When Rikar had died, Nolan was determined not to be upset about a father he’d never known. However, as the days and weeks passed, he allowed himself to grieve. Kat had told him that no matter how good or bad a father he was, no matter how long he’d known him, he was his father. The blood of his Guardian father ran through his veins; he was, and always would be, a part of Nolan. She was right. Nolan had a right to be sad.
Nolan took a deep breath, tucking his grief away. Today wasn’t a day to mourn; it was a day to celebrate … he hoped.
Nolan glanced toward the entrance, but he still hadn’t seen any sign of Emery or Megan. At that moment, Emery was offering her a chance to get out of their marriage. Nolan assumed Megan would still want to go through with it; she loved Emery too much to let him squirm away. But honestly, Nolan didn’t understand women all that much.
They were strange creatures, prone to doing erratic things. He glanced over at Kat as she mingled with some other soldiers. She flashed him an amazing smile. He smiled back. Once the wedding was done, he hoped they could spend more time alone.
A hand slapped him on the shoulder. Nolan turned, and a large man stood next to him. His eyes crinkled in a smile, and a freshly combed beard hung down a large, barreled chest.
“Hakan!”
Nolan was about to shake his hand, but the Higherlander gripped him in a hard hug while slapping him robustly on the back.
“How are you, lad?” Hakan said, breaking off the embrace.
“Good, good,” Nolan answered, grinning. “How long have you been here?”
“An hour or so.” He motioned toward a man walking to them. Simple clothes. Dark red hair. Serious expression. Flann’s eyes dropped, taking in Nolan’s half-Guardian form. They hadn’t seen each other since Nolan had transformed.
“They told me what happened to you, but I didn’t expect this. I wouldn’t even recognize you if I didn’t know.”
Nolan cleared his throat, changing the subject. “So are you ready for this?”
“The wedding? Crows, no.”
“No?” Hakan said. “The lass has been in love with him for years.”
Flann’s eyes jerked to Hakan. “How’d you know?”
Hakan chuckled. “Doesn’t take Empathy to figure that one out.”
Flann released a long sigh. “It’s Emery who surprised me. I knew Megan was infatuated, but I never suspected he had feelings for her.”
“Especially when he’s so much older,” Hakan added.
Flann cringed, annoyance flicking from his emotions. “If he hadn’t opened himself up to me, showing me how he really cared for her, I swear … I’d have punched him in the face.”
Nolan laughed. It was nice to have Flann directing annoyance at Emery instead of him. There were times Flann had given him glares that would’ve turned a stronger man into a quivering lump.
Flann’s eyes flicked past Nolan’s shoulder.
Nolan turned as Kael and Alec walked toward them, side by side. They still didn’t like each other, but a mutual respect kept them at peace. And more often than not, Nolan found them sparring together on the practice field.
Alec was dressed nicely but still refused the Rol’dan uniform. He grinned when he saw Hakan and Flann, and before Alec could say anything, Hakan embraced him, crushing Alec’s face into his chest.
Finally, Alec came up for air. “How was your trip?”
“Long,” Flann said. “I’m glad to be off those roads.” His emotions darkened as he nodded at Kael. “General.”
“Did the staff arrange a room for you?” Kael asked.
“Yes. We are all settled in.”
“Good,” Kael said. “You didn’t run into any trouble, did you?”
“No, thankfully,” Flann answered.
They didn’t need to mention what kind of trouble. With Alcandor loose, travel wasn’t safe for anyone with a Shay power. He was gathering them. Soldiers wouldn’t return from excursions. Rumors of Dor’Jan sightings were becoming more frequent, which meant he was gaining powers.
“We will have Nolan accompany you home,” Kael said.
“Maybe you should stay,” Nolan suggested. “I’m sure Megan would love to have you near her.”
“Stay? In Faylinn?”
“We’re expanding,” Nolan said. “Turning Faylinn into a true town instead of just a castle prison. Emery is planning on building an outer wall, cutting down some of the surrounding forests, and putting in proper shops. Kardos already has his armory here in the inner ward, but he’ll move his business outside to the town. Besides,” Nolan said with a grin, “he’ll need a duke to oversee the new settlement.”
Confusion spread from Flann’s emotions, and then his brows shot up in understanding. He snorted. “Me? A duke?”
“You’ve already been leading the village. It would mean a fancy title and bringing them all here.”
“I’ll consider it. But, I’ll need to talk to the others when we return to the village.”
“And I’ll be happy to come along,” Nolan said.
“With all things considered, it would be nice.”
Someone cleared their throat.
They all turned to see one of the dukes—a balding man with a ring of white hair—standing with a beautiful Talasian woman on his arm. His velvet doublet was tight around his middle, and nervous tension emanated from his emotions.
Nolan blinked back his surprise. He hadn’t seen Duke Ragnall since he’d left Alton. Nolan hadn’t expected him to come at all, considering he’d locked Emery in the prison tower in the first place. The man was braver than he let on.
“Pardon me, General Trividar, sir,” the duke said. “Might I have a word?”
“Certainly, Duke,” Kael responded.
Ragnall’s eyes flicked to the others, landing on Nolan especially from time to time. Nolan could tell the duke wanted to speak privately; however, Kael stood firm, amusement flicking from his emotions. Kael was a real horse’s arse sometimes.
The duke’s eyes landed on Nolan again and fear emanated from the poor man. Even Mikayla watched Nolan, curious. Did they recognize him? More than likely not.
“General,” the duke began, reluctantly. “I must say, I was hesitant to come, considering the last time His Majesty and I met.”
One side of Kael’s mouth quirked. “The king has allowed me to continue serving as his general, even after I beat him half to death.”
“Of course, of course,” the duke stammered. “His Majesty is a forgiving man.” His eyes flicked to Nolan again, and he heard the old man’s heart accelerate.
Kael swung his arm dramatically to Nolan. “Duke Ragnall. Have you met … the Emissary?”
Nolan flashed Kael a warning glare. What was he trying to do?
Ragnall bowed low—well, as low as his stature would allow. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Emissary. Word of your magnificence has spread throughout Adamah, and especially in Alton.” Duke Ragnall’s groveling had improved.
“Please,” Nolan said. “Just call me N—” He stopped himself … barely, and cleared his throat. “Call me Emissary. No lord necessary.”
Kael snorted as a smile split his face. Nolan would get back at him later.
“Yes, Lord … ” Ragnall cleared his throat. “Yes, Emissary. Is it true you stopped this new menace from taking over our land and saved us from war? I heard you even saved the Talasian queen.”
With that comment, Mikayla’s eyes caught his. Her expression displayed mild interest, but her emotions oozed like a murky fog of curiosity.
“I didn’t save Queen Rayen. Alec Deverell saved her.” Nolan motioned toward Alec, who’d been standing quietly, listening. “You’ve met Alec, haven’t you, Duke Ragnall? He’s from Alton.”
“Deverell? Oh, yes! The blacksmith’s son. You came into your power this last spring, did you not?”
Alec shifted. “Um, yes, sir. Speed.”
“So you saved the Talasian queen?”
Alec’s cheeks tinted. “I �
� It was just … I was only helping, that’s all.”
“I’m glad she is well,” Mikayla said.
“She’s still here.” Alec addressed Mikayla. “She was hoping she’d get a chance to see you.”
Mikayla started, her eyes growing wide. “Rayen? Is here?” She whipped her head to her husband, eyes pleading.
“Of course you may see her,” the duke said with a warm smile.
Alec awkwardly offered his arm, and she took it. Excitement and nervousness pulsed from her in waves. Ragnall watched them depart, heading toward a grouping of Talasians. Rayen and Mikayla embraced, and a sad smile touched the old duke’s face.
“Duke Ragnall,” Nolan said. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I’ve been sensing your wife’s emotions. She’s unhappy with her life here in Adamah.”
Duke Ragnall sighed. “I know. Alcandor offered her to me years ago—and who in their right mind could turn down Alcandor? Besides, marrying her kept the poor girl off the streets. If I had let her go, she most likely would’ve joined the gypsies or gone into prostitution. So I did what I could and allowed her to stay with me.”
Nolan stared. He hadn’t expected such a response from Ragnall.
“You could … let her go now,” Nolan suggested. “Let her return to Talasi to be with her people. Her father was the one who banished her, and he’s gone.”
Duke Ragnall nodded, his emotions reflective. “She’s too young and beautiful for me anyway. I’ll ask her what she would like to do. She could never keep her eyes from wandering elsewhere.”
Strangely enough, the duke’s emotions weren’t sad. “I honestly couldn’t blame the girl if she’d like to go.” He rubbed his stomach, and a smile broke on his face. “There were far more younger and handsomer prospects for her than me.” His smile faded as he turned to Kael. “Speaking of … General, what happened to your brother, Nolan?”
Nolan inhaled a breath. So the duke had noticed Mikayla’s interest in him? He’d chosen to look the other way. Nolan’s heart warmed. He’d always known Ragnall was a good man, but he didn’t realize how much until now.
“I heard some outlandish stories,” Ragnall continued. “Even to the extent that Nolan gained all the powers and defeated Alcandor.”
Kael fixed his eyes on Nolan before turning back to Ragnall. “He did do all that. And then he used his Healing to bring me back to life.”
Ragnall’s jaw dropped, pain emanating from him. “Oh … Oh, my … Well, that’s a shame. He was a good boy. I’m so sorry to hear.”
Kat appeared with her Speed and grabbed Nolan’s arm. “Nolan! Emery and Megan are out. Everything seems well.”
Nolan searched the platform where the couple emerged. Their emotions were glowing. Happy. And by the way they gazed at each other, their conversation had gone well.
Nolan turned back to his conversation with Ragnall, who now gaped at him, his eyes as wide as the plates set out for the following feast.
“Come on, Nolan.” Kat pulled on his arm. “I saved you a seat.”
Nolan nodded at the duke and smiled. “Good to see you again, Duke Ragnall.” And then he left him, stunned and speechless, to watch the wedding of his friends.
***
The ceremony was brief, yet beautiful. Typically, the dukes and nobles officiated the weddings for those in their cities. Since the marriage of a king hadn’t been performed for centuries, Greer presided over the celebration. He flared his light around the couple, casting an amazing glow. After the ceremony was finished, the crowd erupted in cheers and threw flower petals into the air. The ceremonies Nolan had to record as a scribe in Alton manor never compared to the grandeur of this.
Megan and Emery descended the stairs, hand in hand. A small musical ensemble started playing a tune. When Megan saw Flann, she broke away from her husband and ran into her brother’s arms. He twirled her around and laughed before setting her down.
“Megan,” Flann said, “you’re beautiful.”
“Thanks.” She beamed. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Flann turned to the approaching Emery and held out a hand. “Take care of her. Would hate to have to kill you now that we’re family.”
Emery threw back his head and laughed. “I will, brother.”
The musicians played a folk song while the mass of people drifted toward the practice field. Tables were arranged with white cloth, loaded with enough food to feed almost the entire country.
Flann motioned toward the musicians. “I brought my lute.”
Megan grinned. “Did you?”
“How about we show them a thing or two?”
She laughed and grabbed her brother’s hand. He nabbed his instrument from the nearby chair, and they darted up the platform together. After a minute of transition, Flann began to play a haunting tune, and Megan opened her mouth and sang. Nolan was transfixed; he’d never heard something so beautiful.
Emery stared at his wife, a smile on his lips.
After they finished the song, the crowd erupted in polite claps and cheers. Megan and Flann started playing again.
Emery sighed. “It’s been a while since she sang. It’s good to see her happy again.”
“So your talk went well?”
Emery dropped his head, still smiling. “It was good. We still have things to work on, but I’m optimistic.” He turned from watching Megan, his expression growing more serious. “Now that Jezebelle is gone, and the Talasian threat is subdued, will you try to spread the light again?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t had any new visions from Brim. And I’m feeling a bit discouraged. Most of the places I visited resisted me.”
“Well,” Emery said, “now that the gypsies have gained powers, the townspeople might be more likely to believe.”
“Maybe. But I’m also starting to wonder if it’s a good idea.”
“Why so?”
“When the gypsies gained power, it was a disaster.”
Emery rubbed his beard. “Do we have a right to withhold something that is rightfully theirs? Isn’t everyone entitled to have their Shay? If I take away people’s freedom to choose, how is my rule any different than Alcandor’s?”
Nolan sighed. Emery had a good point.
“There will be more crime, yes,” Emery said. “But the good people will also gain strength to resist. There will be crime always, Shay empowered or not. I believe that, in the end, all things will work for the best.”
Nolan nodded, then another revelation, a more terrible one, came to him. “Emery, if I spread the light, it will only give Alcandor more access to gain Shay powers.” More victims. More Dor’Jan. Nolan shuddered at the thought.
The smile on Emery’s face faltered. “True. It might be best to wait until we’ve recaptured Alcandor.”
“If we recapture him.”
Emery didn’t respond.
A hand touched Nolan’s. He turned to the smiling face of Kat.
“Are you busy?” she asked.
“No, he’s not busy,” Emery answered with a smug grin.
And before Nolan could say anything, she pulled him away.
He followed, laughing. “Where are you taking me?”
“Shh,” she replied. “Too many Rol’dan.”
A group of Rol’dan soldiers stared at them … all girls. They wore different colored tunics, representing the different sects of the army. A Perception Rol’dan, a girl with light blond hair, watched them with orange light glowing from her eyes. The others had knowing grins plastered on their faces.
“Kat? What’s going on?”
She shushed him again.
Nolan clamped his mouth closed but couldn’t help smiling. He allowed her to drag him into the castle, and he still obediently kept his mouth closed as she led him up the stairs. As they headed for a bedroom wing, his heart beat a warning of nervousness and excitement.
She chose a room, dragging him with her. After she closed the door, she turned and placed a finger to the side of her head.
She pointed to her head again, and then Nolan finally understood. Summoning his Guardian Empathy, he dipped into her mind.
“Can you do a noise barrier? The one the gypsy did?” she asked.
Nolan shrugged. He tried a few combinations, but the voices drifting in through the window confirmed his failure. At last, he summoned Perception and Empathy together, and the noise abruptly choked to silence.
Kat released a long sigh. “Finally! Those girls won’t leave me alone.”
“Leave you alone?”
“They know about us and want details.”
“What kind of details?”
She leveled a gaze at him, smiling.
His face warmed. “Oh. Those details.”
“I didn’t tell them anything,” Kat said. “They assumed, and it made them incredibly jealous.”
He’d never considered himself as someone to be jealous over.
She walked toward him, her eyes predatory. Nolan stepped back, hitting his legs on the bed, which made him sit on the soft mattress. Kat grabbed the front of his tunic and crushed his lips to hers. She nudged him back and fell atop him.
After some time, Nolan broke away, his breath labored. The musicians outside were playing a dance tune. Energetic and … crows.
“Kat?”
“Yes?” she breathed in his ear.
“I don’t think I can hold a sound shield at the same time.”
She giggled. “Well then. Guess the girls have something to talk about.”
It wasn’t as if they were doing anything serious, but if someone was listening, they’d be rewarded with a lot of heavy breathing.
Nolan snapped the shield back into place while he calmed the beating of his heart. It wasn’t easy, as she continued to trace circles on his neck with her fingertip.
He grabbed her hand.
“Don’t worry. I remember. We won’t go too far.”
He loosened his hold.
She leaned into his ear and whispered, “I’ve missed you.” Her breath sent a shiver down his back.
With the Talasian ship still at the dock, and all the extra staff preparing for the wedding, they hadn’t had much time to themselves. He’d missed her too.
Blood of the Guardian Page 33