Relic by Bronwyn Eley

Author:Bronwyn Eley [Eley, Bronwyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780648534211
Publisher: Talem Press
Published: 2019-09-07T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Rennard hadn’t held back his surprise when I told him I had something for him. He certainly hadn’t bothered hiding his blatant threat, warning me to keep the information to myself. He didn’t have to say what he would do if I betrayed him.

I wanted to break something, to scream. On top of everything else, a rebellion? Who were these people to decide to change everything? They wanted a new way of living – fine. But did they know for sure it was what everybody else wanted? The desires of a few could bring some harsh, even deadly consequences to the masses.

How long had these people been playing games, building their forces, planning the destruction of not one, but five Lords? What did they hope to accomplish, exactly? It wasn’t as simple as killing the five Lords. Five whole bloodlines had to be wiped out: Ediann, Dreu, Stynes, Oldar, Ammar. That was the only way the Relics would be released from their commitment, the only way they could be claimed by another.

That explained why Bellamy had killed Jeremah’s wife and child, too. But explanations didn’t always make good excuses.

Rennard’s rule wasn’t perfect. It appeared even more flawed the closer I got to it, but that didn’t mean his entire family deserved to die.

‘What is wrong with you?’

I looked up at Keithan. He dangled carelessly off the side of a ladder with a pile of books tucked under one arm, placing them back where they belonged.

I crossed my arms, feeling my fingers flex. ‘Nothing.’

‘You’re making noises.’ He placed another book away. ‘Sighing, grumbling. You look sick.’

‘Because I am sick.’ I slammed my hand down on the book in front of me.

‘Hey, hey!’ Keithan scolded. ‘I know you’re used to hitting things, but do you mind? This is a library, not a smithy.’

‘The book will be fine,’ I griped, then sighed. ‘There must be something more we can try.’

‘No!’ he challenged. ‘I told you, I found nothing. These books –’ He shook the book in his hand, the ladder wobbling ‘– only mention the Relics briefly. They don’t go into details about the magic. Lord Rennard keeps that information under lock and key, as does every Lord.’

‘Maybe you missed something.’

‘I know these books and, more importantly, I know Lord Rennard. It’s a waste of time.’

‘A waste of time?’ The words came out in a shout. ‘I didn’t realise my life meant so little to you, Keithan.’

‘That’s not what I meant and you know it.’ He glared at me from his high position. ‘I don’t know what I was thinking yesterday, agreeing to help you.’

I twisted my mouth.

Don’t say it. Don’t say it.

‘It was pity.’ I sprang from my chair. ‘I’m so sick of people looking at me like I’m going to die at any moment. Like I’m some fragile, helpless animal that needs to be put out of its suffering. I’m so sick of it.’

‘You can’t avoid what’s happening, Kaylan,’ Keithan said matter-of-factly, descending the ladder.

‘You don’t think I know that?’ I almost shouted but reined myself in at the last moment.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.