Spikes erupted from the ground, shooting forward and stopping at the wall Talon had created. With a simple motion of his hand, the spikes disappeared, leaving the ground uneven from the holes they had created. “This is a good technique when facing many opponents. I have yet to use it on someone; however, the results of this test should show how strong it is,” he said.

  “Mm-hm,” Evelyn said, her eyes wide with excitement. She pushed some hair out of her face and took the stance that Talon had assumed. Her right arm was outstretched as she focused.

  To Talon’s surprise, spikes began to form from the ground. There were not as many as his, nor as large, but the fact she was able to replicate this much on her first try was astounding. The spikes began to spread and then stopped, a little over half of what he had done.

  Sweat was dripping down Evelyn’s face as she lowered her hand and the spikes disappeared. “That’s a hard one,” she said breathlessly.

  “You did great,” Talon said and stood next to her. Evelyn’s training was going far smoother than he expected. She was learning fast and her loyalty to him hadn’t wavered at all. Perhaps she would be a useful ally. “I tell you, this took me a while to teach myself, and you got it on the first try.”

  “How did you learn all this?” Evelyn asked, her breathing having returned to normal.

  “That’s a secret for another time,” Talon said. Why did he say another time? He would never tell her how he learned the power.

  “Fine, have it your way,” Evelyn said.

  Talon thought of Evelyn’s purple shield and how there was nothing on the technique in the hidden archives. This was the first move he had seen that was not known in his books about the power. It made him wonder what other techniques there were that he wasn’t aware of. Even with Evelyn telling him how she created the purple shield, he couldn’t replicate it. She told him that she thought about the move, and it appeared. So why couldn’t he get it to work?

  The books said that power users couldn’t use every ability. For whatever reason, some techniques were unteachable to some. Whether it was genetics or something else, neither Talon nor the books he read knew why.

  “Hey, Talon,” Evelyn said, her expression shifting from playful to serious. “Would you come over here for a moment?”

  “Sure,” Talon said and walked over. She was pointing at a fountain. He couldn’t see anything in the water and leaned in closer when he felt something coming from behind. She's attacking me! he thought and felt a light wind brush his cheek as he dodged the rest.

  Before he could say anything, Evelyn began to laugh so hard there were tears in her eyes. “Oh man, you should see the look on your face!”

  A prank? Talon thought, dumbfounded. He realized that she had tried to use the wind to push him into the water and wasn’t sure if he should be angry or not. “You tried to push me into the water?” he said.

  “Kind of,” Evelyn said, her laughter dying down. “I wanted to see if I could push you in with a gust of wind, but I still have work to do on that one.”

  “Why? I thought you were attacking me for a moment,” Talon said.

  “Because you’re always so serious,” Evelyn said and sat down beside the fountain. “You always look like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders. Since you are teaching me how to use the power, I am making it a personal goal to show you that life is more than trying to save the world.”

  “I appreciate your concern; however, there is no time for games. The war—”

  “Will come when it comes,” Evelyn said. “I understand your desire to be ready, I really do, yet there is only so much one person can do. You need to enjoy yourself until the war begins, then you can worry yourself to death.”

  “You barely know me,” Talon said.

  “That’s true,” Evelyn conceded. “Yet people talk, and there’s no way you are doing anything fun in your free time. To prove my point, you’ve created the Ashtari, made an alliance with Vandalor, and conquered Eshil Domain.”

  “I didn’t conq—”

  “Okay, fine, you forced my father to listen to you. It’s the same as conquering in the people’s eyes,” Evelyn said. “My point is, you’ve done too much to have a life outside of being king. I’ve noticed this even though I have only been here a couple of weeks.”

  “Look, I—” Talon froze mid-sentence. It couldn’t be... A dozen power users entered the vicinity of Carhan. Then more came rushing in. His head was buzzing with the number of power users heading toward Carhan. There had to have been at least a hundred, and they were coming in fast.

  “Talon? What’s the matter?” Evelyn said, standing up and rushing to him. Her earlier playfulness replaced with concern.

  Ignoring her, Talon turned to one of his Ashtari, “Dorvan, you need to return to the School of Power and tell Qidan to send as many Ashtari to my throne room. The mages have arrived,” he said.

  “At once, your grace,” Dorvan said and created a portal. He was gone within seconds. That left Aurora, who was now his only bodyguard, for now.

  “Aurora, grab the other Ashtari and meet me in the throne room in ten minutes.”

  “Yes, sir,” she said and ran off.

  It’s about time. Talon thought. He had been waiting for the mages to make their move and here they were. This was going to be interesting. “Evelyn, you should get out of here while you still can.”

  “No!” Evelyn said defiantly. “I want to stay.”

  “I can’t guarantee your safety with over a hundred mages coming. This could be a battle that destroys my palace. You have one hour to get out of here,” Talon said.

  “I don’t care!” Evelyn moved closer to Talon, looking at him with those fierce brown eyes. “I want to help you fight if it comes down to it.”

  I should force her to leave but she’s one more power user I can use. Talon thought guiltily. Was she being sincere in wanting to help or did she have some other motive? “Very well,” he finally said.

  The plan was in motion. Soon, there would be at least three hundred Ashtari in his throne room. Talon had planned for this scenario with Qidan, which was why he didn’t allow many Ashtari to go on missions, for he suspected the mages might come in numbers. It was time to prepare and pray that the mages would act rationally.

  The time was nearly upon him. Talon sat upon his throne, barely keeping his composure. He was not holding the power, for he did not want to look weak in front of the mages. Despite that, he felt little beads of sweat on the back of his neck and it took everything he had not to fidget. This was necessary, and he would show the mages his power if needed.

  Standing next to him on his throne were Aurora, Dorvan, Tol'Solie, Lewis, Evelyn, and three others. Down at the bottom of the stairs, more than three hundred Ashtari all stood at attention, facing the door through which the mages would enter. Qidan chose to remain behind, after getting permission from Talon.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  He was glad Qidan had asked not to join, for he didn’t want the mage to be forced into a decision that could cost him his life.

  The barrier around Carhan allowed Talon to keep track of the mages. More than a hundred would be here shortly. His guards were ordered to let them through without complaint, as there was nothing a normal person could do to stop a hundred mages.

  “They’ll be here in a minute,” Talon said. He could feel them buzzing in his head like flies. They were at the palace now.

  Ashtari and guards alike tensed as they awaited the arrival of the mages. Talon gripped the armrests of his throne tightly, wondering what the mages were about to do. Three hundred Ashtari made him feel safe. Still, even with a three-to-one odds, he wasn’t comfortable in a fight with them. Their experience with the power was far beyond his Ashtari’s. It would be better for both sides not to fight, and he prayed the mages thought the same.

  There was no sound in the throne room, except for the occasional shuffling of feet. Nobody dared utter a word. Here they come. Talon thought, and on cue, the great doors opened, and in came the mages. Not even a moment passed, and every single person grabbed the power.

  Talon’s fears disappeared as the power flooded his veins. Nothing could threaten him now. He was glad the mages reached for the power; it allowed him and his Ashtari to do so as well. The air was thick with power. So many powerful people in one room. It would take all his patience, along with a bit of luck, to prevent any violence today.

  He needed to be careful. A single spark, and half of Carhan could be destroyed with how much power was flowing through the room. Talon recognized the leader of the mages. The Kaidin, Fadamar Kroot. Fadamar had been in charge of the mages for over thirty years and was well into his fifties, might even be in his early sixties now. He wasn’t foolish enough to think that made him weak; in fact, he was probably the strongest power user in this room.

  Even with the power, Talon could barely keep his anger in check. The thoughts of the torture these mages put him through boiled his blood. A fight must be avoided; keep yourself together. He chided himself and took a deep breath.

  “What are you doing here?” Talon said, breaking the silence that had built.

  “You know why I’m here,” Fadamar said, his serious expression focused entirely on Talon. He didn’t so much as glance at any of the Ashtari. “What you have done is beyond horrible.”

  “Horrible, you say?” Talon leaned back, trying his best to look as calm as water. “What I have done is only horrible to those who want to maintain their power, like you.”

  Fadamar may have been focused on Talon, but he didn’t miss mages looking at his Ashtari, not quite able to hide their nervousness. His Ashtari were watching the mages warily, ready to make a move if required. He hoped none of them tried anything foolish.

  “What you are doing is going to throw Aidris into another civil war,” Fadamar countered.

  “No, I’m going to save Aidris from the invaders,” Talon said.

  “That’s an excuse for you to gain power! Don’t think me a fool, young king. I know that you have swindled Vandalor to your side. You killed Durran, of that I am sure, and now you control Eshil Domain!” Fadamar said.

  “I have neither killed Durran nor conquered a nation. Vandalor is free to do as they choose, and I will not intervene,” Talon said coldly. This Kaidin was sharp. Though it was true that he wouldn’t go to war with Vandalor if they decided to back out of the alliance. “My only agreement with Vandalor and Eshil Domain is to assist me in the war to come.”

  “Don’t give me that; you have King Harold under your thumb after what you did at Elysian Fields.”

  “That’s true,” Talon conceded. “However, that was for betraying me. He declared war on me and suggested the time and place to fight, only to have mage assistance to ambush and subdue me.”

  “You expect me to believe that you weren’t going to use your Ashtari anyway?” Fadamar said.

  Saw right through me. Talon thought. He forced his hands to loosen on the armrests. “The actions done wouldn’t have been necessary if you hadn’t intervened.”

  Fadamar smiled as if he had won a small battle. His gaze turned to Evelyn. “Princess, are you his prisoner to ensure your father’s aid?”

  “No,” Evelyn said. Surprise flickered on Fadamar’s face, but he quickly hid it. “I am here of my own free will and actively reached out to King Talon myself.”

  “What madness would possess you to do so after what he did to your father?” Fadamar asked.

  “I believe Talon is doing what’s best for Aidris, and my father was foolish for trying to stop him. We should all be working together to fight our common enemy, the Durmaddons.”

  “You’re naive, child, if you believe the Durmaddons are alive. He’s manipulating you, making you do what he wants!” Fadamar said.

  Talon found himself looking at Evelyn with awe. His doubts about her were nearly gone. She was loyal to him, truly believing in the invaders, unlike so many others. If she was playing a game, he wasn’t sure how antagonizing the mages was a good idea. She could be a great ally, one that could use the power and was princess of Eshil Domain.

  “You’re the naive one,” Evelyn said and summoned the power, much to Fadamar’s surprise. “I will do whatever I can to aid the king in his quest against the invaders. I hope you see reason before it’s too late.”

  “Enough of this,” Talon said and stood. It was time to get to the point of this impromptu meeting. He wanted to know what the mages were planning. “Tell us what you’ve come here to say or leave while you still can.”

  “Do you think three hundred untrained power users can stop me and my mages?” Fadamar said with a slight smile.

  Talon didn’t respond. Was the Kaidin going to fight? Was he foolish enough to try? Even if the mages won, they would have severe casualties. If a fight did come down, he would kill the Kaidin himself.

  “Very well,” Fadamar said and put both his arms behind his back. “First, I want the prisoners released and sent to Mortham tower.”

  “That isn’t possible,” Talon said.

  Angry muttering erupted from the mages, who quickly quieted down when Fadamar turned around. Without saying a word, the other mages shut their mouths and listened. “I’m afraid I must insist, or we’re going to have problems.”

  Talon laughed, unable to stop himself. The Kaidin knew he couldn’t fight and was trying to act as if his word was law. Ah, it was glorious; he called Fadamar’s bluff, and the mage had to know it. “If anything were to happen to me or my Ashtari, the prisoners would be executed. In fact, depending on your next move, I may order their deaths, so I recommend you think very carefully on your next move.”

  “What do you want in return for my mages?” Fadamar said angrily, taking a step forward before stopping.

  “There is nothing you can do to get your mages back,” Talon said. I can’t let them go, or the mages will discover where the School of Power is, and that wouldn’t be good. I need more time before the location is discovered. “Think of the prisoners as a way to keep your mages in check.”

  “I want them back,” Fadamar insisted. His eyes flickered across the Ashtari for the first time, then he returned his full attention back to Talon. “Especially since you had some of my mages killed to rescue some prisoners. I recognize a few of them, the ones who used to be imprisoned at Malador.”

  “That isn’t happening,” Talon said. The room went uncomfortably silent as king and Kaidin stared each other down. The rescue mission at Malador, it only made sense Fadamar would recognize some of the prisoners. “I have no knowledge of any prison escape. However, I accept any power user, who hasn’t committed an actual crime.”

  Fadamar glared at him. Oh, the hatred in his eyes was immeasurable. Talon was striking a nerve, and he could barely stop himself from smiling. It always made him feel good to see a mage who couldn’t control the situation. It was rare for them, and he could tell the Kaidin didn’t like this one bit.

  Several heartbeats passed before Fadamar sighed, nodding in defeat. “Fine, but this next one is nonnegotiable. If you or any of your Ashtari step foot in Malvarian or Skahad, I will send every mage I have to bring you and your Ashtari down.”

  “I have no intention of attacking either nation, though I will continue to send envoys to try and get an alliance to assist when the invaders attack,” Talon said.

  “No,” Fadamar said.

  “No?” Talon echoed, his face starting to get hot. His hands began to shake. “You think you can stop me?”

  “I will kill us all before I let you gain any more power,” Fadamar said.

  “If you try to stop me, I will kill the prisoners,” Talon said.

  “If that happens, then you lose any leverage you have.”

  By Tarmella’s grace, he’s good. Talon had no choice, not if he wanted to maintain the peace. Would the Forest Dwellers, Vandalor, and Eshil Domain be enough to stop the invaders? He pursed his lips, trying to find any way he could win this argument.

  There wasn’t one. He could tell that Fadamar was not bluffing. “Fine. I will leave Malvarian and Skahad alone,” Talon said.

  “It’s good to see you know how to negotiate.”

  “You are pushing your luck. I recommend showing some respect,” Talon said.

  “Respect goes both ways,” Fadamar said and turned around and began to walk away. The other mages looked shocked at what the Kaidin was doing but followed suit. He stopped at the doors and turned his head. “Remember this, young king. If you cross any lines, this will end badly for you.”

  Talon said nothing and watched the mages shuffle out of his throne room. He refused to allow the mage to bait him into action. Was this truly the end, or was Fadamar going to come up with another plan? He would be naive to think this was the end of his conflict with the mages. Now he had a new problem: how was he going to convince Skahad, Malvarian, and the mages to agree to fight the invaders without starting a war? He needed the other nations to assure victory. The current alliances might not be enough to stop the invaders, but he saw no way to convince the mages of that, not until the war actually started.