Banishment: Book 9 of the Heku Series

By T.M. Nielsen

Chevalier and Emily have reconciled and come to a silent agreement that will benefit not only their own family, but the Equites. Things are looking calmer until someone begins attacking women in the nearby mortal city.

Fighting over land in Europe, the Equites and Encala find themselves again at odds. The Encala Council steps into the friendship between Emily and Andrew and cause another rift between her and their faction.

Allen, Megara, and Alexis take it upon themselves to solve a problem in their family, hoping to keep Chevalier and Emily’s peaceful agreement intact. Will their initiative cause irreparable damage to an already precarious relationship with their mother?

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.M. Nielsen
• Release date: Feb 17, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466092440

T.M. Nielsen

T.M. Nielsen doesn't necessarily consider herself an author. She's an every-day woman who had a story to tell. Never intending to let anyone else read it, she decided to put it all down on paper. What she ended up with is a fascinating tale filling books full of drama, adventure, action, romance, and excitement.When asked why she decided to publish, she stated, "I want for others to be able to forget about problems in life and to lose themselves in my world... the world of the heku. While I write, I laugh, cry, grin, gasp, and my heart races. I want others to experience that too."T.M. Nielsen is a computer tech by trade and lives with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She's the author of Amazon.com's bestselling series The Heku Series and the Dimensions Saga, along with a Heku Series spin-off book called Return of the Encala. She's been listed numerous times on Apple's Breakout Books and on Amazon.com's top 20 in Fantasy.**** From TM ****I updated my books all the time! Check back often for new, cleaner versions. I can't afford an editor, but any time I hear of an error, I fix it immediately.

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Banishment

Book 9 of the Heku Series

By T.M. Nielsen

Published by T.M. Nielsen at Smashwords

Find us at

http://www.hekuseries.com/

Copyright © 2012 by T.M. Nielsen

Digital Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Many, many thanks again go out to my fans! It’s because of them that this 9th book was published. I thank you all for reading, and I hope the typos don’t deter from the story that I’ve told.

Emily and Chevalier will always be in my heart, and I truly hope they will be in yours, too.

Chapter 1

Emily ran through the dark streets. Her black cloak was wet from dragging over the rain drenched pavement. There was no fear, no worry, but she kept a steady pace to keep her distance. The heku behind her was being careful not to expose himself too early and risk getting caught. He blurred from shadow to shadow, slowly gaining on her.

She could see her breath in the frigid night air, and her fingers were numb from being in the cold. Her focus was the tiny park outside of the human city where her Jeep was parked.

When she rounded the corner and ran into the park, she smiled, and then stopped and turned to wait for the heku that was following her. He was faster now that they were out of the city, and he soon appeared and slammed into her full-force, knocking her down onto the wet grass. Before she had time to even scream, he was pulled off of her and pinned to the ground by Kyle.

Are you okay? Kyle asked her as his hand tightened around the heku’s throat.

Emily nodded and stood up. Yes, what an idiot. He didn’t even stop to threaten me or anything. Just… bam… food.

Kyle looked down at the heku. What made you think you were going to get away with this on Equites turf?

All the heku could do was croak and pull at Kyle’s fingers in a last-ditch effort to breathe.

Emily knelt down beside Kyle and looked at the heku. He’s not very big.

Kyle instantly broke the heku’s neck and then stood up and looked down with disgust. No, he’s not big, but he’s been on the loose killing mortals for almost five years.

Really? she asked, standing also. What took you so long to catch him?

Kyle looked at her and frowned. He’s an Encala. I was just told last week that he’d moved into my territory.

Emily smiled. Don’t get offended. It was an honest question.

I catch the heku I go after.

Yes, you do. With my help.

Kyle shook his head and pulled out the Chief Enforcer’s dagger.

Wait, what about a trial? Emily asked.

He doesn’t get one. I’m banishing him for 600 years.

Oh, well okay.

He smiled. Do you object?

Kyle was just toying with her. He knew how badly Emily hated the whole idea of banishment and thought it should be banned. Her thoughts on banishment had grown stronger in the three years since Sotomar’s punishment. She’d gone to the Valle four times begging for his release but so far had made no progress.

I won’t watch it, she said, and turned and walked back to her Jeep. She got in and started up the heater, then began to fiddle with her phone to keep from watching the heku get turned to ash. Only a few minutes later, Kyle climbed in and looked over at her.

Did you get hurt?

No

I smell blood.

Emily pulled out onto the abandoned street and started for Council City. I scraped my elbow when he tackled me. No surgery needed.

Damn, the Elder’s going to kill me.

Over a scraped elbow? He won’t be mad.

He will! I realize he’s let you help me a few times, but I don’t think he likes it, Kyle explained.

Emily grinned broadly. He hates it! I think it’s funny.

Yeah well, don’t push him too far. I know you two have a sort of understanding.

Understanding?

Yes, he’s backed off of being so protective, and you’ve stopped doing everything on your own. That doesn’t mean he’s okay with an injury though.

I’ll talk to him about it. It’s really just a scraped elbow.

Sure, Kyle said, and then nodded when the gate guards motioned for them to pass. The city was alive with heku doing their nightly shopping and visiting friends. It was very much unlike the dead streets Emily encountered when she went out for a nice morning run in the sun.

Chevalier and Mark were waiting in the garage when Emily pulled up. She smiled and cut the engine before stepping out.

Did you get him? Mark asked Kyle.

Yes, we did. It’s easy once they catch Em’s scent, he explained. It kind of takes the fun out of it though, no fight.

Chevalier’s eyes narrowed. I smell blood.

Emily reached out her right hand and pulled up the sleeves of her sweater, exposing a fresh abrasion. I scraped my elbow.

He bent down slightly to get a better look. That’s it?

Yes

Nothing else?

Nope, just the scratch.

He nodded and stood up. I’ll walk you up to bed, and then I have something I need to do.

Emily nodded and called out for hot cocoa before taking Chevalier’s hand and walking up to the fifth floor. Once in the bedroom, she sat down on the bear-skin rug in front of the fireplace and took the hot cocoa into her hands to warm them.

Chevalier sat in the chair beside her and smiled.

She looked up at him. What?

Did you fall?

No! He tackled me.

Wait, where was Kyle?

He was right there. This is the first heku that didn’t stop to threaten me or sniff me out. He just attacked.

Chevalier grimaced. Glad we got him then.

I hate that savoring crap, but it does give me a head start on ashing.

It’s not in our nature to attack without some kind of interaction. We like to prolong the experience and enjoy the moment.

Ew

He smiled. You could take Alexis up on her suggestion…

… no.

Just once?

No! I’ve been fed off of enough in my lifetime to know it’s not pleasant.

You’ve never let me do it right though.

No

He chuckled and stood up. Get some sleep. The Cavalry wants to head out by 10am.

Emily took a sip of her hot cocoa and nodded. I’ll be ready. Is Megs going?

No, she says she doesn’t like water.

That’s weird. Is Dain going?

He said he’s not going on vacation.

Peachy

Chevalier kissed her lightly on the top of the head and then disappeared from the room. After warming up, Emily got up from the fire and packed a bag for the week. She and some of the Cavalry were going out on the yacht because both Council City and the Island were doing turnings.

Once packed, she got into a nightgown and slipped into bed, quickly falling asleep.

***

Emily climbed up onto the bridge of the yacht and sat down next to Kralen. So, how’s it going?

Going great.

No Encala?

No

No dead mortals?

He chuckled. No, not even a storm in sight. Are you bored already?

No, I just came to visit. None of the heku down there will visit.

Yeah, the Cavalry on this trip are all native Powans, Kralen explained. They’re pretty staunch and believe you’re high ranking enough that they can’t visit socially.

That’s stupid, she said, wrinkling her nose.

That’s old-school heku.

What about the nervous looking heku that’s not on the Cavalry? What’s up with him?

Niccolo? He’s vying to get on the Cavalry, and Mark thought it would be a good experience to have him out here with you.

So the Cavalry are all watching how he interacts with me? Emily asked.

Kralen nodded. Pretty much.

Is he passing?

I don’t have reports yet.

Well, he looks like I’m going to die at any moment. He’s so nervous, that when I dropped my book, he dove for it and caught it when it was only an inch from the ground.

Kralen laughed. That’s great.

It’s sad is what it is.

We haven’t had any new openings for the Cavalry, and rumor has it that one’s coming. He jumped on the chance to take this mission.

Rumors? Don’t you know one way or the other?

Yes, and we have no plans. I’m not sure who started the rumor.

Emily leaned forward and looked down over the bow of the ship.

I get the feeling you want something, Kralen said after a few minutes of silence.

Is the Island tracking us this trip?

Nope

So let’s go visit our deserted island.

Kralen shrugged. Why would we want to do that?

Because it’ll be fun. It’s a gorgeous island, and we didn’t really get to explore it.

I don’t know if the Council would appreciate that.

Why wouldn’t they? The only reason the last trip was bad was because I was so burned, and Kyle was possessed.

I guess it’d be okay. It’ll take a few hours to get there, Kralen told her.

Emily smiled. Great! I’ll pack a picnic. It’ll be fun.

Kralen watched her disappear down into the living area as he started up the engines and turned for the island they had once been stranded on. Five hours later, Kralen stopped the yacht and looked over the island, seeing if he could catch anything suspicious.

After putting on some sunglasses, he climbed down to the lower deck and turned to Niccolo. Drop the anchor.

Yes, sir! he said a little too loudly, and then moved quickly to the back of the boat.

Kralen shook his head and looked over when Emily appeared carrying a bag and picnic basket. Are you ready?

Sure am, she said, and then stopped and looked over at the island. We can’t get any closer?

Nope, we can take the raft in though.

She nodded and put her things into the raft before being helped in by one of the Cavalry. They all waited for Niccolo to return.

Niccolo began to climb into the raft, but Kralen stopped him. You’re not going with us. You’re going to watch the boat and wait for our return.

I am? he asked, frowning.

Yes

Yes, sir, the heku said before stepping back.

Kralen smiled at his obvious unease, and then slowly lowered the raft into the boat. Once in the water, two heku began rowing toward the beach.

That wasn’t nice, Emily said to Kralen.

What?

Making the new guy babysit the boat.

He smiled. That’s what boots are for.

Boots?

The new guy.

You call him a boot?

Kralen simply grinned.

She just smiled and then sat back. When they reached the beach, Emily got out and waited for them to haul the raft safely out of the water.

It really is beautiful here, she said, looking in toward the trees.

Yeah, unless you’re feverishly trying to find a missing charge.

I’ll try to behave, she said, and then started inland.

Half of the Cavalry moved in front of her and began tearing a wide path through the trees. It wasn’t long before the dark shadows of the cave appeared. The makeshift beds were still mostly intact, except that the palm leaves were now bare twigs, and the few guard shirts left behind were ragged and falling apart.

Emily knelt down and took a drink from the cool stream, and then dug through her bag and pulled out a blanket to sit on.

So now what? one of the Cavalry asked.

Kralen shrugged and looked at Emily. What exactly did you want to do here?

Let’s have a picnic and then go for a swim.

Emily ate slowly as she watched the heku patrol the area around the cave, looking for anything dangerous. Once she was done, she tied her hair up and followed Kralen out to the secluded pond. The heku turned while she stripped down to just a bikini, and then watched when she began to wade into the water.

Once deep enough, she fully submerged and then surfaced and looked over. No one’s coming in?

Kralen turned to the heku. Anyone want to swim?

They all responded with a solid ‘no’.

What’s up with heku and swimming? she asked as she began to tread water.

We swim if we have to, Kralen explained.

Emily turned and began to swim out farther away from the shore. An hour later, they were all back in the small cave room.

Ready to head back? Kralen asked her.

Sure, she said, gathering her things. She wasn’t ready and wished they could stay, but the others seemed more on edge on the island, and she wanted them to be able to relax.

Kralen led the way back through the dense foliage, and then stopped when he got to the beach.

Emily moved beside him and frowned. Where’s the boat?

That’s what I want to know, he said, irritated.

Maybe this is the wrong beach.

No, our raft is here.

Would Niccolo play a joke on us?

Kralen hissed softly and walked out toward the water, carefully scanning the horizon.

No, he wouldn’t, one of the Cavalry whispered. His orders were clear, and he’s either broken them, or he’s in trouble.

Do you see the boat?

He shook his head. No, ma’am. I don’t.

Emily checked her watch. It’s going to be dark soon.

I’m going to kill him, Kralen growled as he walked back.

I hope he’s not in trouble.

Being in trouble is all that’s going to keep him alive.

Emily smiled and put her hand on Kralen’s arm. It’s okay. We’ll stay in the cave tonight, and maybe he’ll come back.

You two, Kralen snapped, pointing to two heku. You stay here and watch for Niccolo. If he comes back, secure the yacht, and then one of you come and get me. Don’t leave him alone.

Yes, Captain, they both said, and then turned to look out at the water.

How much food did you bring? Kralen asked Emily.

She looked down at the picnic basket. Just enough for lunch. I’m not going to starve to death though.

Go get bananas and coconuts, Kralen said to another heku, who immediately headed out.

Emily started back for the cave. It was now easy to find the way because the heku had broken a huge path through the trees. They arrived just as it started to get dark, and Emily pulled out the blanket and laid it on one of the wooden beds. She sat down and watched one of the Powans start a fire using old guard shirts as kindling.

An hour later, the food gathering heku returned with eight bundles of bananas and four coconuts. He handed a banana to Emily and put the rest on the other bed, so they would be out of the way.

What else do you require? one of them asked her.

Emily shrugged. I think I’m set.

She watched Kralen and one of the heku in the corner. She couldn’t hear anything or see their mouths move, but it was obvious that they were having a discussion. When they finished talking, it was apparent that both were livid.

Emily moved over and sat by the fire, and then pulled out her book to read. The heku were all too angry to speak, so she wanted to get some reading in and go to bed. She hoped they would be calmer when she woke up, and that they could all go exploring.

No one said anything when Emily put her book down and then laid down and rolled onto her side away from them. When she shivered in the cold night air, four guard cloaks were laid over her, and she was soon asleep.

The first light woke her, and she sat up and stretched. Boring night?

Yes, ma’am, one of the Powans said officially.

Where’s Kralen? she asked when she saw that some of the heku were gone.

He’s gone to see if there’s been contact with the boat.

Emily grabbed a banana and started to eat. She was a little sore from sleeping on a twig bed, but other than that, things were fine, and she wasn’t worried. She did think Chevalier was probably not going to find it amusing that they were again stranded on the same deserted island though.

When she had her fill of bananas, she stood up. Can we go look around?

For what, ma’am? one of the heku asked.

I don’t know. Just look around the island.

I’ll ask the captain, he said before disappearing. A few minutes later, he returned. Yes, we may, ma’am. We’re to have six with you though.

She smiled and then started out of the cave, heading north. The last time she took this route, she was so frantic and afraid that she hadn’t taken time to look around the island. The colors of the flowers were vibrant against the dark greens of the trees. It was completely silent as she zig zagged through the trees, often stopping to smell a flower or to look at an odd bug.

What is that? the closest heku asked while he covered his nose.

Emily immediately spotted the pungent yellow flower. She went over and smiled. Smells terrible, doesn’t it?

Yes, ma’am.

Maybe we should take one back for Chev.

He cringed. You want to torture the Elder with that?

Yeah, so maybe not, she said, and then lightly touched the strong smelling yellow nectar before wiping her hand on a tree and heading off again.

Emily looked over when one of the heku trailed off a bit and began pulling vines away from something.

What did you find? she asked, heading for him.

I’m not sure. There’s an old crate over here.

She stopped and watched him uncover it. We didn’t have any crates when we were here.

It’s too old to be yours.

The heku knelt down and ran his hand over a red, gold, and white coat of arms. This is the standard for Castile.

What’s that? she asked.

It was a kingdom that later turned into Spain.

What’s in it?

He reached up and started to raise the lid, but it crumbled in his hand, revealing clay pots. He picked one up and looked inside. It’s just spices.

Why would it be here? Emily asked as she picked up a jar and smelled the contents.

My guess is they got stranded here with some cargo.

Is it worth anything?

Nope, he said, standing up and brushing himself off.

Can I take some?

I don’t see why not.

Emily reached down and grabbed the two jars that seemed to be in the best shape, and then headed back for the cave. Kralen was there waiting and still looked extremely unhappy.

Still no sign, sir? one of the Cavalry asked him.

Not a one.

Emily sat down in front of Kralen and set the clay jars out. Look what we found.

He looked at them and frowned. What is it?

The crate’s finder turned to him. Sir, we found a crate from Castile. It was full of spices.

Interesting find.

She finally stood up and smiled at Kralen. We’re okay.

For now.

No, we will be okay here until someone comes for us.

If I get my hands on Niccolo first, he’ll pay for this.

I’m sure he has a good excuse. He’s too anxious to join the Cavalry to take off on his own.

Kralen simply growled softly.

Well, we’re good here. I have food and water. You all can feed off of each other.

What? Kralen asked, frowning.

A broad grin crossed her face. I wondered if you were listening.

That’s disgusting, he said, finally smiling. You’re not afraid?

Not at all.

We’re on a deserted island, and no one knows we’re here.

I trust you all to keep me safe. I’m good.

He nodded, surprised at her answer. Good to know.

I haven’t called for him, she said, looking up at Kralen.

Why not?

I don’t want to worry him. I get the feeling that Niccolo will be back.

You might as well call for the Elder. We could be here for a while if we don’t. No one will even know we’re missing for three more days.

You sure?

Kralen nodded. Yes, I’m sure. Let him know.

Emily hesitated and then silently called for Chevalier’s help. After eating more bananas, she sat back with her book and enjoyed the quiet island. The heku found various things to do but kept completely silent.

The second night was similar to the first, except for a rain started and thunder cracked above them. The lightning lit up the trees and Emily started to get spooked, though she wouldn’t admit it to the heku. They didn’t seem to be afraid of anything, and she didn’t want to appear weak.

One deafening crack of thunder made her jump though, and all she heard was Kralen’s chuckle from behind her before another guard cloak was laid over her gently.

When Emily got up the next morning, it was still raining and all of the heku except two were sitting around the walls of the cave.

Seeing she was awake, one of the heku reached out a cup to her. That might help.

She looked at it and saw it was a hollowed out half of a coconut. You made this?

Yes, ma’am.

She smiled. Thank you. I really like it. It’ll be nice to have something to drink out of instead of my hands.

He nodded and sat back against the wall. Emily scooped up some water and took a long drink before walking over to sit beside Kralen.

What’s going to happen to Niccolo if he’s not dead? Emily asked.

All of the heku looked over to listen when Kralen answered. It all depends. If I find him first, a lot will happen.

You’ll beat him.

Probably

What will the Council do?

More than likely he’ll be put into prison for a while, unless someone gets hurt out here, and then he could be banished.

She nodded and looked at the forlorn faces of the guards. We could play a game or something.

Someone’s coming, one of the heku said as they all stood up quickly.

Emily peeked around Kralen’s legs and then smiled when Chevalier appeared, looking angry. Chev!

He crossed his arms and looked at Kralen. Explain.

Elder, Kralen said, stepping back. Emily wanted to see this island again. I left Niccolo in charge of the boat, and he’s disappeared in it. We’ve not seen him.

Are you hurt? Chevalier asked, looking down at Emily.

No

No sign of him?

Kralen shook his head. No, Elder.

Mark walked up behind them and scanned the cave before turning to Kralen.

There’s not a lot to report. We got Emily food and water, and we’ve just been waiting, Kralen said.

Emily watched as Mark and Kralen spoke to each other too low for her to hear. She began gathering her things and was soon ready to go. Chevalier looked over her closely, but when he saw no injuries, he relaxed some.

We’ll use the radar in the boat to see if we can find him, Chevalier told them as they walked toward the beach.

Things were tense between Mark and Kralen, and Emily hoped she hadn’t gotten Kralen into trouble by asking to come here. She grabbed the coconut cup and the two clay jars and ran to catch up with Chevalier.

Emily stopped suddenly when the Coast Guard Cutter came into view. You called the Coast Guard?!

Chevalier looked over at the ship. In a way.

Her eyes narrowed. You have heku in the Coast Guard, don’t you?

He simply smiled and helped her onto the raft that had brought him to the beach. Two Coast Guard sailors had already tied the yacht’s raft to the side of the pristinely white vessel. It didn’t take long for the heku to row out to the Cutter.

As the raft was lifted up the side of the Cutter, Kralen turned to Emily. Only the captain and commander are heku.

She nodded, mentally noting not to say anything heku-ish around the sailors.

Emily followed Chevalier onto the bridge of the Cutter, where the captain and commander were waiting. They all walked into a side room, and Kralen shut the door behind them.

Oh good, you found them, the captain said, pleased.

Chevalier looked down at a large radar panel. We’re missing my yacht though.

Got away from you did it? the commander asked Kralen, smirking.

Kralen’s eyes narrowed. There’s a heku on board.

The commander’s eyes grew, and he looked down at the radar.

Do you see it? Chevalier asked him.

There are four smaller vessels within 32 clicks from here.

Emily moved forward and looked down at the screen. Green circles were the focal point, along with odd squiggly lines and tiny blips.

Where? Chevalier asked, looking down at the screen.

The commander reached out and pointed to four points on the radar, neither of which was blinking, as Emily thought they would.

How long would it take to get to each of them?

Not long. We could hit all four by nightfall, unless they start heading away from us.

Chevalier studied the radar and then looked up at the commander. One of these isn’t moving at all.

Right

Head to that one first.

The captain stepped out for a few seconds and then returned. Emily grabbed a hold of one of the tables when the boat shifted as it began to move.

It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Emily, the captain said, smiling down at her.

She smiled and then fell back into Kralen when the boat shifted again. He laughed and righted her.

Yeah, no sea legs, she said, blushing.

Chevalier turned to Emily. Before we get to the yacht, why the island?

She sighed. I’m sorry. I thought it’d be fun to have a picnic and a swim. I don’t think I broke any rules.

No, no rules broken. It’s just that you have such bad luck.

I know. Don’t get mad at Kralen. It was my idea.

I’m not mad at Kralen, though I want to get my hands on Niccolo.

Which reminds me, Emily said, looking from Chevalier to Kralen. I think when we get to the yacht, I should go on board alone.

Why? Chevalier asked.

I don’t think Niccolo needs killed for this. I can go on board and see if he’s there. If he is, I can find out why and mediate, so you don’t tear him apart.

It’s too dangerous. Something had to have happened for Niccolo to take off and abandon you there.

If it’s Valle or Encala, I can incapacitate them.

Chevalier thought for a moment. I don’t know if I like it.

Please, Chev, Emily said. Let me find out before you tear him apart.

It’s too dangerous, Kralen told her.

She finally nodded. Fine, but can I at least go with you? I can take care of any amount of heku that fit on that yacht.

Chevalier nodded. Yes. You can go with us. If I had to guess, it’s the Valle.

Why the Valle?

They are more apt to be out on a boat than any other faction.

Oh

Elder, we’re coming up on the first boat, the captain said after taking a message from the bridge.

They all walked out onto the bridge and looked over the crystal blue water and saw the yacht sitting quietly.

There’s no visible damage, the commander said.

Stop a ways out, Chevalier said. I don’t want to let anyone on board know we’re here.

Kralen took Emily’s arm and led her out onto the deck. She stepped into the raft, followed by Kralen, Chevalier, and the commander. Her stomach sunk when the boat lowered, and she put her hand over it to try to keep from throwing up.

Are you okay? Chevalier asked, studying her.

She nodded.

You’re turning green, Kralen said.

I’m okay.

The raft silently pulled up next to the yacht, and the heku listened carefully. Finally, Chevalier turned. I don’t hear anyone moving around.

Kralen nodded and quickly climbed onto the yacht. Chevalier helped Emily up, and soon, they were all standing on the front deck.

Chevalier motioned for Kralen to check the bridge. He headed toward the back deck while Emily went down below to the living area.

She stopped at the bottom of the stairs when she saw Niccolo kicked back on her bed with her book. He was oblivious to her presence, so he turned a page and kept reading.

Not sure what to do, Emily cleared her throat.

Niccolo jumped up and dropped her book. Lady Emily! You’re back.

She spun when she heard someone on the stairs. Kralen and Chevalier had