The Sword Keeper by Joe Vasicek

Author:Joe Vasicek [Vasicek, Joe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy
Published: 2019-07-02T06:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

Nika watched Master Ivanar and the acolytes of the order with a mixture of horror and fascination. They surrounded Tamuna’s bed in a tight circle, with one hand on the next acolyte’s shoulder. Ivanar stood at the head of the bed, holding her with both hands. They stood in absolute silence, but a power emanated from them that Nika could not deny.

The rest of the room gradually filled with officers, servants, and curious onlookers. Alex tried to keep them out, but when King Eraklei himself strode in, there was little he could do. Soon, the room was packed to the walls.

Minutes passed in silence. No one dared to speak. The sword, which had originally sat on the table, was placed on the bed next to Tamuna. Nika bit his fingernails until they were little more than stumps.

After some time, the room seemed to lighten, as if a cloud had pulled back from the sun. Ivanar took a deep breath and stood back, and the acolytes broke the circle. The room stirred, and a rumble of hushed conversations rippled out into the hallway.

Nika hurried to Tamuna, pushing through the huddle just as she opened her eyes and sat up. “Tamuna!” he said, putting a hand on her arm. “Are you all right?”

She turned and gave him the oddest look, one that was a strange mixture of surprise and relief. It was as if she hadn’t seen him in years.

“Stand back,” Master Ivanar ordered. The acolytes turned around and helped him keep the crowds of onlookers away. King Eraklei pressed through them to the bedside. A gust of wind through the iron barred windows made his woolen cape billow, forcing Nika to step back.

“What have you done, sword keeper?” he asked, his tone demanding an answer. “What is the meaning of this, this…”

“Mage circle?” Master Ivanar said, completing the king’s sentence. “It was necessary, Your Majesty. A coven of the Brotherhood had pulled the sword bearer’s soul into the void. Our intervention saved her.”

Eraklei looked down at Tamuna and frowned. “Is this true?”

“Yes,” she said slowly, still struggling to gain her bearings. Nika wanted to rush back to her, but Ivanar laid a hand on his shoulder, holding him back.

“Mistress Leladze, may I present King Eraklei, sovereign of the people of Aramand. Your Majesty, may I present Mistress Tamuna Leladze, bearer of Imeris.”

Tamuna bowed her head in deference, while King Eraklei only nodded.

“Your Majesty,” she said, still lying on the bed. “I must beg your forgiveness for failing to greet you upon your arrival.”

That’s not how she usually talks, Nika realized. The change made him uneasy.

“Of course,” said the king. “I only regret that I was not able to protect you from the power of the Brotherhood.”

“Walls of iron and stone are no defense against weapons of spirit,” said Ivanar.

“Your Majesty,” said Tamuna, “I understand you wish to take counsel with me, but I am still quite weak from the attack, and need some time to recover.”

“Of course,” said Eraklei.

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