The Reckoning

by S. L. Morgan

  Before Harrison could interject to Levi’s brazen comment, which was completely unlike him, Reece did. “Is that a problem for you?”

  Levi’s eyes narrowed as he studied her. “A problem? No,” he answered curtly. “It is merely a bit hard for me to accept. I am certain I did not realize The Key would have the ability to attract animals that are not easily attracted to anyone, nor would she be able to embark on a Guardian mission.”

  “I’m having a hard time following your point,” Reece returned in a somber tone.

  Levi exhaled. “You are a human,” he answered as he gazed deep into her eyes. “Yet, apparently I married you, made you the next Empress of Pemdas, brought you on a warrior’s mission—”

  Reece stood abruptly, forcing Levi into silence. She gazed down at him. “I understand you have no memory of me, and therefore all of this is difficult to take in. But you did marry me, and you never once second guessed my becoming the next empress even when I second guessed it myself.”

  Levi stood. “Please forgive my rude comments. I am only trying to understand.”

  “I understand that.” Reece looked around the area where the group remained silent. “However, I can think of a thousand other places where this conversation could have more appropriately taken place.”

  You have got to be kidding me, Levi! Harrison thought, knowing Levi, at any age, would never outwardly embarrass any woman in the company of others. The whole exchange was proof Harrison needed to have a private conversation with his cousin, or Levi would, in fact, ruin Reece’s attraction toward him.

  “I believe my frustration about the life I never imagined for myself,” he glanced at Isabelle and over to Reece, “has served to help me forget my proper manners.”

  “That would be an understatement!” Harrison answered quickly. “Reece is correct; this is not the time or the place for personal questions. You are best to seek a private conversation with her, as your confusion has twisted your words into nothing but insults directed at a woman who is held in everyone’s highest esteem.”

  Reece looked at Harrison and then back to Levi. “If and when you should decide to talk to me about memories that concern me, find a servant. They’ll know where to locate me,” she said before she spun on her heel and swiftly left the room.

  Harrison sighed. “You certainly made an ass out of yourself tonight, cousin,” he said, prompting Angeline to look at him with surprise.

  Levi looked at Harrison and addressed the group, “Forgive me for allowing an awkward conversation to take place. Please, enjoy the rest of your evening.” After a nod, Levi turned and left the room.

  “Do you believe you should follow him?” Angeline whispered to Harrison.

  “No.” He eyed everyone who sat in question. “I think he is better off thinking about his behavior.” He forced a smile. “As for Reece, she knows exactly how to handle herself, and Levi would do best not to ruin the best thing that has ever happened to him. Now, let us change the subject and try to find something more entertaining than Levi and Reece’s unfortunate situation.”

  Tomas sighed and grinned. “Well, if there is anyone who can add some humor after what just took place, it would be you.”

  “True.” Harrison stood. “Allow me to pour us some wine, and I shall happily change the subject.”

  Levi was making it very clear something bothered him about Reece, and for Reece’s sake, Harrison hoped Galleta was wrong in the assumption Levi’s memories may never return.

  The next morning, Harrison was attending to his usual duties in the command center. He sat at his desk, going through the reports of the Guardians stating they were making no progress finding Mordegrin.

  “I do hope I am not intruding,” Levi said as he walked into the room.

  Harrison looked up. “Not at all. As a matter of fact, I am grateful you are here. I am about to debrief with one of the Guardians who was on our mission when we recovered your father.” He motioned to a chair in front of his desk. “Have a seat. I believe you will find the information we are about to discuss quite interesting and possibly helpful with your loss of memory about the mission.”

  Levi sat in a chair across from him. “So you are our commander now? What was my father thinking?” he said with a grin.

  Harrison stood and poured them both some tea. “Actually, you were the one who put the fate of our Guardians in my hands, my friend.” He turned and gave Levi his tea.

  Levi sipped it and sat back. He stared over to the corner of the room. “Harrison, I understand it is impossible for you to comprehend how I have felt since I awoke into this new life. I ask you to imagine what it would be like if you were to wake up one morning and find that not only had nine years of your life been stolen from you, but also everything you were being told of the man you had become was the opposite of what you imagined you would be.” He looked at Harrison, his eyes pleading with him to understand his current torment. “I cannot imagine all that must have transpired for my life to have gone in the direction it has. It is all very difficult for me to grasp.”

  “This is about you and Reece, is it not?”

  Levi nodded. “Indeed, it is.” He softly sighed. “From what I have witnessed, she seems to be an agreeable young woman. I just do not understand why I would—”

  “Is it because she is from Earth that you are having difficulty accepting that you married her?” Harrison asked skeptically.

  “My father informed me last evening why she was brought to Pemdas.” Levi leaned back into his chair. “He also told me of the events that transpired with Simone, and Simone betrayed Pemdas over her hatred toward Reece due to my affections for her. He told me of the war with Armedias and how that was the battle is where we believed he had been killed.”

  “Has he told you anything more?”

  “No. I had already heard enough.” Levi took another sip of his tea and gazed sternly at Harrison. “Why would I have fallen in love with her? It was my duty to guard her not marry her. Why would my parents allow such a thing? Can you not see it? It was my love for her that started all of this. Simone’s jealousy forced my father to reveal to all dimensions who The Key was to save our men. I believe that must have been the reason Reece was driven out of Pemdas and why we went to battle with Armedias. We never would have needed to go on our last mission had my father not been taken in that fight. None of this would have happened if I had been responsible and not allowed myself to be so drawn to her. Simone never would have had an issue with Reece, and our lands never would have gone through any of this. Regardless of how everyone feels about her, you must understand my attraction for Reece was a foolish mistake. I not only married a human and made her the future Empress of Pemdas, but I married The Key. What was I thinking?”

  “Enough, Levi!” Harrison interrupted him in a stern voice. He exhaled to calm himself. “You have no idea the things you have done and said to those who dared to say a fraction of what you have just now regarding your beloved Reece.”

  “She is not my beloved, cousin!” He cleared his throat. “I do not know her. After what I have learned thus far, perhaps the loss of my memories may have been for a reason. I must find a way to end the commitment I so foolishly made with her.”

  Harrison stood. “You have not only lost your memories, my friend. I fear you have lost your mind too.”

  “No. Everything that everyone has been making me aware of about this woman tells me I must have already lost my mind before I lost my memories,” he returned with anger.

  Levi turned to leave the room, and Harrison had no idea what the man would do next. “Levi!” he called out, halting him. Levi turned back. “Before you do anything in haste, are you aware Reece is carrying your child?”

  Levi stared at him in utter shock. “What? How can that be?”

  Harrison looked at Levi unsympathetically. “Simple. You see, after you got married, you and Reece—”

  “I am not an idiot,” Levi said, interrupting Harrison.

  “Then do
not ask ridiculous questions. Whether or not you remember, you were married, and many couples envied the deep love you both shared. It came as no surprise you both would return from your vacation with the newest member of the royal family on the way.”

  “I cannot—this is too much to process.” Levi’s face was pale, and Harrison immediately walked over to him. “You should sit,” Harrison said flatly. Levi didn’t fight him, and instead, he sat in the chair Harrison offered him. Before another word was spoken, a Guardian stood in the entryway to Harrison's office.

  “Caleb. Come in and be seated. Levi and I were waiting for you.”

  Caleb shook Harrison’s offered hand and approached where Levi sat trying to pull himself together again. “Your Majesty, it is wonderful to see you recovering and healthy. We were all very concerned for you.”

  Levi stood and shook Caleb’s hand. “Thank you. Forgive me, but I seem to have suffered a certain amount of memory loss, and I am unable to recall anything from our mission. I am also uncertain if we have already been introduced?”

  “It is understandable, sir. And yes, we have met, but only on a brief occasion. I am Caleb Evans, the youngest son of—”

  “King Marteace Evans,” Levi answered him with astonishment. “I am deeply sorry for you and your kingdom’s loss. Your father was a most—” Levi stopped himself. “Forgive me, Mr. Evans, my memory loss has put me in more than one embarrassing situation like this, as I can only remember events up to nine years ago. And nine years ago, you must have been ten years of age or so, am I correct?”

  Caleb nodded. “Eleven, sir. And please, there are no apologies needed.”

  Levi sat down, and it was obvious he preferred to remain quiet at this time.

  “Caleb, first of all, I must commend you for your bravery while removing Reece from danger.”

  “Thank you, Commander.”

  “Now, I have taken many reports from what happened out in that courtyard at the fortress. I am still uncertain about how, with all the chaos you and the rest of the men were facing, you managed to effectively remove her. I understand each one of you was given specific instructions by Levi to remove her once you felt she could no longer be protected, but Garrett was specifically assigned to remove her himself. I know Garrett did not survive, and I must know if you have any knowledge as to how he was overtaken and how you were able to successfully take his place.”

  “Once the barbarians charged into our location, as you already have been informed, the battle scene immediately became dangerously hostile. Garrett was killed when one of the beasts broke through the Guardian line that was fighting to protect where Lady Reece was. Garrett proceeded to remove her from the location, but unfortunately, he was killed before he could do so. She broke free, and instead of falling victim to the beast, she retrieved Garrett’s sword and killed it herself. She fled into the castle before I could manage to return to my horse and stop her. Once inside the castle, I was able to take her onto my horse and flee the area. I remain astounded by Lady Reece’s bravery and her ability to continue the fight even when it was obvious we would not be successful.”

  “How were our men unable to defeat these barbarians you speak of?” Levi asked.

  “They were created from a dark power. They were beasts that did not live, and therefore they would not die,” Harrison said. “You, a troop of close to one hundred men, and I were nearly slaughtered by them when we first journeyed into this land. We would have surely died had a tribe of people not come to our rescue.”

  Levi sat back but said nothing more.

  “Commander, even though the lines were falling apart, the empress—forgive me—Lady Reece fought me with all of her strength to remain. I have not seen her since, but I do hope she understands why I had to remove her,” Caleb said.

  Harrison chuckled. “She has not mentioned it to me; however, I believe she knew why she was being removed.” He shot Levi a knowing look and brought his attention back to Caleb. “What made you decide to bring Reece back to the fortress after you had orders to get her out of harm’s way should our mission fail?”

  “We met with Rei’s army after I took her from the fortress. Needless to say, I was surprised he was willing to help after Levi threatened to kill him for attacking Lady Reece, but he assured me he understood she was our only hope, and she meant them no harm.”

  Harrison nodded. “Yes, we were informed of Rei’s alliance with us as soon as we returned to Shallek’s village after the battle.” He glanced over at Levi, who was intently listening in on the conversation. “I am sure it was difficult to trust him, and we are grateful you did.”

  “Were it not for Rei, Commander, Lady Reece never would have had the opportunity to destroy Mordegrin’s females, and all the dark armies with them.”

  “Rei personally informed me of his gratefulness to Reece, and he apologized for trying to end her life due to his bigoted opinions.” Harrison nodded at Caleb. “It appears all of those lands will forever be indebted to Reece for her profound bravery and for saving not only all of us but an entire Galaxy also.”

  “Yes, Commander.”

  Harrison sat back, exceedingly proud of this young man’s brave actions. “Caleb, I know you are young, but the efforts you made to protect Reece have made me remarkably proud to have you as one of my Guardians. Being a warrior myself, I understand how difficult it had to have been to be the one warrior to leave the fight and leave his brothers to die; however, you were bold, and I know it was your loyalty to Levi that gave you the strength to remove his wife. Therefore, you will be given a higher rank within the Guardians, and you will be honored in the ceremony Emperor Navarre is to have for all the men who were successful in recovering him.”

  “Commander, I am very grateful for this recognition, but please, there is no need to honor me. I was merely doing my duty.”

  Harrison laughed and looked over at Levi, who had been listening intently to the young man. “You, Caleb, are a fine young man. You remind me a lot of a particular friend of mine.”

  Levi’s head snapped up, and he smiled at Harrison. Harrison smiled in return, knowing Levi understood he was talking about him.

  Harrison stood, and Levi and Caleb followed his lead. He extended his arm out. “I, however, must demand you take the promotion, as you will begin serving on Earth in more challenging missions, and I look forward to your reports.” He shook Caleb’s hand. “Congratulations, Guardian. I will see you when you report to your assignment tomorrow.”

  Caleb nodded. “Very well, sir. I look forward to the new challenge.”

  Harrison nodded as Caleb turned and left the room.

  “It would appear as though Reece has certainly proven her bravery by gaining the trust of our Guardian warriors.”

  Harrison crossed his arms. “Indeed, she has; however, by the expression on your face, it would seem she has yet to earn your approval even after all you have heard about her efforts on this mission.”

  Levi’s brow furrowed. “Before I inquire as to how she, as a human, was able to accomplish all of this, I must ask—” He looked at Harrison skeptically. “You mentioned the word galaxy, did you not?”

  “You heard it.”

  “You mean to tell me intergalactic travel now exists?”

  Harrison grinned. “All thanks to your wife!”

  Levi’s lips twisted. “Please tell me how my wife was able to achieve the impossible?”

  “Allow me to make this as simple as possible, if that is even possible,” Harrison said as he rubbed the back of his neck. “After you asked Reece to become your wife, something amazing occurred between both of you that Galleta has yet to figure out. Some magic kiss, you ran your hands through her hair…whatever,” he waved his hand dramatically. “Anyway, after this particular exchange, Reece’s mind projected the map to the stone into yours, and you were able to see its exact location.”

  “How can that be?” Levi asked.

  “How can anything be with you two? We have no idea. A bond was
formed, and now you and she both carry the map within your minds.”

  Levi’s expression grew blank, and he exhaled. “I am unable to see or feel that my mind holds that information.”

  “Given your memory loss, I am fairly confident you would not. Not to worry, the three of us traveled to the location—” Harrison stopped himself, trying to find a way to tell Levi the information without overwhelming him. “Reece, being The Key, has a unique genetic quality within her that allows her to absorb the stone’s powers and use them. Because of this, she was able to open a gateway, and we were able to enter the galaxy and retrieve your father.”

  “I allowed that?” Levi said in disbelief. “Do not tell me I willingly broke our treaties with all the dimensions to prove my wife could save my father?”

  “It is precisely what I am telling you.”

  Levi rubbed his forehead. “This is all my doing? If the Council of Worlds finds out this information—”

  “Which they will not,” Harrison said as he casually leaned against his desk and crossed his legs.

  Levi glared at him. “You sound confident; however, if they were to find out, my father cannot answer for this. I made a foolish decision, and somehow I must deal with the Council.”

  Harrison rolled his eyes. “Calm down, hero. I know this is overwhelming for you to hear, though you are the one asking the questions. Not only did we open the portal with the stone’s power to save your father, but we saved an entire galaxy from unspeakable oppression by the darkest beings we have ever encountered. Reece freed them all. She was successful in eliminating all but one, and he seems to have escaped.”

  Levi’s eyes grew severe. “And now? How do we fix this?”

  “We have it under control. You need not concern yourself with it.”

  “You are a fool to believe this is no concern of mine.”

  “Levi, the plan is simple. We locate the being known as Mordegrin—whom our men are relentlessly searching for as we speak—and imprison him. Reece will obtain the stone’s powers once again and destroy him.”