlikestairs.Hecouldhearthesoundofmentalkingnearby.Movingcautiouslyandquietly,hewasabletogoforwardenoughtoglimpsearoundthestairs.Hesawtwomen,dressedinarmorwithMarcus’familycrestontheirchests,standingnearanotherwoodendoor,acoupleoftorchesburningnearby.
HeslidbackandtoldJonaswhathesaw.Jonasrubbedhisbeard,thinking.“ThissoundslikethesameplacethatSilvanandNathenencounteredthedemon.”Hewhisperedfinally.“Weneedtogetpastthesemen.”
Norlannodded,movingforward.Hetookacoupleofdeepbreaths,thenchargedout,bringinghismaulup.Themenwerestartledbyhissuddenappearance,frozenforasecond,andthenreachedfortheirweapons.Norlanclosedthegapandswunghishammerbeforetheycouldreact.Thespikepiercedtheclosestman’sarmor,takinghiminthechest.Theothermanbackedawayanddrewhissword,andthenstartedforward.Norlanyankedhismaulfreeandblockedtheman’sfirstblow.Themanattackedagain,thistimehisswordslippedpastNorlan’sattempttoblockit;fortunately,thebladeslidharmlesslyoffNorlan’sarmor.
BeforeNorlancouldstrike,inabluroffur,Maxisattackedtheman,drivinghimtothefloor.Maxissavagedtheman’sthroat,andthenbackedaway,growling.Themanconvulsedandwentstill.
Jonasjoinedthemandknelt,searchingthemen,butcouldnotfindakeyforthedoor.Nervouslyglancingupthestairs,Norlanwentovertothedoorandusedhismaultopryitopen.Thesoundasthedoorgavewayseemedtoreverberatethoughthedungeons.
“Waithere,Norlan.”Jonassaidashebroughtuphispower,goldenlightradiatingbrightly.Hesteppedthroughthedoorandturnedhishead.“IfIamnotbackshortly,youaretofleethewaywecame.Donotcomeinhere,nomatterwhatyouhearorsee.”JonaswaiteduntilNorlannoddedandstrodeintothecorridorbeyond.
Norlandraggedthemen’sbodiesawayfromthestairs,andthentookupa
positionatthebase.Hecouldhearfaintsoundscomingfromabovethem.Hegrippedhismaultighter,preparedtodefendJonasforaslongasittook.Maxiscameupnexttohim,hisbodypressingagainsthisleg.Norlanreacheddowntopatthedogandwaited.
…Jonasmadehiswaydownthecorridor,hisformdrivingbacktheshadows.
Hemovedcautiously,eyesshiftingfromsidetoside,tryingtodetectanymovement.Heapproachedthedoorattheendofthecorridor,whichwasstandingopen.Sayingaquickprayer,hemovedintotheroombeyond.
Nearthefarwall,hesawtheopeninginthefloorthatNathenhadmade.Pullinginmorepower,hesteppedtowardsthecenteroftheroom,facingthedarkenedareainthefarcorner,andstopped.
“So,youhavefinallycome,cleric.”Avoicesoundedfromthedarkenedhallway.ThedemonsteppedoutofthehallwayintoJonas’light.ThedemonwasalittletallerthanJonas,thoughitsbodywaspowerfullybuilt.Itsfacewashuman-like,handsomewithdarkhair,buttheeyeswerepitsofdarkness.It’sfingers,thoughhuman-like,endedinshortblackclaws.Asmilecrosseditsface,revelingnormallookingteeth,exceptfortwinsetsofincisors,longandsharp.“Iwaslosingfaithinmyfollowersthattheycouldbringyouhere.”
“Whatdoyouseek,demon?”Jonasasked,plantinghisstaff.“IamaservantoftheOne,soyouhavenothingIwant.”
Thedemonlaughed,thesoundchilling.“Why,Iwantyourlife,ofcourse.Iwassenttoseeifthestoriesweretrueaboutyourpower,totestitformyself.”
“Youmayfindthattobeafatalerror,demon.”Jonasstatedresolutely.“Bravelysaid,mortal,butfoolish.”Thedemontaunted.“IamHelvan.You
mayhaveheardofme.”Jonasstiffened,recallingthenamefromtheGuardian’stale.Thiswasone
ofthemostpowerfuldemonsthatcametothisworld.Despitethatfact,Jonasknewthathehadnochoicebuttofight.
“Howevermuchyouthinkofyourself,demon,yourpowerisnothingcomparedtothemightoftheOne.”Jonassaid,gatheringhisstrength.Hisbodyshonebrightlyashefelthispowersurge,thenreleaseditinenormousboltofclerics’fire.
Thedemonlaughedasitmoved,itspowerdeflectingJonas’attack.Itcountered,darkfirestreakingforJonas.Heblockedit,butwasstaggeredbythepower.Heattackedagain,thistimehisfirecatchingthedemon,hittingitsquarely.Thedemontookacoupleofstepsback,itsformsteaming.
“Youdohavesomemight,cleric,butitwilldoyounogoodintheend.”Helvansaid,movingandattacking.
Thechambershookfromtheexplosionsofpowerfulmagic,thesoundsechoingloudly,thelightblinding,asthetwofought.Jonastriedtopullinmorepowerasheandthedemoncircledeachother.Hedeflectedthedemon’sattacksashecould,butthedemon’sfirewaspenetratinghisprotectionsandburninghisskin.Hisownattackswerehavingsomeeffect,butnotenoughtoovercomethedemon.
AsJonasdeflectedanattackandwasknockedslightlyoffbalance,thedemoncharged,closingthedistancebetweenthem.BeforeJonascouldreact,thedemonseizedhimbyhisshoulders,itsclawspiercinghisbodywhileitspowerburnedhisflesh.Jonasletoutacryasagonyblossomedfromthedemon’sgripandhetastedblood.
“See,mortal,yourvauntedpowermeansnaughtintheend.”Thedemonsaid,asmileonitslips,asitbegantopull,tryingtoripJonasinhalf.
Jonasscreamedfromthepain.Hedesperatelyfocusedhismagicattheendofhisstaffand,withhisremainingstrength,droveitupintothedemon’schin.Thedemon’spowerresistedforamoment,butthen,withasearinglightandmassivenoise,themagicsexploded,blastingJonasfreefromitsgrip.
Jonasstaggeredbacktohisfeet,hismouthfullofblood,feelingmorebloodrunningdownhisbodyfromthewoundsthedemoninflicted.Justholdinghispowerwouldslowthedamage,buthecouldnothealhimself.
Helookedforhisenemy.Thedemonwaswrithingontheground,itslowerjawgoneanddarkbloodflowingfromthewound.Jonaslaunchedanotherblastatit,butitsdarkpowerabsorbedtheattack.Jonassawthatitwastryingtorise.Knowinghisbestchancewastokeepitdown,helurchedoverandthrewhimselfontopofthedemon.
Hedrovehisstaffacrossthedemon’sthroat,puttingallofhisweightagainstitashestrovetoovercomeitspower.Thedemonthrashedbeneathhim,andthenitsclawsfoundhimagain,drivingintohischest.Jonascriedoutagainastheclawsworkedtheirwaydeeper.Retaininghispowerbyathread,hetriedtofinishthedemon,hisstaffshiningbrightlyasheattemptedtodrivehismagicpastitspower,butitwasstilltoostrong.Thedemonbegantopushhimoff.
Despairing,hisstrengthweakening,hecriedoutinhismind.Helpme!Suddenly,hefeltanewstrengthsurgethoughhim,hisstaffblazedbrightly,
thegoldenlightturningwhite.Thedemonletoutagurgledscreamfromitsruinedmouthasthenewpowerburnedintoit.Withabrilliantflare,thepower
torethroughthedemon.Itexplodedintoash,theblastflingingJonasaway.Heslammedintothenearbywall,losinghisgriponhisstaff,andfellforward.
Hisearsringingandvisionblurry,hetriedtorise,butcouldnot.Hefelthiswoundspulsingblood.Heneededhismighttoslowthedamage.Hismindfoggywithpain,hetriedbutcouldnotcalluphispower.Hecouldjustmakeouthisstafflyingonthefloorclosetohim.Maybewiththestaff.Hethoughtweaklyashebegantocrawlforward.Heonlymadeitafewincheswhenhisstrengthgaveoutandhecollapsedtothefloor,hislifebloodpoolingaroundhim.
…Jonasdriftedinapeacefuldarkness,hispainforgotten.Heremembered
everythingthathadhappened,thoughitseemedtocomefromagreatdistance.Ashedrifted,hefeltcontentmentintheknowledgethathehaddefeatedthedemon.
Heknewinstinctivelythathewasdying.Thethoughtdidnottroublehim,asheknewthathewasgoingtoseehisbelovedMarlisagain.
Outofthedarknessinwhichhedrifted,alightappeared.Inthatlight,afigurestood.Jonashearditcallouttohim.
“Youhavebeenagoodandfaithfulservant,mychild.”Thefiguresaid,itsvoicewashingoverhimwithwarmthandlove.“KnowthatIampleasedwithyou,butyourtimeisnotyetdone.”
Suddenly,Jonasfelthimselfbackinhisbody,hisawarenessreturningaswellasthepainofhisinjuries.Hefelthisbodyshift,turnoverontohisback,onlytoriseoffoftheground.Hisstaffwasonhischestandhefeltmovement.
“Holdon,Jonas.”HeheardNorlan’svoicesaytohim.“Staywithus.Ihaveyou.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
Withtherisingsunchasingawaythechillofthemorning,DominicandhispartybrokecampandrodetowardsParshalthia.Thedaybefore,theyhadfoundasmallhillwithaseriesofjaggedrocksatitspeakthatprovidedcoverandconcealmentwhileenablingthemtoobserveanyapproachingthreat.Despitethoseprotections,theyhadkeptastrongwatch,buttherehadbeennofurthercontactwiththedemonsortheirfollowers.
DominichadMoshannataketheleadtoday,knowingthathewasthebestsuitedtoguidethem,givenhishistory.Moshanna,hisdarkfaceseriousashewatchedthesurroundingland,wasridingafewfeetahead.Hedirectedthembacktothetradingroute,turningsouthagain.Theycontinuedforalmostanhourwhentheycameuponanancientroad,theoutlineofthebatteredandweatheredpavingstonesjustvisiblebeneaththethinlayerofreddirtthatcoveredthem.Theroadledintothehillsontheleft,windingitswayeast.
“ThisisthewaytoParshalthia.”Moshannaannouncedtothegroup.“Ihavebeentoldthattheroadleadsdirectlytotheruins.Wemuststayalert;fewhaveeverreturnedfromthoseruins.”Helookedoveratthesoldiers,gesturingtowardstheclerics.“Rememberthattheclericsmustbeprotectedatallcosts.Iftheruinsarecontrolledbythedemons,theywillbeouronlydefense.Theywillrideinthemiddleoftheformation,surroundedbytherestofus.”
HestudiedStonebuilderonthewaterwagon,andthenshookhishead.“Wewillleavethewaterwagonbehind.Speedwillbeourallyinthis.Ifweneedtoretreatquickly,thewagonwillslowusdown.”
“Weneedthewater,Moshanna.”Welsenobjected.“Ifweareunabletorefillourskins,thenwecouldhavecasualtiesfromthirstortheheat.”
“Iunderstand,Brother;wewillpackextraskinswithus.”Moshannaresponded.“Theruinsareonlyabouthalfaday’sridefromhere.Betweenthewaterwecarryandhealing,ifnecessary,weshouldbeabletolastforatleasttwodays.”Hepaused,thinking.“Also,Iamcertainthat,ifwhatweseekisthere,wewillhavetofighttotakeit.ThewagonistheonlywaterwehavetomakeitbacktoFarSouthern.Ifweloseitincombat,thenwewilllikelynotmakeitback,evenifwearevictorious.”
“Iseeyourpoint,Moshanna.”Welsensaid,noddinghishead.“Forgivemyinterruption.”
Aftertheyhadfilledallofthewaterskins,Stonebuilderandtwosoldiers
movedthewagonbehindsomecover,hidingitaswellaspossibleandreturned.AfterMoshannawassatisfied,hegavethesignaltocontinueon.
Despiteitsage,theroadwasinsurprisinglygoodshape,allowingthemtotravelquickly.Itcutthroughtheharshterrain,lonelyandforbidding.Thehillsborderingtheroadbecameimpassable,therockslitteringthehillsidesrearinghigher,theirjaggededgesactingasbarriers.Thecanyonsbetweenthehillsweredeepandshadowy,thesoundoftheirpassingechoingdowntheirpaths,addingtothesenseofforeboding.
Theywereapproachingaturnintheroad,withalargecanyonopeningofftotheright,whenawoman’spitifulscreamsoundedfromthecanyon.Startled,theyhaltedatthesound,listening.Anothercryechoedoffthecanyonswalls,followingthefirst.
“Whatarewegoingtodo?”Taricasked,hisfacetightwithworry.“Weshouldhelpher.Shemaybehurtordying.”
“Wedonotknowwhatwewillfaceifweheaddownthatcanyon,Brother.”Stonebuilderstated.“Itcouldbeatrap,withthewomanasalure.”
TheothersoldiersandclericsturnedtoDominic,lookingforadecision.Hewasloathtoleaveanywomanindistress,buthehadtoweighthatagainsttheirmission.Heconsidereditforamomentanddecided.
“IwilltakeMoshannaandBrotherTarictoinvestigate.”Dominicsaid.“Wewillrideoutfortenminutes.Ifwedonotfindanythinginthattime,wewillreturn.Ifwedonotreturninthirtyminutes,continueon.Ifwecan,wewillcatchup;ifnot,thenwearealreadygone.”
“Ishouldcomewithyou.”Halanasaid,lookingoveratTaric.“Youmayneedanothercleric.”
Dominicshookhishead.“Themaingroupneedstheclerics’protectionmore.”Hegaveheraslightsmile.“Iwillkeephimassafeaspossible,Sister.”ShenoddedwhileTaricblushed.
“Let’sdothis,sowecancontinueon.”Dominicsaid,drawinghisswordandturningShadowtowardsthecanyon.MoshannaandTaricwererightbehindhimasherodeintotheshadowsofthecanyon.
Anotherscreamsounded,fainterthanthelast.DominicurgedShadowon,pickingupspeedwhilehesurveyedtheirpath.Thesoundoftheirhorsesechoedoffthenarrowcanyonwalls,whichtoweredabovethem,grayandredcoloredrocksjuttingoutfromthewalls,likethornsonavine.
Theblazingsunwashedoutthelandinfrontofthemforamomentastheycameoutofthecanyonafterafewminutesride.Thecanyonopenedupand
gavewaytoaseriesofrollinghills.Onthetopofanearbyhill,Dominicsawseveralpostsrisingoutoftheground,obviouslyman-made.Neartheclosestposts,hesawseveralmen,dressedinshorttunicsandleathersandals,theirchestscoveredwithwoodenarmor,paleincolor,eachholdingalongwoodenspear.Theyweretyingoffthecoarseropesthatboundawomantothepost,whenoneofthemennoticedDominicandhiscompanions.
“Wildmen.”Moshannastated.Dominicnodded,thenchargedShadowatthegroup.TwooftheWildmen
threwtheirspearsatDominicasherodeatthem.HemovedShadowslightly,dodgingthethrows,andthenhewasonthem.Heslashedtohisright,comingbackovertohisleft,theWildmenfallingasherodepast.WheelingShadow,hepreparedforanotherchargewhenhesawMoshanna,offhishorse,movingwiththegraceofadanceramongsttheremainingWildmen,hisswordspinning,themengoingdownaroundhim.BeforeDominiccouldreturntohim,Moshanna,hisswordablur,killedthelastWildman.
Dominicrodeovertothewoman,hanginglimplyfromherrestraints.Hedismountedandapproachedher.Gently,hereachedoutand,puttinghishandunderherchin,liftedherhead.
Shewasyoung,maybeinhertwenties,herbronzefacepretty,withshortdarkhair.Shewasslimlybuilt,wearingashortlinendressandleathersandals.Hewastakenabackbytheseriesofhighlydecorativetattoosthatwereonhercheeksandaroundhereyes.
Hereyeswereclosed,butopenedathistouch.Hereyes,fulloffear,wereastrikinggreencolor.Shestruggledagainsthisgrip;aseriesoflowmoansescapingherlipsasshestruggledtobreakfree.
“Easy,girl.”Dominicsaidgently,releasingherchin.“Wewillnothurtyou.Doyouunderstandme?”
ThewomanstoppedheruselessstrugglingandlookedupatDominic,eyesstillfearful.“Iunderstandyou,Northman.”
“Donottrytoflee;Ihavequestionsforyou.”Dominicsaidashedrewhisdagger.Thewoman’seyesgrewwideuntilDominicreachedbehindherandcutawayherbonds.Onceshewasreleased,shesanktotheground,shaking.
DominicmotionedforTarictocomeover.Tarickneltinfrontofthewoman,reachingouttotakeherheadinhishands.Sheflinched,pullingback.
“Heisacleric,girl.Hewillnotharmyou.”Dominicsaid.ThewomannoddedandallowedTarictotouchherandhealherinjuries.
Onceshewashealed,Dominicsquatteddowninfrontofher.“Howdidyou
cometobehere?Whatwerethosemendoing?”“Iwastobeasacrificetoappeasethehillgods,toallowforsafepassage.”
Shesaidsoftly,staringatherhands.“Hillgods?”Dominicasked.“Thegodsthatrulethisarea.”Shereplied.“Theycommanddarkfireand
stealmen’sspirits.”Demons.Dominicthought.“Whywereyouchosen?”“Womenareoftenchosen,Northman.”Sheresponded,shivering.“Itissaid
thatthegodsusethemasmendo.”Dominic’sfacetightened,hisfistsclenching.Hehadheardrumorsof
womenbeingtaken,butheassumeditwasforthehalf-men.HesawalookofshockonTaric’sface,hiseyesdisbelieving.
“Youarefreenow.”Dominicsaid,rising.“Youcangowhereyouwill.”“Wait,Northman.”Thewomansaid,risingaswell.“Iwishtogiveyou
somethingforyourhelp.”“Nothingisneeded,girl.”Dominicsaid.“Pleaseallowme.”Shesaid,holdingoutherhand.“MayIseeyourhand?”Confused,Dominicheldouthishand.Shetookitinhers,holdingitfirmly.
Suddenly,afaintgreenlightshonearoundher.Hereyesopenedwideandshegasped.Shereleasedhishandandtookastepback,herhandonherhead.
“Whatdidyoujustdo?”Dominicdemanded.“Isawaglimpseofyourfuture,Northman.”Thewomansaid.“ItisagiftI
have,toseethingsthatcometrue.Mypeoplethoughtthatitwasacurseofthegods;thatiswhyIwasbroughthere.”Shesighed.“MynameisKalisia.Itellyouthis,asIwillbetravelingwithyou.”
“Whydoyousaythat,girl?”Dominicasked,surprised.“Isawthat,withoutme,youwillfail,Northman.”Shesaid.Dominicsaw
fearinhereyes.“Youmustallowmetocome.”HelookedoveratMoshannaandTaric.Theclericnodded,whileMoshanna
shrugged.“Ifthereisanytruthinwhatshesays,thenitisbettertobringheralong.”Hesaid.
HeturnedbacktoKalisia.“MynameisDominic,girl.”Dominictoldher.“Weareheadingintodanger,butyoumaycomewithus.”
Shenodded,butdidnotlookparticularlyhappyaboutit.…
Aftertheyrejoinedtheothersandcontinuedontheirjourney,DominicglancedbacktoseeKalisia,sittingbehindHalanaonherhorse,beingquestioned
abouthergiftbytheclerics,allofthemridingcloseandseeminglytalkingatonce.Well,shewantedtocome.Hethought,bemused.
Hetroubledbyherpredicationrequiringherpresence.Shewastight-lippedaboutwhatshesaw.Shewouldonlyrepeatthatshewasneededforsuccess.Hedidnotlikehowshehadahauntedlookinhereyeswhenshesaidit.
Whatwillbe,willbe.Hetoldhimself,pushinghisconcernsaway.Heturnedforwardandfocusedonthesurroundingterrain,watchingformovement.Therockyoutcroppingsandjaggedbouldersmadeforexcellentambushpositions.
Theyrodeonfortherestofthemorningwithoutincident,thoughlightrocksthatsurroundedtheroadseemedtofocustheheat,makingitalmostunbearable.Thesimmeringoftheairastheheatrosefromthegroundbegantoobscuretheirviewahead,limitedthedistancetheycouldseeclearly.SotheyweretakenbysurprisewhentheycrestedthefinalriseandfoundthemselvesoverlookingtheruinsofParshalthia.
Theruinswerespreadoutinasmallvalleydirectlyahead,thelanddryandbarren,thehillsrearingovertheancientcity.Itwasnotalargecity,thoughitcontainedatleastonehundredbuildings.Thecitystreets,thoughdustcovered,wereplainlyvisible,preservedinthedryatmosphereofthedesert.Theredandgraystonebuildingsweremostlystanding,thoughsomeroofshadcollapsed.
Nearthecenterofthecitylayalargebuilding,tallwithgreatstonecolumnsvisibleinthefront.Itwaspartiallycollapsedintherearquarter,butmostlyintact.Thereappearedtobeasingleentrancebehindthecolumns.
“IfIwerelookingforaplacetodefendsomething,IthinkIwouldchoosethatbuilding.”MoshannasaidtoDominic.“Ithasstrongwallsandthereappearstobeonlyonewayin,sothatwouldnaturallyallowyoutoconcentrateyourmight.”
“Maybe,butthenagain,itmaybebettertohideitinoneoftheouterbuildings,somewhereyourenemycouldoverlook.”Dominicreplied.
“Sincewecannotriskdividingourforce,itmaybebestforustotakeamethodicalapproach.”Moshannasuggestedafterafewmoments.“Startatthebuildingsclosesttousandmovetowardsthecenter,clearingthemaswego.Itwilltakeusmoretime,butwecanmakesurewedon’tmissanything.”
Dominiclookeddowntowardsthecityagain.Helocatedabuildingatthenearestedgeofthecity,standingslightlyapart,attheendofadust-coveredstreet.Thereappearedtobewhatwasonceastablenexttothebuilding.Thestreetitselfranacrossthecity,withmorebuildingsspacedoutalongitspath
“Iagree.”Dominicsaid.“Weshouldbegin.Thedayisnotgoingtogetanycooler.”
AtDominic’ssignal,theyrodedowntothebuildingheselectedanddismounted.
“Wewillstartoursearchhere.”Dominictoldthegroup.“Wewillproceedonfoot,sowecanstaytogether,bebetterpreparedtofight,andsaveustimefromhavingtomountanddismount.”Hepointedtothenearbystable.“Wewillclearthestablefirstandleavethehorses.”
Theywentinside,theclericsglowinginpowerandinspectedthebuildingcarefully.Oncecleared,theybroughtthehorsesinside,givingthemsomewater.Theyleft,movingasquicklyaspossibletothenextbuilding.
AtDominic’snod,twoofStonebuilder’ssoldiers,handingtheirspearstotheothers,drewswords,thenenteredthebuildingthroughtheopendoorway,Welsenrightbehindthem.Afteratenseminuteorso,withtherestofthegroupanxiouslywaitingoutside,theyexited,shakingtheirheads.Dominicmotionedtothenextbuilding.
Theymaintainedthispatternastheymadetheirwaydeeperintothecity,alternatingtheentryteamateachbuilding.Thesunwasdirectlyoverhead,itslightbrilliantagainsttheearth,physicallydraininginitsheat.Theywererapidlydepletingtheirwatersupply,butcontinuedon.
TheyhadclearednearlyaquarterofthebuildingswhensuddenlyHalanastoppedthem.“Doyoufeelthat?”Sheaskedquietly,glancingattheotherclerics.Theclericsexchangedlookswitheachotherandnodded.
“Ifeellikethereissomethingcallingtome,faintlyandinthatdirection.”Welsensaid,pointingtowardsthelargebuildinginthecenterofthecity.“Idon’tknowwhatitis,butIthinkweneedtoabandonoursearchofthebuildingsandfindout.”Theotherclericsnodded,lookingtoDominic.
“Iagreewithyou,Brother.”Hesaidafterconsideringwhatwassaid.“Oursearchisnotbearinganyfruit,solet’sfollowyourfeelings.Wecanalwaysreturntothisbuildingandcontinue,ifneeded.”
Thegroupchangeddirectionandheadedtowardsthecenterbuilding.Whiletheclericssaidthatthefeelingwasgrowingstronger,Dominicwasmoreconcernedaboutwhatwouldbeahead,possiblyguardingwhateverwasattractingtheclerics.
KalisiamovedupnexttoDominic.Helookedathercuriously.“Weapproachtheplacewhereyouwillneedme.”Shesaid,eyesroamingfrombuildingtobuilding.
Thestreetsuddenlywidenedintoalargeplazasurroundingthebuildingthattheysought.Theyhaltedandlookedaround,seekinganyhintofmovement,butsawnothing.Acrosstheplaza,thebuildingtallbuildingrearedabovethem.Therewasanopeningatthefront,upasetofstonestairsandbetweenthecentercolumns,thedoorslongsincegone,theroombehindcloakedinshadow.
AtDominic’ssignal,thegroupstartedacrosstheplaza,movingrapidly,focusedontheirtarget.Theywerealmosttothebaseofthestepswhenaboltofdemonfirestreakedinfromasidestreet,catchingthemoffguardandslammedintooneofthesoldiers,encasinghiminitsdarkpower.Hescreamedonceandcollapsedintoasmolderingheapbeforetheclericscouldevenreact.
“Moveinside!”Dominicyelled,asmoredarkmagicbegantoraindownonthem.Dominicsawdemonsmovingbetweenbuildings,alongwiththeirhumanfollowers.Theclericswerehardpressedtodeflectallofthedemons’fire,theirmightslashingandflaringintothesky.
Astheymadeittotheopening,theclericssenttheirfirethroughtheopeningtoclearit.Dominicleapedthroughtheopening,hisswordready,buttheroombeyondwasempty.
Thepartymovedtoeithersideoftheopening,theclericsnexttothedoorwaytocounteranydemons.Dominicglancedquicklyoutsideandsawthedemonssurroundingtheoutsideplaza.Theyweretrappedinside.
“Wecanholdthemoffforawhile.”Dominicsaid.“Thereisonlyonewaytheycanenter,sotheclericscanconcentratetheirpower.However,wehavelimitedwaterandfood.Eventually,wewillneedtofightourwayclear,unlessthereisanotherwayout.”
“Iwillsearchtherestofthebuilding.”Dominiccontinued.“Itappearstobeempty,butweneedtobesurethereisnootherwayinorout.”HehelduphishandwhenMoshannabegantoobject.“Yourmasterhasgivenmeagift.”Hesaid,tappinghissword.“IknowhowtofightthemandnowhavesomeprotectionifIencounterone.Weknowoftheonesoutside;weneedtokeepourforceshere.”Moshannafrowned,butnoddedhishead.
“Youareincommandhere,Moshanna.”Dominictoldthepartyashebegantomoveoff.“IwillreturnasquicklyasIcan.”
Ashestartedtowardstherearoftheroom,Kalisiajoinedhim.“Imuststaywithyou,Dominic.”Shesaid,soundingfrightened.“ItiswhatIsaw.”
Henodded.“Staybehindme,then.”Theyfoundadooragainstthebackwall,hangingcrookedlyfromabroken
hinge.Dominicpusheditoutoftheway,theremainingmetalhingesquealingin
protest,thesoundechoingthroughouttheroom.Whenitwaslargeenoughtopass,heduckedthrough,andthenhelditforKalisia.
Therewasenoughlightstreaminginfromcracksandothersmallopeningsalongtheroofthathecouldmakeoutwheretheyweregoing.Theywereinawidehallwaythatledtoanothersetofdoorsattheend,withseveralopeningsalongtheway.Theairturnedcoolerastheyheadeddeeperintothebuilding,grantingsomerelieffromtheoverbearingheat.
Dominiccheckedeachopeningastheywent,enteringthedimlylitrooms,butonlyfindingpiecesofbrokenfurniturecoveredindustandfadedpaintonthewalls.Finally,theyreachedthedoorattheendofthehall.
Dominicreachedoverandliftedthehandleonthelatch.Ittookamomentbeforethelatchbrokefree,frozenbythelongyears.Heleanedagainstthedoorandpushed.Ittooksomeeffort,buthewasableopenitabouthalfwaybeforeitstuck.
Slippingthroughthedoor,hesawthattheywereinalargehall,faintlightcominginplaceswherethetumbleofstoneinthebackcorneropenedtothesky.Nearthecenterofthehall,hesawwhatwasonceanornatetable,standingbyitself,nochairsaroundit.Hiseyeswidenedslightlywhenhesawthatitshonefaintlywithlight,separatefromthelightcomingin.Hecautiouslyapproachedthetableandreachedouttotouchit.Hefeltatinglingwarmthspreadacrosshishandashetouchedit.Heknewinstinctivelythattheswordhadoncebeenthere.Theonlyquestionnowwasifitwasstillinthecity.
HestartedtoturntowardsKalisiawhenhefeltthefamiliarchillofthepresenceofademon.Hequicklyreachedoutandpulledherclose,keepingherbehindhimasheslowlycircled,scanningtheroom.Hedetectedmovementbacknearthecollapsedcornerandspuntofaceit,swordready.
“Itisnothere,foolishmortal.”Adeep,inhumanvoiceechoedacrosstheroom.Dominicwatchedasthedemonappeared.Hehadneverseenonelikethisone.Itwashuman-like,withreddishskinandapairofblackhornsonitshead.“Icongratulateyouforfindingthisplace.Ihavenotseenamortalgetthisfar.Mybrothersoutsideusuallydealwithsuchinterlopers.”
Dominicturnedslightly,keepinghiseyesonthedemon,speakingquietlyoverhisshoulder.“WhenIattack,Iwantyoutorunbacktotheotherstowarnthem.”HetoldKalisia.“Iwillkeepthedemonoffyouwhileyouflee.”Withoutwaitingforherreply,heleaptoverthetableandsprintedtowardsthedemon.“Go!”Hecalledout.
ThedemonwastakenabackbyDominic’ssuddencharge,butrecovered,
launchingaboltofdemonfireasitmovedtowardshim.ItstoppedagainwhenDominic’sswordflared,thegolden-whitelightthrowingbacktheshadowsasitbrokeapartthedemon’sattack.
Dominiccontinuedtoadvance,evenashecaughtsight,inthatflashoflight,ofatwinofthedemonhefaced,movingtoflankhim.Heclosedwiththedemoninfrontofhim,hisswordshatteringthedemon’sattacks.
ThedemonleapedbackasDominicswunghissword,thetipbarelymissing.Hesensedtheotherdemoncomingfrombehind,hearingtheclawsonitsfeetrattlingagainstthestonefloorasitrantowardshim.Hespunandducked,thenbroughttheswordup.Thedemon,surroundedinitsdarkpower,twistedinitsleapwhenitsawtheswordinitspath.Dominiccompensatedforthemove,standingandswingingthesword.Thedemonscreamedastheblade,aflamewithlight,slicedacrossitsstomach,leavingadeepcutstreamingdarkblood.Ittumbledtothefloor,writhinginpain.
Itstwinsurgedforward,firingblastsofdemonfireatDominicasittriedtoclosethegap.Theswordflaredagain,butDominicnoticedthatthelightdidnotshineasbrilliantlywitheachattackitdefeated.Hegrimlyrealizedthatthepoweroftheswordwasfading.
Tryingtotakeadvantageofwhateverpowerremained,hemoved,slidingsidewaysatthelastpossiblemoment,asthedemoncharged,clawsextended.Hewasabletosliceacrossitsribsasheavoidedtheclaws.Thedemoncriedoutastheswordbitintoitsflesh,stumblingaway.
Dominicdidnotwait,butrantowardsthedemononthefloor,stabbingdownwardswhenhewascloseenough.Theswordslidintothedemon,blazingagain.Thedemonscreamedagainasthelightburnedintoit.Dominichelditthere,evenashewatchedtheotherdemonturnbacktowardshim.Suddenly,thedemonexplodedintoash,knockingDominicoffhisfeet.
BeforeDominiccouldrise,hisearsringingfromtheblast,theotherdemonwasonhim.Itslashedathischest,itsclawsrakingacrosshisbreastplate,butthemetalresistedtheblow.Dominicswungthesword,clippingthedemononitslowerleg.Thedemoncursedandleaptback,sendingawaveofdarkfireatDominic.
Theswordflaredagain,butthistimethemagicdidnotcompletelyprotecthim.Hefeltthedemon’spowerburnhim,hisskinblisteringwhereittouched.Ignoringthepain,heclosedwithit,stabbingandfindingamark,thebladepenetratingitsside.
Bellowing,thedemonswungitsarm,catchingDominiconhisbreastplate
andknockinghimbacktowardsthetable,rollingacrossthefloor.Ashetriedtohalthismomentum,theswordwasdislodgedfromhishand.Hestoppedandthrewhimselfbacktowardsthesword,knowingitwastoolateashesawthedemon,clutchingitswounds,bringitsotherarmup,itsdarkpowerconcentratingonitshand.
Suddenly,aboltofweakgreenfirestruckthedemon.EvenasDominicreachedthesword,Kalisiaranpast,herbodyglowingwithherpower.
“No,girl!”Dominicshoutedassheranstraightatthedemon,whichwasbringingitsarmup.Dominicgottohisfeetandmoved,butcouldnotsaveher.Thedemon’spowerstruckher,theopposingpowerscracklingastheymet,sendingherflyingback,herhigh-pitchedscreamsoundingasherbodyburned.
Beforethedemoncouldreact,Dominicwasonit,theswordslashing.Thedemoncriedoutagainastheswordcutacrossitsbelly,tryingtomoveawayandgaindistance.Dominicstayedwithit,drivingthesworddeepintoitschest,hisfaceamaskofrage.Theswordshoneweakly,butDominicdidnotrelayonitspower.Hepushedandpulledatit,cuttingintothedemon.Thedemon’spowerflared,burningDominic,buthedidnotrelent.Hetwistedtheswordandthenyankeditout.Asthedemonfellback,heswungitwithallofhisstrength.Thebladeslashedacrossthedemon’sneck.Thedemoncollapsed,itsheadrollingawayfromitsbody.
Dominicstaggeredback,thepainfromtheburnsintense,butignoreditashemovedtoKalisia.Droppingnexttoher,hegentlycradledherhead,herskincoveredinburns.Shewasabletoopenhereyes.
“Whatwasthatfoolishness,girl?”Dominicsaidgently.“Itoldyoutorun.”“Icouldnot.”Shesaidweakly.“ItoldyouthatIhadtocomewithyoufor
youtohavesuccess.”“Theswordisnothere.”Hesaidsoftly.“ThatisnotwhatImeant.”Shesaid,voicefading.“Whenyoufreedme,I
sawmyend.Inthatdeath,IknewthatIwouldsaveyou.Iglimpsedthatyouhaveimportantthingsstilltodo,actionsthatmaymeantheendofthedemons.Isawthatyourlifewasmoreimportantthanmine.”
“Ihavesurvivedmanythings,girl.”Dominicsaid.“Youmayhavebeenwrong.”
“IamneverwrongaboutwhatIsee,Northman.”Shegasped,thenherbodyrelaxed,slippingintodeath.
Dominicgentlypickedherupandcarriedhertothetable.Heplacedheronit,feelingitwasasfittingarestingplaceashewouldfind.Asheturnedto
leave,hesawthetable’sglowsuddenlyincrease,fillingtheroominsoftwhitelight.ItsurroundedKalisia’sbody,theburnsfadingawayasDominicwatchedincredulously.Sheremainedstill,herlifegone,butthelightstayedinplace.Dominicknewsuddenlythatitwouldprotectherfromanydespoilingbythedemons.
Inthatlight,hesawwhatlookedlikeadoorwayagainstthefarcorner.Heslowlywalkedoverandfoundacloseddoor.Aftersomestruggle,hewasabletoopenit.Hesawasetofstairsthatextendeddownintoatunnel.Hefollowedthetunnel,listeningformovement.Hecametoanothersetofstairs.Cautiously,heclimbedthemandopenedthedooratthetop.
Hefoundhimselfinasmallbuilding,emptyexceptforashatteredchairinthecorner.Movingtothedoorwaythatledoutside,hefelttheheatofthedaydriftingin.Glancingout,hesawthatthebuildingwasinasetofstructuresablockorsoawayfromthelargebuilding.Thestreetsweredeserted,buthecouldhearthedemonssurroundingthecenterbuildinginthedistance.
Dominicmadehiswaybackdownthetunnelandreturnedtotheothers,grimacingashewent,hisinjuriesmakingwalkingpainful.AshesatdowntoallowHalanatohealhim,hetoldtheotherswhathappened.Whenhewashealed,hestood.
“Havethedemonstriedtogetin?”HeaskedMoshanna.“No.”Hereplied.“Theyhavenotmoved,simplystandingoutthere
watching.”“Thedemonsareprobablywaitinguntilnightbeforetheyattack.”Hetold
theothers.Asuddensmilecreasedhisface.“Let’sletthemfindanemptybuildingfortheirtrouble.Followme.”Heturnedandledthemawaytosafety.
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
ThecoldraincontinuedtofallasJakeandHailynrodethroughthetreesoftheforest,darkeninghismood.Theweatherhadturnedonthemastheyclimbedintothehills,butJakehadhopedthatthetreeswouldgivesomerelief.Tohisconsternation,allthetreesseemedtobedoingwasgatheringthedropsofrainandmakinglargerdropsthatlandedonhishoodwithsomeforce.Heshiveredasthecoldairseemedtoseepintoeverycornerofhisbody.Evenwithhisgloves,hishandsfeltfrozen.Withhishandontheropesomewhatnumb,heglancedbacktomakesurethepackhorsewasstillbehindhim.
TheyhadleftTurlic’stwodaysbefore,headinginanortheasterlydirection.TheywerefollowingHailyn’sinterpretationsofwherethebraceletwantedthemtogo.Sofar,allithasdoneisleadusintothismiserablerain.Jakethought,irritated.WecouldbebackatTurlic’s,enjoyingawarmmeal.
ThinkingofTurlicremindedhimofthedayoftheislandfight.Thelastthingherememberedwasstumblingontothebeach.Hehaddriftedindarknessforatime,andthenwokeuponTurlic’sboatasitnearedthedock,thesunstillshiningabovethem.HewokefacingHailyn,whowassleepingnexttohim.HeandHailynhadstayedatTurlic’shomethatnight,bothexhaustedfromthebattle.Whentheypreparedtoleavethenextmorning,theytoldTurlicandRalienthattheywouldbeheadingtowardsthenortheast.
“Youwillneedmoreclothingthanyouseemtobecarrying,Jake.”Turlicsaid.“Thecountryinthatdirectioniscomprisedofhillsandforests,withchangeableweather.Atthistimeofyear,thetemperaturecanfallbeforeyouknowitoryoucangetcaughtinsnowstormsinthehills.”
“Well,thatisthedirectionwehavetogo.”Jakesaid.“WedohavetheheavycloaksthatBrotherKalgaveus.”
“Thecloaksmaybeadequate,butyouneedglovesandthickblanketsifyouwanttosurviveasnowstorm.”Turlicinsisted.
“Isthereamarketnearbythatwecanfindthesethings,Turlic?”Hailynasked.
“Ifyouwilldelayyourdepartureforaday,Icanretrievewhatyouneed.”Turlicstated.“Takeyourrestherefortheday.Iwillsailtoamerchantandbebackbeforedark.”
SotheyhadstayedatTurlic’sforanotherday,resting.Besideseatingandnapping,Jakehadgoneouttothebarntocheckonthehorses,andthenstrolled
aroundthearea,whileHailynstayedbehindandchattedwithRalienandMilyn.Justasduskwasapproaching,Turlicreturnedwiththeextrasupplies.
Earlythenextmorning,afteralargebreakfast,theypackedtheirsuppliesandsaddledtheirhorses.Beforetheycouldleave,Turliccameoutofthebarnwithanotherhorse,thisonewithacoupleoflargepackshangingfromitssides.HehandedtheguideropetoJake.
“Takethehorsewithyou.”Turlicsaid.“Thereareextrablankets,ropeandfoodinthepacks.Youcanfindwaterasyoutravel,buttherearenotmanytradingpostsinthatdirection.”
“Wecannottakethat,Turlic.”Hailynsaid.“Youandyourfamilyneedthehorsemorethanwedo.”
“Iwillnottakenoforananswer,Sister.”Turlicsaid,steppingback.“Youhavegivenusamiraculousgift;thehorseissimplyasmalltokenofourthanks.Icanalwaysbuyanother.”
Seeingthathewassetonhisintention,Jakenoddedtohim.“Thankyou,Turlic.Weappreciatethegift.”
Withsomefinalfarewells,heandHailynhadriddenaway.Theymadegoodtimethefirstday.Theweatherhadbeenmildandpleasant,withthelightwindpushingthefluffycloudsacrossthesun,theirshadowsdriftingacrossthelakeandtheland.Theyhadleftthelakebehindandwereenteringthehillswhendarknessfell.
Todaywasdifferent.Theywoketoacoldwindblowingandasolidlayerofgreycloudsblockingthesun.Shortlyaftertheystartedheadingintothehills,therainbegantofall.Thecloakskeptmostofthemoistureaway,thoughitdidnotcovertheirlegsverywell.Jakecouldfeelthewatersoakinghispants,withsomerunningintohisboots,despitehisbesteffortstokeepthemdry.Thedampnessaddedtothechillhefelt.
Hailyndroppedbacknexttohim.“Howareyoudoing?”Sheasked.“BesidesbeingsoakedtotheboneandfeelinglikeIamcoveredinice,just
swell.”Hesaidgrumpily.“Don’ttakeoutyourfrustrationonme.”Hailynsaidsharply.“Iamriding
inthesamecoldrainasyou.”Jakeinitiallygrittedhisteethathertone,butrelaxedafterafewmomentsas
herealizedthatshewasright.“I’msorry.Ijusthatebeingcoldandwet.”Hesaidcontritely.
Placingahandonhisarm,shelaughedasoftlaughandsaidgently.“Idon’tlikebeingcoldandwet,either.”
Herformshonebrightlyasshecalledupherpower.Shepulledoffhergloveandplacedherhandonhischeek.Besidesherwarmandsoftskin,hefelttheheatofhermagicdescendintohisbodyandbreakaparttheicygripofthewindandrain.Shehelditthereforafewmoments,andthenwithdrewherhand,replacingtheglove.
“Thanks,Hailyn.”Hesaidgratefully.“Ifeelbetternow.”Smiling,shereplied.“Youonlyhavetoaskifyouneedmetodoitagain.”Continuingon,theyheadeddeeperintothehills,navigatingthroughthemud
andmuck.Asthelightbegantofade,therainfinallyletup.Thoughthecoldwindwascontinuingtoblow,thelackofrainwasarelief.Lookingforaplacetocamp,theyfoundanareaunderagroupoftreegrowingclosetogetherthatlookedlikeitwasmostlyshelteredfromtherain.Thegroundwasdamp,butnotsoaked.
Aftertyingoffthehorsesandlayingdownoneofthethickblankets,JakeandHailynsatandateacoldmealofrations,sincetherewasnodrywoodavailableforafire.Theyweresittingthere,talkingquietly,asdarknessdescendedovertheforest.Afterawhile,Hailynstoodupandwentovertoherpack.
“Weneedtochangeoutofthesewetclothes.”Shesaidasshepulledoutsomedryclothes.“Ithinkweshouldstringtheropeandhangtheclothestodryasmuchaspossiblebeforewerepackthem.”
Jakegotupandpulledtheropefromthepacks,tyingitoffbetweentwotrees.Whenheturnedback,hesawthatHailynhadwrappedablanketaroundhershouldersandwasusingittocoverherselfasshechangedunderneath.Jaketurnedhisbacktogiveherprivacy,goingtotheothersideofDontasandchanginghisclothes.
Whenhereturned,feelingbetterhavingdryclotheson,hecouldjustmakeoutthatHailynwaslyingontheblanket.Shewasleaningonherelbow,withtheblanketsheusedtochangeandanextraonecoveringher.Hewasdecidingweretolayhisblanketdownwhenshespoke.
“Jake,weshouldprobablysharetheblanketstonight.”Shesaidsoftly.“Withthecoldnessofthewindandpossiblerain,sleepingnexttoeachotherwillallowustokeepwarm.”
Jakewasgratefulthatitwasdarkasheblusheddeeply,takenabackbyhersuggestion.Hetriedtoshrugitoffashegatheredtheircloaksfromtherope.Hecameoverandlaidthemacrosstheblankets.“Thatshouldhelpifitrains.”Hesaid,tryingtoactnonchalantashecrawledundertheblankets.
Afteradjustingtheblanketstomakesuretheywerecovered,herolledoverontohisside,facingHailyn.Withthenightbeingsodark,hecouldjustmakeouthershadowyoutlineasshefacedhim.Hecouldfeelthewarmthradiatingfromherbodyassheshiftedcloser.Hebegantosweatalittle,suddenlynervous.Calmdown,idiot.Hetoldhimself.
Heflinchedslightlywhenshelaidahandonhisface.Theystayedlikethatforafewmoments,andthenshesigheddeeply.“Youcanbesofrustratingattimes,Jake.”Shesaidsoftlyassheleanedinandkissedhim.
Hefrozemomentarily,surprised.WhilehehadenjoyedkissingKeria,hefoundthatHailyn’skissfeltdifferent,moremeaningfulandright.Hishesitationnowgone,hepulledhercloseandkissedherback.
…Astheforestbecamelighter,signalingdawn,Jakesoftlyslippedfromthe
blankets,tryingnottowakeHailyn.Hestretchedandgrabbedhisboots,pullingthemon,butnotlacingthem.Shiveringfromthecrispmorningair,hewentovertothehorses,checkingontheircondition.Seeingthattheywerefine,hestartedputtingonhisarmor.Hefeltodd,thoughnotinabadway,asheconsideredwhathadhappenedlastnight.Ittookhimamomenttorealizethathisfeelingscamefromthefactthatitwasthefirsttimehehadsleptwithagirl.
Justslept.Hethought,amused,shakinghisheadasheremembered.Whentheirpassionshadrisen,holdingeachotherclose,Hailynhadgentlypushedhimaway.
“Iamacleric.”Shesaidasshesoftlystrokedhisface.“Weteachthatthephysicalsideofloveisreservedforamanandwomanwithinthemarriagebond,blessedbytheOne.Ibelievethattobetrue,soIcannotbetraymybeliefs.”
“Iunderstand.”Jaketoldher,enjoyinghercloseness,thoughhehadtoadmittoalittledisappointment.
“Ofcourse,evenifIweretothrowasidemybeliefsforyou,thisisclearlynottheplace.”Shesaidwithalittlelaugh.“Arough,dampblanketonmuddyground,withhorsesonlyafewpacesaway,isnothowIpicturedmyfirsttime.”So,theytalkedandheldeachotheruntiltheydriftedofftosleep.
Smilingatthememory,Jakefinishedputtingonhisarmorandsword,andthensaddledthehorses.Ashewasfinishing,Hailynwokeupandlookedoverathim.
“Goodmorning.”Shesaidcontently.“Goodmorning.”Jakereplied,walkingoverandgivingherakiss.“We
probablyshouldeat,getpackedandstartmoving.”
Oncetheystartedriding,Jakefeltabitbetterastheweatherwasbetterthanthedaybefore.Theairwasstillcold,thoughabitwarmer,butthewindhaddieddownand,despitethegrayskies,norainfell.
Theforestgrewthickerastheyrode.Therewasnotrailtofollow;theyhadtomakeduewithwhattheyfound.Fallentreesandboulderswouldsometimesforcethemtodouble-backuntiltheyfoundawayaround.
Despitethesetbacks,Hailynwassuretheywereheadingtherightdirection.“Icanfeelitpullingme,Jake.”Shesaid.“Wehavetocontinueinthedirectionwearegoing.”
Sotheyslowlyworkedtheirwaytothenortheast.Theytriedtofindshelteredcampsitesastheyrode,astheweathercontinuedtochangeday-by-day.Everyevening,theyweresleepingnexttoeachother,talkingquietlyandholdingoneanother.
…Onthemorningofthesixthdaysincetheyleftthelake,Jakehadrisenbefore
Hailyn,aswastheirnormalmorninghabit.Hehadfinisheddressing,hisarmorandweaponson,andwassaddlingHailyn’shorsewhenitandthepackhorsestartedactingnervous,snortingandstampingtheirhooves.Dontasbegantorearup,whinnyingloudly.Jaketookastepback,wonderingwhatwashappening.HeglancedbackatHailyn,whohadsatupintheblankets.Suddenly,hereyeswentwideandpointedbehindhim.“JAKE!”Shescreamed.
Hespun,reachingforhissword,andhesawalargebrownandtanlionleapingathim.Thelionresembledamountainlion,onlylarger,morelikeanAfricanlion.Jakesawitslongfangsasthecatopeneditsmouth,itsclawsextended.
Hethrewuphisleftarmtoprotecthisface,unabletogetoutoftheway.Thelioncaughthisforearminitsmouthasitcollidedwithhim,drivinghimtotheground.Hisarmorprotectedhisarmandchest,butthecat’shindclawssankintohisthighs,suddenpointsofagonycausinghimtocryout,hisvoiceaddingtothechaosasthehorsesreared,whinnyingloudly,andstruggledagainsttheirrestraints.
Jakecouldsmellthefetidbreathofthelion,inchesfromhisface,thesoundofitsfrontclawsrakingagainsthisbreastplatesoundinginhisears.Desperate,hereacheddownwithhisrighthandandfoundhisdagger.Hedrewitandslammeditintothelion’sside.ThecatshudderedandbegantoconvulseasJakeyankedhisdaggeroutanddroveithomeagain.
Suddenly,thecatleaptoffofJake,rollingontheground,itslegsmoving,but
unabletostand.Mewing,itcollapsedonitsside,pantingandoozingblood.Jake,shakenandinpain,triedtomove,buthislegsweretoobadly
damaged.Ashetriedtogetcontrolofhispain,Hailynwasthere,herhandsonhishead,hermagicstreamingintohim.Thepainfromhiswoundsfadedinthatgentleheat,thewoundssealing.Oncethehealingwasdone,withHailynsupportinghim,hestood.
Helookedoveratthelionandsawitseffortsweakening,bloodnowvisibleonitsmuzzle.Jakewipedthebloodoffhisdagger,sheathingit,anddrewhissword.HemovedtofinishoffthecatwhenHailynstoppedhim.
“Wait,Jake.”Shesaid,puttingherhandonhisswordarm.“Don’tkillit.Letmehealit,instead.”
“Whatareyoufreakingtalkingabout?!”Jakeasked,incredulous.“Thatthingalmostkilledme.”
“Itwasonlydoingwhatitknows.”Shesaid,facefirm.“ItisacreatureoftheOneandshouldnotbekilledunlesswemust.”
“So,ifyouhealit,whatistostopitfromattackingusagain?”Jakesaidstarkly.“Iknowthatyoufeelstronglyaboutthis,butwecan’ttakethechance.”Hestartedtowardsthelion,again.
“Jake,please.”Hailynpleaded.“Ithaslostalotofblood.EvenifIhealit,itwillbeweakandwillmostlikelycrawlaway.”
Jakecouldseethatshewasnotgoingtobendonthis.Shakinghishead,hesaid.“Youareflippingcrazytodothis,butalright.”Asshestartedtowardstheanimal,hestoppedher.“But,ifthecatevenlookslikeitisgoingtodosomethingstupid,Iwillcutitsheadoffandyouwillhavewastedyourtime.”
Nodding,Hailynapproachedthelionslowly,comingaroundtoitsback.Thecatdidnotmove,itsbreathslowingandbodyquivering.Kneelingdown,shelaidherhandsonit,herfingersgentlygrippingitsfurwhileJakemoveduptostandbyitshead,hisswordraisedandreadytostrike.Herbodybegantoshineandherpowerflowedintothelion.
AsJakewatched,hesawtherunesonthebraceletsuddenlycometolifeandpulse,sendingspecksofwhiteintothelion.Thecat’swoundshealed,closingandfadinganditbegantomove.OnceHailynliftedherhands,Jakereacheddownandpulledherup,draggingherbehindhim,hisswordaimedtowardsthelion.
Thelionlickedatthebloodnearwhereitswoundswere,andthenpusheditselftoitsfeet.Jakesawthatitwasshaky,itsbodyunsteady.Thecatturnedtowardsthem,itslargeyelloweyesregardingthem.Unexpectedly,itcrouched
downandbegantopurr,soundinglikealargechainsaw.Jakewasstaringatit,notsureofwhattothink,whenherealizedthatthe
horseshadgonequiet.Helookedovertowardsthemandsawthemstandingstill,lookingoveratthelion.Shakinghishead,dumbfounded,heturnedbacktoseeHailynmovingtowardsthelion.Hestartedtoreachforher,butshepushedhishandaway.
Shecautiouslyapproachedthelion,whichwaswatchingherwith,atleasttoJake,acuriouslookinitseyes.Heshifted,swordready,asshekneltdownandslowlyputherhandonthelion’shead.Thecatflinchedslightly,butthenbegantorubitsheadagainstherhand,itspurrgrowinglouder.Itstoodsuddenly,causingJaketoraisehisswordandmoveforward,butitsimplybegantorubitsheadandbodyagainstHailyn,likeanovergrownhousecat.
Jakewatchedforafewmoments,notreallybelievingwhathewasseeing.Finally,hesheathedhisswordandstoodthereobserving.ThelionleftHailynandcameovertoJake,causinghimtotenseup.Thelionlickedhishand,itsroughtonguelikesandpaperagainsthisskin.Cautiously,hereachedoutandscratcheditshead.Thecatbeganpurringagain,movingclosetoJakeandrubbingagainsthim.
“Iguesswehaveanewfriend.”Jakesaid,lookingoveratHailyn,whowassmilingatthem.
…Withthelionfollowingthem,theycontinuedontheirjourney.Jakecould
stillnotbelievewhathadhappened,glancingbackagainandagainatthelion.However,hewastheonlyonestillsomewhatbothered.Hailynseemedcontentwithhowthingsturnedoutandthehorseswerenolongertroubledbythelion’spresence.
Atcampthatnight,thelionstayednearJakeandHailyn,curlingupnearbywhentheylaidouttheirblankets.Prayingthattheyorthehorsesdidnotendupasbreakfast,Jakewatchedthecatforawhile,finallydriftingoff.Hewasabitstartledwhenheawoketofindthelioncurledupattheirfeet.
Astheytraveledthenextday,theweatherturnedcolderandtheterrainbecamerougher,thehillssteeperandpathsforthehorsesfew.Theystruggledthroughthehills,eachhilltheytraversedfollowedbywhatseemeditstwin.TheconstantandseeminglyendlesschallengeofthehillsbegantograteonJake;hereallywantedsomeflatlandforachange.Asifthefatesrespondedtohisrequest,inthelateafternoon,theymadeittothecrestofalargehill.Theystoppedwhentheysawthatthehillsuddenlyendedatthetopofalargecliff.A
coldwindblewupthecliff,causingtheirclothestowhiparoundastheystaredahead.
Spreadoutinfrontofthemwasalargeopenvalley.Thevalleywasalmostbarren,madeupmostlyofdullgraystonesandwind-sweptdirt.Acrossthevalley,barelyvisibleonthehorizon,wasalineoftall,snow-coveredmountains,theirpeakscoveredbythegrayclouds.Despitethewhitesnow,Jakesensedsomethingdarkandforbiddingaboutthemountains.
Hailynpointedtowardsthem.“Thatiswherewehavetogo.”Jakenodded,resigned.“Let’sfindaplacetocamp.Inthemorning,wewill
findawaydown.”…
Asthewavescrashedagainsttherocksbehindhim,thefrothseemingtoglowinthemoonlight,Martisclimbedoutofthesmallboatthathadbroughthimhere.Hewasinasmallcavethatopenedtotheocean,facingarough-hewnsetofstairsthatwentdeeperintothecliff.DespitefeelingvenerablewithoutRanech,whowasstillaboardthemainship,heslowlybegantoascendthestairs.
Hismysteriousbenefactorhadbeentruetohisword.Latethatevening,hiscellhadbeenunlockedandheandRanechwereledaway.Theyweretakenthroughsometunnels,followingtheirguide,andfoundthemselvesnearthedocks.Theywerehustledaboardamedium-sizedtransportshipandhiddenbelowdecks.Whenthemorningcame,theshiphadsailedfromtheharborandmadeitswaynorth.Theyhadstoppedatseaforseveraldays,waitinguntiltwomoretransportshipsjoinedthem.Oncetheyweretogether,theyresumedtheirtravel.
Hewasheretodeliverhisbenefactor’smessageinperson,hehadbeentold.Duetohispastassociations,hewastheperfectpersontodeliverit.Hewasnotsurewhatthatmeant,buthewoulddoalmostanythingtoavoidtheheadsman’sax.Hisfreedomandmoneywouldbewaitingforhimwhenhecompletedthismissionhehadbeenassured.
Whenhereachedthetopofthestairs,nearbytorchesburningbrightly,therestoodatallman,anAletonian,dressedinarmorandasword.Themanlookedhimupanddownwithcontempt,asneeronhisdarkface.Havingbeenaroundthemforyears,Martisknewinstantlythatthiswasahalf-man.
“Comealong,oldman.”Themansaid,roughlygrabbingMartis’arm.“TheMasterwillwanttoseeyoudirectly.”
Whilehetriedtoaffectanoutwardlycalm,Martisshivered.Afterallthathappenedtohim,thelastthinghewantedtofacewasanotherdemon.Knowing
hewascommittedandhadnochoice,hehopedthathecoulddeliverthemessagequicklyandleave.
Martiswastakendownalonghallandpushedthroughanopeningattheend.Hewasinasmallroom,darkandcold,thestonewallunadornedwithonlyafewtorcheslit.Themanescortinghimkickedhimbehindtheknees,forcinghimtotheground,andthenkneltnexttohim.“Themessengerishere,Master.”Themansaid.
Martisfeltthatfamiliarchillasthedemon,anImp,steppedoutoftheshadowsonthefarsideoftheroomandapproachedhim.Tryingtokeephisteethfromchattering,Martisclenchedhisjawshutandfocusedhisgazeatthefloor.
“Whatisthemessage,worm?”Thedemonasked,itsvoicefrightening.“Iwastoldtosaythatthetimehascomeforthecocktocrow,Master.”
Martissaidquickly.Hehadnoideawhatitmeantandhedidnotcare.“Anythingelse?”Thedemonasked.“Nothing,Master.”Martisreplied.“Excellent,worm.”Thedemonsaid.“Riseandfollowme.”Martiswasdraggedtohisfeetbythehalf-manandshovedafterthedemon.
Hecaughtupandstayedbehindthedemonasitledhimthroughalongtunnel.Attheendofthetunnel,awidecavernstood.Whentheyreachedalandingthatjuttedoutintothecavern,Martissawotherdemonsandatleasttwohundredfollowersmovingaboutthecavern.
“HereiswhatIhavebeenabletogather.”Thedemonsaid,smiling.“Withsurprise,wewillhavesuccess,bringingaboutthechangethatmyMasterhadrequested.”ItlookedoveratMartis,thoseblackeyesreflectingthetorchlight.“Youshouldconsideryourselfluckytobeawitnesstoit.”
Martisswallowednervously.“Forgiveme,Master,butIamonlyamessenger.”
“Notanymore.”Thedemonsaid,thosesharpteethgleamingasitsmiled.“Youwillaccompanyusonthismission.”Thesmilefell.“Iinsist.”
“Ofcourse,Master.”Martissaidquickly,bowing,thoughhewantedtorunandkeeprunning.
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
Withthelightcoolingmistfromthesprayofthebowreflectingthebrightsun,DominicobservedthecityofDaneliasasWavemistressapproachedthebreakwaterandtheharborentrance.Hewasstandingalone,leaningagainsttherailatthebowoftheshipandenjoyingthefreshseaair.Whilethedaywashot,especiallyinthedirectsun,itwasblessedlycoolerthanthebrutalheatofParshalthiaandthedesertsurroundingit.
Theyhadescapedtheruins,makingtheirwaystealthilydownthedesertedstreetbacktothehorses.Theyrodeaway,stoppingonlytorecoverthewaterwagon,andcontinuedon.Eventhoughnighthadfallen,theymadetheirwaybacktothefortifiedhilltopbeforestopping.DespitethelossofKalisiaandthesoldier,theywereingoodshapeoverall,sotheystartedbacktoFarSouthernthenextmorning.Theykeptacloseguard,expectingtobeattackedatanymoment,butotherthantheunrelentingheat,theyencounterednothreats.
Breliswastruetohisword;theWavemistresswasmooredatthedockandreadytosailwhentheyreturned.Dominicmadethedecisiontoleaveimmediately,loadingthehorsesasquicklyaspossiblewhiletheystillhadlight.Asnightwasfalling,theshipslippedoutofFarSouthern’sportandturnednorth.
Theyencounteredsomeheadwindsandasmallsquallastheytravelednorth,slowingtheirprogress.TodaywasthesixthdayoutofFarSouthernandDominicwasreadytobebackonland.Whileseatraveldidnotbotherhim,hepreferredhorsesandsolidground.
Heshiftedhisgazefromthecity,lookingalongthecoast.Therewereseveralshipsheadingfortheharbor,acoupleofsmallerfishingvesselsnearthebreakwaterandthreetransportshipsinthedistance.Henoticedacoupleoftradingshipspassingbythetwotowersthatguardedtheharbor,sailingouttothesea.
Brelismaneuveredhisshiptowardstheharbormouth,alittleclosertothebreakwaterthanDominicwouldhaveexpected,thenswungtoport,stayingclosetotherocksnearthesoutherntower.Atfirst,DominicwasnotsureifBreliswasnotjustshowingoffhisskill,butthensawasmallboatcarryinganofficial,likelyaharbormaster,comeoutfrombehindthebreakwaterandpullalongside.Brelis’sailorsthrewdownaropeladderandthemanclimbedaboard.Dominicwatchedasthemanwentuptothewheeldeckandspokewith
Brelis.Afterthemanfinished,Brelisshoutedoutorderstohissailors.Themainsailcamedown,leavingonlythesmalleroneinthefront,slowingtheship.Brelissteeredtheshipasthemanpointedandgestured.
Soon,theywereapproachingoneofthestonedocks.DominiccouldseeCommanderFarrious,hiswarhammeronhisshoulder,standingamongstagroupofQueen’sGuardonhorses,waitingforthemtodock.Astheshipslowlyapproachedthedock,asailorranpastDominictothrowthebowlinetoawaitingworkerwhileanothersailordidthesamefromthestern.Theworkersonthedockpulledtheshipclose,thentiedoffthelines,securingthevessel.Brelishadthegangwaylowered,thendescendedtothemaindeckasFarriouscameaboard.
FarriouslookedaroundandsawDominic.Heapproached,stoppingafewfeetawayandsettingtheheadofhiswarhammeronthedeck,andgavehimabow.
“Greetings,LordDominic.”Farrioussaid,hisdeepvoicerumbling.“Ihopethatyouhadsuccess.”
“Thankyou,CommanderFarrious.”Dominicrepliedwithanodofhishead.“WhatweareseekingwasnotinParshalthia.I’msorrytoreportthatthreeofyoursoldierswerelostintheeffort.”
“Thatistragic,mylord,butmymenunderstandtherisksofsoldiering.”Farrioussaidstoically.“IwillhaveSergeantStonebuilderbriefmeandwewillmakesurethattheirfamiliesarecaredfor.”
“Stonebuilderandyourmenacquittedthemselvesadmirablyindifficultcircumstances.”Dominicsaid.“Theyhaveanexcellentcommander.”
“Youarekind,mylord.”Farrioussaid,noddinghishead.“TohavesuchacomplimentfromtheDemonhunterisahighhonor.”
“Whatnow,Farrious?”Dominicasked.“I’msureyoudidnotjusthappentobeonthedockstakinginthesaltair.”
“Indeednot,mylord.”Farriousrepliedwithasmile.“Whenyouandyourpartyareready,wewillproceedbacktothepalace.Thequeenwishestohearfromyouonallthathappened.”
“Ofcourse,Commander.”Dominicsaid.“Oncewehavethehorsesoff-loaded,wecanproceed.”
BrelishadhismenstartbringingthehorsesupfromtheholdwhileDominicwentbelowtoretrievehisequipment.Whenhereturnedtothedeck,Shadowwasalreadyonthedock.Hewentdownandcheckedonthehorse,thensaddledhim,tryingtoignoretheslightrockingsensationthathestillfelt.Heslunghissaddlebagsandpulledhimselfintothesaddle.
Afterallofthesoldiersandclericswereofftheship,Farriousorderedthesoldiers,exceptforStonebuilder,backtotheirbarracks.AstheypassedbyDominic,theyliftedtheirspearsinsalute.Hedrewhisswordandhelditaloftinreturn.
MoshannajoinedDominic,hisfacegrim.Hehadbeenquietformostofthereturnjourney,keepingtohimself.Dominicknewhewaspreparingforwhateverpunishmentthequeenordered.
Whentheclericswereontheirhorses,Farriousgavetheorderforthesoldierswithhimtoformuparoundtheparty.Oncehewassatisfied,hemountedalargewarhorseandtheystartedtowardsthepalace,Stonebuilderridingnexttohim.
Astheyrode,DominicwatchedasStonebuilderspokequietlywithFarrious,lookingbackoverhisshoulderatMoshannafromtimetotime.Farriousnoddedandlookedbackoncehimself,buthisfacebetrayednothing.
Aftertheyenteredthepalacegrounds,Farrioushadthemdismount.“Mysoldierswilltakethehorsestothestablesandyourbagswillbebroughttothepalace.”HelookedoveratDominic.“Yourhorsewillbewell-caredfor,mylord;Igiveyoumyword.”
“Ihavenodoubts,Commander.”Hesaidashehandedthereinstooneofthesoldiers.HepattedShadowasthesoldierledthehorseaway.
“Thequeenawaits.”Farrioussaidasheturnedandstrodetowardthepalacedoors.
Astheyenteredthethroneroom,DominicnoticedDarriusstandingwithagroupofnobles,hisarmscrossedandaself-satisfiedlookonhisfaceashewatchedthemapproachthethrone.Behindhimwasatallwomanwithlong,wavydarkhair,hercocoaskinsmooth,herlargebrowneyesstrikingonherbeautifulface.Outofthecornerofhiseye,DominicsawMoshannapauseslightlywhenhesawher,thencontinueon,facefixedforward.
Theyreachedthethrone,withtheAletonianskneelingwhileDominicmadeacourtlybow.Thequeengesturedforthemtorise,thenaddressedDominic.
“MylordDominic,werejoiceinseeingyoureturnsafely.”Thequeensaid.“Beforewediscussyourmission,Imusttellyouthatwehavereceivedsometragicnewsfromyourcountry.MyinformantssentamessageinformingmethatanoblenameLordMarcelasattemptedanoverthrowoftheking,withfightingtakingplaceinthepalaceitself.Theplotterswereovercomeandkilled,butthekingdiedinthefighting.TheyoungprincessisnowQueenofSanduas.”Thequeenshookherhead.“Istillrememberherasapreciouslittle
child.Itishardtopictureheronthethrone.”“Also,themessagementionedthattheChiefCleric,whomIknowtobeyour
friend,wasgravelyinjuredinthebattle,butsurvived.”Thequeencontinued.“Youhavemysympathies,mylord.Iknowthatyouhadyourdifferenceswithhim,butKristinwasalevelheadedandfairrulerwhomIrespected.WhenyoureturntoSanduas,wouldyoutakealetterfrommetotheyoungqueen?”
“Itwouldbemyhonor,YourMajesty.”Dominicsaidurbanely,thoughhewastroubledbythenews.
“Thankyou,mylord.”Thequeensaid.“Nowtothesubjectathand.Howdidyourmissiongo?”
“Whatwesoughtwasnotintheruins,YourMajesty.”Dominicreplied.“Onthewaytoandwhileintheruins,weconfrontedanddestroyedseveraldemonsandtheirfollowers.IamsaddenedtoreportthatthreeofyoursoldiersandayoungWildgirlwerekilledintheseencounters.”
“Wewillhonortheirmemories,mylord.”Thequeensaid.“HowdidaWildgirlbecomepartofyourparty?Perhapsyoucanstartfromthebeginning.”
Nodding,Dominictoldherthestoryoftheirjourney,includingKalisia’ssacrifice.Knowingwhatwastocome,hepointedlymentionedMoshanna’scontributionsandskills,sayingthatitwascriticaltothemission.Afterhehadfinished,thequeenwassilentforafewmoments.Whenshespoke,hervoicewaskind.
“Iknowthatlosingthegirlwasdifficultforyou,mylord,butIamgratefulthatshewasthere.”Thequeensaidgently.“Wewillhonorhermemoryaswell.”
ThequeenturnedtoAnatan,whowasstandingnearthethrone.“SisterAnatan,IwishforyoutomeetwithCommanderFarriousanddevelopaplantosendanarmyofsoldiersandclericstothesouthandclearthoseruins.Iwillnothaveanestofdemonslivingopenlyinmyland.”
“Asyoucommand,YourMajesty.”Theclericrepliedwithabow.“Pleasestepback,mylord.”ThequeentoldDominicsoftly.Whenhehad
rejoinedFarrious,shecalledtoMoshanna.“LetthetraitorMoshannaDeepwoodapproachthethroneandhearjudgmentregardinghisoffenses.”
Moshanna,hisfacecalm,squaredhisshouldersandapproachedthethrone.Hestoppedandknelt,lookingupatthequeen.
“MoshannaDeepwood,youbroughtshameuponyourselfandyourfamilybyyouractionsyearsago.”Thequeensaid,herfacefirm.“Iamwithinmyrightstohaveyourheadforyourcrimes.”
“Thatisindeedyourright,YourMajesty.”Moshannasaiddirectly.“However,youhaveprovenyourselftoLordDominic,amanofgreat
honor.Hehastoldusthatyoufoughtbravelyandskillfully,helpingridtherealmofsomedemonsandtheirillfollowers.”Shepausedforamoment.“ButLordDominicisofSanduas,notAletonia.Whilenodisrespectofhishonorisintended,IneedtohearsuchatalefromaloyalsubjectofAletonia.”
“SergeantStonebuilderwasamemberoftheirmission,YourMajesty.”CommanderFarrioussaid,gesturingtowardstheman.“Iknowandattestthatheisaloyalservantandamanofhonor.”
“Pleasetellusyourimpressions,Sergeant.”Thequeensaidasshegesturedtowardshim.
StonebuilderlookedoveratMoshannaforamoment,andthensteppedforwardandaddressedthequeen.“YourMajesty,IwasnothappywhenLordDominicplacedthetraitorashissecond.Iknewofhiscrimeagainstyou.”Hepaused,thentookabreathandcontinued.“However,IamforcedtoagreewithLordDominic’sassessment.MoshannaDeepwoodacquittedhimselfwithhonorandcourageduringourmission,facingthedemonsandtheirfollowersindirectcombat.Werehenotanattaintedtraitor,Iwouldfollowhimintobattleagain.”
Dominicletoutthebreathhewasholdingasalowbuzzsurgedthroughouttheroom,asthegatherednoblesbeganspeakingatonce.ThequeenmadegesturetoFarrious,whobangedhiswarhammeronthestonefloor,thesoundechoingoffthewalls.
“Quiet!”Heshouted.Thenoisedieddownandthenoblesreturnedtheirfocustothequeen.
“SergeantStonebuilder,weappreciatethetruthofyourwords.”Thequeensaidregally.“Youareamanofhonorandyouhavethethanksofyourqueen.Youmaystepback.”
“Itismyprivilegetoserveyou,YourMajesty.”Stonebuilderrepliedwithabow,andthenretreatedbacktowherehehadbeenstanding.
“So,InowmustweighwhatIhaveheard,consideringitversustheoffenceyoucommittedagainstme.”ThequeensaidasshestareddownatMoshanna.
“Youcannotforgivehim,YourMajesty.”Darriusstatedharshly,steppingforward.“Hiscrimewasagainstmeaswell.”
ThequeenlookedoveratDarrius,disapprovalonherface.“Ihavewarnedyouaboutmakingdemandstome,LordDarrius.”Shesaidfirmly.“Iwillnotwarnyouagain.”
“Forgiveme,YourMajesty.”Darriussaidwithabow.“Myhonorisat
stakehere.Ibegyounottoallowthistraitortoevadehiscrime.”“Verywell,LordDarrius,Iwillhonoryourwishes.”Thequeensaid.
Darriussteppedback,asmugsmileonhisface.Thequeenstood,herfacelikestone.Sheheldoutahand.“Hearmy
judgment,MoshannaDeepwood.Foryourcourageandeffortsonbehalfofthisrealm,Iforgiveyouofanyoffenceagainstmeanddeclarethatthelabeloftraitoriswithdrawn.”
ThereweregaspsaroundtheroomandDarrius’facebecameamaskofangerwhenthequeensaidthis.Liftinghishammer,Farriouslookedaroundtheroom,disapprovalonhisfaceandthenoisequieted.Oncesilencedescended,thequeencontinued.
“AsLordDarriushasstated,hishonorisprecioustohimandIcannotforgiveyouofthatoffence.”Shesaid,gesturingatDarrius.“So,onthemorrow,youandLordDarriuswillmeetinthearenaandsettlethisbycombat,asyoushouldhavedoneyearsago.Thatwayhecanpreservehishonorandyouhaveachancetoredeemyourself.”Withaslightsmileonherlips,shesatdown.
“Tofinish,allthatremainsisforeachofyoutochooseasecond.”Thequeenstated.
“IchooseLordBacus,YourMajesty.”Darriussaid,voicehardandangry,pointingatalargemannearhim.
“Iacceptyoursecond,LordDarrius.”Thequeensaid,thenlookedatMoshanna.“Whowillbeyoursecond?”
“Iwill,YourMajesty.”DominicsaidbeforeMoshannacouldspeak.“LordDominic,Iknowyouareamanofhonor,butyouhavetounderstand
that,ashissecond,youwillensurethathearrivesatthearenaoryouwilltakehisplace.”Thequeenwarned.“Asyouareaguest,Iwillallowyoutowithdrawyourstatement.”
DominiclookedoveratDarrius,eyescoldandaslightsmileonhisface.Darriusstaredback,thoughtherewasahintofdoubtinhiseyes.Good.Dominicthought.Heturnedbacktothequeen.“Iwillbehissecond,YourMajesty.”Hestatedagain.
“Sobeit.”Shesaid.ShelookedoveratCommanderFarrious.“PleasehavequartersinthepalacesetasideforLordDominicandMoshannaDeepwood.”
Shestood.“Inthemorning,thismatterwillbedecidedonceandforall.”Shestated,andthenleftthethroneroomtothebowsandcurtsiesoftheassemblednobles.
DarriusglaredhatredoveratMoshannaandDominic,thenmotionedtohisfollowersandstormedoutofthehall.
“Ifyouwillfollowme,youcantakeyourrest.”Farrioussaid,gesturingtowardsadooracrossthehall.HeleanedclosetoDominicastheyheadedforit.“Bravelydone,mylord,butwatchyourself.Darriusdoesnotforgetanyslight.”
“YoucantellhimwhereIam,ifhewishestodiscussit.”Dominicsaidwithashrug.
Farriouslaughed.“NowthatissomethingIwouldlovetosee.”…
Dominicleanedagainsttherailonthebalcony,staringoutonthecity,themooncoveringthebuildingsandstreetsinasoftsilverylight.Thecooloceanbreezegentlyshiftedthelongsilkcurtainsthathunginsidethebalconydoor.Heclosedhiseyes,feelingtheairmovearoundhim;itwasrefreshing,withjustahintofthesea.
Moshannawasjustinside,sittingononeofthecushionedbenchesinthemainroom.Hehadhisswordout,runningasharpeningstonealongit.Hewasfocusedonwhatlayahead,soDominicgavehimhisspace.
Dominicopenedhiseyeswhentherewasagentleknockonthedoor.WithFarrious’warninginhismind,hemotionedMoshannatostayseatedashewenttothedoor.Hecautiouslyopenedthedoor,hishandonhissword.StandinginthehallwasSisterAnatanandafigureinahoodedcloak.
“Forgiveme,LordDominic,butIhavesomeonewhowishestoseeMoshannaDeepwood.”Anatansaid.“Thequeenhasapprovedthismeeting.”
Dominicfrowned,butsteppedback,allowingtheclericandotherpersontoenter.Heglancedoutintothehall,butnoonewasvisible.Closingthedoor,heturnedbacktoseeMoshannarisefromthebench,facingAnatanandtheclockedfigure.
Thefigurereachedupandpushedbackthehood.DominicsawthatitwasthewomanwhohadbeenstandingbehindDarrius.HesawMoshannasmile,thoughheappearedslightlynervous,somethingDominichadnotseeninhimbefore.
“Iwillleavenow,butwillreturnshortly.”Anatansaid,headingbacktowardsthedoor.“Youhavefifteenminutes.”Moshannanodded,thoughhedidnottakehiseyesoffofthewoman.
“Youmustremainhere,mylord.”AnatanwhisperedtoDominic.“Youareamanofhonor,soyourpresencewillallowyoutostatethatnothingimproper
tookplace,ifthismeetingweretobecomeknown.”AfterDominicnodded,sheleft.
Moshannaandthewomanhadsatdownontwoofthebenches,facingeachother.MoshannalookedoveratDominic.“ThisisSharin,Dominic.”Hesaid,hisvoicefullofemotion.
“Greetings,mylord.”Sharinsaidpolitely.“Mylady.”Dominicreplied,noddinghishead.“Whatareyoudoinghere,Sharin?”Moshannaasked.“Itcouldbe
dangerous.WhatifDarriusfindsout?”“Heisoutwithhissycophants,asusual.”Shesaid,afrownonherface.
“Heisrarelyhome,soIamnotsurehecaresanylongerwhatIdo.”“Still,youshouldnothavetakenthechance.”Moshannasaid.“Wecould
havemetaftertheduel,whenwhathewantsnolongermatters.”“Andifhewins,Moshanna?”Sharinasked,tearscomingunbiddentoher
eyes.“Icouldnotbeartobethiscloseandnotseeyou.Especiallyifthingsgowrongtomorrow.”
“Iamnotafraid,Sharin.”Moshannasaid,takingherhand.“SeeingyouremindsmeofwhatIamfightingfor.”
“Donottakehimlightly,Moshanna.”Sharinsaid,coveringhishandwithherotherone.“Heisadeadlyswordsman.”
“SoamI,Sharin.”Moshannastated,restinghisotherhandonhers.“AndIwillbefightingforlove.”
Shesmiledatthatandtheirconversationstopped.Dominicleanedbackagainstthewall,watchingastheysimplysatthere,holdinghands,lostineachother’seyes,untilAnatanreturned.
…Downbythedocks,Darriusmadehiswayintothedrainagetunnels,his
followersclosebehind.Heheldhistorchhigh,lightinghispath,movingforwardandtryingtoignorethedrippingwaterandslipperystones.Afterafewminutesofwalking,theycameintothelargeopeningwhereseveralofthetunnelscametogether.
“So,areweready?”Aninhumanvoicesaid,echoingagainstthehardstone.Darriuswatchedasademonsteppedawayfromthecrowdofmenwhowerefillingtheopening.ThedemonapproachedDarrius,whotriedtoremaincalm,despitethecreepingfear.
“Thereisachangeinplans.”Darriussaid.“Itissomethingthatcanworktoouradvantage.”
ThedemonlistenedasDarriusspoke,asmileplayingonitslips,asitlikedwhatitwashearing.
…“Youarerequestedatthequeen’sbox,mylord.”TheservanttoldDominic,
pointingupthestairsofthearena.“Iwillbereadyinamoment.”Hereplied,turningbacktohischeckof
Moshanna’sarmor.Satisfiedthateverythingwasinplace,hepulledMoshannaclose.“Remembertostayfocused.Youcannotaffordtothinkofanythingbutthemoment.”
“Iknow,Dominic.”Moshannasaidgrimly,lookingacrossthedirtfloorofthearenaatDarrius,whowaslazilytwirlinghissword,asmileonhisface.“IfIfall,tellTomaristhatIamsorryIfailedhim.”
“IwouldrathernotmakethetriptotheKeep,Moshanna,sodonotfall.”Dominicsaid.Heextendedhishand.“Luckbewithyou.”
Moshannashookhishand.“Ithasbeenmyhonortobeyourcompanion,DominicDemonhunter.”
Dominicnodded.“Andithasbeenminetoknowyou,MoshannaDeepwood,CaptainofTomaris’Guard.”
Withthat,hewentovertothestairsthatledoffthearenafloor.Asheclimbedout,servantsplacedwoodenbarriersoverthestairs,ensuringthatthecombatantscouldnotflee.
Hewentovertotheboxwherethequeenwassitting.Itwasraisedabovethenearbyseats,ensuringaclearviewofthearenafloor,andcovered,providingshade.Alargestonechairwasinthecenterofthebox,theotherseating,stonebenches.Thequeenwasinthechair,talkingwithFarrious,whowasstandingdirectlybehindthechair.
“Joinme,LordDominic.”Shesaid,pointingtothebenchnexttothechair.HesawLordBacusontheothersideofthechair.“Insinglecombatamongstnobles,thesecondssitwiththequeentoensurethattheyremainoutofthefight.”
Dominictookhisseat,lookingoutoverthearena.Hesawthatthearenawasfull,mostlynobles,withQueen’sGuardstationedthroughout.Therewereclericssittinghereandthere,interactingwiththepeoplenearthem.SisterAnatanandSharinwereinthequeen’sbox,sittingbelowBacus.TaricandHalanaweresittingtogetherjustbelowthequeen’sbox.
Thequeenstoodandatrumpetersoundedhishorn.Oncequietfellonthearena,shegesturedtoFarrious.Hesteppedforwardandshouted,hisvoice
carryingacrossthearena.“ThisisaduelbetweenLordDarriusOceansongandMoshannaDeepwood.Itissanctionedbythequeen,sononemayinterfere,underthepenaltyofdeath.Therewillbenoquarteraskedorgiven.Thecontestisoverwhenoneofthecombatantsisdead.”
Farrioussteppedbackandthequeensteppedforward,raisingherhand.MoshannaandDarriuswatchedheruntilshedroppedherhand,andthenmovedtowardseachother,swordsattheready.
Dominicwatchedastheyclosed,DarriussayingsomethingtoMoshanna,whoignoredit.Inasuddenclash,theyengaged,swordsflashingastheymoved.Afteraflurryofblows,theyseparated,adeadlyfocusonbothoftheirfaces.
Moshannafeinted,thencharged.Hisswordwentlow,theblademovingatablur,Darriusbarelyturningtheblow.MoshannathrewhimselfbackasDarrius’swordcurledaroundfromhisdefense,counter-attacking,thebladegoinghigh.
Theycircledeachother,probingeachother’sdefense,attackingwhentheycould.Inasuddenclash,theyslammedintoeachother,andthenspunaway.DominiccouldseebloodonMoshanna’sarm,whileDarriuswasfavoringhisrightleg.
AsMoshannabegantocloseagain,Darriussuddenlyshouted.“NOW!”ChaoseruptedinthearenaasDarrius’mensuddenlyroseupandattacked
theQueen’sGuardsmen,catchingthembysurprise.Outofthecornerofhiseye,DominicsawBacusmove.Reacting,heleaptinfrontofthequeen,reachingoutandstoppingBacus’daggerinchesforherchest.StrainingagainstBacustokeepthedaggeraway,Dominickickedhimlow,drivinghimbackabit.Beforehecoulddoanythingelse,Farrious’warhammerwhistledpasthishead,catchingBacusinthechestandrippinghimfromDominic’shandsasheflewback.Hetumbledontothearenaseats,chestcrushed.
“Protectthequeen!”Farriousbellowed,hammerattheready.NearbyQueen’sGuardsmenreacted,racingtothequeen’sbox.
Dominicdrewhisswordandsurveyedthebedlam.Peoplewerefleeing,cloggingtheexits,whileDarrius’menwereattackingtheclericsandQueen’sGuard.Belowhim,hesawoneofthemenspinafterkillingaGuardsman,chargingtowardsTaricandHalana.Dominicleaptoverthetwo,hisswordready.Duckingundertheman’sswing,hetooktheman’slegs.Screaming,themanfellandDominicfinishedhimwithasinglethrusttothechest.
“Upnearthequeen!”HeterselyorderedTaricandHalanaashesawdemonsandtheirfollowerssuddenlyflowinfromtheopeningsaroundthebaseofthe
arena,attackinganyonethatgottooclose.HeglanceddownandsawseveralofDarrius’mendropintothearenaand
advanceonMoshanna.“Go,Dominic!”Thequeencalledtohim.HeglancedbacktoseeFarrious
organizingthequeen’sdefense,Sharinsafelynexttothequeen,Anatan,HalanaandTaricallglowinginpowerastheheraldblewadistresscallonhishorn.
Sprintingahead,hechargedintothehalf-menthatappeared,blockinghiswaytothearenafloor.Movinghardandfast,hisswordablur,heslammedintothem,blockingblowswithhisarmorashestruckhisswordhome.Thetwohalf-menwentdown.
HestartedtomoveforwardwhenhecaughtsightofanImptohisright,surroundedinitsdarkpower.Hethrewhimselftothegroundasaboltofdemons’firetorepast,narrowlymissinghim.Herolledandgothisfeetunderhim.TheImpwasmoving,levelinganotherblastwhenastreamofcleric’sfirehitit,drivingitback.Helookeduptoseethethreeclericsadvancing,strikingatthedemonsandhalf-men.
Freedfromdefendingagainstthedemon,heleaptontothearenafloor.HesawthatMoshannawasretreatingasDarriusandhisthreemenwereadvancing.Dominicsprintedovertohim.Darriuswastakenabackbyhisappearance,butthentoldhismen.“KilltheDemonhunter,butDeepwoodismine.”
DominicsplitofffromMoshanna,drawingthemenaway,whileMoshannaclosedwithDarrius.Dominicduckedunderthefirstman’sblow,movingawayashedrewhisdagger.Heworkedtokeepthementohisfront.
Withacry,thethreechargedhim.Hismindcalm,Dominicwaited,movingatthelastminute.Hetwistedhisbodyasheslippedbetweentwoofthemen,feelingabladeslidealonghisbreastplateashedrovehisdaggerintotheman’sthroat.Rippingitfree,hespun,facingtheremainingtwomenastheothermanfelltohisknees,handspressedagainsthisthroat.Theothermenweremorecautiousastheysplitapart,tryingtocomeatDominicfromoppositesides.Dominicchoosethemantohisleft,meetinghisattack,parryingtheblowthendrivinghisswordintotheman’sshoulder.Hespunaway,butcouldnotcompletelyblocktheotherman’sattack.Hefeltalineoffireacrosshisarmastheman’sbladecaughthim.Ignoringthepain,Dominicchargedintotheattack,slamminghisforearmintotheman’sface.Asthemanfellback,Dominic’sswordflashed.Themancollapsedastheblowtookhiminthehead.Dominicjumpedoverthebodyandbroughthissworddownontheremainingman.Oncehislastopponentwasfinished,heturnedtofindMoshanna.
MoshannaandDarriuswerestillengaged,theirswordsmoving.Dominiccouldseebloodonbothmen,butDarriuslookedtheworseofthetwo.Moshannamovedlikeasnake,hisbladeflashingasitcaughtthelight,butDarriuswasquickaswell.
Socaughtupintheirduel,theydidnotnoticeDominic’sapproach.HecamefromDarrius’blindsideandbroughthissworddown.
DarriusscreamedandfellbackasDominic’sbladetookoffhisswordhand.Moshannatookadvantageanddrovehisswordhome,hisfacetightwithrage.Darriusshudderedasthebladestruckdeepandwentstill.
“Iwouldhavehadhimsoonenough,Dominic.”Moshannasaid,pullinghisswordout.
“Iknow,butnowisnotthetimeforpoliteniceties.”Dominicsaid,shakingthebloodfromhissword.Hepointedtothebattleinthestands.“Wehaveworktodo.”
MoshannanoddedandfollowedDominicastheyracedbacktowardsthequeen’sboxwherethefightingwasraging.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOURJakegrippedhiscloaktighteraroundhim,hisbreathmakingapalemistas
heclimbedtherockytrail.HeheldDontas’reins,keepinganeyeonHailynleadingherhorseaheadofhim.Withalightsnowontheground,thehorseswerehavingtroublekeepingtheirfootingontheslipperyrocks.Theyweremakingtheirwaytowardswhatlookedlikearuinedcastle,perchedinthemountainsabove,itsdarktowersinstarkcontrasttothewhitedustingofsnowthathungtothem.
Astheyreachedthetopoftheincline,HailynmovedforwardenoughforJakeandthehorsestopressinnexttoher.Thelionslippedunderthehorses,itspresencefamiliarnow,andcrouchednexttoHailyn.Jakesawherreachoutandgentlystrokeitsheadwhileshesurveyedthenarrowpassthatranuptowardstheruins.
“Idon’tthinkthehorsescangoanyfurther,Jake.”Shesaidassheturnedtowardshim,snowcoveringherhood.“Thepathistoosteep.”
Jakeconsideredtheravineandagreedwithherassessment.Lookingaround,hesawasmallareanearbywitharockyoverhang,partiallyshelteredfromtheweather.“Wecanleavethehorsesthere.”Hereplied,pointing.
Shenodded,leadingherhorseovertothearea.Jakefollowed,withDontasandthepackhorsebehindhim.Aftertheyhadlaidoutsomefeedforthehorses,theydidaquickcheckoftheirequipmentandsupplies.Jakepulledouthishelmandputiton,themetalcoldagainsthishead.Whenhefinishedcheckinghisarmorandweapons,heslungasmallbagoffoodandwateroverhisshoulder.HewaiteduntilHailynindicatedthatshewasready.
Astheystartedforthepass,thelionfollowedthem.“No,Daca.”Hailyntoldthecat.“Stayhere.”Thelionregardedherwiththoselargeyelloweyes,notmoving.Shemadeashooingmotionwithherhand,butthelionsimplywaited.Shetriedtopulltheanimalbacktowardsthehorses,butitdrewawayfromhergrasp.Sheleaneddownandtriedtopushitback,butitsimplylickedherfacewhenshewasclose.
Jakesmiledslightlyashewatchedthem.Overthefivedaysittookthemtocrossthatcolddesertvalley,HailynhadbeenfeedingthelionstripsofthesaltedfishthatTurlichadsuppliedthemwithandnowthelionstayedclosetoher.Jakewasfinewiththat,sinceheknewofherloveforanimalsandthefactthat
hecouldn’tstomachthefish.Ithadseemedlikeforeverbeforehewasabletogetthattasteoutofhismouthafterhetriedit.
ItwasontheseconddaywhenHailynhaddecidedtonamethelion.Theyhadsetupcamp,anglingablanketbetweentworockstheblockthewind,andweresittingandtalkingwhenthecatcameover.Itlaydownnexttoher,itspurringaconstantrumble.
“Daca.”Shesaid,gentlystrokingthelion’shead.“What?”Jakeasked.“IwasjustthinkingbackonadogIhadwhenIwasalittlegirl.”Shesaid
withasmile,hereyesfaraway.“Itwasawonderfuldog,friendlyandobedient.Thedog’snamewasDaca.”Shelookeddownfondlyatthecat.“IthinkIwillcallhimDaca.”Jakehadjustsmiledandshookhishead,amused.
Thetripitselfhadnotbeenamusing.Ithadbeenroughgoing,withseeminglypermanentgraycloudsblockingthesunandaconstanticywindblowingdownfromthemountains.Thewindstirredandswirledthefinedirtthatcoatedthevalleyfloor,gettingitintoeverything.DespitethehardshipsandJake’smisgivings,Hailynwasconfidentthattheyweregettingcloser.
“Icanfeelit,Jake.”Shetoldhimconfidentlyonenight,rubbingthebracelet.“Itisgrowingstronger.”
Theconstantpullinghadledtothemountainsandthenintotherockycragswheretheyfoundthemselves.Itwasonlythismorning,whenthegraycloudsretreatedupthemountainsjustfarenough,thattheysawtheruins.Theywerelarge,madeofadarkstone,builtagainstthesideofthemountain.Thewallwasfallingdowninplaces,butlookedtobemostlyintact.Theycouldnotseeanyentrances,sotheywouldhavetoclimbtoitandfindawayin.
“Ithinkheplanstostaywithyou,Hailyn.”Jakesaid,movingoverandwrappinganarmaroundher.Hecouldseethatshewasunhappy,butshefinallynodded.
“Itwillbedangerousforhim.”Shesaidworriedly.“ButsinceIcan’tforcehimtomove,IguessIwilljusthavetowatchoutforhim.”
“Let’sgo.”Jakesaidgentlyandstartedforthepass.Theravinewasaroughpassage,withtherockyslopesteepandslippery,the
rockwallsjagged.Shortlyaftertheybegan,theywereforcedtousethewallsforsupport,theirbootsslippingastheyslowlyclimbed.Dacadidnothavetheirproblems,thecat’sclawsgivingittraction.
Ittookthemlongerthanexpectedtoreachtheruins,asthewindseemedtofunneldownthepass,blowingdirectlyintheirfaces,whiletheystruggledto
maintaintheirgripastheyclimbed.Theyexitedexhaustedontothelargerockshelfwheretheruinshadbeenbuilt.
Theairwasgrowingdarkasnightfelloverthemountains,obscuringtheirviewoftheruins.Theyfoundalargeboulderthatmostlyblockedthewindandsatdownbehindittorest.Jakepulledoutthebagoffoodandwater,dividingtheirrations.Theyateslowly,allowingtheirbodiestoregainstrength.Aftertheyconsumedtheirrations,theyleanedbackagainsttheboulderandtalked.
“Itishere.”Hailynsaidquietly.“Iknowitis.Wejustneedtofindawayin.”
“Theplaceisprobablycrawlingwithdemons.”Jakesaidapprehensively.“Weshouldtrytostaylow-profileforaslongaspossible.Idon’twanttohavetofightthewholelotofthem,ifwecansneakin.”
“Iagree,butIdoubtthatwecangetveryfarwithoutnotice.”Shereplied.“Iknow,butlet’stry.”Jakesaid.Hetookadeepbreathandletitout
slowly.Hetookherhandandgaveitasqueeze.“Ifthingsgowrong,Iwantyoutorun.Runandkeeprunninguntilyouaresafe.”
Shesmiledathim,touchinghisface.“Thatisanicesentiment,butIamaclericoftheOne,soIcannotruninthefaceofevil.WehavetohavefaiththattheOnewillseeusthrough.”
“Ihopeyouareright.”Hesaidashestood.Hehelpedhertoherfeet.“Areyouready?Wemightaswellgetstarted.”
Shenoddedherhead,thenreachedupandpulledhisfaceclosetohers.“Iamgladthatwearetogether,Jake.Ifwemeetourend,IwantyoutoknowthatIloveyou.”
ThewordstookJakebysurprise,butheknewwhathehadbeenfeelingforherwasthesame.“Iloveyoutoo,Hailyn.”Heleanedforwardandkissedher.Theypulledeachothercloseandheldeachotherforalongwhile.Finally,theyreluctantlybroketheirembrace.Theygazedintoeachother’seyes,relishingthemoment,awarethatitmaybeforthelasttime.
Stillholdingherhand,Jakestartedfortheruins,Dacarightnexttothem.Theyhurriedtowardsthewall,watchingforanysignofmovement,buttheyreachedthewallunnoticed.JakereleasedHailyn’shandanddrewhissword.WithDacamovingoutfront,theymadetheirwaydownthedarkstonewall,lookingforawayin.
Suddenly,Dacastoppedandbeguntogrowl,alowrumble,asthelion’sbodybecametenseandalert.JakepushedHailynagainstthewallandcreptforward.HeslidpastDaca,tryingtoseewhathaddisturbedthecat.The
darknessofthenightlimitedhisvision,sohecontinuedtomoveforwardslowly.Afterafewsteps,hesuddenlyfeltachillcompletelydifferentthanthecoldthatsurroundedhim.
Onlyafewfeetinfrontofhim,therewasasoftgrindingofstoneasahiddendooropened.JakecouldjustmakeouttheshadowyshapeofanImp.Thedemonsteppedoutfromthewallandontotherockshelfinfrontofhim.
OnceJakesensedthatthedemonwasalone,hegatheredhiscourageandchargedit.ThedemonseemedtohearJakeatthelastmoment,spinninginhisdirection,butJake’sswordwasalreadyinmotion.Hefelttheswordtugasitseveredthedemon’sheadfromitsshoulders.TheImpdroppedtotheground,itsdarkbloodvisibleagainstthewhitesnow.
Jakecautiouslylookedinthedoorway,seeingonlyfainttorchlight.Hekickedthedemon’sheadofftheshelf,pushingthebodyafterit.DacaandHailyncameuptotheentranceasJakestuckhisheadin,glancingquicklydownthelonghallontheotherside,butitwasempty.
Heslippedinside,Dacarightbehindhim,followedbyHailyn.Hepushedthestonedoorshut,thenlookedatHailyn.
“Thisway.”Shewhispered,pointingdownthehalltotheirright.Theymovedquicklyandasquietlyaspossible.Theywentdownthehall,theirtensionheightenedastheywaitedtorunintotheirenemies.Astheycautiouslyapproachedanopeningontheleft,Jakeslowed,andthenstopped.
Afterheglancedin,seeingasetofstairsheadingup,hestartedforwardandmotionedforHailyntofollow.
“Wait.”Hailynsaidquietly,grabbinghishand.Sheclosedhereyes,herbrowsscrunchingassheconcentrated.Afteramomentortwo,sheopenedhereyes.“Wehavetogoup.”
Jakenoddedandstartedtoclimbthestairs.Thestairswereinanarrowhall,carvedintotheblackstone,withoutanytorcheslit.Theyclimbedindarkness,thefaintlightofthetorchesinthehallwaybehindthemnotbrightenoughtoreachthestairs.Soon,lightappearedaheadofthem,outlininganopeningatthetopofthestairs.
Sweatinginspiteofthecold,Jakeglancedoutandquicklyjerkedback.DownthehallontheleftwerethreeImps,standingtogetherandtalking.HelookedbackatHailyn.Heheldupthreefingers,andthenpointedinthedirectionofthedemons.Hesawhernodherunderstanding.
Takingadeepbreath,Jakeembracedhismagicandleaptintothehall,sendingalargeblastofhisfireracingtowardstheImps.Theywereunprepared
forhisattack,hismagicrakingacrossthem.OneImpsimplyexplodedintoash,theothertwosentwrithingtotheground.Beforetheycouldrecover,helaunchedhispowerdownthehall,destroyingthem,thesoundoftheirdemiseechoinginthehall.
TurninghesawHailynbehindhim,glowingbrightly.Shepointeddownthehall,awayfromwheretheImpswere.Jakenoddedandshestartedforward,Dacanexttoher.Jakebroughtuptherear,keepinganeyeoutformoredemons.Hewassurethatsomeoneprobablyheardthenoisefromthefight.
Ashelookedaround,henoticedthattherewereopeningsneartheroofline.Hedidnotknowwhattheywere,butitwasclearthattheyopenedtotheoutsideashesawafewflakesofsnowdriftin.
Anotherhallwaycrossedtheonetheywerein.Seeminglyoutofnowhere,agroupoffiveImpsappeared.Thedemonsweresurroundedbytheirdarkpower,respondingtothesoundsofJake’sfight.Therewasabriefsecondwherethetwogroupssimplystaredateachother,bothsurprisedtoseetheotherstandingthere.
Hailynreactedfirst,launchingablisteringattack,herpowershiningbrilliantly.Herpowercrashedintothedemons,rippingoneapartandknockingtheothersaway.Jakefollowedherattackwithoneofhisown.Thedemonsattemptedtofightback,butcouldnotstandagainstthem.Theyquicklydestroyedthedemonsandbegantomoveforward.
BeforeJakecouldtakemorethanacoupleofsteps,hewasstruckinthebackbydemons’fire,knockinghimdown.Hismagicprotectedhimforthemostpart,buthedidfeelasifhisbackweresuddenlysunburned.Herolledwiththeblow,risingandlaunchinghismagicback.MoreImpswerecomingdownthehallway.Hailynsteppedupnexttohimandtheyfoughttogether.
…Brucerodeuptotheruins,followingthesecretpaththatonlythedemons
knew.Anale,thegirlhekidnapped,rodeonanotherhorsebehindhim.Hehadtakenthehorsefromapassingtraveler.Hedoesn’tneeditanymore.Hethoughtsmugly.Imadesureofthat.
Bruceshiveredasagustofwindblew,pullinghiscloaktightabouthim.Hewassoreadyforthislittlemissiontobeover.Besideshavingtobeonahorseforsolong,hehatedthecold.Ijustwanttogettheswordandheadbacktowhereitiswarm.
Heglancedupattheruinsandstiffenedwhenhesawtheflashofgoldenlightthroughtheoldwindows.Thatcouldonlymeanclerics.Hestarted
forwardandwassuddenlystunnedbyabrilliantburstofbluelightinthewindows.Therewasonlyonepersonheknewofthathadthattypeofmagic.
Smiling,hepushedhishorseintoarun,Analefollowingashehaddirected.ThisisthedayIhavebeenwaitingfor.Hethoughtexcitedlytohimself.
…Jakedeflectedthedemon’spowerinanexplosionoflightandsoundand
closedwithit.Despitethefactthatthedemonlookedlikeawoman,Jakedidnothesitateanddrovehisswordintoitschest.ThedemonscreamedasJakepulledhisswordout,thenblasteditwithhispower.Thedemonflewbackandburstintoash,thesoundoverlappingtheothersoundsofbattle.
HeturnedandsawHailyndefeattheotherdemon.Dacawasnearherfeet,lickingathiswounds.ThelionhadbeguntoattackthedemonswithJakeandHailyn,histeethandclawsrippingintothem.Kneelingdown,Hailynreachedoutandhealedthecat.
HailynandJakehadbeenfightingtheirwaytowardswhereHailynfelttheswordwaslocated.Thedemonshadbeencominginwaves;oncetheydefeatedaband,theywereabletomoveclosertothesword,onlytofaceanothergroup.Hecouldfeelatouchofwearinesstakinghold.Theyneededtofindtheswordquickly.
“Thisway,Jake.”Hailynsaid,headingdownthecorridor,Dacanexttoher.Jakeranafterher,catchingup.Theymadetheirwaydownthestonehallway.Suddenly,Hailynheldupherhandandstopped.Sheslowlymovedforward,hergazefocusedtowardsthewall.Directlyaheadwasanarrowcorridor,barelylargeenoughtowalkdown.
“Itisdownhere.”Hailynsaid,holdingupherwrist.Jakesawthattherunesonthebraceletwerelightlyglowing.
Jakenoddedandwentdownthecorridor,hispowerlightingtheway.Thecorridorextendedforfiftytosixtyyards,thenopenedintoasmallroundroom.Therewasathickwoodendoorontheotherside.WhenHailynandDacajoinedhim,helookedtoher.
“Itisclose.”Shewhisperedandpointedatthedoor,therunesonherwristshiningbrighter.“Ithinkitisinthenextroom.”
Jakenoddedandstartedtowardsthedoor,butthenstopped.Behindhim,heheardthesoundsofdemonsattheendofthecorridor.Hesentaburstofpowerdownthecorridor,hearingtheclashofmagicsasitstruckademon.
“Goahead.”Hailynsaidasshekneltnearthecorridoropening.“Iwillholdthemhere.”
“Weshouldstaytogether.”Hestated.“Thedemonscanonlyapproachoneatatimehere.”Shesaid.“Wedon’t
wanttohavetofighttheminagroup.Ifthisisouronlywayout,thenitisbettertoholdthepassagehere.”Sheturnedbacktowardsthecorridor,Dacacrouchingnearher.
“Iwillgettheswordasquicklyaspossible.”Jakesaid,decidingnottoarguewithher.“Iwillbeback;staysafe.”
Heopenedthedoorandsawashorthallway.Hemovedinside,walkingslowly,butdeliberately.Aheadofhim,hecouldseeafaintwhitelightglowing.Hehurriedalongandcameintoalargeroom,carveddirectlyintothedarkstoneofthemountain.
Acrosstheroom,lyingonastonebench,wasthesword.Jakepaused,amazed,whenhesawit.Ithadanotherworldlyqualitytoit,beautifullycrafted,itspommelarichgold,thegripwrappedinawhiteleather,withgleamingdiamondsembeddedinthehilt.Thebladewaslong,madeofapolishedmetal.Itwasthebladethatwasproducingthelightthefilledtheroom,glowingfaintly.
Hisexcitementovercominghiscaution,Jakeheadedforthesword.Beforehecouldmakeithalfwayacrosstheroom,atremendousblastofdemons’firestreakedinfromhisleft,slammingintohim.Theblowknockedhimoffhisfeet,sendinghimslidingacrossthefloor.Withhismagicnotfocused,thedarkpowerslippedpasthisdefenses,burningintohisskin.Jakeletoutacryofpain,butrolledtohisfeet,pullinginhispowerashestoodtofacethedemon.
Thisdemonwasunlikeanyotherhehadencountered.Itwasnottall,butwasheavilymuscled,itsarmsandlegsexposedbyitsshortrobebulging,smoothandhairless.Itsfacehadhumanfeaturesonit,normallookingeyes,noseandlips,butitsearsweresharpandpointed.Thedarkhaironitsheadanditspitch-blackeyescontrastedwithitspalegrayskin.ItsdarkpowerpulsedasitsteppedtowardsJake.
“Didyouthinkitwouldbeunguarded,mortal?”Thedemonsaid,itseyesfixedonJake.“Wearepreparedforonefarmorepowerfulthanyou.”
Behindthepaledemon,Jakesawtwooftheredmaledemonsentertheroom.Theybegantospreadout,movingtocloseoffanyavenueofretreat,thoughhenoticedthatthedemononhisright,closesttothesword,shiedawayfromit,nevergettingtooclose.Rememberingthesurgeofpowerthatoccurredontheisland,heknewheneededtogettotheswordoratleastgetcloserifhewasgoingtosurvive.
Hefiredaboltofbluefireatthedemoninfrontofhim,hispowerforcing
thedemonbackastep.Hetriedtomoveashestruck,anglingtowardsthesword,butthereddemonsattacked,forcinghimback.Hewasbarelyabletoturntheirblasts,thefirestaggeringhim.Thepaledemonstruckagainbeforehecouldadjust,knockinghimback,itspowersizzlingasitclashedwithhis.Jakesentawaveoffireouttohisfront,andthentriedtosprinttothesword.Hedodgedthedemons’fireandgotclosertothesword.Hefelthispowerbegintosurge,butthenearestreddemonleaptforwardandcaughthisarm.Itflunghimback,sendinghimtumblingacrossthefloor.Hisarmorprotectedhimfromseriousinjury,thoughhewasshakenasherose.
Beforehecouldsethimself,thepaledemonsurgedforwardandstruckhimwithitsfist,sendinghimflyingback,slammingintothewall.Theimpactknockedthewindfromhim,sendinghimtohishandsandknees.Hisarmorhadheld,buthewasdazedfromtheblowandcouldnotseemtofocushispower.
Ashestruggledtorise,hesawthepaledemonadvancingonhim,atriumphantsmileonitsface.Theotherdemonswereadvancingaswell.Hedesperatelytriedtobringhismagictofocusasthepaledemonraiseditsfist,itspowerfocusedintoaswirlingballofdarkness.
Beforethedemoncouldreleaseitspower,twinboltsofinkyblackfire,theirpassagecrackingtheair,struckthetworeddemonsfrombehind,sendingthemreeling,theirfleshburning.Thepaledemonspunandunleasheditsfire.Therewasaclashofpowerthatshooktheroom,thenthepaledemonwasstruck,staggeringbackfromtheblow.
Suddenly,thethreedemonsbegantoscream,theirbodiesshuddering.ToJake,itseemedasifdarkmotesofashwereliftingoffthedemonsandflowingtowardsthebackoftheroom.Thedemonswrithedontheground,theirlimbsflailing,astheflowofthemotesincreased.Thedemonssuddenlycollapsed,asiftheywereballoonsthatweredeflated.
Jakestruggledbacktohisfeet,pullinginhispower.Helookedacrosstheroomandsawafigureinadarkhoodedrobestandinginthedoorwayacrosstheroom,shuddering.“Thatisalwaysarush.”Jakeheardthefiguresay.
Thefigurestartedtowardshim.Incongruently,aprettygirlaroundsixteenfollowedthefigureintotheroom,butwenttostandagainstthewallwhenthefigurepointed.
“Hello,Jake.”Thefiguresaidasitpushedbackitshood.Jake,startledtohearhisname,wasmoresurprisedtoseethatitwasa
youngerman,maybeinhislatetwenties.Hewasslim,witharecedinghairlinepushingbackhisdarkhair.Hisfacewasplain,withdarkeyebrowsandathin
mustache.Hehadthinlipsandhischeekswereslightlypittedwithscarsfromteenageacne.AsJakestudiedhim,hesawthattheirisesoftheman’seyesweresolidblack,asiftheywerejustlargepupils.
“Whoareyou?”Jakeaskedcautiously,unsureofwhattothinkaboutthisman.
“MynameisBruceTalia.Youmayhaveheardmyname.”Themanreplied,afriendlysmileonhisface.
“BruceTalia?”Jakequestionedindisbelief.“ThekidwhovanishedintheBlackHoleWoods?”
“BlackHoleWoods?”Brucesaid,confused.“IwasinAnderson’sGrovewhenIwaspulledhere.”
“ThatiswhattheycalledAnderson’sGroveafteryouvanished.”Jakeexplained.
“Fittingenoughname,Iguess.”Brucesaidwithalaugh.“Iwonderwhattheycallitnowthatyoudisappeared.”
Jakeshookhishead.“Ihadn’tgivenitmuchthought.”“Itdoesn’tmatter,Jake.”Brucesaid.“Weneedtodiscusswhatweshould
donext.”“Whatdoyoumean?”Jakeaskedcarefully.“Look,Jake,betweenus,wecandestroythedemons.”Brucesaid,coming
closer.“Thinkaboutit.Wewouldbefreeofthem,abletodoaswewished.”“Iamallfordestroyingthedemons,ifwecan.”Jakereplied.“Howwould
wedothat?”“Iwasthinkingthatwecouldworktogetheraspartners.”Brucestated,
excitementonhisface.“Workingtogetherwithourpowers,wecanovercomeanydemonsinourpath.Ievenknowwherethedemonlordresides.Ifwetakehimout,theotherdemonswillfallsoonenough.”
“Iwantmyfriendstobeabletolivetheirliveswithoutworryingaboutthem.”Jakereplied.“Withthesword,I’msurewewillhaveenoughpowertodefeatallofthem.”Hestartedtogoovertowheretheswordwaslaying.
“Ican’tletyouhavethesword,Jake.”Brucesaid,suddenlyfrowning,movingtocuthimoff.
Jakestopped,confused.“Whynot?”“Isaidwewouldbepartners.”Bruceresponded.“Ifyouhavethesword,
thenyoumayhavetoomuchpower.Apartnershipshouldbebetweenequals,oratleast,near-equals.”
“Butwiththesword,wecandefeatthedemonsandmaybegohome.”Jake
protested.“Gohome?”Brucesaid,distastetwistinghismouth.“Whywouldwewant
togobacktoEarth?Thinkaboutit;wecouldrulehere.Oncethedemonsweregone,therewouldbenoonetoopposeus.Wewouldbekings,abletodowhateverwewant.”
“Rule?Kings?”Jakerepeated,dumbfounded.“Dude,areyoucrazy?Ijustwanttogohome.”
Jakestartedforthesword,butstoppedwhenBrucewassuddenlysurroundedbythesamedarkpowerasthedemons.Hepulledinhisownpower,hisblueaurashiningbrightly.
“Getoutofmyway.”Jakedemanded.“Jake,don’tbestupid.”Brucesaid.“Youcan’tbeatme.Idon’twantto
havetomessyouup,butIwillifyoutrytotakethesword.”Jakerepliedwithablastofpower,hiscobaltfireslammingintoBruceina
conflagrationofopposingpowers.Bruceretreatedacoupleofsteps,andthenfiredback,blackfireroaring.Jaketriedtodeflectthepower,butitwasstrong,asstrongasanythinghefaced.Hestaggeredback,andthenattackedagain.
Theyfought,theirmagicscollidingandexplodinginfury.JakecouldnotgainanyadvantagewhileBrucewasabletokeepontheattack.Afteraseriesofattacks,Jakewasknockedoffhisfeetwhenahugeblastofdarknesscaughthimasecondbeforehecouldfullydeflectit.Herolledwiththeblow,makingitbacktohiskneeswhenBruceheldupahandtohaltthefighting.
“See,Jake,Itoldyou.”Hesaid,histonemocking.“Youcan’tbeatmeandallyouaregoingtodoistireyourselfout.”
Jakefrownedatthatandstartedtorise.“Beforeyoudosomethingstupid,letmeaskyousomething.”Brucesaid.
“Whydoyouthinkwewerebroughthere?”“Idon’tknow,butitwasn’ttoruleoverthesepeople.”Jakestated.“Ihavebeentoldwhy.”Brucesaid.“Itisnotforourabilitytowieldpower,
atleastnotthepowerwearefightingwith.”“Whatthen?”Jakeasked,tryingtobuytimetothinkofawaytogettothe
sword.“Wehaveaspecialpowerhere.”Brucesaid,hiseyessuddenlybright.“We
canabsorblifeenergies.”Jakeshookhishead,butBrucecontinued.“HowdoyouthinkIdefeatedthe
demons?Itooktheirlifeforcefromthemandabsorbedit.ThatiswhyIamsopowerful.Itakeitanduseit.”
Jakefrozeinshockashelistened.Hethoughtbackatwhathappenedwhenheusedhislifeforceinthewoodsagainstthedemonsandhalf-men.BothJonasandTomaristhoughtthathehadsomehowtakenJonas’lifeforcetoreplacewhathehadused.ThatunusualcrawlingsensationhefeltonthereturntripfromCreatos’fortress?Couldthathavebeenthelifeforcesofthepeoplenearhim?Hewasnotsurehewantedtheanswertothosequestions.
“YousawwhatIdid,didn’tyou?”BruceaskedashesawthesuddenworryinJake’seyes.“Youcouldseethedemons’lifeforceasItookit,Iknowit.”
Jakereluctantlynodded,recallingthosedarkmotesthatflowedawayfromthedemons.
“Thereisanotherthingaboutourpowerthatiscool.”Brucesaid,eyesfocusedonJake’sface.“Ifyoulightlypullonsomeone’slifeforce,likethis…”
Jakefelthimselftenseashefeltanoddsensationinhischest,likeastringattachedtohisheartwasbeingpulled.HewasunexpectedlyawareofBruceinawayhehadnotbeenjustsecondsago.
“Now,releaseyourmagic.”Brucesaid,hisvoiceseemingtoreverberateinJake’smind.Thatmakesperfectsense.Jakethought,nodding,lettinghispowergo.“Wearegoingtoleavetheswordandyouwillcomewithme.”
“Whenweleave,youwill-”Brucebegan,butleaptbackcursingasthesinewybodyofDacaracedpastJake,thelionlaunchingitselfintotheair,clawsextended.Thelion’sclawsdraggedagainstBruce’schest,drawingblood.Thelionlandedandspunaround.
AssoonasBrucehadleaptback,Jakefeltthatsensationofthestringaroundhisheartsnapbacklikearubberband.Hedoubledover,hisheadspinningandstomachclenchingwithnausea.HecoulddistinctivelyrememberthecommandinginfluencethatBrucehadoverhim.Hetriedtorecallhismagic,buthisspinningheadmadeitimpossible.
Withoutapause,DacaleaptatBruceagain.Brucethrewhimselfbackandwasabletoreactthistime,hisdarkfireflyingfromhishandandstrikingthelioninitshindquarter.Thelionletoutacryofpainasthedarkmagicburnedintoitsflesh.Dacalandedawkwardly,itsbacklegsinjured,butstillturnedandleaptafinaltime.
Brucebroughthishandsupandlaunchedablastofpower.HisfiresweptoverDaca,blastingthelionbackandkillingit,itsbodytumblingtotheground,smoldering.
Brucelightlytouchedhischest,grimacingatthepain.HesawJaketryingtorise,movedoverandkneltdownnearhim.“Let’strythatagain.”Hesaid
confidently.JakefeltthatoddsensationagainandBrucestartedtospeak.“Youwill-”
Thatwasallhesaidbeforehewasblastedbackbyabrilliantboltofgolden-whiteclerics’fire.
ThereboundofthesensationdroveJaketotheground,thevertigoreturningandhisstomachheaving.HerolledtohissidetoseeBrucestandbackup,hisbodysteaming.
“Thatfreakinghurt!”Hesaidsharply.Hisfaceturnedhard.“Iwillmakeyousorryyoudidthat,cleric.”Withthat,hesentaboltofdarkfireracingpastJake.
Jakeheardtheloudclashofconflictingpowerbehindhim.HeturnedhisheadandsawHailynnearthedoorway,shininglikeanintensegoldenflame,therunesonherwristglowingwhite-hot.
SheattackedBruce,tryingtomoveclosertoJake.Brucedefended,counteringwithhisblackpower.Theairseemedtoshudderfromtheexplosionofsoundandlight,theclashingenergiescracklingandlashingtheair.Theycontinuedanon-stopbarrageofmagic,eachtryingtoovercometheother.
EverytimeJakestartedtorise,hefeltthetugandsnapofBrucetryingtocontrolhim,drivinghimbackdown.Dryheaving,hecrawledbacktohiskneesandstrovetostand.Ifhecouldgettohisfeet,hewouldusehisswordsincehewasunabletoaccesshismagic.HisfrustrationatbeingunabletohelpHailyndrovehimmad.Hetriedtoforcehimselftoovercomethevertigothatwaskeepinghimdown.
Ashegottohisknees,heheardatremendousexplosion,andthenHailyncryoutclosebehindhim.Hecouldnotseeher,buttriedtoforcehisbodytogetup.Beforehecouldrise,hesawBrucelooktowardshimandfeltthattuggingsensationstartagain.Butatthesametimethesensationstarted,hefeltHailyn’shandcomedownonhisneck,herpowerflowingintohisbody.Suddenly,herpowersurgedthroughhim,pureheatracingdownthatinvisiblestringthatwastuggingathischest.Shefellbackgasping,herhandcomingfree,asBrucesuddenlyscreamed.Jakefeltthetuggingsensationreboundoncemore.
JakesawBrucecollapseandrollonthegroundinagony,hisskincrackedandsmoking,faceasteamingmassofblisters.Hailyn’spowermusthavebeenpulledinsidehim.Jakethoughtwithsatisfactionashetriedtostand.
Eventhoughherpowerhadhelped,hewasoff-balanceashestood,hisheadstillspinningslightly.Ashetriedtostepforward,hestumbledtohisright,reachingouttostophimselfashebegantofall.Hishandstrucksomething
metal,followedbyabrilliantflashoflight.Lookingathishand,hesawthathehadstumbledovertothestonetableandhishandwasrestingonthehiltofthesword.
Thebladeflaredwhenhetouchedtheswordandhefeltaheatspreadupfromtheswordintohisbody.Astheheatsurged,hismindclearedandhisbodyregaineditsstrength.Wrappinghisfingersaroundthehilt,heliftedthesword.Hewasshockedwhenhefeltthelightnessofthesword;itbarelyseemedtohaveanyweightatall.
Jakeembracedhismagic,feelingitfloodintohisbodyinhugeamounts.Withoutanotherthought,hestrodeovertowhereBrucewaswrithingontheground.Lookingdownathim,Jakebroughttheswordbackoverhisshoulder.Throughhispain,BrucesawJakestandingoverhim.“No,Jake!”Hecriedout,raisinghishand.“Don’tdoit!”
Jake,recallingwhatBrucehaddonetoDaca,aswellastohimandHailyn,ignoredthepleaandbroughtthesworddown.AsthebladestuckBruce,itslightflared,ablindingflashofwhitefirethattorethroughhisbody.Withafinalpitifulcry,heexplodedintoash,thedetonationstunningthechamberwithsound.
Drivenbackbytheblast,Jakecaughthimselfashetrippedandalmostwentdown.Hestraightenedandsawthegirlstandingagainstthewall.Shewasshakingandherfacewasamaskofterror.“Wewon’thurtyou.”Hesaidgently.“Youwillbesafewithus.”Thegirlnoddednervously,tearsstreamingdownherface.JaketurnedaroundtogotoHailyn.
“Hailyn!”Hecriedwhenhesawherontheground,herskincoveredwithburns,hereyesclosed.Heranovertoher,droppingtheswordandkneelingnexttoher,pullingherclose.“Wakeup,Hailyn!”Hebeggedher.
Whenshedidnotrespond,heheldhertightly,tearscomingtohiseyes.Hewasataloss,hismindfrozen,unabletothinkclearly.Heclosedhiseyes,hisheartbreaking.
“Jake.”Heheardhersoftlysayhisname.“Hailyn!”Hecriedout,pullingawayenoughtolookdownatherface.
Despitetheburns,hewasoverjoyedseeherawake.“ThankGodyou’realive!”“Jake.”Shesaidagain,herhandreachingupandtouchinghisface.“Ican’t
seemtocallupmypower;Iamtooweak.Withoutit,Idon’tthinkIwillmakeit.Youmustleavemebehind.”
“No!”Jakesaidharshly.“Iwillcarryyou,ifthatiswhatittakes.”“Therearestilldemonsaround,Jake.”Shesaidquietly.“Youcan’tcarrymeandfightthematthe
sametime.Theswordiswhatisimportant.TakeittoTomarisandreturnhome.”“Whyareyousayingthis,Hailyn?”Jakesaid.“I’mnotgoingtoleaveyou.”“Jake,Iloveyou.”Shesaidsimply.“Iwantyoutosurvive.Todothat,you
mustleaveme.”Shakinghishead,feelingsuddenlyadrift,Jakeclosedhiseyes,tearstrickling
downhischeeks.Hetriedtothinkofawaytosavebothofthem,butcouldnotseemtofocus,hischesttight.HewasoverwhelmedanddevastatedbythethoughtoflosingHailyn.
Ashesatthere,gentlycradlingHailyn,avoicesoundedinhismind,cuttingthroughhisemotion.Usethesword.Thevoicesaid,thesamewarmandgentlevoicethathadcometohiminhisdream.
Startledoutofhissorrow,JakepulledtheswordoverandplacedthehiltinHailyn’srighthand.Atfirstnothinghappened,butthenboththerunesonthebraceletandtheswordbeganglowing,pulsingintime.Thelightspreadfromherhandandslowlycoveredherbody.AsJakeheldherandwatched,herburnsfaded,herrespirationimproved.Afterafewmoremoments,thelightfadedandshewaswholeagain.
Risingslowly,Jakereacheddownandhelpedherup.Hekissedherandpulledherclose.Hedidnotknowhowlongtheystoodthere,buthefinallybroketheembrace.
“Let’sgetoutofhere.”Jakesaid,reachingdownandliftingthesword.Handinhand,theywentovertowhereAnalewaswaiting.
HereendsBook2oftheJakeThomastrilogy.
Jake'sjourneyconcludesinBook3–TheEternalDarkness
ABOUTTHEAUTHORStevenTollewasborninHanford,California,afarmingcommunityintheCentralValley.Afterhighschool,heattendedCaliforniaStateUniversityinSacramento,graduatingwith
adegreeinInternationalRelations.Inthe90's,heservedonactivedutyintheUSArmy,wherehewastrainedasaninterrogatorandto
speaktheLaolanguage.HeworkedonthePOW-MIAsearchesinSoutheastAsiaasmemberofJointTaskForce-FullAccounting.Afterheleftactiveservice,heservedinapsychologicaloperationsunitintheReserves,deployingtoThailandandKoreatosupportmissionsthere.
HehasservedinavarietyofpositionswiththeStateofCalifornia.Inhiscareer,hehasbeenanExecutiveFellow,anappointeeoftheGovernor,aswellasacivilserviceanalystandmanager.
Along-timefanoffantasyandsciencefiction,TheJakeThomasTrilogyishisfirstwritingeffort.HeresidesinNorthernCaliforniawithhiswife,Emily.
TheJakeThomasTrilogyAWorldApartSwordofLightTheEternalDarkness(Forthcoming)