Child of Destiny (Prophecy Series Book 3) Page 4

  Laura remained seated.

  “I was trained by the most powerful wizard Najos has ever seen.” Brad walked around the table to her. “You will learn what I have to teach you.”

  “Xavien Broxen was a just and kind teacher.” Laura frowned. “You are nothing compared to him.”

  “I can teach you as Xavien never would. I’m going to open your magical abilities, and you will become powerful. Perhaps one day you will kill me, using the training I taught you. Isn’t that a reason to learn?”

  Laura glared. She had plenty of reasons to want to kill this man.

  Brad grabbed her arm and yanked her from the chair. “You will come with me, and you will learn your abilities.”

  “And if I kill you?”

  “Then your destiny will be sealed.”

  “You look like a common wench.” Brad frowned as Laura joined him in one of the study rooms.

  She looked around, her eyes glued to the tall bookshelves. Her mouth widened slightly as her hands dusted the leather-bound novels.

  “You seem comfortable.” Brad went to her and gently touched her shoulder. “I take it you enjoy books.”

  Laura nodded. She couldn’t tell him about home. She glanced around the rest of the room. There was a large oak desk with scrollwork carved into the wood, a high-backed chair, and several smaller seats. Laura noticed a floor-length mirror, and she let out a long breath. “So what kind of magic do you think I have? I’ve never done anything magical in my life.”

  “Because your power is dormant.” Brad pulled a thick book from one of the shelves and leafed through the pages. “I believe you are capable of going into the State of Caedis.”

  Laura frowned. “What’s that? I’ve never heard of it.”

  “Xavien feared and revered the State, but no one has been able to achieve such in centuries.” Brad smoothed the leather-bound book, flattening the yellowed pages. “The great sorcerer Javier Bellanthrop was the last known person to achieve the State of Caedis. He was a powerful man who could crush the life out of anyone he met.”

  Crush the life out? Laura’s mouth quivered, and she took a step back. “No. I won’t use magic to harm anyone.”

  Brad glanced at her. “This is your destiny.”

  “No.”

  “In the State of Caedis, you will be able to hold one’s life-force in your hands, and you will be able to control life and death itself.” Brad grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the mirror. “Take several deep breaths and look inside yourself.”

  Laura watched her reflection in the mirror, and she let her breathing become soft, slow. She didn’t know what he expected from her, but she wasn’t going to use her magic to kill. She wouldn’t be used as a tool for darkness.

  “Reach inside yourself and see if there’s something you can pull out.” Brad gently touched her back and brought a hand up to cover her eyes. “Close your eyes and visualize your magic.”

  It wasn’t right. Laura shouldn’t be trying to achieve a magical State, and she shouldn’t be learning from Brad. He was an evil murderer, and he would just try to make her like him.

  But if your magic can be used to control life and death, couldn’t you use your magic to help people?

  The voice sounded like her own, but Laura knew it was Megan’s in her head. Laura let out a slow breath, and she pulled out a dark ribbon inside her, through her veins and up to her eyes. Laura’s eyes opened, and she saw herself in the mirror. Her auburn hair was disheveled, and her normally silver-green eyes were a tar black.

  Laura gasped, and she was suddenly back to herself.

  “Good.” Brad grinned. “I was right. You are going to master the State of Caedis, and then you will be able to crush the Liberator’s heart in your hands.”

  ~ Chapter 7 ~

  Archer gently touched the device the magician, Drew, had given her. It looked like a slim bracelet around her right wrist, but the ruby in the middle was a magical device which would transport her to where Rickie was.

  Archer took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and gently touched the ruby. A bright light flashed under her closed eyelids, and Archer let loose a quick breath as unnatural wind whipped at her hood, trying to pull it back. She opened her eyes, and her eyes widened. She stood on a white sand beach, and the turquoise water surrounding her seemed to wash over her like the sky.

  “Hello.” Rickie rushed to greet her, a younger woman following behind. “I’m glad the fire messages are working to communicate.”

  Archer nodded as she looked at the other woman. Her dark hair resembled Rickie’s.

  “This is my sister, Angie.” Rickie introduced. “Welcome to Respa.”

  “Thank you.” Archer glanced up. “Where are we exactly?”

  “We’re in the middle of the lake, several feet underwater.” Angie gestured to the watery sky above them. “Many years ago, a tribe of Respans lived here, but King Girdo tried to kill all of them. He wanted to know the secret of their magic, of their city, but they died rather than tell him.”

  “Only one of the Respans made it out.” Rickie continued the story. “He works with us now.”

  “That’s incredible.” Archer had heard of the Respans. She knew how much Brad Killer had wanted their magic. The king’s sorcerer wanted to master and control as many kinds of power as he could.

  “This is Jon.” Rickie introduced as a man walked up. His right arm was covered in swirly black tattoos inked into his tan skin. His dark brown hair was long, tied back in a tail. Beside him was a man who had his own tail.

  “And this is Jeff.” Angie introduced as she tugged at her weapons’ belt.

  The man’s tail twitched to gently touch Archer’s gloved hand. She looked at him, sure she looked as confused as she felt.

  “You must be Archer.” Jeff grinned. “We’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “Drew and Rickie told us you were going to join our group.” Jon added with a nod.

  Archer’s fingers gently curled around the tail, and Jeff smiled. “It’s okay. You can touch my tail. Gods know everyone else does.”

  “It’s not every day you meet someone with an actual tail.” Rickie gestured for the others to follow.

  Archer trailed the leader of Ruccis to a small cabin.

  “This is where Angie and I live.” Rickie explained as she pulled up a chair. Twirling it on its leg, she sat on it backward, both legs straddling the side of the chair. She relaxed her arms on the curved top. “Jon, Jeff, and Drew live in the next cabin down.”

  “How many rebels live here?” Archer stood awkwardly to the side, crossing her arms.

  “Around thirty.” Jon’s fingers moved through a line of fruit on Rickie’s kitchen counter. “Some come and go, and we do depending on prophecies.”

  “Have you helped any come to pass yet?” Archer leaned against the side wall. It was sturdy and made of smoothed redwood.

  “Over twenty.” Drew was suddenly sitting in a chair opposite Rickie. “We helped Igor and Liana defeat the lord of Amarr, Moki discover her true destiny in Jontrel, Rain as she fought against Yaga-Yeva in Sibon, Allie and Greg overcome death in Illard, Kaelan and Iliana find peace between their families in Clematis, and Danika, Lucian, and Kenneth bring about a new age of peace to Gras.” He shrugged. “To name a few.”

  Angie gently adjusted her leather weapons’ belt. “I hope this prophecy comes to pass soon too.”

  Drew frowned. “In most of the other kingdoms, I can feel a connection to someone, even if it doesn’t manifest itself as something very important. I know that the ones who the prophecies are about exist and are out there. I can feel that girl’s destiny in Fedji. I don’t even know her name, but I know she’s going to bring down Queen Filia. I know there’s someone in Perso’s Creek who is being raised high noble. Her connection is like a spider’s web, multifaceted and strong. I can see the sorceress destined to bring Waden to peace, and I can sense there’s someone from Liad to end the pirating ways.” He shook his head. “But I cannot feel
the Liberator. I have no idea if she’s alive or even knows her own destiny. I’ve never encountered something like this before.”

  “Maybe she’s hiding from those who use magic?” Archer knew Brad Killer’s magic was powerful.

  “Whatever happens here, I know you are the final piece to our puzzle.” Drew looked at her with grey-green eyes. “You are meant to be part of this group Archer.”

  “Welcome to your destiny.” Jeff grinned, and his sky-blue eyes twinkled.

  She couldn’t reveal her smile, and she pushed it down. Ruccis was a group who would help her fight for her own destiny. She’d been working against the path others had pushed her down, and Archer finally understood the meaning behind everything that had happened to her in her own life. She felt sure about herself, surer than she’d ever felt before. Helping those in Goshen was the beginning of what fate had planned for her.

  ~ Chapter 8 ~

  The red flames reminded Derek of Megan’s auburn hair. Though they had only met that one night, he couldn’t get her out of his head. Her eyes, her smile, and her courage stayed with him. He should have run off with her that night, instead of releasing her once Lord Scott had given up the location of his weapons.

  “How long have you worked with the rebels?” Tobin gazed at the flames dancing in front of him.

  Derek looked at the man beside him. “About three years.” He paused. “What’s your wife’s name again?”

  “Laura.” Tobin’s fingers hunted for a stick near him. “She’s the most incredible woman I’ve ever met. She’s smart and loyal, brave and beautiful. She’s everything a man could ask for in his wife.”

  Like Megan was to him. Derek nodded.

  “Are you married?” Tobin looked at him with chocolate brown eyes.

  “No.” Derek glanced at the fire, the flames continually burning like Megan’s locks. “I haven’t found the one yet.” He wouldn’t reveal his true desires to anyone. Not even Fred or Abby knew about Megan.

  “One day.” Tobin whispered. “Hopefully she won’t get ripped away from you as soldiers try to kill you.”

  “I want to bring peace to this land, so everyone can be with the person they love.” Derek paused. It had been a while since he’d thought about his uncle.

  “Well said.” Tobin nodded toward the fire. “Your sister and Fred can sleep through anything.”

  Derek chuckled. “Very true.”

  “Laura and her sister were always light sleepers.”

  “I wish I could sleep as well as Abby.” Derek glanced to his sister.

  “Why are you traveling so much instead of returning home and training?” Tobin grabbed a piece of wood and tossed it into the blaze. The fire hissed and sparked.

  “We’ve talked about going back.” Derek shrugged. “But I enjoy traveling and helping people fight against soldiers.” He looked at the other young man. “We wouldn’t have been able to pull you from the river if we hadn’t been fighting out here.”

  “True, and I am very grateful that you did pull me out. I’m also grateful that you’re willing to teach me to use weapons.”

  “Once we return to camp, you’ll be able to learn from Ruccis. They’re a group destined to help those connected to prophecy. You can learn knife fighting from Jon or sword fighting from Angie. They’re all experts at their skills.” Derek flinched as he saw something reflect the moon a few yards past his sister. “What’s that?”

  But it was too late to be cautious. Four soldiers charged the group.

  “Abby and Fred, get up!” Tobin growled as he grabbed the sword they had given him.

  Derek jumped and grabbed his unsheathed blade, trying to jump over the fire. The flames licked his legs, and he dodged to the side.

  Abby screamed as one of the soldiers grabbed her arms. Fred’s eyes shot open as another soldier punched his face.

  “Is this the right one?” The soldier choked Abby.

  She struggled against him, but the soldier held her, so her feet couldn’t touch the ground.

  “Dark hair and bright brown eyes.” Another soldier replied.

  Derek tackled the soldier as Tobin slashed at the one who held Abby.

  A man appeared in the fire, the flames feeding into his skin, and his amber eyes burned. He thrust his hands forward, two fireballs soared toward Derek and Tobin. They jumped out of the way, and the fireballs spun, swirling around Abby.

  “You have powerful Sight.” The sorcerer smiled. “The king will have great use of you.”

  Abby’s bright brown eyes almost glowed in the reflection of the fire. “I will never serve the king.”

  “But you shall.” The sorcerer stepped out of the fire.

  Derek rushed the man, but the sorcerer thrust his hand out once more, a line of fire shot toward Derek, striking his chest and knocking him to the ground.

  ~ Chapter 9 ~

  Laura stared out her window, sitting on the comfortable bench wrapped below the frame. She wondered where her sister was and where Tobin’s body had washed up. A small part of her hoped someone had pulled him out of the rushing water, but she was afraid to believe he was still alive. She didn’t want her broken heart to mend, only to be shattered once more.

  “Laura.” Montiel opened her door, peaking her dark-haired head inside.

  Laura turned and stood, smoothing her lace skirt. She finally dressed in the opulent fashion of the nobles. “Good morning Princess.”

  “Please call me Montiel.” She stepped inside. Laura looked the young woman over. Princess Montiel was flawless, her skin radiant, and her hair thick. She glowed when she smiled, and her brown eyes were full of emotion. Montiel looked like she was meant to wear silk and lace, diamonds and other jewels. “My uncle wanted you to join us at court today. He wanted to show you how he runs the kingdom. Brad suggested that you learn more about him, so you will be the one deciding your fate.”

  “Even though my destiny is already written?” Laura followed the princess. She was surprised how the king seemed to want her to make her own choice. She wasn’t going to be forced to be the Chain, even if they believed she was destined.

  Montiel nodded. “I hope our friendship will help you decide your future.”

  Laura glanced at her, and the princess kept walking down the hallway.

  Court was a large room with a high throne. King Girdo sat on the throne, watching as soldiers dragged a man in front.

  “What brings you here?” Princess Celeste asked from her seat beside her uncle.

  “My family is starving.” The man dropped to the floor and kept his head down. “Please, we need help.”

  “Why is your family starving?” Princess Celeste demanded.

  Laura stared at the beautiful, blonde princess. Her face was as flawless as her sister’s, but Celeste’s had a hard edge to it. Montiel was the softer one; the perfect person to turn Laura into the monster they all believed her to be. But Laura would remain strong, and she would never forget what Brad had stolen from her.

  “We don’t have enough money to buy seed for our fields.” The poor man explained.

  “Your life will be the payment for your family.” Celeste replied with a wicked smile. “Guards, take this man to the prisons.”

  “Thank you, Princess.” The man whispered as the soldiers grabbed his arms and dragged him from the room.

  Laura glared at the younger princess. These royals had no empathy, no compassion. Instead of helping their people, they punished them.

  “Let’s take our seats.” Montiel gently tugged Laura next to her as they walked into the large room.

  “Awe, welcome to court Lady Laura.” King Girdo stood and went to her. “I see you are bonding with my niece.”

  “She’s kind.” Laura answered.

  King Girdo took Laura’s hands, and she tried to pull them free. He held onto her fingers and smiled. “You will see how I rule court my dear, and I have a feeling you will be pleased with much of what you see.”

  Montiel gently took one of Laura’s
hands from her uncle and glided her toward their seats beside Celeste. King Girdo returned to his tall throne.

  “This young lady wished to speak with you.” One of the soldiers shoved a young woman with strawberry-blonde hair.

  She straightened her cotton skirts and glared at the soldier. “Your men are rather rough.”

  “They are here to protect us.” Celeste responded. “What do you wish to say to us?”

  “I want to be queen.” The woman smoothed her strawberry-blonde hair back. “I came here to help you find the Liberator, and as payment for my services, I want to be your queen.”

  “Who do you think you are?” Brad frowned.

  “My name is Princess Gabrielle Leifton.” She gave him a coy smile as she tossed him a ring. “I am here to tell you how to defeat my brother and the Liberator. My brother will never be king.”

  Laura stared at the young woman. How was that possible? The Leiftons were kind, honest rulers. Their daughter couldn’t be so cruel.

  “If you’re married to me,” Gabrielle went on, “then your claim to my parents’ throne will be legitimate, and the rebels will be forced to accept you as king.”

  “Why don’t we kill your brother now and get married?” King Girdo stared between her and the ring.

  “My brother is the Bloodline Prince, destined to fall in love with the Liberator.” Gabrielle explained. “He’s the key to finding her. As I understand it, you’ve found the Chain. Once my brother falls in love, we will know which woman to have the Chain destroy.”

  I will not destroy the Liberator.

  “How do you know all of this?” Brad demanded. “How do we know this isn’t a trap of some kind?”

  “My brother and I have been raised among the rebels since Xavien saved us as children. Neither of us knew who we were, but one of my friends is gifted with Sight. She told me that she saw my brother as king. It’s because of her visions that I know who we are, and I know that I’m not going to be there when my brother becomes king. I know my path, my destiny, and I will be queen one day.”