Flame Singer (Fire Sower Book 2)

by Callie Kanno

  “And the princess?” the spy asked.

  We will let her live, the leader affirmed.

  Unless she interferes with our purpose, the second-in-command added.

  “Sir?” prompted the spy.

  The second-in-command’s tone was grim. The girl will forfeit any protection if she attempts to prevent our purpose.

  The spy hoped that the leader would refuse, but his hopes were futile.

  Those who seek to uncover the knowledge of the Forgers must die, the leader repeated. Nothing will stay our hand—even should the Breenite princess place herself between us and the seekers of darkness.

  Nothing will stay our hand, the second-in-command agreed.

  After a reluctant pause, the spy nodded. “Nothing will stay our hand.”

  Chapter Fourteen: Stronger

  Fortunately for Idris, the ride out of the ravine the following morning was much less harrowing than the descent. Princess Lenora—whose simple riding clothing somehow made her look more beautiful than ever—led the small group away from Hollow Cry Tower as if the Royal Guards were her own protectors. Idris certainly didn’t mind, but Hildar looked rather disgruntled.

  “What is wrong?” he asked her quietly.

  She shook her head. “Nothing.”

  “Hildar,” he urged, “I can see that is not true.”

  For a moment, Idris didn’t think that she was going to answer. Then, a stream of irritated words spewed from her mouth. “She is acting like she is the one in charge of this expedition, and she does not even know what we hope to accomplish.”

  Idris raised his eyebrows. “Well, I think she is simply accustomed to giving orders.”

  “We are not her servants,” Hildar retorted.

  He gave a small shrug. “We swore to protect the family of King Nikolas. She is his cousin.”

  “Her father is his cousin,” corrected Hildar.

  “Even so,” he dismissed, “they are family.”

  Hildar pursed her lips. “The oath we took is meant to include the king’s immediate family, not his extended family.”

  Idris chuckled. “I was just trying to make you feel better about the situation.”

  “You failed,” she snapped, nudging her horse to go faster.

  Idris didn’t try to keep up with her. He grinned, shaking his head. Aherin took Hildar’s place riding next to Idris. “What is wrong with her?” Aherin asked.

  Idris shrugged. “I never know the answer to that question.”

  Aherin chuckled. “Good point.”

  Captain Cowan moved his horse so he could speak to his young soldiers as they rode. “As we journey, I will teach you the next stage of your training.”

  Idris immediately perked up. He and Aherin exchanged grins. Even Hildar managed to set aside her expression of aggravation to appear pleased with the announcement. Cowan continued, not taking notice of their reactions. “In your initial training, the second step was to exchange energy with your fellow student. Two Royal Guards working together are significantly stronger than those who fight alone. That is, as long as you know how to combine your powers correctly.”

  The captain pointed in a direction away from where they were riding. “Aherin,” he instructed, “send some fire that way.”

  Aherin nodded, holding his bow with a look of concentration. As he pulled on the drawstring, Cowan pointed his bo staff at Aherin and sent a ball of yellow light at the young man. The fiery shaft that exploded from Aherin’s bow as he released the drawstring was larger than any he had made before. It was a blazing white color, with a tail of lightning following behind it.

  Aherin’s eyes widened and Idris’s jaw dropped. “How did you do that?” Hildar gasped.

  “The mindset you have when creating energy makes a difference when wielding a weapon of power,” Cowan explained. “If you create energy with the intent to give it to another, your weapon will help you to achieve that.”

  “So,” Aherin ventured, “you cannot accidentally give energy to someone.”

  “No,” their captain answered.

  That is not to say that energy cannot be taken, Iona clarified.

  Idris frowned. What do you mean?

  There are items with the ability to drain the energy from a living entity, she told him. They can do so against the will of the target.

  “Captain Cowan,” Idris said uneasily, “Iona says that there are weapons that can drain energy from a warrior.”

  Cowan’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “That is true. There are items that can block magical abilities as well as those that take other’s energy for their own. However, such weapons are rare. I doubt you will ever be faced with such an opponent.”

  “Is there any way to guard against such an attack?” demanded Hildar.

  Cowan held up his hands. “Let us focus on the matter at hand. I have been protecting the royal family for almost five decades, and I have never come across such a weapon. On the other hand, the transferring of energy has saved me and my fellow Royal Guards on numerous occasions.”

  All three students nodded, but Idris still felt unsettled. He didn’t like the idea of someone—anyone—having the ability to render him powerless. Captain Cowan may have dismissed the possibility, but it seemed to be an important thing to guard against.

  Idris and Aherin were paired together to try this new technique. Aherin volunteered to send Idris energy, an enthusiastic smile on his face. Idris pulled his partisan out of the holder on his back. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

  “Timing is important,” Cowan rumbled. “If you send the energy too soon, it will throw Idris off balance. If you send it too late, it will do no good.”

  “What am I supposed to do?” Idris asked, feeling a twinge in his stomach.

  Cowan’s answer wasn’t exactly helpful. “Be receptive.”

  Iona must have sensed Idris’s nervousness, but her response lacked sympathy. Stop fidgeting, farmer, she snapped. Just practice what you learned on the ship.

  Idris understood that Iona turned waspish when she was feeling emotional, but that didn’t stop him from scowling at the weapon in his hands.

  “Well, Idris?” urged Cowan.

  The young man shook his head, trying to calm away the distracting emotions coming from Iona. He began gathering his energy, visualizing it pooling along the shaft of his polearm. As he felt the energy growing, a sudden burst of power jolted his senses. He cried out involuntarily, dropping his weapon on the ground. Idris was surprised that he didn’t fall of his horse as well.

  Idris looked over to see Aherin looking distinctly sheepish. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

  Princess Lenora laughed lightly, and even Hildar looked amused. Captain Cowan simply shook his head. “Too soon, Aherin. Try again.”

  Idris started to dismount to retrieve his weapon, but Cowan called for him to stop. “Summon your partisan to you, Idris. It is a skill you need to develop.”

  Idris nodded. He held out his hand, visualizing that Iona was already there. With a warm surge flowing down his arm, the partisan appeared in his grip. Lenora gasped as she watched. “I did not know such a technique was possible.”

  “Are you going to teach us how to do that?” Aherin asked, sounding disgruntled.

  “I did not teach Idris how to do that,” Cowan told him. “His weapon taught him, just as Fenris taught me. I do not know if it is possible for all those who wield items of power. You will have to ask your weapons later. For now, try transferring energy again.”

  Idris began focusing his energy once again. And, once again, an unpleasant shock jarred his body before he could finish the process. This time he was able to keep hold of his weapon.

  “I am sorry, Idris,” Aherin exclaimed.

  “Perhaps you should gather energy slower,” Cowan suggested. “It may be easier for Aherin to see the changes that occur.”

  Idris sighed softly, but nodded. He started over, this time keeping a pace more akin to when he was first learning. It seemed ard
uous now that he had an easier time gathering energy, but he did it anyway.

  “There,” Cowan said suddenly. “Do you see that shift in the light?”

  “Yes,” answered Aherin with excitement.

  “Send it now,” the captain instructed.

  Idris concentrated on his own task, but he felt when Aherin’s energy joined with his own. He immediately felt like a bag of water on the verge of bursting. He couldn’t have held the power in, even if he had wanted to try. The bolt of energy exploded from the blade of his partisan, a torrent of fire blazing through the air.

  The horses were startled by the rush of heat, but they quickly recovered. After all, every horse trained in the royal stables had to be accustomed to the aspects of battle. Lenora applauded with a wide smile. “Well done,” she congratulated them.

  “May I try next?” Hildar requested.

  Cowan nodded. “Aherin, you will be receiving.”

  Idris nudged his horse so he was riding next to Hildar, then he handed his weapon to her. She took the partisan with one hand and clasped Idris’s hand with the other. Idris watched her closely, looking for the shift that Cowan had mentioned.

  The change was subtle. Idris would’ve missed it if Cowan hadn’t pointed it out to Hildar. It looked as though the glowing light of energy became more solid—like it was hardening, if that was possible. Hildar sent her ball of energy to combine with Aherin, resulting in an arc of fire that swirled over the fields of grass next to them.

  Lenora cocked her head to one side. “I have never seen Wielders share an item of power. Were you both chosen by that weapon?”

  Hildar shot Idris a warning glance before he answered. “No, Hildar is just borrowing my weapon for now.”

  “What happened to hers?” the princess inquired.

  “I do not have it with me,” Hildar said shortly.

  “Strange that you should go on a journey without it,” Lenora mused. “Why is it you must hold hands?”

  “It makes it easier for her to use Iona,” Idris replied.

  “Enough discussion,” Cowan cut in. “Idris, it is your turn.”

  The three students spent the rest of the morning taking turns giving and receiving energy. It made the time riding pass by quickly, and it was soon time for them to stop for their midday meal. They dismounted from their horses, setting them free to graze. Captain Cowan delved into the supplies they received from Hollow Cry Tower and handed out rations.

  Idris accepted his round cake of cooked grains—their Breenite substitute for travelers bread—then he set his partisan on the ground and sprawled on the warm grass to relax. His heart gave a small jump when he saw Lenora coming to join him. He scrambled to sit up, feeling rather foolish in her presence.

  “It is interesting watching Wielders train,” she commented as she sat next to him. “I have never had the opportunity to do so before.”

  “I would think your Royal Guards would let you watch them train, if you asked,” Idris replied.

  Lenora smiled at him, causing his insides to dance. “The royal family of Breen does not retain the services of Wielders. At least, not permanently.”

  Idris raised his eyebrows. “Really?”

  “We are the patrons of the society, which grants us certain privileges, but they are free to pursue their own objectives.” Lenora took a delicate bite of her grain cake.

  “Are there many Wielders here in Breen?” Idris asked.

  Lenora tipped her head briefly to the side. “I have seen as many as thirty at Hollow Cry Tower, but I do not know if they were all native to Breen.”

  “Thirty?” Idris blurted. “There are only ten Royal Guards in the whole of Calaris.”

  “As I said,” Lenora reminded him, “I do not know if they were Breenite. Master Emeric sends out seekers to find those with the potential to be Wielders. I do not know how far the seekers travel.”

  Idris leaned forward, frowning thoughtfully. “Are the potential Wielders brought back to the tower?”

  Lenora shook her head. “No. They are informed of their potential so they can decide if they wish to join the society. Some come to Hollow Cry Tower, but then leave if they do not find the item of power they are meant to wield.”

  “How do the seekers know how to identify potential Wielders if they do not have the item meant for that person?” Idris asked.

  “I am not certain,” Lenora admitted. “I believe there is some sort of magical item that aids in the process, but I was an infant when I was tested.”

  Idris rested a hand on his weapon, suddenly feeling possessive. How would he have felt if he had been told that he had the potential to wield a weapon of power, but no one knew where it was? It had been difficult enough coming to terms with his role in life having Iona in his hands. He couldn’t imagine how lost he would feel knowing that part of his destiny was hidden from him.

  “It would be terrible,” he said aloud, “never knowing what you could have become if you had found your item of power.”

  Lenora nodded in agreement. “I believe many of the potential Wielders become scholars at Hollow Cry Tower. They help gather and preserve the knowledge kept there. Some become travelers, searching the world for their item of power.”

  Idris could easily imagine the drive to make such a journey. Wondering what could be was powerful motivation.

  You would have stayed on your farm, though, Iona asserted.

  Idris smiled. How do you know that?

  Because you are not one to be discontent, she answered. You were happy in Rest Stone Valley, and the abstract idea of possibly finding a weapon of power would not have tempted you long.

  And yet, Idris sighed internally, I decided to join the Royal Guard.

  Yes, Iona allowed, but there is a difference between being told that you have the potential to become a Wielder and having a weapon placed in your hand.

  True, Idris agreed.

  “Iona does not think that I would have searched for my weapon if I had been told that it was somewhere out there,” Idris told Lenora. “She says I would have stayed on my family farm.”

  A smile tugged at the corners of the princess’s mouth. “That is a nice sentiment.”

  “You do not think that makes me weak?” Idris asked in surprise. “Less dedicated?”

  Lenora shook her head. “No, I do not.”

  Idris felt a warm glow start in his chest and spread outward. He wasn’t sure how to respond, so he merely grinned. Hildar would’ve mocked him and Aherin would’ve stared in disbelief, but Lenora’s approval meant more to him. Perhaps he was not as foolish as he sometimes feared.

  Chapter Fifteen: The Forger Village

  It took six days for them to travel from Hollow Cry Tower to the base of the eastern mountains. Idris and his fellow students spent most of their time practicing the new skills Cowan had taught them. It was encouraging for them to be making such progress with their training, and it also helped the time to pass more quickly.

  On the morning of the seventh day, they stood on a hill overlooking a low valley. The sun gave everything a golden glow, and a soft breeze stirred the tall grass. Idris sighed quietly. “It is beautiful.”

  Lenora glanced over at him with a pleased expression in her eyes. “Yes, it is.”

  “Where is the Forger village?” Hildar asked, sounding a bit impatient.

  “There,” the princess said, pointing, “just before the trees begin.”

  Hildar’s eyes narrowed. “I do not see it.”

  Lenora simply nodded. It was Captain Cowan that offered an explanation. “No one has lived there for many years. The structures must be overgrown.”

  “Shall we go down?” suggested the princess.

  “We?” Hildar repeated sharply.

  “We do not wish to inconvenience you, your highness,” said Cowan. “Thank you for your assistance, and may you travel safely to Koyo.”

  Lenora mounted her horse in a graceful motion. “It is no inconvenience, Captain. I am certain I can prov
ide useful information once we arrive.”

  She nudged her horse forward before anyone could object. Hildar stared at the retreating figure with a darkened expression. “I think she is going to force us to speak bluntly about her presence in our group,” she observed.

  Cowan nodded grimly. “I believe you are right.”

  “Is it really such a problem for her to ride with us to the village?” asked Idris.

  The captain mounted his horse, indicating that the others should do the same. “It is not her presence on this leg of the journey that concerns me. However, things could become more dangerous very soon.”

  They urged their horses into a canter, slowing once they caught up with Lenora. The princess smiled brightly at Idris, causing his heart to skip a beat. “I do not know what it is you are looking for, but I know several interesting facts about the village that you may find helpful. Did you know that there is no forge in the entire village? Not a single one. Do you not find that strange?”

  “Very,” Idris answered honestly. “I wonder why.”

  If you gave it the tiniest bit of thought, the answer would be obvious, Iona said in a sour tone.

  Idris sighed quietly. His partisan had been in a foul mood ever since they had discovered the remains of her sister. And while he couldn’t fault her for being upset, he was displeased to have returned to the role of her whipping boy.

  Would you explain it to me?

  No, she answered shortly.

  Lenora took note of Idris’s expression. She maneuvered her horse next to him, so their knees were almost touching. “Are you upset with me?” she asked softly.

  Idris’s eyebrows shot upward. “Of course not.”

  “I would understand if you were,” she went on. “I keep stepping in where I have not been invited.”

  Idris cast a quick glance at his companions before answering. “I cannot speak for the others, but I do not mind having you here.”

  Lenora’s eyes sparkled. “I am glad.” They rode for a moment in silence before the princess continued. “Have you ever had a feeling in your heart, but your mind could not rationalize it?”