The Sentinel's Reign

by Suzanne Rogerson

  ‘The man spoke to you?’

  ‘Yes, he said I should get help.’

  Farrell went cold with fury. Fynn was a child; his Kalayan contact had no right to talk to his son or involve him in anything.

  ‘There you two are. Don’t disturb your father, it’s very naughty.’

  ‘It’s fine, Leila. I was awake anyway. And it’s time I got out of bed.’

  She rushed forward and helped him pull back the covers.

  His back tightened as he swung his body around and his legs felt achy and weak as they dangled over the edge of the bed.

  ‘Are you sure you should be doing this? Maybe you should wait a day or two. The wound was deep.’

  ‘No, I need to start moving. The sooner I get out of bed, the quicker I can get back to normal.’

  She pursed her lips and took his arm without speaking.

  Pain shot through his back as he put weight on his injured side. He could feel where the dagger had wedged in the hipbone and the skin of his back stretched uncomfortably across the wound. The reminder of the attack fuelled his determination to get better. He’d already wasted days being unconscious and more whilst his weakened body attempted to heal.

  He leant against Leila as they shuffled around the room. The pain was excruciating, but he gritted his teeth and didn’t give away any sign of his discomfort.

  Fynn trailed behind them, watching his father with big, solemn eyes.

  After a few circuits of the room, he was out of breath and Leila helped him back into bed.

  ‘My sister will be here soon. She’s taking Fynn to the beach. There was a storm yesterday, so everyone’s going to collect driftwood and see what else has washed up on the shore.’

  Farrell looked down at his son. ‘Be a good boy for your aunty.’

  ‘I will, Daddy.’

  Leila dressed Fynn in warm clothes and then they disappeared into the other room.

  Farrell lay back and caught his breath. A few minutes later, Leila returned. ‘They’ve gone, and they took Thorn with them.’

  They both felt safer with the dog guarding their son.

  He patted the bed next to him and shifted over so she could sit with him. He draped his good arm around her shoulders. ‘That night, how did you know to find me?’

  Leila looked down at her hands and swallowed hard. ‘It’s all a bit of a blur. Fynn insisted there was something wrong; he was crying and telling me to get help. Then Thorn started scratching and growling at the door. I grabbed your sword, and when I opened the door, Thorn dashed off into the night. I was terrified and all Fynn kept saying was Daddy’s hurt.’

  She drew in a shaky breath. ‘I locked Fynn in the house and ran after Thorn. I found you on the ground with Thorn guarding over you. There were several men, but when they saw me, they ran. Then Vikks and the others turned up and gave chase. Allisus arrived soon after, and they carried you home. You were unconscious and bleeding so much... I thought you were going to die.’

  She broke down and he squeezed her against him. ‘I’m still alive, Leila. Thanks to you and Thorn.’

  ‘And Fynn,’ she whispered.

  He squeezed her hands. ‘It’s time we faced up to the fact that Fynn has the gift.’

  She shook her head vehemently.

  ‘It’s not the curse everyone’s been brought up to believe.’ He paused and entwined his fingers through hers. ‘My father had the gift... and so do I.’

  She looked up at him and he was relieved to see she didn’t look horrified or repulsed.

  ‘The magic of our Arconian ancestors lives on in my bloodline. It helped our people survive the invasion. It brought us to Stone Haven, and it helped me find Kalaya.’

  Leila stroked a finger down his face, tracing his jawline through the stubble. She studied him for a long time before she smiled. ‘I always knew there was something different about you, something special...’

  They kissed and then he held her back and looked deep into her eyes. ‘Are you really fine with this?’

  ‘Farrell, I love you. When I thought I’d lost you, my whole world fell apart. Now I know you’re safe, nothing else matters. You’re a good man, and I’ll stand by you. With, or without magic.’

  As they snuggled on the bed together, Farrell felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

  ***

  Callisa pushed aside the plate of half-eaten dinner and lay back against the chair. Exhaustion tugged at her, and though she fought it, tiredness won the battle. As she drifted to sleep, a scene unfolded before her eyes.

  ...The fire burnt low, barely glowing in the semi-dark evening. Three men lay wrapped in blankets around it while a fourth man stood watch.

  Callisa sensed trouble in the air, but the sentry hadn’t noticed as he nodded off to sleep.

  She saw a movement in the bushes and recognised the flash of steel reflecting firelight.

  ‘Beneger,’ she cried, but the youngster didn’t hear her.

  Armed men streamed silently from the trees and surrounded the camp. A sword butt clipped Beneger on the head and he dropped soundlessly to the ground. The rest of the group woke to find swords pointed at their necks.

  Old Makner went for his weapon, but the men kicked him into submission.

  The guardsmen bound and gagged the four exiles. Then they led them away, though Beneger was still unconscious and had to be dragged to the nearest horse. The guards threw him across its back...

  Callisa woke and sat up in the chair, her face wet with tears. What could she do now? There were no exiles close enough to Newington to help the captured men.

  She paced to the window. It was almost dark in the valley and lights flickered in the homes and dorm rooms. She saw the tavern lit up like a beacon and pictured the exiles inside toasting their new Sentinel. The duplicity of her role twisted deeper. She had ultimate power over these people, she could choose who lived and died, and the responsibility weighed her down with despair.

  She remembered Tei’s mother visiting her all those years ago. She’d warned Callisa of the bad men and that Tei would help her save the magic, but she’d never warned her about the choices she would make and the lives she would sacrifice.

  Callisa reached out in her anguish and the island magic pulsed through her, though it wasn’t the comfort she craved. For her there was no escaping her destiny.

  ***

  Tei hesitated, her hand raised ready to knock at the door, when she heard a muffled voice from inside the room. The door slid open and she saw Callisa sitting at her desk.

  ‘Come in, Tei.’ A smile lifted Callisa’s tired expression.

  Tei headed straight to the window and looked out at the valley below. Callisa stood alongside her and they stared down at the busy settlement. Activity filled the morning scene as another day in Turrak began.

  Tei glanced across at the Sentinel. ‘You look exhausted,’ she said, seeing the dark circles shadowing Callisa’s eyes. ‘Did you even go to bed last night?’

  Callisa shrugged the question aside. ‘I feel like I’ve aged ten years this week.’

  Tei turned away; it could almost be true and it was an unsettling thought. ‘I haven’t seen you for a couple of days; I thought I better check up on you.’

  ‘I’m fine. Upholding this magical barrier is proving difficult without Gohan’s guidance. I’m terrified of making a mistake and leaving us exposed. In fact, I really need to get back to it now.’ She wandered over to her desk and slumped into her seat, looking ready to fall asleep.

  ‘I’m sure the island will survive while you take a break. I brought you these sweet pastries from Mara.’ Tei deposited the linen sack on the desk.

  Callisa’s eyes lit up as she peered inside the bag and helped herself to one. She took her first bite and caught the pastry flakes in her hand. ‘Delicious,’ she said, ‘just what I needed.’ She ate the treat in a few bites and helped herself to a second. ‘How’s Mara?’ she asked, through a mouthful of food.

  ‘She’s struggling, but at
least she’s baking again. These pastries are her way of apologising to you. She feels bad for storming out on you last week when you refused to let her leave Turrak.’

  ‘I made the right decision... for Mara at least.’ Callisa sighed and set down the half-eaten pastry on her desk. She sat stiffly in her chair, her thoughts seeming far away from the room and their conversation. Then she shook her head as if to dislodge unwanted thoughts and cleared her throat. ‘Well, I really should get back to my work now.’

  When Tei didn’t make a move to leave, Callisa looked up at her, her gaze searching. There was sadness and understanding in her eyes. ‘You and Mara should both talk about your loss. There’s nothing to gain by hurting in silence.’

  Tei looked out the window, seeing only Garrick’s huge grin and Rike’s serious smile. The familiar pain she felt when she thought about them built in her chest, but she banked down her emotions. She couldn’t burden Mara, not when she had her own grief to deal with.

  ‘I mean it, Tei. You have to talk about it to heal.’

  ‘I’m not the one hiding away in a cave.’

  When she faced the Sentinel, Callisa’s expression had hardened. ‘Tell Mara her pastries are delicious.’ Her tone was cold and she turned her back on Tei.

  Tei watched the Sentinel for a moment longer, and then dragged her feet as she left the cave room. She wandered down to the settlement, trying not to imagine Callisa alone with only her troubles for company. She pulled up her hood and blended into the crowd.

  ‘Tei?’

  She turned to see Hafender loping towards her and cursed that the cloak’s magic hadn’t worked in time to protect her from his gaze.

  Squinting against the sun, she could almost mistake the captain for Garrick. She nodded greeting to him as the painful thought robbed her of speech.

  ‘I’ve been searching for you.’ Hafender fell into step beside her. ‘I had a free morning and wondered if you wanted to go for a ride outside Turrak.’

  ‘Oh,’ she said and turned away from him. ‘I’m busy helping the Sentinel.’

  ‘Just for an hour or two. We could race along the plain, stretch your horse’s legs and escape the mountains. I’m sure you could do with some space.’

  ‘No, the Sentinel needs me here.’

  ‘Tei.’ Hafender lay a gentle hand on her shoulder.

  She found herself unwillingly turning towards him.

  ‘Trapping yourself in the mountains isn’t the way to get over what happened. I don’t want to see you withdrawing into yourself again.’

  His words reminded her of what she’d said to Callisa, but this wasn’t the same. When she left Turrak, people died. ‘I’ve no reason to leave here now the Sentinel’s been found.’

  Hafender shook his head. ‘I don’t think either of us believes that. You have a restless spirit; you shouldn’t confine yourself to Turrak. It’s not enough for you.’

  ‘It has to be.’

  The captain looked at her for a long time before forming his reply. ‘There are other innocents out there in need of saving, and when the Elders lift their ban on travel I’d hoped you might re-join...’

  She held up her hand and cut him short. ‘Thanks, but I’m fine where I am. You don’t need to worry about me.’ She hurried away, all the time sensing his eyes on her back. She was glad when a bend in the street shielded her from his view.

  Tei continued to follow the winding path and ended up in the hidden valley. She found her favourite old cherry tree in the orchard and collapsed beneath it.

  She closed her eyes and took some deep breaths, focusing on the peaceful hum of nature. Kalaya welcomed her and lulled her towards sleep.

  Sometime later, a shadow fell across Tei and roused her from a doze. Opening her eyes, she was surprised to see Mara.

  ‘Mara, what are you doing here?’ She rubbed her eyes before smoothing down her hair. She stretched and rolled her shoulders, which were stiff and achy after the unexpected nap.

  Mara sat down. ‘I just fancied a chat.’

  Mara looked at the ground and they struggled to make conversation; all efforts felt stilted with Tei's guilt and Mara’s sadness hanging between them like an invisible wall.

  ‘Why did you come here?’ Tei asked at last.

  Mara shrugged and set down the flower she’d been toying with. ‘Am I that obvious?’

  ‘No, I’m just surprised you came all the way here when you haven’t been feeling well.’

  ‘Hafender suggested we talk. He’s worried about you, about both of us I think.’

  ‘I don’t know whether to be flattered or angry.’

  Mara smiled faintly. ‘The captain said Hilda is talking about your lack of interest in leaving Turrak. She was suggesting marrying you off so you can carry on the magical bloodline.’

  ‘Get married and have children with someone I don’t even know?’

  ‘That’s what the Elders will do if you let them. They meddle with all our lives in order to preserve the bloodline. They tried it with me often enough, but I always refused them. Love is more important...’ she broke off and caressed her belly. ‘Don’t let them force you into anything; wait until you find your special someone.’

  Tei thought about Brogan, alive but out of reach. She sighed heavily.

  ‘Aren’t you angry at the Elders, Tei? I thought you’d be outraged.’

  ‘I find it hard to care about the future right now.’ The words were out before she could stop herself.

  Mara shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. ‘Don’t be like that.’

  ‘I’m sorry; I meant they’ve already spoilt my only chance of love with their stupid rules.’

  ‘Don’t let them push you around. I need you to be strong, Tei, for me and the baby. How else can I get through this?’

  ‘I’ll always be here for you.’ Tei pulled Mara into a hug. ‘Don’t forget, that’s my niece or nephew you’re carrying.’

  Mara rubbed her belly and gazed up at the sky. There was a twinkle in her eye as love for her unborn baby shone through, keeping her strong. ‘I hope they’re both happy up there, protecting us all.’

  ‘They’ll be happy as long as you and the baby are alright.’ Tei stood and offered Mara a hand. ‘Come on, let’s get back to the valley before we’re missed.’

  They strolled along arm in arm, a peaceful silence between them. Tei thought begrudgingly that Callisa had been right; she and Mara needed each other. She squeezed her friend’s arm and grinned at her. An image of Garrick laughing heartily flashed in Tei’s mind and she remembered sitting at Mara’s table, eating, talking and laughing the evening away.

  It was the first time she’d thought about him without a terrible pang of grief. How could she forget their sacrifice so quickly? Her mood soured, she parted ways with Mara at the valley and headed for the paddock. Starflower welcomed her with a nose nudge. She buried her face in the horse’s mane and shed a few secret tears.

  ***

  ‘I know it will break your heart, Brogan, but you’re making the right decision.’ Luth pushed aside his empty plate and reached over to pat Brogan’s shoulder.

  ‘Are you sure, you don’t think I’ll be putting my friends in any danger?’

  ‘The farm will have nothing to do with you and Rathnor has no interest in farmers. If you weren’t on the Assembly, your paths would likely never have crossed.’

  ‘It’s just Drago and Verda have become like family to me, and Beliss…’ Brogan stopped himself, unable to confide in Luth about Beliss and her magic. No one else could know if he was going to keep her safe.

  Luth nodded in understanding. ‘Mull over your decision tonight and then tomorrow I’ll put you in touch with a friend of mine who can help you draft up the official deeds if you want to go ahead.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Brogan said, as he massaged the tension from his neck. ‘Signing away my family farm is the last thing I want to do, but I know it’ll be in the right hands. I just hope Drago understands why I’m doing this.’
/>
  They finished their ales. The Stag was quiet and neither of them had much to say in a public space where Rathnor’s spies could be listening.

  Luth paid for his share of the meal and made his goodbyes.

  Brogan remained, staring into the fire as he savoured a final ale and played the day over in his mind. Rathnor had been in better spirits, which set alarm bells ringing in Brogan’s head. He knew Rathnor was up to something and Brogan had to be in a position to expose his plans, which meant the farm had to go.

  With a sigh, he set down his empty tankard and stood. He felt light-headed as he left the tavern and stepped out into the dark evening. A fresh breeze wrapped around him and he pulled up the hood of his cloak.

  He walked through the deserted streets, feeling the exercise revive his senses. As it did, he saw movement up ahead and instinctively shrank back into the shadows. Using the darkness of the buildings lining the street, he crept closer. He squeezed his hand into a fist as he recognised the tall, dark-clad figure. He couldn’t see a face, or any giveaway features but he knew Rathnor was holding another suspicious evening meeting.

  Brogan crept as close as he dared; glad his leather-soled boots were silent on the cobbled street.

  He heard the familiar sound of jingling coins and watched Rathnor pass a moneybag to another man, who swiftly hid it in his pocket.

  ‘The rest will follow when the trial is over.’ Rathnor’s words drifted back to Brogan’s hiding place.

  He held his breath, trying not to give away his presence. The moon broke through the cloud cover and allowed him a glimpse of the other man’s face. He was middle-aged and balding, and glanced around furtively as he disappeared into the night.

  Brogan crouched further into the shadows of the doorway as Rathnor turned and walked right past his hiding place.

  He counted to twenty before checking the streets; there was no sign of Rathnor or the man he’d paid.

  Brogan stood and brushed the dirt from his clothes. As he headed home, he worked through the possible implications of the meeting. He knew that whatever Rathnor was planning, he had to stop it.