‘Gohan, what have you done to me?’ she screamed into the void of the Astral Plane, but her broken voice echoed back at her, the only reply.
Callisa lay her head against the cold stone of her desk and wept.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Farrell dipped the nib of his quill in ink and continued to scratch his thoughts into the journal. Having struggled with his lack of knowledge from his father’s years as commander, he’d decided to record his own testimony. He summarised every issue for future generations to see what happened in his time of leadership, so they might understand what brought the Stone Haven people to Kalaya’s shores. Sitting idle, waiting for the barricade to fall, had given him ample time to cover his three years as commander. A knock at the door disturbed him as he reached forward to re-ink the nib. He set down the quill and closed the journal. ‘Come in.’
The door creaked open and Buck stood to attention in the opening, his expression grim.
Farrell waved him inside. ‘Have you found him?’
The old hermit remained in the doorway of Farrell’s private quarters. ‘No, Commander, I still can’t penetrate the magical barrier surrounding the island,’ he said, shuffling into the cabin and shutting the door behind him.
‘I need you to keep trying.’
Buck sat opposite him; the worry had not left his weatherworn face, and it aged him more than his already considerable years. ‘That’s not why I’m here, Commander. I’ve seen another spirit... she was watching you.’
Farrell’s skin crawled. ‘Who was she? Were her intentions good or bad?’
‘I don’t know. I sensed sadness in her, a vast all-consuming sadness. There was no time to make a judgement.’ Buck hung his head. ‘I’m afraid I panicked and she fled. I tried to locate her again but she vanished inside the barrier.’
Farrell paced his cabin. ‘Let’s be logical about this. If she’d meant me harm, she could have attacked there and then.’ He looked to Buck for confirmation and the old man nodded. ‘But when confronted by you she chose to run rather than talk or fight.’
‘I don’t think she wanted to harm you.’
‘We shall have to wait and see if this woman is a threat. In the meantime, keep searching for my contact on the island. Right now, his intentions are the ones that matter.’
With a salute, Buck left the cabin.
Farrell settled back at his desk and put away his journal. Then he studied the crude map of Kalaya he’d begun to outline. While the barrier remained, it was hard to capture a true representation of the island’s coastline and, unable to concentrate, he thrust down his quill again and crossed his arms.
The mystery woman returned to his thoughts. She was a new piece to the puzzle; now he had to work out where she fitted into Rathnor’s schemes.
***
Tei hesitated outside the room. Her talk with Thal and two drinks for courage could only get her so far, now she’d have to swallow her pride and grant Callisa the forgiveness she craved.
Tei touched her hand to the door. Callisa.
At first, there was no reply, but then slowly the door slid inwards to admit her.
‘Come in.’
Tei heard the Sentinel’s muffled voice, and, peering inside, saw her standing at the window with her back to the room. She didn’t turn around.
‘Is this a good time?’ Tei asked.
‘It’s always a good time… for friends.’ Finally, she turned towards Tei, revealing red-rimmed eyes.
‘Oh, Callisa.’ Tei walked into the room, her own eyes pricking with tears.
Callisa attempted a smile, but it turned into a sob. Tei reached out and hugged her. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘Me too,’ Callisa said.
They pulled apart and looked at one another before bursting out laughing.
‘Look at us, two of the most revered people in Turrak and we’re wailing like babies. What would the people say?’
‘I never did care for gossips,’ Callisa answered as she led Tei towards the hearth.
The fire sprang to life as Tei settled into one of the large cushioned chairs.
Callisa put a pot of water to heat by the fire. When it was ready, she poured them both a warming, sweet tisane. Over their drinks, they talked, reforming their bond and mending the hurt they’d caused each other.
‘I know it means nothing now, but I really want you to know how much I regret my decision.’
Tei sighed. ‘I understand why you chose Brogan; he was the right man for the job. We should leave it at that.’ She stared into the fire, watching the flickering dance of the flames.
‘How are you truly?’ she asked at last, forcing herself to turn back and hold Callisa’s gaze.
There was sadness in the older woman’s eyes. ‘Every day is a struggle. The spell threads are fading, breaking apart, and it takes so much energy to mend the magic. When the death toll rises, I won’t be able to keep up.’
‘Is there nothing I can do? Or the Elders? Surely we can help you in some way?’
Callisa shook her head. ‘This is my task alone, my burden...’ She paused, and looked at the closed door.
Tei watched her transform; her poise returned and when the guise of Sentinel was firmly in place, Callisa gave a command and the door swung open. A young mystic stood framed in the doorway, looking like a frightened deer. Callisa beckoned him inside.
‘Sentinel.’ The boy bowed low and addressed the floor. ‘I have been sent to inform you that our scouts have returned. They report the army is coming into view.’
Callisa nodded and kept her expression blank as she dismissed the young man.
When the door shut, she turned back to Tei, her façade dropping instantly.
Tei squeezed her hand. There was nothing left to say.
***
Brogan paused and looked down on the settlement. The miraculous sanctuary sprang out of the barren mountain landscape and it warmed his heart to see it. Not so long ago, he’d lived in ignorance of its existence, but now it was on the brink of destruction, he knew he’d do all he could to save it.
Hafender indicated the view. ‘Quite something, isn’t it?’
Brogan sucked in air through his teeth. ‘Spectacular comes to mind.’
‘Worth dying for,’ Hafender said quietly.
They began the final descent. Through a gap in the mountains, Brogan glimpsed the empty plain beyond Turrak; only it was no longer empty. The Assembly’s army camp filled the view.
Glancing across at Hafender, they shared a worried look before hurrying down into the settlement.
People were gathering below the platform erected in the centre of the valley. The Sentinel was already standing before them, preparing to speak.
Brogan saw Tei close to the front, and fought his way through the people. Slipping in beside her, he grabbed her hand and gave it a quick squeeze. She glanced up at him and he saw the relief in her eyes.
‘Hello,’ she mouthed.
He smiled back at her, some of his anxiety lost in the urge to take Tei in his arms and kiss her.
‘This is not the end.’ Callisa’s voice rang across the valley, dragging their attention away from each other.
‘This is our home, our way of life, our magic. We will defend it and we will survive. When our brothers and sisters out there see the truth, this war will end and the people of Kalaya will reunite.’
Nervous cheers followed the Sentinel’s declaration.
Tei’s grip on his hand was tense and when he glanced down at her face, he saw the worry in her eyes.
He turned back to look at the Sentinel high up on the dais - a young leader aged beyond her years in body and soul. He’d seen a crack in the perfect image she projected for the people. He knew it was all for show, but he admired her for trying and admired how she could fill the exiles with courage. That gained his allegiance, more than any illusion spell.
Tei tugged gently on his arm and they slipped away from the crowd.
‘How’s Beliss?’ he a
sked, as Tei led him up towards the stables.
‘I’ve been popping in to see Beliss and Morane every day. She seems better, still quiet at times but I think the nightmares are finally easing. I hear she’s become Conall’s shadow. Look, there they are now.’ Tei pointed down into the paddock where Beliss and Conall were exercising a young colt on a guide rope. The horse was attempting to bite at the rope and Conall and Beliss were giggling at its antics. ‘Gamel said she’s the youngest stable hand he’s ever had and already one of the most competent.’
Brogan grinned at the pair, his heart swelling with love. ‘I’m so pleased to see her happy.’
They reached the stables and ducked inside. Brogan glanced around to ensure there was no one to surprise them, before pulling Tei into his arms.
Tei’s lips found his. Her kiss was long and searching and she clung to him as though seeking reassurance.
‘Wow,’ he breathed when she finally broke away. ‘I missed you too.’
‘I can tell.’
Brogan laughed and collapsed in a pile of straw. ‘So what else has been happening in my absence?’
Tei curled up next to him, resting her head against his chest. ‘Apart from the army at the foot of Turrak baying for blood, I made amends with Callisa.’
He stroked her wild hair. ‘Good, you two need each other.’
‘I suppose we do.’
Brogan became aware of his own smell above the aroma of damp horses and manure. Gently he pushed Tei aside and clambered to his feet, feeling every abused muscle ache. He rolled his shoulders, trying to loosen the tension. ‘I could use a wash.’
Tei wrinkled her nose and laughed. ‘I didn’t want to say anything.’
Brogan walked along the line of horse stalls. ‘How are our girls?’
‘The girls are recovering well considering how close to death they were when we got back to Turrak.’
They greeted their mounts and lavished them with attention. Brogan tickled Biscuit between the ears, and then twirled the thick biscuit coloured mane in his fingers and sighed, remembering his own herd of horses now scattered across Kalaya.
‘That horse gets more attention than I do.’ Tei’s breath was hot in his ear and her body pushed against him, arousing his senses.
Brogan turned to her and pulled her close, kissing her deeply.
When they pulled apart, Tei sagged against his chest. ‘Let’s meet tonight,’ she whispered, staring up at him.
The desperate look in her eyes made him swallow any words of caution and their lips found each other’s with a promise of the night to come.
As they left the stables, they spotted a commotion at the pass entrance. A man was standing there, surrounded by a ring of guards. He held a blue standard with the Assembly’s island-shaped crest in one hand and a scroll in the other. Even at such a distance, Brogan could sense his fear.
‘They’ve sent an emissary,’ Brogan said, a bad feeling growing in the pit of his stomach.
Callisa and several of the Elders were walking to meet the messenger.
‘I should be with her.’ Tei cursed as she hurried away.
Brogan watched her go. ‘What are you planning now, Rathnor?’
***
Tei marched alongside Callisa as she led a group of Elders to the meeting hall in the valley. Hafender, with a team of armed guards, escorted the emissary behind them.
They swiftly filled the meeting hall and Callisa took her position at the head of the table. Tei sat on her left and Thal took the position on the Sentinel’s right.
Hafender directed the emissary to a side room, and they heard his powerful voice demanding refreshments for their guest. Tei smiled to herself, glad Callisa had left the captain in charge.
Heavy silence filled the room as Callisa split the Assembly’s wax seal on the scroll and read the document to herself. Tei forced her eyes to study the scarred wooden table in front of her, resisting the urge to crane her neck for a view of the scroll.
Grave faced, Callisa handed the document to Thal and motioned for him to read it aloud.
The Elder cleared his throat. ‘This war can be avoided. We do not wish to cause unnecessary bloodshed. We ask you discard magic and come down from the mountains to re-join your people. Swear to our laws and our rules, and no one will be punished. Only your leader is accountable. Hand over the one you call Sentinel and you will all be granted freedom to live amongst the Kalayan people again.’
‘What is this nonsense?’ Thal tossed the scroll on the table. ‘Send the emissary back; we’re wasting our time here.’
No one spoke, waiting for the Sentinel to confirm the request.
Tei glanced at Callisa; she looked dangerously thoughtful.
Don’t even think about it, Tei warned.
The Sentinel met her eye. We have to consider every option.
Rathnor’s a trickster, and you said yourself the magic cannot survive without your connection to it.
Callisa scraped back her chair and stood. ‘Before we dismiss this offer, we should give it due consideration.’
The air filled with gasps and a dozen wrinkled faces stared open-mouthed.
Thal was the first to recover. ‘There is nothing to debate, Sentinel. You are linked with the island magic. Without you, we’ll die as surely as we will at the enemy’s hand.’ His expression softened. ‘I know you would give yourself to save the people, but you must live. In order for us to survive, you must live.’
Callisa slumped back into her seat, and Tei saw the glistening of tears in her eyes before she blinked them away.
‘For a moment, I dared to hope there was a way to prevent this war.’ She looked around the table at every face. ‘I thank you for your counsel, and I will leave it to you to draft a suitable reply.’
Then beckoning Tei to follow, the Sentinel left the meeting hall.
Tei fell into step with her friend. ‘What now?’
Callisa looked at her and smiled sadly. ‘Now we wait for Rathnor’s next move.’
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Callisa drifted free, her spirit soaring through the darkness of night while spirit lights glistened bright beneath her. It was peaceful in the Astral Plane, but decay stalked the edges of the astral world and attempted to spread; it wouldn’t take much for the magic to fall.
Another spirit joined her, spoiling the calm. She hung back, close to her body and safety.
‘It’s a lovely evening for a visit to the Astral Plane, isn’t it, Sentinel?’ Rathnor said. He didn’t make any threatening moves towards her, but she remained out of reach.
‘You need to stop this. You must be able to sense the weakness in the magic. You’ll destroy everything.’
‘But you have the power to stop it.’ He smiled at her. ‘Surrender now and there will be no more death.’
‘I am the Sentinel; I cannot give up, the island needs...’ She studied him as the details slipped into place. ‘You want to be the Sentinel?’
‘The thought had crossed my mind. I can restore the magic and take it beyond anything you or the other Sentinels have ever seen.’
‘This island is not meant for that kind of power. It destroyed one of our sister islands. No, the magic needs protecting from people like you.’
His spirit swelled and the mists darkened. ‘If you won’t surrender, why don’t I just take it from you now?’
She shuddered, but a tiny part of her wondered if it was true. If she sacrificed herself, would she save everyone on Kalaya?
Thal’s words came back to her, Rathnor wasn’t trustworthy; if she gave in she would damn them all.
Rike, Garrick, I need you.
‘Why are you so determined to annihilate us?’ Callisa asked. ‘What good is a dead island to you?’
Rathnor laughed. ‘You want to know my motivation? Is it not enough that I want to suck the life from you and watch you turn to dust before my eyes?’
He took a step towards her, the shadows swirling around him, but she didn’t flinch aw
ay. Instead, she held her ground and looked deep into his eyes.
‘Why do you have so much hate in your soul?’
Rathnor stared at her, caught off guard by the question.
Before he could answer, Garrick and Rike arrived and leapt in front of her, their sharp swords driving him back.
The dark swell of Rathnor’s magic receded and he laughed at them as he retreated. ‘Remember, you could have stopped this.’
As he left, Callisa sagged with relief and despair. ‘I can’t believe I was so weak.’
Rike turned to her. ‘It wasn’t weakness, Sentinel; it was your heart wanting to accept to stop the killing. But you can’t save the people by giving them to Rathnor, you can’t trust him.’
‘You’re strong enough to defeat him.’ Garrick had such passion in his eyes that she wanted to believe him.
‘And we’ll help you,’ he added.
‘But now you need to go back and rest,’ Rike said.
‘Thank you, I will return to my people now.’ She felt stronger and more assured of her path. ‘But I want you both to promise me that when the killings start, you’ll save the spirits. Rathnor can’t be allowed to weaken the magic even more.’
***
Brogan perched in the rocks, his bottom numb and his legs cramping from the awkward position he was attempting to hold. How the other watchmen could sit so still for hours crammed into tiny gaps he would never understand. His toes ached, his mind whirred, only his hatred kept him focused. He gazed down at the dark encampment, wondering where Rathnor was skulking. He would be at the centre of it all, spreading his poison and spinning his lies.
Brogan sighed and adjusted his position, sending a spray of earth down below. He flinched, hoping there was no one directly below his post.
After his daring but disastrous mission into Newington, Hafender had instructed him to join the watch. Captain Jaym had welcomed him, stating stealth and skills were not requirements of the job now anyway. They had laughed over it, though every word was true.
He wondered if Tei, or perhaps the Sentinel, had requested this position for him. He hadn’t seen either of them to ask since the day the emissary had arrived. Rumours had spread about Rathnor’s demand for the Sentinel to surrender. That had been two days ago, two days of waiting for Rathnor’s next move while the camp beyond Turrak continued to swell with the Assembly’s makeshift army.
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