Hunted Sorcery (Jon Oklar Book 2)

by B. T. Narro

  “You think?” I wondered.

  “Well, I could regret it later.”

  I held up my hand. “I promise I won’t share it. I’m good at keeping promises.”

  “Yeah, you seem like you are. All right. We might as well walk as I speak, though. It’s not a long story, but two people standing still in the street in the city are more noticeable than those moving.”

  There were a couple people who’d passed us with curious looks, and Aliana seemed very private about this.

  “His name was John, like yours,” she said. “And he was a horse’s ass. I thought you and he had a lot in common when I first met you. He’s older, though, and I was younger…stupider.”

  “You don’t have to say more,” I told her as I could picture the rest.

  She looked at me with a bit of shock.

  “Unless you want to?”

  “I do not,” she said, her tone adamant. “Anyway, I’m sorry for misjudging you so severely. You are…very different than I thought.”

  “I appreciate your apology.”

  I noticed her still watching me as we walked.

  “What?” I asked with a nervous laugh.

  “What’s your deal exactly?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Why does it seem like you don’t care about undressing me as much as every other guy who’s approached me?”

  I had a breath, a little frustrated. I’d thought we were getting somewhere.

  I was about to answer her, when she spoke again. “Oh wow, I just heard myself,” she said to my relief.

  “Yeah, I think the issue is that you’ve never had a male friend before, someone who is more interested in you than—”

  “My tits.”

  Shocked, I said, “I was going to say your looks.”

  “I grew up in the heart of the city, Jon. I’ve dealt with many vulgar men. I even had to serve the worst of them at Red’s Tavern, as I’ve already told you. I’ve heard disgusting things about what they wanted to do with me, and I can still feel their hands on me when I think back to it. Keeping your tone mild around me is patronizing. It’s like we’re both pretending I’m a show horse when we know I’m just a donkey. An old busted donkey that no man is going to ever think of as a horse. A donkey they’ll use until they’re done with her and won’t care what kind of wear they leave on her.”

  It was so depressing to hear her speak of herself this way that I couldn’t think of a proper reply, pity draining my mind.

  We were silent for a while.

  “I’m sorry,” she said eventually. “Everything with my father seems to have really brought out the worst in me.”

  “Ali…”

  “Yeah?”

  I wished I had Kataleya’s ability to turn this upside-down situation right side up, but all I could do was hope to make her laugh.

  “It’s all right, because it sounds like you’re dealing with more shit than a gong farmer.”

  She laughed hard with what sounded to be relief. “Now that’s better,” she said.

  “I’m starting to see why you and Eden get along so well. You’re both more vulgar than I realized.”

  “Oh yeah, Eden’s downright foul. I love her.” Then Aliana started to chuckle about something.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “Nothing that should be amusing, but it is. Sometimes we like to torment Kataleya, see how far we can push our jests before she stops us.”

  “What about Remi?”

  She suddenly seemed very excited as her eyes went wide. “Oh, you wouldn’t believe some of the things Remi has said. I think she’s secretly worse than Eden.”

  “Really? That is hard to believe.”

  “Because you don’t know her. Actually, I don’t think any of us really know her that well.”

  I felt like the air was sucked out of my lungs. The challenge of dealing with a traitor rested on our shoulders again. Aliana had lost her smile as quickly as I had mine.

  She looked into my eyes. We shared a moment of frustration.

  She made a pinching motion in the air but froze before her fingers touched. “So close.”

  I nodded. I knew what she meant.

  We were so close to finally relaxing.

  I still didn’t know why the king wanted to have a celebration tonight. It didn’t feel like anything was worth celebrating. I was beginning to wonder if he might have something up his sleeve.

  “I think Kataleya really likes you,” Aliana said suddenly. “But she denies it. I bet she’s just waiting to find out what you think before she tells us the truth.”

  She looked at me, clearly waiting for an answer.

  Now I was really at a loss for words. I wanted to be honest with her. I took my time thinking of an answer.

  “Can I admit something that you’ll keep between us?” I asked. I felt my throat wanting to close as I tried to hold everything in against my will.

  “Please. It would only be fair.”

  “It was true what I told Greda. I’m not in a good place right now.” I accidentally let out more pain through my expression than I’d planned to, tears welling up.

  It took all I had to hold back my emotion as Aliana studied my face closely with an empathetic look. All I could do was hold my mouth shut. That was all I would say, though I was certain my eyes said more.

  “Oh Jon, I should’ve known. You always seem so strong that I didn’t know how much all of this has been affecting you. I’m sorry.”

  I nodded. “It’s all right.”

  We walked in silence for a little while. Eventually, she leaned against me and put her head on my shoulder. She moved her arm around my back for a half embrace.

  “Let’s try to have fun tonight, yeah?” she said. “Like real friends would if there was no traitor among them.”

  “I’d like that.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  After we arrived, a guard informed me that the king wanted to speak with me. I was taken into the keep, but not before I checked on the bloodstain made by Calvin’s head above the entrance. It was gone. Even the chips and dents in the floor of the keep had been repaired. It was almost as if there had been no battle here.

  The guard instructed me to leave the supplies Leon had purchased on the ground floor of the keep. I hoped to see Callie on my way to meet with her father. She’d cried out of fear the last time she’d spoken to me. I wanted to know she was doing better, but I didn’t pass by her quarters, and I didn’t see her in the keep otherwise.

  His majesty stood over a table with the parchment rolled out. He looked to be reading it intently as I entered his room.

  “Shut the door,” he told me after a quick glance.

  I shut it. The two of us were alone.

  He gestured at the parchment. “This is a signed confession from Luther Prigg. He finally gave in after we led him to believe that Cason was making a deal with us in exchange for information on Luther. He admitted that he was approached by Cason years ago and has been aiding the criminal with coin and weapons since then.”

  “Did Cason actually say anything about Luther?” I asked.

  “No, and I didn’t push him to, either. He’s too dangerous, even in a cell.”

  “Is Cason going to be hanged, then?”

  “Tomorrow, but it won’t be a hanging. He’s going to be beheaded on the battlements where everyone can see.”

  “Forgive me sire, but isn’t that risky?” I thought it safer to kill him while he was imprisoned with an arrow through his heart, and then display his body if necessary.

  “Risky is precisely the point,” the king said to my surprise. “We have to make sure all of our enemies are gone, especially those who would aid Cason if given the chance.”

  “I thought Erisena saw them leaving.”

  “We know at least one of them, Pearson, has the capability of traveling great distances in a short period of time. Perhaps he was only escorting the dark mages through the forest and pl
ans to return. If so, he might attempt to rescue Cason. I have planned all of this out, Jon. I’m not telling you to hear your concerns or your opinions. Cason will be sedated, handcuffed, and blindfolded. He is not the threat nor will he be. You will be nearby, and so will the other sorcerers. You will protect our allies and slay any enemies.”

  “This isn’t just a trap to bring out Pearson. You hope the traitor might show him or herself.”

  “Yes, if we do not catch them before.” He paused. “Do you still wish to remain in the dark if you might be required to lie to one of your peers?”

  “I do,” I said.

  “Then that is the end of the discussion regarding Cason and the traitor. On to other matters. Right now, all of your peers are being informed that they may send out invitations for tonight. They may bring one guest to this celebration, which begins soon after supper. Is there someone you would like to invite?”

  I immediately thought of Greda, but that would just confuse her.

  It turned out I didn’t have any other friends outside the castle.

  “No,” I said. “What exactly are we celebrating?”

  “It is a victory after all, Jon. We have defeated Cason and believe most, if not all, of the rest of our enemies have fled to Rohaer. We will have a tough road ahead, but there are many ways to weaken our enemy. Have no doubt I plan to take advantage of all of them. Even though we haven’t recovered the coin that Pearson stole, I’m sure we will be victorious when the dust settles. Cason’s capture was a swing in our direction. It’s important to celebrate these events, or we might forget what we’re fighting for.”

  “I see.”

  “I need you to do something tomorrow before the public execution of Cason. I received word that a kreppen ship should arrive tomorrow morning. I expect Grufaeragar to be on it, along with many other krepps who have brought goods to trade. You will set out in the morning and travel to the docks to greet Grufaeragar, who seems to like you. I don’t know exactly how many krepps he will have brought with him, but I have men ready at the docks who can assist you in escorting the krepps back to the castle safely and without incident. Do you remember any of the kreppen you picked up?”

  “Not much. I haven’t thought about it in some time.”

  “We’ve been working on a text. It’s just a list of translations, but you should take a good look at it now. I will have supper brought to you here so you’re not distracted as you learn what you can.”

  He pulled out a chair for me as he gathered Luther’s confession.

  I was a little sad I wouldn’t be enjoying the company of my friends, but I reminded myself I would see them during the celebration.

  “That is all for now,” the king said as he left. “Someone will return with your supper and the translations. I trust you will do your best, as you always have.”

  “Yes, sire.”

  “You will be made aware when celebrations begin. Enjoy yourself tonight, but don’t overdo it.”

  Was that a hint at what he had planned? If so, I still had no idea.

  *****

  I knew I was supposed to be learning as much Kreppen as I could before tomorrow, but my mind wandered during my supper. I didn’t like the idea that the krepps would be at the castle during Cason’s execution. It was hard to keep one krepp behaved. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like with more of them.

  There wasn’t anywhere else to put them, however. Assuming they behaved much like Grufaeragar, they wouldn’t take kindly to being stowed away until the execution was over. Maybe the execution would be delayed a day or two, if things were truly chaotic.

  I also wondered why trading with the krepps would be so valuable. But then I thought I remembered the king mentioning that there were many rare materials on the large island of Hammashar, where the krepps came from.

  I imagined that we had many things they would find valuable because they didn’t have the intelligence to make such items for themselves. Grufaeragar had experienced these luxuries, like silken sheets, pillows, and foods with tastes he’d never sampled before. He’d surely spoken of it to the other krepps.

  More than trading with them, I assumed we wanted the honor of the krepps so they didn’t go to war against us, as they might’ve if the demigod Souriff hadn’t interfered, which, by now, I almost wholeheartedly believed had really happened.

  Where was Souriff now? If she had shown herself to the krepps, what was she waiting for to show herself to us?

  Or was she the woman who appeared on top of the keep after Pearson escaped with the king’s gold?

  I hoped time would tell.

  *****

  By the time a guard came to fetch me, the celebration had already begun. I was a little perturbed that I had been locked away for so long, but I supposed it was important that I learned as much Kreppen as I could. And I had. I’d learned more than a few simple phrases, though my grammar might turn out to be off. I figured Grufaeragar would forgive that. Now, I just had to make sure I didn’t drink so much that I would forget it.

  A part of me just wanted to let go of everything weighing me down and indulge. I had done so a couple times in the past, after my father died, but I had always regretted it later. I was sure I would again now.

  The celebration was held in the great hall, specifically in the large dining area. There were many plates of small foods set out…and a great number of people I didn’t recognize. Most of them were much older, probably rich and important, and involved with his majesty in some way that did not pertain to me or the other sorcerers.

  The king had hired musicians. They played their instruments where the royal table used to stand on the dais, producing a lively tune. There were even a few of the older people who were dancing.

  I felt like I was walking into a dining hall in another castle until Michael approached me.

  “You’re already behind!” he said as he handed me a mug of ale. “I’ve had two. Catch up.”

  “Two?” They were large mugs.

  He stared at me until I brought the drink to my lips, then he put his fingers underneath the bottom and tilted upward.

  I groaned in complaint. I couldn’t step away without spilling it, gulping instead.

  “Almost there.”

  I groaned louder.

  “Fine.” He let go.

  I coughed a few times, a cold pain in my throat. “You made me drink half the goddamn mug!”

  “Now you’re only one and a half behind me.”

  “I promised myself I wasn’t going to overdo it.”

  “Where’s my promise that you are going to overdo it?” he complained.

  “Let me set my own pace,” I told him seriously. “I have a lot of things to let go of tonight.”

  “Don’t we all?”

  *****

  I didn’t know how exactly it happened, but it didn’t feel like much time had passed before I was quite out of my mind drunk. It hit me when I was watching Kataleya dance with a tall man who was elegantly dressed and I murmured to Michael without thinking, “I would like to walk over, introduce myself, and then punch that man in the nose.”

  Michael’s laughter was what made me realize how absurd the comment was, especially when I was serious.

  “I’ve never heard you speak like that. So you do fancy Kataleya after all? I had a feeling.”

  I wanted to share everything with him. I knew I wasn’t supposed to, but I didn’t see why. He was my friend.

  “I think something’s wrong with me,” I said, referring to my feelings for Kataleya but also this strange drunkenness that was far too potent.

  “I don’t want to talk about that right now,” Michael said. “I love you, Jon, but I want to see if I can make something happen with Eden.”

  “You love me?” It was a little shocking to hear.

  “Like a friend, of course!”

  “Oh, I think I knew that, but I wanted to be sure. I also love you like a friend.”

  “Good! I’m walking away now.”
/>
  “I honestly don’t know what you see in Eden!” I called after him. “She is crude and not in a very funny way like you are.”

  “I don’t want to hear that right now. I do like her. I hope one day you will like her too.”

  “All right, I don’t want to say anything bad about her.”

  Michael left me there in the middle of the dining hall, where I started talking to myself.

  “This is not normal drunkenness. I feel like I want to share everything with anyone who will listen.” I looked around, hoping someone had heard.

  But then I became distracted as I noticed Remi dancing on the table with incredible agility. Charlie was watching nearby, clapping his hands out of rhythm to the music.

  “Stop!” Remi said with a huge grin. “You’re so off, Charlie! I can’t perform my dance!”

  “What do you mean? You are dancing so well!”

  “I’m going to start again. No clapping. Watch.”

  Remi took a moment to listen to the upbeat music, then she broke into dance. It was a rhythmic sway, with lots of swinging kicks and popping knees, often involving touching her feet to her hands.

  Suddenly I was at the table without remembering walking over. “You’re an incredible dancer!” I told her.

  “I want to learn it!” Charlie said as he climbed onto the table beside Remi.

  She faced him and continued her dance as if giving instruction. I was sure I’d never seen Remi smile this wide.

  Charlie was a complete mess, barely staying on his feet as he gyrated and wiggled, not a dexterous bone in his body.

  Remi slapped her hands against her legs as she let out a loud guffaw.

  “What, I’m not doing it?” Charlie asked.

  He tried harder, only to fall off the table.

  “Charlie!” Remi screamed.

  I rushed around to the other side, but fortunately Charlie was laughing as he held his rear end.

  “Jon, where is Jon?”

  “I’m right here.”

  “It’s my ass, Jon, my ass.” To my shock, he pulled his pants and undershorts all the way down below the curve of his rump.

  “Charlie what the hell?” I exclaimed, as Remi laughed even harder.