The Calling (The Andovia Chronicles Book 1)

by Tiffany Shand

  Harland’s laughter echoed in her ears. “Afraid they’ll see you for what you are, girl?”

  She flinched and glanced around, half expecting to see him, but there was no one. She had only seen him hovering around a couple of times over the past two weeks. Both times he had taunted her and insisted she would be joining him in death soon.

  “I thought it would be easier. Touch opens people’s thoughts more,” Alaric said.

  It did, but it also ran the risk of other things happening, like her influence coming out.

  “I’ll read you without touching you.” She closed her eyes and forced away her nagging doubts. She would never learn control unless she practised. No one understood her power since there were no mind whisperers left.

  Nyx found herself back, surrounded by her protective grove. Here she felt safe.

  “Concentrate and let your mind go forth,” Ambrose told her. “Let it guide your way.”

  Her power didn’t guide her. It did whatever it wanted with her. Nyx waited for something to happen. Aside from a distant buzzing sound of thoughts, she heard and saw nothing.

  Don’t resist your power. Alaric’s voice made her jump.

  “Concentrate on what you want to find,” Ambrose added.

  The buzzing sensation intensified until Nyx found herself falling.

  What’s happening? Her heart lurched as the ground vanished, replaced by darkness.

  Nyx found herself in a hallway with doors on each side. The doors seemed to go on forever. It reminded her of the night she and the druid had entered Lyon’s mind when they had tried to save him. Did all minds look like this? Darius had insisted that happened because of her power, and it was a way for her to access people’s memories on a deeper level rather than just reading their surface thoughts. Most people’s heads were only a jumble of sounds and colours.

  “What do you see?” Ambrose asked.

  Nyx gasped, amazed she could still hear him.

  “Doors,” she murmured. Odd, she could never talk out loud when she got deep into someone’s mind.

  “Good, search through them.”

  Search? It could take a lifetime to look through all of these.

  Nyx approached the door nearest to her. It opened on a scene of running through the woods. Exhilaration washed over her and the thrill of the hunt. This is Alaric’s memory, she realised. Nyx pushed the door shut. She didn’t want to feel that. Did Alaric know what she was doing?

  She didn’t like that thought either. People were always unaware of her eavesdropping, but now she couldn’t be sure.

  Nyx moved a little further down the hall and opened another door. This time Ambrose appeared, and the two argued over something. This must be a recent memory.

  “I want you to find out what Alaric turned into when he first changed.”

  How old would Alaric have been when he changed? He looked about forty, so there would be decades of memories to search through. On rare occasions when she wanted to know things it usually didn’t take long to find them. Most people’s minds were an open book. She’d never had to search so deep in someone’s mind before.

  Nyx had no idea where to look so she hurried further down the hall until she came to another door and pushed it open.

  Fire surrounded her on all sides, smoke stung her eyes and made her cough.

  She slammed the door shut. Ambrose had said to let her power guide her.

  What did you change into? She didn’t like being stuck in here either. It felt like a violation in a way it never had before. She never usually read someone’s thoughts on purpose. It just happened, whether she chose it or not.

  The doors blurred. Nyx concentrated harder on what she wanted to find.

  One door beckoned her. This time Alaric’s energy felt younger. Bone and muscle cracked as he took on a new form. She winced as pain seared through her.

  “A bear,” she said finally. “He changed into a bear.” She opened her eyes, and the world around her spun. Relief flooded through her at being out of there. The pain had felt too real.

  “Good, now go back and find out who Alaric’s brother is.”

  Nyx wanted to protest and took a moment to steady herself.

  The hall loomed before her again. More doors than ever appeared. One door flipped open, and she edged closer. Alaric was in the sitting room with Ambrose again. They had on the same robes as they wore now.

  “Do you think the girl truly is a mind whisperer?” Alaric asked. “They were wiped out decades ago.”

  Ambrose nodded. “Yes. What else could she be? Her power is unlike anything I’ve felt before. Think of her potential.”

  “Think of the danger,” Alaric countered. “If the Archdruid found out, he would either kill her or try to use her for his own means.”

  “He won’t. I’ll find a way to help her. Did you find anything in the Hall of Knowledge?” Ambrose arched an eyebrow.

  Nyx wondered what the hall was. It sounded interesting, and she sensed it was important. She had heard Darius and Lucien talking about the place a few times along with Ranelle, but none of them had bothered to explain what it was or where it was for that matter.

  “No, everything about them has been erased by Dorian Valeran — Darius’ grandfather.”

  Ambrose cursed. “It’s a good thing the overseers took the hall from him when they did. No doubt Fergus would want its knowledge too.” He sighed and ran a hand down his beard. “I want to help this girl. Perhaps she’s the one the prophecy speaks of. Even if she is not —she must learn to control it.”

  “Agreed. I heard that some mind whisperers went mad and had to live in isolation because of their gifts.”

  Nyx drew back. Would she go mad if she didn’t learn to control her powers? Fear bloomed in her chest. The hallway flickered in and out of existence.

  She had to focus.

  The flickering stopped, and she concentrated on Alaric’s brother. More doors blurred past her. One beckoned, yet it didn’t feel right.

  Nyx hesitated and opened another door instead. A small boy was playing in a field. She opened her eyes. “Derek — his name is Derek.” Her temples throbbed. “Why do mind whisperers go mad?”

  The two men shared a glance.

  Ambrose chuckled. “It seems you might have more control than we thought.”

  Nyx turned to Alaric. “You were distracting me when I searched for your brother. I felt it. You wanted me to go through the other door even though the truth wasn’t there. Why would you do that?”

  Alaric nodded. “I didn’t think you would notice. I didn’t mean to test your abilities.”

  Nyx frowned. “How did you do it? No one knows when I’m in their mind.”

  “I’m an overseer. We are taught to shield our minds since we have access to ancient knowledge. No one has walked around my thoughts as easily as you did.”

  “So why did mind whisperers go mad?” she repeated.

  Ambrose hesitated. “Some grew overwhelmed by their gifts. It became too much for them to bear. During the realm wars, they were forced to do unspeakable things.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like torture slaves and prisoners. Force people to…” Ambrose shook his head. “That is why you must never let others know the true extent of your powers.”

  “What good did this lesson do then?” She crossed her arms. “He didn’t teach me control.”

  “It proved you can control it when you choose. Now try again.”

  Nyx didn’t feel much like eating dinner that night. Even though she enjoyed having three meals a day, she couldn’t eat anything, not with the meeting with Gideon hanging over her and dread knotting in her stomach.

  “Are you going to eat?” Darius frowned at her from across the table. Most of his plate was already empty. Ambrose hadn’t joined them for dinner as he had been called away, so it was just the two of them.

  She pushed her food around the plate with her fork. “No.” She gulped down her water.

  The druids on
ly drank wine during ceremonies or on special occasions, so she didn’t even have that to give her courage. That was one thing she missed about being in the tavern, at least there she had easily been able to get wine or ale. Nor did she have access to the drug Nilanda anymore either. At least that would have dampened her powers.

  “Are you worried about meeting Gideon?”

  She glowered at him. “Why couldn’t you waylay him again? I’m not ready to face him yet. I still can’t control my powers well enough.” She threw her fork down in exasperation. “What if he senses how powerful I am? He said my abilities wouldn’t work against him. He could lock me up or worse.” Her hands clenched into fists. Nyx hated feeling afraid. She had felt nothing but fear since she had come to this place.

  Even though she had known Darius couldn’t keep his brother away forever, she had hoped he would delay it a little longer.

  “You said I had to keep my abilities a secret. How am I supposed to do that?”

  Darius lowered his goblet. “Use your bracelet.”

  She gaped at him. “That’s it? That’s going to protect me?” The bracelet had helped to some extent, but she didn’t want to rely on it. Her powers might still seep through somehow or it might lose its effectiveness. Anything could go wrong. Nyx continued, “I know what your grandfather did to mind whisperers. I also know they went mad and he killed them.”

  Darius’ jaw clenched. “I won’t let that happen to you. The bracelet represses your powers. You won’t lose control around him.”

  “Forgive me if I don’t believe a spelled bracelet is going to protect me.” She crossed her arms. “What did you do to it?”

  “I used my blood on it. I somehow suppress your power. It’s the only thing we have to shield you.”

  “It makes me vulnerable too. What does Gideon want with me?” Her mind kept racing with different scenarios of what the fae prince might do with her. None of them ended well.

  “He will want to test you to see if you are the one the prophecy speaks of. We heard stories about you, and that piqued his interest. Whatever you do, do not use your powers on him.”

  “Is he immune like you?”

  “Probably, but he is protected in ways I’m not. Our father placed shields on us designed to stop any mind whisperers from compelling us.” Darius took a sip from his goblet. “The shields are pretty much impenetrable.”

  Her shoulders slumped. Her influence wouldn’t save her if Gideon did anything untoward.

  “He will want you to prove your power. Do whatever you can to hide it.”

  That did nothing to ease her nerves.

  Nyx pushed back her plate and rose. “How do I even get to Avenia? Will Sirin take me?”

  Maybe she could order the dragon to take her to one of the smaller islands, and she could hide there for the night. If she found somewhere safe she could retreat into her grove so Gideon wouldn’t be able to find her. Nyx wished she had a way of escaping already. Despite her provisions and planning, she didn’t have a route planned yet.

  “No, Gideon’s personal guard will come and escort you straight to him. Don’t try running away. These guards are trained to kill people, and they will drag you there no matter what.”

  Her heart sank — no chance of hiding then.

  “Can I have some wine before I go?”

  Darius chuckled. “No, you need your senses to be clear. Wine would only impair your judgement.”

  She scowled. “I’ll be more powerless if I had some.”

  “Wine impairs the mind. You need to be alert.” He got up to grab something from his coat. “Here.” He held out a thick metal band to her. “This is for you. Wear it.”

  Nyx frowned. “What will this do? Turn me into a dragon?” That would be something at least. Maybe then she could kill Gideon and be free of him once and for all. Being a different race would mean she wouldn’t be forced to stay here either.

  He laughed. “Blessed spirits, no. Try it on.”

  Nyx sighed and slipped the band onto her wrist. There was nothing special about it. It was a plain grey band. If she saw it on the street, she would never give it a second look. She waited for something to happen. “What does it do?”

  “Press the other side here.” He pressed his fingers against her wrist.

  Nyx did so and yelped when a blade came out. “Gods, druid, are you trying to kill me?”

  Darius bit back a smile. “No, this is the perfect weapon. Easily concealed and in plain sight. I thought you could use something extra to protect yourself with.”

  Nyx tested the balance of the blade. “Not bad, but not as good as a real sword.” She pressed the side again, and the blade retracted. “How does it work?”

  “I copied it from an old design by the ancients. It’s magic, so the blade retracts into the metal.” He grabbed her wrist, so the blade came out again. “Let the blade move with you.”

  “I know my way around a sword, druid.”

  “The bracelet can be triggered by thought too. I designed it to respond to the wearer.”

  “You forge weapons?” She had never seen him do such a thing, but he disappeared at times, and she hadn’t been able to work out where he had gone. “How?”

  “Everyone should have skills. My magic allows me to withstand heat and forge metal.”

  Retract, she thought and jumped as the blade snapped back.

  “See, I knew it would be perfect for you.” He kept hold of her wrist, his fingers warm against her skin. “And it’s safer than using your powers — but don’t use it unless you have to. Gideon can protect himself with magic. Don’t stab him unless you have to.”

  Nyx took her arm away as a man walked in. “I’ve come to bring the slave before Prince Gideon.”

  Nyx flinched at the word “slave.” Over the past few days, Darius, Ambrose and most of the people she met had been kind to her. No one on Eldara treated her like a slave. She bit back a retort. It was best to get this over with. Besides, Darius’ gift put her more at ease. She glanced back at the druid.

  Good luck, he told her.

  I’ll need it.

  Nyx followed the guard outside where he activated the transport circle. A few moments later, they reappeared inside a long hallway. Oak gleamed over the floor, and rich tapestries covered the walls. Suits of armour were dotted down one side of the hall and looked like they were holding real weapons.

  Her head spun from the sensation. She hated those transport rings.

  The guard stomped down the hall without saying a word.

  She guessed they must be in the Crystal Palace, but she didn’t know for certain. Nyx frowned and fiddled with her spelled bracelet. Nothing warned her of danger and she had no way of knowing if repressing her power would prevent her from sensing any threats.

  If Gideon harmed her, she’d make him pay.

  Nyx took a deep breath as another guard knocked on a door, and she checked to make sure both of her bracelets were in place. Neither band looked very impressive so she hoped neither the guard nor Gideon would remove them from her.

  “Come,” Gideon called.

  She flinched, and her stomach lurched. Spirits, please help me through this. And please don’t let Harland appear whilst I’m here.

  The door creaked open and she shuffled inside.

  Gideon’s chamber looked almost as big as the tavern. Aside from the tapestry on the wall, it didn’t have a cosy atmosphere like Ambrose’s house. That place felt like home — somewhere that was lived in. This room gave off a cold, harsh feeling — much like its owner.

  Nyx shivered.

  Gideon rose from the high back chair. “Good, you’re finally here. Why has my brother been delaying your visit?” He eyed her up and down. “I have sent summons for you for almost two weeks now. What took so long?”

  She shrugged. “You would have to ask him that.” She met his gaze head-on. Nyx might have been terrified the first day she met him, but she wouldn’t be now, or at least she wouldn’t show it. She had seen how
Darius put a mask on and kept his face impassive. She’d practised in front of the mirror, but had no idea if it would work.

  “I’m asking you.”

  “We’ve been working on the darkling problem.” True enough. Darius had told her not to lie to his brother, so she would keep as close to the truth as possible. “I’ve been following your brother around wherever he goes.”

  Gideon sneered. “Darius likes to indulge in Ambrose’s delusions. I can’t believe he’s wasting time traipsing all over the islands, and for what? It is not possible for the veil to break and my brother is too stupid to realise it.”

  Nyx bit back a retort. Darius might be a lot of things, but stupid was not one of them. She still couldn’t believe what a fool Gideon was for choosing to ignore the fractured veil. What would it take for him to finally see the truth and admit there was a real problem?

  She knew though that if she argued, she might make things worse for herself. “What do you want with me?”

  “That’s for you to find out. I heard many tales from the lower realm of how a thief kept stealing things, and victims had no memory of how or when it might have happened.” Gideon’s usual scowl returned. “You must have known you couldn’t hide your abilities forever. You would have been safer if you hadn’t used them at all, especially to commit petty crime.”

  Did he expect her to admit to it? She would not give in so easily.

  “How would people know if they forgot about it?” She raised her chin and refused to wilt under his gaze.

  “Tongues loosen when they are plied with drink. I know you’re the one they spoke of and you’re the one who killed that tavern owner.” Gideon circled her, staring at her like she was an insect. “Just as I know you’re hiding your powers somehow.”

  Her skin prickled as his senses roamed over her once more. Power flared inside her, held back by the band on her left wrist. She wanted to use her powers on him more than anything, but she wouldn’t. She would do everything she could to avoid that.

  Gideon drew back and frowned.