The Path of Giants

by B. T. Narro

  She looked at the door, then back at me. “I almost forgot,” she said as her gaze fixated on the stone in my hand. “To cast the spell of Disenchant, it starts just like any other spell of ordia. You need the four notes of the school of ordia, then the rest is up to your thoughts. Just think about removing the curse from the stone. You will be physically pulling it out with your mana when the spell is successful. I wish you could practice, but the curse cannot be set back into the stone once it is in the air.”

  “I think that shouldn’t be a problem,” I said.

  A silence followed. She looked at the door again.

  “Well, good night,” she said. I didn’t know if it was wishful thinking again, but her tone sounded a little reluctant to me.

  It was just a few steps to my door. I walked beside Hadley. We stopped at the door handle. She turned to me. I put my arm around her for a brief embrace as she leaned against me. Our arms slid down, her fingers interlocking with mine as I opened the door.

  She smiled up at me, then stepped into the hall. I watched her go all the way down to her room. She turned back and waved. I returned the gesture.

  My heart was still thumping against my chest as I returned to bed and took a few breaths as I tried to calm down…as I tried not to imagine what might’ve happened if Hadley had chosen to stay in my room a while longer.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  I was out in the courtyard and ready to train in the morning. I was pleased to see Kataleya out early as well. Like me, she must’ve been eager to resume. But I started to think I was wrong when she approached me with one of those looks that meant she had something important to say.

  “I was hoping to find you here,” she said. “Can we talk?”

  “Sure,” I replied.

  We made our way to one corner of the large courtyard, out of earshot of any of the castle workers using the courtyard as a means to get from one building to another.

  “Did you tell the king about your theory?” I asked Kataleya.

  “I did. He didn’t tell me what he’s going to do about it, however. He has to think on it, but he had already assumed my father and the Chespars were plotting against him. I figure that’s why he didn’t seem too surprised that my father had a corrupted soul.”

  It reminded me of the anger Kataleya had unleashed on Hadley when Hadley had taken her father’s essence without permission. I had never seen that side of Kataleya before. Even during the two battles we’d fought together, she had been in control of her emotions.

  “Did he say anything else?” I asked.

  “Yes.”

  She looked up at me, her cheeks blushing. Kataleya was beautiful and so hurt by everything that had happened. I felt sorry for her.

  “He said…” Kataleya paused, shifting uncomfortably. “Well, he asked if I was still planning on marrying Trevor Chespar. I told him marriage is the last thing on my mind right now.” She paused again. “Then he asked about you and me.”

  I tried to set my features in an unreadable mask. “What did you tell him?”

  “I said the last thing that happened between us was long ago.” I could tell she wanted to go on, but her mouth remained shut.

  I gave her a moment. Eventually, she said, “The king might offer Callie’s hand in marriage to Trevor as a way of uniting the families.”

  I was shocked. “He’s really considering that?”

  “I believe he just wanted my opinion on the matter, or maybe he just wanted to witness my reaction. He needs to know if the proposal might cause problems with me and my family.”

  “Isn’t Trevor much older than Callie?”

  “I suppose.” She shrugged. “He’s a little older than I am.”

  Kataleya was two years older than me. Meanwhile, the princess was four years younger. Well, a little less than four, I supposed, as she had recently turned fifteen. However, it wouldn’t be long before I turned nineteen.

  “Isn’t that…a problem for Nykal?”

  Kataleya had a way of shrugging without moving her shoulders—a lift of her eyebrows and a slight tilt of her head. “It’s not that strange. Young princesses sometimes marry much older men than Trevor. But I don’t think the king was very serious about the proposition.” She looked at me pointedly.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “I’m not sure it behooves you to know…wait, I take that back. I’m not sure it behooves anyone to know what I believe his majesty is thinking here. I could be wrong, and even if I’m right…”

  “For god’s sake, Kat, just tell me.”

  She nodded. “I’m sure Nykal is considering how he might use Callie’s hand in marriage to further his goals. It’s something every noble and every king has done for centuries. He’s surely more desperate now, and a marriage offer is extremely valuable. But how he might use her hand in marriage could go in a number of ways. Again, I could be wrong, but it was his questions about you that led me to believe this. He asked a number of things not only about us, in a romantic fashion, but about you specifically. I think he’s considering making you a nobleman and allowing you to marry his daughter.”

  “That can’t be right,” I said without giving it much thought. “I don’t have anything to offer like the other nobles do. He would have to give me land and coin, and that doesn’t benefit him at all.” But there was doubt in my tone, and for good reason. I was not very knowledgeable about politics and how the rich and powerful tended to behave. Kataleya was.

  “Jon, you are very valuable to the king for many reasons.”

  I wondered if there was something more that she wasn’t saying. Perhaps she was curious if I still was interested in her. I felt like I should address it, but I could be completely wrong and end up insulting her.

  She put up her hands. “I’m probably wrong.” She lowered her head to look at me through the tops of her eyes. “But if I’m right, I think you should at least know what a marriage to the Lennox family would mean for you, not just what it means for the king.” She touched my arm. “Jon, I know you don’t feel the same way about me that you used to. Let’s just get this over with. I can almost feel you holding it in. Our window has closed. It’s completely fine. I’m not in any state to commit to another person, anyway. I missed my opportunity, and it’s not your fault.”

  Kataleya always had a way with words. I didn’t know what else I could say. She had summed it up better than I could hope to do. “Thank you,” I said. “I still want us to be friends.”

  “I want that, too. And as your friend, let me give you some advice. I think you should go for it with Hadley.”

  I didn’t bother to feign confusion. “How did you know?”

  She gave a cheerful laugh. “Everyone has seen it because of how you are together.”

  “Does that mean she’s interested?” I asked.

  Kataleya rolled her eyes. “I’m curious as to what you truly believe.”

  “I really don’t know!” I said with a toss of my hands. “Sometimes I think it’s obvious, and other times I’m thinking I’m wrong.”

  “Well, I can’t say for certain. But I would wager a lot of coin that the answer is yes.”

  I felt a little flutter of my heart. I trusted Kataleya would know these things.

  “Can I give you some advice?” she asked.

  “Please.”

  “You should also really consider what a marriage into the Lennox family would mean for you before making a decision, or you could end up hurting someone. If you do decide to pursue Hadley, though, you might want to take it slow, considering what happened between us.”

  I nodded. I was still getting to know the girl who, not that long ago, was just a mysterious witch I’d found myself drawn to.

  “So you’ve changed your mind about her?” I asked.

  “I changed my mind about her the moment I saw her running out from the protection of the castle to take on Gourfist. There wasn’t anyone else who was willing to do that. For that, I’m embarrassed. But the next time some
thing like that happens, I’ll be there for you. I’m sure all of us will. You’ve inspired us, Jon. I can tell from the way people talk about you and how we all brighten when we see you. The king has heard about everything you’ve done that he hasn’t already seen with his own eyes. I was going to describe for him your actions during the battle, but Hadley already sang your praises. Now he notices you in a way he hasn’t before. You are a means to victory and a valuable asset for many years to come. That is why you shouldn’t be so surprised that he may consider making you part of his family, and you really shouldn’t shrug it off so quickly.” She put up her hands. “Now I feel like I’m overstepping myself, so I don’t want to say more. I just thought it was important for you to know that.”

  I didn’t know what to say. I was never good at receiving compliments. “I think you have been too kind to me.”

  “No, you’re too modest. You have to value yourself for what you’re actually worth. Otherwise you might’ve gone with Souriff and been killed in enemy territory, never for your body to be found, never to receive a proper burial. No one wants that, Jon. Have some pride, yeah?” She bent her arm and nudged me with it. “You’re not indestructible, and we can’t do this without you.”

  Pride, yeah. I liked the sound of that, so long as I didn’t let it go to my head.

  “You’re right, Kat. I think you’re always right,” I said, half joking. “Though I hope you’re wrong about the king offering me his daughter’s hand in marriage. I’m not ready to even think about marrying anyone, especially not someone much younger than me.”

  It wasn’t just our ages, of course. I didn’t see her in that way, and I wasn’t sure if I ever could.

  Kataleya chuckled. “Yes, I know I am very wise. Don’t worry too much about the marriage proposal. I’m sure there will be signs if the king is leaning in that direction. God knows Callie would be overjoyed.”

  I didn’t disagree.

  “So you’re ready to practice with me?” she asked excitedly.

  “What are we practicing?”

  “The slingshot spell.”

  It took a moment to figure out what she was referring to.

  “We should,” I agreed.

  “Oh wait,” Kataleya said as she glanced over at Michael heading toward us. “Here comes trouble.”

  He held a little smirk as if he had a joke prepared. Actually, that was just his face.

  “What are we doing here?” Michael asked, his tone hinting that we were up to no good.

  “Remember that spell of water that struck you a while back?” Kataleya asked.

  Michael lost his smile. “Yeah…”

  “We decided to work on it until it’s even stronger.”

  “As long as you don’t aim at me this time.”

  “I never aimed at you,” Kataleya said. “I lost control, and it happened to shoot at the apartments as you were coming out.”

  “Oh, you just lost control? That’s all? Well now I feel much better, Kat,” he said sarcastically.

  We shared a laugh.

  “By the way,” Michael said seriously, giving a look over his shoulder. There were no other sorcerers in the courtyard. “Am I the only one who feels weird about Eden being back? Don’t get me wrong. Anyone who nearly dies trying to take out Valinox is an ally in my mind, and she saved Charlie’s life before that. I trust her, but it doesn’t seem right pretending like she didn’t stab all of us in the back…figuratively, and Remi in the neck…literally.”

  “I don’t believe anyone’s pretending like nothing happened,” Kataleya said. “None of the girls have spoken to Eden very much, and she has been far more reticent than usual. It’s awkward around her. I believe it will be for some time.”

  Michael was strangely quiet as his eyes bounced back and forth between Kataleya and me.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “How would it look if I was seen talking with her, just to get a feel of the waters? Would I be seen as a complete ass?”

  Kataleya chuckled. “I recommend you do what feels natural.”

  “Remi wouldn’t be pissed off?”

  “At you?” Kataleya asked incredulously.

  “Yeah, I don’t want to offend her.”

  “Remi’s forgiveness has surprised us all,” Kataleya said. “I’m sure it surprised Eden, especially. You shouldn’t be worried.”

  I added, “I think most of us are more concerned about Rohaer than each other. Remi included. She wants what’s best, and Eden can help us.”

  “Yeah, but so can Aliana’s father, and he’s been rotting away in the dungeons all this time.”

  That was a fair point. I hadn’t thought of Aliana’s father for a while. The king needed coin, and the man had it. He had been caught assisting Cason, who was no longer a threat. What was going to happen with him? I looked at Kataleya, hoping she might be able to provide some insight. I noticed Michael doing the same.

  “The girls have spoken with Aliana about that,” she told us. “She trusts the king, whatever he decides. Perhaps he has already begun bargaining with Luther Prigg. Perhaps he has even confiscated much of Luther’s valuables. It’s certainly within his right, as Luther has admitted to treason. But I doubt his majesty has done this.”

  “He’s worried about revolt,” I said, figuring this was where Kataleya was going.

  She nodded. “Luther has a large family who are well-known and powerful…and he probably has an even larger family that we don’t know about. Maybe some of the boys he sired were made aware of their relationship to him and are doing business for him in exchange for something. Coin, most likely, but maybe something else. He’s a shady noble. Caution is required. I’m sure that’s part of the reason he hasn’t been executed yet. The king is still figuring out the extent of his dealings with unsavory company.”

  “Are you saying there’s still corruption we’re going to have to deal with?” Michael asked.

  “There will always be corruption,” Kataleya said. “But we need to find out if these criminals are organizing with each other and, worst of all, if they are loyal to Valinox. We have eliminated most of them, but the late king, Oquin Calloum, poisoned Lycast for many years. It goes deep into our roots. Our best bet is probably to find other powerful groups who have also been affected by these extortionists, like we did with the Thieves’ Guild.” She fluttered her hand. “Anyway, this is none of our business.”

  “It seems like you were born for this sort of thing that’s ‘none of your business,’ ” Michael said.

  “In one way, I have been.” She gave a long sigh as she looked toward the portcullis. “I constantly wonder if I might be more useful to our cause by joining my mother in Livea. I do believe she could use someone like me right now.” Kataleya turned back to us. “She does have people, advisors, but I don’t know how many of them can be trusted. I don’t know how many of them…” She glanced at Michael briefly before looking back at me. “Might wish harm upon our king for the benefit of my family.”

  “Whoa,” Michael uttered in shock. Then he looked at me from the sides of his eyes.

  Kataleya seemed pained as her eyes took on a distant look.

  “Kat.” I waited for her attention. Her eyes focused on me. “Think about how much you’ve helped Michael and me just this morning. It would not be better for everyone if you left. We need you here. Not only are you the only water mage, but you know what to do about all sensitive matters, political or not. This war isn’t just about fighting. Decision-making has proven to be just as important. Let’s be honest. The king has been overwhelmed since the start of this, and now we have to worry about Valinox dropping off an invisible archer at any moment. You’re safer here. We all are, if you stay with us.”

  “Agreed,” Michael said.

  “I believe you’re right,” Kataleya said. “But I warn you that things may change depending on what kind of news we receive. You don’t know my brother, and you don’t know Trevor Chespar and his family. The death of my father might have a
lready set something in motion. Or maybe not. Maybe my leaving would do nothing but remove me from here, where I know I’m needed.” She put up her hand. “All right, I’m putting my foot down. This is not the right way to start a day of training. I’m definitely staying for now, and we are definitely getting started, Jon.”

  I was a little shocked when she made a sphere of water between us, forcing Michael and I back a few steps to keep from getting wet. It felt like she didn’t want to speak about this any longer, and I supposed I was fine with that. It was time to get started.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  I spent most of the morning training with Kataleya. She made small spheres of water, and I grabbed them with my mana. We pushed in opposite directions, a mental wrestling match. We each increased our power until Kataleya said that she had reached her limit. I still had a ways to go to reach mine, but that didn’t necessarily mean I was much stronger than her. I explained why this was to Kataleya, who had seemed a little dejected.

  My grab spell of dvinia was a very powerful spell, generally speaking. By that, I meant that the spell had a strong force compared to the amount of mana I used and the strain it caused my mind. This was the only explanation of why I could cause Valinox to strain himself so greatly when I grabbed his dteria and tried to break it free from his mind’s grasp. He was much stronger than me, but I always managed to put up a good fight.

  Because of this, I could restrain Kataleya’s push of her water spell without too much effort. That way, she simply had to announce when it was time for me to let go, and I would throw the water the other way. With the force of her mind and mine combined, and the added pressure of me pushing the opposite way up until the last moment, we were able to shoot spears of water into the wall faster than I could fire an arrow.

  We stopped, however, when we noticed that we were starting to chip away little bits of the wall, leaving white, ugly marks that I was certain would get us in trouble. We didn’t need much more practice by then, anyway, as it turned out that the slingshot spell was actually quite easy to perform.