“No! Do not hurt the spiders. There has to be a reason for this. Doren, don’t!” Kade yelled while making eye contact with the Master Chosen. Doren clenched his jaw and let the spark flash out of existence. The spiders quickly overwhelmed the Master Chosen and drove him to the ground.
“Apprentice, you had better be right,” Doren hissed, seething. Kade rankled at the way Doren used the title but that was the least of his concerns at the moment.
Rayden was swinging his head back and forth, roaring over the buzz. As weary as he was, the dragon was not too weary to come to Kade’s aid. Rayden was readying himself for full-fledged battle. He inhaled deeply, ready to burn them to dust. Allies or not, anything that attacked his Chosen was not going to live long.
“Rayden, stand down!” Kade yelled. “Rayden, do not hurt them!”
The dragon puffed up and let loose with a roar that shook the ground as it threw its head forward, bellowing its rage. Kade’s ears rang but the spiders still held. They were no longer attempting to attack the dragon, but they were not backing off, either. Rayden charged the spiders that had Kade pinned.
“NO!” Kade yelled. The dragon threw his head wildly, fighting the urge to rend the attackers. Kade could feel the link explode with the dragon’s desire to tear these creatures to pieces.
Darcienna turned to rush to Kade’s aid, her hands extended, ready to call up her shield, but with the spiders holding Kade, it would only trap him in with his attacker. Unfortunately, as she ran, she did not see the spider charging off her right side. Kade was certain it was not planning on just restraining her, but instead, was coming in for the kill. Its fangs were extended as it scurried forward, focused on its victim. Kade struggled as he flexed his muscles, trying to gain leverage. Regretfully, he knew he was going to have to hurt the spiders as they were not going to let him up willingly. Kade gritted his teeth, ready to use his extra strength to do what it took to save the woman racing to save him.
Just as he was readying his muscled to go into action, he saw a flash of black that charged in and collided with the spider violently. The black mass had thick, plush fur that flowed in the wind. It was larger than the attacking spider by almost twice. The two spiders rolled end over end with the larger, black spider pinning the smaller one roughly. The black spider hissed violently at the one on the bottom, buzzing several quick, strong words as it pressed down, making it clear who was in charge. The pinned spider went limp and slowly turned its head to look at the Apprentice Chosen. Kade smiled as Crayken got up and spun toward the spiders that still held his arms. With the full command of a king filled with rage, Crayken marched at them. They shrank at his presence as he stalked up to them and glared hard. He buzzed angrily and they fell away as if struck. Kade was still very confused as to what was going on, but he very much enjoyed seeing the king show them who was in charge and who it was that they had just attacked.
“Kade,” Darcienna said, moving next to him. “Why would they attack us? Did they forget us that quickly?”
“I am not certain, but I am betting there is a good explanation for all this, and we are going to get that very soon, I am sure,” Kade said as he spared a glance at Doren. The Master Chosen stared in awe as Kade stood tall and proud.
The regal, black spider presented an impressive image as he stalked toward the herd of spiders surrounding them. Kade could feel the fury coming off the king as he marched back and forth buzzing angrily. As if choreographed, all the spiders flinched and then turned to stare at Kade. The king stood silently, letting his words sink in. They started dropping to their knees and put their heads against the dirt.
“What was that all about?” Darcienna asked as she stalked up to the king. “I thought you were our friends, but as soon as we come back, the clutch attacks us?” She started to get worked up. The king tried to speak but Darcienna was exhausted, sore and too angry to think calmly.
“Darcienna,” Kade said as he put a calming hand on her arm. “Let the king speak. I am sure there is a good reason,” Kade said confidently as he turned toward Crayken, eager to hear the explanation.
“There is,” a familiar voice said as the most majestic, beautiful white spider flowed out of the crowd. “These spiders are from another clutch and did not recognize you. They were protecting the cave from intruders for you. We did not expect you back so soon,” she said as she glided up to stand directly in front of him.
“We did not expect to be back so soon, either,” Kade responded as he breathed a sigh of relief. He smiled and stepped forward while placing his hand on her shoulder. She returned the gesture. Several spiders gave out what could only be called a gasp. Kade ignored the reactions as he continued with the conversation. “We ran into Morg,” Kade said and then seemed to remember Doren. “Forgive my manners,” Kade said as he turned toward the Master Chosen. “This is the Master Chosen, Doren. Master Doren, meet the king, Crayken, and the queen, Rakna.”
“I have heard many good things about you,” Doren said, matching their poise with his own.
“It is our honor to have another Chosen with us,” Rakna said with a slight inclination of her head.
“The honor is mine,” Doren said with a slight bow as he cocked an eyebrow at Kade. He inclined his head to the queen and backed away to turn and stand next to Kade. “Chosen?” Kade let the question go without answer. Technically, he was an Apprentice Chosen. For one to have the title of Chosen, they had to hold the rank of Adept or Master. Doren sighed. Kade knew he was going to hear about this later.
Kade could see an obvious problem brewing. He was not certain he was going to be able to show the Master Chosen the respect he demanded if his condescending tone continued. He was not very confident that things were going to go as smoothly as he hoped. He mentally sighed and refocused on the royal couple.
The queen turned to approach the king when one of the spiders buzzed quietly. Rakna froze, as did Crayken. They looked at each other and then back to Kade. Based on the royal couple’s reaction, he was certain that the words were not kind. The queen’s anger flared as her composure slipped slightly. She turned on the spider and buzzed firmly.
“If he chose to, he could have destroyed you in the blink of an eye!” the white spider said firmly in her language. The queen buzzed several more times as Kade stepped up to stand next to her. Rakna paused to glance at him.
“I would like to speak to the spider, if that comment was directed at me,” Kade said as he turned his gaze on the offender. Rakna hesitated. “Would Crayken have you speak for him?” Kade asked while lifting his chin slightly. “If the spiders are to respect me, then I must give them a reason to.” Rakna glanced at the king. He nodded one time but did not take his eyes off the spider.
“As you wish,” Rakna hissed.
“Please translate for me,” Kade said as his eyes locked on the new spider.
“I shall,” Rakna said as she turned to face the spider, fury rippling through her.
“What was said?” Kade asked, leveling his gaze at the offender.
“He said he finds it hard to accept that you are the one who conquered the leader of the Morphites. He says they were able to overcome you without much effort,” Crayken said.
Kade nodded his head slightly as he considered the situation. He took a breath and tilted his head back in confidence. He looked over the crowd slowly, making sure he had all the spiders’ attention. Everyone was locked onto him. No one moved. The shuffling died down and hundreds of spiders watched closely, for what, they did not know, but there was an intensity in the air as all waited.
“Kade, what is going on?” Darcienna asked in frustration.
“The spider doubts our abilities. He does not believe we killed the black leader. I am going to…show him that we do, indeed, have the power to accomplish such a feat,” Kade said as he smiled mischievously. He felt the swirl of power start to fill him. The block slid away and his head spun from the Divine that raced through him, eager to be let loose. Kade had to focus as the Divi
ne threatened to overwhelm him but it only took a moment and his thoughts were his once again. He smiled as the raging torrent of power was now at his command. So they doubt me? Kade thought as his breathing deepened and his pulse quickened.
Doren’s eyes widened as he could easily sense the Divine crashing through the Apprentice Chosen. He studied the young man, waiting. A hunger grew in him as he watched Kade fill with power.
“I hope you know what you are doing,” Darcienna said, but there was a glint in her eye.
“Trust me. They will not soon forget us,” Kade said with a snarl.
The queen followed Kade as he walked over to stand directly in front of the spider. He looked down at his victim and tried to imagine how the king would deal with this. It did not take long for Kade to know how he wanted to make his point.
“So, you question my abilities?” Kade asked dangerously. Even had Rakna not translated, he was certain the spider would have caught his tone.
“We saw nothing for us to respect. We took you easily,” the spider said, fidgeting slightly.
“Then you would have preferred me to do this,” Kade said as his arms became a flurry of motions.
The Lightning Calling exploded from his hand, racing over the ground, leaving a blackened trail to crash loudly into a nearby tree. The explosion shook the ground and the spider screamed in terror. The tree splintered, sending limbs, leaves and twigs high into the air to shower down around the spiders. The tree fell with a crash. Kade quickly spun into the moves for the Divine Fire Calling, creating as large a fire as possible and unleashed it on the fallen tree. It was engulfed in a blue flame that reached high into the air. Kade caught a look from Doren and was certain it was approval, but it was also something else. Hunger? The look was gone instantly. The spiders wailed in horror. The spider facing Kade cringed in horror and started to back away.
“And do not forget the dragon,” Kade said as he indicated Rayden. The dragon caught the mental request from Kade and roared loud enough to be heard for miles. It took another deep breath and then while sweeping its head back and forth, marched forward, bellowing its rage at the spiders. They shook in sheer terror. Rayden inhaled deeply and then in a dramatic show, unleashed his dragon’s breath on the tree. The heat had the spiders retreating to a safe distance, or it may have been the fear that almost had them running for their lives. The tree would be nothing but a pile of ash when it was done burning. Rayden stalked around the clutch of spiders as if he were hunting prey. His muscles were flexing as he slunk like a stealthy cat circling a helpless victim. He moved smoothly over the ground in a half crouch as he flanked the spiders, his head swinging back and forth as if trying to decide which one should be his next target.
Kade stalked the offending spider, matching its pace, keeping just inches between it and himself. “He could have killed half of you without effort. All I needed do was give him permission,” Kade said and then he paused, waiting for the full effect to hit them. “Do you really believe that I could not defend myself,” he said as he turned to look to the side as if the spider directly in front of him was of no consequence, “or do you understand that it is more accurate to say that…I showed you mercy?” he finished as he slowly turned back to glare dangerously deep into the spider’s eyes.
Kade knew, after watching the queen when they first met, that this was their way. If he wanted their respect, he knew he had to demand it along with earn it. He stared daggers at the spider. It started to wail.
“Understand that I will not tolerate this ever again,” Kade growled, imagining that this was exactly what the queen had said to the spider she had pinned during their first meeting.
“Chosen, please forgive me,” Rakna translated. The spider wailed and Kade knew it wanted to be anywhere but under his glare. “I meant no disrespect,” the spider babbled quickly as it proffered itself before Kade and begged for forgiveness. Rakna looked at Kade for a response.
“I am certain he will not make this mistake again,” Kade said. He looked at the spider queen and gave one slight nod.
Kade, again, thought back on how Rakna had addressed the spiders when they had first met and followed suit once more. He slowly stood and stalked among the clutch with the queen in tow. Any spider that appeared to challenge Kade got a glare that sent it to its knees.
“I am Kade, second in line after Crayken,” Kade bellowed, making eye contact with each spider, challenging any to speak out. “You will show me the respect due as second in line and as the vanquisher of the black leader,” he finished, moving to stand next to the royal couple.
“Your words are wise, Kade.” Crayken said. Kade could sense appreciation in the king’s tone.
“Are you sure you are not royalty born?” the queen asked.
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Kade said as he felt the weariness creeping in on him once more. “We must talk. I have news that I must share with you,” Kade said to the royal couple.
“Let us return to the great hall. We shall feed and then we can talk,” Crayken said.
“And maybe some rest,” Kade added.
“That was incredible,” Darcienna said as she wrapped her hands around his arm while they walked.
“When you said they treated you like a king, I did not know you meant they treated you as a king,” Doren said, impressed. Before they could take even one step, the Master Chosen continued to speak. It was clearly a tone that indicated that the Apprentice Chosen was to give the Master Chosen his full attention. “Kade,” Doren said, as he moved to stand face to face with the Apprentice Chosen with all the confidence of a master taking charge. “I would prefer if we were to see this doorway,” he said as he cast a glance around.
Kade’s eyes turned toward the cave. Doren saw where Kade’s eyes had gone and he quickly cast his eyes in that direction, too. Kade felt weary beyond words but he was not going to be able to disengage himself from this tangled mess of danger until the Chosen was shown to the infamous doorway to the dead. Kade looked at Darcienna who waved an agitated hand in the air as if to say, “Whatever.”
The king and queen both watched Kade for his decision. Doren was becoming increasingly irritated at the delay. When he realized that his decree was not followed immediately but was still waiting for the approval of the Apprentice Chosen, he started to lose his patience. His eyes went from the king to the queen and then slid to Kade, who was watching him. Kade quickly spared a glance for the king and queen. If he did not do something quickly, Doren’s anger would soon turn into rage. A Master Chosen was not used to being put off.
“The Master Doren needs to see the arch,” Kade said as he avoided catching Doren’s eye. He was not sure how he should handle the displeasure he knew was still there. Kade could feel the pompous man’s eyes boring into him. He felt his own irritation start to rise when Darcienna wrapped her hands around his arm and gently lead him toward the tunnel.
“This way,” Darcienna said sweetly over her shoulder.
“I shall come along, also,” Crayken added ominously. Kade spared a glance for the king but Crayken did not add anymore so Kade let it go.
Kade gave Crayken a smile and a nod of his head and then continued toward the cave. He shuddered as the memories of his last visit to the arch sprang into his mind as if he were here just minutes before. The smell of old, leather books came to him as if he were sitting in his master’s den. He felt the swirl of emotions begin to build. He closed his eyes and the face in the dark formed once again. He could not help but feel for the presence of his master.
Would Zayle attempt to contact me again? Kade asked himself. He forced his emotions to calm as he entered the cave. He glanced over to see the Master Chosen studying him closely. Most people would look away or make a gesture to smooth over the awkwardness of the moment but not Doren. He would look away when he was ready and he was not about to apologize for any odd behavior. He was the master. He was the one that was to be deferred to…or so he believed. Kade ground his teeth together in agita
tion as he attempted to control his ire.
“Kade,” Darcienna said, mirroring his own irritation but attempting to disarm the explosion that was just on the horizon, “we will be needing some light.”
She was quickly coming to the conclusion that she cared very little for this arrogant, rotund man. He may be a Master Chosen, but he was not her master. She glanced at Kade and knew she had to keep her own temper under control for his sake. She may not be subject to Doren’s whims but she was unsure how much Kade would be. She took in a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. Kade gave her a questioning look but she waved away his concern. Nothing she said was going to make any of this any better. As a matter of fact, she was sure it would only fuel Kade’s anger to know that she was feeling the same way.
“You are correct,” Kade said as he disengaged her hands from his arm. He felt a momentary regret at the absence of those soft, gentle hands as they slipped from his arm. Without a thought, he started to perform the Fire Calling and then stopped. No need for protection. It was obvious that there was no danger. The spiders had control of the cave and Kade doubted that anything was coming through the gate so he decided on the simple Illumination Calling. He grinned slightly to himself as he raised his hands, as if to light the way for Doren, and called on light…maybe a little too much light. Darcienna had her hands wrapped around his arm once again but this time she was squeezing in disapproval. Kade gave her what was supposed to be an innocent look but she only glared back until the light lessened. The Apprentice Chosen glanced at Doren and found the Master Chosen studying the light with his eyes narrowed as his mind worked.
He is trying to figure out what I did to call on the light, Kade thought in surprise. Doren had his left hand hanging at his side as he focused on the light coming from the apprentice. His fingers formed the shape of a bowl just like Kade’s. Is he actually going to attempt to make light? Kade asked himself incredulously. He watched Doren, his curiosity growing as he waited. Kade felt Doren draw in the Divine as he studied the apprentice’s hand. Kade focused to make sure he gave nothing away. The Master Chosen should have clearly known that it was not okay to attempt to learn a calling without being taught. But, the simple calling was too tempting for the man to pass on trying. There was one small exception that all Chosen allowed when trying to learn a calling without a book or being taught. It was called, The Taking in Plain Sight. Kade waited, almost eager to see the Master Chosen attempt the calling without learning it the proper way. Doren half raised his hand as he studied the light. Kade forgot everything else in the world as he focused on Doren.
The Divine Unleashed (Book 3) Page 2
