by Jay Lynn
“Come with us,” he barked again.
“What is our destination?” she asked cautiously.
“No questions,” the second man snapped. “Just come along.”
Scowling, they stepped closer to the bed. Their silent message was clear, come willingly or they would use force. Jade understood she had no choice but to obey. Pressing her lips tightly together, she withheld any further arguments. It would not be to her benefit.
This was the first time she was outside her cell since arriving at the Imperial Tower. Walking with one guard in front and the second behind her, Jade did her best to check out her surroundings. There wasn’t much to see in the dimly lit corridors. Three other cells lined the end of the hall beside Jade’s. As far as she could tell, the rooms were empty as she quickly passed by. At the opposite end, a few guards stood at attention beside a set of stone steps. Escorted up the steep stairway, Jade tried not to stumble. The stairs curved with the hexagonal shape of the tower and seemed to go on forever. Here and there a door appeared beside a landing, yet Jade couldn’t keep track of the true number of flights she was ascending.
It was only five levels until they reached the very peak. With every step, the sinking feeling filling Jade increased. Who would be awaiting her at the top? A glow shined above them as the small group climbed the final stairwell. Reaching the open landing, Jade’s brows rose. The entire length of the floor was one massive chamber. Small rivers of flames lined the outer walls with ornate metal drums lighting the more central part of the room. Mouth gaping, Jade’s eyes traced the arches of the high domed ceiling. Her lips curved into a frown as she caught sight of several runes painted among the map of stars.
A hand pushed her forward from behind. The noble hadn’t realized that her movement halted during her examination. Shooting the man at her flank a glare, Jade traveled further into the space. Lines painted the polished stone floor beneath her feet, forming the shape of a pentagram. Written along them was a series of magical runes similar to the ones upon the ceiling. At the very back of the chamber was a single door on the right hand side of an altar. Ominously standing before the altar were three middle-aged men of varying heights and weights. All of them were dressed in white tunics with red undershirts. On the left breast of their tunics were three blood red vertical lines like slices from a dagger.
The first man on the left was average height with broad shoulders and an equally broad girth. The one in the middle was the tallest, with a long thin beard that descended into a point like a weapon. All the way to the right was a shorter man holding a polished walking stick. His solid grey hair seemed oddly matched with his more youthful features.
The confident slyness of their grins caused Jade to withdraw a step.
“Welcome to Zangar, Lady Jade,” greeted the man on the right.
His smooth voice echoed through the room, sounding much louder than it was, after the lengthy silence Jade was used to. Years of training had the noble dropping into a graceful curtsy.
“Thank you for your…hospitality. May I ask to whom I am speaking?”
“Our guest seems to be well-bred,” the center man observed. “I can see why Lord Vincent holds such a strong interest in her.”
“Indeed,” the first man agreed. Returning his attention to Jade he told her, “We are the true and righteous leaders of mankind. We are The Pure.”
“What precisely is The Pure?” Jade questioned, before she could stop herself.
Her hosts showed no signs of disapproval. In fact, the growing smiles on their faces gave the impression of being quite pleased with her inquiry.
“It represents the core of all living creatures. The pure of heart…”
“The pure of mind…” the second man added.
“The pure of spirit,” the last man finished. “You may call us Lord Beltmore, Lord Sever, and Lord Desmond.”
“Milords,” Jade murmured, bowing once more. Oh my stars! Jade’s mind shouted. These men weren’t just any members of the extremist group. No, she was in the presence of the rulers themselves. Trying to swallow the lump forming in her throat, Jade gripped her hands together to keep them from shaking. How did Vincent find himself allied with such powerful men? And why would they waste their time on an audience with her? Jade couldn’t think of any reason she would be of value to them or their twisted cause.
“You must be wondering why we have summoned you for this meeting,” Sever said, causing Jade’s eyes to widen.
They laughed.
“It was a natural guess to make,” Desmond told her. “We merely wish to welcome you to our Kingdom and assure you that no harm shall come to you while you are staying with us.”
“Indeed,” Beltmore agreed. “We understand there are many people, especially the younger members of nobility, who have been unjustly influenced by the affliction of magic which is poisoning many of our neighboring kingdoms. Our mission is to purify this evil and those who willingly spread this darkness. We bear no ill will towards those uninfected and placed in a difficult situation they cannot escape from, such as yourself.”
Lips parting, Jade lightly shook her head. “I do not understand. I was under the impression that I am a prisoner here. Yet, you make it sound as if I am not but a guest, milords, and Malyndor has been overtaken by some type of plague.”
The men nodded gravely.
“Yes, a most contagious and horrific disease.”
“Sorcery,” Desmond enlightened. “The temptations of such unholy magic can taint even the purest soul with its darkness. The goodness, which used to live here before dragons brought their evil to the hands of humans, shall be restored.”
“You will remain in isolation until we can determine the damage you have sustained from all your years living in a place tainted with magic.”
Shoulders pulling back and chin lifting, Jade’s gaze locked upon Beltmore who was the last to speak. “Sorcerers are not an enemy of mankind. You have declared them an affliction, yet they have done much to benefit the lives of countless people over the centuries. There are always those who selfishly use any form of power for evil deeds. Magic itself is not to blame. A war with Malyndor will only bring about much sorrow and death for the innocent people you claim to desire to protect. If improving their lives is what you seek, then I implore you to cease this path of destruction before it is too late.”
Watching Jade’s unwavering gaze, the leaders of The Pure frowned. Little did she know her spirited words would not sway them.
Lord Sever petted his long beard. “She is more corrupted than we first believed.”
“I am not corrupted,” Jade stressed, stamping her foot.
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” interrupted a voice.
Jade jerked back as Jerric strode into the chamber from the single door near the altar. His son, Colton, trailed behind him with a wide smirk. No words made it past Jade’s lips. It was as if her mind did not desire to accept the truth standing plainly in front of her. Jerric and Colton were the traitors?
“Master Jerric,” Desmond said with the hint of displeasure. “We were not expecting you to return so soon.”
His eyes darted to Jade’s pale face, then back at the other man.
The sorcerer shrugged. “It couldn’t be helped. Our work in Malyndor has reached its end for the time being. Preparing for our guests is of greater precedence.”
Unable to look away, Jade watched the two sages join the leaders. Their words didn’t seem to reach her as she practically stared at them. Colton gave Jade a sideways glance. Something about his cool, arrogant expression lit a spark within her. Stiffening, Jade squeezed her hands. Of course, she thought to herself. No wonder their claims of all magic being a plague rang false. This was a ruse of some deeper plot. Allying themselves with wizards proved their hatred of magic was untrue, which would also mean they were tricking the soldiers under their command. Feeding off people’s fears, The Pure used Zerrok’s subject’s ignorance to their advantage. Jade doubted that they actually
sought to rid the world of all magic. She just didn’t know what their real goal was. Even so, none of this shone any light onto the question of why she was here.
“Pray, tell me Master Jerric, how long have you been a part of this false war against magic?” Jade inquired softly.
Everyone stopped talking, as all eyes shifted to the noblewoman.
“What is your part of this dubious deal?” she continued. “Not a whole kingdom, surely. Vast tracks of land perhaps? The right to rule over a large fief like an earl…or a duke?”
Eyes narrowing shrewdly, Jerric said nothing for a moment. Beside him, Colton’s lips pulled back with a snarl. His father cut off any forthcoming words with a quick snap of his wrist.
“You seem to be confused, Lady Jade,” Beltmore soothed. “Perhaps you should rest.”
I seem to have guessed correctly. Gracefully shaking her head, Jade declined. “There is no need for me to do so. I can see through the veil of your plans quite clearly. What I do not comprehend is why assist Lord Vincent in my capture? Of what value could I possibly have to your plans?”
A slow twisted smile appeared on Jerric’s face. “I see you are more than just a pretty girl after all. You are a credit to your father, milady.”
“Master Jerric!” chided Desmond.
The sage ignored him. “Money and power are, of course, my primary motivations. Why be a bit player where my true potential is unappreciated, when I can rise to the greatness I deserve elsewhere? As for your part in this battle—a clever lady, such as yourself, should be able to guess the role she is to play.” Jerric edged closer and lowered his voice to a staged whisper. “You are his greatest weakness.”
Jade paled. Eyes growing wide, her hand moved to cover her partially opened mouth.
The sorcerer nodded. A gleam shined in his grey gaze with the thought of what was to come. Soon the barbarian was going to be receiving what he had coming to him.
“We know what you mean to him,” he continued. “Know that he would travel to the farthest reaches of the world or even here to this tower for you. Lady Jade, you are the key to Prince Alakaid’s undoing.”
“The Prince,” scoffed Sever. “All these years of planning and now, at the pinnacle of our success, he shows up alive. This could have ruined everything.”
“Yes,” Beltmore agreed. “He should have already been taken care of.”
Peering at the two men in a stunned silence, Jade’s heart pounded rapidly. What did they mean they thought they took care of him? Did they have something to do with Alec’s kidnapping? Something intangible drew her attention to the tall center man with a seemingly permanent scowl. The corners of his mouth twitched with amusement.
“Yes,” he drawled slowly like a hiss. “We were the ones who arranged his disappearance all those years ago. The Pure has great power. It was easy for us to have the boy taken from his bed while the king and queen slept in ignorance.”
“We paid Baron Hawkins a small fortune to kill the prince,” Desmond enlightened.
“But he did not kill Alec,” Jade said more to herself than the men before her. “He brought him back to Zerrok instead. Baron Hawkins was Alec’s first master.”
“And his greed surpassed our estimations. It was not until recently that we discovered the depth of his betrayal in staging the prince’s death. Hawkins’s foolishness cost us dearly. He should have finished him off when he was done with the boy, yet he sold him as a gladiator which transformed him into the dangerous foe Alakaid has become today.”
“Even worse,” Beltmore inserted, “it led the boy back to Malyndor where he was trained by their most powerful sage.”
Sever’s eyes sharpened like knives. “Now the Baron will pay for his grave mistake. The stain of his bloodline will be cleansed from our lands. No more will he be able to inflict any damage upon the transformation to come. Only one major obstacle stands in the way of our victory and soon he will be nothing, not even a footnote in our history.”
Jerric didn’t stop watching Jade’s face throughout the leader’s speech.
These monsters are trying to murder Alec! Vincent must be nothing more than another pawn in their deeply rooted schemes. Jade doubted they would uphold any bargain made with the exuberant noble. If they managed to succeed in their twisted plan, Alec wouldn’t be the only one perishing in the Imperial Tower. Jade knew too much for them to consider setting her free.
“That’s right,” Jerric told her frostily. “You are the bait to trap and slay the Dragon Prince.”
The fear pumping through Jade’s veins up until this point released its hold. They might have her right where they wanted, and Alec would come just as they strived for, but nothing more would be as they sought. Jade knew Alec as few others did. His anger was not a crutch. It was like freshly sharpened steel just waiting for the perfect time to strike.
“You cannot hope to defeat him. Alec is more powerful than any of you,” Jade returned unwavering.
Jerric smiled broadly as he pointed to the different marks painted in the space. “This room is filled with anti-magic seals that I created myself. No one can use magic here, no matter how strong they might believe themselves to be. Tell me Lady Jade, can that barbarian defeat an army without sorcery?”
Jade’s gaze didn’t flinch. Chin lifting, she looked at the wizard and replied in a steady voice, “Yes, he can. I do hope you are prepared to fall on his blade, traitor.”
Chapter 16
Gripping the reins of his borrowed steed, Alec kept his dark eyes focused on the unfamiliar road. Duke Edmund had done more than merely given his blessing for the prince to defy his father’s orders; he also gave Malcolm the address to one of his most trusted agents outside of Zangar.
Cool as an autumn breeze and efficient as a blade, the man quickly produced four strong steeds to personally lead them into the city with the aid of one of his sons. By the time the sun shone highest in the sky, the warriors would be at their destination.
Alec glanced up into the swirling clouds above. Vincent could employ whatever tricks he wanted. An army could stand between them and the front gate for all he cared, but it would not hinder Alec’s mission. He had a few surprises of his own this time around.
Reaching the tall iron bars of the tower’s outer wall the companions dismounted. Thanking their guide, Alec briefly watched him and his son lead the horses back down the bustling road. Slowly, he turned back to the gate. Eyes traveling the length of the metal, Alec inhaled deeply. No tremble raced through his body, nor did his heart beat any faster at the sight. This was what he had been waiting for. There was no going back. A controlled calm dominated his surrounding aura, much like the days of battle within the arena. Soon enough, these men would also regret crossing his sword.
“Ready?” Garth questioned standing beside him.
“Absolutely,” the sage told him striding to the entrance.
Stiffening, four soldiers glared down their noses as they gripped the hilts of their blades.
“Halt right there,” one of them snapped. “State your business.”
Shoulders pulled back, Alec’s neutral mask didn’t so much as twitch. “I’m Prince Alakaid of Malyndor, here by invitation. These men are my personal guard.”
Blinking, the soldiers’ hands loosened their grip momentarily before tightening like a vise.
“He really came,” a younger man whispered at the back of the group.
“We have been expecting you, Your Highness,” announced a dapper middle-aged man who walked towards them from the guardhouse. “My name is Charles. I have been assigned the task of escorting you.” He turned to look at the guards. “What are you waiting for? Open the gate.”
Keys jiggled as the men rushed about to do his bidding. Eyes never leaving the visitors, the iron bars were immediately secured as soon as Alec’s group cleared the passage.
“Welcome to the Imperial Tower, Prince Alakaid. As you know, magic is forbidden in Zerrok, so I trust your dragon is not with you as per the arr
angement.”
“Do you see it?”
The man’s eyes narrowed. The threat of a frown pulled at the corners of his mouth.
“No,” Charles answered coldly. He eyed Alec’s hand resting lightly by his blade. “Your weapons will need to remain here.”
Alec didn’t bother with any form of pretense. “That’s not going to happen,” he stated bluntly.
“Then, I cannot allow you to continue.”
Looking the man up and down, Alec lifted his chin. Behind him, his fellow warriors gripped their blades. His aura darkened, forming a visible mist which anyone could see. The Zerrokian soldiers jerked back several steps.
“Enough with this farce,” Alec commanded in a firm, yet deathly quiet tone. “You know perfectly well that I’m only here for Lady Jade.” His eyes shot to the next solid steel gate blocking their path. “Either take me to her or get out of my way. I have no patience for games.”
Face contorting, Charles opened his mouth to speak, then clamped it closed again. Swallowing, he took a moment prior to trying again.
“Of course, Your Highness. Pray, follow me.”
Striding towards the next passage, the man didn’t bother awaiting a response. The doors parted with a small wave of the man’s hand. Atop the battlements, the soldiers stared down at the Malyndorians as Alec led them deeper into the fortress’s grounds. Just as the first gate was shut upon entering, the second one was instantly locked the moment all five visitors cleared its path. A thick sheet of tension filled the space. Crowded on each side of the courtyard was an armed battalion of soldiers. A narrow path cut through them, heading towards the main door of the Imperial Tower. Eyes tracking Alec’s movements, the guards said nothing as they stood stiff as statues.
Heart racing, Isabelle fought the urge to draw her blade.