Dustal gave her a sly smirk. “I can prove myself a man another way.” And he took a step toward her, but Aradin barred his arm across Dustal’s chest, keeping him back.
When his brother gave him a perplexed look, Aradin scowled. “She will kill you if you try anything, and I won’t stop her.” But he lowered his arm and nodded at Vixen. “We’ll find this cave—well, Dustal and I will. I can’t speak for the others.” He gestured to the other thieves.
One of the thieves approached. “Your Highness, if you don’t mind, we’d rather avoid Princess Mordora as much as possible. We’ll stick to the woods and stay in the shadows. If you need us, you know how to reach us.”
Kinnard nodded. “You have my thanks.”
Vixen considered the thieves, giving them a long look. “Have any of you heard from Aden at all?”
Aradin and Dustal shared a look. They knew Aden was a fellow thief with a band working for him. At one time, Vixen worked closely with his men, so it wasn’t a surprise she would ask of them.
Aradin shrugged and shook his head. “Last I heard Aden and his men were in Serhon, but we don’t stay in touch with them.”
Vixen nodded in understanding. While thieves knew the general location of their competitors, they didn’t communicate much, but at least she now knew that Aden hadn’t been killed during the events of the Battle of Cuskelom. That was good to know, so she nodded once more at the brothers. “Good. Take care of yourselves.”
When she moved to leave, Aradin touched her arm. Normally this would result in him being stabbed and he quickly lifted his hand to show he meant nothing when she glared at him, but he had to ask, quieting his voice, “Are you sure you’re safe? With him, I mean.” He tilted his head in the direction of Lorrek. “Last time I saw him, he would not hesitate to kill anyone, and you were his number one target.”
Vixen smiled at his concern. “I am well. He is...himself again. He will not hurt me. Now go, do as he said. We will see each other again.” With that, she finally went to find the others.
Aradin watched her go.
Dustal watched him watch her, and he knew that look. He hadn’t been able to understand it for a long time, but now he did. Dustal sighed and clasped his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “She’s never going to see you more than a petty thief, Brother. It’s best you move on.” And he steered Aradin away.
12
Back in the cave, Jaegar had let Radella take a break from stabilizing Skelton. As he continuously channeled his magic into the injured sorcerer, he wondered yet again how he had ended up here. He had gone to Athorim to visit with his little sister, Lailorea, as he liked to do on occasion, especially when she found something fascinating in the Archives of Athorim. She knew of his curiosity, so she liked to share with him the interesting finds.
Now he didn’t even remember what she was telling him when Lorrek and Vixen entered the room. He had recognized Lorrek immediately but then came to understand who Vixen was. When he saw the two in close proximity of each other, Jaegar was alarmed because he remembered how Lorrek had said he had been responsible for Vixen’s demise. Jaegar wasn’t quite sure what had happened in the past year, but Jaegar felt it was his responsibility to protect Vixen to the best of his ability because he knew his own father and House Rodden would want that. How long was he supposed to protect her? He didn’t know. He supposed he would have to wait until this whole matter with the bracelet of Rykeldan had been resolved.
This thought reminded him that he was not with Vixen at the moment but rather had been left behind to deal with Skelton, and he clenched his fists.
“So,” Radella’s voice broke Jaegar’s deep contemplation. “What is the Prince of Ceraleo doing all the way over here? That’s a pretty big ocean to cross.”
Jaegar scoffed. “It really isn’t much when you magick across.”
“True,” Radella conceded as she came to sit next to Jaegar as they watched over Skelton. “But still, Ceraleo keeps to itself for the most part.”
“Things are changing. We’re branching out more, forming alliances and connections with kingdoms such as Cuskelom and even west of us in Elddon.”
Radella knew Elddon was on an entirely different continent than Ceraleo or Cuskelom, and it was also beyond the ocean, west of them. Radella wondered where else Jaegar had gone, but before she could ask, he voiced a question himself.
“So, Lady Radella, where are you from?” He glimpsed up at her but still kept his hand on Skelton’s wrist, channeling magic into him to keep him steady. “I understand Lorrek and Theran are from Cuskelom, Vixen is from House Rodden, and Lady Zoyra is from Jechorm, but you? I know not.”
She contemplated this for a moment and then gave a chuckle. “Well, that depends on how you define ‘home’. My birth mother was from here, actually.” She motioned to their surroundings in the forest of Talhon. “She was the surrogate for Countess Verddra. After she had me and gave me up, she ended up marrying the man who eventually became King of Talhon.” Radella glimpsed around at the woods. “I didn’t grow up here. At the time, Verddra was married to a count in Serhon, so I lived there for a bit before I was sent to Jechorm. I’ve been wandering ever since.” She locked eyes with Jaegar. “So I have no home.”
He lowered his eyes. “My apologies.”
She smiled at him. “No worries. You didn’t know better. However, I’m curious. I have heard tales of Ceraleo, and those tales speak of a man who was Hand to an evil king, and this man did many grave deeds at this king’s command. If I recall correctly, that man’s name was Adrik.” Radella watched him closely as she went on. “That’s your father, isn’t it?”
Jaegar narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath, almost glaring at Radella, but he reined in his emotions. After a moment, he finally looked at her and smiled, but it was a tight smile—one that warned her against pressing the matter. “He had no choice, and he isn’t that man anymore.”
“Well, I would be very curious to hear how he became that man and how he changed.”
“Well, that story is for another time.” Jaegar finally pulled away from Skelton and rose to his feet. He looked down at Radella. “I believe it’s your turn to stabilize him. I’m going to the mouth of the cave to keep watch.”
Radella watched him walk past, and she knelt beside Skelton to take over stabilizing him. Once she had established a connection to let the magic flow from her to him, she looked back at Jaegar with curiosity. He had secrets, and she liked uncovering the secrets of others, but she had to take her time. More important things demanded her attention, so she sighed and focused on Skelton.
Jaegar came to the entrance of the cave and sat down. It was true his father had been a ruthless killer for an evil king in the past, but that wasn’t who his father was anymore. It wasn’t the first time Jaegar had to deal with the shadows of his father’s deeds, yet it always annoyed him. Adrik of Ceraleo was not that man anymore. Jaegar never knew him as such a terrible person. Yes, Adrik was powerful and very stern in training, but he was a man of calm temperament. Jaegar had heard legends of how a magical object had controlled his father and forced him to commit those horrid deeds, and now that Jaegar thought about it, he realized how similar of a situation Princess Mordora must be in now.
He paused in his reflection and wondered if this would help them. Perhaps Adrik should mentor Mordora in a way. Jaegar shook his head. None of this would matter until Lorrek found Mordora and returned with her.
For now, all he could do was wait.
In Athorim, Anelm marched through the corridor of the palace with fists clenched. She bypassed the empty throne room, ignored the mead hall that was getting prepared for the evening meal, and she went straight for the king’s chambers.
Though she was the king’s twin sister and often sat by his side during meetings with the court, she was not queen.
No, that title was for another who never claimed it and preferred to live in the shadows. Other than Verddra, she was the only Athorian without magic, and the
reason behind that was one Anelm did not wish to revisit. Yet it was this lack of magic that made her retreat and have little interaction with those in the court. She went by the name Lyrillind, and she was Caleth’s wife.
Anelm knew that Lyrillind would be with Caleth at this time, but she didn’t care. She had heard rumors and needed answers.
Coming to the door, she willed herself to take a deep breath before giving him the courtesy of an announcement. “Caleth, it is I, your sister. We must speak.”
“Enter.”
Hearing his voice, Anelm pushed open the door and saw her brother sitting at a table near another female Athorian. Anelm greeted Lyrillind with a smile before fastening her gaze upon Caleth. “I heard something today. I would like you to verify it for me,” she said as she approached the table. Once she knew for certain that she had her brother’s undivided attention, she asked, “Is it true that we had visitors asking about the bracelet of Rykeldan?”
Caleth sighed when he heard this question, and he pushed his goblet of wine away from himself and leaned back in his chair. He knew where this conversation would lead, and he did not look forward to it. Nevertheless, he nodded to her. “Yes. It is true. Prince Lorrek along with Ladies Radella and Vixen came inquiring of it.”
“And why would they be inquiring of it?” Anelm raised her brows as she drew back her shoulders and crossed her arms. She made a mental note that Lorrek was alive and well and freed from Roskelem’s imprisonment, but this matter was more pressing for her, so she focused on it. “Why did you keep this from me?”
“He knew if you heard of it, you would want to be involved,” Lyrillind told Anelm. “We think it is best for no Athorians to become involved in this.”
“And why not?” Anelm shot her brother a sharp look. “Due to our ties to the kelliphs, it is our responsibility to deal with him if he is indeed free. Lorrek and the others don’t know what they are getting themselves into, and that can be detrimental!”
“And what do you suggest?” Caleth looked up at his sister, frustrated. “Do you think you should go after them and resolve it yourself?”
“Perhaps.”
Lyrillind watched the two siblings stare each other down, and she could feel the frustration in both of them. “Anelm,” She waited until she knew she had her sister-in-law’s attention before continuing. “Caleth knew you would want to get involved, and he was trying to protect you.”
Anelm braced her hands on the table. “If Rykeldan is freed, none of us are safe. An Athorian should be present if he poses a threat to us.”
“Very well.” Caleth nodded. “I will assign a guard to find Prince Lorrek and aide him.”
“No.” Anelm looked straight at him. “I will go.”
“Why you?” Lyrillind furrowed her brows while Caleth balled his fists.
“Because.” Anelm pushed herself away from the table. “I didn’t spend decades studying every book in the Archives to be unprepared for this threat. While all of you have looked at our present threats and those currently around us, I had not forgotten the threats the past still held, and I knew one day this might reemerge. That is why I will go. I know more about Rykeldan than any other Athorian, so I will go, and I will be leaving now.”
Knowing there was nothing he could do to stop her, Caleth sighed and scooted his chair back then rose to his feet. “Anelm, please be careful.” He locked eyes with her. “If you read all the scrolls, you know what he is capable of.”
“I know.” Anelm nodded and then went to her twin and hugged him. She pressed her cheek against his chest and felt him wrap his strong arms around her. “I know you are worried for me—especially after what Roskelem did, but I promise you this: this time, I won’t hold back. I will do what I must.” With renewed determination, she stepped away from her brother and gave Lyrillind a nod and a smile. “Keep him safe, dear sister.”
“Always.” Lyrillind smiled as she rose to her feet and reached out to grab her husband’s hand and pull him close.
“They went to find Skelton,” Caleth told Anelm. “That is all I know.”
“Then I will start there. Thank you, my brother. All shall be well.” Anelm smiled at him before stepping back and magicking away.
Lyrillind felt Caleth sigh in utter defeat, and she pulled him into an embrace. “She will be well, my love.”
“She is incredibly stubborn!”
Lyrillind had to laugh at that, and she pulled back, cupping Caleth’s face with her hands. She looked into his eyes as she smiled. “It runs in the family, I suppose.” With that, she kissed him and then took his hand and led him back to the table. They still had much to sort through before the next council session. Although she played an invisible role in politics, she still played a role. She preferred to be unseen because then she heard many things that no one expected her to hear, and this gave her an edge—one her husband could use when necessary.
In the entrance of the cave in Talhon, Anelm appeared with a gale of wind.
Jaegar shouted and stumbled back as he conjured a fiery orb. When he realized who she was, he let out a sigh of relief and extinguished the fireball. “Princess Anelm, what are you doing here?”
Anelm looked around and frowned when she only sensed Jaegar, Radella, and Skelton’s presence. Finally, she looked back at Jaegar. “I heard about the bracelet of Rykeldan and came to lend my assistance and knowledge of it. Where is everyone? And why are you here, Jaegar? I am certain your parents would not approve of you chasing myths.” As she asked this, she brushed past him to enter the cave and confirm that only Radella and Skelton were present.
Jaegar followed her in and rubbed the back of his head. “I came to protect Vixen from Lorrek.”
“She doesn’t need your protection.”
“So I’ve been told.” Jaegar shrugged. “And as you can see, Vixen isn’t here, and neither is Lorrek. They continue to pursue the bracelet without us. We’re here trying to keep Skelton alive long enough for them to return Mordora, so she can heal him.”
She took in Skelton’s condition and frowned, realizing that the only reason he hadn’t succumbed to his wounds was because of the magic channeled from Radella to Skelton. “Mordora’s the one with the bracelet?” Anelm shot Jaegar a sharp look.
“Aye.” Jaegar nodded. He frowned because he had never seen Anelm like this before despite the years he spent in Athorim with his family. Something was amiss. She was usually more calm than this. “What’s wrong?”
Anelm sighed and tightened her fists. “If Rykeldan is truly freed, it will mean the destruction of all you know.” She locked eyes with Jaegar. “As a full-blooded kelliph, he has the ability to turn everyone into dust with a snap of his fingers. Kelliphs are truly powerful, and those who have gone mad are even more unpredictable. That is why he cannot be freed, and that is why I have to make sure it doesn’t happen. Where is Lorrek now?”
“As Jaegar said, Lorrek went after Mordora,” Radella answered. “I’m not exactly sure where that is, but they left a day or so ago.”
Pressing her lips into a thin line, Anelm gave a curt nod. “Very well. I shall be off.” She turned to leave, yet Jaegar touched her arm.
“Let me go with. You could use the help.”
Anelm shook her head. “No, stay here. Radella needs more help than I do right now. All shall be well.” She gave him a reassuring smile and then slipped away.
Jaegar clenched his fist. He had really hoped he would be allowed to go, but he had to obey. With a sigh, he unclenched his fist and turned back to Radella with a tight smile. “I will take over now.”
Outside the cave, Anelm took a look around in the magic realm. She saw Lorrek’s trail through the woods, but something about these woods distorted the magic signature. Considering that she was in Talhon, Anelm supposed she shouldn’t have been surprised. Though the Talhians were known for their peace and neutrality, one way they maintained that throughout all the wars was to disorient the magic users who entered their land. How they did this, Ane
lm wasn’t sure, but she had no time to dwell on that.
Instead, she followed Lorrek’s trail. Though she couldn’t see where he was at the moment, she could see his trail, which became clearer with every step she took—as if she were holding onto a thread in the darkness.
And so, she set after Lorrek and the others, hoping she wasn’t too late.
13
Following the guidance of Prince Kinnard, Lorrek and the others came to Stagatron Castle and was met by an eerie silence. As they passed through the open gates, they saw statues of the watchmen on the wall, statues of random women and children in the streets, and statues of men running with weapons drawn.
“At least they fought bravely,” Zoyra broke the heavy silence. No one responded though they all agreed.
From the streets, they moved into the actual dwellings of the castle and passed even more stone people. Not a single individual remained untouched.
Mordora did this. That mere thought stirred fury in Lorrek’s chest, and he clenched his good hand. He was responsible for this. He had taught Mordora magic. Perhaps if the training hadn’t been interrupted by Countess Verddra’s takeover of Nirrorm he could have prevented this, but even as he thought this, he knew he was wrong. He wasn’t even able to stop Verddra from overthrowing Nirrorm, and he had been present at the time. Why did he think he would have been able to stop Mordora from becoming this monster if he had been there for her?
He shook his head. Even though he knew the truth, it didn’t make it any easier.
Suddenly, he heard something up ahead.
Lorrek immediately halted and listened.
Everyone stopped when he did, and they eyed him warily. They hadn’t heard anything, but they knew not to doubt Lorrek.
The Chronicles of Lorrek Box Set Page 86
