by T. N. Hayden
“My mother is not a prisoner, and she doesn’t have magic.” Kaleb insisted. “Magic is evil.” He tried to glare at the Sorceress, though even he’d been questioning the truth about magic.
“King Marc renounces the use of magic, but he is fine using it for his own gain.” Ryl spoke.
Kaleb laughed. “Are you going to tell me my father can wield magic too?”
“No.” Ed stood in front of the prince. “But King Marc employs those who use magic for his bidding. Lady Liliana and Lady Gizelle have Darbida magic, the ability to enchant, rewrite, and manipulate the mind. Marc employs them to make his subjects loyal soldiers.”
“That’s why he has all new recruits go through initiation with the women.” The fourth rebel, the one unknown to Kaleb, spoke. His voice seemed very deep. “You must have thought it odd all of the new recruits are sent to Liliana and Gizelle.”
Kaleb wouldn’t admit the truth to the rebels, and he closed his eyes. “This isn’t possible.” He had to build a wall around him, something that could withstand all their falsehoods. “Gizelle is a courtesan.” Kaleb shook his head. “Liliana is her madam, and they don’t have magic.”
“King Marc uses them for many reasons.” Ryl stated.
“If what you’re saying is true, then tell me; why would my father kill King Jenkin and take the queen as his bride?” Kaleb stood.
“Besides to become king? Marc valued Rose.” Ed explained. “He always wanted the women he couldn’t have. When we were younger, he always wanted married women, and when he met Rose Kender, he wanted to have her as his own. She was powerful, strong, and beautiful, and Marc desired her. After she married Jenkin, Marc left court. We thought he was going to leave everything alone, but he returned with an army and decimated the place. He had a way of making soldiers loyal to him, and we didn’t understand it until it was too late. I barely escaped that night with my life, and I cannot imagine what Marc did to your mother when he found out she was pregnant with Jenkin’s son.”
“Jenkin’s son?” Kaleb shook his head. No. It wasn’t possible. “My parents love each other.”
“Rose will never truly love a man like Marc.” Ed stated. “He’s been abusing her a long time. She only loves him because she cannot remember the truth. She has been influenced by magic.”
“He’s never abused my mother.” Kaleb lied through his teeth, but he couldn’t give this rebel the satisfaction. Kaleb tried to keep his wall strong, but fissures etched their way through the stone.
“May I have a word alone with the prince?” Sorceress spoke for the first time as her right thumb and pointer finger pressed against one another.
The men turned to look at her.
“Are you sure?” Ryl asked.
“Yes.”
The three men left the room, and Kaleb was surprised how much authority they’d given this woman. Of course, she was destined to kill his father, and that had to make her a priceless asset in their eyes.
“What do you want?” Kaleb wouldn’t hear any more about his parents. Nothing they had said could be true. He didn’t aspire to realize everything he believed in was a lie.
“You truly never knew, did you?” Her white eyes were eerie in the light. “You were never the son of Marc, but your father was a good, honest, benevolent king. You should be glad you’re the son of King Jenkin Masen.”
“I’m not his son.” Kaleb spat. “How did you find out who I am anyway? I never said or did anything to make you think I’m the prince.”
“We have our ways of finding things out.” She took hold of a chair and sat in it to face him once more. “You have been lied to your entire life, but now you’re out of the palace. Now you have a chance to know the truth, but you have to choose what to believe. Will you believe us, or will you believe the lies King Marc has always told you?”
“Tell me something Sorceress, if Jenkin is my father, why has my mother never told me? Don’t you think, if she’s actually my father’s prisoner, she would tell me the truth? Why hasn’t she screamed and fought him? Why hasn’t she told the soldiers and nobles in the royal palace that she is a prisoner?”
“We believe Marc had Liliana use her magic to rewrite the past in your mother’s mind.” Her voice was so soft Kaleb wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly.
“You are poison.” Kaleb hissed and leapt to his feet. He clenched his fists. He knew what would happen if he attacked her. He didn’t feel like being paralyzed. He’d been immobile long enough coming here, wherever here was.
“I’m not poison.” She stood. “I hope you realize we’re telling you the truth.”
“It doesn’t matter.” He crossed his arms. “It’s not like I’m ever leaving this place.”
“Perhaps.” She walked to the door. “We’ll make sure you’re fed.”
“I want to see my friends.”
“Someday soon.”
“I want to see them now.” Kaleb rushed to the door as she opened it. “I want to see my friends now.”
“Soon.” She put her hand to his chest, and he saw the white magic surround her tan skin.
Kaleb placed his hand over hers, wondering when she would take his mobility away. For a moment they stood together, her hand warm on his chest. She pulled her hand away and slammed the door shut. Kaleb blinked at the closed door.
It wasn’t possible. He knew who he was… Didn’t he?
~ Chapter 12 ~
The walk from the locked room with his son seemed longer than the original walk to the room. Telford closed his eyes as he thought about the look Brent had given him: pure hate. His own son didn’t recognize him, only called him a rebel scum. Brent hadn’t known his own twin, and now he denied his father. Something had to be done to make his son right, but there was something that had to be done even before that.
Telford Kilton knocked on the door, concern finding its way to his fingers as his mind fought his daughter’s decision. Yes, it was right for Nate and Brent to be here, but the prince, of all the soldiers she could capture and bring to Pheant, didn’t belong. It was far too dangerous.
Edwin opened his door. “No.”
“What?” Telford frowned.
“I know what you’re going to say, and the answer’s no.”
“What do you even think I’m going to say?”
“You want Kaleb to be removed from this camp.”
Telford paused. “Oh.”
“He’s not King Marc’s son.” Edwin explained the truth behind the prince to the father of the Sorceress.
Telford didn’t like the truth about the prince almost as much as he didn’t like the lies about the prince. He didn’t care that King Jenkin was Kaleb’s father. All he cared about was the fact that Kaleb wanted to kill Whitney. He had come too close, and Telford would not allow Kaleb to get another chance.
Edwin looked at Telford, and Telford wasn’t sure what his friend was about to say to him. He looked scared, almost insecure as he spoke. “The truth is that I was friends with Jenkin and Marc. I’m noble, born a baron, and I was always loyal to Prince Jenkin. The three of us grew up together, and there was once a time when I believed nothing would tear the three of us apart. I loved them both as brothers, which is what made Marc’s betrayal even harder.”
“You’re a baron?” Telford whispered. He was a former rat catcher, and here he was working alongside a man of high noble blood, best friends with the former and current kings? Telford had always believed nobles hated and ignored commoners, but here was a baron fighting alongside them.
“I was a baron.” Edwin nodded. “I was, and I would have been killed if Marc had his ways.”
“Who did the queen love? I know the rumors, but I don’t even know the truth.”
“She’ll always love Jenkin. Rose was nine when she came to live in Waden with the royal family. Her brother and his wife needed to keep her safe from their enemy, another former friend.” Edwin paused. “Rose has magic, but she never used it. She would always say it was too dangerous, too powe
rful to use.”
“If she has magic, then why doesn’t she free herself from the king?”
“He trapped her magic, so she can’t use it against him, and he trapped her memories so she will believe she loves him. I think Marc planned his coup many years before he actually took over.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because of Liliana.”
“Who?”
“She’s the Madam in the palace, and she has Darbina magic, which is used to manipulate the mind. I’ve unfortunately had personal experience with her magic.” He shook his head. “She makes you do things you don’t usually, and she can change your memories. That’s what’s wrong with your son, why he doesn’t remember who you are. Liliana was never afraid to use her magic.”
“So, you actually know the king and queen?” Telford’s mind felt whiplashed. He stared at the man he thought he knew but didn’t really know at all. “Has everything you’ve told me been a lie? I thought you were like me, like the people, but you’re not.”
“I am.” Edwin insisted. “I have no home anymore. Marc wants me dead. But Rose is good, and she is not truly loyal to Marc. I want to free her.”
“That’s the reason you trained Whitney in fighting and helped her as much as you can in her magic.” Telford whispered. “She’s your weapon to use against Marc.”
“And she’s nearly ready.”
Brent paced in his cell, though he couldn’t help but think of it as a room. He frowned as two large men entered. Without saying a word, they stepped aside as the Sorceress walked in.
“Whi—Sorceress.” Brent blinked as he looked at her. “Is there a way for someone to help me remember? I’ve been getting flashes, but I want to know the truth.”
Her smile brought joy to his heart, and he knew he was finally making the right decision.
“Come with me.” She held her hand toward him.
He took her slim fingers and followed. Brent got his first clear look of the rebel town. They were surrounded by mountains, high peaks which would get lots of snow in the winter, and flow with waterfalls in the summer. It was beautiful, and he wondered if this was where he belonged.
The Sorceress led him to a cabin, and inside, a woman, dark brown hair twisted elegantly out of her face, seemed to flow toward him, her wide skirts moving with a grace he hadn’t expected outside of the palace. The woman pulled a chair to sit and gestured to the seat opposite her.
“Who are you?” Brent asked as he sat on the wooden stool.
“I’m going to free you.” The woman explained. “I’m a healer, and I can remove the touch of magic from you, but only if you want it.” She raised her hands, and Brent nodded as her fingers glowed a faint rich brown which made him think of chocolate. “There’s no reason to worry. I won’t hurt you.”
He closed his eyes as her fingers touched his temples.
“How old are you boy?” The soldier jabbed his finger into Brent’s shoulder.
Brent frowned as he glanced at Whitney. “Why does it matter? I’m going to be a rat catcher, like my father.”
“You’re an able-bodied young man.” The soldier explained. “You will fight for the king.”
“I would never be loyal to such a tyrant.” Brent punched the soldier. “Come on, Whitney!” He grabbed his sister’s hand, and they raced through the crowded streets.
“They can’t take you from me.” Whitney squeezed his fingers.
“They won’t.” Brent promised his sister. He loved her more than anything.
“Brent, Whitney.” Their mom, Faith, exited the bakery. “Why aren’t you watching the wagon?”
“Soldiers tried to take Brent.” Whitney explained, her breath coming in and out too quick.
“There he is!” The soldier shoved several people out of his way, and Brent swallowed a lump as he noticed four other soldiers.
“Don’t take my son.” Faith begged, putting herself in front of the boy.
“This is for your insolence.” The soldier stabbed Faith.
“No!” Brent screamed, or maybe it was Whitney who screamed, he wasn’t sure. He fell to his knees beside his mother as her blood mixed with the dirt of Darter. “Mom!”
Two of the soldiers grabbed Brent’s arms and yanked him to his feet. The leader punched Brent’s stomach.
Whitney’s scream was like a wild animal, and Brent turned. His jaw dropped as his sister’s sapphire eyes turned white. Her golden hair grew colored strands of blue and purple, magical swirls the same colors inked her skin, and even her silver locket seemed to be shining. She was covered in their mother’s blood, and she stood.
“A sorceress!” One of the soldiers gasped.
“Get the boy out of here!” The leader ordered his men. “I’ll kill the witch.”
Whitney raced toward the group, and when her hand connected with the leader, the man dropped to the ground. Had she killed the man? What magical ability had been locked in his twin? Brent didn’t understand how she had magic.
“Brent!” She screamed as she stumbled.
“Whitney!” He struggled to help her, but she looked drained. The markings of magic faded, and his sister, covered in blood and dirt, dropped to the ground.
“Whitney!” Brent gasped as he stared at the healer. “What?”
She placed her open palm over his forehead, and Brent nearly thrashed.
Brent sat shackled to a chair. His wrists bled from his struggle, and he was exhausted. “I will never be loyal.”
“Never say never.” The woman was tall with dark brown hair and emerald eyes. “You may be strong-willed, but magic can rewrite anything.”
“His mind is harder to break my lady.” The girl with her seemed to be even younger than Brent. Her skin was nearly translucent, as if she never saw the light of day.
“I know.” The woman assured the girl. “But his mind will break, Gizelle. We just need to keep working. Why don’t you keep trying?”
Gizelle went to Brent and grasped his hands. Her touch was like fire, and her hands glowed with mint-colored magic. She gripped his fingers as she leaned in to brush her lips against his.
Memories of his mother’s death seemed to fade back, as if she was wrapping them in a box never to be opened again. Brent struggled against her, but Gizelle continued to kiss him. He didn’t want to lose himself, lose his family, and, most importantly, lose his memories of Whitney. He needed his sister as much as she needed him. They were a pair, a unit, and they would always be stronger together than apart.
Gizelle pulled back. “It’s starting to work.”
“Don’t stop.” Brent whispered as the healer continued to press her muggy palm against his forehead.
Faith Kilton sat with Telford, Whitney, and Brent. His life was simple and free.
“Nate’s moving to Limpkin.” Whitney frowned.
“He’s always been a very good friend to you.” Faith stated. “You can keep in touch with letters and see one another. It isn’t a far journey.”
Whitney nodded. “At least I’ll always have my brother.”
Faith eyed her children. “Yes. I’m glad you two are so close.”
“Are there many twins in the family?” Brent asked. “Isn’t it common for family lines to have twins?”
“There are no twins in my side.” Telford shrugged. “Nor in your mother’s. You two are very special.”
Faith nodded as she picked at the food on her plate.
Tears flowed down Brent’s cheeks as the healer pulled her hands from Brent’s face.
“Whitney?” Brent whispered.
She ran to him, and they embraced so fiercely, he nearly stumbled.
“Where’s Dad?” Brent didn’t want to let her go.
A hooded rebel entered the cabin. Brent turned as the man pushed his hood back. Brent froze as he stared into his father’s light blue eyes. His blond hair was longer than Brent remembered, and his face was covered in stubble. “Dad.”
“Brent.” Telford embraced his son, and Bre
nt hugged his father back.
“I’m sorry.” Brent held them both. “I’m so, so sorry.”
~ Chapter 13 ~
Ovepo 546
“So how did you end up here?” Brent frowned. “How do you even have magic? I remember your magic manifesting when I was taken.”
“It’s destiny.” Whitney shrugged. “I’m destined to be the Sorceress of Prophecy. That’s the only way I can have magic since there is no magic in either Mom or Dad’s bloodline.”
“We tried to rescue you, but you were already fortified in the royal palace.” Telford explained. “So, we decided to find rebels and join them. I didn’t want them to know about your sister, and Whitney agreed to keep her magic hidden.”
“We traveled to Limpkin, and I found out about Nate and his parents.” Whitney said.
“Nate?” Brent gasped and spun to face his sister. “Nathan Trent?”
“Don’t you remember my friend Nate from when we were little?” Whitney chuckled.
Brent blinked. “Yeah. But wait, are you telling me Nate’s been working for the rebels all along?”
“His parents were murdered when he was kidnapped by the soldiers.” Whitney explained. “But he’s always had a ring enchanted to keep his mind protected. Liliana and Gizelle’s magic didn’t work on him, but he realized they would kill him if they figured out he couldn’t be enchanted. He devised a plan to gain Kaleb’s trust and then use the prince to bring about the fall of King Marc. The only problem was that he likes Kaleb and thinks he’s going to be a great king once Kaleb knows the truth about his parents.”
“The truth?” Brent frowned. “How did Nate have a ring to keep his mind from being vulnerable?”
“You met our healer. Her name’s Henika Chandler, and her sister was Nate’s mother. Henika’s son, Cyril, is the man who works with me.”
“Your companion is Nate’s cousin?” Brent gaped.
Whitney nodded. “I met Cyril and Henika after I found out Nate was kidnapped, and his parents killed. Cyril and Henika were already involved with the rebellion, and Cyril knew who I was since Nate spoke about me.” Whitney paused. “Henika could see that I had magic in me, and she helped me come to grips with my powers. Cyril and I started training together, and I accidently admitted to Cyril that neither of my parents had magic in their bloodlines. Cyril figured out I was the Sorceress of Prophecy, and he and Henika came here, to Pheant where they knew I would be safe.”