Rise of the Wolves

by J E Reed

  Dark curtains hung over the window, but they’d been pulled open when she viewed the moon last night. This castle was a breeding ground for the wicked. So many had taken advantage of the weak and her first move as leader was to rectify the situation.

  Kiuno sighed. Those still loyal to Atilla were likely planning her demise. Somewhere, someone still suffered at their hands and it was her job to stop them. She had to prevent them from infiltrating her upper ranks. She wondered how much Daren knew. Perhaps he could help her weed out most of the riff raff.

  Elite shifted and gave her a puzzled look. “Awake already?”

  “Unfortunately.”

  He rubbed at tired eyes and the pair dressed without speaking. It’d be a long day and likely a long week ahead.

  After dressing and cramming a chunk of bread down her throat, Kiuno headed down the stairs and into the main hall.

  Blue stopped her on the last step. “Do you want an update now or later?”

  “You’re up early,” she said.

  “Actually, I haven’t slept yet.”

  Kiuno noted the bags beneath his eyes. “Update me, then go rest. I can’t have you collapsing on your first day.”

  “Daren left this morning to go on another hunt. The sick animals have been removed from the herd and those healthy have been shifted to the other side of the castle. I have a small group of people tilling the ground to start new crops. They said the ones left weren’t worth saving.”

  Kiuno bit the inside of her cheek. That meant meat would be their primary source of food for winter. It’d be challenging, but if they put enough work into preparation now, they might be able to pull it off.

  “Thank you.”

  “Anytime. I’m here to help, but I think I’ll take you up on the offer to sleep. Good luck.”

  Blue trudged up the stairs then Kiuno exited the main hall and entered bustling streets. It’d transformed from the pitiful place she’d seen yesterday.

  Men hauled wood from outside the gate and worked on patching the holes in their roofs and doors. Buckets of water splashed along the street to wash away months of muck. Old dirty rags were stacked in wagons, either to be cleaned or burned Kiuno didn’t know.

  They didn’t run, but many still ducked their heads as she passed. It’d take time for their fear to subside. She couldn’t imagine the punishment these people had been forced to endure.

  Kiuno kept walking and she took special note of those carrying buckets of water. Then she realized what was missing.

  No one used magic.

  She did a small circle, paying close attention to those building, but no vines extended from the earth. A gentle breeze didn’t ruffle anyone’s clothes.

  “You see it too?” Elite asked.

  “Why isn’t anyone using their magic?”

  ~~~

  A WEEK filled with questions, fear, and uncertainty crawled by at a snail’s pace. Kiuno had ruled out the possibility of K.J.’s retaliation and set her focus on those adopting a routine. It was only now that she understood the true challenges of leadership.

  Kiuno sat at the head of a table with Blue on one side and Liam on the other. Blue took notes and Liam observed, though the boy often gave insight of his own.

  “Next,” Blue called.

  The doors opened and a young man walked toward the table. He limped on his right leg.

  “What can I do for you?” Kiuno asked for the twentieth time that morning.

  The man’s eyes darted to Blue and then to Liam. “You put someone named Matthew in charge of building. He’s ignoring my section. I want permission to work there.”

  Kiuno glanced at Blue who shuffled his papers and searched for a name. “I have it set that he’s working on the west side of the keep. Where are your quarters?”

  “The east side.”

  Kiuno folded her hands. “It’s likely he hasn’t made it there yet. We’re still working out the details. If you’d like to organize your own set of builders that can be arranged.”

  He nodded. “I’d like that. My craftsmanship outclasses his anyway.”

  Kiuno resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “We’ll note it and assess your work upon completion. What’s your name?”

  “Paton.”

  Blue scribbled it down.

  “Begin construction as soon as you’d like.”

  “Thank you.”

  He exited and Kiuno leaned back in her chair. “We need to start a training regimen. Maybe that will take the tension down a few notches. Are Elite and Silver still helping build on the west end?”

  Blue nodded.

  Kiuno weighed her options. “I’m pulling them from the assignment. He’s the third one today who mentioned an issue with a rival for their craft.”

  “So, your solution is to let them beat it out of one another?”

  “Do you have a better idea? They’re pitting themselves against one another because they’ve been oppressed for so long. I need to see how they work together and if they’ve had any sort of training.”

  Blue set his quill down. “Daren might have an idea. I doubt he’d stage a coup without some formalized training.”

  Kiuno stood. “Then he can help Elite and Silver.”

  The door squeaked on its hinges and Kiuno rubbed her temples. She didn’t have the patience to deal with any more trivial matters.

  “You look far too stressed for someone who’s recently taken over.”

  Kiuno’s head shot up at the familiar voice and a large smile spread over Maltack’s dark face.

  She trotted from behind the desk and wrapped him in a warm embrace. “When did you get here?”

  “Just now.”

  She pulled back and glanced him over. Dirt covered his clothing and he appeared tired, but otherwise unscathed.

  “How are things?” she asked.

  “Palindrome’s alive.”

  Kiuno let out a breath and sent up a silent prayer. “And Scorpios?”

  “He’s stabilized, but his condition hasn’t changed. We’ve been keeping a healer on him around the clock. As far as the ranks go, we lost more than I would have liked, but Palindrome is getting everything back in order.”

  “I didn’t think you’d come.”

  Maltack tilted his head. “Of course I came. Palindrome is a great mentor, but as Scorpios would say, you’re still my queen.”

  She smiled but a dark cloud smothered the endearment. “Have you talked to K.J.?”

  Maltack shook his head. “I haven’t seen much of him.”

  “He thinks I betrayed him.”

  “Palindrome told me.”

  “What does she think?”

  “That he’s hurt and needs time to sort through it on his own.”

  Kiuno guessed that was better than nothing. “It’s good to have you back. If you need anything, just let me know.”

  “Shouldn’t that be my line?” The two turned toward the castle door. “So tell me, what’s happened in my absence.”

  “We’re covering the bases. Food, water, and better shelters.”

  “How are you doing with the magic users?”

  Kiuno sighed. “Honestly, I haven’t seen one person using any. It’s like—”

  “They’re hiding.”

  Kiuno paused. “But why?” Before the question left her lips, she understood. They’d hid themselves from Atilla to avoid giving him more power. And now they were hiding from her.

  “With the way Atilla ruled, wouldn’t you?”

  Kiuno recalled hiding her stone all those months ago. “Yes. I would.” Kiuno caught sight of Daren riding through the front gate. “Why don’t you go get cleaned up and rest. After that, you can check out the medical wing. It’s all yours.”

  “Will do.”

  Kiuno jogged away from Maltack and drew Daren’s attention, but he turned away when a younger male tapped him on the shoulder. Upon seeing everyone’s stares, Kiuno slowed to a walk.

  She glanced at the wrists of those working. Most were cover
ed and Kiuno couldn’t help but wonder if the non-magic users protected those gifted with abilities.

  Daren directed a few men and women and Kiuno patiently waited for him to complete his tasks. Everyone still watched him, looked up to him. She might be the one who’d allowed their freedom, but Daren was the face they saw providing.

  He wiped his hands and turned to her. “Need something?”

  Those within earshot cast them both glances. She wondered if they still saw her as a threat to Daren’s life.

  Kiuno’s eyes traveled to his wrist, but a leather gauntlet hid his stone from view. “What can you tell me about Atilla’s war strategy?”

  “Other than him being a power-hungry maniac?”

  “So there’s a system?”

  Daren picked up a rope and started winding it around his elbow. “Yeah, but there weren’t many willing to take part in it. Not that they had much choice.”

  “It looks like they might for you.”

  He grinned and continued winding. “They might.”

  Kiuno followed him into a barn as he hung the rope on a nail. “I need to know what you’ve decided about me.”

  He raised a brow. “If I can be honest?”

  “Please.”

  He glanced out toward the people. “Things are running smoothly, but only because that tyrannical asshole finally met his match. You took away the obstacle, but the people know what to do.”

  Kiuno leaned against a post to listen.

  “But you’re also kind and that has shown through not only to me, but to many who are still watching. They see your desire, but they also question whether it will last.”

  Daren pushed off from the wall. “If you keep the power from going to your head then I’ll trust you. But these people won’t stand for another egotistical maniac in charge.”

  “I’ve been accused of many things, but egotistical isn’t one.”

  “So, maniac is?”

  She smiled and watched those passing by. “I think you have to be a little crazy to step up and lead this many people.”

  “So, what do you want from me?”

  “I need to find the magic users.”

  He leaned one shoulder against the barn entrance. “Atilla never had many.”

  Kiuno peered down at his hidden wrist, then watched the sweat roll down his arm. “I have a feeling there’s a lot more of you than he knew about.” Daren followed her gaze. “What do you use?”

  He smirked. “Water.”

  “Do you think you can help convince others to come forward?”

  “I’ll give it a shot, but I think it’s you who should be convincing them.”

  Daren pushed himself up and unbuckled his bracers. He sat them on the ground then pulled at particles from the air before marching through the street. He bent the water to his will, clearing the filth from the road.

  He’d spread the word, but Daren was right. As their leader, the responsibility ultimately fell to her.

  ~~~

  MALTACK’S GAZE swept through the crowd gathered before the castle steps. Kiuno wanted to find the magic users but judging from their wary expressions it would be a hard group to convince.

  He glanced at their wrapped wrists. It seemed as if everyone had a secret to hide.

  Those volunteering their help stood behind Daren, as if the man would protect them should things go awry. Maltack imagined most of them to be part of the coup Kiuno had told him about.

  If luck prevailed, they might be able to form a team like Palindrome had done.

  Kiuno trotted to the top step, turned to face the crowd, and a hushed silence fell over the masses. She took a few steadying breaths. “Thank you for coming. I know things in the past have been difficult, but if we don’t come together, they’ll only get worse.

  “Days before I came to you, monsters poured from the sixth realm’s portal and attacked another castle.” Panicked whispers flew through the crowd and Kiuno raised her arms to quiet them.

  “I know you’re scared, and I know Atilla was a horrible man, but I’m not him. I won’t ask you to die for me and I won’t make you do anything against your beliefs. But if we’re to survive, I need you to work together. Learn from your superiors and friends. We were all brought here for reasons we still don’t understand, but if you’ll trust me, I promise to do everything in my power to get us home.”

  “And what gives you the right to call yourself our leader?” a man called. Several voices echoed similar concerns.

  Kiuno gazed at the crowd then she tugged at the strings on her bracers and let the leather fall to the ground. Maltack grinned.

  Kiuno descended the steps and several people stepped back. She pulled the cloth from her wrist and tucked it in her pocket.

  After visiting the infirmary, Maltack had seen the wounded and heard how Kiuno marched in and shattered the very stone. Those who carried scars like his questioned him over and over, asking why he’d follow someone so dangerous.

  All this time she’d kept it hidden. She’d been afraid. But she wasn’t helpless anymore.

  Kiuno padded across the field, separating herself from the people. Murmurs followed.

  Kiuno pivoted and raised her voice. “You want someone who will fight with you. Fight for you.”

  Static surged around her body and gasps echoed from the crowd.

  “I will not hide behind these walls.” It cracked and hissed as a bolt shot toward the sky. “If you will fight for me, then I will fight for you.”

  Mixed reactions flew through the crowd at first. Some faces filled with awe while others backed away in fear.

  Then the cheering started.

  One by one the men shouted their approval until the whole castle front sounded like a raving band of monsters themselves. Maltack joined as they chanted her name.

  This was Kiuno. This is what they’d always known she had the potential to be and what others feared she might one day become.

  54: Maltack

  Realm: 5

  Day: 344

  Maltack grouped the magic users by type and ability. Kiuno urged him to move fast, but—

  He pulled at the fire in his veins hoping his students would do the same. They tried and some failed. He fought against the rising frustration. Newbies to work with, yet again.

  “Okay, let’s try something different. Sit.”

  They obeyed, each glancing at one another as if this was the stupidest thing they’d ever done. All were older than him, but Maltack shoved his feelings of inadequacy aside and focused on the task at hand. Kiuno was counting on him.

  “Okay. This is a focusing exercise.” He turned his palm out. “Find the center point of the flame. It’ll rest somewhere in your gut and feel like a burning cinder. Close your eyes.”

  One raised his brow and when Maltack nodded toward him, the gray-haired gentleman rolled his eyes. Maltack tried not to envision how Kiuno would react to teaching. He doubted she’d have the patience.

  “When you find the cinder, feed it. Breathe it to life and turn it into a flame in your mind’s eye.”

  Maltack cracked one eye open to find most concentrating, their previous doubt vanishing by the second.

  “Now imagine your arm has a direct path, like a vein if you will, and expand that small flame toward your hand. Focus on warming the skin.”

  A tingling sensation that’d become all too familiar crawled across his arm and hovered in his palm. It’d become second nature. A companion. His sword.

  He’d been put to the ground enough times to prove he was far better with magic than weapons.

  Maltack continued. “Okay. Now burst it from your palm and hold the flame that emerges.”

  All at once fire surrounded their small circle and gasps flew from one person to the next. One burst so well that his neighbors stood and backed away.

  “Good, now control. Bring it down to a smaller flame and hold it steady.”

  Smiles spread from one face to the next. Even the one who’d rolled his eyes grinned
from ear to ear.

  “Spend a few days working this exercise. Let the flames die and then feed it to your other hand. Then your feet. Do this until you’re comfortable enough to summon it in seconds.”

  Maltack stood, wiped the dirt from his pants and left them to their own devices.

  Maltack’s gaze drifted to the water users. They bent and swept the liquid through the air. Another group focused on pulling particles. It seemed he wouldn’t be needed in that area for a while at least.

  Maltack paced across the grass toward swirling vines and caught sight of Vixin. Her red hair bounced as she sauntered back and forth like a predator examining its prey. A lump formed in his throat. Maybe he should go back and deal with the men instead.

  He steeled himself.

  Vixin sighed and pressed the heel of her hand against her head. “No, no, no. You’re never going to get it if you keep doing that.”

  “Doing what?” a man shouted.

  Maltack couldn’t place his face yet.

  “Acting like it’s some delicate flower. Pull like you mean it. Like it’s a weed that needs ripped from the ground.”

  He clicked his tongue. “Maybe I need a real teacher instead of a little girl.”

  Maltack groaned. Here we go.

  She flashed him a glare and vines shot from the ground, wrapping the man in a vise so tight, his breath caught in his throat. She lifted him up and blood trickled from his arms where thorns bit into his skin.

  “Vixin,” Maltack shouted.

  She turned to him and tilted her head.

  “You can’t kill your students.”

  She turned back to the man and gave him a wicked smile. “Looks like the little boy is here to save you. Are you okay with that or would you prefer someone older?”

  He mumbled, but Maltack couldn’t make out what he said. Vixin squeezed tighter.

  “Vixin, that’s enough.”

  She sighed and let her vines loosen. The man dropped to his knees and grabbed his throat, coughing and sputtering.

  “Find a new teacher. I’m done with you.”

  She stormed off and after briefly checking to ensure Vixin hadn’t crushed the man’s windpipe, Maltack ran after her.

  “Hey, we need to talk.”

  She made a sound of disapproval. “I’m too busy to talk.”