The Sentinel's Reign

by Suzanne Rogerson

  ‘But if it goes wrong, he could obliterate us before the battle’s even begun,’ Tei said.

  ‘It’s a risk we must take if we’re to stand a chance of beating Rathnor.’

  They sat together watching the small flames of the lanterns flickering. ‘That’s us,’ Tei said, ‘a weak light against the blackness of night.’

  ‘But together we’ll burn brighter than any flame.’

  Tei smiled despite herself. ‘I saw Brogan earlier.’ Her voice broke as she pictured his face. ‘I never realised it might have been goodbye.’

  Callisa reached out and grasped Tei’s hand. ‘You’re my Confidante, my strength. We’ll succeed.’

  They smiled at each other, even if neither of them completely believed Callisa’s words. ‘The Elders have reached a decision; they’re returning.’

  Tei gulped.

  ‘Why don’t you use this time to contact the Spirit Guides and tell them our plan?’

  Tei moved to the pile of blankets serving as a bed, lay down and closed her eyes. She didn’t reach for her friends immediately, instead she thought about her life over the months since Luth’s visit to her father. She realised that despite the heartaches, the torture and the difficulties of life as an exile, she’d never wish to go back to her life of ignorance; she’d met such wonderful people and she’d found love.

  The revelation helped her find inner peace. With a new sense of purpose, Tei felt the Astral Plane reach out to embrace her and she quickly found her friends.

  ‘Rike, Garrick, are you ready for a challenge?’

  They both looked surprised by her sudden appearance, but Garrick was quick to break into a grin. ‘We’re up for anything.’

  Tei watched their faces as she outlined Callisa’s idea; not once did they question the necessity of the plan.

  ‘Which Elder will do it?’ Rike asked, looking serious; he knew better than anyone else did the consequences of taking such a risk.

  Tei remembered Thal smiling out of the gloom as he left the Sentinel’s tent and hoped he hadn’t volunteered. ‘We’re about to find that out,’ she said quietly.

  Garrick flexed his spirit muscles. ‘I’m ready.’

  Rike gripped Tei’s arms as she prepared to leave. ‘How’s Mara?’

  She read the deeper meaning in his words. ‘She’s safe in the mountains, caring for the Elders who were injured in their joining with the Sentinel.’

  Both men visibly relaxed. Then Rike stepped back and nodded to her. Garrick moved in and kissed her cheek. ‘Stay safe,’ he whispered into her ear.

  ‘I’ll do my best.’

  The Astral Plane dissolved and she returned to her body. She lay still and kept her eyes closed, allowing her senses time to recover. The Elders had arrived and the large tent seemed suddenly crowded.

  Tei pretended to be entranced, focusing on the rhythmic sound of her heartbeat, the softness of the blankets beneath her and her father’s cloak as ever wrapped around her, offering its comforting protection.

  The mission forced its way into her thoughts. Tei slowly roused herself and eyed the occupants of the tent. Eight Elders had gathered in a circle, sitting on hides on the floor of the tent. One Elder lay inert at their centre, already in a trance.

  It wasn’t Thal. It was Hilda.

  Suddenly the argument between Thal and Hilda made sense.

  Before Tei could think too much about the implications, Callisa signalled her to join them. Tei slipped into the space between Callisa and Thal, grasping their offered hands. The old man squeezed her hand, before he closed his eyes and chanted along with the others. Dillian’s rich and resonant voice led them through the mantra. The sound rolled over her, travelling through her as it grew in tempo and volume. Then it ceased.

  Tei glanced at the Sentinel. Callisa had thrown back her head and looked to the sky, her eyes were moving beneath closed lids and she was glowing.

  Tei looked at the slumped bodies of the Elders.

  The Elders have gone to distract the Soul Eater. Join me, Tei, Callisa’s voice whispered in Tei’s mind.

  Taking a deep breath, she tentatively closed her eyes. Callisa was already waiting for her in the Astral Plane and hummed with the formidable power of the island magic.

  ‘Are you sure about this?’ Tei pictured the Elders laying helpless in the tent. Only she stood between Callisa and the magic, stopping them from consuming each other. ‘There is so much energy here right now, too much power for one person to tame.’

  ‘That’s where you come in as Confidante. Keep me grounded, keep us all safe.’

  Tei gripped Callisa’s hand tightly, anchoring them to each other, though she felt like a flea clinging to the hide of a grizzly; if the power overtook her friend it would be the end of them all.

  Their spirits flew from the tent, out into the star-filled night sky and travelled over the darkened camp. Tei knew Brogan was down there somewhere, keeping watch. She prayed they both made it through the night.

  Callisa drew them onwards, the dimmed landscape passing swiftly beneath them, until they saw the glint of campfires in the distance. Their spirits hovered over the enemy’s encampment, the division of men obvious. In any other campaign, the disorganisation would guarantee failure, but on Kalaya against an army of exhausted farmers, it would be a bloodbath. Tei knew Callisa was right; if it came to battle, they were finished.

  Rathnor’s tent was positioned at the centre of the camp. His Masked Riders slept around it, looking as though they had all passed out drunk. One figure, Nadan, sat as a lone watchman, though he seemed more intent staring into the fire, oblivious to what could be happening beyond his fire-blind gaze. Nadan looked sad and resigned, but that didn’t stop the seething hatred Tei felt for him.

  ‘Stay focused.’ Callisa forced them closer to Rathnor’s tent.

  Tei was sick with nerves, expecting Rathnor’s alter ego to materialise in front of them.

  ‘The Soul Eater is busy elsewhere. Our rouse is working,’ Callisa said.

  They moved across the divided camp towards the raiders. The foreigners slept in groups and had several watchmen posted. Farrell appeared to be sleeping, but Tei thought she saw him tense as they hovered above his body.

  ‘Join us for a chat,’ Callisa invited, though she didn’t give Farrell much chance to respond as she drew his spirit towards them and into the Astral Plane. He didn’t offer any resistance, but stared in awe at the swirling, ethereal mists of the astral world as it mingled with the living world below.

  ‘You can trust me, Commander,’ Callisa said as she led them away from the camp to neutral ground, though they stayed within easy reach of Farrell’s body should Rathnor reappear unexpectedly.

  Somewhere, deep in the many layers of the Astral Plane, Hilda’s spirit tried to evade the Soul Eater. The other Elders would be creating diversions and false paths, but Tei knew the old woman was taking a terrible risk. How long could Hilda keep up the game before the Soul Eater prevailed?

  Farrell was watching them and Tei wondered if he’d been expecting this meeting since Rathnor killed his crewman.

  Tei tried to rein in her thoughts and studied the commander. She could feel the binds of Rathnor’s spell, subtly weaved into Farrell’s being. It stifled Farrell’s magic, which wilted away as Rathnor leeched on it like a parasitic fungus eating into his core; eventually it would destroy him from within.

  Tei’s revulsion for Rathnor intensified. He was a leech, not only feeding on the spirits of the dead, but also on the living. They had to stop him.

  ‘What do you want?’ Farrell asked, looking as though he struggled to put form to his thoughts.

  ‘We want peace,’ Callisa said.

  ‘We know you want the same,’ Tei said, seeing the wary look in the commander’s eyes.

  ‘My wants have little consequence.’

  Callisa shook her head. ‘Your magic is ripening in Kalaya and I know you have the strength to fight Rathnor’s hold. I can help unravel his spell, but you mus
t find the courage within yourself to act.’

  ‘If I defy Rathnor, he’ll kill my family.’

  ‘And if you don’t, you and your men will die here. What will the future hold for any of us then?’ Callisa’s tone was harsh.

  Tei watched the exchange, seeing the anger blaze in Farrell’s eyes.

  ‘You know I speak the truth, Commander. It’s time to right these past mistakes and stop Rathnor,’ Callisa continued, pushing him to agree.

  He squeezed his eyes shut, looking broken.

  Callisa opened her mouth to say more, but Tei sent her a look and shook her head. They watched the silent foreigner and saw the wretched expression on his face as he finally looked back at them.

  ‘Help me save my people,’ he whispered.

  Tei wanted to weep for him, knowing what he agreed to could see his family killed.

  Callisa looked humble as they joined hands and formed a circle.

  ‘This may hurt,’ Callisa warned, not directing the comment to any one in particular.

  Tei felt power surge into her friend as Callisa drew on the island magic. She realised it could claim them both, but she concentrated on the fading link she felt with Callisa, doing her best to keep the Sentinel grounded. She was the Confidante; Tei clung to her own identity, somehow keeping her muddled thoughts together. Before her, Callisa was transforming into a being of light. Tei knew there was still a risk her friend would merge fully with the magic and lose her humanity. She tightened her hold on Callisa, dragging her back from the power threatening to consume her.

  The being pulsed with the island power, but it was Callisa who looked out from the ethereal eyes. Callisa turned to Farrell, a hand stretched out to him, fingers spread outward as bright light flowed from her palm.

  Farrell’s spirit shuddered and arched back as the full force of Callisa’s magic pulsed into him. He opened his mouth to scream, but instead black vapours poured from his mouth. Callisa released him and they both sagged back as the light drained away.

  Tei thought Farrell would lose consciousness, but then he dragged himself together.

  ‘I’m free.’ He smiled at them. ‘I can think clearly again, thank you.’

  Callisa looked weak and ready to collapse. Tei felt giddy herself, but she held Callisa’s spirit firm and faced her two companions.

  ‘Rathnor’s been weaving the spell into you for months, slowly strengthening his hold. You were lucky,’ Callisa said.

  ‘But what about my family?’

  ‘If we can keep your release a secret from Rathnor, soon he’ll be too worried about losing the battle to think about following through with his threats.’ Callisa seemed to have gained new confidence with the success, whereas Tei was all too aware of their vulnerability. Even on the outer edge of the Astral Plane, there could still be danger lurking around them. Tei scanned the shifting mists, her senses on high alert. She knew something must have sensed Callisa’s brief power surge.

  She gripped Callisa’s hand. ‘We need to go.’

  ‘But what do I do, how can I turn the tide?’ Farrell asked.

  Callisa looked calm and in control. ‘You must tell your men the truth. The power to stop this war is in your hands now, Farrell. I have confidence in you.’

  Farrell squared his shoulders. ‘I won’t fail you.’

  ‘We’ll shroud your camp with our magic, but you don’t have much time to persuade your men.’

  Farrell nodded, looking thoughtful.

  ‘You have to act swiftly, Commander. If Rathnor suspects his spell on you is broken, he’ll kill you and lead your people into battle himself.’

  Tei watched the commander; he didn’t look phased by the possibility of dying. There was a new twinkle in his eye, as though he relished the opportunity to right the wrong of his decision. She recognised Farrell as a man of great courage. Without Rathnor’s spell, his magic shone through, opening like a flower in the sunshine, basking and growing in Kalaya’s nurturing light.

  ‘I know what to do,’ Farrell said and then left them.

  ‘We have to trust him now,’ Callisa said, turning to Tei.

  Tei shook her head. ‘How will you disguise the change in him? Rathnor will see instantly, and then he’ll kill him.’

  ‘I’m thinking about it.’

  ‘You’re not going to let him die, are you?’

  ‘Do you really think that little of me?’ Callisa looked hurt. ‘I’ll do what I can to help Farrell.’

  Callisa closed her eyes. ‘Rathnor’s still busy chasing spirits, but the Elders are growing weak. We need to hurry.’

  The Sentinel cast out her magic, forming an invisible mist over the opposition’s camp. Callisa struggled alone through the task, while Tei watched, hating her uselessness.

  ‘Use my strength,’ Tei said.

  ‘No,’ Callisa said, pausing in her work. ‘Thal warned I might have need of your strength in the times to come.’

  The ominous words left Tei cold.

  She watched Farrell get to his feet below them. ‘Good luck,’ she whispered. ‘Let luck be with us all.’

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Farrell moved through the sleeping figures until he located Allisus. His first mate sprang up at Farrell’s touch on his shoulder, knife in hand.

  ‘It’s alright, old friend,’ Farrell whispered.

  Allisus put away his knife, but the distrust remained in his eyes and it hurt Farrell to see it.

  ‘Come with me,’ Farrell said.

  Allisus didn’t move.

  Farrell leant in closer. ‘I know I haven’t been myself these past few days, but I’m better now and I need you to trust me.’

  For long moments, Allisus regarded him and Farrell held his tongue, forcing himself not to push the old man, even though time ticked away.

  Eventually, Allisus got to his feet. Stepping over the sleeping men, Farrell led him to the edge of the group. The watchman stationed nearby acknowledged them with a nod. They moved out of his earshot and squatted down together, hidden from the glow of the fire.

  ‘I’ve been under a spell. Rathnor’s played me from the beginning to get our people here. When Buck found out about his plan and tried to warn me, Rathnor killed him.’

  Allisus watched him, saying nothing.

  ‘He threatened Leila and Fynn… I didn’t know what to do.’

  Allisus still regarded him warily, but there was a glimmer of their former friendship and a wanting to trust that Farrell seized upon.

  ‘Come on, old friend, you’ve never been one for the heavy silences. At least speak your mind; surely I can ask that much of you.’

  Finally, Allisus’ wrinkled face relaxed into a smile. ‘Yes, lad, I’d say I owe you that.’

  Farrell let out a breath and the tension flowed from him. ‘Somehow I have to stop this war, but there’s not much time. I need your advice.’

  ‘What do you propose?’

  ‘What do the crew make of this island and the war we’re planning to make on its people?’ he asked, looking over the sleeping bodies.

  ‘Since we landed the crew have been unsettled. I don’t think any of us are truly happy going to war on foreign soil, not when we’re living proof of what such invasions can do to a race.’ He paused and ran a hand through his thinning hair. ‘But the greed that led us here is still in them. Their loyalty to you got us this far, who can judge what they would do now, given a choice.’

  ‘You can, Allisus; you know these men’s hearts better than I do and I trust your judgement.’

  His first mate sighed. ‘You were right about us from the beginning; we aren’t a pirate race. They have good hearts… I think they’ll follow you.’

  Farrell sucked in a shaky breath and tasted relief. ‘I guess it’s time to find out.’ He made to move, but Allisus put a hand on his arm.

  ‘Small steps, Commander. Let’s start with the captains, see how they take your change of plan.’

  Together they moved through the sleeping men and roused the c
aptains, cautioning them to silence before moving to a place they could talk unobserved. The captains huddled together while Farrell sat in front of them, ever mindful of a knife from any direction should they choose to rebel. Allisus sat at his side and Farrell was glad to have the old man back in his confidence.

  He looked at the people he’d led for the last three years, seeing no more than human shapes in the dark. The starlit sky with its slither of moonlight didn’t offer enough light to define their faces and the blindness in which he was about to act made Farrell nervous.

  The night had an unnatural feel. He glanced at Rathnor’s tent, a beacon surrounded by campfires, but there was no evidence of a watch duty amongst his drunken followers. Earlier in the night, Farrell remembered hearing the arrogant fools, already celebrating victory.

  He was conscious of the group growing impatient. His throat constricted, trapping the words he knew they wouldn’t want to hear.

  Your captains are waiting, Farrell. Callisa’s voice sounded in his mind.

  Farrell braced himself and faced the fleet’s captains. ‘We have come to Kalaya on the premise of a lie.’ His voice drifted over them and they stirred restlessly, showing him he’d caught their attention.

  ‘We’re about to make war on an innocent race, all for the gain of one man. When we are victorious, he’ll betray us, just as he is betraying his own people. There is no new life for us in Kalaya. We’ll die here or be enslaved and our families will think we’ve abandoned them to their fate.’ Farrell paused, allowing them a chance to digest his words.

  ‘I admit I was foolish leading you here, but now isn’t the time for reproach. You must decide whether to believe me, or take a chance that Rathnor will stay true to his word and allow us to live as free men on his island.’

  He waited for the cry of treason, but no one spoke.

  ‘We need to look inside ourselves,’ Allisus said. ‘Decide who we would willingly follow, a commander who has led us faithfully for three years, or a stranger who leads a band of thugs against his own people. All of our lives and our families depend on the decision we make tonight.’

  ‘This land is everything Stone Haven is not,’ Captain Gesle said.