The Iron Butterfly by Chanda Hahn Read Free Book Online Page B

the air, free from fear and oppression.
    I was left speechless once I saw the Citadel up close. Nothing Darren described prepared me for the intricate beauty hidden within every structure. The architectural design in the columns, archways and stonework could have only been made by those with the gifts of the Denai. Human hands did not construct the Citadel or arena, even the roads were extravagant. The streets turned from simple, cobbled brick into a mosaic of colored stones which changed in tone as the horses’ hooves walked over them. These singing tiles led up to white, stone guard towers on either side of Citadel’s gleaming silver gate. Today, the gate was open, and was manned by four guards with swords and crossbows.
    After Darren stated our business, they gave directions for us to take our horses to the stable.
    Darren glanced around the Citadel’s grounds. “Ah, good. It looks like Adept Lorna Windmere is in.”
    I looked around the almost empty courtyard and asked Darren how he knew. Darren pointed out the large white towers surrounding the grounds and how three were flying colorful banners. He went on to explain that if the Adept was in residence, their flag was flown to signify to the townspeople that they were in. Often times one or more was on errands for the Queen.
    He pointed to a white banner with a falling star as Adept Lorna Windmere’s. “It gives the students an added sense of security to see that there is always an Adept in residence, in case of an emergency.” He also pointed to a blue banner with a gold helios flower as Adept Breah Avenlea’s and the black banner with three silver slashes as Pax Baton’s. The empty towers would normally fly a green banner with three gold circles intricately looped as Cirrus Thornwood’s, and a red banner with a sun and moon for Kambel Silverbane.
    A loud barking announced the arrival of a short elderly man and a large bundle of fur that turned out to be Stable Master Grese and his blue-eyed sheepdog, aptly named Dog. After quick introductions we were escorted into the large main hall of the Citadel which again flew the banners for each of the Adepts. Along the walls were colorful tapestries inlaid with gold and silver depicting Calandry’s history.
    The marble floors continued through the main halls into each of the wings. I learned there was a wing for classrooms, the training arenas, and student dorms while the servant’s quarters were off the kitchen that surrounded the dining hall. The grounds of the Citadel led into a huge outdoor foyer and, depending which arched columns you walked through, you would end up at the greenhouse, stable, training paddock, guard’s quarters and the infirmary.
    A servant led us to Adept Lorna’s office and I waited outside in the outer room while Joss and Darren went into the inner office with the Adept. Half a candle mark later, the door opened and a young woman wearing a rich, velvety cloak stepped from her office and was escorted down the hallway by no fewer than five guards. I couldn’t help but stare after her wondering who she was and why she needed so many guards. Someone cleared their throat and I got my first view of Adept Lorna. She was a tall woman in her mid-forties with glowing tan skin that spoke of a life used to being outdoors. Her pointed face was surrounded by short white cropped hair and ethereal blue eyes. Her stern gaze held mine as I heard Darren and Joss discuss me.
    “I really think I should be in there for this,” Joss argued.
    “Joss, we discussed this before, we brought her here and agreed that we would let Adept Lorna handle this situation. You agreed to come here to finish training and that’s what you are here to do. What happens to Thalia now is out of our hands. I’m leaving for home and you need to concentrate on your training. You promised your father.” Darren gave Joss a stern look.
    Joss’ jaw clenched and he looked at the Adept Lorna. “Will she be allowed to stay?”
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