The Dark Disciple (The Daybreak Saga Book 2)

by Dan Neil

  Keia thought about it for a moment. The idea still seemed insane. Uncertain, she glanced up at Myrddin, and he nodded, his eyes warm and confident.

  Keia sighed. “Fine.”

  “Practice casting the ward a few more times,” Myrddin said. “We’ll take as much time as you need so that you feel comfortable.”

  Keia would never feel comfortable with a fatal spell being lobbed at her by the kingdom’s most powerful spellcaster. She summoned all her courage as she cast a few wards.

  I don’t think I can stall forever. Fuck it—here we go.

  Keia shot the wizard a nod. With a flick of his wand, he vanished and reappeared some thirty yards from her.

  “Ready yourself,” Myrddin said. “I’m going to cast it now.”

  He leveled his wand at her. Oddly enough, Keia felt no panic. There was an aura of calm within her. Myrddin wouldn’t do this unless he thought she could handle it, right?

  This is not where my story ends.

  When Myrddin cast the gray spell, everything slowed down. The bolt was coming in fast but nowhere near the speed of light magic. Before she could think, she reacted; a jolt ran through her hand as a perfect ward spiraled from her wand, right in the killing spell’s path. The foul spell ricocheted before dissipating. Her ward disintegrated, but she was untouched.

  Keia laughed in disbelief. Only then did she notice how hard her heart was beating. “I really did it!”

  “I knew you could!” Myrddin smiled. “Not such a terrible idea after all, eh?”

  “No, it’s still a pretty terrible idea,” Keia replied. “I could have died! What if I had made a mistake?”

  “You wouldn’t have died.” Myrddin shook his head. “What I cast was not truly a killing spell—merely a spell of similar speed and color. Had you failed, you would have been rather surprised to find yourself quite alive, but amid a tickling fit. But, as I suspected, you didn’t fail.”

  “Wh-what? Then why did you tell me it was a killing spell?”

  “You needed to believe it was. And because you did, you summoned as fine a ward as I’ve ever seen. You react rather well under pressure.”

  “Yes—” Keia looked at her hands, in awe of what she’d just accomplished. “Yes, I suppose I can. Well, shall we go again?”

  The wizard smiled. “Spoken like your father’s daughter.”

  Chapter 14

  The Prisoner

  Day 125 of the Season of Aion, 1020 YAR

  They practiced for two more hours until Keia was so dizzy she could barely stand. Afterward, she and Myrddin sat in the field together and admired the stars. A single meteor hung in the air, painting everything it touched a dark crimson.

  Keia pointed to the sky and said, “I’ve always liked those three.”

  “Those three right there?”

  Gesturing to the left, she said, “No, those—the ones in a line.”

  “Oh. Ah, I see. I like that one, too.”

  Staring at it, she continued in a quiet voice, “The old Itherans used to believe it was a bridge to Gaea. A symbol that it never leaves us. They called it Alesanne.”

  Myrddin nodded. “You certainly are well-read. I’ve always been impartial to that cluster right there.”

  Keia cocked her head to the side. “You mean the constellation of the Shamed?”

  She found the stars in the sky that looked to be a man covering his face.

  Why does he like that one?

  “The Shamed has a long and storied history, too long to describe now. But before you go, Keia, there is something I must tell you.”

  She perked up. “Hm?”

  “It’s about Axl.”

  Keia’s stomach twisted at the mention of his name.

  “I don’t know if you still consider him a friend—”

  “He was never my friend.”

  “Ah. I just wanted to inform you that Lord Rheinley has set his date. He’s to be executed tomorrow.”

  Keia bit her lip, not wanting to show how much this news saddened her. “Is that so?”

  “Yes. Perhaps he does deserve it, after all.”

  She considered whether she could ever forgive him. She didn’t think so, but he didn’t deserve to die, either.

  The wizard cleared his throat. “If you’d like, I can arrange for you to visit him immediately. Say your goodbyes. I don’t know what he meant to you, but if he meant anything—well, now’s your chance.”

  Keia thought about this. “I don’t even know if I want to see him, to be honest. Last time I saw him, he was unhinged. He wasn’t the Axl I knew.” She sighed. “Locking him in a cage is the worst possible thing for him. I—I don’t know if I can see him like that.”

  “I understand. I’d feel the same way if I were you.”

  Keia sighed. As much as she hated to admit it, she had cared for Axl. He was sometimes kind, even if it was all a lie. He wanted to help her escape her problems in his own twisted way.

  Problems that all came back to bite me. He did, too. But—still…

  Keia released a deep sigh, then nodded. “Take me to him.”

  —

  Axl sat in the same dark cell as when he’d arrived in the Lockout—highest security cell possible, of course, and with few amenities. He had a stone bed and a working toilet.

  I wonder when they’re just gonna fucking kill me already.

  He was tired of sitting in this cell. Worse than the harshness of his stay was time alone with memories—the faces of the men he’d recruited, trained, brainwashed, and sent to their deaths, all for—what exactly? A chance to kidnap Keia, take her away from everything she wanted? He deserved whatever he got.

  I’m here because of what I tried to do to the king. But I belong here for what I did to my men—what I did to Keia.

  Axl still remembered her eyes when he lashed out at her—when he allowed his anger to take control. He’d never felt as awful as when he saw those hazel eyes on the verge of tears. He couldn’t even imagine what she must have felt. Nothing in here was capable of hurting him as much as he had already done to her.

  Soon it’ll all be over. I’ll be dead, she’ll be a soldier, the war will start—

  A strange noise came from outside. The slat his meals came through opened, letting a bit of torchlight through.

  I’ve been fed today. What the hell is this?

  “Visitor for you.”

  “I’m not allowed visitors.”

  The guard scoffed. “You are when the King’s Adviser on Magic orders it.”

  What? Who the hell is this?

  Axl rushed for the slat and pressed his face against it. His heart skipped a beat. Before him stood Keia Atlos.

  “Five minutes,” the guard said before walking off.

  “K-Keia?” Axl stammered. “What are you doing here?”

  She blinked rapidly, her eyes locked on the ground. “I came to see you one last time.”

  He pulled back. “Right. The guards told me this morning.”

  Silence hung between them until Keia asked, “How are you holding up in here?”

  “All things considered, not bad. I was actually more worried about you.”

  Keia rolled her eyes. “Sure you were.”

  “No, really. I didn’t know how you’d take everything that happened. And yet—even now, I see I was underestimating you. So there’s nothing to fear now.” He smiled.

  “How are you feeling? You know—about tomorrow.”

  Axl averted his gaze. In a low voice, he said, “I’m okay with it. I—I did some really horrible things, Keia. I’m not a good person.”

  “You were being controlled—”

  “No, I wasn’t. The stone gave me information, and I acted on it. It never controlled me—only told me what I needed to know to get what I wanted. I know what I becam
e. And worst of all, to drag you into it—”

  “Axl—”

  “I’m sorry, Keia. I’ve been wanting to say it so badly. I—I’m a monster. I’m so sorry for hurting you.”

  Keia frowned as she met his eyes; hers were filled with concern.

  Unable to stand her pity, he turned away. “I’m a bad person, Keia. You’re not. You need to get out of here. Forget about me.”

  Keia was silent for a moment, carefully choosing her words. “I don’t know if I can ever forgive you.”

  “I wouldn’t.”

  Frowning, she continued, “But I don’t hate you, Axl. And I don’t think you’re a bad person. You let your anger control you. You made bad decisions, but people can always come back from those. It’s never too late.”

  He chuckled. She really never gives up on anyone, does she?

  His voice was monotonous as he spoke. “Not this time, I’m afraid. You know what I realized, being in here? I’ve been in a lockout my entire life—trapped by my own mentality. Maybe—maybe this is the only way I’ll be free.”

  Keia’s eyes fell to the ground, lost in contemplation.

  Seeing how much she cared, laughter escaped Axl’s lips. Once it passed, he said, “Hey, now. No need for you to worry about me—it’s for the best. I hate it here, anyway.”

  She gave a weak smile.

  The guard shouted from down the hall. “Five minutes is up!”

  In a low voice, she said, “I wish it didn’t have to be like this.”

  “Keia—wait!” Axl pressed his face further against the wall until his eyes were practically bulging through the slat. “Before you go, before I—you have to know. Everything the stone told me—the war, you—it’s all true. It’s all going to come true. You have to find a way to stop him, or no one will be able to.”

  Keia was taken aback. “What—who?”

  “The Dark Lord. He’s coming for you, Keia—he always has been.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “Goodbye, Axl.”

  Keia faded into the darkness before the guard’s eyes appeared on the other side of the slat.

  “Enjoy your last night on Alea, you murdering scum. Aion’s waiting to judge you—I only wish I could dole out the punishment.”

  Axl stepped away from the slat as the guard slammed it shut. He lay on his stone bed and stared at the ceiling. For the first time in years, he was at peace. He was ready for the end.

  Chapter 15

  Departures

  Day 126 of the Season of Aion, 1020 YAR

  Visions of Axl’s body next to Carter’s in the snow plagued Keia’s morning session with Myrddin. She was unable to shake the thoughts from her mind.

  He seemed so—normal. At the end, when it’s too late.

  After a troubled meditation, Myrddin sent Keia through a portal and went off to attend to some other matter. An unexpected guest awaited her, and her heart sank. Gaheris stood next to Captain Alrick as the division gathered.

  “Attention,” Captain Alrick’s voice boomed. His expression was grimmer than usual. “We have a visitor today, and he will be shown respect. Gaheris, one of the king’s advisers, is here with us.”

  “Thank you, young Alrick. I am here to have a conversation with Keia Atlos. The rest of you may go about your business.” Gaheris’s greedy eyes surveyed the division. “It is of urgent business—the king’s business.”

  What the fuck could he possibly want now?

  “Keia,” Oliver said, “go and speak with our guest.”

  She nervously walked next to Gaheris as he led her out of the division’s earshot. He reeked of burnt meat and rusting metal and did not speak until they were alone.

  “So, Keia,” Gaheris began, “I understand Myrddin has taken you under his wing.”

  “Something of the sort.”

  “I would hope he is not violating the Training Code of Ethics.”

  She tilted her head, trying to look nonchalant. “You’d have to ask him.”

  Gaheris’s eyes narrowed. “How are you liking the King’s Militia, young Keia?”

  “I like it.”

  Keia’s skin crawled as his eyes studied her. She remained silent. Unless he asked her a question, she saw no reason to say anything.

  “Do you know why there are so few people here, Keia?” Gaheris asked. “The magical divisions are supposed to have at least one hundred members. When I visit others, they are over-crowded, yet there are at least forty spots open in this one.”

  She shrugged. “Another question Myrddin might have an answer for.”

  “I have many questions for Myrddin,” Gaheris said. “His absence is rather convenient. He should be here discussing these matters with us and answering for his crimes.”

  Keia’s pulse halted for a second. Crimes? How much did Gaheris know?

  Trying to sound unshaken, she said, “I’m not aware of any crimes.”

  “I’m sure you’re not. I’m sure you’re also not aware of the extra six hours of daily training he’s been giving you.”

  The hairs on the back of Keia’s neck rose as her entire body locked into place.

  He knows. How does he know?

  The Lord of Shadows chuckled, “Funny thing about shadows—everyone casts one, however strictly they maintain secrecy. You can’t hide anything; so, you may as well come clean.”

  There was no point in lying now. “He only did it because he wanted—”

  “Ahem,” Gaheris interrupted, “it does not matter what we want, young Keia. What matters is the law. You may not understand this, but what he has done to you for the past months constitutes physical and emotional abuse. It’s sickening, really. He manipulated division assignments to generate time alone with you—from the very beginning, he preyed on your—insecurities.”

  By now, the words were bursting from Keia’s throat. “He did what he did for my own good! He was helping me, not preying on me!”

  “He worked you half to death!” Gaheris said. “And you never came forward? Keia, you should know better. He was using you. He doesn’t care about you. He filled your head with grandiose ideas beyond your depth. You should have spoken up on day one. Had you done that, this entire unpleasant situation might have been avoided.”

  Keia’s hands curled into fists, her wide-open gaze fixated on the worm before her. “You just want him gone. You hate him. You’re not doing this to protect me, however noble you want to sound!”

  He smirked. “Yes, I do want him gone. And he’s made it all too easy now. What will the rest of the council think of his machinations? What will they assume when they hear how far his schemes went, all just to wield power over some hopeless girl? Whatever my reasons, my misgivings, he broke the law.”

  Keia pointed a finger. “But—”

  Dismissing her protest with a gesture, Gaheris turned away. “We will be in touch now that I have confirmed the truth with you. Goodbye, now.”

  Keia was too stunned to respond as the King’s Keeper of Secrets walked away, triumphant.

  Oh no. Myrddin—what’s going to happen to Myrddin?

  She brushed the concern aside, making to rejoin the others. He’s known the king since forever. I’m sure they’ll be able to sort this out. I just wish I could see the look on Gaheris’s face when the king takes Myrddin’s side.

  —

  As Gaheris stepped through the portal and into Diligence Square, a stone embedded in one of his sleeves lit up.

  What luck!

  This was what he had been waiting for—the reach from the north. He ran to the Middle Magic Chamber’s portal and jumped through. His hands were sweating feverishly as he returned to his instruments. He cast shadow telepathy with a glowing green stone, and within seconds, he was privy to a telepathic communication.

  His quarry reached, sounding ragged, ‘I told you to not to reach m
e again! The kingdom is compromised!’

  A female voice replied, ‘Nialarix grows impatient. You will come to Paz Beoras. You will bring what was promised.’

  ‘I am not ready yet. You fools have thrown everything away! His impatience has jeopardized everything—’

  ‘We care little about your concerns. Nialarix does not alter his plans, least of all for old fools. What you promised is easy to deliver—you said so yourself. So deliver it.’

  Gaheris suddenly knew exactly who was on the kingdom’s end of this reach. A triumphant smile spread across his face.

  Old fools—Myrddin. Myrddin the Wizard is the traitor.

  What an opportunity! Gaheris thought Myrddin might be allowed to resign, to live out his mediocre days—oh, no. The king would require a new Adviser on Magic once the current one was executed for treason. He snapped to attention as the reach continued.

  ‘It’s that girl, isn’t it?’ The woman reached, venom drenching her tone. ‘She’s the one keeping you there—concerned, are you?’

  Myrddin replied after a moment of silence, ‘She needs more time. If you proceed now, you are risking everything.’

  No doubt referring to young Keia. So he does have plans for her—what does he see in her?

  ‘Her fate has been decided. The forest calls to the last of the Atlos family.’

  ‘Fate has decided nothing. She has a role to play—’

  ‘Whether the girl is ready for what awaits her—she’s not and never will be—is irrelevant. Nialarix tires of your excuses. You will take the spellbook—as you promised—and you will bring it to us.’

  The spellbook…

  Gaheris suddenly realized what Myrddin promised. He had to find the king. The Noble Order had to assemble before the wizard fled the city. They had to protect the King’s Spellbook at all costs.

  You’ve signed your own death warrant, you old fool, Gaheris thought, pleased beyond measure with how events were unfolding.

  On his way to the throne room, he reached the Master Knights of the Noble Order. ‘Everyone, assemble at the Upper Magic Chamber! A traitor is trying to steal the King’s Spellbook—hurry, we can still cut him off!’