The Dark Kingdom (Sage Trilogy, Book 2)

by St. Clair, Julius

  “Why?”

  “To this day I try to remember what it was…but what I do recall is that I dropped my sword, and when Catherine turned around to face me, I could barely move. When I had killed people, even children in the past…they all cried, or cowered at my approach…but not her. She looked directly into my eyes and waited. She waited for me to make a move…it was so strange. And as I hesitated, she took a step forward, then another, and another. I stared at her in awe, wondering what she was going to do when she waved me down to her level…I bent down and she leapt into my arms and hugged my neck tight as she whispered directly into my ear: ‘if you’re not going to kill me, then join me…’”

  “…I don’t know what came over me…it was so unusual for a child of her age to say. But as I tried to decide what to do, one of my guards ran over to finish her off while she was distracted. I saw him at the last second and took his sword directly in my back…”

  “…I was wounded, but suddenly I was concerned about the girl I had moments earlier, thought to kill. I picked up my sword from the grass and dismembered him quickly, telling Catherine to run back to the castle as fast as she could. The rest of my men attacked me, and though fighting them was exhausting, I had been the one to train them personally. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses respectively, I stopped them all...”

  “Weary and wounded, I didn’t bother going back to Catherine. I was still conflicted over what I had just done…so I turned to the village and sought shelter. There, I met Kyran, and in an act of kindness I can never repay, he brought me back to health. During that time I was able to do a lot of thinking, and with my allegiance now to Catherine over Languor, I decided to rebuild the Kingdom I had once scorned. One recruit at a time…the Academy was rebuilt, and revamped…”

  “Arimus…” James said. “Why are you telling me all this?”

  “Because Catherine needs someone to rely on when this is all over. Someone she can still trust to share the burden. Should you survive, I want you to remain as innocent as possible, so that you are able to carry the filth it takes to run a Kingdom. Be able to perform the duties that Catherine herself cannot bear to consider. I’m not giving you my approval to become her lover, or even her friend. All I’m asking is that when this concludes, I hope there is at least one Sage she can still keep close.”

  “I’ll try my best, Arimus,” James said. “And thank you for confiding in me…but I must say, you are not too far gone. Catherine looks up to you.”

  “Only because she was four at the time,” Arimus replied. “Children tend to gravitate to adult figures that are prominent in their lives…but as she continues to grow, as her light continues to shine, the darkness that dwells deep within me will be cast further away.”

  “Don’t give up on her, or you,” James said. “It’s true that we can’t neglect our duties…but she’s also stronger than we give her credit for. Instead of protecting her from the horrors out there, we should be educating her about how to combat them.”

  “It’s not that simple, my friend,” Arimus said. “But I will consider your words…let’s go back to the group.”

  “I think I’ll stay out here for a little while if you don’t mind.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to get your rest?”

  “Not yet,” James said solemnly. “Good night, Arimus.”

  “Good night,” his mentor said as he walked off. James concentrated on releasing his eidolon when he heard a rustling behind him. Achan revealed himself with hands raised in surrender.

  “Don’t worry, Sage,” he said. “It’s just me.”

  “Spying on us?” James chuckled. Achan winced.

  “Something like that.”

  “How much did you hear?”

  “Just the tail end. I was wondering if I might join you.”

  “I can’t say no to a friend.”

  Achan walked next to James and stuck out his right hand as if to catch rain. His eidolon emerged instantly, hilt in hand and facing the right, away from James. James smiled and stuck out his left hand, his eidolon emerging in the same fashion but extending to the left. Both raised it up until they were facing straight, and then they simultaneously closed their eyes.

  For over an hour, they just studied the forest, the sounds, the chatter, the whispers…they dwelled on the anatomy of all that lived and dug deeper into those that didn’t. They absorbed as much knowledge as they could, committing to memory all five senses of the woods.

  Achan broke the silence first.

  “I didn’t know you could manifest your eidolon from any spot on your body now.”

  “It came to me recently,” James chuckled. “When I was facing Dominic…though, if you don’t mind, I’d rather talk about it another time.”

  “Sure,” Achan said as they continued their rhythmical breathing. James felt an unsteady emotion from his friend.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, his eyes still closed. “You’re…nervous.”

  “James, you’re the closest friend I have. Do you know that?”

  “Of course I do,” James smiled. “Likewise.”

  “Then I have to say something. It may be unsettling.”

  “With what’s been going on lately, I’m sure it’s mild by comparison.”

  “Well,” Achan hesitated. “I’m not from Allay. I’m actually a spy from Languor…though, I gave that up…”

  James didn’t say a word for a second.

  “I’m sure you are a spy,” he finally said to Achan’s surprise. “When we talk about the village, nothing you say makes sense.”

  “And that doesn’t bother you?”

  “You say you’re not a spy anymore…what does that mean exactly?”

  “It means I’ve confessed to Catherine and she’s forgiven me. Though for the good of my well-being, I’m not telling anyone else.”

  “That sounds like Catherine,” James smiled, opening his eyes and keeping his eidolon pointed to the ground. He faced his friend and Achan did the same.

  “And since you’re my best friend, I wanted you to know.”

  “Does this change anything?” James asked.

  “Nothing. I’m for Allay a hundred percent.”

  “Then don’t worry about it.”

  “There’s more though,” Achan said as James scowled. “Catherine’s made it very clear that we have no future together. “

  James studied his face without a word.

  “I knew that would make you happy,” Achan chuckled. “I see it in your eyes.”

  “How do you feel about that?” James asked, his gaze steadily on his friend.

  “I feel like she gutted my heart like a fish,” Achan laughed nervously. “But that’s not what’s important. What matters is that we turn you into a man worthy of the Princess.”

  “I don’t understand,” James said with leery eyes. “Why would you help me get the woman you love?”

  “Catherine has emotions, but she’s very logical when it comes to Allay. If she chooses a King, it will be someone suited for the job, which, if I may so, you are not. I had my chance, but due to what I’ve done, there’s no way I can ever win her complete trust back. That leaves you…and Dominic.”

  James winced.

  “Exactly,” Achan laughed. “So what we’re going to do is this. I’m going to train you, both as a Sage and how to mature, as fast as I possibly can. Basically, I’ll teach you everything I know, and then, hopefully, you can surpass me. It’s the only shot we’ve got left. Because if there’s one thing I cannot deal with, it’s seeing Dominic ascend the throne.”

  “How in the world are you going to get me to surpass you?” James scoffed. “That seems impossible!”

  “I’m flattered,” Achan said. “But I’m serious. And we’re going to start right now. Here, let me show you something…”

  * * * * *

  “Arimus, can I talk to you?” Dominic grumbled as he stood over the sleeping Sage. Arimus blinked and sat up, motioning Dominic to take a seat ne
xt to him. Dominic looked at the others, still resting under the moonlight, and then back towards James and Achan, their eidolons still shining bright in the distance. He leaned forward.

  “I found out something about James,” he whispered. Arimus raised an eyebrow.

  “What is it?”

  “He has two eidolons.”

  “Two?” Arimus said in surprise. “I’ve never heard of that. Are you absolutely sure?”

  “Yeah,” Dominic said firmly. “I was kicking his butt all over that ring. I even…” He leaned closer. “I even killed him…”

  “Dominic,” Arimus’ anger began to rise but Dominic patted his arm.

  “But he didn’t die, Arimus,” Dominic whispered urgently. “That’s when the second eidolon emerged. And his body healed instantly…he’s dangerous.”

  “Healed you say,” Arimus thought deeply as Dominic waited for his answer.

  “Well,” Arimus cleared his throat. “Whatever it is, we’ll have to keep an eye out.”

  “Shouldn’t we quarantine him or something? What if he goes berserk on Catherine?”

  “Until we see that he’s a threat, he’ll continue to be an acting member of our troop. That also hinges on the condition you keep your murderous intent to yourself.”

  “I apologize, teacher,” Dominic said humbly. “But if we keep him around, I fear that we’ll regret it.”

  “I’ll keep watch,” Arimus chuckled. “Now go to sleep.”

  Dominic grunted and stood up angrily, walking over to his spot. Arimus wiggled back against the tree and closed his eyes as his thoughts wandered.

  “The only ones that can heal themselves of fatal wounds are Quietus…”

  Arimus stayed up the rest of the night pondering the situation. If James was a Quietus, it would be detrimental to them all. They were an unpredictable and blood-thirsty race…yet nothing came to mind that could explain two eidolons…

  There were so many questions…but he was deathly afraid of the answers…

  * * * * *

  “When will we eat next?” James asked as his stomach grumbled. It was so loud that it made Catherine giggle and Dominic noticed it immediately.

  “He doesn’t even have to try to make her laugh.” He thought bitterly as the Sages walked. Heading west, they had finally cleared the forest and were walking as fast as they could through a wasteland. Void of water, the ground was littered with the bones of creatures who failed to find nourishment and the bodies of warriors past. Yet they traveled on, the cloudless blue sky, mixed with the green ether above them reminded them all of water and dryness simultaneously. Paradise and Oblivion. And it mocked them cruelly as they kept their cloaks and hoods on, shading themselves from the sun’s burning rays.

  “Can I sweat any more?” Scarlet muttered through her wool cloak. “We should have packed for this stretch of the trip.”

  “It’s only a two hour walk,” Chloe said in a chipper tone. She was the only one without a cloak, walking briskly with a bright green, strapless sundress, and keeping her body cool with a woven sunhat that stretched out like an umbrella.

  “No one asked you,” Scarlet muttered as Kyran cleared his throat. He had been doing it a lot since they reached the wasteland and James looked up at him and nearly broke down laughing. Because he was wearing black, the sun heated his body up more than anyone, making him sweat like he was in a hot box, causing his hair to droop down like a mop and stick to his skin like wax. His eyes were listless and he was beginning to wobble.

  “Aren’t you hot?” James giggled as Kyran snapped to attention and glared down at James.

  “That’s a stupid question considering we’re basically in a desert.”

  “That’s not what I meant.”

  “Then choose your words before you open the hole in your face.”

  Chloe burst out laughing as she pushed James along.

  “Don’t bother my husband. He’s very irritable right now.”

  “I don’t understand. He can just take the black coat off.”

  “Or maybe he can’t,” Chloe said putting a finger up into the air. “Maybe he’s naked underneath.”

  “Ew,” James gagged as Chloe giggled. “Okay, I’ll stay away.”

  “Catherine,” Dominic said, walking up next to her. She had insisted on taking the lead ever since they woke up that morning. Part of it because she didn’t feel like talking after the devastation Languor endured. The other being that she wasn’t going to miss anything. Once they got to Prattle, she was going to ensure that only she made the decisions for once.

  “Yes, Dominic?” she said wearily as she rubbed her itchy nose on the wool of her collar.

  “We haven’t had much time together lately,” he said.

  “That’s true.”

  “Do you think about us at all?”

  “You mean that we’re betrothed?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Occasionally.”

  “And how do you feel about that?”

  “I’m not following you.”

  “Do you even want to marry me?”

  “I haven’t been thinking of marriage lately,” she said, her voice wavering. “Considering the mission at hand.”

  “Or maybe you don’t want to talk about it with me,” he snapped. He regretted saying it instantly. “I’m sorry.”

  “I can only imagine what you’re going through, considering you’ve been watching a ’commoner’ vie for my heart.”

  “That’s what I’ve come to talk to you about…Catherine, I see no reason to abide by ordinances established when we were only children. I think we’re adults perfectly capable of making our own decisions. With that being said…I release you from our contract.”

  “What are you saying?” Catherine exclaimed, dropping the hood from her cloak and looking at Dominic for the first time since they’ve begun their conversation.

  “That we are no longer betrothed,” he said. “I want your heart to be able to choose who it belongs to.”

  “That’s very noble of you,” she said with her eyes steadily on his. “And mature.”

  “I only ask that you give me the same consideration as anyone else,” he said, taking her hand and gently kissing it. “Nothing more than that.”

  “I promise,” Catherine agreed and flashed him a smile. Dominic smiled back and leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. She accepted it and they continued walking without another word.

  James saw the whole thing.

  “Uh, oh,” Achan whispered from behind him. “We’re in trouble.”

  “I’m not worried,” James replied. “Dominic’s a hot head that will mess it up all on his own. You just watch.”

  “I don’t know. They look pretty cozy,” Achan observed. “We have to step up the game.”

  “What did you have in mind, matchmaker?”

  “Trip Dominic. See what he does.”

  “I’m not doing that,” James scowled back at him. “That sounds like something a child would do.”

  “Exactly,” Achan laughed. “Congratulations. You just passed my first test. If you had agreed to it, we would have gone back to a lesson in manners.”

  “Ugh,” James muttered. “You’re an annoying teacher.”

  “But effective,” Achan laughed.

  “I have a better idea,” James said as he looked back at Kyran and Chloe walking side by side. Kyran squinted at him the moment he turned around. James stopped moving and let them catch up, until he was side by side with the brooding Sage.

  “Can I make a request?” he asked. Kyran kept looking straight ahead. “Can I get advice on how to become a better Sage from your wife?”

  Kyran frowned and looked down at him.

  “Why?”

  “I want to get better. I want to become stronger,” James said adamantly. He looked at Chloe and then back at Kyran. “To protect the ones I love.”

  Kyran didn’t respond but sped up his walk, catching up to Arimus and Scarlet who were arguing about what the ang
el wing on her halberd meant. Chloe chuckled as she tipped her hat at James.

  “Looks like you have your session.”

  “I thought he was going to ask Arimus for permission to kill me or something.”

  “Who, Kyran? Oh, he’s a big softee,” she whispered. “Just don’t tell him I said that.”

  James chuckled as she adjusted her hat.

  “So what’s on your mind?” Chloe asked as James gathered his thoughts. He didn’t know how many opportunities he would get. Now was the time to learn all he could.

  “I want to become a powerful Sage,” he said boldly. “But I’m not delusional. I can’t imagine how much training and work it must take to reach a level of your caliber. Just releasing my eidolon for the first time nearly killed me…but still, if I have any hope of helping Catherine, I want to know, is there any shortcuts I can take?”

  “It’s so funny you ask,” she laughed as she kept a hand on her hat through an incoming breeze. “You’re the first to come to me for help.”

  “That can’t be true,” James said.

  “Think about it,” Chloe said. “You don’t even learn who’s a Sage until you actually become one yourself. Arimus, Kyran, Scarlet, even Catherine were all Sages before I was. Why would they come to me for advice? Dominic demanded some information once but he was too proud for me to be of any use, and Achan’s been fighting the Sage life since he got to the Academy.”

  “I guess when you put it that way,” James said. “But you’re said to be the strongest of us all. It’s strange no one would wonder why.”

  “Oh, there’s no time to improve,” she laughed. “Catherine has a Kingdom to worry about. Arimus has an Academy.Kyran’s on secret missions. Scarlet and Dominic guard entrances to Allay. And those are just the basic duties. No one has the time to get together and collaborate. No training sessions or social gatherings. It’s work, work, work always, all to better the Kingdom when even a small exchange of ideas could be profound for its improvement. Even now, everyone’s minds are wandering and being burdened by the past, the present or future. Or a combination of the three. This is life for many, James. But it doesn’t have to be for you.”