“Kiarra,” Clay rasped, clutching at his chest. She needed to stop pulling or they would all die. Her dull eyes met theirs before fluttering shut. She fell then, landing on the guards’ bodies. Clay yanked on his restraints, the rope snapping where it connected him. The stupid guards and the Sorcerer had underestimated him, and he had all his weapons. He fished a dagger from his boot and sliced through Reed’s bonds. The Scholar burst into action, shooting across the hall toward Kiarra. Clay wished he could go himself, but he crawled over to Seb to slice his ropes next. The strange metal must have been keyed to the Sorcerer because it slid from Ian’s and Mason’s arms to create a viscous puddle on the floor.
Mason roared and stampeded across the room, pulling the dagger from the Sorcerer’s head and slicing it across his throat. More blackened blood spilled from the gash, glittering with gold where Kiarra’s energy infiltrated the evil mass. Reed crouched over Kiarra, checking her vitals, and holding her to him. Ian and Seb each grabbed one of Clay’s arms, and they carried him to the others, stepping over the black liquid oozing across the floor. Mason didn’t stop with the gash across the throat. He plunged the dagger into the Sorcerer’s heart and left it there. The blade no longer glowed with golden light; all the magic had been released.
Mason joined them as they pulled Kiarra’s limp body away from the blood and the collapsed guards. They surrounded her, each of their hands upon her body. Reed looked up, his eyes glistening with tears. “She’s not breathing.”
Clay placed a hand on her chest, and the other men echoed his movement. Each of their hands overlapped and touched as they searched for her soul light. It was barely a flicker, and although they were all nearly drained, none of them hesitated. They pressed their remaining energy into her. They gave until they felt her breath stutter through her chest, and they continued giving until they could barely hold themselves upright.
“Stop,” Kiarra rasped. Clay opened weary eyes to assess her. “No more.” She commanded, her voice regal despite her condition. They stopped, leaning on each other for support as she slowly rose to a sitting position.
“You nearly gave me everything,” she criticized. She pushed a portion of her energy back into them, enough for them to move and breathe easily again.
“And you nearly gave him everything,” Reed protested. Her eyes darted to the body of the Sorcerer, a crumpled mass of papery skin surrounded by black blood, like a snake that had shed its skin and sunk into a tar pit.
“Is he dead?”
Mason nodded. “Yes.”
Tears ran freely down her face as she attempted to pull all of them to her at the same time. Her arms weren’t long enough so they took turns embracing and kissing her. Each touch reassured each other that they all still lived. The nightmare was over. Clay held her to him tightly, his tears falling in her hair.
“Never do that again, Indrasa,” he whispered. “Never scare us like that again.” She clutched him to her the same as she had the others.
“All right,” she relented with a weak laugh. “I can’t promise anything. I would give my soul for each one of you and the Kingdom.” She pulled away. Her eyes swirled with every color, backlit by gold from the light within.
“Master Brantley?” A voice queried. It was one of the guards Mason had fought. He crept in, and Mason reached a hand toward a weapon. The man fell to his knees, his head bowed. “I’m so sorry,” he began. “We didn’t know what we were doing.”
Kiarra caught Mason’s arm and raised her voice. “Do you know where the prisoners are being held?” The guard nodded quickly, not looking up. “Free them, please, we may have need of help.” The man scurried from the room, and Mason looked at Kiarra.
“Are you sure that’s wise?”
“The Sorcerer’s influence is gone. We will assess each bespelled person individually, but I sense no more blackness in that man’s soul.” Ian helped her to her feet, and Reed retrieved Clay’s crutches. Seb turned to Clay.
“I’m sorry, brother.”
Clay shrugged, and the men hugged each other. “It was worth trying. We had no other plan.”
Seb nodded, still looking chagrined. They all rose, feeling drained but relieved. The hard part was over; the enemy had been defeated. They weren’t done, though. They had a people to win, and they needed to seek those who might be sympathetic to the Sorcerer. Clay sighed. He wanted to crawl into bed with Kiarra and sleep for days. His brothers looked similarly exhausted.
Chapter 34
Kiarra
I wanted nothing more than to gather my matches around me, hold on tight, and lock ourselves in our room; but with victory came responsibility. The servants emerged from where they had hidden, hoping that out of sight meant out of mind. Although many of the palace occupants had no knowledge of magic, their ancestors had passed down their intuition. They felt the absence of the Sorcerer’s influence. The palace halls even seemed brighter, although that was likely a fantastical observation on my part.
Mason carried me from the bloody throne room floor to the secure room where the former King had addressed us. This was where we had first learned we were all Soul Matched. I couldn’t believe the short amount of time that had passed. I felt years older.
I could have walked, but my Soldier insisted on carrying me, and I didn’t protest loudly. My matches gathered around me, and I changed into different clothes while Reed saw to Mason’s wounds. Then, we gave instructions to the steward. The prisoners were being released, given medical attention, and fed with rations the kitchen could prepare easily and quickly. Seb suggested we meet with them in small groups. He didn’t want us to become overwhelmed, and I appreciated the sentiment. My muscles still ached, and my matches were sore and tired. I wanted nothing more than to search for my mother and Rowan before I found my bed, but I waited.
The steward presented Rufus Winters, the massively built weapons master. Mason stood and shook the man’s hand. When he went to his knees and bowed his head to me, I stiffened in shock. It made me uncomfortable.
“Let them do this,” Mason spoke into my mind, and my matches agreed. “They pledge fealty because they want to. They are grateful for what you have done.” I sighed internally but relented.
“Please, stand,” I urged after a second, and he rose. I had only seen him from a distance, and he was even larger in person. My connection to the land aided me, gifting me with insight into each of these men’s hearts. He was loyal to the Kingdom, to me, and to my Advisors.
“Can you tell us what happened?” Mason took control as the Military Advisor. I observed my Soldier. He had changed out of his bloody, torn tunic and bandaged his arm, but bruises were developing on his arms and neck. He had brushed them off. While I worried about him, I could tell he was healing. Our bond was strong. We were all tired, but healthy.
“Shortly after the King and Queen died, I was drugged by the High Commander, Calum Brantley. I awoke in a cell and couldn’t escape. I was unable to do anything. I am sorry, Your Majesty.” His demeanor rang with guilt and residual anger.
“It’s not your fault,” I replied. “We didn’t realize Master Brantley was working with Everett before the Prince arrived in Treleaven.” Now that we had this news, I guessed he had killed the King and Queen.
Mason nodded. “You did the best you could under the circumstances. Calum Brantley is dead. I would like you to take the position of High Commander in his stead, as I am taking the position of Advisor.”
Rufus looked at first like he might object, but he reconsidered. “I would be honored.”
“Thank you. We will have a list of names for you presently, men who fought willingly under the Sorcerer. The Queen wishes to assess each person individually, and we will decide their Fate at that time.”
Rufus shifted, and his doubt was apparent. “Do you disagree, Master Winters?”
“I don’t know if any of them can be trusted, Your Majesty.”
I sighed at the title. I would have to get used to it, but I didn’t like it. �
��They will not be allowed back into the guard, and they will be demoted, but we’ve had enough death. If they are repentant, I will give them a chance at life.”
Rufus’s eyes met mine, and he nodded once, firmly. He was a man who didn’t like loose strings. It would serve him well in his position, but I had spoken the truth. I didn’t want more death than we’d already had. “Yes, Your Majesty. I already know some of these men. I will seek them out immediately and hold them securely until your questioning.”
I nodded. I knew he wouldn’t mistreat them. I sensed his honor, even if he did despise their actions. He exited, and the next group was ushered in. I rose to my feet when I saw Spymaster Carson. He was in far worse shape than the weapons master had been. His face was lined and tired; bruises and cuts mottled his skin. I tried to give him some of my healing energy, but he was not my bondmate so I couldn’t. I knew what he needed though.
“You will go home, back to Acclesh. You need your bondmate.”
“Aye,” Carson replied with a weary sigh. “Soon. Let us deal with business first.” I let him go so Ian could embrace him.
“Glad to see you’re still alive,” Ian murmured with true relief. He regarded Carson as a father, and I was pleased the old man remained alive. Ian stood before his old friend. Jeff had bruises as well, his dark skin hiding the worst of them. He also walked with a slight limp. Ian didn’t embrace his fellow Spy. Instead, he faced Jeff and sighed. “The Sorcerer used your face, old friend.”
“My face?”
“He disguised Everett as you to trick me.” I gasped. I hadn’t known this until now. I now understood Ian’s hesitance to embrace his friend. Jeff’s eyes were sad, but he didn’t say anything. “I know it wasn’t you, but Kiarra almost died.”
“I understand. It will take some time to recover from the betrayal, even if it wasn’t real. I’ll go to Acclesh with Carson. I think there is something there he’d like me to see.” I hid a smile at that and wished I could be there when he met Ahnika and Lyra, but I had too many duties and responsibilities here.
I led Carson to a chair so he could sit. It was apparent his wounds had been tended, but he would heal slowly until he returned to his match. I sat with him, breathing a sigh of relief as my muscles relaxed.
“We were able to lay the groundwork among the Houses before we were taken into custody. The majority of the people know you are the descendant of Mellisande and the rightful heir. Honestly, I don’t think they care, as long as the Sorcerer and Everett are gone.”
I nodded in understanding. I could sense the atmosphere of the Kingdom. The citizens didn’t know me or trust me, but they already believed I was better than Everett and his evil ally. “It will take time,” I agreed.
“Aye.” Carson hesitated a moment. “How did you kill him? The Sorcerer?”
“Your daughter actually gave me the key. She told me the bond with my men was pure because they willingly gave to me. The Sorcerer’s magic was evil and corrupt because he stole it from others. So, when he tried to steal it from me, I gave it to him willingly. The pureness of the gift undid his magic. The two could not exist together inside him.” I glanced at Clay. “He also underestimated my Merchant. Clay was not checked for weapons, and he had a special dagger given to him by the Mishokian wise woman. The blade was golden and leached to black after it had killed, so I assume it had been imbued with pure energy. It was not easy, and my men suffered for it, but we were victorious.”
“The Fates led my hand,” Clay said softly. “When I let the blade fly, I knew they aided me.”
Carson nodded. “Aye, I am not surprised. The Fates worked here as well. Ask your brother about that.” He glanced at me, and I swallowed hard. Mum and Rowan were still alive, but I hadn’t been able to see them yet.
“The Sorcerer had possession of a strange type of metal that he controlled. It blocked our bond. It was because of this that we almost died. He completely restrained Mason, Ian, and me until he started draining my energy.”
Carson’s brows rose, and he winced with the pain of the motion. The large gash above his right eye would leave a scar. “Where is this metal now?”
“It is in a safe place,” Ian said, and Carson merely nodded, not prying further. Hiding it was the first thing we did; we didn’t want anyone else to realize the metal’s capabilities.
“Good.” The Spymaster rose again, slowly. “We will stay the night and leave in the morning.” I nodded. Ian accompanied them to the door, apologizing again to Jeff. His friend shrugged, but I could feel his sadness.
Mum and Rowan, followed by the former Scholar Advisor, entered next. I launched myself into her arms. She was thin and worn but didn’t appear hurt. None of them did. I wondered at that but didn’t question Fate. Tears dripped down my cheeks. We might have saved the Kingdom today, but I still felt like a girl in Mum’s arms. I had worried so much that I would return to find her gone. I clung to Rowan next, and his hand smoothed my hair.
Mum sat next to me on the small couch, and Rowan and the Scholar Advisor took the seat across from us. Reed greeted his old mentor, and the men embraced briefly while Seb and Rowan hugged. I clutched Mum’s hand. “You’re ok?” I asked her. “All of you?” I didn’t know Joseph well, but I could see the love he held for Mum and the golden bond already shimmering between them.
“We are; Rowan kept us safe.” She glanced at my brother. There was a depth of sadness to her I hadn’t noticed before.
“Rowan?”
“It wasn’t me,” he replied. “It was the Fates. They intervened when I beseeched them. The Sorcerer could have used us against you, but the Fates prevented it.”
I didn’t know what acts had been wrought, but a sharp air of maturity surrounded my brother. He had also aged in the short time we’d been apart. There was something otherworldly about him, something I couldn’t read despite my instincts about the country’s people. It was as if he no longer belonged to Megreria, but to another plane of existence. I wondered if that was the Fates’ work as well.
“The other Soul Tenders?” I asked, deftly avoiding the question I was so afraid to ask.
Rowan shook his head, his expression falling. “They didn’t live past refusing to work with Synlair.”
“Will other Soul Tenders be born to take their place?”
Rowan shrugged broad shoulders. “We are entering a new era, so it is uncertain. You are able to see the bonds between people, no?”
Mum and Joseph regarded me with surprise. I nodded. “I can, and my men can to a lesser extent. Right?” They all nodded. They had told me they’d seen the glimmering between Lyra and Ahnika.
I swallowed hard, steeled my spine, and turned to Mum. “Delia?” My voice cracked on my sister’s name.
Mum’s face fell, sadness cloaking her features. “She didn’t survive the bonding between her and Everett.” Shadows haunted her eyes, and a glimmer of magic shimmered in the air. My breath caught in my throat. I had lost a sister in two seconds of time, the time in which it took for Mum to give me the news. I didn’t have the chance to see her one last time.
“You were forced to watch?” My voice rose in anger. My power shivered, lowering the temperature in the room as rage fled through me. I took a deep breath. Ever since I had killed the Sorcerer, my energy had felt erratic. I hoped it was only a temporary adjustment, but no one could tell me whether that was true or not. I could have asked Carson, but I had the feeling he didn’t know. Ahnika had suggested magic like mine didn’t exist in Acclesh. My men supported me, sending comfort and strength along the bond. I used their assistance to settle my emotions.
Mum’s hand tightened on mine, her deep blue eyes sad, but resolved. “It is for the best,” she said, and I knew she was referring to Delia’s death. Tears loomed hot behind my eyes. Delia hadn’t been a good sister, not even a good person, but she’d barely reached adulthood. Her death hadn’t been fair. She didn’t deserve to die, especially not in such a horrid manner. We would plan a ceremony for all the dead, I deci
ded, and we would honor her memory with the rest of those who had perished. The tears slipped down my cheeks, and Mum held me while we shared our grief. I wept for the woman my sister might have become; Mum wept for the daughter she had lost.
Finally, I pulled away. My matches hadn’t seen their families yet, and I wouldn’t make them wait longer. “You all need rest.”
“So do you.”
“Yes,” I agreed. But we weren’t done yet.
“Carson and I are the only Advisors left living. Master Winters has taken Master Gregory into custody. He was working with the late High Commander,” Joseph informed us.
I nodded, surprised how fast word had traveled. I ushered them off to their rooms to sleep, and several people entered at once. The steward stammered an apology, but I reassured him it was okay. I could tell who they were. Reed and Seb walked quickly toward an elderly couple, taking turns hugging them with tears running down their faces. Three young, beautiful women with Mason’s icy blue eyes tackled my Soldier, turning him into a giant teddy bear as he rejoiced that his sisters were alive and well. I hung back with Ian and Clay, my heart overflowing with gratitude. We had lost some, but not everyone.
Mason led his sisters to me first. “Kiarra, this is Rowena, Mina, and Lia.” I rose and hugged each girl, surprising them. The handsome guard who had entered with them stood nearby, and Mason thanked him for watching his sisters.
“You are the new Queen?” the youngest girl asked curiously. I could find no malice in these women, despite their father. Mason had protected them well throughout their childhood, and I loved him even more for it.
“I am.”
“Is my brother a King then?”
“Rowena,” Mason admonished, but I laughed, stalling him.
“We rule together, all six of us.” I didn’t want to say any more than that because we hadn’t discussed it together. I knew they wouldn’t want to be Kings, but I didn’t want to diminish their roles or their contributions.
Harmony of Their Souls Page 21
