A Solitary Journey by Tony Shillitoe Read Free Book Online

justice is wise, but He unfolds it in His own time, not ours. Truth knew this. So do you.’
    Vision bowed his head. ‘Thank you, Your Eminence.’ He lifted his head and said, ‘I will see to the preparations. The Prince must not be weighed down with unnecessary complications.’ Then he withdrew from the chamber.
    Diamond watched the young Seer depart with mixed feelings. His father, Seer Truth, had been a ruthless man, impetuous and ambitious, determined to see the coming of the new Jarudhan Age, but he had lacked the patience of someone who would ultimately triumph. That he had died fighting the Abomination, the term the Jarudhan Seers used for the young woman who’d brought and destroyed the Conduit a decade ago, was inevitable in Diamond’s view. Jarudha’s sense of justice was always ironic. So Diamond had taken Truth’s son, the acolyte Vision, under his personal tutelage as a disciple for the five years following Truth’s death to ensure that the young man had more patience and more craft to his character than his father, and when Vision was promoted into the Seers’ ranks he was sent north to serve Prince Future. The past five years of political manoeuvring and war had matured the young Seer into a calculating, calm servant of Jarudha—exactly the kind of man Diamond hoped he would become. But—and he had no evidence to support it—he retained a cautious doubt that Vision could remain patient if he rose to higher power. Only Jarudha knew the full answer. The preparations in Vision’s charge would be the catalyst.
    ‘I have no time to see one of them,’ Queen Sunset replied. ‘I’m about to negotiate new terms with the Coalition of Chiefs’ representative.’
    ‘But, Your Majesty,’ Goodman begged, ‘this one isinsistent. He claims to have the latest news about Prince Future.’
    The mention of her rebellious son’s name stopped the Queen. ‘Is this true?’
    Goodman nodded. ‘Yes, Your Majesty, I believe so.’
    ‘Should I know him?’
    ‘His name is Seer Vision, Your Majesty, the son of Seer Truth.’
    Sunset’s face blanched and she glared in disbelief. ‘Truth was a Rebel!’ she snapped. ‘He killed Lady Amber. How could I trust his son?’
    Goodman nodded as he said, ‘True, Your Majesty, but Vision has been tutored by Seer Diamond and Diamond said to assure you that the son is nothing like the father.’
    ‘Then bring him in,’ Sunset instructed, ‘but see that the Elite Guards are alert.’
    ‘Yes, Your Majesty,’ Goodman replied. He signalled to an Elite Guard to escort the visitor into the chamber, before he motioned to the remaining seven guards to stand at the ready. The door opened and the blue-robed Seer entered, his long auburn hair bouncing on his shoulders as he approached, and he bowed respectfully before the Queen.
    ‘I’m pleased to see that at least one Seer knows protocol,’ Sunset said in greeting. ‘You are the son of Seer Truth?’
    The young man raised his eyes. ‘Seer Truth was my father, Your Majesty, yes.’
    ‘Is it true that sons are like their fathers?’
    Vision smiled sweetly. ‘Is your son like his father, Your Majesty?’
    Sunset heard the mild impertinence, but she expected that tone from the Seers who set Jarudha higher than herself. ‘My son is like neither of his parents. He wasn’t raised to forsake the love for his parents for the love of a god.’
    ‘Jarudha isn’t any god, Your Majesty. He is God.’
    Sunset laughed politely. ‘If I wanted spiritual advice, young man, I would seek it from your master.’
    Vision bowed his head again, saying, ‘As would I, Your Majesty. His wisdom far exceeds mine.’
    ‘My time is precious. What news do you have of my son?’ Sunset demanded.
    Vision straightened and met the Queen’s blue-eyed gaze. ‘Prince Future will be in Port of Joy within four days.’
    Sunset’s eyes widened. ‘Here?’ She looked at Kneel Goodman who shrugged to show his ignorance of the news. To Vision she said,