Nolan leaned back on his feet, his knees tucked under him. He was thankful the mists swirled, covering him to his waist. The overwhelming fear had passed, and Brim’s soothing voice caressed him. Nolan sighed. “What should we do with him?”
“With Alcandor?” Brim asked. “I haven’t yet decided. Leave him where he is. He should cause no trouble … for now.”
For now? Nolan didn’t like the sound of that.
Brim brushed non-existent lint from his spotless, white tunic. “I did not come to discuss Alcandor, my son. I have another job for you.”
Nolan blinked. “Another job? For me?”
“Take the stones out into Adamah. Tell the people of their abilities. The people most likely won’t listen, but do your best. The Nass appear only from those who have not taken the light. So until they see the truth and take it, the Nass will never truly go away. You’ve damaged the Nass for now, but they will return.”
If they won’t listen, why bother? It sounds like a hopeless cause.
“Difficult. But not hopeless,” Brim said, answering Nolan’s thoughts. “But you will do well.”
“Why me?” Nolan asked. “Surely someone else—”
“Only you hold all the powers.”
Nolan’s jaw clenched. “What am I? A Guardian? A man?”
Brim smiled. “Yes. And yes. You are both.”
“But how? Why no one else?”
Brim steadied his gaze. “You will find out eventually. But for now, do not worry about such things. Focus on your task. Be my Emissary.”
Brim stood and stretched. His disguise began to fade, light taking over his human facade. “Oh. There is one more thing, child. Stay with the stones. For as powerful as you are, you are equally as weak. You can no longer gain strength from the sun; your Guardian abilities block it from your Shays. The only way to restore your strength is from the stones’ light. Without them, you will die.”
Cold fingers jolted his chest. I will … die?
The white mists darkened, and Brim vanished into them. Then the landscaped darkened to black.
“Go get Emery,” a voice said. “He’s waking.”
The darkness lifted as light filtered through Nolan’s eyelids. He imagined himself tucked in a feather bed in Alec’s house while Bonty fixed a stew and baked fresh bread. The Guardians weren’t real. His powers weren’t real. His conversation with Brim, of course, wasn’t real. Nolan brought his hand to his face—an unfamiliar face—and reality returned.
He was changed. Changed like no other person. His new life began when he’d awakened naked on the throne room floor, his clothes torn away by the transformation of his body. Nolan Trividar was no more.
The light inside Nolan lingered, though it was faint, not like the outpouring in the darkness when he’d destroyed the Nass. He opened his eyes and focused on a figure sitting on the edge of his bed. She looked at him, wonderment in her emotions.
“Your eyes are still the same,” Megan said. “I couldn’t believe it at first, but now you’re awake …” Her small hands slid across the blanket and held his.
Nolan appeared to be in a sick room, not Alec’s house. Drying racks strung with herbs covered the far wall. Bottles of different sizes and shapes, holding a variety of colored liquids, lined a shelf. A silk banner hung next to it, adorned with the Healing symbol of the Rol’dan.
The door creaked open, and Emery entered, wearing a deep blue doublet, blue breeches, and a blue cloak, made with some sort of thick, expensive fabric. Several emotions flickered through him: affection … concern … compassion. Emery’s gaze dipped to their joined hands, and his emotions revealed shock at first, then resignation.
Nolan quickly withdrew his Empathy … and his hand.
Emery smiled. “It’s good to see you awake, friend.”
“How long?”
“Five days,” Emery said. “At first we weren’t sure if you’d live, but you’ve steadily improved. We would’ve used the stones, but Greer didn’t want us to risk it, seeing as you’re half Guardian and all.”
Nolan propped himself on the bed, and the cover fell away. Chiseled muscles covered his chest, his arms, his stomach. He traced the lines of hard muscles with his large fingertips and then held up his hands. No wonder Megan’s had felt so small.
Megan followed his inspection. Her eyes flicked up to his and her face went scarlet. Heat rose to Nolan’s face as well.
Nolan turned away, avoiding her gaze. He ran a hand down his smooth jaw. No half-grown stubble. His arms and chest had no hair, either. He flipped the cover back, wondering about his legs.
Megan gasped, and Nolan quickly repositioned the blanket, heat rising to his face, yet again.
Nolan cleared his throat. “I don’t suppose I can find some clothes?”
Emery pushed down a smile and pointed to garments carefully folded on a chair. “I had the palace seamstress make these for you. I told her not to create anything elaborate.” He held out his own arms with disgust. “However, I can’t make any promises. I told her the same for me.”
“You look very regal.”
Emery laughed. “Regal? Yes, I suppose.”
Nolan moved to get up and then hesitated. Megan and Emery turned around.
Rising to his feet, the world swirled. He grabbed the wall until the dizziness passed. He slid on the breeches. They were a perfect fit, the fabric soft and warm. Nolan wondered how the seamstress sized them so well, but he decided he didn’t want to know.
A full-length mirror stood near Nolan’s bed. He stared at the stranger, the one with the strong brow and chin. He touched his hair; it was softer than it used to be, and shinier too. The color was almost metallic, more Guardian-like. And his familiar eyes appeared threatening and strange.
He lowered his head and stared at the floor. Even his feet looked different. A wave of mourning hit him for the old Nolan, the weak Nolan, the uncoordinated Nolan. As much as he’d always hated his awkward self, at least he’d known who he was.
Nolan cleared his throat. “So where are the stones now?”
“We separated them,” Emery said. “The Rol’dan go in shifts to take the light.”
“And Alcandor?”
“Still in the dungeon,” Emery said. “Although, it’s difficult to find soldiers willing to guard him. They aren’t convinced his mind control is gone.”
Emery glanced over his shoulder and noticed Nolan was dressed. Both he and Megan turned around.
“And his Healing?” Nolan asked.
Megan smiled, though bitterness tainted her emotions. “I took it from him myself.”
Nolan studied her, which made her blush.
Emery cleared his throat. “Should you be out of bed so soon?”
“Isn’t five days enough?” Nolan walked toward the door and turned to speak again. But before a word left his mouth, a sharp and sudden pain erupted in his head, followed by vibrations so hard he could feel the outline of his skull. He staggered, grabbing his scalp. When his vision cleared, he searched for his assailant: the now-broken doorframe.
Nolan caught Emery in what was left of an amused grin. Nolan closed his eyes and flared Healing. When the throbbing ceased, he looked down at his friends. He couldn’t believe how short they seemed. And, of course, the doorframe as well.
“Are you okay?” Megan asked.
“I’m fine. Just have to watch doorways.”
Emery chuckled. “Yes, otherwise you’ll end up back in bed.”
Nolan ducked through the door and emerged on the field where Kael had died. A large group of Rol’dan practiced with swords. Kael stood in front of them, quite alive. He yelled orders with his typical general flare. But even though he was working them into exhaustion, the emotional atmosphere of the group leaned toward joy.
“Soldiers, attention!” Kael yelled in the distance. The whole group stopped in recognition of their king.
Emery casually waved.
“Where’s Alec?” Nolan asked.
“He went to Galva, to tel
l the others what happened.” Emery inhaled and released it slowly. “He’s angry with you, Nolan. He thinks you threw your life away.”
Nolan frowned. “I didn’t throw my life away.”
“Give him some distance. I’m sure he’ll come around.”
“I suppose he still hasn’t let anyone heal him?” Nolan asked Megan.
She held up her hands in defense. “Don’t look at me. He wouldn’t let me. He’s stubborn and determined to suffer on his own.”
“Speaking of stubborn,” Nolan said, eyes on Emery, “are you and Kael getting along?”
“He’s still one of the most arrogant men I’ve ever known in my life,” Emery said.
“So he’s fine then?”
Emery laughed. “He’s loyal to me. There’s no doubt in his emotions. And though he’s not always loved by the Rol’dan, he’s respected.”
The Rol’dan troops trained, but Kael watched Nolan, arms crossed over his chest. Nolan pushed Perception and saw a smile on his brother’s face. Then, in a flurry of Speed, Kael appeared next to them.
Nolan saw him coming, but Emery did not.
Emery gasped and held back a curse. “General, you will lessen your Speed before you approach, giving me ample warning.”
“Sorry, Your Majesty,” Kael replied, though his emotions revealed nothing apologetic. “May I speak freely?”
“Of course, General,” Emery said.
He grinned, examining Nolan from head to toe. “You look well, I suppose.”
“Now what’s that supposed to mean?”
Kael shrugged. “You tell me. You’re the one with Empathy.”
“Are you being disrespectful to my friend?” Emery asked.
“Oh no, Your Majesty,” Kael teased. “I’ll treat him as I would my own brother.”
Nolan rolled his eyes. “Now that isn’t very reassuring.”
They entered the castle and headed to the throne room. A group of Rol’dan waited for their time in the light under the dome. Nolan ignored their gawking stares as best he could and strode to the three Guardians watching over the proceedings.
“It is good to see you awake, Master Nolan,” Greer said, his straight posture more erect than usual. “I hope you are feeling well?”
“A little weak, actually.”
“It is expected, considering what you have accomplished.”
“So the Nass are gone?” Nolan asked.
Greer smiled, though his emotions were tainted with apprehension. “For now.”
Weakness washed over Nolan. He steadied himself on Greer’s arm.
“Master Nolan?” Greer said.
“I … I think I need to stand in the light again.”
Emery motioned toward a group of Rol’dan.
Kat approached. Her eyes traveled up and down Nolan, and her emotions were … well, Nolan tried to ignore her emotions. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“Go to the top of the dome and combine the stones again,” Emery said.
She bowed, but her gaze stayed on Nolan. She smiled and left to complete her task.
Nolan turned, and Kael stared at him, puzzlement radiating from him.
“What’s wrong?” Nolan asked.
“Well, if I didn’t know any better, I would say Lieutenant Connelly fancies you.”
Nolan coughed, nearly choking on his own breath.
Kael grinned. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
“I don’t see how this is any of your business, General,” Emery added.
Kael straightened, but amusement spilled from him. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. It’s just, well, Lieutenant Connelly has always been more man than woman. It took me by surprise.”
“More man than woman?” Nolan asked. “Why? Did she reject you?”
Kael barked a laugh, annoyance spiking from him. Nolan had struck a chord. “She dresses like a man and is as tall as one. One could easily mistake her for a man.” Kael grinned. “Or maybe she really is a man, and is fooling us all.”
Nolan huffed. Kael was so ridiculous sometimes. “Oh, for Brim’s sake, Kael. She’s a girl.”
Kael’s eyebrows rose, satisfaction sparking his emotions. “And you can prove this? You know from personal experience?”
“No! Not like that,” Nolan added, redirecting Kael’s less-than-pure thoughts. “I’d almost killed her. I’d stabbed her in the chest and I … uh … checked her wound.”
Kael threw back his head and laughed. “Oh? Did you, now?”
Megan frowned and quickly averted her eyes.
Crows, what does she think of me? He considered reading her, but quickly changed his mind. He didn’t want to know.
“Well,” Emery said a bit louder than necessary. “She’s done already.”
The light of Brim shone in a single circle, the spectrum of colors dancing on the floor. Nolan pushed aside Kael’s teasing and his thoughts about Megan and Kat. He staggered forward, tuning out the watchful faces.
He stayed in the light for quite some time, and slowly his exhaustion ebbed away. Brim was right: He needed the light. He froze, the memory of his vision flooding back. Without the stones, Nolan would die. His breath hitched. The vision had been real? Brim was real? He swallowed back his dread. Brim had a job for him.
Emery’s brow furrowed. “Nolan, is something wrong?”
Nolan met the faces of his friends, concern on their emotions. Crows, he didn’t want to leave them. “I …” Nolan said, his voice breaking. “I have to go.”
Emery relaxed, and a smile hinted on his face. “You don’t need to leave, friend. Most of them have accepted me as their king. Your presence here won’t interfere—”
“No,” Nolan said. “It’s not that. I need to leave with the stones.”
Everyone stared, confusion coursing through their emotions.
“What do you mean, Nolan?” Emery asked.
“I need to share the stones. I must take them to the cities and villages. The people need to know of their hidden powers.”
Emery nodded, his emotions contemplative. “So why leave? The people of Adamah are welcome here.”
Nolan took a deep breath. “Brim told me to go.”
Silence followed, shock in their emotions. Megan stared at him with an intensity that made Nolan squirm.
“When do you have to leave?” Greer asked, unshaken.
Nolan hesitated. “Soon, I think.”
“I can go with you,” Megan suggested, hopeful.
Nolan shook his head. “No. You can’t.”
Her recent grief flooded into him, along with a multitude of other, more intimate feelings. Nolan really liked her, but things had changed. She needed to find someone normal and move on.
“I don’t care what you look like,” she said, her voice trembling.
“It’s more than that, Megan.”
“No, it isn’t,” she said, desperation tainting her tone. “You’re still Nolan. I see it in your eyes.”
“I’m not the same. Nolan Trividar died—”
“You aren’t dead,” she snapped, anger flaring. She reached to his face, and Nolan caught her hand, longing to let her touch him.
“I am only half human,” Nolan said. “I may never grow old, or be able to raise a family. And now I have to carry the stones.”
“Why you?” she stammered, yanking her hand away. “What about the Guardians? They can take the stupid stones, and you can stay here with me.”
“Megan, they can’t even touch them.”
“Then let me go with you!”
Nolan met her eyes, wishing he could say yes. She’d been through so much. But he couldn’t take her; she’d only distract him. “You can’t come, because I don’t want you to.”
She startled and stepped back, rejection striking her.
Nolan turned his head, unable to look at her, his lie stabbing him. Nolan risked a glance and saw Emery holding Megan as she sobbed in his arms. Emery and Nolan’s eyes met. Emery’s emotions snuffed like someone throwing water on a flame. He�
�d hidden it too late. Emery loved Megan.
Emery’s voice appeared in his mind. Don’t tell, Nolan. Please.
Nolan nodded once to reassure him. This secret wasn’t his to tell.
“So, Lord Emissary, when do you plan to leave?” a voice asked.
Nolan jerked toward Kat. “What did you call me?”
“Emissary, of course,” she said. “You said you must spread the knowledge of Brim to Adamah. The term ‘Messenger’ doesn’t seem a grand enough word to use.”
He couldn’t speak at first. Why’d she use the same title Brim had? Finally, he cleared his throat. “You could just call me Nolan.”
She feigned a shocked expression. “Call you Nolan? Never.”
Emery led Megan from the throne room, still sobbing in his arms.
“So, will you need assistance on your journey, Emissary?” Kat said, pulling him to her conversation.
“Maybe. I haven’t thought much about it yet.”
“Then may I request to assist you?”
“Wouldn’t you rather stay and serve under General Trividar again?”
She laughed, and then stopped abruptly, scowling. “That cad? I’d rather you tried to kill me again.”
Nolan raised his eyebrows. “Would you, now?”
“Especially now that you heal.”
Her eyes roamed over Nolan, causing his face to warm; he’d been doing a lot of that the last hour or so. Across the room, Alec entered: A perfect excuse to leave.
“I’m sorry, Kat. If you’d excuse me?”
He ignored her flare of disappointment and closed the distance to Alec. The gash across his face had scabbed over, puckering the skin.
“I just got back,” Alec said. “Heard you were awake.”
“Obviously.”
Alec examined Nolan and shook his head. His emotions felt so heavy. “I still don’t know how I’m going to get used to you.” He hesitated then held out his hand. A new leather belt and straps lay in his open palm. “Here. I made you some new ones.”
Nolan didn’t need his Empathy to see the turmoil of emotions behind Alec’s brown eyes.
“Thanks.” Nolan took the straps. “How’s my uncle?”
“Not well. He seemed better after we talked, though I can’t imagine why.”
“If Taryn loved you, he would too.”
Powers of the Six Page 36
