The Dark Disciple (The Daybreak Saga Book 2)

by Dan Neil

  “I know you see me. So, you know this: I’m going to find you, Aliya. You think your little tricks are going to keep you safe forever, but I will find you. And when I do, you’ll wish for the quick death I’d have given you—so will your little boyfriend. You’ll regret dragging him out here! You know how this ends! You can’t break the chains!”

  The figure took a few deep breaths as the illusion of Aliya dissipated; the blood on his hand faded, too. Once more he was alone in Greerwood. The Darkfire Blade surged in his hands to match his anger. He wanted nothing more than to lash out, but he suppressed it.

  Despite his failure, a grin came over his face. She’s hidden herself from me, no doubt. I suppose we’ll just have to wait for the little one to arrive.

  —

  Aliya gasped as she stirred from her meditative state. Instantly, her heart rate spiked, her chest flushing with panic. She gulped mouthfuls of air as she reminded herself that none of what had happened was real. Guardian was by her side, emitting a bright aura around herself and Friedrich.

  “Are you all right? Aliya!” Friedrich moved toward her, but she held up a hand.

  “I’m fine. It worked—maybe a little too well, is all.”

  The frown on his face deepened. He had to ask. “What happened? What the hell did you even do?”

  Aliya sighed, then said, “I tricked him. It’s called a proxy mind. I made a fake mental presence to simulate ours. Two for me, actually. But he saw through the first one.”

  “What happened next?”

  Aliya frowned and shook her head.

  Friedrich shifted his weight, his shoulders pushing inwards. “I’m guessing we can’t face him.”

  She bit her lip. “I didn’t show all my cards. But no—we shouldn’t try to fight him.”

  “Was it that bad?”

  Aliya swallowed. It was only an illusion, but the disciple’s speed and power were inhuman. Her eyes fell to the ground as she remembered the illusory Friedrich’s frightened expression just before he was disintegrated.

  She shuddered. “I can’t let it happen. That’s all.”

  He sighed. “So, what’s our next move?”

  “Well—” She frowned. “He can’t find us while I have this spell active.”

  Scratching the back of his head, he asked, “What spell again?”

  Her mind was racing for solutions, and she replied in a distant monotone, “It’s a spatiaveil; it displaces us in space so that his telepathy can’t lock on. That’s why we have to stay in this bubble until we find a suitable mental cover. Once we do, we can set up camp and begin to think about getting in contact with the kingdom—”

  Friedrich’s eyebrows shot up, and his mouth fell open. “That’s your plan?”

  Aliya grimaced. “You didn’t see what I saw. Fighting is certain death. We’re too far in to turn back. I don’t know how long I can keep the spatiaveil active, but I definitely won’t be able to cover us the whole way if we turn back now.”

  “So we’re just going to run and hide.”

  Aliya jammed her index finger in his face. “We’re outmatched, Friedrich! I saw what he’s capable of. I’m not throwing either of our lives away now that we’ve made it this far.”

  He was stunned into silence.

  She continued, “Carter…”

  The name stung as it left her lips. Her eyes shut tightly as she fought off tears. Her brother was buried somewhere out here. She might’ve passed him at one point, and she’d never know.

  She shook her head. I can’t focus on that right now. I need to get Friedrich to safety. I can’t lose him, too.

  Friedrich’s voice disturbed her melancholy. “Are you all right?”

  Aliya nodded. “Yes, yes. Carter. He told me about a temple he found north of Greerwood. If we can make it there, I can protect us until we get help.”

  “And how much help do you think we’ll need?”

  “We’ll think about that later. Right now, we need to get to safety. I can only do so much at once. We’ll need to travel through the night.”

  Concern flashed in Friedrich’s eyes. “We’re—we’re going to be all right, right?”

  Aliya winced, remembering the illusion of her partner she’d seen slaughtered earlier.

  He asked the same thing.

  She nodded. “If we’re smart, we’ll be all right—I promise. If we can get clear of Greerwood, I can keep him from finding us.”

  Friedrich nodded. “I trust you, Aliya.”

  The words were meant with the best of intentions, but they struck the knight like a punch to the gut.

  I’m not leading him to his death. It’s going to be fine. I’ll get a signal to the kingdom if I can, and—it’ll be all right.

  An image of Carter entered her mind. He hadn’t made it. Her body slackened, suddenly hollow and numb with grief. Moisture built behind her eyes, blurring her sight. She squeezed her eyelids shut, ejecting two teardrops. They froze in place immediately.

  Big brother—I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.

  Chapter 18

  New Secrets

  Day 157 of the Season of Aion, 1020 YAR

  Keia rushed to take cover as a wind burst ripped a tree from the ground. Breathing heavily, she ducked behind a rock and clutched her wand. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before standing and casting a ward to deflect a lightning bolt.

  Pain shot up her arm from the spell’s impact. The ward held strong, but the next spell was incoming. Another fierce gust of wind knocked her over.

  Keia landed hard on her back, the force of impact reverberating through her spine. She groaned and turned onto her side.

  “Get up!” Captain Alrick’s voice followed her. “Get up! Your enemies would not be so kind!”

  Keia rolled to dodge another wind burst and scrambled to her feet. A gust flew from her wand but was easily blocked by a ward. Her arm vibrated as the spell streamed from her conduit.

  “Like that! Just like that!” Oliver shouted. “Everything you have!”

  Keia almost rolled her eyes mid-spell. When he said intensive training, I didn’t realize that this was what he meant.

  She held out for a few more seconds; then, Oliver countered with a greater burst of wind. Keia’s eyes closed as the whipping gust of air ripped specks of dirt and small rocks from the ground, bombarding her face. The blast itself lifted her off her feet, sending her tumbling through the air. Her wand was yanked from her hand and carried some extra twenty feet by the gale winds.

  Keia landed with a harsh thud, knocking the air from her. She rolled and skidded some five feet, coming to a stop on her stomach. Gasping for air and holding her shoulder, she looked up to see Captain Alrick’s hand.

  “Would you like some help?”

  Keia groaned in pain as she took his hand and sat up. “I had you right where I wanted you.”

  “I am sure that you did.” He pulled a brown spellstone from his pocket and spawned a half-loaf of crusty bread. Extending his hand, he asked, “Would you like some food?”

  She nodded and snatched the bread from his hands. He sat beside her.

  “Your proficiency is improving—slowly, to be sure. But improving, nonetheless.”

  Keia frowned. “I can’t believe that I have less than a month left.”

  And that fucker had to leave right when it mattered most.

  Captain Alrick nodded. “There is nothing to worry about, Keia.”

  Her mouth twitched, curling downward. “Except Gaheris. And the test coming up. And the Lockout.”

  “I believe that you will be ready.”

  Keia lowered the bread and stared at the ground. “How? I still can’t even cast a basic fire spell. How am I supposed to be a soldier?”

  Oliver wagged his finger and said, “There is more to being a soldier than blasting
your enemies with fire. You know this by now.”

  ‘“Battles are won and lost by the minds of their participants. I know,” Keia said, quoting one of Oliver’s reading assignments. “But no one else has these limitations—and no one else has to take the test.”

  “You are worried and scared.”

  “Is that why you’re doing this? To make me feel better?”

  Oliver shook his head. “I am doing it because I would like nothing more than for you to be a part of this division. I will not lose you because of Gaheris.”

  “Not Lord Gaheris?” Keia chuckled. “Wow, you’re really breaking all the rules tonight, aren’t you?”

  “It is worth it. You belong here, Keia.”

  She had no response to this.

  Do I, really? Keia thought. I guess we’ll find out.

  Her mind turned to Aliya, Carter, Greerwood, and the figure. Chills ran up her spine.

  I hope all of you are all right out there.

  Keia stood and stretched. “I think I’m good for tonight, captain. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Do not forget to meditate before training. Myrddin believed it important.”

  “Myrddin’s gone, captain.”

  Oliver grimaced. Keia knew he hated Gaheris, but as a captain, he had to act professionally.

  Her lips curled into a tight half-frown. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

  He waved her concerns aside. “No, it is nothing. I know it has been hard on you.”

  “Well—yeah. With Aliya and Carter gone, too—I know I still have Devin. And you. And the division. But—it’s hard to think I might be leaving them soon.”

  Oliver chuckled. “So reluctant to give yourself any credit. When I found you on the Prosperity, you could only cast portals—and only three spells per minute. Now, you can cast wind spells, wards, telekinesis, time shifts, and even some light spells. You are growing.”

  Keia half-smiled and shook her head. “I’ll see you tomorrow, captain.”

  “Yes, of course. Have a good night.”

  Keia left through the portal and emerged in Diligence Square. One more portal, and she stood in front of her home. A glance at the door revealed a small note. She grabbed it, wondering if it was for her or Jisaazu.

  It read:

  Dear Keia,

  I have been quite impatient to meet you, but I feel the time has come. I am sure that you do not know who I am, as we have never met. But I would be glad to make your acquaintance to discuss urgent matters. And seeing as I’ve been named King’s Keeper of Secrets, you’re not quite in a position to refuse.

  Keia’s eyes narrowed. “What a piece of shite.”

  She kept reading.

  I will be in contact with you soon.

  Lord Mar Mercer of Northstead

  Keia rolled her eyes. “Who the hell does this guy think he is?”

  She rolled up the note and tossed it aside. If she’d had fire magic, she’d have burned it.

  The new King’s Keeper of Secrets—if he’s anything like Gaheris, I want nothing to do with him.

  Keia opened her door to a strange man sitting in the common room. “What the fuck?”

  Jisaazu entered from her bedroom. “Oh, hi, Keia! This guy’s here to see you. Said he’s lord of something. King’s keeper of something, too. Sounded important.”

  Keia pulled out her wand and leveled it at the man. “Who are you, and what the hell do you want?”

  A tense silence hung over the air. Jisaazu broke it by bursting out into laughter.

  “Oh, I’m sorry!” she said. “You just look so silly with that little stick.”

  Keia glared. “I don’t know who he is. There’s an intruder in our home.”

  Jisaazu studied him and said, “I don’t think he means us any harm—not like that one girl.”

  Lord Mar Mercer said, “You read my note, no doubt.”

  “I did. It was strange. You’re already acting worse than the last Keeper of Secrets, and he’s still harassing me to this day!”

  Mar raised his hands. “I promise that I will not harass you after tonight. I needed to speak with you. If it wasn’t important, I’d let you go about your life. But there are things you need to know.”

  Keia lowered her wand. Things I need to know?

  “He’s the King’s Keeper of Secrets?” Jisaazu asked. “You don’t seem very secretive.”

  Lord Mercer winked. “Perhaps that’s the secret.”

  Jisaazu stared blankly. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

  Mar sighed and stood. “Either way, Keia, I will explain everything shortly.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’ll explain that if you’ll join me for a short walk. I promise, no tricks, no surprises. I’m here in good faith.”

  Keia eyed him suspiciously. He’s not like Gaheris at all—certainly weird, though.

  Mar walked out the door and turned. “Shall we?”

  Keia sighed, not feeling like she had much of a choice. He was on the council, after all.

  They walked on the side of the empty road. Keia closed her hands into fists to keep her fingers from jittering. Her mind wandered, wondering what was taking him so long to start talking.

  If this is a trap, I deserve what I get for being stupid.

  Mar carried on silently until they left the residential area. Then he said quietly, “So—now we’re away from people’s homes.”

  The ground was dimly lit with spellstones. They stood on a wide, empty lane. Benches and trees lined the street; not one person was in sight.

  “You never know who’s listening in their homes—or might hear something incidentally. Luckily, most people avoid this part of town at night.”

  Keia remained silent.

  Mar asked, “How do you like the kingdom, Keia?”

  “Well enough, I suppose.”

  “Well enough? What kind of answer is that?”

  Keia thought for a moment. Why does he want to know how I like the kingdom? Does he think I’m a spy?

  Mar sighed and continued, “I only ask because I know your history with the old Keeper of Secrets and old Adviser on Magic. I know it’s tough on you to see someone you despise rise to power, while someone you trusted is gone.”

  “Myrddin is a traitor.”

  “Yes. Yes, of course he is. But you aren’t, are you?”

  Keia was taken aback by the accusation. “Of course not!”

  Mar threw his hands up. “I didn’t mean anything by it, though now that the words are out of my mouth, I can see how it must have sounded. I don’t think before I speak, most of the time.”

  Keia twitched. “All right. Who are you and why did you want to meet with me?”

  “As my note said, my name is Lord Mar Mercer.”

  “If you’re a lord, what land do you own?”

  “I am the owner and keeper of Northstead, the northernmost keep in Gaddeaux—aside from the unconquered north, that is.”

  “And why did you want to meet with me?”

  “Myrddin was an old friend of mine,” Mar began. “I knew him well when I was a younger man—more able, more adventurous. He told me something interesting about you. I want to see if it’s true.”

  Keia tried to look less interested than she was. “What did he have to say about me?”

  Mar’s mouth tightened into a frown, and then he released a deep sigh. “I’ll tell you someday, of that I’m sure. Perhaps now isn’t a good time for you. How have you been as of late?”

  Eye twitching, her fists trembled at her side as she said between clenched teeth, “What does it matter how I’ve been of late?”

  “It matters because—well, I don’t know. You look—tired. More so than I expected.”

  Keia’s gaze narrowed, directing her rage to
ward Mar. “You’re just like Myrddin—never any real answers with you people.”

  He chuckled. “I suppose I’ll take it as a compliment. Either way, if you’d like someone to speak to about what you’re going through, I’m here. I’m not Gaheris—a weasel trying to get you in trouble. I’m on your side—more than you might know.”

  Turning to the side, she crossed her arms. “Why? You don’t even know me. This is the first time we’ve met, and I haven’t exactly been trying to be courteous.”

  Mar chuckled. “I like you, kid.”

  Keia’s mouth hung agape at being called a kid. Being called a child by the ancient Myrddin was one thing, but Mar looked close to forty.

  “I’m not a kid! I’m a soldier!”

  “Oh, you’re not an adult until you start finding antiques interesting; that’s when you know your inner child has shriveled.”

  She glared. I like antiques. I’ve always liked antiques. Fuck this guy.

  “So you basically left a note on my door and coerced me into coming out here just to ask how I’m doing—for reasons you can’t tell me? Is that the gist of what’s happening?”

  “Well, when you put it that way, it does sound really frustrating.”

  Keia stared in disbelief. Then she asked, “Why are you here?”

  “Huh?”

  “In Genievon. It’s just weird timing. Myrddin leaves, and you’re right here to take Gaheris’s place as he takes Myrddin’s. You, the old wizard’s supposed ‘friend.’ Weird, right?”

  “Yes, I suppose it is. Such strange twists life takes sometimes.”

  Keia glared once more, a thousand ways of insulting someone’s intelligence running through her mind.

  “Do you have any questions for me, young Keia? Is there anything that might alleviate your fears?”

  It hardly took five seconds of thought for Keia to decide that he wasn’t worth her trust.

  Turning her head away from him, she said, “No. I’d like to go home now.”

  “Fair enough. Yes, we can do that. May I—may I impose a question, first? And I need it answered with one hundred percent honesty. I’ll know if you’re lying.”

  Keia’s eyes narrowed. “Well, do I have a choice?”

  “I would really like to ask the question. You don’t have to answer it. But I won’t force you to hear it, either.”