Page 159 of A Touch of Stars and Stones
“I agree.” His eyes flash anywhere but at me. “And you know I love Ever.” I narrow my eyes on him, and Micah backs up a bit. “But you weren’t there. You didn’t see what she did.” I stop, stare at him, and reach for what he’s feeling. He’s always defended her before. My power pushes out, but it meets a cold, hard wall. This time, solid and with no emotion or feeling resonating.
“We don’t have time for this, Micah. I need to know what’s going on, and if Ever is in the cells, get her the fuck out.”
“She spoke to the forest, and a Jarkoreth clawed Ascella half to death.”
“It wasn’t Ever who did any damage, so there’s no reason to condemn her,” I argue. But I remember running from one of those creatures years ago. It would be no work to have eviscerated Ascella if it wanted. And it wasn’t a common gift to speak to the forest. It was part of the whole myth and legend that ensured children kept their distance. The Jarkoreth were guardians, usually only attacking to defend themselves or those who wished to do the forest harm. A useful point, but one often forgotten if you were running through the trees after dusk and you heard one. Then, your fear took over and fed your speed with everything you had. Or at least that was my experience.
So why did it attack Ascella?
“I agree to the rescue, but, Ten, none of us know her potential. She’s a Fifth. And she does have a strange link to de?—”
“Don’t fucking finish that, Micah.”
He sits back down. “Is everyone locked up?”
“No.” I look back out the door to check that the hallway is still clear.
“Okay, I get you’re not in the best of moods, but communicating might help here.”
I turn back to him, and my jaw tightens. “Calix, Crimson, and Ever are all missing. The rest of the doors have locks. For some reason, I came here first.”
“Well, my guess is that they’re separating us.”
“Really? Your guess?” I jest. My patience is paper-fucking-thin.
“Fine, tell me what’s going on.”
“If I fucking knew that, I wouldn’t be here, would I? Look, they clearly don’t want us going anywhere. But they wouldn’t have singled out Crimson and Calix over anyone else unless it was Order business, so the perimeter alarm isn’t a falseone if they’re calling in all the Warriors.” The frustration and helplessness hit back at me. They didn’t include me because I’m not a Warrior. I’m a fucking Guard. So, my job is now to sit on the sidelines. Locked away. Tricking people with mind games.
Screw that.
“I’m going to see my father.” I head for the door.
“Like that’s a great idea. It was his trial.”
“This isn’t just about the trial.” I check that the junior officer is still out cold and step out, heading in the direction of the exit.
“Hold on, I’m coming with you.” Micah’s steps hurry from behind me. At least he keeps up.
As we leave the residence building and head for The Court, there’s no alarm, only an increased amount of movement in and around the watch tower. A stream of people dressed in black now line the river and the bridge. Defensive.
They’d send other quadrants to scout ahead, then position and deploy based on the intel.
The westerly tower is the largest and has the most strategic position. Depending on where the alarm first sounded and the direction of the threat, the Warriors will be moving in or reinforcing ranks.
The Court holds a naturally defensible position with the mountains to the north, the river, and the fact that The Court is constructed and carved out of the ground. History has proven its success with the rarity of any kind of attack.
If I were a betting man, I’d wager the west would be where our forces would need to be stationed or moved.
We approach the now heavily guarded bridge, and I wonder if we stand a chance of getting anywhere near The Court until I see a familiar figure walking towards us.
General Aster.
“Aten Ciro,” he greets. “I had it on good authority you were confined to your residence with the rest of the trainees.” He casts his narrow eyes over me and then Micah.
“Sorry, General. Your information is incorrect. I’d like to speak to my father.” I level my intent, but think better of trying to manipulate him.
“I’m sure he’ll be glad to speak to you after we have dispatched with this particular issue. Now?—”
