Sadness overcame him, but a new determination followed on its heels. He would see Cymmera returned to her former dignity. His own vision of the future did not hold such hopelessness. He glanced at Ryleigh then at Mia. They were the keys. He didn’t know how, or why, but Cymmera’s rise began with the two of them, of that he was certain.
Warmth spread through his chest, settled in his belly. Hope blossomed, and it chased away the apprehension struggling to take root. He straightened his back and lifted his chin as conviction lent him courage. “I wish you could have seen it when it was filled with life.”
She glanced at him over her shoulder, searched his face, placed a hand on his. Sparks flew. This time, she didn’t pull back. “What do we do now?”
“I must go before my father immediately. Technically, I’m still banished from Cymmera, which makes my presence here a crime. The fact that the king hasn’t sent soldiers to detain me gives me hope that he’s at least willing to hear my explanation. If I don’t go straight to the throne room that could change.”
The horses stopped. Jackson dismounted and held a hand out to Ryleigh.
Mia joined them, still wrapped in one of the blankets, her feet bare.
“Good luck, my brother.” Chayce gripped Jackson’s forearm.
Jackson returned the gesture.
Chayce then led both horses away, leaving Jackson to face his fate on his own.
“Follow me.” He tried to slow the racing of his heart as he led the girls across the bailey toward the keep. Anticipation dried his mouth, and he struggled to swallow.
Their footfalls echoed through the silence, a gentle reminder that he wasn’t alone. This time strength walked beside him, stood with him. Jackson, Ryleigh, and Mia approached the throne room where the same two soldiers stood guard.
The men watched the trio approach, eying Jackson with intense curiosity.
Well, it was better than ignoring him as they had the last time. Jackson nodded as he passed through the doors they held open.
Ryleigh and Mia both stopped short as they entered the room and faced the king.
“Just follow me, and do as I do.” Jackson spoke quietly as he started across the room. “I’ll do all the talking unless he asks you a direct question.” Fear consumed him, not for himself, but for the girls. What if his father wouldn’t accept them? Would he allow them to return to their own realm, go on with their lives? Probably not. They would most likely be sentenced to death and executed alongside him. His mouth went dry.
He would accept that punishment with dignity if his father so ordered it of him, but how could he accept such a fate for Ryleigh and Mia? He couldn’t.
Kai stood at King Maynard’s side. His posture rigid, his jaw clenched, staff gripped tightly in his fist. Apparently he hadn’t forgiven Jackson for stabbing him.
Jackson approached the throne, lowered himself to one knee. As he bowed his head, he stole a quick glance at the girls to be sure they followed his lead.
Ryleigh bowed in deference to the King.
Mia stood frozen, mouth hanging open in awe.
He stood, gestured for Mia to bow.
She’d already begun to move forward past him. Her lack of respect would not be taken lightly, no matter she didn’t come from their world, or understand their ways.
“How do you do, sir?” Mia climbed the two steps to the platform surrounding the throne and extended her hand.
Jackson’s heart stopped.
Kai stepped between her and the King.
Mia simply sidestepped him and stood face to face with King Maynard. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She waited.
King Maynard glanced at Kai.
Kai seethed.
The king then looked to Jackson.
Jackson shrugged and held his breath. One of these two girls would surely be the death of him. He cringed and braced himself to intervene.
The King rose to his full height. Taking the young girl’s hand in his, King Maynard nodded in acceptance. “It is a pleasure to meet you, as well, young lady.”
“Can you please help us?” Mia cocked her head to the side.
“That depends. What do you need help with?”
“Well, first there was an earthquake, and Ryleigh got hurt then this lunatic attacked us and threatened to kill Ryleigh at the hospital.” She gestured toward Kai.
The King’s gaze flew to his advisor.
Kai shrugged and looked away.
“Jackson was nice enough to save us and take us home, but then some crazy man named Daygan and a bunch of his savages attacked us and burned our house down.”
His father’s eyes widened.
A soft sob shook Mia’s shoulders.
It pierced Jackson’s heart.
“Then we ended up here, in Cymmera.”
“I’m sorry for your suffering, but what makes you think I can help you, child?”
She looked straight into his eyes. “Jackson has been so kind, helped us so much. Since you’re his father, I figured he must have learned such compassion from you.” She glanced back over her shoulder at Jackson and smiled through her tears before returning her attention to his father. “Besides, Jackson kept telling us that if we could just hold on ’til we got here, you would be able to make sense of it all for us. And I did hold on.” She swiped at her tears. “But I’m tired. And I’m cold and hungry, and I just can’t hold on anymore.”
Ryleigh rushed to Mia’s side.
King Maynard pinned Jackson with a glare that said he wasn’t off the hook. “I’m sorry, my child. Sit please.” He gestured toward the second throne that sat beside his, the throne that had sat empty these past few hundred years, the throne that had once belonged to Jackson’s mother.
Ryleigh sat, pulled Mia down beside her, and looked over her sister’s head at Jackson, hiding a smile.
The instant their eyes met, a ray of sunlight poured through the stained glass of the windows. A kaleidoscope of color washed over the throne creating a halo of light around the sisters.
A gasp at his side was the only indication Elijah had entered the chamber. The seer rushed forward, dropped to his knee, folded his hands over his other knee, and bowed his head, not in deference to the king, but to Ryleigh and Mia.
“What are you doing?” Anger reddened Kai’s face. “Get up, you fool.”
Elijah stood. Tears tracked down his cheeks. “Forgive me, My Princess. I didn’t know.”
Confusion held Jackson silent.
Ryleigh stared at the seer without responding, a blank expression on her face.
“Didn’t know what?” Kai demanded.
Elijah ignored him. He approached Ryleigh. “May I?” He held his hand out to her.
She looked at Jackson for guidance as she extended her hand to Elijah.
He shook his head, not knowing what was happening or what response was expected.
Bowing his head once again, Elijah took the proffered hand, kissed it, and pressed his forehead to the back of her knuckles.
Her eyebrows drew together as she frowned.
“Explain.” King Maynard rubbed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger.
“Sir, forgive me. I meant no disrespect.” He released Ryleigh’s hand and bowed to his King.
“Enough already.” Kai waved a hand in the air. “What is going on here? Spit it out, prophet.”
“That will be enough, Kai.” The king scrubbed his hands over his face, rolled his shoulders.
“I demand an explanation for the mockery being made of what should be a trial for a man’s life.”
“All right, that’s it.” A ball of flames erupted from King Maynard’s fingers. He hurled it across the room.
Jackson ducked.
The flames scorched the stone as the fireball slammed into the wall behind him.
“Kai, if you can’t hold your tongue, kindly remove yourself, or I’ll remove your tongue. Elijah, Jackson, one of y
ou better start explaining something immediately or both of you will rot in the dungeon until I know what’s going on here.”
Kai backed against the wall, his mouth set in a firm line of disapproval.
Jackson took a step forward, but Elijah spoke before he could offer an explanation. “Your Majesty, I have been in seclusion since Jackson’s exile, studying the Books of Prophecy. When I heard of Jackson’s return with two strangers, I immediately rushed here to inform you of my findings so far. But, when I entered the room…”
He turned his gaze to Ryleigh. “I witnessed my vision come true.” Awe filled Elijah’s words. “The girl sat surrounded by a halo of light. The child in her lap was not visible, the throne upon which she sat was not visible, only the girl’s face and shoulders surrounded by intense light. Such a thing has never happened to me before, though I have heard of past prophets experiencing such wonder.”
Elijah paused. No one said anything, the silence interrupted only by harsh, ragged breathing, Kai’s angry, Elijah’s euphoric, Ryleigh’s fearful, and King Maynard’s frustrated.
Deep lines etched into his father’s expression. Lines not caused by age, since Cymmerans didn’t age as humans did, but by stress, tension, and the burden of grief he’d shouldered these past centuries.
“Sir.”
Elijah’s voice startled Jackson from his concern for his father.
Tears tracked freely down Elijah’s face. “I misunderstood the vision. I don’t know how I can be forgiven for such a grievous misinterpretation. I will step down as your Advisor if you so desire.” He stared at the floor, shook his head, collected himself. “My King, this child is quite likely a Princess of Cymmera.”
The breath shot from Jackson’s lungs. An iron vise gripped his chest preventing him from taking another breath.
King Maynard’s gaze flew to Ryleigh and Mia.
Ryleigh’s mouth fell open as Elijah dropped to his knee before her and wept.
Kai went ballistic. “I refuse to stand here and listen to such blasphemy.” He slammed his staff into the ground. The loud crack echoed through the chamber, punctuating his words. “I demand the seer be removed this instant and some semblance of order be returned to these proceedings.”
Chapter 6
Tremors tore through Ryleigh. What was this man talking about? What vision had he seen? Was he crazy? And what would the warrior do to him?
Kai glared at her through bottomless pools of cold, hard, blackness.
She quickly averted her gaze.
Questions emanated from Mia’s frightened expression.
Ryleigh pulled her sister closer, wanting to comfort her but also needing to have her near.
“Silence!”
Mia jumped.
King Maynard’s thunderous command startled Ryleigh from her thoughts.
“Rise, Elijah.”
Elijah stood before the King his head bowed in shame. “Sir.”
“Do you have further explanation or evidence of your assertion?”
“Yes, of course, sir. I must go to my chambers and retrieve the first tome of the Books of Prophecy. Then I will be able to offer more. I had only just begun to research this information when I was summoned from my meditation with news of Jackson’s return. I had to make sure I stopped you before any action was taken.” He glanced pointedly at Kai.
Ryleigh wondered what animosity existed between the two men.
Could it just be their personalities were polar opposites, or was there something more ominous involved in the hostility sizzling like an undercurrent just below the surface?
“All right.” King Maynard shoved his hands through his long hair, squeezed the strands tightly in his fists, and closed his eyes. After a couple of seconds, he loosened his hold, lowered his hands, and contemplated Ryleigh and Mia. “As far as I can tell, we face no immediate danger.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “We will adjourn to the Council Chambers. There I will hear all evidence in—”
“You can’t be serious.” Kai moved to stand before the King, his posture rigid, challenging.
Jackson moved closer to his father as well, feet apart, hand close to the dagger at his side.
Kai turned on Jackson. “Are you ready to stab me again, boy? This time, I assure you, you won’t get up and walk away.”
“That’s enough, all of you. I’ll withhold any judgment until I’ve heard all of the evidence to be presented. The full Council of the Elders will be convened to pass judgment. Since it will obviously take some time to sort through this mess, there’s no reason we can’t feed and warm these children while we do it.”
“You would feed these criminals?” Kai gestured toward the girls.
“I would feed these children, Kai. Whether or not they are criminals remains to be determined.” He stepped down from the throne but stopped as he passed his advisor and turned to face him. “Let me ask you, Kai. What if Elijah turns out to be right and these girls are children of Cymmera?”
Kai said nothing, simply held eye contact, his lips pressed tightly together.
King Maynard walked away. “Elijah, retrieve the books you need. I will see all of you in Council.”
Elijah placed a hand on Jackson’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Jackson. I should have believed you, should have realized something was wrong. As it is…well…I’m just thankful your father allowed you time rather than sentencing you immediately.” A tremor ran through the seer.
“Of course you are forgiven, Elijah. Thank you for looking further into the matter. Have you truly found evidence that Ryleigh and Mia are meant to be here?” Eagerness lit his eyes.
“I have found something, Young Prince, though I am not certain exactly what.” He nodded and hurried after the King.
Kai approached Jackson. He didn’t say a word, simply stood toe to toe with him and glared into his eyes. They maintained eye contact, neither backing down.
Ryleigh didn’t dare breathe.
Mia dug her nails deep into Ryleigh’s arm.
“You will regret the day you crossed me.” Kai stormed from the chamber leaving Jackson alone with Ryleigh and Mia.
A sigh of relief escaped Ryleigh. “Well, that could have gone better.” She shifted Mia onto the throne and tucked the blanket tighter around her.
“True.” Jackson shrugged off the incident. “But it could also have gone worse.”
Ryleigh laughed. She had to concede that point considering how the last encounter between the two warriors had ended. “So…now what?”
“King Maynard will call the Council to order. Once they’ve assembled I’ll be given the opportunity to speak in my defense, as will Elijah and probably Kai, if he so chooses.” Jackson pulled a small, jewel-encrusted dagger from a sheath at his side and twirled it between his fingers, flipping it over and over at a mind numbing speed. The blade and handle blurred.
Ryleigh’s breath caught. She ignored the grin he shot her. “You expect Kai to speak in your defense?” The thought was lost on Ryleigh. The man seemed to hate them all.
Jackson sheathed his dagger and sat down on one of the steps.
“You have to understand Kai. He’s my mentor, my trainer, and my father’s second in command. He carries a tremendous amount of responsibility that he takes quite seriously, as he should. The entire Kingdom of Cymmera is dependent on him, and he is fiercely loyal. But he’s also loyal to my father, and to me. He has trained me to assume my place at my father’s side since I was a child.”
Ryleigh sat beside him. “What will happen to him if you take his place?” Perhaps he didn’t like the idea of giving up his position.
“Well, that depends. As long as my father rules Cymmera, Kai will continue to be one of his main advisors. Once I’ve been ordained, however, I’ll take his place as head of the Advisory Council and his seat on the Council of Elders. If anything were to happen to my father after that point, I would assume the throne and would have the opportunity to appoint my own replace
ment. Kai would be the most practical choice.”
“What about your brother?”
His smile was quick, but short-lived. “Chayce isn’t responsible enough to take on that role. As the second child, he never worried about assuming the throne. He trains as a soldier, sits on the Security Council, and will probably one day command the Cymmeran Guard.”
Ryleigh didn’t share Jackson’s confidence in Kai. The warrior seemed too harsh, too severe. Something about him just rubbed her the wrong way. She shrugged off her misgivings. After all, Jackson had known Kai for hundreds of years, and he didn’t doubt his intentions. He actually appeared to trust him. She’d reserve judgment until after the trial.
“Ryleigh?” Mia shifted, curled further under the blanket.
“I thought you’d fallen asleep?”
“I can’t get comfortable.” She sat up, dropped the blanket from her shoulders but tucked it around her bare feet.
“Come on, you. Let’s go get you something to put on your feet.” Jackson stood and lifted Mia onto his back. “It will take some time for the Council to come to order and the food to be prepared. Hmm…what could we do while we wait?” He tapped a finger against his chin, feigning intense concentration then snapped his fingers as if he had a sudden brainstorm. “I know. Why don’t I introduce you to Nika and Nahara?”
Mia squealed with joy and Ryleigh covered her ears.
“Ha ha. Very funny.” She leaned over and swatted Ryleigh on the arm.
“Just kidding.” Mia’s huge grin was well worth any damage to her eardrums. Besides, Ryleigh enjoyed the interaction between Jackson and Mia, loved the joy he brought a child who’d known far too little in her lifetime.
Jackson led them up a long, wide, circular stairway.
“Are we going up into one of the towers?” Mia bounced up and down, her excitement contagious.
“We are. This tower holds my living quarters.”
“You live in a tower? Oh man, how cool is that?”
The tower was much wider than Ryleigh expected. Large, cast iron lanterns hung at evenly spaced intervals along the white stone walls, casting a flickering glow across the oversized steps.
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