Whispers of a Legend, Part One-Shadows of the Past by Carrie James Haynes Read Free Book Online Page A

can
leave.”
    “No, child,” he said softly. His arms
outstretched. His hand touched my cheek, wiping back escaping
tears. “You’re place is here. Sareta is better because we have not
need of her magic continually. For years she has been drained. She
is in no shape to do such. Don’t ask her. We will have to deal with
all. It’s time to stop running.”
    “He doesn’t like me, Turstan,” I said in a
whisper, glancing back over at Grandfather. “He’s mad with me. He’s
placing me in the tower.”
    “The tower? Why in all that’s wholly?” he
looked doubtfully behind me.
    “I will not be questioned about my actions!”
King Edulf declared. He looked upon me grave and stern. “She is
supposed to be a Euchoun! A Euchoun would never behave such!
Discipline! Honor! Duty! A tiny waif of child! A girl! Where does
her strength lie if we had demand of such? Tell me why, Lothar, I
would hold back from sending such to de Folur as was requested to
Brixtone to honor our agreement if she can not perform as a
Euchoun?”
    Lothar walked in-between his king and
myself. He motioned for the guard to leave. I stood quite
motionless. What was his meaning of his utterance of sending me to
Brixtone? Panic swept through me. Was that what the prince
meant?
    “Tell me quickly, Lothar ? My patience is wearing thin!” King Edulf
demanded.
    “My Lord,” Lothar answered. “I have tried to
explain I wouldn’t commit to such until we know more. I have urged
caution from the beginning of de Folur offering such information.
We have seen only a glimpse of her power. Do you not believe he is
after such?”
    I stared blankly at
the man in front of me, the man that by blood was my grandfather,
leader and ruler of the most powerful land. Trying desperately to
make sense of all but all I could feel was his hatred toward me. My
eyes broke from him. He began to rant. His temper raged at me.
    “I’m tired of all of this. Falco is back as
heir. Sareta holds form as her mother. But to tell me that this
one, this tiny girl, almost destroyed my Royal Wings…that I don’t
believe. Her brother must hold the bond. He will be able to
develop,” With a heavy heave, he sighed and then took a deep breath
in. “But Lothar, you are correct, I must tread carefully or I will
be tricked by Brixtone.” He eyed me with an intent stare. “Yes,
Lothar, de Folur ….”
    I stood silently, but my eyes bore out
my confusion. I felt my heart pierced with the keenness of the
King’s glance. My own blood held me in such contempt. For what?
Why?
    Turstan grabbed my shoulders and turned me to
him. "Kela, what is going on? What have you done?"
    "Turstan," I said in a voice no
louder than a whisper. "He hates me, Turstan. He will
accept Falco? Sareta? What have I done, Turstan, to incur such hate
from my own grandfather? Turstan, we can't be separated."
    Turstan glanced across at his ruler, the one
he pledged to serve and protect, but he had done the same to his
son and wife. His oath he had made to my mother bond him
to the children for he understood it wasn't undone.
    "My lord," Turstan countered in an attempt to
alleviate the tension. "I thought I had explained all to you in
vivid detail. You have ignored all I have said as if all we have
endured was for naught! What do you believe happened to your son!
The entire unit I was assigned. You would betray your
grandchildren. And in the end, your country."
    "Lothar, hold to Turstan. I do have
questions about my son's death. It may well be it is you, Turstan,
who have betrayed all," King Edulf turned his full attention upon
my guardian. "How is it you were the only one to survive? Yes,
I believe it is what I will do. Get to the bottom of my son's
death."
    "Then may I suggest, my lord that we
listen. I beg patience. All has come quickly. You now have the
opportunity to ask. Kela and Falco were there that night. Did you
not hear her utter it was the minister? For your own good we
need to take all slowly. There