by Narro, B. T.
Contents
Maps
Order of Series
Chapter 1: Cleve
Chapter 2: Cleve
Chapter 3: Zeti
Chapter 4: Effie
Chapter 5: Effie
Chapter 6: Steffen
Chapter 7: Cleve
Chapter 8: Cleve
Chapter 9: Zoke
Chapter 10: Zeti
Chapter 11: Cleve
Chapter 12: Cleve
Chapter 13: Cleve
Chapter 14: Cleve
Chapter 15: Zoke
Chapter 16: Zoke
Chapter 17: Zoke
Chapter 18: Zeti
Chapter 19: Zoke
Chapter 20: Effie
Chapter 21: Effie
Chapter 22: Cleve
Chapter 23: Cleve
Chapter 24: Cleve
Chapter 25: Cleve
Chapter 26: Effie
Chapter 27: Effie
Chapter 28: Steffen
Chapter 29: Zeti
Chapter 30: Zeti
Chapter 31: Effie
Chapter 32: Cleve
Chapter 33: Zoke
Chapter 34: Zoke
Chapter 35: Steffen
Chapter 36: Cleve
Chapter 37: Effie
Chapter 38: Cleve
Chapter 39: Steffen
Chapter 40: Zoke
Chapter 41: Cleve
Chapter 42: Effie
Chapter 43: Steffen
Chapter 44: Cleve
Chapter 45
New Releases
Author Information
Copyright
THE RHYTHM OF RIVALRY SERIES
Book 1: Bastial Energy
Book 1.5: The Sartious Mage
Book 2: Bastial Steel
Book 3: Bastial Explosion
Book 4: Bastial Frenzy
Book 5: Bastial Sentinels
Chapter 1:
CLEVE
What’s keeping your secrets worth to you? The answer tells a lot about a man.
Cleve didn’t know why his father’s words came to him, until he realized his father was there. Cleve could see his face clearly. But when he sat up and felt Reela’s arm slide off his stomach, the hazy image of his dream dispersed.
He kissed her cheek, and she smiled.
“I still want to sleep.” She spoke without opening her eyes. Her palm slid up to his chest. “Don’t excite Nulya. It took far too much psyche to calm her.”
Cleve’s horse was lying near the foot of the bed, taking up the entire floor.
Reela’s hand slipped off Cleve’s chest and her breathing became rhythmic. It was eerie how quickly she could fall back into a sound slumber.
Nulya stirred when Cleve set his feet down off the bed.
“Easy.” He stepped over his horse to get through the door. Looking back into the room, he figured getting her out would be even harder than getting her in.
There was no place for Nulya besides in the house. After the battle last night, the uninjured spent hours moving the dead into wagons and pushing them to the appropriate cities so the fallen could be buried in their hometowns. A list of the victims went with each wagon. It was to be posted in the center of the city—the sole notification of who lived and who died.
Liaison Wilfre would bring a similar list to the Academy. On it would be the names of those who’d died in Kyrro City. Cleve felt fortunate the only family member he needed to worry about was Terren, the head of the Academy, and Cleve already had heard his uncle escaped harm.
Cleve kept expecting to run into him last night, as he and others worked by mage light to take care of the bodies. But Cleve never saw Terren. He wondered what his uncle would say when Cleve came by later, after breakfast.
Effie was in the kitchen when he came down the hall, sipping tea. He smiled at the familiar sight. It was as if he hadn’t been gone. But then he realized she hadn’t heard him approaching.
He cleared his throat before he got too close so he wouldn’t startle her. She turned with a twitch. Then a smile formed.
“Breakfast?” Cleve inquired.
“Let me leave a note for Alex in case he comes by.”
Soon they were walking to the dining hall. The sight of the Academy illuminated by sunlight was disquieting. Last night, most of the bodies were found on the west side of campus, around the student houses. Cleve and Effie avoided places where blood still stained the dirt, the blemishes seemingly in every direction they looked.
Effie spoke softly. “I don’t remember there being that many bodies.”
But Cleve did. “Most of them were Krepps,” he said, trying to console her.
“Oh, that’s right. Still…” She sighed. “I’m not looking forward to hearing the death count.”
After they’d finished clearing the bodies, there’d been a long queue to use the showers in each bathhouse. So Cleve and his roommates had gone into their student house to talk as they waited. He’d told them everything he could remember from his time in Goldram: the war fought by four armies, with the psychic Elves building their own army to make it five; Rek’s experience with the Elves, including the scar they gave him; Jek Trayden and his terrible nightmares; Cleve’s actions to help the Takary royal family and the gifts he received in return; the twin princesses, Jessend and Lisanda. He was careful to be curt when speaking about Jessend. He’d just reunited with Reela and didn’t want her to get the wrong idea.
Reela had asked about her brother Rek, who must’ve stayed the night in Kyrro City. Cleve figured the Elf had survived, given that the Krepps retreated not long after the battle began. Though, both he and Reela were still worried to read the list of victims that was to arrive later.
It had taken some time for Cleve to get used to Zoke standing against the wall as Cleve’s roommates sat at the kitchen table with him and shared stories. The Krepp looked disinterested during the whole thing. But the Elf beside him was the opposite. Vithos became more excited to finally meet his brother the more Cleve and Reela talked about Rek.
Steffen was the most disconnected, even more than Zoke. Everyone knew he was grieving Marratrice’s death. Effie and Reela often touched his shoulder or hugged him.
“Are you worried about Welson Kimard?” Effie asked as they arrived at the dining hall.
“Somewhat,” Cleve admitted. The King had exiled him, and now he was back without permission to return. But Cleve was even more worried about what he would do to Welson now that he knew the King was responsible for his parents’ death. In that moment, he felt as if he could contain his anger, though he knew that might change the moment he saw Welson’s face, more specifically his smile. It’s what he remembered most from their conversations, the way the monarch smiled as he questioned Cleve about his father.
He was testing me. Cleve felt himself making a fist. He opened his hand to take his plate back from the server.
“Thank you for fighting,” the woman behind the counter said. “Enjoy the food.”
Cleve thanked her and followed Effie to a table.
“How was your night with Reela?” Effie gave him a knowing smile.
Cleve pretended not to understand what she was asking. “Good, though quite troublesome to get my horse settled. I need to find out where I can keep her.”
“You left your horse with Reela?”
Cleve nodded. “Reela will be fine. Even after all the time I’ve spent with Nulya, Reela can get the horse to do what she wants better than I can.”
“Oh, with psyche,” Effie realized. She gestured with her fork. “You’re more talkative than when you were last here.”
“Am I?”
His father’s saying came back to him. What’s keeping your secrets worth to you? “I guess I was. But I was keeping it from myself as well. I had feelings for Reela, and I didn’t even know it.”
Effie squinted at him. “I’m still sensing something you’re holding back, though. Is it about Reela?”
It’s that I might kill Welson Kimard. Cleve folded his arms. “No.”
“But it’s something.” Effie shook her finger at him as she laughed. “There’s always something with you, Cleve.”
“So you and Alex are a couple now?” Cleve had noticed them last night, with their lingering looks and caresses.
“Fine, change the subject. Yes.”
“I see.” Cleve had nothing else to add.
“What did Terren say when he saw you were back?"
“I haven’t spoken to him yet.”
Effie stared in silence.
“What?” Cleve asked.
“Why are you here eating with me, then?”
Cleve shrugged. “I was hungry.”
Effie laughed. “Don’t you think you should tell him you’re back?”
“I will. After we eat, I’m going to get more food and bring it to Nulya. Then I’ll ride her to Terren’s house.”
“Take Reela with you.”
“Why?”
“I’m sure she’d love to ride on the horse. Then Terren can see that you two are together.”
“Why does he need to see that?”
Effie giggled, more to herself. “He knows Reela, remember? We told you last night that we fought with your uncle on the Fjallejon Pathway and within the Slugari colony. He’s bound to find out about you two eventually. It’s better you just tell him.”
The idea of telling Terren seemed embarrassing. “Only if Reela wants to,” Cleve said.
“She definitely will.”
When Cleve returned with Effie, Reela was outside the house, petting Nulya. “I took her to get water from the faucet outside the bathhouse. But she’s hungry as well.”
Cleve fed Nulya the bread and carrots he got from the dining hall. “Do you want to ride her?” he asked Reela.
Her bright green eyes grew wide. “I was hoping you’d ask.”
“I’m taking her to Terren’s to let him know I’m back. You can ride with me.”
Cleve caught Effie winking at him before she went inside. He got on the saddle and helped Reela up behind him.
When Nulya was at a trot, Cleve could feel Reela bouncing around, her hands tight across his stomach.
“Is it always this bumpy?” she asked.
“Unless we go faster or slower.”
“Then go faster.” He could tell she was smiling from the way she spoke the words.
Soon Nulya was galloping down the dirt road along Warrior’s Field, Reela laughing in delight. Cleve couldn’t help but smile.
They passed many students and instructors. It was easy to tell who’d seen Cleve on his horse already and who hadn’t. As they passed by Liaison Wilfre, he shouted, “Stop!”
Cleve slowed Nulya and turned her. “Yes?”
Wilfre’s lips moved, but no words came out. His brow furrowed as he pointed. “Is that a horse?” His tone was incredulous.
“Yes.” Cleve could hear Reela stifling a giggle. She pushed her mouth against the back of his shoulder.
Wilfre’s jaw hung open. He scratched his head. “Where did you get it?”
“From Goldram,” Cleve said, hoping that would be the end of it.
“Goldram?” Wilfre’s eyes went to the clouds. “All the way across the Starving Ocean?”
“Yes,” Cleve answered. “May I go now?”
“Does the King know about this?”
“I’m sure he does.” And soon he’ll summon me. “I must be leaving, if you don’t mind.”
Cleve couldn’t tell if it was irritation or confusion that was creasing Wilfre’s forehead.
“Alright, go.” The King’s liaison waved them away. “But slow that horse.”
Arriving at Terren’s, Cleve dismounted and helped Reela down. Before Cleve could knock, Nulya whinnied, and Cleve heard his uncle from within the house. “What the Bastial stars is that?”
Terren opened the door a moment later. “Bastial hell! Cleve?” Terren grabbed him for a hug. “People were saying that you came in on a horse with a sword made of fire. I didn’t know what to make of it, but here you are!” Terren laughed merrily. “But what did they see to think you had a sword of fire?” His eyes fell to the sheath on Cleve’s belt.
As Cleve removed the Bastial steel sword and handed it to him, Terren gasped. His uncle was one of the few people Cleve trusted enough to hold his weapon.
“It’s so light!” Terren gave it a few good swings before handing it back. “Marvelous…and I see you brought Reela with you.”
“Hello, Headmaster Terren,” she said.
“Please, Terren is fine. It’s good to see you again, Reela. I heard you and Effie killed many Krepps.” He turned toward the house, expecting them to follow. “Come in. I’ll be pulled away any moment, but until then, tell me what happened in Goldram, Cleve. How did you convince Welson Kimard that you and Rek aren’t allied with Tenred?”
Reela paused rather than walk with them. “I’m going to get some breakfast and let you two talk.” She kissed Cleve. “Thank you for the horse ride.”
“Oh!” Terren exclaimed. “So you two…” He waved his finger between them.
Blood rushed to Cleve’s cheeks. But Reela merely smiled and wrapped an arm around Cleve. “Yes, though it took some persistence.”
Terren started to smile, but disappointment took over, sending his mouth flat. He seemed to be looking over their shoulders. “It seems as if we won’t have time to talk until later, Cleve.”
Cleve turned to find Javy Rayvender and five men clad in steel. He could feel his heart speeding up. Reela took his hand.
Terren came around Cleve. Approaching Javy, he said, “Please tell me the King needs to speak to me and not Cleve."
Javy shook his head at him. “We’re here for your nephew.”
Terren slowly turned to meet Cleve’s eyes. “You didn’t tell me what happened when you spoke with Welson Kimard after returning.”
“I haven’t spoken with him yet,” Cleve admitted.
The dread he felt could be seen on Terren’s face. His uncle spun back to Javy. “This is an order from the King?”
“Yes, Cleve needs to see him immediately.”
Reela came forward. “I’m coming as well.” She looked to Terren, leaning toward him. “Please give me permission to leave the Academy.” Cleve didn’t know how comfortable he felt with her using psyche on his uncle, but he knew better than to bring it up right then.
“The King won’t grant you an audience,” Javy interrupted. “Only Cleve.”
“But I’m welcome in the castle, aren’t I?” she asked.
Javy shrugged. “I suppose. It’s up to the headmaster.”
“It’s fine,” Terren said. “Just be back before nightfall. I can’t have you missing too much battle training.”
Javy violently grabbed Nulya’s reins. “The horse is coming as well.”
“Easy!” Cleve almost snatched them from Javy’s hand before stopping himself. “Just be gentle with her.”
Javy grunted, but he did lighten up.
Terren clasped Cleve’s shoulder. “Don’t do or say anything without thinking it through,” he advised.
“Let’s go,” Javy said. “The King is very busy.”
For a moment, Cleve thought about leaving his Bastial steel sword with Terren. There was a chance the King would take it from him, as probably would happen with his horse. But he couldn’t make up his mind quickly enough, and soon he and Reela were following Javy toward the western gate.
With Javy ahead of them and five guards behind, Cleve as
ked Reela, “Why do you wish to come?” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Don’t use psyche to get a meeting with the King. The last thing I want is any trouble coming to you because of this.” And Welson Kimard, like me, has been trained to resist psyche.
“Don’t worry about me. I’m just going to make sure I don’t lose you again.”
Her stubborn tone worried him.
They walked four miles to reach Kyrro City. It was in worse shape than the Academy. The walls of many houses were marred with cracks, broken barrels and fragmented wood littered the streets, and there were traces of gore on nearly every surface—even some on the armor of the guards watching Cleve and Reela pass by.
As busy as everyone seemed to be, they still made time to stop and point at Cleve’s horse. Many of them must not have seen Rek’s mount as he fought against the Krepps the night before. Cleve wondered where the Elf was now.
Outside the castle in the center of the city, Cleve was made to wait. “Where are you taking my horse?” he called after the guards pulling Nulya away.
“She’ll be in good care,” Javy told him. “Stay here until his majesty is ready.”
More guards came to surround Cleve and Reela.
“What’s going to happen with Cleve?” Reela asked.
“That’s up to the King,” Javy answered.
It wasn’t long before a retinue of men clad in armor came around the side of the castle. Cleve knew Welson Kimard was in the center of them. They separated, and the King came forward, waving Cleve toward him. “Hurry, I don’t have a lot of time,” Welson said. “There’s too much to do.”
“Arrow!” someone shouted.
Two guards jumped on the King. Another one grunted as an arrow struck him in the arm.
“You let Krepps kill them!” shouted a man with a bow. He was drawing another arrow. “You hid in your castle as my sister’s family was killed!” His next shot struck one of the many guards now rushing at him. “Welson Kimard deserves to die!”
He was tackled to the ground, kicked and beaten until his struggles ceased. Then he was dragged to the castle, weeping and slumped in defeat.
The King was back on his feet. Cleve recognized Alex’s brother, Hem Baom, trying to move the monarch into the castle. “It’s not safe,” he said. “Please allow us to take you inside.”