The Claiming of Carathis

By T.M. Nielsen

Kyrin has to make the impossible decision on whether to save the dimensions and protect Paragoy, or follow her heart and let the dimensions suffer.

Sedomer and Ryche continue their mentoring, amid trying to grow up and be the nobles they were destined to be. Their faith is tested and they struggle to live up to their potential.

The new King of Qualsax turns out to be much more involved with his kingdom than his father, and in his bid to prove his power, he oversteps and the summons the wrath of Valhara.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.M. Nielsen
• Release date: Jun 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301515608

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.

Book preview

The Claiming of Carathis

Dimensions Saga Book 6

By T.M. Nielsen

Published by T.M. Nielsen at Smashwords

Find us at

http://www.dimensionssaga.com

Copyright © 2013 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. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter 1

That’s six attacks, not five, Alric corrected. He sat at the head of the table of the Valharan War Council as they decided a course of action. The Qualsax had attacked numerous times, and it was becoming bothersome.

How do you get six? Finn asked him.

Kyrin was attacked by twelve Qualsax last week.

I didn’t hear about that.

Neither did I, Alric said. I’m learning that Kyrin’s hiding attacks from us, but there are ways to tell.

Like what?

Like I found bloody rags at the bottom of the laundry pile that she’d used to clean her flail.

Why is she keeping that from us? one of the knights asked.

She dealt with it by herself.

We should still know.

I’m aware of that, Alric said.

Finn interrupted them, You just don’t know Kyrin well enough. Once she slaughtered the twelve Qualsax, she considered it fully dealt with and saw no reason to bother anyone with it.

We have to count those in our discussions, one of the priests added.

I agree, but Kyrin’s not going to come out and tell us.

Is she attacked often?

Alric shrugged. That, I don’t know.

She won’t tell us, Finn said. She still has a hard time turning problems over to someone else. We will tell you when we find out, but there’s no real way to be certain we have them all.

Will she tell Emerisa? one of the knights asked. Everyone in town knew that Kyrin and Emerisa were close.

No, she won’t. Emerisa is deathly afraid of the Qualsax, and Kyrin doesn’t want to compound those fears.

Saith decided to change the subject to get pressure off of the king for his wife’s behavior. I don’t understand how the Qualsax can justify attacking Valhara just because our king killed theirs. It was warranted action, and the former Qualsax king’s son was in the process of poisoning him anyway.

He’s just looking for any reason to prove to the people of Qualsax that he’s fit to lead them, Finn explained.

How old is King Qualsax now?

Alric shrugged. We have some sources that claim he’s only 23.

So young.

Still a threat. He’s rasher than the former king, and he’s not quite as lazy.

He’s not lazy at all. He has fighting skills, unlike the former king. He also has more of a violent streak in him.

Which is all the more dangerous.

So, it’s settled then? Finn asked the king.

Yes, now that King Qualsax has set his sights on my sons, we have doubled the knights at both schools.

Saith nodded. They are so close to being done with school that we hesitated to pull them out. As it stands, no one can enter either school without getting through knights.

Didn’t Kyrin do something to the schools? Finn asked. He smiled crookedly. I heard from the Head Master at Philair that she was outside of the school casting something.

Alric chuckled. Yes, she did. I’ve spoken to both Head Masters and there’s no harm in the spell she cast, so we’ve left it alone.

What does it do? Saith asked him.

We aren’t entirely certain, but it has something to do with detecting if someone has ill-will toward Kyrin.

Who does it alert?

We think it tells Kyrin.

Would she inform you if she is alerted by it?

I doubt it.

Saith just nodded and sat back.

Both Kyrin and I will feel better when the twins are here though, Alric said.

That will be soon.

We’ve arranged mentors for both of them when they return to the castle.

Kyrin doesn’t know though, Finn added. She thinks that Saith and Alric will take over the rest of their training.

Why does she care which knight or which priest does it? one of the knights asked.

She doesn’t trust the knights, and she’s still on the outs with Sithias.

He nodded, clearly uncomfortable that the Lady of Valhara was denying her loyalty to their god.

Is that it then? Alric asked.

Finn nodded. Yes, we’ll meet in two weeks.

Everyone left the room except Saith, Finn, and Alric. Finn shut the door and sat down again.

Okay, let’s get this meeting over with, Alric said. Finn, how are the knights holding up with the constant attacks?

Fine, sir, Finn told him. We have solid rotations, so they are getting time for rest. Luckily, the Qualsax are staging minor attacks and nothing big.

And the priests? Alric asked the High Priest.

They are keeping busy healing the knights, Saith told him. We have no real concern as far as battles, but we do help those who come to us.

Have you seen any serious injuries?

Just when Finn’s group ran into the Qualsax ambush two weeks ago.

Finn still fumed over that encounter. Bloody Qualsax were hiding up in the trees.

And what from Dewell? Alric whispered. Just in case Kyrin was around, he didn’t want her to hear this part.

Saith moved closer and lowered his voice, Nothing but minor scrapes. Kyrin still thinks he’s keeping it secret from us all, so she feels like she can go to him if she’s injured.

We need to keep it that way, Finn commented.

The worst he’s seen is a burn she came back with when she was out one morning.

Burn? Alric asked.

Yes, she kept tight-lipped about it. Dewell said it looked like a spell burn. He wasn’t able to get out of her if it was accidental, or if it was done during an attack and a spell ricocheted and hit her.

That doesn’t sound like anything we need to handle then, Alric said. I just want to know if things are getting out of hand. She spends most of her time out of the castle, and I’d hate to think she got seriously injured in the process.

Today though, she’s with Emerisa, Finn said. I heard they were taking the kids fishing.

You’re okay with that? Saith asked him. They could easily get attacked out in the woods without knights.

She’s with Kyrin. I trust her implicitly.

Alric smiled and nodded. Kyrin won’t let anything happen to Emerisa or Belia.

***

Try again, Emerisa said, watching the tiny box on the ground.

Kyrin checked to make sure that Rodrick and Belia were occupied fishing, before turning back to the box. She rubbed her hands together and put them out just as she said, Bel’lorotha.

Green lightning shot out of her hands and slammed into the box, sending it high into the air. When it landed, the box was smoking but didn’t seem to have any damage at all.

Emerisa picked up the box and tried to open the lid, but it was sealed shut. This isn’t working.

Let me see, Kyrin said, taking the box. The tiny wooden box had Tiasis’ symbol etched into the top. Kyrin had found it out in the woods one day, but she hadn't been able to open it yet.

If I had to guess, Emerisa said, you might have to be a Tiasis follower to open it.

There are no shadow elves though.

The trolls follow him now, too.

Oh, right, Kyrin said, and looked around the trees. I could go to the troll city and see if I can get one of them to open it.

Emerisa’s nose wrinkled. I’m not sure that’s a good idea.

True

Mom? Rodrick called out. Kyrin looked over just as he pulled a squirming fish out of the water.

Great job, Rod, Kyrin said, walking over to him. She picked up the fish and pulled the hook from his mouth.

Belia screamed when the fish got near her. She ran back to her mom and hid behind Emerisa’s skirts.

Can we eat it? Rodrick asked proudly.

Kyrin shrugged. Sure, why not?

Rodrick smiled as Kyrin pulled a dagger from her pocket and quickly gutted the fish. Emerisa watched when Kyrin piled wood and used a spell to catch it on fire. Soon, Rodrick was sitting down to eat his recently cooked catch.

Why are you hiding? Kyrin asked Belia. The 6-year-old was still behind Emerisa, even long after the fish was cooked.

It’s nasty, the young girl said.

What is?

Fish

Hmm, okay.

Belia watched as Kyrin dug around in her bag and pulled out an apple. After casting on it and cooling it off, she handed the cooked apple to the young girl, who giggled and took it over by Rodrick to eat.

What are you going to do with the box? Emerisa whispered to Kyrin.

Kyrin turned toward her so the kids didn’t hear. I don’t really know. I want to know what’s in it.

Now, so do I.

I think I need a trip to Aloria to see if I can figure out how to open it.

How is a trip to Aloria going to do that?

I’m not sure. It’s a place to start though. There’s still a temple standing there.

You aren’t allowed into Aloria though.

Kyrin looked down at the amulet hanging from her wrist. Emerisa took that opportunity to check on the kids. She hated when Kyrin got mad about the amulet, because she usually ended up bashing Sithias, which made Emerisa uncomfortable.

When she heard someone approaching, Kyrin quickly tucked the box into her bag and turned toward the sound. Her hand rested on the flail at her side, just in case it was another attack.

Emerisa didn’t notice anything until Finn and two of the knights walked into the clearing.

How’s the fishing? Finn asked, coming up to Kyrin.

Fine

You don’t have to un-holster your flail because of us.

She smiled and moved her hand. Habit.

Well, keep that habit. I don’t like you two out here with the Qualsax running around.

We haven’t seen anyone but you.

Daddy! Belia yelled, and ran at Finn.

He smiled and picked her up. Having fun, princess?

Uh hu. Rod caught a fish.

You didn’t?

No, but I don’t put worms on my hook.

You don’t? Kyrin asked her.

The tiny girl shook her head.

Why not?

It’s yucky.

Oh, of course, Kyrin said, laughing. She found Finn and Emerisa’s little girl amusing. She’d never before met a girl who was so squeamish or proper. It was also obvious that the girl had a crush on Rodrick, and Kyrin liked to see their interactions.

Okay, Finn, Emerisa said, walking up to them. You said you’d talk to her when we were together.

Talk to me about what? Kyrin asked him.

About the step one graduations.

What about them?

I heard the king mention that you are planning on attending.

Of course I am. They’re my sons.

I just wondered if you would be going in shadow elf leather.

Kyrin smiled broadly. Is that what the schools are afraid of?

I don’t know about the Head Masters, Finn told her. That’s what I’m afraid of.

Why do you care?

I care because it’s a formal occasion, and the graduation hall will be filled with Valharans.

Oh, I get it. You don’t want me embarrassing the noble family.

That’s not what I meant.

Doesn’t matter. I will be there, and I will be wearing formal.

No leather?

No leather.

No flail?

Don’t push it, Kyrin said, and went over to gather the fishing supplies.

One of the knights helped her collect all of the fishing gear, and once Rodrick was with her, they started back for the castle. She knew that Finn and Emerisa were talking behind her, but she trusted Emerisa not to tell him about the box she’d found.

Kyrin cursed when she saw the knights take off into the trees. She’d missed something, which irritated her. Before Emerisa could argue, Kyrin ran after them, her flail already un-holstered.

She easily caught up with the knights and passed them. By that time, she saw the Qualsax disappear into the trees ahead of her. One of the knights yelled for her to wait, but she ignored him and soon lost sight of the knights. She was so focused on the Qualsax that she didn’t care that she was alone.

With her speed boots, she easily caught up with the eight warriors and had slammed her flail into one of their helms before they even stopped.

They turned on her, swords ready, but she shocked them when she attacked without speaking to them. The Qualsax were famous for trying to intimidate those they were fighting, by threatening first. Kyrin didn’t want to waste time talking, but they hadn’t figured that out yet.

The warrior with the dented helm was her first target. She dodged a sword strike and hit him again. This time, the balls of her flail broke his helm in two, and it fell to the ground with a loud clank. Now that his head was unprotected, he fell easily with one more hit.

Kyrin turned just when a sword hit her right arm, slicing into it. She wasn’t in her shadow elf gear, and she was mad at herself for not putting it on. Switching her flail to her left hand, she turned and faced the seven remaining Qualsax.

Ready to come with us? one of them asked her. He smiled and winked when she looked over at him.

It infuriated her that he thought she would surrender, so he became her next target. He screamed angrily when Kyrin blocked his first attack, and she jerked back, using the chains on her flail to disarm him.

The second his sword flew into the trees, the rest of the Valharans appeared. Finn came into the clearing first, and he used his sword to block a hit that was coming toward Kyrin from behind. In one movement, he slid his sword out from the other and slashed, removing the arm of the Qualsax.

It was only a few seconds before the knights outnumbered the Qualsax. Kyrin faced off with one of the warriors, and he barely had time to attack. She furiously swung her flail, even after she’d cracked his breastplate, and it was lying on the ground at his feet. Once he fell, he brought his arm up to block his head, but it was almost instantly shattered. Blood flew around her as she pummeled the warrior, long after he’d quit breathing.

Finn made sure there were no Qualsax left before he turned to Kyrin. He expertly swung his sword around and readied to block Kyrin’s flail. He knew she wasn’t going to stop bashing the dead Qualsax, so he was going to have to stop her.

When her flail hit his sword, she turned and swung at Finn, but he was ready and dodged easily. He was shocked when she saw it was him and stood up straight, calming quickly.

Kyrin holstered her flail and looked around at the carnage.

You’re hurt, Finn said, looking at her arm.

She ignored him and bent down to look at the Qualsax she’d killed. He’s young.

Yeah, he is.

Why would they send out such young boys?

Finn shrugged. The new Qualsax king is ruthless. He doesn’t care what age they are, just like he doesn’t care if he sends them out here to die.

She stood up, still watching him. Maybe they need yet another new king.

I think replacing one Qualsax king is enough.

Unless this doesn’t stop.

Now can we have your arm looked at? Finn was getting nervous about how badly the wound was bleeding. It didn’t escape his notice that she refused to acknowledge the fact that her arm had blood pouring out of it.

I wish you wouldn’t take off without us, one of the dimension knights said, walking up to them.

It’s not my fault that you’re slow.

We don’t have those fast boots though. Even without armor we can’t keep up.

I can handle them myself.

I’m aware of that. I would just prefer if you wouldn’t.

Why would I slow down and wait for you? Kyrin asked him.

Kyrin! Finn yelled.

What? She looked over at him.

Your arm.

Kyrin finally looked down at her wounded arm. Damn, he got me worse than he should have.

Which is why I want a priest to look at it.

She sighed. He never should have gotten a hit off on me.

We get hit, Kyrin, Finn explained.

I don’t!

Yes, you do. Now let’s go have it looked at before you bleed to death.

I’m not going to bleed to death, she said, and then sat down beside one of the corpses and started to go through her bag.

No, Finn said, pulling her to her feet. You’re not treating that. You’re going to a priest.

Says who?

I say. Finn started to drag her toward the city.

You can’t boss me around.

He didn’t answer, but he didn’t stop pulling her either.

Doesn’t it hurt? the dimension knight asked, catching up to them.

No

She doesn’t feel pain until the anger wears off, Finn told him.

What do you mean? Kyrin asked.

Just what I said. I’ve noticed that you don’t feel pain when you’re fighting.

How do you do that? the knight asked her.

I don’t.

Yes, she does, Finn said. When’s the last time you saw her show any pain at all during a fight?

Come to think of it, I never have.

Exactly

That’s rather impressive.

No, it’s not. Pain keeps us from hurting ourselves worse. She doesn’t feel pain, so she has no reason to stop fighting.

I’m not going to the temple, Kyrin said when she started to calm more.

Yes, you are, Finn told her.

Kyrin planted her feet, and Finn jerked to a stop.

I’ll carry you. Finn moved toward her.

I’ll go see Dewell in the castle.

Dewell’s at the temple right now.

How do you know?

I just do.

Then I’ll wait for him.

No, Finn said, and threw her over his shoulder.

So help me, Finn! I am too old for this.

Then act like it, he said. He stormed into the temple, still carrying Kyrin, and the priests watched him with wide eyes. They were waiting for her to attack him.

Is there a problem? Saith asked, stepping out of his office. He had to stifle a grin when he saw that Finn was carrying Kyrin, and she was still screaming at him for it.

Finn gently set her down. She’s hurt.

Come, let me look, the High Priest said, motioning to a back room.

Where’s Dewell?

You would rather he look at you?

Yes

Then I will send him in.

Kyrin glared at Finn and then stepped into the room to wait for Dewell.

Just when the door shut, she heard Finn telling Saith about the latest attack.

***

Kyrin cringed when she saw the entire audience turn toward her and Alric. When nobles entered, trumpets blared and everyone stood up and turned to face them.

Even though her flail was under her skirts, she felt under-armed and wished that she wasn’t in a noble dress. Alric was at ease being in front of the people of Valhara, but she preferred to stand back and let him take center stage.

She liked the graduation at Afteses, the priest’s school. The quiet priests were sworn into priesthood in a quaint ceremony with only the High Priest of the school, the graduate, and their parents.

The affair for the knights was much grander. She was reminded that tradition had to be upheld and that the fact a noble was graduating made the ceremony even bigger. The second it was known that Kyrin would attend alongside Alric, the Philair graduation doubled in size. Everyone wanted to see the king and his evil, magic using wife.

Kyrin tried to focus on Ryche, who was standing now to watch the King and Lady enter, even though he was also a noble. She wondered why he was sitting in front, but figured it was because he was to be a Holy Knight.

She sat first when Alric motioned for her to do so. He sat beside her, followed by everyone else in the audience. She felt conspicuous in the full-length dress and crown, but had sworn to Alric that she would wear it to be official.

Alric took her hand when he saw how nervous she was. He understood how hard it was for her to be in front of the people of Valhara, but he was proud that she’d done it for her son. Sedomer was seated beside her, and Rodrick was beside him. Only Ryche was missing, but it was his moment to graduate.

Kyrin hated the entire ceremony. When you graduated from the Shadowmere’s training, you were handed a shield and a sword and sent out to try and stay alive. She didn’t miss having a huge ceremony with commendations and acts of valor listed. She became even more irritated when some of it had to be read.

Even though Alric assured her that the school was well guarded, she couldn’t help but check often to make sure her flail was on her thigh. Alric smiled when she checked it every few minutes.

Sedomer finally reached over and took her hand, hoping to keep her from pulling her flail out. He squeezed it and smiled when she looked at him. Finn and Emerisa attended at Alric’s request. They were seated beside Rodrick, and Finn had Belia on his lap.

The young girl was dressed up, and her blonde hair was in soft ringlets. She and Rodrick kept talking about something, and every time Kyrin looked over, Belia was giggling. She was amazed at how interesting the girl was. This was the first female child Kyrin had ever not despised from the second she saw her.

Kyrin was always secretly happy that her children were boys. The ingrained hatred of girls was too deep, but now she began to wonder what it would be like to have a daughter. This little girl was nothing like girls of the dimensions. They were often killed because they couldn’t be sent out to hunt for food like boys could.

Kyrin had watched Belia with a strange fascination. It was interesting to her how she had Finn wrapped around her tiny, delicate little finger.

She jumped slightly when everyone started to clap, and it broke her concentration. She forced a smile and clapped also, even though she wasn’t paying enough attention to know why. The last thing she wanted to do was let Alric know that she was having thoughts about a daughter.

Kyrin vowed to pay attention to the rest of the ceremony. Although assured that the night would be Qualsax free, she also wanted to concentrate in case they attacked the graduation hall.

The ceremony was longer than anyone expected. Halfway through, Rodrick moved to Kyrin’s lap and was soon asleep against her chest. Sedomer kept yawning, but somehow, Alric stayed perfectly still and paid close attention to every word that was said. Kyrin fought to keep her mind in the now, but it got harder and harder.

Lastly, the Head Master said. We want to honor the King and Lady of Valhara, who are here tonight to oversee the step one graduation of their son, Ryche, as a Holy Knight of Sithias.

Alric stood and put a hand out to help Kyrin up. Still carrying sleeping Rodrick, she stood also and tried not to do anything stupid when all of the people clapped.

Kyrin glared at Finn when she saw him crack up over her discomfort. He finally just grinned and then turned to Emerisa when she slapped him on the arm.

When the ceremony was finally over, Alric and Kyrin waited for the audience to leave the hall before walking down to talk to the Head Master. He was with Ryche on the stage when they walked up.

It’s good to see you, my King, he said, bowing to Alric. He then turned to Kyrin and put his hand out. It’s good to see you again, my Lady.

Kyrin inwardly grimaced but put her hand in his. She hated this tradition but had sworn to herself to do as she was supposed to. He lightly kissed her hand and then turned to Ryche.

We’re very proud of him, the Head Master said. He is graduating from step one at the top of his fighting class.

That’s good to hear, Alric said, patting his son on the back.

He has your fighting style, the Head Master told him. I was quite surprised at how similarly you fight.

We’ve sparred enough. That doesn’t surprise me.

It’s good to finally meet you, my young High Priest, he said to Sedomer.

Sedomer nodded. It’s an honor to meet you. You’re quite legendary in my school.

Oh?

Yes, our Head Master said you went to school together before heading out for Philair.

Yes, yes we did, he said, smiling broadly.

Kyrin couldn’t help but scan the room again. Her eyes fell on a single person still sitting on one of the chairs in the back of the room. Her eyes narrowed, and as they adjusted to the low light, she noticed it was a young girl with brown hair and a simple white dress. She wasn’t moving but was watching them all. When the girl saw that Kyrin had seen her, she stood up and disappeared out the back door.

Who was that? Kyrin asked, still watching where the girl had left.

Who? Alric asked her, following her gaze.

The girl who was sitting back there. She just left.

That would probably be Nia, the Head Master said. She is my daughter.

Kyrin looked over and saw that Ryche was watching the same area. She also saw that he was turning a scarlet color. Do you know her?

Ryche nodded and then cleared his throat and looked at his dad.

Alric was smiling broadly at his son’s discomfort.

The Head Master called out for Nia to come down. The girl appeared in the back of the room again and then walked toward them. She moved gracefully, and her eyes were glued on Ryche.

Yes, father? she said, walking up to them. Kyrin’s eyes narrowed when the girl also blushed softly.

The King and Lady wanted to meet you.

The girl curtsied to them and then moved over by the Head Master. Kyrin saw that Ryche hadn’t taken his eyes off of her.

Sedomer had a grin on his face. No one was missing the fact that Nia and Ryche were interested in each other.

You’ve met before? Kyrin asked her son.

Yes, Ryche replied.

Often?

He shrugged.

Alric wasn’t sure where this was going, so he decided to take the heat off of Ryche. Shall we head back to the castle?

Yes, Ryche said hurriedly.

Sedomer’s grin widened. No, let’s stay a bit.

Sed, Alric whispered. He knew that the young priest wanted to see what his mother was about to do.

Sedomer nodded and started toward the door with his brother and dad, but they all turned when Kyrin didn’t move. She was watching the young girl, who was becoming more and more nervous under the Lady’s scrutinizing gaze.

Kyrin, Alric called out.

Kyrin’s face softened, and she smiled. Nia, you should visit us in the castle one of these days.

Nia smiled back but didn’t reply.

With that, Kyrin turned and followed her family out. Alric breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn’t sure if Kyrin was going to take the twins’ girlfriends well.

Finn and Emerisa were waiting in the carriage with Belia. Finn wondered at the look on Alric’s face, but when he started to ask, Emerisa nudged him in the ribs.

Things were silent in the carriage. Both Alric and Finn wished they were out on horseback with the knights, but they were in formal wear and not dressed to fight. It was unusual for either of them to be inside of a carriage. They had swords at their sides, but no armor.

Kyrin still seemed amused about the tense encounter with young Nia. Sedomer and Ryche spoke lightly about graduation and how nice it would be to return to life in the castle for a few months before starting step two training, which included being assigned a mentor.

When they started talking about their mentorship, Alric looked at them suddenly. He hadn’t brought that up with Kyrin yet.

Wait, Kyrin said, turning toward the twins. What are you talking about?

Ryche saw the look on Alric’s face and smiled. Nothing.

That didn’t sound like nothing. Who is getting mentored?

Sedomer sighed. Ryche and I have to be mentored during step two.

So your dad and Saith will mentor you?

Not them.

Then who?

Kyrin, let’s talk about this later, Alric said.

Kyrin didn’t turn away from the boys. Tell me.

Well, Sedomer said nervously, Ryche is going to be mentored by Merk, and I am going to be mentored by Lindon.

I don’t know them.

Merk is one of the higher-ranking knights at my school, and Lindon is one of the priests in Afteses.

I still don’t know them. Are both humans?

Yes

Explain this mentorship to me.

Alric decided to intervene. The mentorship is the last stage before they are fully sworn in. The boys will work closely with their mentors for a couple years.

Work closely?

Yes, they will pretty much be inseparable.

But they will still live at the school and spend weekends with us.

No, Kyrin. Ryche will live with the knights, and Sedomer will live in the temple when they are home.

No

It’s part of their schooling.

No, she said again, and turned angrily to him. If they have to have mentors, then you and Saith can do it, and they can live in the castle.

Saith and I can’t run things and mentor at the same time.

Fine, then Finn and Dewell.

They are also too busy.

Then I will mentor them.

You don’t know the ways of the knights or the priests, Alric explained. This is just part of training.

So Ryche’s mentor will be staying back to train when Qualsax is attacked?

Kyrin, Ryche has to learn the ways of battle too. He’s had fight training but no real-world experience.

Emerisa decided to help. Finn will still oversee him though.

He’s not to go into a fight! Kyrin yelled.

Calm down, please, Alric told her. Ryche is going to be a Holy Knight like I am. We have to be able to fight.

He’s too young.

No, he’s not.

Mom, I’m excited for this part, Ryche explained. I’ve been studying for years, and I want to do something real now.

It’s out of the question. The Qualsax are after you, and I’m not handing you over by sending an inexperienced boy out to fight them.

I can’t gain experience without being out there though. The knights aren’t going to let the Qualsax get to me. I’m still a noble.

Kyrin glared at Alric. Are you just done with them now?

What do you mean?

You’re sending them out to the wolves!

I am not. This is part of their training. How do you think I learned to fight? It wasn’t in school.

No!

This has to be done, Alric told her. He was fighting to keep his voice calm.

Then what?! Then you send Rodrick off, and he disappears? Hell, let’s send the rest of them to school too!

That shocked Alric. The rest of them? I thought we were done.

Kyrin paused and then continued, I… didn’t…

Do you want more children?

No, she said, though it didn’t sound like it was a solid answer.

His eyes narrowed. You want another, don’t you?

No

Deciding to bring it up later in private, Alric sat back in his chair when Kyrin looked out the window. Sedomer and Ryche watched them, wondering if the conversation was really over. Belia and Rodrick both got bored and started playing on the floor of the carriage at their feet.

Emerisa tried to think up something light-hearted to break the tension. Sire, we’re very much looking forward to your party.

Finn’s eyes grew wide, and Emerisa instantly knew that no one had told Kyrin that either.

Party? Kyrin asked, looking over at Alric.

He forced a smile but inwardly wasn’t looking forward to telling her. Yes, a birthday party.

For you?

Yes, I have birthdays too.

I’m aware of that, she said, irritated. You haven’t had a party before.

Well it was supposed to be several years ago, but things were so chaotic that it didn’t happen.

Kyrin thought for a moment. So when’s this party?

In a couple of months.

Why a party?

It’s not often one turns 50.

You’re 50?! Kyrin asked, shocked.

Finn chuckled, and Emerisa elbowed him to make him stop.

Yes, it’s customary to have a party when the king turns 50, Alric explained. As I said, I turned 50 when you were on the loose killing people, so it didn’t happen.

So how old are you now?

You don’t know how old Dad is? Ryche asked her.

Her jaw clenched.

I’m 52 this year, Alric said, and gave Ryche a stern glance.

You can’t be 52, Kyrin said.

Why not?

I don’t know. That’s just pretty old for a king.

How so? My dad was 55 when he died.

Kyrin shrugged. I’ve just never met a king that old.

It’s not old, Kyrin.

She smiled. For a king? Yes, 50 is old.

Fifty two, and I’m not old.

"Did you not know that Dad’s