The Reckoning Begins

By Tatiana Haynes

Set on killing King Aldwin, Talia fails with her attempted act of betrayal. Her execution turns the world of Iqueria against each other and starts a war between the two kingdoms: Tamouria and Everdesent. Later revealed, King Aldwin is informed that his son's life is at risk by an offspring of his older lover. To save the future of his son and Everdesent from war, he demands that a form of dark magic is cast upon Iqueria. Hoping that the magic will target only those who were born in darkness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tatiana Haynes
• Release date: Jan 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9780578836010

Book preview

Talia Darksmith

My plan to take down the Everdesent Kingdom has now been taken away from me. Coming into the kingdom as an ally, I almost became their reckoning. I was finally caught and stripped away from my temporary bedchamber. Everyone, including the kingdom’s citizens, knows my secret now. I was a soldier on the other side. I was the one who set the king’s throne to flames, sabotaged an entire fleet attack, and tried to kill the king whenever I got the chance.

My reign is over, I’m exposed, these moments are my last. It’s the end for me. I put not only this kingdom, but also my own kingdom in jeopardy of starting a ruthless war against each other. Holding my crimson bloodstained helmet, I walk beside the other soldiers of Everdesent as they lead me outside of the castle toward the Execution Corner. I meander forward, feeling weak and emotionless.

I start to remember how eagerly the other soldiers welcomed me into the kingdom, how much they started to admire me. This is what I wanted; I wanted Everdesent to feel some sort of betrayal. So why do I feel guilty? As I am ordered to execution, a part of me is almost glad. I wouldn’t bear to see my Queen’s face once she figured out all I had done to these innocent beings. She claimed me as one of her best soldiers. She sent me here to help this kingdom, to make the people stronger, and instead... I turned on them. For what reason? I know the reason; it’s hidden deep inside me. I feel my heart whirling around... I’m not fearful: I am regretful.

One of the guards shoves me from behind, forcing me to drop to my knees with a small grunt. The rain thumps roughly against my body, my head remaining toward the ground. The crowd around me is riled and vindictive as they shout out painful threats. I catch myself starting to gaze up at the king, who is standing in front of me. I can see the hurt in his eyes; the care he once had for me isn’t there anymore.

He only stands over me, glaring at me with such hateful eyes. I know he wants answers, but instead of asking for them, he gives a firm nod to one of the guards behind me. He proceeds to walk toward the castle without any expression of sympathy. The king is blinded by his hatred for me; there is no more softness in him, only rage. The vengeful stare he gave me makes me feel incredibly ill. I start to question all of my choices. Why did I do it? Why did I betray them all? I did it because they were all innocent beings. They were all so pure and full of joy, and I was the one who made them cold-hearted. A part of me enjoys seeing the people shout and hold fists in the air as a riot begins to form. Some of the guards try to hold the citizens back and tame the reckless crowd.

I turn my head to take in all of their violent and spiteful stares. Their chaotic shouts and screams make me feel as if I had completed some sort of secret mission. The people seem completely different from how they were when I first arrived here. Isn’t it pleasing to witness? A few actions can turn a golden crowd rotten.

A soldier tugs me by my arm and pulls me up to my feet. He drags me over to the Execution Corner, withdrawing his sword. Maybe I can somehow justify my actions to myself. What if betraying the people will somehow make them stronger? Down the road, my act of betrayal will have been for the better. They will no longer welcome everyone into their kingdom with open arms, as they did with me. They will learn from their mistakes and become ominous around whom they trust.

Maybe they won’t try to make any allies again. Maybe they will become an independent kingdom filled with strict and fierce soldiers. At least that is what I hope for them. A little hatred in a person’s heart is not always a bad thing to have. I hope the king forgives my bitter actions, I hope he understands why I betrayed him. From the corner of my eye, I see the soldier grip his sword’s hilt as he starts to raise the weapon. I sense the hesitation in him, but he ignores it. I close my eyes, clutch my helmet, and start to fade away from this lifetime.

Ellen Amica

Dashing throughout the quiet and dark town, I hold my son safely in my arms. The moon is hiding behind the clouds as I try to comfort and remind myself that I’m doing the right thing. Giving away my firstborn son is something I never thought I would need to do, and yet here I am. Running off just to give him to another family. I wipe my tears from my cheek, taking a small breath of air. I hear abrupt shuffles amongst the bushes near the ground. They get closer and closer. I quickly slip into a small alley, my dark skin blending in with the shadows. I watch as the guards of Everdesent march toward the castle.

Every day, being the courtier for the Queen of Tamouria only becomes more irking. The war she is starting against Everdesent is one she cannot win. I cannot stand by and put my only son in danger, knowing that we will not win this war. So instead, I will give him over to a citizen of Everdesent, practically the enemy. I wait for the guards to pass, making sure of their absence before I proceed down the streets of Everdesent’s town. I look down at my son’s face; he is quietly asleep in my arms. His face is quite peaceful and well rested. I’m not sure where I’m going or who I will give him to, which is the hardest part.

Will whoever takes him treat him well? Will they love him as if he is their own? Will they wish him love? Will they care for him? If he is knocked down, will they be there to pick him up? Will they teach him to always be himself in life? These are the things I wish to know the most. Will he be happy? That is all I want for him. He can hate me his entire life, and I will be okay with that, as long as he is happy.

I’m still not sure why the two kingdoms are stirring up conflict; they used to be such trusted allies toward one another. What changed? Whatever it is, I can’t bear to have my son on the shorter end of the war. Tamouria has greater soldiers, but the people of Everdesent have wit and balance as a whole.

I hear another group of soldiers stomp their feet against the ground, coming from around the corner. There are no alleyways or hiding places nearby. I start to panic, looking over to the side at a wooden barrel filled with water. I place my son on the first doorstep I spot and quickly, quietly plunge myself into the barrel. Small drops of water pour out of it, but I hope it is un-noticeable. The guards are not paying much attention to their surroundings as they continue to pass by. I come from beneath the water, gasping for air, and wiping my wet face. I quickly stride over to where I placed my son; he is still in his deep slumber. I examine the house; it is quite damaged and slightly broken at the roof’s edges.

Even with its flaws, somehow, I know that this is the house my son is meant to be in. It is time to say my early farewell to my child and wish him only the best. Picking him up, I soundlessly sob into the blanket he is wrapped in, hoping I am not heard by