by T. N. Hayden
“Once there was a woman named Filia,” Rose brushed his hair as she sat beside his bed. “She was a powerful sorceress who was best friends with my sister-in-law. My brother was several years older than me, and he married the woman he loved. She was the daughter of magic-users, but most magic skips a generation.”
“So she didn’t have magic? Your brother’s wife?”
“No.” Rose’s voice was soft. “She didn’t have magic, but her best friend did.”
“Filia.”
“Filia met a prince, and she fell deeply in love.”
“Like you and Father.”
Rose brushed his hair back as she continued. “Filia was powerful, and as she fell more in love, she started to become a different person. Something happened to her, a curse perhaps.”
“Because she has magic…” Kaleb couldn’t remember the rest of her story as he drifted to sleep.
~ Chapter 4 ~
Jipso 546
Her magic had made him immobile for half the day, and it was well past sunset when Kaleb, Nate, and Brent managed to find shelter in Petrel.
“I just want to find someplace to take a bath and get hot food.” Kaleb looked at his friends.
The men nodded.
They found an inn, bought rooms and meals, and soon were washed. They all ate in Kaleb’s room, and the prince looked to his friends. “Well at least we know what her powers are now.”
“How many people do you think she can make immobile?” Brent asked.
“She was able to incapacitate two of us.” Nate stated. “And she was able to run away without any help.”
“Perhaps she has a weakness; it seems like her magic isn’t unlimited.” Brent bit into a turkey leg.
Kaleb picked at his pear and peach oatmeal. He wasn’t hungry. “She and her companion took the three of us out with very little problem. I think we need more people on this mission. We have to throw more people at her to fight so she can get weaker and her companion can have more distractions.”
“She had a blade. I wonder how good she is with it.” Brent frowned. “What if she doesn’t always use her magic? What if she can hold her own in battle and only used it against us today to show us her ability?”
“You did say you’re her executioner.” Nate looked at the prince as he sipped his drink. The candlelight glinted off his gold ring. “She’s going to expect us to follow her now.”
“Good.” Kaleb nodded. “She should.”
“Are we going to just wait around here and see if she and her companion fight soldiers?” Brent asked.
“No.” Kaleb shook his head. “When I checked in, the innkeeper said there are no soldiers recruiting here anymore. They moved onto Limpkin. We’ll go there since I think the Sorceress will too. We’ll have the soldiers fight against her and hope she uses her powers against them. When she’s powerless, I’ll kill her.”
Brent yawned. “I’m going to my room.”
“Of course.” Kaleb nodded. “Nate?”
“I’m going to sleep too.”
“Good night. We’ll start our journey to Limpkin at first light.”
After his friends left, Kaleb grabbed his bowl and walked down the stairs to the inn’s tavern. It was like any tavern he’d seen, but Kaleb was surprised to see a portrait of his father pinned to the dart board.
“What’s the meaning of that?” Kaleb asked the barkeep as he sat.
“Not from around here, are you? You from the capital?”
Kaleb nodded.
“The farther you get from the capital, the more you’ll see how people really feel about the king.” The barkeep explained.
“But why do people want to throw darts at King Marc?” Kaleb demanded. He could have all of these people arrested and hanged for treason. “He’s a benevolent king who cares for his people.”
“Is that what they teach you in the capital?” The barkeep sneered. “Are you sure they were teaching you about King Marc? The only king I would call benevolent was King Jenkin.”
His mother’s first husband?
“My family and I are the lucky ones in Petrel.” The barkeep added. “Soldiers need a place to stay when they take new recruits. They pay for drinks and women. Most people in Petrel are starving from all the taxes.”
“Taxes?”
The barkeep glanced up at Kaleb. “I see you’re not the person I should be talking to about this. Do you need more drink, sir?”
“No.” Kaleb touched his half-drank cup. “Thanks.”
The barkeep moved on, and Kaleb watched as two men played darts. They got extra points for hitting King Marc in a place that could kill him.
Brent could see his breath as the rain pelted down his face. He felt washed clean, and he suddenly wasn’t so afraid of the forest. After traveling through the day, the three had stopped to pitch tents to shelter them from the rain. Brent had offered to take the shift of first watch.
Something rustled the brush behind him, and Brent stood. The rain rushed down his skin, making shivers run along the back of his neck. He grabbed hold of his hilt as he walked through the forest. He wouldn’t wake the others unless he needed to.
Brent was silent as he moved, and he paused a step as he saw her several paces away. The Sorceress, her long hair now dark with rainwater, looked like a nymph in the forest. She was dressed in leather pants, dress, and cape. A white cotton shirt seemed stuck to her arms from the weather, and Brent could see the swirls that marked her face were also tattooed down her arms. He wondered if her entire skin was covered in the marks.
She sat alone in the woods, though Brent was sure her male companion was somewhere close. She looked almost sad somehow, and her head was tilted toward the stars above. Her hands played with a silver locket, a diamond embedded in the center, and her white eyes were unnerving. Brent didn’t understand why something about her made him want to run to her and embrace her.
Brent gripped his hilt. It was his mission, his duty, to kill her. She was going to bring about a rebellion against his king. Would her destiny stop with King Marc, or would she kill Prince Kaleb, Queen Rose, Prince Izik, and Prince Spencer as well? Brent was not willing to give her the chance.
He pulled his sword free, and the moon flashed off his blade.
She jumped to her feet, and her eyes widened.
“I can’t let you harm him.” Brent held his blade toward her. “He is a good man, and I will do what I can to help him on this mission.”
“You’re one of the ones hunting me?” She whispered.
“We will destroy you.” He lunged, but she spun out of the way.
“You’re a trained knight? A soldier loyal to the king?”
“And you are a rebel Sorceress.” He held his blade steady as he remembered her power. He didn’t understand magic, and he didn’t want to give her another chance to paralyze him.
“Why are you loyal to the king?” Her voice tickled something in his memory, but he had to focus.
“He is a good king.”
“Or has he used magic to make his soldiers loyal to him?”
“King Marc would never use magic, as the rebellion obviously will. Magic makes people evil.”
“Who taught you that? Why do you think I’m evil?”
“You’re destined to kill a good man.” Brent lunged with his left hand, and he managed to slice her side.
“King Marc is not a good man.” The Sorceress hissed as she pressed a hand to the wound on her side. Blood and rain mixed under her fingers.
Brent faltered, just a moment, but someone tackled him from behind. Brent’s sword flew from his grip, and he landed on the mud hard. He’d forgotten about her companion.
“Ryl, no!” The Sorceress cried as the man punched Brent.
Ryl looked up with dark brown eyes. “But Sorceress-”
“I said no.” She grabbed his arm and tugged him off Brent.
Brent’s fine clothes were covered in filth, and he looked up at the woman as she pulled her companion away with her.
“Leave him be.”
Brent struggled to his feet, but his boots slipped on the mud. He fell again, but Brent was able to grip the edge of his hilt with his wet fingers as he watched the Sorceress and her companion rush away into the night. At least he’d managed to hurt her.
~ Chapter 5 ~
Fobst 546
It had been a long time since he’d returned home, and Nate felt exposed. If the wrong people asked the right questions, he wasn’t sure what Kaleb would say about him. He played with the gold ring on his right index finger.
“So, this is where you grew up?” Kaleb looked around at the city as a light rain blanketed the three friends.
“Yes.”
“It’s nice.”
“Nathan?” Someone asked. “Nathan Trent?”
Nate turned and nodded.
“I can’t believe it.” A baker embraced him. “Your father was the best customer I had, before…” He looked at Kaleb and Brent. “I see the son of Matthew and Ophelia Trent has finally come home with friends. I didn’t expect you to return, not after what happened when you were taken.”
“Taken?” Kaleb asked.
“It was a long time ago.” Nate cut in. “This is hardly the time or place.”
“Your friends don’t know about your parents?” The baker frowned. “So, it’s true, isn’t it? You are a soldier loyal to the king.”
“I am a soldier loyal to my friends.” Nate shook his head. “Excuse us sir.” He rushed past the man before he could say anything more.
“Go along without us.” Kaleb said to Brent.
Brent glanced at Nate, but he did as told and left.
“What was that man talking about?” Kaleb demanded. “You were taken?”
“It was a long time ago, and I hold no grief about it.”
“Tell me what happened.”
“Kaleb, I—”
“I’m going to be king one day Nate, and I need to know everything I don’t know. Please tell me the truth about whatever happened here.”
Nate sighed and ran fingers through his hair. “When I was twelve, I was kidnapped by soldiers and forced to join the army.”
“What?” All the color drained from the prince’s face. “You were captured, like the rumors say? You’re telling me they’re not actually rumors?”
“In my case, yes.”
“What happened when you were taken?” Kaleb asked.
“Listen…”
“Tell me everything that happened.”
“I was with my parents.” Nate let a long breath loose. “Four soldiers stopped us, and they asked how old I was. When they found out I was twelve, they grabbed me. My father stepped in front and knocked the soldier back. My mother grabbed my hand, and we ran. They killed my father and chased my mother and me down on horses. They grabbed me, and I fought against them. They killed my mother when she tried to keep them from taking me.”
“They killed your parents?” Kaleb whispered.
Nate nodded. “They killed them, and this is the first time I’ve come back home. It’s hard.”
“No wonder.” Kaleb shook his head. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but why are you loyal to my father?”
“I’m loyal to you.” Nate explained. “You have always been so kind to me, and I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. You always help those of us who are overlooked or ostracized. You are kind and courageous, and you will be an incredible king. I am loyal to your father because of you, and you will always have my loyalty. You deserve my loyalty.”
“What if your loyalty is because of magical influence? I think perhaps Brent—”
A scream caused Kaleb and Nate to rush farther into the streets, and Kaleb nearly stumbled to a stop when he saw soldiers beating a boy, probably around ten.
“No.” Kaleb whispered.
She seemed to come from nowhere, but the Sorceress, covered in black, wielded her blade. She gutted the soldier and kicked the one next to him.
“Get behind me.” She called to the boy.
“She’s protecting them.” Kaleb whispered.
“She’s a rebel.” Nate answered. “Rebels fight against soldiers.”
“But she’s helping the people.” Kaleb shook his head as the Sorceress and her companion fought the squad of soldiers and defeated them. How could he kill someone who truly seemed to want to protect the people? But her destiny wasn’t to fight soldiers. Her destiny was to kill his father. How much did King Marc know about his soldiers’ activity? Was it possible his father knew about and condoned their actions? No.
Besides, there was only one way to ensure he would be the next king.
“Let’s get Brent.” Kaleb stated to Nate. “They’re going into the forest. We need to follow them.”
Kaleb dismounted. “Come on. They can’t be far.” He tied his stallion to a tree as he grabbed his blade. He took a deep breath as he looked at his friends.
“Remember, I stabbed her right side.” Brent gripped the hilt of his blade. “Unless she can heal herself, she’s still wounded.”
Kaleb nodded and led the others through the dense forest. It was beautiful: lush and green with lots of creeks, small animals, and birds. The forest was frosted with dew and lathered with fog. He paused as he saw her.
The Sorceress looked strong, and a sword hung by her side.
Kaleb took a step closer, and he stopped as the fog shifted. Her companion sat close to her, much closer than Kaleb had thought. He gestured with two fingers for Brent and Nate to fan out around the other side. They would disarm and kill her companion. The Sorceress was Kaleb’s quarry.
Kaleb waited several seconds before he heard the roars from his friends.
The Sorceress and her companion unsheathed their swords and blocked their attacks. Brent attacked the Sorceress as Nate fought her companion.
Brent shoved the Sorceress back, their blades hilt to hilt. His eyes shifted, just slightly, to Kaleb. The Sorceress spun, shoving Brent aside as she brought her blade into a guard position as she faced Kaleb.
“My executioner is back.” Her voice was light.
“I am and will continue to be back until I have fulfilled my mission.” He attacked, and she parried. Kaleb frowned. She was good with the blade.
Kaleb nearly tripped over Nate, sprawled on the floor, and he glanced to see the rebel companion fighting Brent.
Kaleb struck the Sorceress’ blade and lunged at her, tackling her. She fell hard, hitting her head against the dewed ground. Kaleb’s blade sliced into her left thigh, and she screamed. As she fell, her hood fell back. Waves of golden hair, streaked with sapphire and amethyst, spilled free. Kaleb grabbed the edge of her bandana and slowly pulled it down to reveal her face. A silver locket had come free from under her bandana, and Kaleb noticed the diamond in the center. Her white eyes seemed to widen, and her fist connected with his jaw. Feeling seeped from him as he fell back. She tried to get up, but her leg bled too much. Her skin was inked with sapphire and amethyst swirls.
“Come on.” Her companion grabbed her upper arm and lifted her as blood soaked the left leg of her pants.
Where were Brent and Nate? Kaleb tried to look for them, but he was unable to move.
Her companion carried her into the forest as Kaleb was still able to blink once. His breath seemed to have vanished, but he knew it wasn’t her magic. Even though she looked different than his dream, she was absolutely beautiful.
~ Chapter 6 ~
Mooch 546
Kaleb shook his head. He didn’t know what to think. If the Sorceress was so evil, then why was she helping people? Why was she and her companion protecting the people against his father’s soldiers? Everything he had been led to believe about folk with magic seemed impossible. Did it matter if she was evil or not? Kaleb had to fulfill his mission to become king.
“Guess we’ll camp here tonight.” Kaleb looked at his friends as he could finally move. “I have to say, being made immobile by the Sorceress really hurts us finding a good place
to sleep.”
“We’re not that far from Grebes.” Nate stated. “We can make it there soon and find an actual bed and meal.”
“That sounds great.” Kaleb paused as he saw crusted blood on Brent’s side. “Are you guys alright?”
“I’ll be fine.” Nate frowned as he brushed mud from his hair.
“That rebel sure has a nasty punch.” Brent held his side. “But I’ll live.”
“Good.”
The three gathered their horses and mounted.
“Brent, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” Kaleb looked at his friend.
“Yeah?” Brent glanced at the prince from his stallion.
“Did you know Nate’s parents were killed by soldiers?”
“What?” Brent gasped. “That can’t be possible.”
“I’m afraid it is.” Kaleb shook his head. “You weren’t forced to be a soldier, were you? You can tell me the truth.”
“I know, and no, I was never forced. I’m loyal to your father and you. I can’t believe Nate went through that.”
“Nate told me what happened, and we saw the Sorceress and her companion free a group of boys from soldiers.” Kaleb didn’t know what to think. The people thought King Jenkin was a benevolent ruler, but all his life, Kaleb had believed Jenkin to be a tyrant.
“What’s wrong Kaleb?” Brent looked at his friend. “This isn’t you. You know who your parents are, and you know your mission is for the good of the kingdom. Prophecy isn’t always on the side of good. There are prophecies where bad will win. You know the rebellion is unjust. Your father is a good man, and your mother loves him.”
“I’ve never questioned my family until I started traveling. I hate questioning them, but I don’t know anymore. You keep questioning what you remember, and don’t remember, about becoming a soldier. What if magic made you forget and made Nate loyal to me?”
“The rebels probably want you to question everything you know. They want you to be confused. You’re stronger than this. You’re wise, and you know the truth when you hear it.”
“But that’s just it.” Kaleb whispered. “I feel like I am hearing the truth.” Kaleb frowned. His friends were loyal to him, but what if he didn’t deserve their loyalty? What if this mission put them on the wrong side? What if killing the Sorceress would only bring more death and destruction to the people? He ran his hands through his hair. He needed a haircut. Are you thinking these thoughts because you saw how lovely the Sorceress is?