A Warden's Purpose (Wardens of Issalia Book 1)

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

  Jonah opened the door and the siblings slipped past him, into another corridor. He again took the lead, walking past a window that revealed the pale light and long shadows cast by the rising sun.

  Quinn sighed. “We’ve been awake for hours and it’s only dawn? I get the feeling that this will be a long day.”

  Everson turned toward her. “Aren’t you curious to see what this is all about?”

  “Oh, I’m curious for sure. But where will it leave me with Sergeant Jasmine?”

  Jonah stopped beside a door. “Don’t worry about her. You’re done at the academy now anyway.”

  Quinn frowned at his statement. Jonah’s knuckles banged on the door three times, the sound echoing in the hallway.

  “Yes?” A voice came from inside the room.

  “It’s Warden Selbin. I have them with me.”

  “Come in, Jonah.”

  Jonah turned the knob and stepped aside. Everson walked past him and into a large office with Quinn a step behind.

  Shelves filled with books covered one wall and a desk sat beside them. Upon two of the walls were tapestries, one with the symbol for Order and other with the symbol for Chaos. Black curtains covered the wall opposite the door, slivers of light leaking through gaps and seams here and there. Glowing statues lit the space and made it easy to see the people seated around the table in the center of the room.

  Masters Firellus, Nindlerod, and Hedgewick all turned toward Everson, as did the man named Delvin. To Everson’s surprise, two other men sat at the table as well, one of whom Everson knew well, the other not at all.

  “Come in, Everson, Quinn,” Headmaster Ackerson said. “Have a seat.”

  Everson walked to the table, his legs whirring with each step. With all eyes on him, he felt self-conscious. His stomach churned with anxiety as he realized the magnitude of the moment. These were important people.

  He sat upon an empty chair with Quinn to his right and Jonah to his left. Everson searched the faces in the room and found all eyes on him…except for Delvin, who appeared focused on his fingernails.

  “I’m afraid your time at my school has ended, Everson,” Ackerson said.

  “What?” Everson felt his gut wrench. “But…I’ve done nothing wrong.”

  Ackerson chuckled. “You misunderstand. This is a graduation of sorts. Your education will continue, but with a different focus.”

  The man unknown to Everson leaned forward. He had close-shorn brown hair and a trimmed beard to match. His physique was that of a warrior, so it didn’t surprise Everson when he addressed Quinn.

  “You are also finished at the military academy, Jacquinn.” He looked around the table. “Things have changed…we must accelerate our plans and adapt. Accordingly, you and a few others will move on.”

  Quinn frowned. “What, exactly, does that mean, Captain Goren?”

  A piece of paper rested on the table before Goren, one he picked up and stared at briefly before reading out loud.

  “Sol Polis has fallen, and with it, Kalimar is ours. A new regime rules the east coast, one with new laws – laws that restore order to Empire citizens.

  “The borders between your lands and ours extend from Yarth, to all of Vinacci, to the east coast of Hurnsdom. Any attempt to reclaim these lands will be treated as an act of war, as will the mere presence of an armed force approaching our borders. All trading between the Empire and the kingdoms of Issalia will cease until amicable trade agreements have been negotiated with each nation.

  “Furthermore, know that we have reinstated the Choosing ceremony and have formally outlawed the use of the dark magic tied to Chaos. Anyone found to have the inherent ability to channel Chaos will be imprisoned. Any demonstration of this forbidden magic inside our borders will be met with swift execution.

  “Take heed of these warnings. They are the last you will receive.”

  The room fell silent. Everson’s brow furrowed as he sifted through the message, replaying it in his head.

  Master Hedgewick spoke, drawing everyone’s attention. “This message arrived three days ago and copies have been sent to the leaders of Kantaria, Torinland, Ri Star, western Hurnsdom, and to the Tantarri.”

  “What does this have to do with my brother and me?” Quinn asked.

  Master Firellus turned toward Jonah. “You didn’t tell them?”

  Jonah shook his head. “No. We didn’t get that far. I merely explained Donnell’s death.”

  Elias turned to look Everson in the eye. “You have a unique mind, young man – a mind that could save lives…or take them.” His gaze shifted to Quinn. “You, on the other hand, have other traits that we need. Fierce determination, quick thinking, and a strong will to survive are not things that we can teach. My associate here,” he gestured toward Delvin, “believes that they are critical for the wardens we put in the field.”

  “Wardens?” Everson found himself asking, not even realizing the word had slipped out until it reached his ears.

  Goren nodded. “Yes. Wardens…agents who fight for the rights and safety of our people.”

  Nindlerod snorted. “Enough dancing around the subject.” The old man turned toward Everson. “A few years back, a secret organization was formed, known as the Issalian Clandestine Operative Network…or ICON.

  “The need for such a group became apparent after a series of assassination attempts made toward the rulers of Issalia. Most of these attempts failed…despite some unsavory side effects. King Cassius of Torinland suffered permanent damage from his poisoning, but he still lives. King Brock avoided the attempt on his life, but his general did not. General Budakis suffers from permanent nerve damage, much like King Cassius. However, King Talvin of Vinacci was not so lucky. After his murder, the government went through a time of turmoil. He was eventually replaced by a council of rulers who refused to meet with the leaders of other nations. Last fall, King Ulric of Hurnsdom – your king – was killed when Cinti Mor was captured by Vinacci soldiers. Based on the letter Goren just read, we must now assume that King Pretencia of Kalimar is dead as well.

  “We have enemies hiding among us, operating with subterfuge. Protecting our rulers has become a challenge, one we dare not fail any longer. With this new Empire rising to the east, we find our backs against the wall and at a disadvantage. They presumably know much about us, while we know little to nothing of their actions or intent. This is why King Brock first came to us to form ICON.”

  The names of kings and secret agencies were spinning inside Everson’s head, coalescing into something complex, a new problem to solve. Still, gaps remained.

  “I still don’t understand what this has to do with me or my sister.”

  Goren clenched his fist. “We need wardens: agents who can help us combat these unseen, secretive enemies. We plan to train Quinn and others like her to become field agents who can delve deep into enemy networks behind false identities. We will prepare them to infiltrate their network and gather information. We will prepare them to become who and whatever they must. We will prepare them to defend themselves and to kill when necessary. In the end, wardens must do whatever is required in order to protect our people.”

  Hedgewick leaned forward, looking at Everson. “Field agents, like your sister, will need special tools, gear, weapons, new means of transportation…anything that people like you might create. You can help save lives, Everson. Your discovery of Chaos Conduction is likely to become a critical advantage in the war to come.”

  “War?” Everson glanced about the table in concern.

  Goren held up the missive from the Empire. “You heard the message. This new Empire has captured a third of the continent with the intent to rule it as they see fit – twisting the law to their own purpose despite the discrimination and potential genocide that may come of it. Killing kingdom rulers and taking their lands by force were already acts of war. It is time we acknowledge it.”

  The room fell silent for a moment until Quinn spoke.

  “What if we say no?”
/>   Frowns and grim stares were enough response.

  Delvin sat back with his hands clasped behind his head, appearing at ease…relaxed. “I highly suggest that you say yes. Things will be far easier that way.” He smiled. “Besides, I heard your story, Quinn. You were born to be a warden.”

  “It all comes down to purpose,” Nindlerod stated. “We seek those who have an inner drive, an agency that makes them ideally suited to become wardens. For Everson, it is his need to be useful.”

  Everson gasped at the insightful comment.

  Delvin said, “Quinn’s purpose is to defend those who cannot defend themselves. That and her determination make her perfect for the job.”

  Quinn pressed her lips together as she stared at Everson. “My brother won’t be at risk, right?”

  Everson grit his teeth. “I can take care of myself, Quinn.”

  Nindlerod laughed. “While I’m sure you are capable, Everson, you will best serve ICON with your mind. Create things that keep people like your sister alive, and all will be well.” Nindlerod stared toward Quinn as he spoke. “Your brother would remain here, safe in the Ward.”

  “The Ward?” Everson asked.

  Elias nodded. “Yes. You two will live here now, as will the others we plan to bring in. It won’t be easy. Your training will increase three-fold, and you will find yourself pushed to your limits…and beyond. We need to have you and others ready as soon as possible.”

  42

  Wardens

  Jonah waited in the corridor with the door held open. Quinn watched her brother exit the room and walk past Jonah, staring at Everson’s mechanical legs the entire time. She shook her head in wonder. I still can’t believe he did it. He can walk.

  “Just remember, our room is next door if you need anything,” Everson said.

  Quinn gave him a nod and a half grin, a nod Jonah returned as he pulled the door closed.

  She turned and looked about the apartment…her new home. A table with four chairs stood to her left, along with a small counter that had food stored above, plates and other eating utensils below. A sitting area waited to her right, with a desk and bookshelves along the wall. Moving slowly, she crossed the room, her hand running along the back of the leather sofa. Turning, her gaze landed on the two open doors beyond the dining table. One of those bedrooms was hers, the other for her roommate…once one was assigned. As she approached the glass-paned doors at the far wall, she opened one and stepped outside.

  Looking up, she realized that outside was an inaccurate term. A glass-paneled dome stood between her and the mid-day sky, five stories above. As she stared up at the white clouds drifting eastward, two consecutive fireballs flew past. Appearing like shooting stars, she stared at them until they passed beyond her view. The image brought back memories of her carriage ride with Iko – a precious moment that was now forever tainted. A sigh slipped out and she blinked the memory away, choosing to think on other things.

  Stepping onto the balcony, she rested her forearms on the railing and looked down to find her room four stories above a courtyard that was hundreds of feet across and just as wide. Below that courtyard was the Forge and the odd creations she had seen when passing through it with Jonah and Everson. She suspected that Everson would be spending much of his time in the Forge. The thought made her wonder what inventions he might concoct now that would have access to enchanting.

  The courtyard was largely an open space made of square stone tiles, almost like a giant Ratio Bellicus board brought to life. Complex structures occupied portions of the space – a conflagration of rails and beams and ropes that reminded her of the agility course from the TACT Games. Surrounding the entire area were the tall walls that contained it, each with rows of balconies like the one she stood upon – nine stories worth. She wondered at how many people lived in the Ward…and how many more would be joining her.

  A motion below drew her attention and she spotted two warriors – a boy and a girl dressed in gray sparring gear. The two ran toward each other with incredible speed, and when they were a hundred feet apart, they both leaped and soared upward, impossibly high. Quinn’s mouth dropped open, gaping as the two figures rose into the air above the balcony where she stood. As their arcing leaps met, both swung their sparring weapon in a terrible collision that oddly made no more than a muffled thump. The girl spun with the impact and dropped toward the ground while the boy struggled to remain upright, flailing wildly as he tried to bring his feet beneath him. Quinn held her breath as they plummeted toward the courtyard floor, fearing that they would be killed from falling such a height. The girl landed gracefully, the thump of her impact meeting Quinn a second later. Conversely, the boy got his feet beneath him just in time, squatted with the landing, and rolled with his momentum. Amazingly, neither appeared hurt as they turned to face each other for another pass.

  The sound of a door opening behind her drew Quinn’s attention. She turned to find a familiar face entering her room.

  “Chuli!” She ran inside, toward the smiling Tantarri girl. They hugged each other tightly for a long moment until Quinn finally released her embrace, stepped back, and noticed the pack on the floor beside Chuli.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Can’t you see, Jacquinn Gulagas? I have been assigned to this room.”

  A grin spread across Quinn’s face. “You’re my roommate?”

  A nod and a sigh accompanied Chuli’s response. “It appears so. I’m still unsure of what this means, but I believe it is a good choice after what happened with Iko and Percy.”

  Quinn’s grin faded upon hearing Iko’s name. The scars from his betrayal were fresh, raw, and painful.

  Chuli stared at Quinn with concern. “Last night, I heard the sounds of a struggle coming from your cell in the infirmary, and I feared what had become of you. Nobody would tell me. I remained locked in my cell until after breakfast today, unsure of what would happen. Then, two men appeared, carrying my things. They told me I would be safe if I agreed to come with them. While they brought me here, they said this was my new home and that I was to train with you. They would not tell me why. What happened?”

  Quinn shuffled to the sofa and sat with a sigh before gesturing toward the chair across from her. “You should sit. There is much to explain.”

  Chuli appeared concerned, but she did as Quinn suggested.

  Quinn stared toward the Ratio Bellicus pieces and game board on the table. Events of the past day churned in her head as she considered where to begin.

  “After we returned to the school and informed Jasmine and Goren of what happened with Iko and Percy, that information triggered other events. Guards came for me in the middle of the night, as you heard. However, I wasn’t the only one. They took my brother from his school as well. They put us in separate cells and tied us up to interrogate us. Thankfully, the truth set us free – set us on a new course.

  “When I told my story, detailing my time at the academy and my interactions with Iko, the people who run this place were able to guess at the reason behind his actions.

  “They believe that Iko and Percy are spies, as was another boy at the other school who had befriended my brother. The assumption is that these spies were sent to gather information to use against us. When Percy told me that killing Darnya was necessary to throw off suspicion, what remained unsaid is why he had killed Simone.

  “It turns out that Simone was undercover, posing as a student to help find and recruit new wardens…and to seek out any spies. Iko and Percy must have discovered her true role, so they killed her.

  Alarm reflected in Chuli’s eyes. “They killed Darnya only as a ruse to hide suspicion?”

  Quinn shrugged. “Apparently, hiding the truth was all the reason they needed.”

  “I’m sorry, Quinn.” Chuli leaned forward and took Quinn’s hand. “You allowed yourself to get close to Ikonis. He took that trust and betrayed you.”

  With a deep breath and sheer will power, Quinn kept her tears at bay. “Thank
you.”

  The two girls fell silent for a moment until Chuli spoke.

  “In case you are curious, the school settled on a winner for the TACT Games. Well…two winners.”

  “What?” Quinn blinked. “Who?”

  “You and I tied for first, despite not scoring any points in hunting.”

  “Tied?” Quinn frowned as she glanced at the game board on the table. A grin appeared. “Didn’t Goren say that ties would be addressed by playing Ratio Bellicus?”

  “Yes. I do believe you are correct. Perhaps we should play a match.”

  Quinn sat forward and eyed the black pieces on her side of the board, considering her first move. “I thought you might never ask.”

  After a moment, Chuli asked, “What came of the spy at the other school? Was he using your brother as well?”

  “Yes. My brother is…special. Donnell realized that, seeing Everson as a way to gain information. My brother has always been extremely curious…and brilliant. By befriending Everson, Donnell had access to someone who would chase mysteries for him and would teach him things beyond what he might learn in the classroom. It appears that Donnell was caught spying and was killed in the process. Thankfully, the warden who killed him was able to intercept the information Donnell had acquired before it left the school.

  “Something is happening, Chuli. Things are changing, and there are people behind it who are willing to kill anyone along the way. They have already assassinated three kings and have taken control of the entire eastern coastline. There is a fear that, given time, the entire continent will fall under the hand of this new empire. We have been recruited by an organization that was created to prevent that occurrence and to protect many innocent lives in the process.”

  “What is this organization you speak of?” Chuli asked.