Reclamation: The Sacred Isle Series

by K. E. Miller

  “Stupid arrogant fools,” I said, shaking my head.

  “I quite agree, Eternal Anders.”

  “You should just call me Jaden,” I told her with a smile.

  Brianne smiled back at me and launched into a detailed description of the inner politics at work within the Resistance. I wasn’t quite sure when exactly it happened, but at some point, I realized that I was now friends with a Sorceress.

  ◆◆◆

  A short time later, after ensuring that Shaylee would be safe, I excused myself to the room Brianne said was an office. It was lined with bookshelves and had a desk with a phone on it. I picked up the phone and dialed, hoping that I was making the right choice. Thanks to the letter I’d sent her, she knew where we were planning on going and why, but she was being watched by the Council and I didn’t want to draw further attention to her.

  “Hello?” a familiar voice said on the other end.

  “Gran, it’s me,” I replied.

  “Jaden? What are you thinking calling me? It’s not safe. It will lead them right to you.”

  “It’s alright,” I told her. “This is a secure line. They can’t trace it.”

  “It’s still a foolish thing to do. You shouldn’t risk yourself or Shaylee.”

  “Gran, please just listen to me. The Resistance is formally at war with the Council.”

  She didn’t respond right away. I would have thought she’d hung up on me if I hadn’t been able to hear her breathing on the other end of the line.

  “It’s finally happening,” she whispered with awe in her voice.

  “Yes, but that means things are going to get very dangerous. They’ll be coming for you to get to me.”

  “You just stay close to that friend of yours,” she instructed. “You take care of our queen. I’ll take care of myself.”

  “Gran, it’s not safe for you to stay there,” I insisted.

  “Now you listen to me, young lady. I’ve been a Warrior for a very long time. I can handle myself. No matter what happens, don’t call here again. Do you understand me?”

  I sighed knowing there was nothing I could do to change her stubborn mind.

  “Yes, I understand.”

  “Good,” she said. “And Jaden?”

  “Yes, Gran?”

  “Give them hell.”

  There was a click and I knew she’d hung up. I knew she wasn’t my responsibility, but it bothered me that she refused to listen to me. I could only hope that she was as skilled as she claimed.

  ◆◆◆

  About an hour later, there was a knock on the door. I jumped up and walked over to it. Brianne followed me and stood next to the door with one hand on the lock and the other on the handle. I nodded and she unlocked and opened the door in one fluid motion.

  Aaron, Nolen, Andrew, and Thorn were all standing on the other side of the door. I relaxed and waved them inside. Aaron walked over to Shaylee, who had stood at the sound of their knock, and kissed her. I wondered briefly about what all had transpired between them when they’d been on their own as the others walked over to the sitting area. Brianne shut and relocked the door.

  Aaron, Shaylee, and I joined the others. To my surprise, Brianne began walking around serving drinks. She had disappeared through a door at the back of the room that led to a small kitchen and Brianne’s room. When she reappeared, she was carrying the drinks, and a few minutes later sandwiches. Once everyone had been served, she went to sit in a chair next to the kitchen door.

  “Is this about the Mages?” Shaylee asked, sounding very much like she already knew the answer.

  “Every other Clan has sent the name of their representative to my office. I don’t know what the Mages think they will accomplish with all of this,” Nolen said.

  Shaylee nodded and I knew this information didn’t surprise her. I couldn’t help but wonder what her plan was. She seemed unbelievably calm about the whole situation.

  “We never expected them to agree or cooperate with us,” she said.

  “You and I are the only ones who can deal with this,” Aaron said to her.

  “That is far too dangerous,” Andrew said, decisively. “Shaylee still isn’t at her full strength. The two of you could easily be overpowered by all of them and I’m not convinced that they wouldn’t kill you if given the chance.”

  “I can protect you from the Warriors, your majesty, but not from the Mages,” Thorn said, looking even more troubled by the idea than Andrew.

  “It will be no more dangerous than what we faced in Kentucky,” Aaron said, defensively.

  “It will be a great deal more dangerous,” Andrew argued. “In Kentucky there was only one Mage. One! Here you must face the entire Committee. How do you think they were chosen for the Committee? They are the most powerful among the Resistance’s Mages. Don’t be so impulsive that you underestimate them.”

  “I can handle the Mages,” Shaylee said, quietly.

  “They’re very powerful, Shay. Even you have your limits,” Andrew pointed out, looking more and more disturbed by the second.

  “I think he’s right, Shay,” I said, speaking up for the first time. “You haven’t had enough time to remember or practice how to properly use your powers. This is too risky. We need to find another way to handle things.”

  The only person in the room who looked unconcerned at this point was Aaron. He was looking at Shaylee with an odd smile on his face. I noticed that Shaylee shared his smile and it occurred to me that they were hiding something. Whatever they were planning was probably dangerous if they weren’t willing to share it with the rest of us and I wasn’t okay with that.

  “I will handle the Mages,” Shaylee repeated, this time with more force.

  “What are you going to do, Shay?” Andrew asked.

  “They need to be reminded of who I am,” she replied.

  I didn’t like her cryptic response. There were so many things she could mean. Did she plan to fight them? Was she going to try reasoning with them? Did she want to open a gaping portal to another dimension so they could see her power?

  “This is going to infuriate the Mages even more,” Nolen said, clearly uneasy with this plan.

  “Yes. Yes, it will,” Shaylee agreed, sounding a little too pleased.

  By now everyone but Aaron was looking a little green. I felt like I was preparing to enter a doctor’s office and find out whether or not I had a terminal illness. I wished that I hadn’t eaten the sandwich Brianne gave me as it was sitting heavily in my stomach while I sat there dreading what was about to happen.

  “It’s time the Mages remembered who the true rulers of the Realm are. Although I am surprised this is a lesson that once again needs to be taught,” Shaylee said.

  “I think this is a really bad idea,” Andrew said.

  “The issue with the Mages doesn’t concern you, Andrew,” Aaron said. “We have something else we need you to do.”

  Andrew’s expression changed completely. I wondered if Aaron and Shaylee had known that Andrew would disagree with them and had planned this to get his mind off of it and onto something else.

  “A mission?” he asked, clearly intrigued. “What sort of mission?”

  “We need you to find the General.”

  “I thought he was killed some time ago.”

  “No,” Aaron replied. “He faked his death to escape recruitment by the Council. I’ve done my best to keep track of him over the years, but he’s awfully good at staying off the grid. He’s living out west in the middle of the wilderness. That’s the best that I can narrow it down. Didn’t you grow up in the same town? Did you know him?”

  “Of course, I knew him. We Bards like to stick together. He attempted to drag me into the military on more than one occasion.”

  “We need someone he trusts to track him down. I don’t know if he will listen to anyone but another Bard. I know we all just got here, but you knew him. I don’t think we can trust this to anyone else.”

  “I will do what I can, your majest
ies,” Andrew said.

  I was a little shocked to hear him speak so formally to Aaron and especially to Shaylee. It was finally dawning on me how different our lives were going to be from now on.

  “We have a job for you as well, Nolen,” Aaron said, looking over at the very distressed looking Mage. “We need you to go back to your office and gather the Clan representatives. When we finish with the Mages, we’re going to need to speak to them.”

  Nolen nodded in response, still looking uneasy.

  “Now that’s taken care of,” Aaron said as he stood. “Shall we?” He held his hand out to Shaylee.

  She placed her hand in his and stood up. She walked over to her shoes and put them back on. Andrew and Nolen both stood, bowed, and left the room to carry out the tasks they’d been assigned.

  I turned to Thorn and said, “I don’t like this.”

  “Nor I,” he agreed.

  “This seems like an unnecessary risk. There has to be other ways of handling the situation,” I argued.

  “It is not our place to argue with their majesties,” Thorn said. “We have stated our opinion on the matter. They wish to continue with this plan. It is our job to protect them as best as we are able.”

  I rolled my eyes.

  “I’ll argue with anyone I please, thank you very much,” I told him.

  “Jade, don’t worry,” Shaylee said, smiling at us. “Everything is going to be fine. All you two have to do is take care of the Warriors standing guard. We will handle the rest.”

  “That’s a lot of Mages, Shay,” I reminded her. “Are you really sure about this?”

  “I am,” she replied.

  Aaron held her hand as they stepped out into the hallway. Thorn and I grabbed our swords and followed them out the door. We exchanged a brief look and I knew we both understood that the Warriors were the least of our worries.

  Chapter 8

  Shaylee

  Our footsteps echoed down the long corridor as we walked to the Mages’ chamber. I knew I’d fooled the others into thinking I was in control and confident about our plans, but on the inside, I was on the verge of falling apart. I took deep breaths, trying to keep myself from getting sick, but it really wasn’t working as we approached where the Mages had barricaded themselves.

  I glanced at Aaron and saw from his returning glance that he hadn’t been fooled like the others. He was completely aware of how unsure I was, but he was supporting me all the same. Without his encouragement there was no way I would be willing to attempt what we were about to do.

  When we reached the door to the Mages’ antechamber, I reached out to open it. I knew if I paused to think about things, I would talk myself out of going forward. Thorn jumped in front of me and I was barely able to prevent myself from crashing into him.

  “Forgive me,” he said. “but I think it would be best if Jaden and I entered first.”

  Aaron nodded to Thorn and my stomach did a strange flip. I was dying to just turn around and go back to my room, but I knew we couldn’t allow things to continue as they were. Jaden walked around Aaron to stand next to Thorn as he prepared to open the door. I felt Aaron’s hand lightly squeeze my hand. That was the only indication I had that he might be feeling the same anxiety that I was.

  Thorn threw the door open and with Jaden by his side, walked into the room. Aaron and I only took one step inside the door. Although he looked calm, I could feel Aaron’s tension as I clung to his hand.

  The Mages’ Warriors were waiting for us. Unlike the last time I’d seen them they were all standing with weapons easily visible. Even though I’d been expecting something like this, it was still nerve racking to see it with my own eyes.

  “No one is to pass, by order of the Committee of Mages. If you do not withdraw at once, we have been authorized to remove you using any means necessary.” I glanced around Thorn’s imposing form to see that it was the same Warrior who had tried to deny us access before. When none of us moved, he said, “Very well. You leave us no choice.”

  In what seemed to me to be a simultaneous movement, every Warrior in the room drew their sword. There was a brief moment of silence during which I held my breath. Without warning, Thorn and Jaden burst into action. I couldn’t help but marvel at their symmetry. They moved as one, keeping their opponents well away from Aaron and I.

  As soon as Thorn cleared the way, Aaron pulled me forward and through the door into the Mages’ chamber. Just as before, the Mages appeared to be having an argument. The shouting ceased as they all turned to look at Aaron and I.

  “You have no business here,” Laird said, pointing his finger at us.

  “We have every right to be here,” Aaron replied, his voice calm, but filled with anger. “This is a chamber of Mages sworn to the service of the crown,” he continued. “Unless you have all renounced your oaths. If that is the case, we will have you arrested for treason.”

  Several people shifted uncomfortably at the idea of treason. I’d never thought of it that way before. I was still having some trouble with the idea that I was someone treason could be committed against. Although I was remembering more and more about the life I had lived, I still felt like a regular high school student, not a queen these Mages had sworn loyalty to.

  Laird had taken a step back at Aaron’s suggestion. His faced had paled and he looked thoroughly appalled by the idea of treason. He leaned against the table for support. When picturing this moment, I had considered him to be our biggest obstacle. It wasn’t until I saw the tall well-built man with long jet-black hair walk around the table that I realized the real threat might come from elsewhere.

  I recognized the man at once as one of Aaron’s former Stewards, a type of personal Valet. Unlike Finna or Brianne, I had never liked him, and I’d always thought he seemed to be up to something. I’d asked Aaron on numerous occasions to dismiss him, but Aaron had refused since he didn’t have a good reason other than my dislike.

  Without a word, he closed the space between us and drew his sword. Seeing what was about to happen, my lingering fear left me. I knew what I had to do. Aaron tensed and stepped in front of me. With absolute clarity, I saw what would happen if I didn’t react and I couldn’t allow that to become reality. If I lost Aaron now, the Council would win. I didn’t think I was strong enough to lead the Resistance and fight a war all on my own.

  Still holding Aaron’s hand, I pulled him behind me as the Mage raised his sword. He brought the sword over his head and it came down toward me with the speed and precision of someone who has had centuries worth of practice.

  Without conscious thought, I drew on my power and time seemed to stop. I took a small step back, out of the sword’s reach and time moved again. Letting go of Aaron’s hand, I brought both of my hands up and stopped sword inches from my face. My hands were glowing with my power as I pushed the sword back. Catching him completely off guard, the flat side of the sword smashed into the Mage’s nose and he fell backward, onto the floor.

  I threw the sword into the air and caught it by its hilt with a skill I had from years of practice in another life. I stepped forward and brought the tip of the sword to his neck. As he glared up at me, I could see that I had succeeded in breaking his nose.

  “It would seem that we have found the spy,” I said.

  “The Council will never surrender!” he shouted, his voice dripping with venom. “As long as you exist, we will be there to destroy you.”

  “That’s quite enough,” I said, placing the tip of the sword against his skin. I looked up at the remaining Mages. “As for the rest of you, you will either dissolve this committee now and recognize our rule, which is mine by birthright and Aiden’s by marriage, or you will leave the Resistance. The choice is yours, but this ends now.”

  The door opened and I turned to see Thorn enter the room. Behind him, Jaden stood guard over the bruised and bloodied Warriors that had guarded the chamber. I felt a swell of pride at my friend’s capability and comfort at the knowledge that she would always be the
re to defend me.

  I turned back to the Mages.

  “Decide,” I ordered.

  There was a moment of silence where no one moved. Then, the small red-haired woman came forward from the back of the group. She walked up to me and bowed her head.

  “Your majesties,” she said and left the room.

  One by one, the others followed her example, until Trevor Laird was the only Mage remaining in the room. He took a deep breath before walking forward and bowing deeply. When he straightened, I saw the submission in his gaze.

  “I cannot say that I’m a believer, but I sincerely hope you make me one,” he said.

  He left the room and I returned my attention to the Mage who was still glaring at me from beneath my sword. The hatred in his eyes was undeniable. I nodded to Thorn and he grabbed the Mage by the arm and pulled him up.

  “Lock him up. We’ll deal with him later,” I instructed.

  Thorn pulled the Mage out of the room. I followed, noticing the irritation on Aaron’s face, but choosing to ignore it for the moment. I knew he was unhappy with me, but we weren’t finished yet.

  “Let them go,” I told Jaden as we entered the antechamber, pleased that she was unharmed and none of the other Warriors had any serious injuries.

  Jaden lowered her sword and backed away.

  “Your dedication will be remembered,” I said to them. “I trust in the future it will not be misplaced.”

  They gradually filed out of the room. A few of them limping. I continued ignoring the anger I felt emanating from Aaron as the room cleared.

  “Can you give us a second?” I asked Jaden.

  “Yeah, sure,” she said, eyeing Aaron. It was clear that she noticed his anger. She left the room and closed the door.

  When I finally turned to him, he stared at me with a cold calculation in his eyes that I found unnerving. He had never looked at me that way before, even when he’d been pretending to ignore me at Ardara. I desperately wanted to look away, but I knew I had to be strong just like the queen I had once been. I’d saved his life and I had to stand by my decision.