Home (Hidden in the Reed's Book 1)

by Declan, Brian

  “Perhaps you will stop insulting each other so we can enjoy a meal together,” suggested Octavia.

  “Mother, when will you learn? This is how we enjoy time together,” said Fafnir.

  “Well, you will need to find a more pleasant way to speak to each other. I am hosting a party—”

  The doors suddenly slammed open. Rocious and Dominick stumbled into the room, clearly drunk. Dominick helped Rocious to his seat then took his own.

  “You were saying?” prompted Dominick.

  “I was saying… are you drunk?” asked Octavia.

  Rocious nodded vigorously, “Definitely, your husband I’m not sure about,” answered Rocious.

  “You’re hosting a party,” said Drake.

  “Yes, I’m hosting a party. Since Drake’s coronation is less than a year away we will need to find a suitable bride. So I have invited much of Lora’s nobility to attend the party and spend some time in the capital,” said Octavia.

  Drake pushed his chair back from the table, “You expect me to randomly pick a bride after some party?!” said Drake offended.

  “The party is for you to meet your options. It wouldn’t be fitting to have you marrying someone who cannot handle the demands of our station,” said Octavia.

  “And you won’t be picking anyone. We will,” said Dominick.

  Drake got up, knocking over his chair, “What the hell?! You wait until now to tell me all of this! It’s ridiculous!” Drake folded his napkin and dropped it on the table before walking to the door. Dominick reached toward him, but Drake pulled away so he got up and went after him.

  “Ha ha ha, only guy I know who would complain about going to a party full of single women,” laughed Fafnir.

  “He’s not the only one the party is for. You’ll be there too,” said Octavia.

  Falcon laughed.

  “You too,” said Octavia.

  “What? Why should I go?” said Falcon.

  “Your parents aren’t around to make arrangements for you so the responsibility falls to me,” said Octavia.

  Whatever Dominick said to Drake it worked because they soon returned to the table. Although Drake’s expression was calm, the rest of the meal passed in almost complete silence. Eventually, Dominick got up signaling everyone they could leave. When Falcon reached the hallway, he ran to catch up to Dominick. He had wanted to talk privately since last fall, but had not had the opportunity.

  “Your Majesty, may I have a word?” said Falcon as he caught up.

  “I understand how you feel. I met Octavia in the same way. At first I hated the idea of it, but we learned to love each other,” said Dominick.

  “It’s not that, I will do my duty. It’s my people. I stopped to see them again today and now that construction on the third ring is finished they need work,” said Falcon.

  “Hmm, what do you want me to do?” asked Dominick.

  “Anything really. They work hard and can build whatever the city needs, but they need materials and money. Heck, you could let them farm some of the fields outside the city. I’ll even lead them somewhere else if it will help,” began Falcon.

  “All of that costs money that we don’t have. And there is nowhere safe for them to go,” said Dominick.

  “What about returning to Reed?” asked Falcon.

  “The empaths I sent still haven’t figured out how to bring down the barrier. Besides, if you did bring down the barrier, you’d need trained men to defend the fort,” said Dominick.

  “I know, and everyone has built lives here. But without work it’s hard to keep those lives,” said Falcon. Dominick touched Falcon’s shoulder.

  “Not today. I know you are worried about your people but I have all of Lora to worry about,” said Dominick.

  “There must be something you can do, anything,” said Falcon.

  “I’ll have Samuel look into starting some construction projects. For now, you need to focus on your studies, training and this party. It’s important that you make a good impression,” said Dominick.

  “Yes, Sire,” said Falcon.

  “When were you planning to tell me? On the wedding day?” screamed Floriana as she attacked Falcon.

  Falcon caught her hands easily, “I found out like twenty minutes ago,”

  “Like you weren’t hiding earlier?” she screamed as she tried to pull her hands free.

  Falcon let her go, “Please Flor, it’s not like that.”

  “Then what’s it like? You want me to keep your bed warm until your wife walks by and you have to throw me off the balcony,” said Floriana.

  Falcon tossed his cloak on the nightstand and took a seat on his bed, “I don’t even want to go to this party, but I have to.”

  “Why? Just don’t go,” said Floriana.

  “It’s my duty. I have responsibility as a Count to make alliances for my people,” said Falcon.

  “Yeah, your responsibility to find a wife,” said Floriana.

  “Flor, this doesn’t change how I feel about you, it’s only a party,” said Falcon.

  “Yeah, a party where Octavia will choose you a wife,” said Floriana.

  “For her to choose, not me. I chose you,” said Falcon.

  Floriana sat on the bed and looked down at her hands, “You chose me,” she said.

  Falcon took her hands and she looked up, “Yes.”

  “What if she’s prettier than me?” asked Floriana.

  Falcon let go of her hands and flopped on the bed, “What does that matter?”

  Floriana continued her attack from earlier, “She is. Isn’t she?”

  This time Falcon did not try to defend himself, “There is no she. There’s only you, who I’ve known my whole life, and a room full of strangers.”

  Floriana stopped attacking and laid on the bed, “I still don’t like it,”

  “Me neither, but it’s my duty,” agreed Falcon.

  Chapter 15

  Love and Murder

  Praetorian Connelly promptly replied to the letter Falcon sent requesting his help with testing the unique set of runes Falcon had come up with. Connelly suggested a meeting the morning of Octavia’s party. The letter only suggested they have a conversation, but Falcon brought the sword in case Connelly brought the brothers he was hoping to have test it. After training with Decimus, Falcon waited in the main courtyard for Connelly to arrive.

  “Thanks for the help this morning,” said Decimus.

  “It’s the least I can do after you’ve trained me all these years,” said Falcon.

  “I’m just amazed you got something out of Centurion Percy’s kid,” said Decimus.

  “Who?” asked Falcon.

  “The one with the glasses,” clarified Decimus.

  “Oh, Pubic I think they called him. Can’t see worth shit,” said Falcon.

  “Yeah, that one. What did you show him?” said Decimus.

  “His dad taught him some complex disarming nonsense. I showed him something simple,” answered Falcon.

  “What’s wrong with that complex nonsense?” asked Decimus.

  Falcon shrugged, “It’s too much to remember in a fight. You know, you barely have time to react.”

  “Yeah, but I’ve seen you use that complex disarming nonsense?” asked Decimus.

  “I’m not blind and slow. But I only do that against Colville, he’s too good for simple,” answered Falcon.

  “Same with the sword. Colville changes the game,” agreed Decimus.

  “Anyway, what happened? I expected twice this many recruits,” said Falcon.

  “Not until tomorrow,” said Decimus.

  “Oh,” said Falcon.

  “That the guy?” asked Decimus pointing to the man entering the eastern gate.

  “Yeah, that’s him, but I didn’t know he would be with those two,” said Falcon.

  “They look pretty good to me,” said Decimus.

  “Wait until they start screaming,” said Falcon securing the sword on his back.

  --Snap—

&nb
sp; Connelly arrived precisely when his letter said he would. His letter however did not mention that he would arrive with Lucina and Aemilia. Falcon fought his gut instinct to run and went to greet them. Decimus grabbed his sword and went with Falcon, just in case he needed backup.

  --Snap—

  “Thank you for coming Praetorian Connelly, Dominick sends his apologies that he is not here. He means no offense, but is busy preparing for the evening’s event,” said Falcon with a slight bow.

  --Snap—

  “Tell him there is no offense. I received my invitation a few weeks ago,” said Connelly.

  “Oh, Octavia didn’t mention she sent you an invitation,” replied Falcon.

  “She did not, Prince Drake did. The invitation requested that I escort these young ladies. Lucina and Aemilia Grey, this is Falcon Reed,” introduced Connelly.

  “I don’t believe we had a formal introduction last time,” said Falcon moving to greet the two girls.

  “Nice to see you again, Falcon,” said Lucina matching his greeting.

  “Are we expected to spend all day with him?” asked Aemilia.

  “Sorry, you’re not that lucky,” said Falcon while everyone else was still processing her greeting. Aemilia turned to Falcon, but was distracted by the approaching sounds.

  --Snap—Snap—Snap—CRACK—

  “What is that?” asked Lucina.

  “My teacher,” said Falcon as Rocious came flying over the courtyard wall.

  --Snap— “I’m here, I’m here,” said Rocious.

  “As reckless as always I see,” said Connelly.

  “Don’t fix what ain’t broke,” replied Rocious.

  “At least your student hasn’t picked up your bad habits,” said Connelly.

  Falcon drew his sword and thrust it between Rocious and Connelly. Rocious looked to his student and let the insult drop. The sword’s intricately engraved runes instantly caught Connelly’s attention.

  “The sword you mentioned in your letter. May I see it?” asked Connelly.

  “Of course. About the letter, your reply didn’t answer any of my questions,” said Falcon.

  “Let’s discuss inside,” suggested Connelly.

  “Excuse me but we are only here for the party. Is there somewhere we can go while you discuss rune lore?” asked Aemilia.

  “Sorry, Ms. Grey, but I told your father I would keep a close eye on you until he arrives. Plus we may need your assistance,” answered Connelly.

  “As you wish, Praetorian Connelly,” said Aemilia grudgingly.

  “Follow me,” said Falcon.

  Since most of the castle was being prepared for the party Falcon led the group to a small room the soldiers used for meals. It had been cleaned and decorated in a northern theme to accommodate the current guests. After taking their seats Connelly placed the sword on the table.

  “I’m glad to see you have taken an interest in rune lore. Now explain this rune you created?” said Connelly.

  “I took what I knew about the known bonds and came up with a new and unique bond,” said Falcon.

  “What are you hoping to achieve?” asked Connelly.

  “Each bond has limitations. Permanent bonds limit the user to only one person ever. Temporary bonds severely limit the amount of magic and the complexity of the runes. I hope to stretch these limits,” answered Falcon.

  “Others have tried. It can’t be done,” said Connelly.

  Falcon looked over to Rocious. Rocious closed his eyes for a moment, let out a slow breath and then looked up and nodded to Falcon.

  Decimus leaned over to Aemilia, “Annoying, right?” She ignored him.

  “What are you hiding Lockland?” asked Connelly.

  “I’m sure you know Sir Thomas Colville. He has a suit of armor that has done it,” answered Rocious.

  “What do you mean it ‘has done it’?” asked Connelly.

  “The armor has been bonded to his family for generations,” said Falcon.

  “You saw this rune on the armor?” asked Connelly.

  “No. Just like any permanent bond, it disappeared after the original bond,” said Falcon.

  “Fascinating, I would love to examine the armor,” said Connelly.

  “Not bloody likely,” said Rocious.

  “Can we get back on track? The test for this is simple. I bond it to Aemilia then Lucina will attempt to use the sword,” said Falcon.

  “Bonding is far from simple,” said Connelly.

  “He can handle it,” said Rocious.

  “I’m only concerned for the girl,” said Connelly.

  “I said he could handle it,” said Rocious nodding to Falcon.

  Falcon took the sword and stood up. Decimus offered his hand to help Aemilia. Aemilia shoved Decimus and stood up on her own. Falcon walked around the table to stand in front of her.

  “Have you ever experienced this before?” asked Falcon.

  Aemilia looked over to Connelly confused.

  “It’s simple; place your hand over the pommel and Falcon will do the rest,” said Connelly.

  “Nothing to worry about,” said Falcon.

  “Do I have to touch him?” asked Aemilia.

  “Yes, he’ll put his hands on top of yours,” said Connelly.

  “Fine, get it over with,” said Aemilia.

  Aemilia took the sword like she was instructed. Falcon placed his hands over hers and began the bonding.

  “This is going to feel a little strange. You may want to close your eyes,” said Falcon. Then in a low voice he mumbled, “It’s only pain, it’s only pain.”

  “Pain,” said Aemilia before she realized he was talking to himself. Falcon smirked at her. He knew this was more than simple pain, but he was ready.

  Falcon took a few moments to push magic into Aemilia’s hands, testing how it reacted to her. Then he pushed it through her hands and into the sword. Falcon closed his eyes to tune them out, and pushed more magic through Aemilia’s hands, activating the first set of runes. The blade began to emit an intense white light.

  Falcon took a breath controlling the pain he was syphoning from Aemilia then continued pushing more magic into the blade, activating the second set of runes. The blade burst into flames.

  He took another breath to control the pain then more magic activated the third set of runes and covering the blade in ice.

  Falcon took a third breath to maintain control, but he felt something was off. The bond was not working. The rune was not working. The instant he felt it resisting he tore the sword from her hand, and completed the bond himself right before blacking out.

  Rocious watched closely as Falcon started to bond the sword to Aemilia, but he was not watching his student. Instead, Rocious watched Aemilia. He looked for any sign of pain or discomfort to indicate the bond needed to be broken. Falcon was talented but this was his first time bonding another person and a lot could go wrong.

  It took a few moments for Falcon to prepare himself for the bonding. What he was about to do was let Aemilia take his magic so she could activate the sword. The only problem was, giving up his magic was beyond painful. He would also need to take on Aemilia’s pain and maintain his focus and control. Needless to say, pathos rarely volunteered to experience so much pain to see zero personal benefit. Hence the whole interest in creating a bond that was more than a one-time deal.

  Rocious watched as the sword filled the room with light. He also caught a slightly pleasurable sigh from Aemilia, indicating Falcon was shielding her from any pain. When the sword burst into flames Rocious could not help but smile. Falcon was past the hardest part. When he tore the sword from Aemilia’s hand he knew it was the rune that failed, not his student.

  “What happened?” asked Aemilia.

  “It didn’t work,” said Rocious.

  Rocious knelt next to Falcon and put his hand on his back.

  “He’ll be fine in a few minutes. Decimus, help him up,” said Rocious.

  “Master Lockland, May I have a word?” asked Conn
elly indicating they should step outside. Rocious cracked his neck and followed Connelly into the hall.

  “What is it?” asked Rocious.

  “You told me he wasn’t ready to be tested, but he should attempt the trials,” said Connelly.

  “He isn’t,” said Rocious.

  “Did you see what he did? He bonded that sword without the rune,” said Connelly.

  “I saw and not for the first time. But he is still my student, and I say no,” answered Rocious.

  “Fine, I’ll sponsor him then,” said Connelly.

  Rocious looked toward Connelly; the moment their eyes met Snap—he launched himself at Connelly and caught him by the throat.

  Smoke started rising from Connelly’s neck, “I don’t give two shits about the trials, not even when I completed them,” said Rocious.

  Connelly slowly reached for the hand Rocious had around his neck. Rocious let go.

  “Why not sponsor him? It’s a great honor to attempt the trials and the next generation of Praetorian needs to take over,” said Connelly.

  “That trials have nothing to do with honor,” said Rocious.

  “Let him decide that,” said Connelly.

  “No, he isn’t ready,” said Rocious.

  “I think you’re being too cautious, but he’s still your student,” said Connelly.

  “Funny, you called me reckless a few minutes ago,” said Rocious.

  “I did, but unpredictable might be more accurate,” said Connelly.

  “Whatever,” said Rocious turning to leave.

  “There’s one more thing we need to discuss,” said Connelly.

  Rocious turned back, “What is it?”

  “Three of my students were found with injuries that should have killed them. Luckily they were talented enough to heal themselves,” said Connelly.

  When he did not continue Rocious said, “Why are you telling me this?”

  “I believe your student attacked them,” said Connelly.