Blood-Stained Heir (Ascent Archives Book 1)

by T. Norman

  Amalia quickly stepped back from Tomir with a smile on her face. “I await news of my brother.” She held her head high and walked down the hallway, leaving Tomir alone with his thoughts. She smiled at her plan.

  After dinner, Amalia decided to head straight back to her chambers. She wanted to spend some time alone. As she approached her room, she saw the door cracked open. She pulled a dagger from under her dress, putting her ear up to the door to listen inside.

  “Put the dagger away, sister, it’s just me.” She pushed the door open to find Tyrell standing at the window, peering outside.

  “How did you know I had a dagger?”

  Tyrell turned to face his sister. His face had become pale and hollow, and his eyes had dark shadows around them, showing signs of a lack of sleep. He was thinner than before, his body losing all muscle and shape. “I know you better than you think.”

  Amalia searched his eyes; something was amiss. “What are you doing here?”

  Tyrell sounded in control, but Amalia could see the emotion on his face. “You went behind my back and put Captain Fallan in charge of my men.” He stepped closer to her, his eyes lighting up with a fiery passion. “I will only give you this warning once.” Amalia’s spine started to tingle. “If you go behind my back one more time,” he said as he stepped closer again, standing only inches away from Amalia, “I will kill you.” Without another word he walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

  Amalia let out a breath she didn’t know she had been holding. She sat on her bed, her hands shaking. For the first time, she was actually scared that her brother would kill her. The man she had just talked to was different from the boy she used to joke around and kid about girls with. This one was darker and more dangerous.

  Tears started to form. She was scared of what she had done, scared for her life, but mostly she was scared for her brother.

  A knock on the door brought her back to her senses. She quickly wiped the tears from her eyes. Amalia realized it was dark outside, not knowing how long she had been in her chambers crying. “Come in.” Her voice was weak.

  The door opened and Captain Kosoth stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “My Lady, are you feeling all right? I saw you leave the dining hall early so I came to check on you.” He stepped closer to the bed, yet still maintained his distance.

  “It’s been a troublesome day.” She looked at Zaren with lust in her eyes. “I need some help taking my mind off of it.” Zaren smiled wickedly, closing the distance between him and Amalia in seconds. His lips felt warm as Amalia pulled him down onto the bed in a loving embrace.

  In the morning, Amalia awoke to an empty bed. Zaren must have slipped out during the night. She put on a dress and made herself proper. She knew that today Zaren would be leaving with the soldiers from Castle Mordin to begin their journey through the Skirling Mountains. Hoping she wasn’t too late to see the soldiers off, Amalia hurried toward the courtyard where the soldiers were gathering.

  She found Zaren fully armored talking with Prince Stowen. Amalia stood in the door to the courtyard watching the man fondly.

  “My Lady, I heard that your brother won’t be accompanying us.” Captain Gabe Fallan stood behind her, wearing boiled leather and a tunic with Castle Mordin’s emblem emblazoned on it. He leaned in closer and said quietly, “I know you had a hand in this, and I agree with your choice. Your brother isn’t fit for battle.” He stepped back from Amalia. She was always fond of Captain Fallan; he was one of the few men who could resist her charm.

  The scars across his arms were bright on his tan skin, showing the degree of his experience. Amalia had known him for years and trusted him. “Will you do me a favor, Captain?”

  “Of course, my dear, anything I can do to help.”

  Amalia looked at Zaren standing in the courtyard, letting a frown come across her face. “Will you look after Captain Kosoth for me?”

  Captain Fallan kept his face straight, hiding his surprise. “Of course, My Lady. I will keep a watchful eye on him. With your leave, I have to make sure the men are ready to march.” He gave a quick nod and walked off into the courtyard.

  Amalia built up her courage and walked into the courtyard. Zaren turned to greet her, excusing himself from his discussion with Prince Stowen.

  “My Lady, I didn’t expect to see you this morning.” He sounded happy about the unexpected visit.

  Amalia gave a curt smile. “I came to see Captain Fallan and his soldiers off; I completely forgot you were going with them.” She pursed her lips, enjoying teasing him.

  Amalia heard a crack of thunder in the distance as a few raindrops started to sprinkle the courtyard. “We better get moving, might as well get some distance before this storm hits.” Zaren looked up suspiciously at the dark clouds. Zaren reached down and grabbed Amalia’s hand, bringing it up to meet his lips. “Take care of yourself, My Lady.”

  “I will be anxiously awaiting your safe return.” Amalia smiled at the Captain. The rain starting falling heavier as Amalia ran inside the door to the fort. She watched as Zaren and Prince Stowen, along with Captain Fallan and the men from Castle Mordin, marched through the castle gates and into the Skirling Mountains. He will come back, he has to, Amalia told herself.

  35

  Julia sat watching Rysh train with Alric and Henrik, impressed with how quickly he learned from the two men. She had relaxed since they left Port Hallsworth the day before, especially since their pursuers were nowhere to be seen. Ros stretched out on her lap, letting out a loud yawn, having calmed since Apo’k came on board.

  Julia knew the superstitions about having a woman on a ship, so she did what she could to avoid being noticed, choosing instead to simply observe the crew going about their work. She was amazed at how easily their group had been welcomed aboard the ship and how fast Valcor put them all to work. Gant was often on top of the mast with Ghost. Mic and Alric were both put to work trimming and hauling sails.

  Carn climbed out of the fo’c’sle, sweat on his brow. He turned to see Julia sitting in the bow of the ship, and smiled as he walked toward her.

  “Would you care to trade jobs for the day? You seem to be having a much better time than I am.” He smiled warmly at her.

  Julia gave a friendly smile in return and gestured for him to sit with her. Since coming on board she had started to trust him a little more, but she still had a hard time letting go of the fact that Carn killed the only father she knew. “It looks like you are doing a fine job, and I would hate to change things up on Valcor.”

  Carn let out a laugh. “No, I don’t think he would appreciate that. You’re ever wise, as always.” He laid back to look up at the sky. “So, what do you intend to do when you reach Dusseldorf?”

  Julia was glad he wasn’t looking at her, as she couldn’t hide the shock on her face from his question. “What do you mean?”

  Carn shrugged. “Well, I assume you plan to take your place in the court, but how are you going to prove to your brother who you are?”

  Julia wondered how much of their plan to divulge to Carn, and chose to keep some of it secret. “We’ll figure that out when we get there,” she said, smiling at him. “What are your plans? Do you intend to stay on this ship forever?” she asked, hoping to divert the questions toward him rather than risk giving up more information.

  Carn turned to look Julia in the eye. “I’m going to live as a free man. That’s all I want.” The bluntness of his words surprised Julia. She wondered if she would ever truly understand his behavior. He sat up suddenly, looking worried.

  “What’s wrong?” Julia asked as Ros popped her head up and started to growl quietly.

  Carn stood, gazing into the distance. “The wind.” His answer left Julia confused until she felt it for herself. The wind was dying. “A storm is coming, a big one.” Carn moved quickly toward the center of the ship, Julia following closely behind, worried.

  The wind stopped completely and the boat slowed to a standstill. The sails fell limp as
the ship sat still in the water.

  Henrik ran down the edge of the ship from the stern. When he saw the crew, he started barking orders. “All hands on deck!” he yelled, unnecessarily, as most of the crew had felt the change in the wind and already made their way to the main deck. “We’re going to run. Ghost, keep an eye on our stern. When it gets close, give me the signal.” Ghost climbed back up the mast without a word. “Two Foot, Don, Carn, and Mic, get on the sails and do as I say. Cal, take everyone else and make sure everything is brought below deck and tied down securely.”

  Cal nodded. “All right, let’s get moving!” Henrik yelled. Cal, Rysh, and Apo’k started carrying supplies below deck while Julia, Gant, and Alric secured everything as tightly as they could. Ros sat in the galley as they worked, whining loudly. Julia tried to calm the animal, to no avail.

  Julia fell as the ship lurched beneath her feet. The wind had picked up suddenly from the stern.

  “Are you all right?” Gant was helping Julia up when he noticed her leg bleeding. “We need to get you bandaged up!” His voice shook with fear.

  Julia shook her head. “It’s all right. I can wrap it up myself, you keep working.” Gant hesitated, his arm lingering around Julia’s waist. She gave him a warm smile of reassurance. “I’m fine, I promise.”

  “All right, just take it easy. Once I’m done, I’ll come find you.” He gave her a hug, then continued on to his work.

  Julia climbed out of the galley to make her way to her cabin, where she had medical supplies she could use. She was barely out the door when the rain hit with a sudden ferocity. She held on to the galley cabin as the ship started rocking vigorously in the waves.

  “Julia, what are you doing? You need to get below deck!” Henrik grabbed her by the arm, helping support her in the storm.

  “I hurt my leg; I was going to my cabin to get some supplies.” She was forced to yell, as the sound of the wind and rain was deafening.

  “Henrik,” Ghost had climbed down the mast and was approaching the first mate. “It’s time.”

  Henrik nodded. “Get Don and Mic; lower and furl the main and fore sails.” Ghost silently moved off to his task. Henrik turned to Julia again. “Get your supplies and stay below deck.” He helped her across the deck, opening the door to the cabins for her to climb down.

  Rysh was below deck, finishing up securing crates of supplies.

  “What happened to your leg?” He moved quickly to her side, helping her down the final steps.

  “I fell,” she answered sheepishly. “Can you get my supplies from my bunk?” She sat on the bed closest to the ladder as Rysh moved back to her cabin. He emerged with her bag in his hand.

  It took Julia only a few minutes and her leg was wrapped up and ready to go. She was starting to shake as her wet clothes lowered her body temperature.

  “Julia, where’s Gant? Is he all right?”

  “Last I saw, he was heading to the fo’c’sle.”

  “Stay here.” Rysh rose and started to climb out of the cabin.

  Julia sat for a second trying to warm herself up, suddenly rising with fear as she remembered the dog. “Ros,” she called out as she went to climb out of the cabin.

  Opening the door to the main deck, Julia saw a scene of chaos. Rain poured down harder than she had ever seen; she could barely see the door to the galley, just a few feet away from her. She climbed out and crossed the distance to the galley in seconds. Once inside, she started calling out and searching for the dog. “Ros, where are you, girl?” She searched the mess, as well, unable to find the dog.

  Julia was determined to find her, feeling as though Ros was her responsibility. She made her way back to the galley, shivering as her clothes stuck to her body. She opened the door and looked out onto the deck of the ship, trying to figure out where to go. She looked to the port side and saw a figure lying on the ground.

  Fear and adrenaline took over as Julia rushed outside toward the unmoving body. She crouched next to it to find Alric unconscious. “Someone help!” she called out into the storm, unsure if anyone would hear her words.

  “Julia, what are you doing out here?” Cal came from the bow, his clothes soaked through. “What happened?” He knelt down next to the two.

  Julia shook her head. “I don’t know, I found him like this. Help me get him up.” The two lifted Alric and carried him over to the fo’c’sle. As they moved the few yards to the opening, they kept losing their footing on the slippery deck.

  Rysh climbed out of the fo’c’sle opening. “Let me help!” He reached out to grab Alric and pull him into the cabin.

  Julia happened to glance up in time to see a massive wave coming over the starboard side of the ship. She tried to shout, but her words were lost in the wind. Cal had just handed Alric down to Rysh when the wave hit. Julia was thrown from her feet as a rush of water consumed her. She kept falling until she realized that she was no longer on board the ship—she was lost in the dark sea.

  Rysh felt the water rush over his head. He was able to hold on to the ladder, but when he rose to look back onto the deck, neither Julia nor Cal were anywhere to be seen. “Gant, watch after Alric,” Rysh called down to his son. He quickly climbed out of the compartment and began searching for the others.

  “Get back inside!” Two Foot found Rysh stumbling across the deck, holding onto anything he could find.

  Rysh shook his head, “I can’t!” he yelled. “I think Julia and Cal went overboard.”

  Two Foot shook his head, the frustration showing on his face. “Bloody he—” he said before his words were lost as another massive wave hit, consuming the entire the ship. Rysh somehow managed to hang onto the fore mast. When the water receded, he saw Two Foot clinging to the edge of the ship.

  He rushed to the man’s aid, grabbing his hand moments before it slipped off the deck of the ship. He was barely hanging on when he felt another hand reach over to grab hold of Two Foot’s arm. Rysh turned to see Carn lying next to him, attempting to pull the sailor on board.

  Rysh glanced back to see a third wave coming down onto the ship. “Hold on!” He grabbed a hold of the rail, tightening his grip around Two Foot’s arm.

  As the wave hit, Rysh lost all sense of orientation. Cold surrounded his body and he knew at once he had gone overboard. Somehow, he still held onto Two Foot’s arm.

  With all his might, he kicked his legs until he finally breached the surface. He could barely make out the dark shape of Serenity over the crashing waves as it drifted away. Rysh saw a man moving on the deck of the ship toward a skiff. The vessel fell into the water and was lost among the waves.

  All Rysh could do was hold on to Two Foot, who had fallen unconscious, and pray the water and storm didn’t consume them.

  36

  The pale man struggled against the restraints tying his wrists to the chair. Blood soaked his clothes and his eyes screamed fear. Tyrell was amazed the man had stayed awake during his practice. He didn’t know the man’s name, and he was thankful for that. He was a tool, a way for him to hone his skills. Allison told him they found the pale man in the dungeons, and that was all the information he needed.

  Tyrell walked toward the man, dagger in hand. He cocked his head as he stared curiously at the pale man, wondering what it must feel like to have no tongue.

  Lady Velmar’s voice cut into his thoughts. “Do it again.”

  Tyrell lifted the dagger with one hand and gripped the pale man’s hand with the other. In one swift motion he removed another of the man’s fingers, leaving him with only three.

  The pale man screamed through the gag in his mouth, but Tyrell knew no one would hear him.

  Taking a deep breath, Tyrell concentrated on the energy leaving the man’s body. He pulled it in and began focusing intently on the glass of wine sitting on the table. As he stared at the glass, it shattered into a thousand pieces, sending a smile onto his face.

  “You are definitely getting the hang of it.” Allison smiled at Tyrell. They had only been meeti
ng for a few nights, but his magic skills had grown tremendously. Tyrell found himself constantly practicing in his free time.

  “I can feel his energy just out of my reach. There’s more there, but I can’t grasp it.” Tyrell tried to explain the feeling he had as he took the pale man’s energy and made it his own.

  “That is our next lesson.” Allison moved next to Tyrell to look at the pale man tied to the chair. “Dealing with flesh wounds gives you a small amount of magic to harness, but you’re right: there is more there for you to take. Kill him.” Allison smiled, pleased with how Tyrell had grown since their first lesson.

  He found himself smiling as well. His father had never appreciated him, always wishing he was more of a soldier than a scholar. Lady Velmar, though, expressed pride in his skill.

  Tyrell turned to the pale man. Without hesitation, he raised the dagger and slit the man’s throat, letting his blood spill across his ragged clothes. Tyrell immediately reached out and felt a rush of energy swarm his body. He concentrated with all his might, taking in as much as possible.

  The candles hanging from the walls started burning brighter. The last glasses of wine sitting on the table shattered. Tyrell smiled as the wave passed through him.

  “That was exhilarating.” He couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement over the power he felt.

  Allison placed a hand on his shoulder. “He was weakened from our practice. Imagine taking the life of someone who is at full strength.”

  Tyrell shuddered in anticipation. “Will you show me?” He longed for more energy.

  “Of course, my dear, we are only getting started.” She stepped back from Tyrell. “I’m afraid that is all for tonight, as we have used up our practice material.” She gestured to the lifeless remains of the pale man. “Tomorrow night, we will discuss how to store energy for long-term use.”