Rise of the Citadel (The Search for the Brights Book 2) Read online

  Rise of the Citadel

  Book 2 in, “The Search for the Brights”

  Copyright © 2016 by Aaron Thomas

  All rights reserved.

  Cover design by Sabrina Sherman

  Book design by Aaron Thomas

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Aaron Thomas

  Visit my website at www.kylan514.wix.com/weapon-bearer

  Printed in the United States of America

  ISBN-978-1515312772

  Acknowledgements

  Thank you to everyone who has read The Weapon Bearer. Without that book’s success, I do not know that I would have found the joy I have come to feel in writing. My fans, friends, and family have certainly inspired me to continue to make improvements in my writing. I have many worlds yet to explore, and hope that as I learn I can convey them on the page to you better each time.

  The following have given hours listening to my dribble and working hard to make sure I produce the best work I could. They deserve more thanks than I can give.

  Thank you.

  Dawn Thomas - Wife/inspiration

  Brent Parker - Technical consultant

  Cory P. and Kirstin G. - Editorial/proofreading

  S. Sherman - Cover art

  Follow my writing online at www.Kylan514.wix.com/weapon-bearer

  Acknowledgements

  Prologue

  Chapter 1-Reporting

  Chapter 2 - The Elders Fog

  Chapter 3 - Training Dilemma

  Chapter 4 - The Magic Word

  Chapter 5 - Businessman's Blight

  Chapter 6 - Stockboy

  Chapter 7 - Ageing

  Chapter 8 - Ice

  Chapter 9 - A Gift

  Chapter 10 - Lessons

  Chapter 11 - Weapon Bearer

  Chapter 12 - Control of the Wind

  Chapter 13 - Waves

  Chapter 14 - Hunting

  Chapter 15 - Wind Omens

  Chapter 16 - Sunset

  Chapter 17 - A Leader

  Chapter 18 - The Crimson

  Chapter 19 - Three

  Chapter 21 - Oaths

  Chapter 22 - Meeting of Kings

  Chapter 23 - A Handshake

  Chapter 24 - Proposal

  Chapter 25 - News of the Battlefront

  Chapter 26 - Elder Plans

  Chapter 27 - Upbringings

  Chapter 28 - Darkness

  Chapter 29 - Homecoming

  Chapter 30 - Ingredients

  Chapter 31 - Firelight

  Chapter 32 - Reborn

  Epilogue

  Prologue

  Daniel was finally able to catch all of the colts who escaped from the holding pen. He was trying to get them all to walk back after tracking them down. They had done everything they could to keep out of his reach. He knew today was only one day of many he had left chasing the horses. He grew up taking care of them and helping his father train them. Some day, he knew he would inherit the family business and the stables.

  Normally he would have asked Kilen and Bowie to help him track down the runaway horses, but they were off on an adventure. The horses were pulling Daniel away from his farm and into the woods as he slid down the dirt path trying to stay on his feet. He pulled and the horses pulled back. Daniel really wished he had a full grown horse to help him retrieve these four young ones. He was able to start running with the line in the direction the horses were going and wrap the rope around a tree. The horses tugged and Daniel sat down to put his feet against the tree, making it harder for them to gain any ground. They yanked at the ropes around their head and Daniels strong arms gripped the rope without faltering. Eventually, the horses calmed down. He acted slowly and deliberately, to tie each rope off onto the tree. With all four horses tied down, Daniel laid back in the grass to catch his breath. His bare chest was slick with sweat. His brown leather vest hung open to let the breeze cool him in the summer heat.

  Daniel lay breathing slowly and enjoying the small amount of shade he had found as the horses all grazed on the grass underneath. He held his hand up in front of his face to see where the blisters were sure to form from holding the ropes. A movement caught his eye in the sky. Smoke was trailing off from the direction of Kilen’s house.

  Daniel knew the horses would be safe under the tree and he needed a bit of time to regain control of himself. He started to make his way to the house to get a drink from their well and find out who had returned.

  The day after spring fest Daniel heard the news that all three of the Everhearts had taken off in a haste during the night. First Kilen, then Kara, and finally his mother left. He hoped that Sahera had returned with Kara safely. Daniel had always liked Kara. She was like the little sister he didn’t have. He even taught her to ride a horse in the absence of her father. She was always following after Kilen, trying to be another one of his friends. Kara had refused to grow up doing the things girls typically do. She instead spent her time trying to impress her older brother. Daniel wished he had a younger sibling to look up to him. His two older sisters had already married and moved away.

  Daniel walked into view of the Everheart’s house and saw three horses in front. One was saddled to ride, the others had travel bags laid out beside them. He made his way through the stone wall encasing the home and yard. He picked up one of the bags on the ground, putting it on his shoulder. His muscles were always welcome in the Everheart home. He picked up an extra bag so whomever was inside would be able to relax after their travels.

  Out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw someone disappear into the barn. He called out, but didn’t hear a reply. Walking to the barn, a familiar voice came out of the house.

  “Daniel! Come inside, won’t you?” Sahera sounded as pleasant as ever.

  He always thought Sahera was a nice enough woman, but the townspeople often thought of her as scary. It wasn’t her looks that made her scary, but the job she did. She had a pleasant voice and a gentle nature that proved helpful when loved ones passed on. She would often come to the home and talk with the family. She would ease their pains and help the loved one find peace before leaving their world. The families would find comfort from her and they would always remember their loved one’s last breaths were shared with Sahera. She charged nothing for the service and offered condolences to the family whenever she was around.

  Daniel and Kilen were present the day Bowie’s mother died. Daniel remembered the love Sahera gave to the family. This is how he chose to view her; as a gentle heart when needed most. He tried to help others see her this way, instead of a symbol of death.

  Daniel came past the front door and put the bags on the floor, “It’s nice to see someone in this place, ma’am.”

  Sahera stopped and saw the bags, “Oh Daniel, I wish you wouldn’t have brought those inside. I am only staying as long as it takes to eat and pack a few things. But thank you for being so sweet.” She quickly stuffed a black cloak with matching feathers into a leather satchel as if she were in a hurry.

  “Oh, sorry. I can help carry them back out when I leave. Is Kara with you? Or Kilen?” He said, looking out the window towards the barn.

  Sahera moved about t
he room, packing things and emptying jars into bags. “No, those two fool children have gone their ways and I am unable to bring them back. They’ve gotten themselves into as mess with the king of the Earth Realm. It is something only their father can get them out of. I am leaving for the Wind Realm to get him to come help.” He noticed a small black sheathed dagger with ornate metal work on Sahera’s hip before she covered it with her riding cloak.

  Daniel scratched his head, “They haven't been gone that long to be in that much trouble, have they?”

  Sahera turned around to face Daniel, “I’m sorry, where is my mind? Kilen has vowed his father’s sword to protect the Earth Realm in order to protect Kara.”

  “Protect Kara!? What did she do? She’s only a little girl, how much trouble can she cause?” Daniel said looking out the window at the barn.

  Sahera placed her hands on Daniels thick shoulders, “Kara has had an awakening as a fire wizard. She raced after Kilen on the night of Spring Fest. When she caught up with him, he was fighting with Chit. She grew angry and awoke as a wizard. She is now kept in the dungeons of Deuterium. Kilen has given his oath to serve the king until Kara can be trained to control herself.” She let her hands slip from his shoulders. She turned away, but Daniel saw a tear leave her eye before she could hide it.

  She continued to work around the house packing items. Daniel helped her retrieve a trunk from atop a wardrobe. She pulled from it a few pieces of armor. From beneath a floorboard, she pulled a small sack and poured out two pieces of gold onto the table. “What has been happening here, Daniel?”

  “Well, the same as every other day. The year’s new foals were born and seem to be better at escaping than previous years. I have them tied to a tree on the edge of the property. The town is much more pleasant since Chit has gone. Master Crescent is still a bit upset at the letter he got from Bowie saying he joined the army. He wished Bowie would have told him was leaving.”

  “Bowie… I didn’t think to check up on the boy when I got into Deuterium. Tell the others what has happened, will you Daniel?” Sahera took a bite of bread before going into the bedroom where she removed a floorboard from the floor. She hefted a leather bag out of the hole, it made a clinking sound like rattling chains when she dropped it on the floor.

  “Of course,” he picked up the packs she filled and started to head for the door.

  “Daniel, I will need someone to look after the house while I’m gone.” She leaned on the table looking over the packs and around the inside of her house. She sighed, “It’s no use Daniel, we will never be able to live here again. I want you to take the house. You have come of age and need a place of your own. Please live here, it’s a good home will serve you well. If Kilen comes back, tell him where I have gone.”

  Daniel was so surprised by what she said he dropped the bags. “You are giving me the house?!” He said.

  “This home was just as much yours as it was ours. I don’t see why it should sit unused. Besides, I am sure you will be looking for a suitable wife soon enough and you will need a place to stay.” She ran her hands down the beam supporting the roof, “It was a good home.”

  Sahera started to pick up the last of the bags but Daniel reached for them first.

  “Can I buy it from you?” he asked. “I’m sure I can get something from my dad, if you let me go get it.”

  “I wouldn’t think of it, Daniel. Helping me with my things is enough. I just hate to see such a good home go to rot.”

  She gave a slight smile to Daniel who smiled back and took the rest of the bags outside. He loaded Horses and watched as Sahera glaced a couple times at the barn. Daniel continued to pour out ‘thank you’s’ as he loaded the horses with the packs.

  Daniel was tying down the last pack and started to stare at it. Sahera must have noticed the deep thought on Daniel's face.

  “What is the matter Daniel?”

  He snapped out of his thought and tried to pick up the leather bag making the chain sounds. She reached for it and picked it up before he could. He shrugged and confided in her. “Well, I was thinking about what you said. I will be starting to look for a wife soon. My dad…”

  He hesitated before continuing, “He has been talking to Mr. Jarred. I think that since Kilen left town they were looking into his daughter and I getting married. Jessica is a good woman, but I knew Kilen was supposed to marry her someday. Mr. Jarred always talked about how it was going to improve his family's lives; Kilen and Jessica’s marriage. It’s just... I suppose my father and Mr. Jarred will be wanting us to get married, now that I have property,” Daniel said.

  “You just said she was a good woman. Do you not want to be married with Jessica?” Sahera asked as she climbed into the saddle tying on her leather bag.

  “It’s not that. I just always thought of Kilen marrying her. If Kilen does come back, he will be upset about me marrying Jessica.”

  Sahera let out a small laugh, “Daniel, you have much to learn about the world. Kilen made his choice and he suffers the consequences. Go and enjoy your new home and tell your father that the Everhearts approve of this marriage. If Kilen does return, you tell him I said he owes you a wedding present as well as a heartfelt congratulation.”

  She looked again at the barn, prompting him to look as well, and he thought he saw someone go inside.

  She cleared her throat, “You had better get the good news and those horses back to your father. Here is the key to the house.”

  Sahera turned the horse towards the road, leading the other two. She waved to Daniel, who was still turning the key over in his hands watching her leave.

  “Goodbye Sahera, and thank you!” He noticed that she wasn’t looking at him, but at the barn.

  **********

  The smell of mildew and hay filled the small dungeon cell. Kara had done her best to bathe out of the small washstand she had. Each new possession in her room truly had become her most prized possessions, all of which she would trade for a day in the sunshine. In her head, she listed off the items she earned: washstand, hay mattress, box of candles, small wooden stool, and two extra sets of leather clothes. These were the possessions that the guards knew about. Inside a small crack in the wall was a rolled up note from her friend, Bowie. The note brought her hope, which inspired her to learn how to control herself and never return to the cell again.

  She had almost forgotten what she looked like. She hoped that soon she would be allowed to have a mirror. She closed her eyes as if it would make it easier to picture herself in the dark room. At home, Kara’s mother had a large enough mirror that she was able to use to look at her hair in it’s full length. The pure black hair was a trait that had come from her mother. She wore it proudly in the middle of her back. Each day she tried to comb it with her fingers, but trying to clear every knot would often set her aflame.

  Recently, most minor annoyances had been able to set her aflame. Even letting her mind wander, as she was doing now, could turn her into an inferno. She tried to think of how to control her anger before she erupted, while still calm.

  Kara sat up with an epiphany about something Mary had once told her. Mary told her that fire wizards were not really filled with anger, but instead with passion. This simple, yet profound thought changed her perspective on learning to control her magic and emotions. Kara set her mind to being passionate about controlling herself. She sat in the small room, no longer focusing on her breathing or temper, instead focusing every effort on memorizing her room. Knowing it so she could feel the heat reflecting off every surface, knowing it so that she could remember it wherever she went. She focused so hard that when she was done, she would remember the way she felt in this dungeon cell, this empty box of a room. She focused her mind to not give in to anger so she would never return to this cell again.

  When she opened her eyes, she saw her cell as a focal point, instead of a prison; the way the others perceived their confinement. It was now something to push all her passion into so this room would no longer cause her enou
gh anger to burn the castle to the ground. Passion was the key. Be passionate about getting out of this cell. And staying out.

  Kara knew now she was no longer a danger to anyone. All she had to do was prove it to others. Today, her training would truly begin. She tried to calm herself, and with a nervous hand, placed a candle on the wash stand. She then provided a small amount of heat to the wax so it adhered itself to the stand. She stepped back and focused on the wick. A small spark popped and a tiny, natural, candle flame filled the room with light. She smiled for the first time in what seemed like a month. She had been trying to perform this task for the last week, failing time and time again. Now, with her new perspective, the flame ignited easily.

  She turned from the candle, no longer just feeling the heat, but seeing it in her mind. She increased the flame until it was a raging fire, brushing the ceiling. The door opened and closed, with a void passing in front of it. It must be Twilix she thought to herself. Twilix was the only person that entered into her cell that was invisible to her vision of heat. She let the flame return to its natural flicker and opened her eyes.

  “Impressive improvement, you are almost as astonishing as your brother.”

  Kara cooly replied to the water wizard, “It wasn’t your doing. It was something that Mary taught me. It just took me a little time to understand what she really meant.”

  “I do not care who taught you sweetie, only that you make improvements.” Twilix smiled a half smile. Kara was sure the blonde wizard was hoping not to upset her emotions.

  “I would like to go outside now, if you would arrange it please,” she said before Twilix had a chance to test her. The water wizard had large curls of blonde hair and she always dressed in blue robes or dresses.

  She tilted her head slightly, “Then let us test you and go from there.” Twilix took a candle out of her pocket and melted the bottom placing it next to the first. She took a step back and folded her hands in front of her. “Mary had a hard time with this test but eventually passed it. I want you to heat the candle slowly so that the wax melts but the wick does not light.”