Protector: A Young Adult / New Adult Fantasy Novel

by Joanne Wadsworth

  Oh yeah, now look who had the upper hand. It seemed I had a force on my own side. Bitingly, I answered Davio, “Alexo’s riled by your threat. He said he’ll bring in a contingency of his warriors if you don’t stand down and leave. You don’t have a choice. You’re the one going, not me.”

  He shook his head with arrogant stubbornness. “Not when you trust your father enough to create a link and we’ve been squabbling like small children. My leaving you right now would be more dangerous than you can ever imagine.”

  “Tell Silas and Zac to force Davio’s removal. You’ve got five seconds or I’m coming in. No one takes my daughter against her will.” Alexo Wincrest meant business.

  I set my gaze on Silas. “Prince Alexo is coming with armed warriors. You’ve got five seconds to get Davio out of here.” I was more than happy to give Silvie’s brother that warning.

  “Four,” my father shouted along our newly created link.

  Proudly I held my head high, my gaze directed right at Silas. “That would now be four seconds.”

  Silas motioned for Zac and Viv to step forward and take Davio.

  “Don’t even try it,” Davio spat at his protectors. “Faith is my mate and I won’t leave her behind. We take her with us.”

  “Three.”

  “Three, Silas.” I planted my hands on my hips. The tables had well and truly been turned.

  Silas, Zac and Viv pounced on Davio. They took him down, and Silas mumbled between clenched teeth, “I’m sorry, cousin, but as our prince, your welfare comes before all else, and right now we aren’t well enough armed to take on several warriors.”

  Davio bellowed and kicked out at his imprisonment. The four of them slowly shimmered and disappeared from my sight, him screaming for me not to leave him, not to ever turn him away.

  “Out of there now, Faith. Neither Belle nor Silvie can teleport and I want to see you immediately. My apartment. This second.”

  “I’m coming.” I didn’t spare Silvie or Belle another glance. I left, glad to be done with my back-stabbing best friend and an empath who could surely sense my wounded emotions.

  * * * *

  Saturday—the next morning—I studied the incoming rain as I sat on a bar stool at my father’s breakfast counter in his penthouse suite overlooking the ocean. The gusty wind blew against the windows and I swayed to the beat of its blow. The stormy waves rolled in heavy and hard, white foam patterned within the deep blue for as far as the eye could see, the wide expanse of windows before me opening up the entire skyline. The skies were a mass of angry, bubbling gray clouds and rain sheeted down and drenched the deserted beach below.

  It was a storm of the likes I’d not seen in many years, a storm that ricocheted within my heart as well. Deep inside me, a storm of dark emotions brewed and suffocated every good memory I’d ever had of Silvie.

  I was alone.

  With no one.

  Even my father, after my arrival here yesterday, hadn’t been able to stay with me for more than a few minutes to calm me down, not when he’d been on duty during his forewarning and his threat to bring in warriors with him had been the absolute truth. In order not to raise too much suspicion, he’d told me to remain hidden within his apartment and that he’d return as soon as he’d sorted out any and all issues back on Dralion. Thank goodness Mum still believed I was staying at Belle’s place, so I hadn’t had to leave my sanctuary and burden her with my heavy heart, not that I’d have been able to tell her why I was so down. I still had to keep the truth from her, for her own safety’s sake.

  This was all such a mess, although at least I had a sanctuary now that not even Davio could locate. Not through Carlisio or by any other means. My relief was tangible.

  Yet I was still alone.

  I’d always hated being alone.

  I thumped my legs, frustrated with the fierce ache that pushed through my muscles and limbs.

  Another lie.

  Silvie and Davio had inferred that my need to expend my excess energy would be once or twice a month, but that need clearly drove me again today.

  Sighing with vicious frustration, I pushed off the bar stool and slipped outside onto the balcony. I pulled the image of my bedroom into my mind, caught sight of the unwavering form of Zac standing in one darkened corner, his face half cast in shadows, although not his glinting blade belted to his hip. The fine steel shone, reflecting the Peacian protectors’ insignia.

  Davio had clearly set Zac there in order to catch me when I returned.

  Not happening, not even for a fresh set of clothes, which I desperately needed.

  I focused my forethought on my mother and sagged with relief as she lay tucked up safe in her big bed. Zac wouldn’t go near her, would certainly never harm her. At least in that I had no doubt.

  Next, I focused on Davio. He came to me crystal clear, very strong and determined as he opened the entrance gate to what appeared to be a massive open-aired arena, one rather reminiscent in structure to one of our ancient Greek arenas with its circular dusty floor sprinkled with sand. Blocked seats were layered back and up, to at least three stories in height. Thousands of spectators could pack the arena’s closed-in seating.

  Awestruck, I panned out and took in more. Men practiced with their swords and spears and axes, with shields and headgear worn for protection. The battle fierce men wore ancient leathers, their red tunics and leather-flapped skirts from an era on Earth so far gone. The men in battle-practice were huge, emanating great strength and accuracy as they wielded their brutally sharp weapons.

  I cringed as one’s blade struck flesh and bone, blood spurting as the injured man groaned and fell to the sandy ground. His partner—the one who’d maimed him—bent to one knee at his side and checked on him, applied pressure to the terrible pumping arm wound then tossed him over one shoulder, wavered and disappeared.

  Ouch. That blow had to have hurt, although the man could likely fast-heal. All Davio’s protectors could, possibly a prerequisite for being amongst the elite band of his country’s finest.

  Davio closed the gate behind him then jogged across the arena. Wearing black jeans and a midnight blue shirt with chunky boots, he fisted the hilt of his belted sword. He slowed then stopped next to Silas. Once he reached his cousin, he muttered, “Zac has reported there’s still no sight of Faith. I’ve instructed him not to leave his post, not unless it’s to bring her immediately to me.”

  Silas inhaled and slowly nodded. “At least we did one thing right this past night and have captured and contained one of Dralion’s spies which Wincrest told her of. The warrior is now in the cells with the other imprisoned warriors, another threat thankfully taken care of. If there are any other spies about, they’re not anywhere within this group, or even close to the castle. Everyone here is well known to each other. All background searches have been completed.”

  Oh my. Davio had ferreted out one of the spies already, although I hadn’t doubted he would.

  “Well done.” Davio eyed his battling men, his gaze narrowed. “Belle and Silvie have searched for Faith in all her favorite places, but there’s been no sighting of her, either by them or any of the protectors I have searching for her. No one’s seen my mate in fifteen hours.” His voice broke at the end, his pain quickly becoming my own, which had me rolling my eyes in disgust. Stupid bond.

  Silas pulled out his sword and rested it between two hands, blade flat. “Let’s battle, cousin. That’ll get your mind of her. Everio and Carlisio will be down from the castle soon and it won’t go over well if they see you weeping over your girl.” He knocked Davio’s arm with his elbow, a smirk on his face.

  My goodness, Silas was as much of a tormenter as Silvie was. My heart panged. I missed Silvie, and I hated that I missed her.

  Davio sent Silas a sharp glare. “I don’t weep, although I am steaming mad. I didn’t care for the way Faith enforced my leaving, or the way she took her anger at Silvie’s deceit out on me.”

  “Ah, but think of Faith’s betrayal. That ki
nd creates the worst damage.” Silas arched a brow. “It’s also not really Silvie’s fault she couldn’t come clean with the information sooner, not when your grandfather wouldn’t allow it. There were extenuating circumstances.”

  Davio met his cousin’s stare and briefly nodded “Agreed.”

  “The girls have always been close and with Faith finding out about Silvie’s heritage the way she did, it clearly broke her heart, Silvie’s too.”

  “Yes, there’s been substantial damage, which can only mean finding Faith has become even more imperative.”

  A haggard sigh from Silas. “That woman is so much trouble. My comment wasn’t meant to make finding her more imperative, but simply to explain matters.”

  Davio yanked out his sword in one very precise motion. “Take care how you speak about Faith.”

  His cousin only grinned. “I am attempting to aggravate you into battling with me, and it’s working. I need the old Davio back, the one who can focus on the here and now and therefore keep his concentration in a good healthy fight, one which I’m currently spoiling for.”

  “That’s it.” Davio glowered and sheathed his sword, but only for long enough to pull his shirt over his head without any hinder. He threw his top over the arena’s safety barrier, where it landed with a soft swish on one of the benches, then he hauled his blade free and tapped it against Silas’s weapon. “Let’s battle, right now.”

  Oh boy, so impressive. His chest muscles rippled with strength, and no wonder since he clearly trained hard with his weapon while on home soil.

  “I’m going to send your overinflated butt straight into the dirt.” Firm words, and I didn’t doubt he’d follow through on them.

  Silas’s grin widened with complete satisfaction. “Now that’s better. I’ve had no one of your strength to battle with all week, and I desperately need the distraction.”

  So did I, and it seemed Davio wasn’t going to disappoint either of us.

  He lifted his booted foot and kicked said butt. “Get over there now and stop irritating me. You’ve got two hours to train with me before we head out again in search of my missing mate. That’s all the time I can give you.”

  “I’ll take those two hours, but don’t forget the Dunbarn project which must be overseen. We are expected out there by nine this morning.”

  I checked my watch. It was six now. I’d go for my own early morning run then be back here to hide out from eight to nine. Thank you, Silas, for that information.

  Rubbing my aching lower limbs, I closed my forethought and opened my link with my father. “Dad, it’s me.”

  “Good morning, my daughter. I’ve cleared an hour and will be with you soon.”

  My relief at not being left alone any longer swept through me. “My forethought is strengthening and I’ve noticed Davio has stationed one of his protectors, Zac, in my bedroom so I can’t return to collect any clothing. Mum will be fine, but I wish I could tell her what’s going on.”

  “You can’t, not if we wish to continue ensuring her safety, and don’t forget, should any harm be about to befall your mother, our forewarning will activate, yours as well as mine. I would go to her in an instant if I thought her in any danger, as I’m sure you would. Secondly, there’s an ATM card in a metal box in the hallway cupboard. Go to the mall and spend whatever you need and then drop the card back in the same spot. Just remember to keep a low profile.”

  Wise advice if Davio was accurate in saying Silvie and Belle were keeping an eye on my favorite places.

  “Okay, thanks. I’ll just grab some stuff. I’ve gotta run, literally.”

  He chuckled along our link. “I’ll join you in your run. I’ll meet you at the base of the Mount.” The Mount’s walking tracks made the perfect spot for a run, either around the base, or to the peak which usually allowed one to take in the stunning view from the top once they reached it.

  “Thanks. See you soon.” I closed our link, found the card and ’ported to the sports shop in nearby Tauranga harbor, cloaking to make sure I wasn’t seen. Silvie had never come with me on these particular trips, not since she considered that if one owned sports clothing then one would probably need to use it, which she had no intention of doing. Morning sleep-ins were precious to her.

  I wandered around the shop, grinned when I found the perfect pair of Nike running pants and a matching gray-hooded t-shirt. Socks and sneakers next, then I paid for the items and buzzed next door.

  This shop sold casual clothing and lingerie. I took a quick minute to choose underwear, nightwear and a couple of lightweight shirts and jeans so I was covered for the next couple of days. Walking to a safe spot at the side of the building, I cloaked to hide my departure and flashed back to the apartment. Once in the bedroom, one which Dad had said was mine, and thankfully far better furnished than any other room in this penthouse suite, I dropped my purchases onto the bed and dressed in my new training clothes. Yep, this room had an oak dresser with a pretty oval mirror, a large chest at the end of the bed with an array of bedding stored in it, two side tables and a tall corner lamp with a fringed edge. The view was to die for as well, the wide window overlooking the ocean and the Mount rising high to the side.

  With the ATM card back in the metal box, I winged my way to the base of the cone-shaped mountain.

  The rain still pounded down, but there wasn’t anything I could do about that. A river of water was gouged into the sandy base track, making it muddy, which forced me to veer off the regular route, but to compensate I instead jogged up the more sheltered bushy path snaking upward along the western side to the summit. Every step soothed me, bit by bit draining away the sharp press of excess energy.

  Up ahead, a familiar form wavered into sight and I joined my father who looked so incredibly youthful in his black running shorts and white t-shirt. Running on the spot, I smiled at him. “Sorry about the atrocious weather we’re putting on for you today.”

  “I’m glad of it since it’ll cloud Carlisio’s forethought.” He hugged me then adjusted a white Adidas cap on his now drenched head. “With this bad weather though, I should have suggested we run in Dralion.”

  “I don’t mind where we run, rain or shine.”

  “Neither do I.” He reached out a hand and tenderly wiped the water coursing down my cheeks. He popped a kiss on the top of my head and murmured, “Particularly since it means I get to spend more time with you. This is like a dream come true for me, although I’m sorry you’ve been dragged into this age-old war.”

  “I’m only sorry we’ve missed the last eighteen years getting to know each other.” But I intended to make up for it now. “We’ll deal with the war and everything else, somehow.” I rubbed my still achy thighs and jogged faster on the spot. “You said we could have run in Dralion though. Isn’t Dralion dangerous for me to visit? You said so only a few days ago.”

  Alexo took my elbow, his hand gentle as he steered me up the track. “Let’s keep you running since we’re both already soaked, and yes, taking you to Dralion is still dangerous since the dome room is located within an underground chamber of the palace and I don’t want you stumbling across your grandfather by chance.”

  Oh, that he hadn’t told me before. “I take it that information needs to remain between us, where the dome room is?”

  “Yes, you’ll need to guard that information with your life, Faith. But don’t worry that you’ll slip up and allow that information out.” He grinned, so charmingly. “Your faithful Wincrest blood alone will ensure you’ll never tell a soul of the location.”

  “Cool. That’s good to know.”

  He ran in a fast pace beside me. “Now that we finally have a chance to talk, tell me about your decision regarding Silvie. Will you speak with her? And when?”

  In other words, I should speak to her.

  I let out a long sigh. “At the moment, I’m still too angry with her.” That anger hurt so bad even though I knew I would have to come out of hiding sooner or later and speak to Silvie. I couldn’t go ignor
ing her and her deceit for the rest of my life.

  “And your mate? He’ll be searching for you again come eight o’clock.”

  “How’d you know that?” I bounded over a snaking tree root pushing up out of the hard-packed soil right across the track. White shell remains were littered around the area to both highlight the obstacle and to aid in keeping feet on the steep track.

  “Through my forethought. I watched him and Silas in the arena and caught their conversation earlier this morning.”

  “I caught their conversation too.” I chanced a glance over my shoulder at him since he’d fallen behind as the track had thinned to single file in the denser, bushier area. “Do you follow the protectors and their actions often?” I was so curious about him and all that he did.

  Tree branches snagged at his white t-shirt and pulled at his cap. He adjusted the peak down lower over his face to shield himself from the pelting rain. “Not usually since I neither have the time nor the inclination to do so, but your grandfather does by keeping spies close in their camp.”

  Which reminded me of what Silas had said in my forethought. “Did you catch the part where Silas referred to the capture of one of Donaldo’s spies last night? They’ve locked him in their cells with the other imprisoned warriors.”

  “I did, and with great interest since I was made aware that the man did not check in this morning with Donaldo’s security team. He was the only spy we had right within the protectors’ barracks stationed closest to Loveria Castle. Your grandfather has decided he isn’t sending any more warriors out for another few weeks. He detests losing good men.”

  Which meant it would in fact be safe for me in Peacio should Davio or one of his protectors find me and take me there. I opened up my thoughts to my father, rather than voicing them.

  “That is true, and should there be any imminent danger, my forewarning would also activate. I imagine it’ll be some months before another warrior is sent to infiltrate Peacio’s tight inner circle again. There are thousands of protectors, and unfortunately all are known to one another within their close-knit groups, so a new warrior must be sent in at their lowest level where he will first be accepted without too much questioning.”