The Allseer Trilogy

by Kaitlyn Rouhier

  “Nice to see you too,” he grumbled. I’m fine, no thanks to you.

  Though unspoken, the words must have flooded through his barriers. Her eyes focused, shifting to study his face, her full lips drooping into a frown. “Garild, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left you behind like that, but I promise it was for a good reason.”

  “What happened?” he asked, heart thumping wildly against his ribs.

  “I found her.”

  “Kirheen?”

  Samira nodded. Burk and Abby shifted behind him, a silent question flung between their minds. The brief flare of their power was a breath upon his neck, sending a chill racing up his spine. “Burk. Abby. This is Samira, the one I told you about on the way here.”

  “Only good things, I hope,” Samira said.

  Burk looked uncomfortable. “Well, maybe not all good considering you deserted him in the middle of this god forsaken city. I won’t dare repeat some of the things that came out of his mouth.”

  “Burk!” Garild bristled. “Samira, these are friends of mine from Sanctuary. Enough with the introductions though. What’s going on?” He couldn’t take the wait any longer. He needed to know what was going on, to know that Kirheen was whole and well, that what he’d felt when they’d reached for her mind wasn’t true.

  “The situation here is complicated beyond words,” she said, her voice dipping to a low murmur. “It is just as we feared. Kirheen has…changed. Like me.”

  Though he heard the words, they fumbled into the raging storm taking place inside his mind, impaled by the shrapnel of his thoughts. It can’t be true. “Where is she? Is she okay?”

  “Breathe, Garild. She’s safe. She’s resting upstairs. We can go see her, that is if we can get past her guard puppy.”

  “This is just one big family reunion,” Burk laughed.

  “Let’s go,” Garild insisted. “You can tell me why you took off along the way.”

  Samira nodded and began to lead the way. As they turned down dusty corridors, her voice echoed off the walls, making sense of the chaos they’d faced the short time they’d been in Val’shar. She told him of a prince come back to life, a man with powers just like hers. He’d been the reason Kirheen had felt so strongly about coming to the city. It hadn’t been some simple desire, a need to see the world. She’d been called to Val’shar and it was there her power had awakened.

  Burk groaned. “I’m going to just pretend we understand what’s happening here.”

  Garild glanced over his shoulder. “Why are you two here?”

  It was Abby that answered. “We ran into Kirheen and Tomias while we were heading east looking to move to greener pastures. We…argued a bit about her plans to come here. We parted ways in Aspen, but we didn’t get very far before guilt turned us towards Val’shar. You know us – couldn’t just let Kirheen have all the fun.”

  Despite his unease, Garild grinned. “Sounds about right.”

  With each step, his anxiety grew. How long had it been since he’d last seen Kirheen? It felt like a lifetime ago. Would she forgive him for the things he’d said, for the foul and awful way he’d treated her? The vitriol of his words still rang sharply through his memories. Did he even deserve her forgiveness? I’m here. I’m trying.

  Gods, he just wanted his friend back, the past be damned.

  He nearly jumped when a strong hand gripped his shoulder. “She’ll understand,” Burk said softly. “Just take it easy.”

  “Did you just-?”

  “She’s as hot headed as I am, but she cares about you,” Abby added. “It’ll all work out.”

  “Is everyone just intruding on my personal thoughts today?” Garild asked, turning inwards to check his mental barrier. It stood firm and solid, seemingly untouched by the companions walking at his side.

  Samira clicked her tongue against her teeth. “I’ve told you before, your barrier slips when you think too hard. Not our fault your thoughts come spilling out like a flood every time you start musing about the world.”

  “Great, thank you. Just one more thing I need to worry about,” he said, irritation blooming alongside his anxiety. He steered the conversation in another direction, hoping he could keep the others away from his thoughts until they reached Kirheen. “The Darkness here in the castle, was it moving like that before?”

  “Not from the sounds of it. It was completely covering the room where they found Elfrind, but it wasn’t moving beyond the boundary until after I got to the castle. I have a theory about this, though it doesn’t please me.”

  “And that is?”

  “That it’s tied to Elfrind. It came from him and as he has grown stronger, so too has the corruption.”

  “And now he is running free somewhere in the world with the ability to control it,” Garild said, suppressing a shiver.

  “We’ll have to decide what to do about him. He mentioned there being another like us. If he gets a hold of someone else, if he takes their power…”

  “I understand.”

  When Samira finally slowed before a stout wooden door, Garild was convinced he’d be sick. His heart fluttered weakly in his chest, his brow and hands slick with sweat. His innards were coiled knots, contracting painfully at the mere thought of seeing her. What do I say?

  Words became such a foreign concept, his tongue unable to form the shapes necessary to speak. He turned his wrist and looked down at the scarred remnants of the symbol they’d been given when they’d been bonded so long ago. He’d failed her more than once. He wouldn’t do it again.

  Samira stepped aside, motioning him towards the door. “You should go first,” she said softly. Her fingers dug into his back, coaxing his unwilling legs forward. With her other hand, she knocked on the closed door. A muffled voice called for them to enter and then Garild was stepping through an open door, feeling strangely disconnected from his own body.

  He stopped in the center of a large bedroom, eyes roaming over dark curtains and rugs, swirling with images of stars. To his right, a tall man with sun kissed skin and dark hair watched him intently, arms crossed over his broad chest. It took a moment to realize it was Daris staring at him, and Garild wilted under his gaze, remembering his wolfish form, a smile that delighted in pain.

  Though his hair was much shorter, it would have been hard not to recognize Tomias. Pale and lean, he sat perched on the edge of a massive carved bed, long fingers entwined with those more delicate. Tomias blinked away confusion, realization dawning over soft features. He bent down, kissed Kirheen on the brow, and stepped away from her. A twinge of jealousy ricocheted through his being, but he shoved it away. She wasn’t meant to be his. Her choice had been made long ago and he would make himself content with that.

  But he couldn’t be content with the hurt still left between them, the pain he’d caused to someone he claimed was his friend. Taking a cautious step forward, he raised his gaze to look where Kirheen rested. Her stormy eyes were wide, a withering mixture of fear, and apprehension, and sadness sweeping over him. Her gaze danced along his skin, settled into his soul, cutting through to his very core.

  “Garild,” she said, her voice rising at the end, a question lingering in the still air.

  She looked beautiful as ever, but beyond her beauty he could see a deeply rooted fatigue. Her ashen hair was disheveled, her skin flushed and streaked with dirt. His eyes drifted lower, past the curve of her neck, to a line of faintly glowing crystals peeking out from the border of her shirt.

  “Hello Kirheen,” he managed to say, a mere whisper that felt like it hit the room with the force of booming thunder. Kirheen reached for her blankets and tugged them to the side. Legs were freed from the covers, slipped over the edge of the bed, bare feet thumping against the floor. Tomias helped her stand, her legs wobbling as she put her full weight on them. Her first steps were precarious, her swaying dangerous. She clung to Tomias until she found her footing and then she was crossing the length of the room.

  Garild could feel power radiating from her, so mu
ch like Samira’s and yet it sang a different song, bold and defiant, accented by an overwhelming sadness. She stopped a mere foot from him, gray eyes searching, hesitant of what they might find. “I’m sorry,” he sighed. “I’m so sorry.” The words were smothered as she flung herself towards him, her body crashing into his. He wrapped his arms around her, his head coming to rest on her shoulder. Tears sprang to life and he choked back a sob.

  “I missed you,” she said, and in every fiber of his being, he knew it to be true.

  “I missed you too.”

  He would have held her forever had she not pulled away from him. She stepped back out of reach, a radiant warmth returned to her gaze. Some wounded part of his soul began to heal, their contact a salve for his torment.

  She looked over his shoulder, smiling to where Burk and Abby stood in the doorway. “What are you all doing here?” she asked incredulously.

  “You’re always getting into trouble, Kirheen. Someone had to come stop you,” Abby replied, stepping around Garild. She went to hug Kirheen, only to stop short. “Your power is a bit…overwhelming,” she said, wrinkling her nose.

  Kirheen grinned sheepishly. “I know. I’m sorry. This is very new to me too.”

  “Who is Mr. Scowls here and why does he look so familiar?” Burk asked, inclining his head towards Daris.

  Daris gave his best wolfish grin, stepping closer to the others. “This is quite the reunion. I know I’m probably one of the last people you wanted to see. It’s me, Daris.”

  Burk’s jaw dropped as if he’d been struck. “Allseer! Anyone else I should know about? Are we all here?”

  “Tegan and Irena are running around here somewhere,” Tomias stated. He stepped closer, coming to a stop next to Kirheen. He held out his hand towards Garild and for a moment, Garild could only stare at his outstretched hand. “It’s good to see you well, friend. Welcome to the party,” Tomias said gently, his tone peaceful. Garild clasped his hand, accepting the subtle message found in their contact. Everything is going to be all right.

  Tomias stepped away, hand rising to rest on Kirheen’s back. Something had changed between them. Garild had seen it when he’d stepped into the room. They stood close, shoulders touching, leaning towards each other like flowers seeking the sun. He’d seen them growing closer after the fall of Sanctuary, bound by a grief that Garild had only made worse. Tomias had been there for Kirheen when he had not. Could he really blame her for falling for him? Wise, gentle Tomias had earned her affection, had stayed by her side through everything.

  Much to his surprise, he felt a surge of happiness. If there was anyone that could handle Kirheen’s fire, that would give her the space and understanding to be as she was, it was Tomias. Even as her friend, Garild didn’t know if he could fit that role so well. Perhaps it was a chapter of his life he could close after all. Knowing she was cared for was enough. He could move on.

  Samira cleared her throat, her expression grim. “I wish we had more time for this, but the longer we wait, the more danger we put this world in.”

  Kirheen glanced to Samira, her expression troubled. Samira caught the look and began to explain. “Ah, I suppose having your power ripped out rattled your brain a bit. You’re looking better than when I found you, at least. I’m Samira. I’m sure Tomias explained how I rescued you from our most darling prince.”

  “He did,” she agreed. “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you.”

  “Don’t fret. A lot has happened. And a lot more will happen. We need to decide what to do about Elfrind. He must be stopped.”

  “Stopped how? And from doing what? What was he planning to do with my power?” Kirheen asked, the questions gushing out of her.

  “He mentioned another like us, another with these powers. I think he means to seek them out, to take their power just as he tried to take yours. As for what he plans on doing with it, I can’t say for sure. I don’t imagine it’s anything good, not when he seems to be able to control the corruption as he does.”

  “Do you think he’d try to control the Darkness? To use it?” Garild asked.

  “The man was murdered by his own family, came back to life, was locked in a room, and left to rot. I don’t think he’d mind so much if the world was drowned at this point, especially by his own hands. This is all just speculation, of course, but I’d rather be prepared for the worst possible outcomes.”

  Kirheen groaned and crossed her arms. “Just what are we supposed to do? I faced him and lost. Not just that, but too much strain or stress and I start leaking corruption out of my skin. I can’t control these powers and I’ve yet to come to terms with what is happening to me.”

  “We go after him,” Samira said, her expression softening. “I’ve had these powers a long time. It is a terrifying thing to have within your grasp, but I will teach you not to fear it, to wield it with precision. We’ve enough friends to keep this corruption problem at bay while we hunt Elfrind.”

  “Do you know where he is going?” Garild asked. “You said he was going after another.”

  “If I focus, I can feel him, and something far beyond him to the south. He’s headed in the direction of Korinth,” she replied, the words followed by a grimace. “This does not bode well for any of us. In Korinth, they nearly worship those with powers. If they were to convince Elfrind to help them, or if they get their hands on the other person with these powers, not even I will be able to keep them from invading. Imagine us being turned into a weapon. The world is not ready for such a war.”

  Tomias ran a hand over his face, rubbed at his tired eyes. “Let me get this all straight. You want us to travel with you to Korinth, stop Elfrind from getting his hands on someone with powers like you, and not start a war in the process? Sounds simple enough,” he said sarcastically.

  Samira grinned. “When has anything ever been simple? There is not just Elfrind to deal with. Val’shar itself is a breeding ground for trouble. I think we all know this city is falling apart at the seams. There is a young, inexperienced queen not yet come to terms with her own powers, ravens squawking at the castle gates ready to tear her apart, corruption gaining strength in a room below us, and Seekers spread too thin to be of use anywhere else. They won’t last if all of us go. We need some to stay behind and keep this place from sinking into the ocean.”

  “You want us to stay?” Garild asked, but he already knew the answer. He could see it written plainly across her face. A wave of emotions pummeled him, leaving him reeling. “You can’t. It’s not safe!”

  “Garild, there is no one I trust more to keep this place from collapsing. You have the book smarts and my training to help you. You’ve friends that have faced the worst of storms, that would stand by your side to face another. I would not ask this of you if it was not important. If the corruption is not contained, if it escapes the confines of this castle and there is no one to stop it, this city will fall. And then another. And another. And what will be left after it has swept across Taverin? After it has drowned Sharmir in darkness?”

  The room fell still, disturbed only by the low hum of fear and his own frantically beating heart. How could he possibly argue against that? It was, after all, what most of them had been trained to face. He dug deep, dragging his resolve to the surface. “I…understand.”

  Burk shrugged. “Gods, I hate to give any credit to that mad man, but I suppose Nyson did prepare us for this.”

  “After everything – to think we’re standing here, discussing how to keep the Darkness at bay,” Abby sighed.

  “And you would?” Garild asked, turning towards his friends. “You would do this with me? Even knowing what it is we face, you’d go down this path?”

  “We’re standing here today with our minds intact and our lives in our own hands because of you two. Where you go, we’ll follow,” Burk said. “Abby and I will stay here in Val’shar. In any case, Abby can scold the Darkness into submission.”

  “Oh, shut up,” she said, punching his arm.

  “Some things never ch
ange, do they?” Daris grinned. “I’m already wrapped up in this. I’m not leaving.”

  After they’d made it out of Sanctuary, Garild hadn’t thought he’d see any of his friends again. They had spread out, going their separate ways in a world far bigger than any of them had ever imagined. And yet, they’d found their way back to each other, fate leading them one by one to the city of Val’shar.

  He was standing in a room surrounded by friends that were willing to fight and die just as they had when Sanctuary had come crumbling down around them. He never thought he’d be so glad to have left his empty house behind, to have battled his guilt and anger so he could be there with his friends, ready to face the coming storm. “Thank you all,” he said. “Truly, I mean it. I couldn’t do this without all of you.”

  “We’ll work out the details before we go our separate ways but-” Samira trailed off, her eyes dimming. Her focus went inwards, to her mind. Her powers flared, dancing through the air, trilling against his skin. The room was silent, all eyes watching her intently. “Damn it,” she murmured, her eyes refocusing.

  “What is it?” Garild asked. The only person that would be in contact with Samira was Isa, and he felt fear open like quicksand beneath his feet, pulling him under. “What happened?”

  “Some idiots on the docks decided to try torching the ship the witch rode in on – the witch being me. Everyone is fine but they’ve been forced out to sea. They will hover nearby until we’re ready, we’ll just need to find a safer place to board, preferably without those lunatic ravens catching wind of anything we plan to do.”

  “I’m just glad they’re safe. The docks were our only option. Where are you going to go now?”

  “Perhaps we should ask Lillana? She’s lived in this city her entire life. She might know of a place,” Kirheen added.

  “As a matter of fact, I do,” Lillana said as she stepped around the corner, startling them all. She leaned against the door frame, her hazel eyes wandering from person to person. “I came here to discuss another matter with you all entirely, but I can also remedy the situation at the docks. My family was, if anything, incredibly paranoid. There are private docks tucked away at the base of the cliffs, built in case we ever needed to flee should the conflict escalate beyond control. If your captain is any good, he should be able to squeeze in and pluck you onto his ship before the Raven and his ilk are any wiser.”