The Sentinel's Reign

by Suzanne Rogerson

  Morane felt the special bond between girl and beast and knew they communicated. The pony was obviously a comfort to the child, and Morane bit back her desire to warn the girl not to practice her talent; maybe once they reached Turrak her special bond would be accepted and celebrated.

  She shifted the pack on her shoulder containing her few possessions, while the pony carried much of their supplies and the mute child. Morane was tired and her feet were sore. It was a long way to the mountains and they travelled mainly at night to avoid people and guards. She feared that when the town guards realised she’d left Steppton-upon-Avalene that they’d follow her. Only the high regard of the townsfolk had stopped anyone accusing her before; out here there were no friends, no one to stand up in her defence.

  The dark night stretched ahead of her and she was glad for the occasional shaft of moonlight to guide them through the silent land.

  ‘There are riders coming,’ the girl said, her voice shrill and broken from lack of use.

  Morane hurried the pony into the trees. She pulled the girl off the pony and spread a blanket over its back to stop its pale colour standing out against the gloomy forest. Morane chanced a look and saw black-cloaked figures pass them. Their words drifted over to their hiding place.

  ‘I can’t believe he got away from us; the master won’t be happy.’

  ‘At least we still have the war to look forward to.’

  ‘I hope so; I want my chance at some action.’

  The leader stopped and turned back to his men. ‘Listen to you three, gossiping like old women.’

  The child tensed at the sound of his voice. Her lip trembled and the fear was bright in her eyes. Morane cuddled her close, feeling her heart beating wildly.

  ‘I suggest you all quieten those tongues and speed up the pace if you want to make it back home alive.’

  The men flicked their reins and galloped on.

  Morane continued to hold the little girl, rocking her back and forth in her arms as the horsemen rode away. They stayed huddled together in the forest long after the men had disappeared from view.

  ***

  Farrell sat in his cabin amid the myriad of potted shrubs crammed into the small space. The sea of vivid green foliage and hardy flowers taking over his cabin filled him with hope for the future on Stone Haven. He loved the earthy smells and the tactile feel of the leaves as he brushed past them. The plants leant towards the shafts of sunlight shining in through the open portholes.

  ‘You look like a mad gardener lording over his plant kingdom,’ Allisus said with a grin. ‘It’s a good job the council can’t see you now.’

  Farrell laughed. ‘When this works, they’ll all bow down to my wisdom.’

  ‘We’d all like to see that day,’ Buck said, brushing the wispy fronds of a tall fern out of his face.

  They returned their attention to the desk and the ancient map of the Silent Sea spread across it, preparing to plot a course to Kalaya once they’d delivered their precious cargo to Stone Haven.

  ‘That’s the island I sensed, and this is the most direct route to it,’ Buck concluded, tracing his finger along the map.

  Farrell nodded thoughtfully. ‘It’s different to our previous course using Manton Island as a guide; it could cut days off the journey if we chart the waters correctly.’ Farrell settled back in his seat and stroked the stubble on his chin. ‘I’m happy with that; the sooner I get the council off my back, the better.’ He regarded the old man who seemed so assured sitting in the commander’s cabin and remained unflustered by life aboard ship.

  ‘You seem to know your way around a ship and the seas, Buck. What did you do before you were a hermit?’

  Buck looked surprised by the question. He scratched at his long beard and seemed to consider his answer.

  Allisus also looked cagey and Farrell immediately became suspicious of the silence.

  ‘So you two knew each other before I asked for a mystic to help me?’

  Buck looked at Allisus, who eventually nodded.

  ‘I served your father, back when we left Arconia. I was his advisor.’

  ‘Advisor for what?’

  He coughed. ‘Just an advisor as far as the people were concerned; in private I advised him about magic.’

  Farrell raised his eyebrows. ‘I can see there’s a lot more to this story.’

  Another telling silence stretched and Allisus stood up. ‘Maybe this is a conversation the two of you should have alone.’

  The door clicked shut behind Allisus, and Buck looked relieved, but only just.

  ‘So you advised my father in the ways of magic. But then what? Why did you leave? Why live as a hermit all these years?’

  ‘Perhaps I should start further back, then maybe my decision will make more sense to you.’

  Farrell watched Buck across the desk, seeing the old man’s wrinkled face highlighted in the flickering lantern on the desk. The ship sailed gently on a calm sea and the plants swayed with it, rammed in so tight there was no way they could topple over.

  Finally, the old man took a deep breath. ‘You know that back on Arconia magic was accepted. Some of us had the gift and others didn’t, but there wasn’t any hostility; we all got along and accepted people for who they were. Then the Elkenan invaders came.’

  Buck gulped, and Farrell could see the memories were painful even after twenty years.

  He pulled out a bottle of his finest brandy and poured the old man a large measure.

  Buck sipped it and smiled appreciatively at the smooth taste. Then he nursed the cup in his hands and looked into its depths.

  ‘At first, we welcomed them; they were traders like us, or so we thought. Then people with magic began to die. Your father was the first to connect things together, but by that time a fleet of them had arrived and they were intent on murdering all of us.

  ‘Your father helped us to his ships and we sailed for our lives. The entire Arconian race crammed into half a dozen ships. So many died...’

  ‘My mother died, but he never talked about it.’

  Buck’s eyes clouded with memories. ‘We all lost loved ones, but today is not a day to dredge up the ghosts of the past.’

  Farrell studied him, wondering who Buck had lost to the slaughter.

  ‘When we reached Stone Haven your father asked something of me that went against everything I believed in. He demanded it, so I followed my commander’s orders, but they were the last orders I took. I resigned my position the moment we landed and I set off alone. I found a cave and made it my home. Allisus visited with supplies, but I mainly lived on what I could forage and fish from the sea. It was a harsh and lonely time, but I felt it was all I deserved.’

  ‘Why cut yourself off? What did he ask you to do that could have been so bad?’

  He studied Farrell for long moments and shook his head. ‘You really don’t remember any of this?’

  Farrell thought back to when they’d landed on Stone Haven, but those memories had blurred with time. ‘I was only nine; I don’t remember it at all.’

  ‘When we found Stone Haven, a small party rode over to the island to explore and found it empty of life. We all agreed to spend the winter on the uninhabited island. That night your father came to me. He commanded me to stop your magic, to kill it. He was mad with grief and pain, and at first I refused him. But he said you’d been using your magic. There was danger from invaders and danger from our own people if they ever found out. He insisted it was the only way to protect you.’

  ‘So you agreed.’

  ‘I had to, he was my commander. And I was scared he’d try to do it himself. It would have been too much guilt on his shoulders. I did it for both your sakes... though I didn’t destroy your magic as he asked. I only blocked the doorway to it and wiped your memories of the magic. I’d hoped your father would calm down, but once we made our home on Stone Haven, Fynnock remained adamant that all magic should stay hidden.’ Buck shook his head sadly. ‘There was no reasoning with him. He said he woul
dn’t allow the Elkenan invaders to find us again.’

  ‘You let everyone believe you were the mad old hermit for all these years.’

  ‘It was the punishment I deserved.’

  He finished his drink and raised the cup to Farrell. ‘And now I have proof I was right to leave the magic inside you.’

  They shared smiles.

  ‘It’s come full circle. You advise me now, and I want you to promise you’ll always speak your mind, no matter how you think I’ll react.’

  Buck looked at him openly. ‘One day you might have a similar decision to make; your son has the gift too.’

  Farrell nodded sadly. ‘I don’t know all the reasons behind my father’s decision, but I would contemplate long and hard before I did that to my son.’

  ‘Your father had been considering it ever since he found out the Elkenan people’s true purpose, and then, when you started using your magic, fear for your safety made him snap.’

  They remained silent for a time, each trapped in their memories of the past.

  ‘I dreamt of my father while I was recovering from the attack. It seemed so real, sometimes I don’t think it was a dream at all.’

  Buck shook his head. ‘Our minds can play tricks on us when we’re at our most vulnerable.’

  ‘He asked for my forgiveness and said he’d made a mistake. It may have only been a dream, but maybe it’s time you stopped punishing yourself, Buck. I forgive you.’

  ‘Thank you,’ the old man said gruffly.

  They clasped hands and then Buck made to leave. ‘I’ve done enough reminiscing for one day, if you’ll excuse me, Commander.’

  Farrell watched Buck fight his way through the plants to the door, before he returned his attention to the map of the Silent Sea. He wasn’t really seeing it; he was remembering a moment from his past.

  ...he revelled in his ability to leave his body and explore the island of Stone Haven in spirit form. His father had raged at him when he found out. Farrell suddenly remembered his father locked in debate with someone. Buck, he realised and then Buck had come to his cabin. The memories began to fade, but one last image stayed with him, tears in Buck’s eyes as he carried out his commander’s wishes...

  Farrell rubbed his hand over his face as the memories returned to him in a rush.

  Who was right; the father in the past who’d buried their magical heritage or the dream image of Fynnock filled with remorse and eager to return magic to their people?

  Farrell shook his head at the two choices. Maybe seeing the Kalayan people and their magic would be a good thing. Maybe once the Kalayans were free of their oppressors, the people of Stone Haven could learn to accept their own magical Arconian heritage. After twenty years of hiding, it was time to face up to the past, but with the Elkenan invaders still a threat on the horizon, could his people ever overcome the fear of persecution that had cost their ancestors so much?

  Sighing heavily, he folded the ancient map and stored it in his desk; there were too many maybes and not enough certainties.

  His hand brushed against his journal and he shuddered as he recalled the day last year when he’d tricked one of his captives into revealing information about their old enemy. Farrell wasn’t proud of making the false promise of release, but it was better than his father’s old methods of torture. The young cook had jumped at the chance of freedom in exchange for selling out his people. Farrell had learnt details of the Elkenan homeland and their barbaric beliefs. It was information he guarded closely, written in code only he could decipher, knowing it would set the people of Stone Haven down the path of retaliation and retribution.

  The cook had told him of the scar-faced captain who led the invasions; mad and evil to his core, the captain was intent on eradicating all magic. He had pledged to cure the sickness in every race. Farrell shivered, remembering the fear in the young cook’s eyes as he described his maniacal leader.

  Farrell remembered sitting amongst the captured invaders as they were rode to face justice on Manton Island. The cook had avoided everyone’s gaze, his shoulders sagging with defeat. But when they were led away to the courthouse, he’d met Farrell’s eye and there had been something else in the look they shared, perhaps relief. Relief that maybe someday the evil of his people would end.

  Farrell had thought about that look often. He had told no one, not even Allisus. One war at a time, he cautioned himself.

  He ran his hand across the soft leaves of the plants, and pictured Stone Haven flourishing with life. If only wishing for something could make it come true.

  Chapter Thirteen

  It had been five days since they’d arrived in Turrak and Tei had barely glimpsed Brogan in that time. The Elders had kept him busy and Tei found it infuriating that she couldn’t even talk to him. She’d decided on a ride to clear her head and her spirits lifted when she saw Brogan standing by the paddock with his back to her. He leant against the fence and watched Biscuit in the field, perfectly at home with the other horses.

  She snuck up and tickled his waist. ‘I’m surprised to see you here,’ she said in his ear.

  He jumped, and she could see he’d been lost in his memories.

  ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.’

  ‘No, don’t worry.’ The warmth in his smile made her stomach flip and she forced herself to stand apart from him, mimicking his stance at the fence. They watched the horses; Starflower was cropping grass, her tail giving the occasional swish. She lifted her head and glanced in Tei’s direction, but then resumed eating.

  ‘She doesn’t seem to want a ride this morning,’ Tei said, feeling deflated.

  ‘Maybe she’s content to while away a few more days in Turrak. I know I’d rather be stood in a field eating grass than having to go through this constant stream of tests.’

  ‘You have another test today?’

  ‘Yes. I’ve already spent time with half the tradespeople in Turrak, though it’s obvious I should be with the farmers, or talking tactics with the Elders.’

  ‘Perhaps it’s to let the people get to know you. It’s good for them to see you as a real person and not just a part of the hated Assembly.’

  ‘That makes sense, I suppose.’

  ‘I’m not saying it’s true, it’s just what I’d do.’

  He nodded thoughtfully.

  ‘So what’s today’s test?’ Tei asked, forcing her hands to stay at her sides to stop from reaching out for Brogan.

  ‘Battle training, I think. That’s my training master over there, so I’m going to need a lot of luck.’ Brogan pointed to the exercise ground.

  Tei spotted Hafender out with the trainees, his commanding voice drifting across to them. ‘Hafender’s not too bad really. I’m sure he’ll go easy on you.’

  ‘I don’t care how hard these tests are, or how long the Elders deem it necessary to judge my worth, so long as no one tries to stop me getting revenge on Rathnor.’

  She risked giving his arm a quick squeeze. ‘Whatever it takes to stop him destroying our home and our people.’

  They held each other’s gaze.

  ‘I want to see you,’ he said, his warm brown eyes drawing her in.

  The fluttering feeling built in her chest and she longed to kiss him. The urge was almost overpowering, but then shouts from lower down the valley broke the spell.

  ‘I’ll work something out, but right now, you have a date with Hafender.’ She winked at him and they stepped apart as the rowdy recruits began to leave their early morning training session.

  ‘I’d better go.’ Brogan gave an apologetic wave and sprinted away.

  Tei watched him jog down the path, her smile slowly fading as she thought of the darkness that came over him whenever he spoke about Rathnor.

  She hated the evil assemblyman when she thought of what he’d done to Brogan’s friends. That night still haunted her dreams and she tortured herself imagining what the Masked Riders had done to the innocent family. Beliss’ last words echoed in her head ‘Daddy, no...�
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  Tei left the paddock, deciding to leave Starflower in peace. As she turned back to the mountain path, she saw Mara walking in the direction of the stables.

  ‘Mara.’ She waved and hurried to join her friend.

  Mara waved a greeting in response and waited for Tei to draw level with her. They shared a brief hug and then Mara nudged her arm.

  ‘I can see why you were pining all that time.’

  Tei blushed and checked around, but no one else was within earshot. ‘I can’t believe he’s actually here.’ She bit her tongue to stop from saying anything else, mindful of Mara’s recent heartache.

  Tei looked her friend up and down. ‘You’re looking much better today, but why the travel clothes?’

  ‘Oh, I’m with Dlane’s group now.’ Mara turned away quickly.

  Tei traced her gaze to the training ground where the captain was talking to his group. They were all similarly dressed in travel clothes. Tei’s stomach contracted with fear.

  ‘Now the Elders have finally lifted the travel ban, I’m joining Dlane on small missions, nothing dangerous…’

  ‘What? Have you gone mad?’

  Mara crossed her arms and glared at Tei. ‘No, but I will if I don’t get some space. Life in Turrak is stifling me. I need to get out and see Kalaya. If the war comes I might not get another chance.’

  Tei remained silent, the thought of war was too horrible to contemplate, and yet both Callisa and Mara seemed so quick to accept it would come.

  ‘You shouldn’t be risking yourself… or the baby.’

  Mara’s expression hardened. ‘It’s for the baby I’m doing this. You know how much I want to see my relatives, so our baby has a family.’

  ‘What do the Elders say? Surely they wouldn’t allow this if they knew about the baby.’

  ‘They don’t know, and I’m not going to tell them until I have to.’

  Tei gawked at her friend. ‘It’s too dangerous; you haven’t thought this through at all.’

  Mara touched her belly protectively and her eyes misted with tears.