Child of Hope (Prophecy Series Book 4)

by T. N. Hayden

He gently pulled her close, and he brought his hands to her hair, fingers brushing against pins. He cupped her face, and he moved to kiss her.

  The giant chandelier snapped, and Kaleb saw movement out of his peripherals. He lunged forward, tackled Risa, and covered her body with his.

  The chandelier shattered as it slammed into the granite floor. Shards flew, and Kaleb rolled to safety, keeping Risa against him as they tumbled to protection.

  Kaleb paused, realizing he was lying on top of Risa. “Are you alright?”

  Some of her golden locks had come loose from pins, and she breathed quickly. “I’m alright. You?”

  “I’m just glad you’re not hurt.” He smiled.

  “You will not take her.” King Marc’s voice boomed through the ballroom.

  Kaleb looked up, and he stared as he recognized Ed, the man still holding his bow.

  “You’re not welcome here anymore, Edwin.” King Marc shook his head. “It’s you, isn’t it? You’re the man behind this ridiculous rebellion.”

  “I’ll always fight to protect the people.” Ed answered. “You’re the traitor, Marc.”

  Marc stepped closer to Rose, grabbed her arm, and yanked her close. “You won’t take her from me.”

  “I’m not the one who will take her.” Ed gestured with his bow, and several servants threw their serving garb free.

  Nobles screamed, and Kaleb grabbed Risa’s hand. He pulled her to her feet, and he looked at the chaos around him. “I’ll protect you.”

  “He was always right.” Her grin made his stomach twist. “He always believed in you, and he was right.”

  “Who?” Kaleb frowned. “What are you talking about, Risa?” He grabbed her arm and marched through the fight. “I need to find my mother.”

  “Kaleb.” Risa yanked her arm free from his hold.

  Kaleb faced her.

  “I’m sorry.” Her hand shot out, and his mind froze as everything about her changed.

  Risa’s golden-blonde hair twisted as strands changed to purple and blue. Her sapphire eyes turned white, and magical swirls appeared on her face and hands. He knew what to expect as her hand connected with his side.

  ~ Chapter 23 ~

  Kaleb fell, unable to move as her magic paralyzed him. His mind raced as he watched her move. No wonder she could stay hidden. She didn’t always have to look like a Sorceress. She was beautiful both as a Sorceress and as herself, whoever she truly was.

  Soldiers screamed, and Kaleb’s eyes darted to his parents.

  King Marc yanked Queen Rose, but she fought him. Spencer raced to his parents and grabbed Rose’s hand, trying to pull her free.

  The Sorceress, Risa, was quick as she rushed toward the royal family. Spencer clutched Rose’s skirts, and when the king saw her, he released Rose and rushed away.

  “Rose.” Ed cried as he rushed beside Risa.

  The queen exchanged words with the rebel leader, and Rose and Spencer followed him from the ballroom. Risa turned from them and moved through the room.

  Izik wanted to fight as many of the rebels as he could, to slice and dice, but he had something more important to do. He couldn’t believe when he saw his mother and younger brother leave with a rebel.

  Izik rushed to Gizelle and grabbed her around the waist, pulling her back from the fight. She shook against him as he held her.

  “Izik.” She whispered and touched his chest.

  “You’re okay.”

  “How did they get in? Why are they here?”

  “They took my mother and brothers.” Izik looked at her. “They stole them, and I won’t let them take you too. If they find out you’re my love…” He held her close.

  “They just took Nate too.” Gizelle whispered. “Where’s your father?”

  “He left the room when the Sorceress used her magic against Kaleb.” Izik answered. “He’s safe.”

  “They’re leaving.”

  “So now we’re safe.”

  Brent rushed to Kaleb. “Sorry about this.” He grabbed Kaleb’s arm and yanked him to his feet. “I can’t do this anymore, and I can’t stay here. I hope you understand.” He paused as Risa stumbled back to them.

  What was Brent doing? Kaleb wanted to frown. Why was his friend allied with the Sorceress? It didn’t make sense.

  “We have to get him out of here.” Risa grabbed Kaleb’s other arm, and the two pulled the prince from the ballroom. They were working together? What had happened between them after Henika’s magic had healed Brent?

  “Are you alright?” Brent’s voice held more concern for the Sorceress than Kaleb liked. Was it possible he would have to fight his friend for her affection?

  Kaleb didn’t understand why they were working together. Brent had always hated rebels and those who could wield magic. He was afraid of the Sorceress, but now he was helping her?

  Kaleb couldn’t move as the two carried him out into the courtyard. Carriages, horses, carts, wagons, donkeys, every kind of animal and vehicle waited to be used outside. Risa and Brent placed Kaleb in a wagon, and the Sorceress clapped one chain around his right wrist. She gently brushed a strand of his hair. She quickly jumped into the space with Kaleb and shouted. “Go.”

  The wagon lunged forward, and Kaleb realized Brent must be driving. Risa remained in her magical state, and Kaleb’s mind screamed. How much did they know? Kaleb had told Brent about wanting to join the rebels. What had Risa said to him? “He was always right. He always believed in you, and he was right.” Could she have been talking about Brent?

  Risa gently took Kaleb’s head and placed it in her lap. “I hope this is more comfortable for you than the last time.” She paused. “My real name isn’t Risalina. That’s my middle name.”

  Of course, she hadn’t told him her true name… He wanted her to say more, but of course he couldn’t move or speak.

  She touched his shoulder. “Your mother is free. She’ll be safe now. She’s meeting us in a safe place before we return to the rebellion.”

  He wished he could bring his hand to her face and stroke the hair stuck in her eyelashes.

  Whitney held Kaleb until her brother drove their wagon into the cave of Kagu. Cyril, Nate, Ed, Queen Rose, and Prince Spencer were already inside the cave as Brent halted the horses.

  Nate and Cyril went to Whitney. She unchained Kaleb’s hand, and the cousins lifted him from the back.

  “How long until your magic wears off?” Nate asked. “I think Kaleb will want explanations.”

  Whitney nodded. “Give it an hour, and the prince will be free from my magic.” She grabbed the bag in the back of the wagon. “I’m going to change.”

  Whitney went to the back of the cave to find the hot springs, and she bathed. She dried herself and dressed in a long white, cotton gown. The skirt was gathered and allowed her legs lots of movement. Whitney strapped a dark brown, leather corset around her waist, and she tugged on a long coat with wide cuffs. Strapping a leather belt around her coat and pulling on leather boots, Whitney braided her golden hair and tied it with a piece of leather. She touched her locket, grasping the jewelry in hand as she made her way back to camp.

  Nate finished setting a fire.

  “Where’d my brother and Cyril go?” Whitney demanded.

  “They’re finding food for us.” Ed explained. “I’m going to find the rest of the troops. I’ll be back later.” He turned to the queen. “You’ll be safe with them, I promise.”

  “Thank you.” Rose whispered.

  “How are the princes?” Whitney glanced at the queen as she rubbed her right thumb and pointer finger together.

  “They’re alright.” Queen Rose touched her youngest son’s face. She sat between her sons. Kaleb was lying on a bedroll beside the queen. Rose stared at Whitney, her sky-blue eyes never seeming to leave the Sorceress.

  Whitney felt her skin heat as she looked at the queen. “I’m sorry about what I did to your son. I purposely paralyzed Kaleb so his father would think he’s still loyal.”

  Rose�
��s voice shook slightly. “Thank you, Sorceress.”

  “My name’s Whitney.” She curtsied. “Whitney Kilton.”

  Brent and Cyril returned with fresh meat and berries. Cyril and Nate finished skinning the animal and cooked the meat.

  “This is your brother?” Rose looked at Brent. “You’re Whitney’s brother?”

  “Brenton Kilton.” He bowed.

  “You’re siblings?” Kaleb whispered.

  Rose touched her son’s cheek. “You’re alright.”

  Kaleb nodded. “Not the first time I’ve been affected by Llempac magic.”

  Whitney felt herself blush.

  “Where are we?” Kaleb looked across the fire at Whitney. She could see the sparks of something unknown in his emerald eyes. She wasn’t sure if it was the reflection of the fire or something else. “Nate, are you a rebel too?”

  Nate pursed his lips. “I’m sorry Kaleb, but I’ve never been loyal to your father. I originally gained your friendship to use it for our advantage. But then I got to know you, and I realized you were a good person who didn’t know the truth. You were just as mindless as any soldier, like Brent. Brent had no idea what happened the day he was forced to join the army. That’s why I asked Whitney and Cyril to capture us.”

  “You were talking about Nate.” Kaleb’s eyes shot back to Whitney, and she nearly flinched. “You said he always believed in me.”

  She nodded.

  Kaleb faced Brent. “Your sister is the Sorceress of Prophecy?”

  “We couldn’t let anyone know.” Brent nodded. “She’s my twin sister. When soldiers recruited me, I refused to join the army. I didn’t want to fight for the king I despised, and our mother tried to protect me from being taken. They killed her in the street and took me away. Gizelle made me forget who I was and made me a mindless soldier loyal to the king. I didn’t even recognize my sister or father when I saw them. Henika used her magic to heal me and bring my right mind back.”

  “You were the fourth rebel who wanted me to know the truth about my parents.” Kaleb looked pale in the firelight as he faced Nate. “I didn’t know it was you.”

  “Now you must prove your heirdom to the kingdom.” Rose looked at her eldest son. “You have to go to the Spádómur.”

  “The Spádómur?” Kaleb frowned.

  Rose looked around the small group. “You must go to Magpi and speak with them. They will speak the truth.”

  “They’re an ancient group of women who speak truth about lineage.” Whitney explained. “I’ve heard of the Spádómur, but I’ve never seen them. I’ll go with you.”

  “As will I.” Brent and Nate said together.

  “I suppose I’ll come along and make sure everyone’s safe.” Cyril looked at Whitney.

  “Marc’s always wanted to control Jenkin’s true heir and wield him as a weapon.”

  “He will never use me as his weapon again.” Kaleb promised.

  ~ Chapter 24 ~

  Dintz 546

  Whitney was glad Kaleb knew the truth about the past and his parentage, and she was ready to fulfill her duty as the Sorceress of Prophecy.

  “We’ll head back home.” Edwin’s dark blue eyes glanced at Kaleb. “I must admit, I didn’t think you’d ever believe the truth.”

  “Hearing the truth from my mother was more believable than hearing it from some rebel.”

  Edwin nodded.

  “We’re not going back home.” Whitney looked at Edwin. “There will be some of us traveling to Magpi so we can speak with the Spádómur.”

  Edwin glanced at Rose, and he nodded. “Who else is going?”

  “Brent and I will not abandon our prince.” Nate stated.

  “And I will look after my cousin and friends.” Cyril added.

  “Delisa and I will watch their backs as well.” Ashlie’s hand rested on her sword.

  “Looks like your son has a lot of people who believe in him.” Edwin glanced at the queen. “Very well.”

  “Be safe.” Rose embraced Kaleb with her youngest son.

  After an awkward first night of silence, the small group dismounted their horses and made camp. Whitney had ridden with Cyril all day, and she needed to walk around. She collected wood for a fire as the others unpacked their supplies.

  When Whitney returned to camp, it was nearly as rigid as the entire ride had been. Brent, Nate, and Kaleb were finishing pitching tents while Cyril seemed to be unpacking more supplies.

  “Where are Ashlie and Delisa?” Whitney asked.

  “They’re hunting.” Brent replied.

  Whitney nodded.

  Silence resumed.

  Whitney threw down the wood and grabbed the flint and stone. She worked to light the fire, and it was smoking well when Delisa and Ashlie returned with their fresh kill.

  “We haven’t been properly introduced.” Kaleb went to the Soldata trainees. “I’m Kaleb Donnie, well truly Kaleb Masen.”

  “Delisa Quint.” She shook his hand. “This is Ashlie Fenn. We’re Soldata trainees from Perso’s Creek. My brother, Peyton, is an ambassador from King Kurtis, and we’re here to help bring the prophecy to pass and preserve peace in the land.”

  Kaleb nodded. “Thank you. I’m glad to have more help.”

  “We did not expect you to turn sides and join us.” Ashlie admitted. “Brent was hopeful you would, so I am glad you did. Our own prince was always on the side of the common folk.”

  “It was just that none of us knew it.” Delisa smiled.

  “Brent was hopeful?” Kaleb glanced to his friend.

  Ashlie nodded. “I am sure Nate was too.”

  “Come on.” Cyril called.

  They joined the blazing fire, and Whitney sat next to her brother as the others took places around the fire. Ashlie sat between Brent and Delisa while Cyril sat between Whitney and Nate. Kaleb sat beside Nate, and his gaze through the fire sent a chill through Whitney. She wanted him to sit beside her, as Cyril did, but she was too afraid to ask.

  Tension continued to rise as the fire spit and cooked the venison.

  “So, what exactly is this Spádómur, and why are we going to see them?” Ashlie’s voice was a knife through the tension.

  “The Spádómur are an ancient queenship tied through prophecy and destiny.” Whitney explained. “King Marc attacked their village since they’re almost another kingdom. He didn’t want to compete with such an ancient society, so he did what he could to destroy them.”

  “So, they’re all dead?” Delisa asked.

  “No.” Whitney glanced at Kaleb. He was focused on his meat. “It’s said there are still a couple Spádómur haunting the ruins of their kingdom. They have a special tie to true bloodlines. They will be able to reveal the truth about Kaleb through magic, and they always speak the truth.”

  “So, they’re like soothsayers?” Kaleb asked.

  Apparently, he was paying attention. “In a way. They will reveal the mark of your heirdom.”

  “And with that mark, the people will follow you.” Brent added. “They will know the truth about your parents, and they will join the rebellion against King Marc.”

  Kaleb watched Whitney as she saddled her mare. She was dressed in dark leather pants, tan, billowy shirt, dark green, leather tunic which fit more like a corset, matching dark green bracers, and dark brown suede boots which ended just above her knees. Her long, golden hair was braided and bumped against her back as she mounted. Her sapphire eyes caught his, and she raised a golden brow. “Are you coming?”

  Kaleb glanced at Cyril as the man walked to join Whitney. “Cyril.”

  The man stopped, his muddy boot in one of the stirrups. “Yes?”

  “May I ride with Whitney today?” Kaleb had to clear his throat. “There’s something I wanted to speak with her about.”

  Cyril stepped back to the ground and in front of the prince. “Let me get this: you, the prince, want to ride with the Sorceress who’s destined to kill your father?”

  “Marc is not my father.”
>
  Cyril nodded and grabbed the reigns of the horse given to Kaleb. “Fine, but Kaleb—” He put his hand to the prince’s chest as Kaleb tried to step past. “I know Nate and Brent trust you, but don’t misunderstand. I love my cousin and trust his judgement, but I don’t trust you. I saw you in Pheant, and I know you were loyal to the king.”

  “I was loyal to a lie.”

  “But none-the-less, be warned that I will be watching you and Whitney. She’s a special person, and I will not have any harm come to her.”

  “What’s going on between you two?” Kaleb asked.

  “We’re friends, companions.”

  “Are you in love with her?”

  Cyril’s dark eyes narrowed, and he leaned closer to the prince. “She’s very beautiful, yes. But Whitney is not the kind of woman who could ever love a man raised by King Marc. Even if he isn’t your biological father, he’s the only father you’ve ever had.”

  Kaleb watched the man’s face, but he nodded.

  Whitney didn’t say anything to him as Kaleb mounted behind her instead of Cyril. He’d watched their interactions, and Kaleb had hope she didn’t love Cyril the way the man loved her. Kaleb wasn’t sure if his feelings for her was something he could call love, but he knew there was something between them. He just had to convince Whitney.

  They rode in silence for longer than he would have liked, so Kaleb finally asked. “Aren’t you wondering why I wanted to ride with you?”

  “I figured you’d tell me eventually.”

  Her patience was something he truly admired and didn’t understand. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m fine.” She chuckled. “Tell me, how did your mother take finding out the truth about her being a prisoner?”

  “She’s anxious to find out the whole truth.” Kaleb explained. “She wants to know what else has been hidden from her.”

  “Henika will definitely help.”

  Silence danced between them as they rode. Finally, Whitney spoke again. “Aren’t your arms hurting?”

  “What?”

  “Your arms have been airborne for the past several miles.” It sounded like she was holding back a laugh.