“What if we want to remain neutral?”
Rider rolled his wheelchair closer to Josh then spun it around to address the crowd. “Dominance has promised to kill entire clans if even one member stands against her.”
Statements like that weren’t going to help Josh recruit anyone. In fact, it was having the opposite effect. The glowing ball of energy in front of his chest dimmed. He was already losing the loyalty he’d just gained. Fickle mages.
Josh’s shield popped into place just before Hunter yelled “Look out!” A blinding flash of light and a bone jarring boom knocked him to the ground. At first, he thought his shield had failed, but it was still buzzing around him. And he wasn’t hurt, just half blind and partially deaf.
The stench of burning flesh and hair stung his nose, but he felt no pain. He tried to get up but something held him down. No, not something…someone… Hunter. A scream of agony made it past his damaged ear drums. They were still under attack.
I need to see. I need to hear. I need to know who’s attacking us.
Josh’s vision cleared. Bright veins of energy danced across his shield, buzzing and sparking like a damaged transformer.
A cacophony of angry shouts, cries and moans replaced the ringing in his ears. He rolled to the side and gently laid Hunter on the ground. His groan of pain was a relief. At least he wasn’t dead.
Josh hovered over Hunter, protecting him with his body as well as his shield and scanned the crowd. Sparks of red energy flickered around the hands of the man that had challenged him.
Treason cannot be tolerated. Kill him.
The voice in his mind, demanding he retaliate was not his own. It belonged to the Book of the Dead.
Rage coursed through Josh’s veins.
That man tried to kill you. His curse bounced off your shield and critically injured Hunter. He must be punished or you’ll lose what little respect you’ve gained.
Josh wanted to kill him, but the man broke off his attack and dropped his hand.
All the color drained from the traitor’s face. He backed up. “I’m sorry. It was just a test.”
“A test?” Josh spat the words out then looked at Hunter, keeping the traitor in his peripheral vision.
“I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.” The man’s voice rose in pitch as it dropped in volume. “I wanted to see how quick your reflexes are and how strong your shield is.”
“Shall we see how strong your shield is?” Josh’s hands shook from the effort of controlling the magic building behind his navel.
Everyone scrambled away from the man as the air around him shimmered. His shield didn’t look very strong.
“That’s all you’ve got?”
“I…I used a lot of energy to…er…test you.”
The idea of attacking a weakened opponent didn’t sit well with Josh, but he couldn’t afford to let him go unpunished. He couldn’t risk another attack either. “I should kill you right now.”
“Please…I’ve got a family.”
“So do I.” Josh thought about Channie and their unborn baby. “You don’t deserve to be a mage. Surrender your power.”
“Wh…what?” Confusion clouded the man’s face.
Josh extended his hand, palm up and narrowed his eyes. Give me your power.
The man arched his back and screamed as red light erupted out of his chest and stomach.
It shot across the room then passed right through Josh and into the Book of the Dead, hidden deep inside his backpack. He felt the book’s pleasure as if it were his own. But he refused to let it control him.
Stop it. That’s enough. Josh fisted his hand and lowered it to his side. If he took all the man’s power, it would kill him. He left just enough to sustain life, but not enough to use magic.
“What have you done?” The man fell to his knees and sobbed.
“Get out.” Two distinct and opposite emotions warred within Josh. Remorse for stripping the man’s power—something akin to castration—and satisfaction for protecting his clan, his family, his wife and unborn child from an evil man. “The next time you attack me or anyone under my protection—I will kill you.”
Josh fought the Book of the Dead for control of the energy it had confiscated from the traitor. I need it to heal Hunter. I can’t afford to weaken myself in front of my clan.
The book grudgingly complied.
The foreign energy burned Josh’s veins as it passed through him again. Was the book punishing him?
Hunter’s moans of pain shifted into a long sigh of relief. He blinked his eyes open. “What happened?”
A collective gasp, followed by surprised murmuring, reminded Josh that mages weren’t supposed to be able to heal injuries caused by magic.
“Someone tried to curse me. It bounced off my shield and hit you. I’m sorry.” Josh squatted on his haunches beside Hunter. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired and a little sore, but I’ll live.”
Josh offered Hunter a hand and helped him sit up.
The quiet murmurs of the crowd increased in volume as everyone crowded around Josh and Hunter.
“How’d he do that?”
”Did he really heal a curse?”
“Maybe it was a trick.”
Josh stood up. He needed to squash that bit of doubt before it took root. “I’m an elemental mage.”
Another gasp, more murmuring.
Josh resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He pointed at a bearded man in stained overalls. “You need a shave.”
Josh focused on containing the mess. He wouldn’t make many allies by spraying everyone with bits of hair, and crumbs from past meals. “Get ready.”
“Now just a dang—”
Josh cast the spell. The man’s beard fell off his face in one piece and landed at his feet.
He swore and jumped back, clutching his cheeks. “That don’t prove nothing! My grandpappy could shave with magic.”
Josh pointed at the man again. “Could he clean his clothes with magic?”
“Ain’t nobody can do that.”
The man’s clothes fluttered, as if buffeted by gusts of wind. The visual effect wasn’t part of the cleansing spell, but it emphasized Josh’s power.
This time, laughter accompanied the shouts of surprise.
A woman sauntered over to the man and palmed his cheeks. “My goodness, Miner, I had no idea you was so handsome under all that coal dust and hair.”
The man’s face flushed crimson. His wide grin revealed stained and crooked teeth, but Josh resisted the urge to fix them. Whitening the man’s teeth was pointless unless he gave up chewing tobacco. And Josh had worn braces for three years. He suspected that any instantaneous orthodontic work, even if it were magic, would hurt like hell.
Rider tugged on the hem of Josh’s shirt. Hope shone bright in his eyes. “Can you heal my back?”
Josh licked his lips as he considered it. It would definitely impress everyone if he pulled off something like that, but what if he screwed up? “I don’t have any idea how to heal a broken back or even if it’s possible.”
“Will you at least try?” Rider grabbed Josh’s wrist with trembling hands. “Please?”
Josh lowered his voice. “I don’t want to make it worse.”
“There ain’t nothing worse than being tied to a chair.”
Josh wasn’t in any position to argue with the man. He had no idea how he’d feel if he were in Rider’s place. “I can’t afford to lose you right now. I need your help.”
Rider dropped his chin and stared at his knees. “I could help you a lot more if I could walk.”
“Who talked a bunch of squabbling mages into attending this meeting?”
The corners of Rider’s lips twitched. “I did.”
“Who found Vengeance and told him he had a son?”
“Well, me…but—”
“Who talked Jimmy into taking a nap instead of killing me when I wandered into your camp?”
“That was before I broke my back.”
The Book of the Dead prodded Josh’s mind. Seek out your clan, and the gifts they bestow.
Josh nodded his agreement then blinked with agitation. It was one thing for the book to ‘talk’ to him, but the fact that he was answering it disturbed him.
“I also need you to convince the wealthier people in our clan to help the Ozark mages. They’re too many refugees at Freedom Ridge and not enough resources.”
Rider narrowed his eyes and nodded. “I’ll start with the President of Veyjivik Enterprises.”
Josh and Hunter stayed in Kentucky for two more days, meeting even more of their clan. The number of wealthy politicians, business leaders, industrialists and coal mining magnates surprised Josh. But it was their generosity that completely astounded him. They recruited a team of engineers to build housing barracks, install generators, create a sanitary septic system and drill a well. They also insisted on a security detail for the trip back.
Josh appreciated their concern, but feared they wouldn’t receive a very warm welcome when they tried to land a corporate helicopter inside Freedom Ridge with a contingent of armed bodyguards. The bright red ‘Veyjivik Industries’ logo emblazoned on both sides of the chopper even provided targets for the rebels to shoot at. But when he voiced his concern, it created another fiasco.
It took the better part of an afternoon to repair the damage to his reputation and convince everyone that he was, indeed, in charge at Freedom Ridge.
Hunter insisted on driving his motorcycle back to Arkansas. “I ain’t leaving it behind. I don’t care how secure the governor’s garage is. I want my bike.”
Josh took a deep breath and unclenched his jaw. “And what are you going to do with it once you get to Whistler’s Gulch? I don’t think Sheriff Black is going to want to store it for you again.”
Hunter crossed his arms over his chest. “I’ll find somewhere to hide it.”
Every second of Hunter’s defiance chipped away at the other mages respect for Josh. He could feel their energy retreating. “Don’t you want to ride in the helicopter?”
“I’ll ride in it after y’all get to Freedom Ridge.”
“Stop acting like a spoiled kid and get in the damn chopper.”
Hunter glared at him. “Is that an order?”
Josh let a little of the angry energy churning in his gut seep out.
Hunter widened his eyes then tossed the keys to his motorcycle to one of the security guards. “There better not be so much as one scratch on it when I get back.”
The poor man arched his eyebrows as he eyed the dangling side mirror. “I’ll take it to the best body shop in Kentucky for the repairs.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Josh gave Hunter’s shoulder a firm shove. “Get in. Now.”
The flight back improved Hunter’s mood immensely but Josh grew increasingly anxious. He fully expected Wisdom’s army to open fire on the helicopter before they landed and had a chance to explain. He tapped Hunter’s shoulder. Even with the earphones and mic, it was still hard to communicate inside the noisy chopper. “Hey, is there a place they can land this thing that’s close to Freedom Ridge, but out of shotgun range?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Great.”
“Why don’t you just call Wisdom on her satellite phone and tell her we’re coming?”
“She has a satellite phone?” Josh wanted to smack the back of Hunter’s head. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You didn’t ask. Besides, I thought you knew.”
“Do you have the number?”
Hunter nodded then rattled it off.
Josh pulled out his phone and placed the call. He had to scream into it to make Wisdom understand him over the noise.
“Give me an hour to spread the word.”
Josh relayed the request to the pilot. His response tied a knot in Josh’s stomach.
“She’s got twenty minutes. I have to reserve enough fuel to get this bird to the nearest airport and we’re running low.”
Josh ordered everyone to stay inside the chopper until he had a chance to talk to Wisdom and the council. He was counting on the supplies they’d brought with them, and the promise of more to come, to soften up any troublemakers. He should have known better.
“We don’t need their help.” Harry Crawford’s denial felt like a betrayal. Josh had thought the old man was on his side.
“Don’t let pride override good judgment.”
“Bringing the enemy into our camp shows a distinct lack of good judgment on your part.”
“They aren’t the enemy!”
“They’re Veyjiviks!”
“So am I.”
“That’s enough, Harry.” Intimidation Nesbit shouldered past the old man. He glared at the men inside the helicopter then smiled and reached out to shake Josh’s hand. “It’s good to see you, Valor.”
Josh resisted the urge to heave a sigh of relief. If he had to choose between Inheritance Crawford and Intimidation Nesbit, he’d pick Tim every time. “It’s good to be back. Where’s Wisdom?”
Josh was surprised she wasn’t amongst the welcoming party.
Tim shrugged. “She put me in charge then took off right after you called.”
Josh suspected it had something to do with Prudence. “How’s her sister? Any better?”
Tim grimaced. “It’s hard to say.”
Josh knew he’d have to deal with Prudence, and soon, but surely it could wait until after they unloaded the food and medicine.
Quit stalling.
Josh ignored the voice in his head. “Round up a few of the stronger men and help these guys unload the chopper.”
“Yes, sir.” Tim saluted then turned on his heel and trotted off.
Josh organized the men then helped them relay the boxes of food and medicine from the chopper to the supply tent. Several people tried to talk him out of helping. One of the imported bodyguards even told him it wasn’t proper for a prince and future king to labor alongside commoners.
“Any able-bodied person that refuses to work in my camp doesn’t get to eat.” Josh grinned at the man and handed him another box. “And I’m hungry.”
It didn’t take long to unload everything. Josh put Tim in charge of dispersing the peanut butter and honey packets one of the Veyjivik doctors insisted they deliver first.
Generosity ran up to Josh, her ragged little doll clutched in one hand, a peanut butter packet in the other. “Comfy wanted to say ‘hi.’ She missed you.”
“I missed her too.” Josh tousled Gen’s hair. “Why haven’t you eaten that yet?”
“I wanna be sure ever-body gets one. We might need to share.”
Josh swallowed around the lump in his throat. “There’s plenty, sweetheart.”
She licked her lips and stared at the packet. “It’s okay. I can wait.”
“Valor!” Wisdom called out to him and waved him over.
“Did you see all the stuff we brought?” Josh didn’t even try to hide his enthusiasm. “And there’s more coming.”
“I want to show you how much Prudence has improved.”
“Oh. Okay.” Josh hoped that Wisdom’s eagerness was more than just wishful thinking. Tim hadn’t sounded nearly as positive about the crazy woman’s progress.
Josh followed Wisdom to the cage where she had Prudence locked up. The woman had hurled herself against the bars, trying to attack him the last time he’d been here, so he approached with caution.
Wisdom cupped her hands around her mouth and called into the cave. “Prudence? Joshua is here to see you. Come on out.”
Prudence shuffled to the mouth of the cave. She kept one hand on the rocky arch and swayed on her feet. She definitely looked better. Her clothes were well-worn, but clean. Her hair was brushed and pulled into a tight knot at t
he back of her head. Josh wondered if Wisdom had cast a heavy calming spell on her to make her behave. He sniffed the air, but didn’t detect any trace of magic. A skill Hunter had taught him.
Wisdom sighed and rolled her eyes. “I didn’t cast a be-calm spell on her.”
“I wouldn’t blame you if you had, but I’d still need to see her without any sedation…” Josh squinted and leaned in closer. “Prudence? Come here.”
She yawned then looked at Wisdom.
“It’s okay. Remember what I told you? He’s not going to hurt you.”
She pushed off from the rock and shuffled closer, weaving like a drunk.
Her eyes drifted back and forth, glassy and unfocused.
“She’s drugged. What did you give her?”
“It’s nothing.” Wisdom wrung her hands. “It’s just part of her therapy.”
“Is she violent without it?”
“She won’t be without it, ever. And she’s not getting out of this cage until I’m one hundred percent sure she’s cured. Even if it means she has to spend the rest of her life locked up.”
Josh’s chest ached as Wisdom’s anxiety washed over him. He didn’t want to execute Prudence, but he couldn’t risk Channie’s life.
“If she doesn’t release Channie from her death pledge—”
Prudence howled like a beast and threw herself against the barrier. “You have my book! Give it to me!”
Josh’s shield popped up instinctively. He glanced at Wisdom. “Do something!”
She cast a very strong be-calm spell on Prudence.
All it did was slow her down a little. It didn’t stop her howling or futile attempts to breach the barrier by flinging her body against it.
Josh cast one of his own calming spells, using his sapphire pendant. Prudence sank to the ground, but remained conscious. She muttered to herself, but her words were still audible. They sent a chill down Josh’s spine.
“Take the girl. Carve out her heart. Save the book, the better part.”
Josh spoke through gritted teeth. “She’s still planning to sacrifice Channie.”
“I don’t understand. She was so much better after you left.” Wisdom’s eyes widened as she turned her head towards Josh. “She’s feeling the influence of…it. Where is it?”
Believe: The Complete Channie Series Page 83