by Jay Lynn
Alec repeated what the dragon had told him to Malcolm.
Jerking back, the sage’s gaze darted among the three guardians. Peering at Alec, he pressed his lips together in a thin line. If what the dragon said was true, then there wasn’t much time to find a way to save the boy. Malcolm wouldn’t stand there and do nothing while another student of his died.
Chapter 13
Standing in front of the fireplace of his study, Jerric took a gulp of brandy. The strong liquor did little to ease his nerves. The hour was late, and his manor on the outskirts of Ariston was quiet. His mantle clock chimed midnight, causing the sage to jump unexpectedly. Cursing, he wiped the moisture from his expensive tunic.
“You’re unusually jumpy,” observed a voice from behind his desk.
Spinning about, Jerric glared at his visitor.
Hood still in place, a man sat with his feet propped up on the gleaming surface. Twirling a knife in his hand, he made no attempt to move.
“There’s no need for the dramatics, Derek. We are quite alone here,” Jerric informed him snidely.
The knife paused its movement. Jerric could feel a chill creeping across his skin. Perhaps he shouldn’t have said anything, but his foul mood didn’t allot him much patience for the younger man’s games.
With a scoff, his guest slowly lowered the hood. Actually in his mid-twenties, the hazel eyed, blond haired man’s slim build and short stature gave him the appearance of a lad of fourteen or so.
Jerric knew better than to lower his guard. The man before him was the best spy he’d ever encountered.
“I see you are as pleasant as ever,” Derek said returning to playing with his weapon. “Tell me, why request my presence with such haste? Clearly, it wasn’t because you desire my stimulating company.”
Gripping his glass, the sage took another gulp. “I see you have yet to hear the news.”
“And what would that be?”
“Baron Hawkins has betrayed us. Prince Alakaid lives.”
Stiffening, Derek’s eyes narrowed to slits. His feet immediately dropped to the floor. Leaning forward, he pressed the top of the blade into the desk’s surface.
“Impossible.”
“I wish it was so. My informant at the castle says otherwise. Queen Kalendra received word that the marked one was in Stafford. King Titus will be joining them shortly.” Pouring himself another drink, Jerric swirled the dark liquid around.
“How is this possible? I was told there was a body as proof of the prince’s death.”
Jerric nodded. “There was. I remember it well. However, upon further investigation, it would seem Lager made a switch and chose to take the boy back with him to Zerrok.”
Derek’s frown deepened.
The sage smiled grimly. “That’s right. A powerful sorcerer, once a slave from Zerrok, returns to Malyndor only to be a continuous thorn in my side.”
Watching Jerric take a long drink, Derek shook his head.
“Alec is the prince?” Rising to his feet he yanked the blade free. “This is a problem. No wonder that fool Vincent wasn’t able to dispose of him. He’s no match for the marked one.”
A finger tapping his lips, the man stared thoughtfully at the floor. This matter could not be ignored. Now more than ever, Alec had to be disposed of. His magic was too dangerous to be left alone. Even without revealing his true identity, he upset several of The Pure’s plans.
“How do you propose to deal with this pest?” Derek questioned, turning his attention back to the sage.
Jerric released a bark of laughter. “Me? You’re the assassin. Alec already distrusts me. I doubt I would be able to get close. Besides, he is too well guarded in Stafford.” Crossing his arms, he gazed at the dancing flames. “Facing him head on isn’t an option. I’ve seen what that vile barbarian can do. Somehow, he must be lured to a place of our choosing where he cannot escape. A place far from the aid of others.”
“I know the perfect location in Zerrok.”
“Zerrok?” Jerric blinked. “Impossible. After being imprisoned twice, he will never be tempted to return there.”
A smirk appeared on the man’s face as an evil glint sparkled in his eye.
“Everyone has a weakness Jerric and I know just the pawn to help us exploit his.”
“Oh?” the wizard inquired raising his brows. “Do tell.”
Following a trail into the patch of woods behind Stafford Castle, Alec breathed a sigh of relief. Ardys blocked the way, keeping his permanent shadows from continuing to trace his every step. No one would be watching them here.
Alec drew to a stop beside his friend. “This should be far enough.”
The warrior had reluctantly agreed to stay within the castle grounds until Tatsu returned from his patrol. It was time for him to begin ‘dragon training’ as Malcolm liked to call it. Settling himself on the ground, Alec closed his eyes as he listened to the sound of Cassidy’s voice.
“Your magic is part of your life force,” she told him, lowering her body to the forest floor as well. “Don’t fight the power you feel rising inside you. Embrace it. Only then will you be able to fully control the spirit inside.”
“I still find it strange that I will be able to summon my own spirit.”
Cassidy chuckled. “Yes, I suppose it is.”
Inhaling deeply, Alec let it out in a long slow breath. The world around him gradually fell away as his focus moved inward. The mark tingled lightly. Shifting, the sorcerer tried not to dwell on the strange sensation. Instead, he concentrated on a warmth in the center of his chest. The dragon mark began to glow, faintly shining through the thin material of his shirt.
Small bright orbs of light pulled from his body as if attached to a string. Soon, it grew thicker, flowing from him as it condensed into a more solid form. Something intangible told Alec to open his eyes. Hovering directly in front of him was a transparent white dragon around his size. His spirit seemed to watch him as intently as Alec was studying it. Leaning to the left, the dragon moved left also. Straightening, Alec watched it copy his movements. Bending in the other direction, the dragon shadowed the sorcerer once again.
“Wow,” he whispered.
As soon as Alec even began to form the thought of pulling his spirit back to his body, the dragon returned. Exhaling with a shaky breath, the sorcerer wiped his dampening brow.
“Is that your new trick?” questioned a cheery voice standing off to the side.
Tilting his head back, Alec glanced over his shoulder at his visitor. A smirk threatened to appear at the right corner of his mouth.
“It’s nothing I can teach you, I’m afraid.”
The blonde sorceress shrugged. “I don’t mind. I’ve been working on a creature summoning of my own.”
Alec laughed. She never did give up. “You are a talented sage, Isabelle. What brings you here?”
“I wanted to see how you were faring. I hear His Majesty will be arriving by tomorrow.”
Scowling, Alec faced forward. Quickly getting to his feet he brushed off his clothes without peering at her.
“Alec?” Brows furrowing, Isabelle watched as his invisible barriers seemed to lock in place. Hmm…I guess he’s still adjusting to that. “I ran into your father inside the castle. We might want to avoid dangerous situations for the time being. Lord Kegan hides it well, but I could tell he is quite worried about you. Perhaps a vacation is in order?” she teased, coming to stand beside him.
“Name the place and I will gladly aid you in an escape.”
Giggling, Isabelle glanced at the green dragon by Alec’s side.
“How are you, Cassidy?”
“Fine.” Stretching, she rose up to her full height. “You did well, Alec. Why don’t you take a break? This afternoon we will engage in something more…trying,” she said with a grin.
I bet I know what she has in mind. Alec wouldn’t complain if he was right. He could use a more stimulating activity. Lounging about the castle was driving him mad. With Isabelle chattin
g away at his side, Alec left the woods and started making his way across the clearing towards the gardens at the back of the castle. There was no way to avoid the twisting paths. A straight walkway to the front courtyard didn’t exist. Out of the corner of his eye, Alec could spy his assigned guards fall in line behind him. Cassidy and Ardys remained in the clearing.
Quickening his pace, Alec smoothly traveled through the ornate gardens. By now, he was fairly familiar with the overall layout. Gripping the crook of Isabelle’s arm, he dashed forward, briefly leaving the soldiers’ line of sight. Darting behind a shrub, the sorcerer cupped a hand over his friend’s mouth to silence her startled cry as he cast a spell to shadow their forms.
Rushing down the path, the soldiers frantically gazed around, searching for their charge before splitting up to set off in different directions.
Waiting a few heart-pounding seconds, Alec loosened his grip, freeing Isabelle. Sitting on the ground she let out a bark of laughter.
“You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Sorry. I saw an opportunity to ditch them.”
“I don’t blame you.”
Holding out his hand, Alec helped the sorceress to her feet.
“Why anyone would think you need bodyguards is beyond my understanding,” she laughed.
He shrugged as they started walking again. Turning a corner, Alec bumped into another person.
“Sorry,” Alec apologized, lightly gripping Jade’s upper arms to steady her as she let out a small shriek.
“Oh, forgive me,” she said at the same time.
Peering down into Jade’s eyes the sorcerer’s fingers lingered for a moment prior to stepping back. He could recall her elation when he first woke up, but was that only because he almost perished? Some people were avoiding him. After everything which occurred, he couldn’t blame her for staying away. A few steps behind her, Ariel wouldn’t meet his eye.
Alec bit back a curse. For a second, he had fooled himself into believing his powers might be a good thing. They were truly an affliction.
“Excuse me, milady,” Alec muttered. Bowing, he made to continue on his way. “Hi Ariel.”
“Are you not going to offer to join me?” Jade questioned, a tad too quickly. There is no need for you to sound desperate, she mentally scolded.
Pausing, Alec’s expression told her nothing. “You wouldn’t mind my company?”
Beside him, Isabelle rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Ariel, is it? Pleasure to meet you, I’m Isabelle. You know I could use a tour guide. I get so lost in these gardens.” Winking at Alec, she looped her arm through the other woman’s. “Oh, what a beautiful fountain. Shall we take a look?”
Giving the maid no opportunity to protest, the sorceress proceeded to drag Ariel back up the path.
Giggling, Jade watched the two women slowly walk in the direction from which she came. Gliding to the warrior’s side, she took Isabelle’s place. A smile softly touched her lips. “Of course, Alakaid,” Jade told him, her cheeks warming. “I would be much pleased to have your company.”
The one side of his mouth pulled back. Strolling after Jade’s chaperone and the sage, neither spoke for a moment.
“I am sorry about the bodyguards,” Jade said twisting her fingers. “I saw them earlier. My father would hear nothing of their removal.” She glanced behind them. “Are they waiting at the entrance?”
Alec shrugged. “Not sure. Isabelle and I gave them the slip.”
“Alec!” Jade scolded, her eyes widening.
A mischievous smirk faintly appeared with a matching gleam in his eyes. “What? Ardys helped me escape from them earlier.
Her mouth gaped. “You—you do not mean…?”
“That I flew off? Of course not,” he chuckled.
Fighting a smile, Jade shook her head. “It is no wonder they scarcely allow you out of their sight. They very well may have to chain someone to your side.”
“Depending on whom, I might not be opposed to the idea.”
A deep crimson color brightened Jade’s cheeks. Peering around, Alec reached out and interlaced his fingers with hers. A comfortable silence surrounded them as they continued their leisurely stroll.
“I heard Her Majesty came to see you yesterday morning. It must have been quite the surprise,” Jade finally said.
Alec’s steps came to a halt.
“Alakaid?”
He didn’t answer.
“Forgive me. I should not have brought it up.”
The sorcerer gently squeezed her fingers. “Don’t worry about it,” he flashed her an on, then off again smile.
“It must be difficult to believe. I am not certain I can believe it. To think, you are the prince. You have finally found your family.”
Alec scoffed, shaking his head. How ironic. As soon as he was moving on and accepting that he would never find his mother, she suddenly appears. Alec made his own little family. He had Leos, Malcolm, Garth, Isabelle, Cassidy and his Jade. What more could he ask for? None of it seemed real. The complications of royalty made it more difficult. Part of him wanted to move forward and give them a chance, yet another part of him was still weighted down by bitter emotions.
“I don’t know, Jade,” he admitted quietly. “Even when I’m ready to forgive them, I don’t fit in with their world. I can’t behave like a prince.”
“Just be true to yourself. Look how well you have adjusted to the role of a lord. Is it not but a title? No matter what course you seek, I shall always be by your side.”
This time Jade squeezed his fingers.
With hooded eyes, Alec peered down at her. Nothing he could think of saying seemed right to convey what he was feeling. She kept him grounded. Jade was his light. Alec leaned down, giving Jade plenty of time to step back.
She didn’t.
His lips pressed lightly against hers as his hands slid up the outside of her arms. Moving closer, Jade rested her palms on his chest. With a groan, Alec passionately increased the pressure. Everything else fell away surrounding them.
“Hey, Alec,” Isabelle called. “Aren’t we supposed to meet up with Garth soon?”
Pulling away, Alec tried not to laugh. I almost let myself get carried away there.
“Yeah, Isabelle,” he replied.
A grin on his face, he looked down at Jade with shimmering eyes. The glow to her cheeks made him speechless. She looks radiant. Holding out his arm, Alec managed to salvage his thoughts.
“Shall we, Lady Jade?”
Her silky brown head dipped with a nod. Tucking her hand in the crook of his arm, she happily allowed Alec to escort her the remainder of the way up the path to meet Ariel and Isabelle at the fountain. Together, the four of them headed to the castle.
Exiting the gardens, Alec stiffened as he heard a voice call his name.
Relaxing on the patio with a cup of tea was none other than the queen. Kalendra smiled, rising to her feet as Alandra started walking towards them.
“Lady Jade, this is such a pleasure,” she declared giving the noble woman a quick hug. “Alec, how are you fairing? I cannot believe you are my true brother! This means Jade and I shall be sisters in the near future.”
“Your Highness!” Jade scolded, glaring at her friend.
Isabelle didn’t think either of the couple’s faces could turn any more red. Unable to say anything at first, she burst out laughing.
“Alec, if you could see your face right now.”
Alandra beamed. “Isabelle, I presume. I regret not being able to make your acquaintance properly. It is a pleasure. I have heard so much about you.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” the sorceress bowed. “Alec has spoken of you as well. It is an honor.”
Alandra waved her words off. “There is no need for such formalities. We are all friends and family here. Pray, call me Alandra. From what I hear, you have done much for my brother. I am pleased he has such a loyal comrade.”
“I agree. You have my gratitude as well.”
&nbs
p; All eyes focused in Kalendra’s direction as she glided towards them.
“Good morning, Lady Jade.” Pausing, the queen offered Alec a gentle smile. “Greetings Alakaid, how are you faring?”
Arm dropping to his side, Alec watched her quietly. His expression an unreadable mask, he slowly bowed. “Hello…Mother.” The seconds ticked by without him adding anything further. What am I supposed to say? All these years and my mind’s gone blank. Palms becoming slick, the warrior tapped his fingers against his leg.
A frown marring her face, Isabelle pushed against his arm. “Hey Alec, Her Majesty just asked you a question. Aren’t you going to answer her?”
Wide-eyed, the three women surrounding him stared at the sorceress. Alec, on the other hand exhaled with a short chuckle. That was just what I needed.
“Of course,” he began raking his fingers through his hair. “Forgive me. I’m doing well. How are you?”
“Quite well, thank you.” Kalendra smiled.
His spunky friend was not what she expected. Kalendra didn’t care for how close she was standing to Alec’s side. The sorceress was practically on top of him. She appeared to have far too much influence over her son for her liking. Even more displeasing was Jade’s lack of distress. How was this girl able to get so near her son when, as his mother, she could hardly get him to say a word? This friendship was most improper. She was going to have to keep a close eye on her.
“It’s getting late, we best be on our way,” Isabelle said glancing in the other direction.
Alec’s gaze connected briefly with Jade’s. Her racing heart refused to obey her as she fought the urge to reach out for him. Beaming, Jade curtsied. “Thank you for your escort, Prince Alakaid. I look forward to when we shall meet again.”
A smirk touched his lips. “It was my pleasure, Lady Jade.”
Chests heaving, Alec’s guards appeared, blocking his escape to the courtyard. Frowns marred their faces and a soldier crossed his arms as they watched the warrior with narrowed eyes.
“With all due respect, Your Highness, you cannot keep evading us. It’s our duty to protect you.”