Bastial Sentinels (The Rhythm of Rivalry: Book 5) by B.T. Narro Read Free Book Online

say about you are true as well?”
    “I don’t know what people say.” It wasn’t exactly true, as he’d heard some things. Many other people had recognized him since he’d become the King’s Mage, but not all the rumors they shared with him were accurate. It was easier to lie when asked. Everyone always seemed eager to bring up what they’d heard anyway.
    “You worked as a wand stuffer at a forge until you were summoned by the King. You kidnapped Prince Harwin from Zav expecting a cure to your nightmares, but the King wanted your help with other matters before giving it to you. So you kidnapped Lisanda as ransom for the cure, but then—”
    “All of that’s true,” he interrupted.
    She smiled playfully. “I was just getting to the good part.”
    “It’s too strange to hear so much about myself from a stranger.” The word came out before he thought about it. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
    “It’s fine. We are strangers.” She rinsed her hands even though all she’d done was hand him rags and bandages. Was she getting ready to touch him, or was just the sight of his blood enough to make her want to cleanse herself? “We often learn more about ourselves speaking with strangers than with old friends. It’s the same with any fresh experience. I’m just finding out the sight of blood doesn’t terrify me like it used to.” Drying her hands, she leaned against the wall with a proud smile.
    “Thank you, my lady.”
    “Please call me Heather.”
    “Heather…but you don’t have to stay.”
    Her smile faded. She walked past Jek without a word. For a moment it seemed like she was leaving without a formal goodbye, but after peering into the hall, she closed the door and turned to stare at him intently. It looked like she was about to reveal a secret.
    “Did something happen within the palace?” Heather asked.
    “I wouldn’t want to trouble you with it.”
    She rolled her eyes at the line she’d clearly heard too many times. “I don’t know what it is about me, but I’m often treated like a child. I know something happened, and I fear it might be related to the visitor who came by a few weeks ago.”
    Jek stopped bandaging for a moment. “A visitor, you say?”
    “If I tell you, will you tell me what happened?”
    “Yes.”
    She stepped closer, wringing her hands. “An Elf came to the door. He spoke perfect common tongue and asked for Owin’s father. Many people come by to see Namlin, but this was the first Elf—the first time I’d ever seen one, in fact. Namlin isn’t very trusting of Elves and demanded to know what the visit was about before allowing the stranger farther into his house. I was listening from the second floor. The Elf said his name was Fatholl and that he came to warn Namlin that Greenedge would be changing soon. He seemed interested in securing Namlin’s assistance for something. I heard no more after they walked into a room to speak further. Namlin left for Chanren the next morning. When I asked Owin about it, he wouldn’t tell me why.” Heather frowned. “Your expression worries me.”
    “Fatholl led an army of psychics into the palace. They killed Danvell Takary and took over. Raymess escaped before we did, but now we don’t know where he is or what Fatholl has planned.”
    For a moment, she just stood there with her mouth agape. “I had no idea it was this bad.” She sounded as though she regretted asking about it in the first place. “I thought knowing might help me sleep, but…”
    “We’ll keep Goldram safe.” Jek felt obligated to reassure her even though he felt just as worried as she looked. He was the King’s Mage. Justice and protection were his tasks.
    “I didn’t even think psyche existed. How will you fight against it?”
    He’d finished bandaging himself and placed his hand on her arm. “There are ways; one is blocking it with thick Sartious Energy. Let us worry about it.”
    “Yes, you’re right. I trust all of