The Kingdom Journals Complete Series Box Set

by Tricia Copeland

  “I guess.” Standing, I bend to pick up a shell and fling it into the surf.

  “Will you grieve forever? It took you twenty years to get over Alec’s death. You don’t have to mourn a hundred times that for those we lost. It’s not your fault they died.” He reaches out and caresses my cheek.

  It’s an unexpected gesture, and I take a step back. Will, Jacob, and I are the closest of comrades, but we rarely touch except in combat training.

  “Wow, it’s windy.” I gather my hair in my hands to cover my discomfort. I focus on his eyes. “I know Sonia is to blame for their deaths.”

  “What about a large house on a huge farming plantation? In the south I think, perhaps south of the Carolinas. I read there is much uninhabited land there.”

  “You’ve been reading up. That sounds perfect.” I start up the beach.

  He falls in step with me. “I had a hunch you preferred warmer climates.”

  “Yes, you know me well.” I hold my arms out, feeling the rising sun bake my skin on the rare clear day. “What about you? Don’t you want a wife? A family?”

  “I’ve pledged my loyalty to you. I go where you go.” Looking back to the sea, he hurls a pebble out over the surf, and it skips over the top of the water.

  “That doesn’t mean you can’t find a mate.”

  He takes a step towards me. “Can’t you see? You’ve blinded me to all others.” Before I can react, my hands are in his. “You must feel something for me. You wouldn’t have allowed me to come on this quest if you didn’t. We are well matched. Think how happy we could be, mated with a family, a legacy, not just written edicts signed on parchment, but physical beings, the product of our passions.”

  Mind swirling with disbelief, I snatch my fingers from his grip. “Jacob, what are you saying? Where is this coming from? We’ve traveled together as friends for years. I told you I would not have feelings for you.”

  “I think you’re wrong. You focus on everything else, denying yourself love when it’s right in front of you. And for what? Memory of a fallen lover? You do have feelings for me. You just won’t admit it.”

  “I don’t—”

  Jacob’s lips press into mine before I can finish my sentence.

  His mouth is warm and soft, and I give in for a second. The next, I shove him away. “What are you doing? Why would you think you could do that?”

  “You feel something for me. You kissed me back. What keeps you from giving into your feelings? Do you love Will?” Jacob grabs my arm, pulling me to him.

  “Don’t do this to us,” I plead.

  A gust of wind strikes my chest, and Will’s head collides with Jacob’s shoulder. I race after them as they tumble over each other, taking turns landing blows. “Stop, both of you stop.” I tug at Will’s bicep. “What are you doing?”

  “I could smell your anger from camp. What did he do?” Will’s fist intercepts Jacob’s jaw as he tries to stand.

  “Nothing. It was a misunderstanding. Stop, please.” I wrap my arms around Will’s waist and pull as hard as I can.

  Will halts his assault, and breathing hard, Jacob stands upright. “I’ll meet you at the next tribe.”

  “Are you okay?” Will lays a hand on my shoulder.

  “Stop touching me. Why is everyone touching me today?” I wriggle away from him.

  “What just happened?”

  I don’t want Will to know what passed between Jacob and me. Spinning on one foot, I stomp off.

  Will trails me. “I heard my name.”

  “It’s a common one.” Trying to stay ahead of him, I pick up my pace. “People are unhappy. We need to find a place to call home, stop living like gypsies.”

  Will jumps in front of me. “Perhaps Jacob is unhappy?” He raises an eyebrow. “Or you are?” His eyes are fixed on mine. “Are you worried Jacob will not come back? I doubt you were fighting over travel routes.”

  “He will come back. He said he would.” I resume my path towards camp.

  “Tell me. He confessed his love for you, didn’t he?”

  “Why would you think that?”

  “Because it’s been obvious since the day we met him.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  “Am I? You’ve trained yourself not to see it.”

  “He thinks I’m in love with you.”

  “Ha, well, he is foolish then.” Will stops and extends his arm to me. “You know I’ll always call you comrade and friend.”

  “Thank you.” As I grip his forearm, he wraps his other around me. “You will see, he’ll be fine when he returns.” He smells like family, and I wonder if it’s because of the tribal connection with Alec or the thirty and some years we’ve spent together. Thoughts of Alec are dangerous, and I release Will.

  “Alec will not always be your strongest memory.” Will bends down to look into my eyes.

  “Why did you bring up Alec? The most intense pictures in my head right now are the bodies we burned in Asia and that damned tea cup.”

  “Aye, the blood in that cup haunts me many nights also. Perhaps news from the teams will help.”

  “Yes, please, tell me.”

  “Several scouting teams arrived in camp within the past hour. We learned many of the tribes moved east from California when the Spaniards began exploration. That’s why we haven’t encountered any tribes near the coast. Like the tribes in the South Americas, groups are being pushed from their lands. Others join the human indigenous tribes fighting against the European colonists.”

  “The settlers will be massacred.” I stop and face him.

  “The Europeans have guns.” Will motions to the beach, and I follow. “It appears that many of the native peoples practice what they call spirit magic. The vampires partner with the native tribes, standing with them against the Europeans.”

  “Witches?” I whisper.

  “Not exactly, perhaps descendants of witches or maybe other beings altogether.”

  Taking a few seconds to organize my thoughts, I look towards our camp. “It’s so different than in the Old World where vampires have been hunted by witches for centuries. Our people do not carry that burden here.”

  “But the European settlers threaten to take their lands and have started hunting what they call Indians. And, I believe we will start to see witches settle in the New World.”

  I pick up the pace. “We need to move fast to start dialogue. It may be easier to foster peace here than in the old country.”

  Will stops, letting me take the trail ahead of him. “The northern tribes keep to themselves, I’m not sure there is much point in visiting each one.”

  “Perhaps it’s the best course to send delegates east as we head south. Let’s start with a list of potentials ambassadors.” As we reach the group, I’m glad for the distraction from the incident with Jacob. My lips still tingle when I think about how his mouth felt on mine. Surely, I’m not in love with him.

  It’s two days before I see him again. Will and I lead the group as we approach a tribe’s lands. Jacob waits for us on the border.

  “Good to see you friend.” Will greets Jacob with our traditional forearm grip. “I’m glad a wolf didn’t get you.”

  “I ate him before he could eat me.”

  I divert my eyes and focus on the situation at hand. The days of travel helped me sort my feelings. I care for Jacob, but as a friend, comrade. Picturing Alec’s face, I smile. His love can be enough for me.

  We forge good relationships in the north. But, while they agree with our accord or sanctity of life, they live in isolation and politics mean little, and they do not wish to be involved further. Next, we head south. In spring of 1602 we reach the western native tribe lands of the Absároke people.

  The smell of the village humans, I call them that because their scent is more human than not, reminds me of witches. A sniff at the air finds me thinking of grass and berries.

  “Not witches, but not purely human. A small group, perhaps fifty,” Will announces as a gale sweeps the prair
ie.

  “The three of us will approach alone,” I tell Mambi, Gregor, and the rest of our troop.

  Snow litters the high plains. With warm sunshine, the air remains cold, signaling winter prevails. A thousand feet ahead, we spot seven beings topping the ridge. They carry spears in hand and arrows on their backs. Jacob, Will, and I continue towards them, stopping some fifty feet away and lowering our weapons to the ground.

  Following suit, the center man lifts his hand in the air. “We know what you are and prefer you not come to our village, our leader, Chief Black Crow, will entertain you three villages south.”

  Skirting the first and second villages, we run across the high fields. By midday, we spot three men atop the next hill. Slight in build, their white hair reflects the sun’s light.

  “They’re spirit men,” Will notes.

  “I can smell them. Stand ready,” I call to the group behind me, as Will, Jacob, and I approach the men.

  The center one offers his hand to me. “Thank you for coming.”

  I cut my eyes to Will and then Jacob, whose clenched jaws mirror my apprehension, and hold my palm up. “Greetings. Are you here to take us to Chief Black Crow?”

  “You’ve heard of those with spiritual gifts? Is this why you do not touch my palm?” His raspy voice is but a whisper on the wind.

  “We have.”

  “We’re not like the witches you know. We commune with the Earth and her children. We aren’t a threat to you. I am Flying Brook, and this is Running Snake.” He motions to his left. “And Swimming Lark.” He points to the man on his right side. “Please join us. We’ve been waiting for you.”

  I look to Will and Jacob and back to the three natives. “We are supposed to meet with the Chief.”

  “Please, we have important information. Many lives are at stake. But we can’t speak freely here. Follow us into the valley and we will explain.”

  I weigh my options and nod agreement. Signaling for our army to trail us, we follow them down the hill and into a canyon lined with fir trees. A brook runs through the bottom, and the men stop at an opening to a cave.

  “We go no farther with you.” Will steps ahead of me.

  Flying Brook points to a fire circle. “This is fine then.”

  I rotate my finger in the air, motioning for our army to take posts around us. Will, Jacob, and I take seats on tree stumps opposite them.

  Flying Brook throws a pile of fir needles into the fire, and it springs to life.

  “You do practice magic,” I assert.

  “Our magic is different,” Swimming Lark says. “We gather strength from Earth, and the closer we come to being one with her again, the stronger her power flows through us.”

  “We may speak with truth here. Mother Earth protects us.” Flying Brook diverts the conversation. “I know you seek unity and peace between tribes and with the witches, but there is a bigger evil on our lands. There will be no peace as long as Chief Black Crow is alive.”

  “Aren’t you Absároke also?”

  “Yes.” Running Snake speaks for the first time. “He would kill us for speaking out against him. But he must be stopped.”

  Running Snake begins a tale of a young maid who became pregnant after catching the eye of a European explorer. The baby inside her grew quickly, and she birthed him just half a year later. It became evident early on the male child was not like them. He displayed extra-human strength and agility. Every reaction and instinct seemed amplified, his aggression being the dominant trait. When he became a man at age thirteen, according to the tribe’s tradition, he challenged and killed the ruling Chief. Taking over as leader, he has ruled the Absároke for the past four years.

  “He isn’t mature yet.” Will looks between me and Jacob.

  “A halfling?” I wonder aloud.

  “With spirit gifts.” Flying Brook nods. “I’m not sure how both abide within his being. But he can bring a bird down from the sky with a flick of his finger. He takes what he wants—women, horses. He rules with a rock fist. To go against him is to die. He leads our warriors into battles we can’t win. Our people will be extinct within a few years under his rule.”

  “What of the mother?” I inquire. “Is she gifted in magic?”

  “Her mother before her was. Black Crow killed the grandmother for suggesting he show mercy. We didn’t believe our spirit souls could survive in a damned being before now.”

  “What are you saying?” Jacob jumps to his feet. “That we are soulless damned beings? We come from Mother Earth just as you do.”

  “Forgive us.” Flying Brook holds up his palms. “Until you, the only experience we have with your type of beings—”

  “Vampires,” Jacob hisses. “We’re vampires, not savages.”

  “The vampires we have known,” Flying Brook dips his head, “decimate our herds, horses, buffalos, and sometimes villages. Now Chief Black Crow wishes to partner with these beings and march on the white settlers. He believes our daughters should be wed to their men, to form a race that the white men will not be able to stand against.”

  “Halflings, abominations,” Will mutters under his breath.

  I look between Will and Jacob. “Have you heard of these beings in the Old World?”

  Will’s shoulders shudder. “I haven’t. I only have two instincts when it comes to witches, eating them or killing them and then eating them.”

  “Jacob?” I question him.

  “We avoided witches at all costs. For reasons you witnessed in Asia.”

  Flying Brook clears his throat. “So, will you help us get rid of him? He can’t stand against your army.”

  “We’re not here to interfere in your politics. Killing is against our edict. We aren’t like the vampires you describe.”

  “But he has taken countless lives. Can’t you at least help us imprison him?”

  I don’t want to be involved in others’ affairs, but it sounds like this Chief is a monster. “We are supposed to meet with him. Once we have, we will decide.”

  “You’re welcome to camp in our canyon for the night.” Flying Brook stands.

  Standing, I bow in appreciation of his hospitality. We gather our people for an evening meal, and the three spirit men join us. They tell the stories of their people, and I’m lulled by the warmth of the fire and tone of Flying Brook’s voice. When we break for the night, I confer with Mambi, Gregor, Will, and Jacob. They share similar hesitancies about meddling in others’ affairs, and we decide to wait until we’ve met Chief Black Crow before passing judgment.

  With my thoughts swirling between Flying Brook and Chief Black Crow, rest is difficult. The darkness doesn’t help, and I rise and run the perimeter.

  Jacob finds me halfway around. “Trying to figure out what type of being would come from pairing a witch and vampire?”

  “Only bad things, I’m thinking.”

  “I wasn’t honest before. In the old country, when we lived in Germany, there were rumors of powerful witches who took vampires and used them for matings.”

  “Why would they do that?”

  “Witches are organized. They have a hierarchical government, a council that rules.” Jacob begins to describe how the witches structure themselves into covens that can be a family group or formed by a blood ritual. “Every witch belongs to one of four family lines, depending on which of the four arch angels they’re descended from.”

  “Wait, witches believe they were created by angels?”

  “It’s the story of their people, half-angel, half-human creatures, created on Earth to balance out the vampire species. Don’t tell me you don’t know this.”

  “Of course, but I thought it was just Biblical, like metaphorical.”

  “You don’t believe in God? Heaven? Hell?”

  Frustrated with spiritual ramblings, I stop him. “Just tell me what you know.”

  “One member from each line sits on the council, but one from Michael’s line always serves as the leader. His line has two representatives, one that
serves on the council and one that directs the council and has the power to override any decision. The largest covens have the most power, so they cheat sometimes. Plus, when threatened by large vampire tribes, these half-witch, half-vampire beings give them security.”

  “Just like Erik and Amoud.” My mind spinning, I pace away from him.

  “Who?” Jacob leaps in front of me.

  “Will’s tribe leader Erik captured this witch named Amoud and holds him hostage. What else do you know about the witches? Why haven’t you ever shared this information?” I hold his gaze.

  He looks to the ground and back to me. “It never seemed important. Plus, you were so distraught over the massacre, I didn’t want to bring up a painful subject.”

  “What would witch government have to do with the massacre in Asia?”

  “I don’t know if Sonia acted alone or for the council.”

  “Why else would she come herself unless she were acting alone?”

  “For effect, I’m guessing. To scare us. You specifically.”

  “Thank you for sharing this information.” I want to reach out to touch him. To show how sorry I am for hurting his feelings before.

  “You’re welcome.” He takes a step back. His eyes cut to the trees above. “If that is all?”

  “Jacob.” I move towards him.

  His hands go up. “Please, don’t. I feel embarrassed enough as it is.”

  I hold his gaze, my eyes pleading that we can be friends again. “We’ll settle soon, have time to enjoy such luxuries as love. I’m sorry I don’t share your feelings. I have always thought of you as a comrade and friend.”

  “I know. You told me that in the beginning. I got caught up in thinking we could be more. You have been a good friend to me, and I intend to be that to you.”

  “Thank you.” I extend my arm to him.

  He clutches it. “Let us never speak of this again.”

  “Even in a drunken moment around the campfire when we are old and gray?” I chuckle.

  “If you ever get drunk, you may speak of anything, Queen.” Hand over chest, he bows.

  “Don’t do that.” I swat at him.

  Returning to camp, we find Will and the others milling about. It seems none can rest with the threat of Chief Black Crow looming. The three spirit men have described that he calls on wind and water from the streams to thwart his enemies. Fanning the flames of the fire to warm the space, we strategize as to how to approach him.