Broken Mirrors 2 - Lightning Rod by Vaughn R. Demont

Author:Vaughn R. Demont [Demont, Vaughn R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

“Wait.” I push Cale backward, starting to feel sick. “Wait, wait, wait. You’re the Recluse?”

Cale simply nods, and my heart sinks, rage bubbling up to claim it.

“It was hardly accurate at first. I was thought crafty, manipulative, venomous, like a spider, and so the title was whispered. Suddenly I was named and little could be done about it.” He studies my face, showing concern. “Is something the matter?”

The spark returns within me, the air around me starting to pop and crackle with static. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“James, there is no need to attack me. I have told you I will step down when you are ready to take the throne. I know being the Ra’keth—”

“I don’t care about that!” Silver sparks dance along my body as I get off the bed. There are shivers of power, memories of names from our joining. My God, the things I could do to him right now… “Tell me why. Why did you make that horrible decree? Why did you make me lose my family?” My hand extends toward him, electricity jumping between my spread fingers.

Cale’s face sets as he stands. “I made that decree before you were even a thought, likely before your grandparents were even thoughts.” He swats my hand aside, his eyes boring into mine. “At least you have the comfort of knowing your family is still alive.”

I don’t back down. “Was that a threat?”

“Do you know what I would give for what you have? Nan took me before I could even know my parents, my brother, my sisters…”

I shove him back. “So because you never got to know your family the rest of us—”

“They were put to the torch!” Cale turns away from me, seething. “It mattered not that none of them were Keth. All the village cared about were vineyards lost to a drought. They could not find me or Nan, so they…” He takes a deep breath, looks at me over his shoulder. “All of our vaunted progress, our enlightenment that we so eagerly trot out, and we still give in to violence at the barest suggestion. Gladly, even. If the world had not remembered my connection to my family, they would have lived and died at peace. That is why I made my decree, James.” He faces me now. “And I will never regret it.”

I just look at my feet.

“James, imagine what could be done to your mother, your father, your brothers? Imagine them being punished simply because your enemies are unable to harm you directly. This way is painful, yes, but it is far superior to the alternative.” He places his hand on my shoulder, the sparks dying. “Regardless, I have caused you pain, and I offer my apologies.”

“I can’t just forgive you for this, Cale.” I go to the bedroom door, open it. “Please go.”

He stares at me. “James, do you still…”

“I need to be alone right now.”

Cale stands resolute. “James, please. Please, do not tell me I have come so far only to…” He gathers his clothes, gets dressed while muttering.

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