by S. L. Morgan
As Levi and Harrison came through the vortex, they traveled down the highway which would lead them to their destination. Levi was too preoccupied retrieving their assignment information from his communication device to notice Harrison traveling at a high rate of speed. It was when he heard a siren alarm, and he saw the blue lights out of his side mirror, that he exhaled in annoyance.
“Nice one, Harrison! You know how these small towns are. Their law officials only remain out on these roads in the hopes that someone would speed past them.”
As Harrison tried to find a place to pull the car over, he glanced at Levi. “Are you already turning into an old, married man on me? You should thank me for adding a little flavor to our exciting Wyoming trip,” Harrison said, as he brought the car to a stop on the side of the road.
“Well, I certainly won’t be thanking you if I end up spending my night in a jail cell.”
Before Harrison could answer, the officer approached the vehicle.
“Sir, I’m gonna need to see your license and registration. Do you know how fast you were going when you passed me?”
Harrison cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, Officer. I thought I was driving the speed limit.” He looked at the officer, feigning innocence.
The officer bent down to study both men in the car. “You believe that ninety miles per hour is the speed limit? Where are you two gentlemen headed this afternoon?”
“Officer, we are headed to Laramie, on our way to a business conference.”
“Where are you coming from? I see your vehicle’s plates are from New Mexico.”
Harrison smiled as he handed the officer his license. “Yes, sir. Roswell, New Mexico.”
The officer narrowed his eyes at Harrison. “Roswell? And you chose to drive instead of fly? That is quite a long drive for a business conference.”
“You’re telling me! You see, my friend here is terrified of flying, so we must travel by car. I apologize for my speeding; I believe I’ve been so anxious for this trip to be over that I didn’t recognize how careless I was being.” Harrison sighed as he leaned his head against the headrest. “And now, it would seem that I not only have the pleasure of driving the entire way, but it looks like I get to pay the speeding ticket as well.”
The officer stared at Harrison suspiciously. “I’m glad you’re willing to accept that, sir. Please give me a moment.”
As the officer walked back to his car, Levi ran his hand through his hair in agitation. “Harrison, find a way to end this quickly. Roswell? Really?”
“Levi,” Harrison answered in annoyance. “You need to relax. Where is your sense of adventure?”
Levi laughed. “My adventure awaits in the town of Laramie, if we ever arrive there. This is a waste of our time. I am sorry that my idea of adventure doesn’t include getting a speeding ticket and playing games with law enforcement.”
The officer soon returned and handed Harrison his citation. When he finished his reprimand of Harrison’s reckless driving, he sent them on their way.
As Harrison eased the car back onto the road, Levi looked over at his amused cousin.
“Well, congratulations on your speeding ticket. Your heart must be on the verge of bursting from all of the adrenaline coursing through your veins,” Levi quipped.
Harrison shrugged. “Well, I tried. It is not my fault the officer was in the same dull mood you are currently in.”
They arrived in Laramie an hour later, where they were instructed to wait for their person of interest to make their appearance. They spent the next three days going through their usual routine of making preparations for the assignment.
Late in the afternoon on their third day in Laramie, Samuel confirmed to the men that there was a plan of abduction set to occur that night. Reports from other Guardians came back that it was planned to take place at a small bar on the edge of town. Levi and Harrison dressed themselves appropriately to blend in with the townspeople, and made their way to the bar. Upon their arrival, they discretely secured a secluded seat at a small table in the back corner of the room.
“It is strange that the Armedites keep choosing to abduct people from Earth. They’ve never had any interest in this planet before,” Harrison contemplated softly, as he studied the patrons in the bar.
Levi sipped his water. “I believe Lucas was offended by the outcome of the council meeting far worse than we assumed.”
“Either way, it’s his problem since the Guardians enjoy the constant action.”
As Harrison finished his sentence, their person of interest walked into the room. Harrison grinned as the attractive woman glanced over at the table where the men sat. She offered him a flirtatious smile in return, and turned to exit the bar. Unsure of her plans, they stood immediately to follow her out.
“This is interesting,” said Levi, as he glanced at Harrison. “I was unable to read her thoughts.”
“Since when do Armedites have protected minds? Whatever Lucas is up to now, whether he’s striving to distract us with beautiful women or send us on wild goose chases, he’s accomplishing nothing.”
As the men exited the bar, they found the woman walking toward their car.
She traced her fingers along the polished surface of the vehicle as she slowly walked the length of it. “It appears that I didn’t give the Pemdai Guardians enough credit,” she said, as she stopped and turned around to face them. She smiled seductively, “It seems as though you already knew I was planning to take a human with me tonight. So what happens now? Is this where you take me prisoner?”
Harrison smiled charmingly at the striking woman. “I beg your pardon, madam, but the action has not taken place; therefore, we have no problem with you.”
Levi examined the woman’s long red dress, and questioned what her true motives were. It was frustrating that he couldn’t read her mind and get this over with. “Tell me, what are your intentions on Earth? By the way you’re dressed, I would not believe you were prepared to take a human from Earth into Armedias.”
The woman gazed into Levi’s eyes. “You are Levi Oxley, are you not? Emperor Navarre’s only son?”
“Who I am is none of your business, madam. I believe I was the one asking the questions.”
She smiled adoringly. “So, Levi Oxley, it was especially intriguing to hear the news of your engagement. I believe this will be a first for Pemdas; an empress from Earth?”
“How would you know that?” Levi snapped.
The woman smiled. “Well, you have fallen in love with the one person every world seeks.” She gazed speculatively at him. “May I inquire; do you really love this mundane creature? Or is this how you plan to find your importance with your father?”
“My personal affairs are none of your business. Tell me now, how do you know any of this?” Levi demanded.
“We have a new resident in Armedias, and Emperor Lucas, could not be more thrilled. You see, Michael Visor has given our emperor more than enough information about Pemdas.”
“So Michael is in Armedias.” Levi answered as he glanced at Harrison. “Inform Samuel that we will be escorting this woman to Pemdas for further questioning.”
The woman giggled. “I look forward to it. I cannot wait to meet the future Empress of Pemdas.”
Levi’s expression grew dark as he glared the woman. “It would be wise of you to not concern yourself with her.”
“My concerns are not what you should be worried about. Emperor Lucas and Michael have their own plans for the Key!” she sneered.
Without warning, Levi seized the woman’s arms tightly. “Those plans shall be the last they ever make,” he growled.
At that moment the woman’s expression went blank, and a painful jolt of energy radiated through Levi’s body. Instantly, he released his powerful hold on her and mentally conquered the pain.
The woman stumbled backwards, eyes wide as she pointed at Levi. “Levi Alexander Oxley…you know where the stone is!”
The carriages arrived at Pasidian Palace as t
he sun was slipping below the horizon. Reece was completely exhausted, and wanted nothing more than to go straight to her room and collapse on her bed. Even though the journey home was tiring, she did, however, thoroughly enjoy her time with Allestaine and Elizabeth while Navarre handled the issues regarding King Prather.
Navarre’s investigators uncovered a plot that a group of men had put in motion to take over the Brunack kingdom. Medical personnel had confirmed that King Prather had been slowly being poisoned over the previous month, but with proper treatment he was making a full recovery. Upon conducting many interviews at the king’s palace, the group of men were implicated, imprisoned, and awaiting trial. Mark Prather could not be directly linked to the men, but after hearing Reece’s report about Mark’s opinions of her, the emperor requested Mark Prather stay under close guard while Reece remained in Sandari. The imperial guards were assigned to follow the man discreetly to ensure that there would be no plots formed or carried out against Reece.
While Navarre spent the remainder of their visit tending to business, Allestaine took Reece and Elizabeth to various shops, purchasing an abundance of items for Levi and Reece’s engagement celebration. Reece was astounded by Allestaine’s stamina; and toward the end of their stay in Sandari, Reece had finally grown weary of shopping and wedding planning. She laughed inwardly at the fact that she no longer had any clue as to what they had purchased or why they had purchased it.
After dinner that night, Reece’s wishes were granted. The entire family retired early, and she was able to fall into a much-needed slumber earlier than she anticipated. Even though it was strange to be back at the palace without Levi, Reece knew that she would be so preoccupied helping Allestaine to prepare the palace for the engagement celebration that she wouldn’t have much of a chance to miss him.
The next morning she woke up well rested and ready for the day. Allestaine had planned to start going over the details of decorating with the palace’s staff after their lunch. Because it was their first day back at the palace, everyone had matters of business to attend to, leaving Reece with some free time on her hands.
In the letter Levi had delivered to her while she was away, he let her know that Arrow had returned from his training, and she could go visit him at her leisure.
As soon as Reece was prepared for the day, she grabbed some apples from the palace kitchen and walked out toward the stables. When she approached the field where the Guardian horses were grazing, she leaned against the fence and searched for Arrow. It wasn’t but a few seconds later that a horse stopped grazing and directed his attention toward her.
There is no way he grew that fast! she thought as he trotted over to her briskly. The young colt was now practically fully grown.
She handed him one of the apples and ran her hands through is long, silky mane. “Look how big you’ve gotten, boy!” she said, as she patted his strong, muscular side. “Levi was right; you have grown up.”
While Arrow indulged himself with the juicy apple, Reece was surprised to see Areion trotting boldly over to them. When he arrived, he stood tall and magnificent before her. Areion glanced over at Arrow, who was finishing the last of his apple, and then back to Reece. When he pawed the ground with his hoof and grunted, Reece laughed in response, knowing the massive stallion was expecting her to give him an apple as well.
She reached out and carefully raised her hand to pet the side of his face. “Hey there, Areion!” she said enthusiastically. “I would love give you an apple, but I’m not sure Levi will be okay with that.”
“Good morning, Miss Bryant,” Javian said, as he approached her. “Are you surprised by how much your young colt has grown?”
“To say the least,” she said with a laugh. “He looks like he’s old enough to be ridden already!”
Javian chuckled. “In about a month he’ll be ready for the saddle.” He patted the colt on the shoulder. “I must say, it is intriguing to watch these horses take to you the way they have. I do not believe I have ever seen Areion approach anyone out of his own volition, except for Master Levi, of course.”
Reece smiled. “He’s only here for an apple. I’m pretty sure he watched me give Arrow one.”
Javian laughed. “I would agree with you, ma’am; but if these horses were that easily persuaded, you would have hundreds of them patiently waiting alongside Areion.”
Areion brought his head over the fence and lightly nudged Reece’s arm with his nose.
Javian chuckled. “I believe he is waiting for his apple.”
“I’m not sure Levi would be okay with that,” she said, while petting Areion down the center of his face. “He gives me a hard enough time about spoiling Arrow. I wouldn’t want him to think I’m ruining his horse now,” she said with a laugh.
“Areion will be fine. He tends to be on edge when Master Levi is away, and since he will be gone until next week, I am sure having a treat will help to ease Areion’s angst.”
“Next week? Is everything okay?”
“Everything is perfectly fine. I was recently informed that Samuel has requested Master Levi and Master Harrison stay on Earth for another assignment after they have finished their current one.”
“Sounds like it’s pretty crazy on Earth right now,” she said, as she petted Arrow, who was nudging her for more attention.
“Indeed, it is; we have never had so many Guardians dispatched at one time,” Javian said, as he softly chuckled at Arrow attempting to reach for the basket in Reece’s hand. “Master Levi wanted me to inform you that if you wish to bring Arrow on your afternoon walks with you, he might help pass the time if you get a bit restless.”
Reece smiled in return. “That sounds like it would be fun. Maybe after Elizabeth is finished with her studies, we’ll get Arrow out on a walk.”
“Very well,” Javian answered. “If you’ll excuse me, I must be returning to the stables.”
Reece searched into the cloth bag and retrieved two more apples for the patiently waiting horses. She watched in amusement as the horses devoured their treats enthusiastically. Without notice, both horses startled and snapped her out of her daze. Areion whinnied loudly, and Arrow fled swiftly back to the herd.
Reece stepped back, mildly frightened by Areion’s spontaneous aggression. She was perplexed; nothing seemed to have transpired to startle either horse. She looked around for Javian, but he was nowhere to be found. Areion reared back, and began pacing hostilely along the fence line in front of her. It didn’t take long before she decided it would be best for her to leave and allow the horse to calm down.
Reece turned around and was stunned when she saw Simone approaching her. She was so shocked at the woman standing before her that she didn’t hear Javian call for Areion and Saracen, to prepare them for Harrison and Levi’s return.
“Good morning, Reece,” Simone softly spoke, “Please forgive me for startling you.”
Reece’s body tensed. You’ve got to be kidding me! If there was ever a person she wished she would never have to see again, it was Simone.
“Simone,” she answered in a low voice. “What are you doing here?”
Simone smiled pleasantly at Reece. “Since my sister has joined Lillian in traveling abroad, and my father is rarely home these days, it was growing quite lonely around our estate. I thought it best to join him here until Catherine returns.”
“Oh, well, I was heading back inside. I guess I’ll see you around,” Reece said dismissively, as she started to walk past her.
As Reece walked past Simone, the woman called after her. “Reece?”
Reece stopped, closed her eyes, and exhaled. She turned around to see Simone manage an uncertain smile.
“What do you want, Simone?” She crossed her arms and stared darkly at the woman.
Simone stepped toward Reece. “Before you leave, please hear me out. The main reason I decided to visit the palace was so I could offer you my sincerest apologies and to ask for your forgiveness.”
“Forgiveness?” Reece answere
d in a high voice of disbelief. “Simone, whether or not you choose to apologize to me now, I will never trust you or your motives.”
Simone swallowed hard. “I understand that. I know I judged you prematurely, and believed that you didn’t belong in Pemdas. After I learned that my plans to have you traded to the Ciatron would have resulted in your death, well, I slowly became aware of the horrific monster I had become.” She diverted her eyes to the ground. “I am the one who is unworthy to live in Pemdas,” she said, as her voice cracked.
You deserve to live in a padded cell! Reece thought in annoyance.
Simone looked at Reece with tears now filling her eyes. “Reece, I want to take this opportunity to make you aware of my earnest remorse about everything I did to you and our land. I have lost all of my friends, and my sister and father do not even treat me the same. I hope that, one day, they will all understand how I have changed. You may never forgive me, and I will understand if you don’t; I believe that I am getting what I deserve. Even so, I have acknowledged how wickedly I have behaved and I feel compelled to convey my deepest apologies to you.”
Reece felt somewhat bad for the woman. Simone’s malicious actions had cost her everything, and now Reece commended her for having the courage to apologize to her. Even though she could easily hate Simone for the rest of her life, Reece was a better person than that.
“I understand what it must’ve taken for you to be able to apologize to me, so thank you for that.” She managed a smile.
“Thank you for your forgiveness, Reece.”
The woman turned to run as soon as she proclaimed that Levi knew where the stone was. She ran briskly out of the parking lot and into a large field. She was overpowered when Levi grabbed her arm fiercely and forced her to the ground. Before she could defend herself, Levi was straddling her and holding the side of his sharp blade to her neck.
After he realized she was able to have read into his mind, Levi was no longer thinking rationally, but was more intent on his own self-preservation. He had to protect himself. She had to be destroyed.
