Rogue Powers by Phil Stern Read Free Book Online Page B

Unknown within the recruit ranks, Prince Tenen’s attack on his operative, and then the agent’s subsequent failure to take down the Talent leaving the castle.
    “And why did Prince Tenen attack your agent?” the King asked.
    “Apparently it was some ill-conceived jest, my Lord, designed to amuse the recruits.”
    “And you have no idea who this Unknown is?” A glass of water drifted across the room of its own accord, settling into the King’s hand. “Only that he’s one of those twenty boys in here today?”
    “That is correct, my liege.”
    “Indeed.” The King now took a sip, then settled back down in his cushioned chair. “So now what?”
    “I need the names of those twenty recruits, my Lord,” Perno briskly replied. “We must arrest and interrogate them all immediately.”
    Grunting, the King put up his stockinged feet, considering the recommendation. “No,” he finally commanded. “Not now.”
    “My Lord, it is the only way...”
    “I said not now! There is too much else at stake.” Suddenly animated, he leapt to his feet, angrily pacing the room. “The Kardens have already struck once, and may do so again at any moment! I must dispatch our army, including those new recruits, to the western frontier immediately. I can’t afford a witch-hunt among our best young warriors!”
    Waiting a few moments, Perno slowly nodded. “I see.”
    “Not to mention my detractors right here in the castle,” the King bitterly continued. “To turn you loose on the army would be just the opening they need to convince everyone I’m losing control!”
    And this, thought Perno, is the King’s weakness. Rather than immediate action, he often surrendered the initiative to his opponents. “What are your wishes concerning this Unknown?” he asked.
    “Rather bold of him to walk right into my own castle, now isn’t it?” Stroking his chin, the King considered. “And this boy is too old to become part of your own organization?”
    Perno had considered it. But eighteen was way too late to begin effective indoctrination. If they’d discovered him a decade before...but not now. “I’m afraid so, my liege.”
    “That’s too bad. Clearly, he’s more skilled than your own people.” Giving his spymaster a hard stare, the King nodded decisively. “Which means, of course, this Unknown is a threat. Have an agent accompany the recruits on campaign. There will be plenty of opportunity to identify and dispatch this young man in a war zone, now won’t there?”
    “As you wish, my liege.” The head Demon began to leave.
    “And Perno?”
    Pausing, he turned back. “Yes, my Lord?”
    “Why don’t you leave here unannounced. Many people saw you enter. It helps if we keep them guessing.”
    Perno hesitated only a split second. The King, of course, was the only person in the entire Kingdom who dared openly mention his special talent. “Of course, my liege.”
    A moment later Perno drifted into invisibility, his personal aura separating and speeding the molecules of both body and clothes, allowing light and other matter to pass through. Striding directly through the outer wall, the Demon passed by the two sentries once more, though they were utterly unaware of his presence.
     
    ***
     
    That evening, after a quiet dinner with her mother, Lydia spent time sketching in her room. She was very skilled, her ability to animate colors and hues creating a unique form of living, breathing art.
    Three cats curled up on her bed, shelf, and lap, contentedly purring. The oldest of her pride, a black and white named Heathrow, remarked that he especially liked the gold sparkles coming from the young man’s head. Thanking him, Lydia continued with her work.
    After a time her mother came in, quietly watching from the back of the room. Finally walking up to her only child, Princess Aprina leaned down to inspect the work in detail.
    “Lydia, dear, this is beautiful.” Carefully picking up the sketch, Aprina studied the image of a