Talent Storm (22 page)

She gritted her teeth in anger and agony. He had to die, or her people would suffer terribly. She’d only have one shot.

Selina’s talent came to life, and she reached into the simple minds of the men holding her. They immediately released her arms and jabbed their swords into each other’s chests. She rolled to the side of the room, scooped up her knife, and then leapt up to face her enemies.

Goldwater leaned against a sidewall, examining his fingernails. The other man held out the naked steel of his sword. Her talent rolled into his brain. She had to turn him on Goldwater.

The man’s defenses dismissed her talent, as if she was a new trainee. Her mouth dropped. No one had ever resisted her.

He giggled. “Thomas. She did our work for us.”

Goldwater looked at the two dead men and nodded. “Thank you Selina. It’s always nice to have someone do the grunt work. Now put down the knife and have a seat.”

Selina ground her teeth and clenched her weapon, fire raging in her mind.
The man had to die. He killed my daughter, and he’ll destroy Liberty.

She charged him, her feet slapping against the wet floor. Five strides from the man, she slipped, her leg kicking out beneath her. She thudded onto the ground with a scream.

I’ve lost,
she thought in despair
.
Her people were doomed.

She lay on the floor, her dress tattered and her face swimming in blood. Someone rolled her over, and she didn’t resist. Goldwater loomed over her, like a demon, his black aura, thick and menacing. She met his once friendly eyes. They had become calculating and sinister. A man like him was capable of anything.

“Boy, you’re a mess,” he said. “You’d think you would have spruced up for your daughter’s wedding.” He pointed toward Sara’s white, lifeless body. “Then again, she doesn’t look any better.” He let out a deep, jovial laugh.

“You’re a monster,” she shouted, furious at being tricked and even worse, at losing her daughter. “The grand dukes will never stand for this.”

A sick smile stretched on Goldwater’s face. “You’re right. In fact, they won’t ever stand again.” He chuckled.

The palace doors reopened, and a man rolled in the three heads of Selina’s grand dukes. With that single act Selina slumped, all the fire leaving her spirit. Goldwater’s dagger tore open her throat, spraying a fountain of blood.

☼☼☼

The newly crowned Archduke Goldwater stood on the balcony of the palace, overlooking an audience of Liberty’s people. Next to him stood William Nieri, one of the three men who helped Goldwater slaughter the wedding guests. Nieri held the lifeless bodies of Goldwater’s other two accomplices.

“Thank you all for gathering here. Today at my wedding to the daughter of your beloved ruler, these two assassins from Locke’s Coalition murdered Archduke Selina Tamar, my wife, and all of the guests before I was able to subdue them.”

The crowd gasped. Some people began to sob while others shouted, until the whole crowd seemed about to explode in violence. Goldwater was newer to Liberty, while Selina Tamar was loved. For most conquerors, the takeover would be a tough sell to the people.

“How could you let this happen?” one man shouted.

Another threw a rotted turnip at one of the dead men.

Just as the crowd seemed about to snap, Goldwater nodded, and a wave of talent crashed over the people. “Everyone be quiet and stand still.”

The crowd settled instantly, staring blankly at Goldwater.

“You’ll only make noise to cheer me. You’ll tell all your friends that I’m a hero.”

The crowd nodded as one.

“Today is a sad day for all of us.”
Except for me
, he thought, wanting to smile, but holding it back. He always maintained his image. “Locke’s Coalition must be made to pay for their actions. We’re going to war to avenge the Tamars’ murders.”

The crowd cheered.

“During these dangerous times, we must focus on the security and safety of our great kingdom. With a heavy heart, I am committed to helping you all move forward, as archduke, for a secure and perfect future.”

The crowd clapped and cheered, already forgetting Selina and Sara’s deaths.

It’s so easy to control people. I guess it doesn’t hurt to have my power.

He nodded at Nieri with a smile and the other man smiled back. Goldwater’s rule had begun.

☼☼☼

Present Day

Lilly and I stood outside her room after meeting with the high general. I pulled Lilly close and wrapped my arm around her lower back. Her body felt good against mine, making me feel alive. I leaned in to kiss her, but her raised hand froze me in place.

“Jaden, I want to talk about the no relationship rule.”

My pulse accelerated, and my stomach wrenched as I feared the worst.

“I think that we should follow the rule,” she said.

I stared at her, stunned as my world shattered. How could she do this? I needed her. She was the only one who understood me and stuck up for me. She was the one who always listened, and now she was leaving me just like everyone always did. “I lost Ben and my parents. I don’t want to lose you while you still live.” I knew the rule made sense, but my heart didn’t care.

“You’re not losing me. I want to be together, but they make rules for a reason. If we break the rules, we wouldn’t just be putting our lives in danger. We’d endanger the entire Coalition. When the war is over, we can be together again.”

My breath escaped me. “That could be years. What if we die on the mission? I don’t want to lose any time with you. Don’t throw us away for a stupid rule.”

She frowned, looking down and began to cry. “I don’t want to.”

“Then don’t,” I pleaded.

“I’m sorry. We have to follow the rule. Keeping our minds clear will make things safer.”

Turning away, I scowled. “Fine, whatever you want. Go say goodbye to people.”

She placed her hand on my shoulder. “Jaden—”

“Just go.”

After a momentary pause, I heard her walk off. I hung my head, my shoulders slumping. Abandoned again.

☼☼☼

I said goodbye to Ben’s parents, then made my way to Danessa’s house. When I reached it, I saw her outside in her vegetable garden. “Hey, Danessa.”

“Hey, cutie. Did you get your assignment?”

I walked closer, and she eyed me, her brow furrowing.

“Are you all right?”

I shook my head slowly. “Not really.”

I felt her talent infiltrate my mind. She gasped, her eyes shooting open wide. “What? We’re going to war?”

“Apparently.”

“I can’t believe they’re sending you. Isn’t there someone more experienced they could choose?”

I shrugged. “I thought the same thing. I guess not.”

“I’m so sorry. And something happened with Lilly too?”

I lowered my head. “She broke up with me.” The realization of it punched me, ushering in a wave of sadness. “Soldiers can’t be together during war,” I managed to say before emotion choked me and tears dripped down my face.

She threw her arms around me in a warm hug. “Poor thing. I wouldn’t have followed that rule. She’s not good enough for you anyway. When you get back, maybe we’ll give it a second chance.”

“Hello,” Lilly said behind us.

I turned, feeling my stomach sink. She stood hands on her hips. When Danessa met her eyes, Lilly scowled.

“Second chance?” Lilly asked.

My brow furrowed. “What are you doing here Lilly? Are you following me?”

“No. I am not. I was just walking by.”

Danessa sneered at Lilly. “Leave us alone. We were saying goodbye.”

“Fine say goodbye,” said Lilly. “Make it quick. I want to talk to Jaden after.” She leaned on one leg, while examining her nails.

Danessa rolled her eyes before stepping up to me. A devious sideways-smile tugged at her lips. What was she planning? She met my eyes, holding the contact. “Goodbye, Jaden. I’m going to miss you.” She leaned in, encircling me in her arms, then tilted her head up and kissed me. When I tried to pull away, she held me tighter and kissed me deeper. Finally, she released me.

Lilly stomped her foot. “You hussy!”

Danessa spun on Lilly, fists clenched. “He’s not your boyfriend anymore. You broke up with him.”

I turned to Lilly and shrugged. “You did.”

She faced me, her eyes sad. “I’m just following orders.”

I shook my head, exhaling.

Danessa eyed Lilly. “How about this order, go away.” She snickered.

Lilly’s scowl deepened as her eyes burned into Danessa. “No.”

“So you pick and choose?”

“No. I only follow orders from superiors. You’re far from superior. I could trash you.”

Danessa laughed, her eyes crinkling. “I’m scared,” she said showing her palms. “Little miss rule follower is going to hurt me.”

Lilly stomped her foot. “I will.”

Danessa lifted her fist. “Fine. Do it.”

Lilly lunged forwarded, baring her teeth. Danessa leapt at Lilly, her eyes blazing. I lifted my arm. The girls froze inches from each other.

“Enough.” I moved them apart and turned Lilly toward me. “If you don’t want to be with me, then don’t start fights over me. Now just go. I’ll see you when it’s time to leave.”

I placed her down. She eyed me for a second with a frown and then walked away, shoulders downturned.

“Sorry about that,” said Danessa. “I think that was building for a while.”

I shrugged. “It’s over now.” I’d figure out how to fix it and win Lilly back later.

She nodded. “I can’t believe you’re leaving. We’ve been together for so long.”

“I know. It’s crazy. My world is changing so fast.”

She frowned. “Please be safe.”

“I will. Take care of Ben’s parents for me. They need some company from time to time.”

“Of course. I’ll see you soon. Bye, Jaden.”

Bye, Danessa. I’ll miss you.”

A tear rolled down her cheek as I turned to leave. I walked back to my room and didn’t stop at my uncle’s house on the way.

☼☼☼

High General’s Log:

Everything is coming together. The explosion that I orchestrated has given me an excuse to push through legislation that grants me complete power. The Wilder that I commissioned to carry out the deed was the perfect fall guy. I can’t believe he really thought I’d ever release and reward him. Plus, he helped me convince that fool saboteur to fight for me.

A few people have been protesting my new power, but I took care of that by painting them as extremists in the media. The explosion should also give me the people’s support for war. Finally, Liberty Kingdom will be mine. I already have the man in mind for their next ruler. I’ll throw my money and influence behind him for their first “free” elections. He’ll surely win. With my current power and the support of the people, I’ll make the Coalition the strongest kingdom the world. No one will ever threaten us again.

CHAPTER 10

After three hours of bike riding, Lilly and I took a break at Mount Rushmore. We stood side by side, gazing up at the four carvings of past American presidents. Exhaling, I shook my head. It was breathtaking. The carving was half the reason the Coalition made its capital in Rapid City. It was a reminder of how great American democracy was and how great the Coalition could be. Today was only the second time I’d braved the Wilds. The first time, I was a child. My parents had taken me to see the mountain before they left for war. It was the last time I saw them.

After admiring the monument, we sat on a couple of nearby boulders. Lilly tossed me a ration from the supplies. “Here.”

I opened the rations and began to munch on the dried soy.

Lilly lowered her soy, her eyes grilling me. “I can’t believe you let her kiss you.”

I huffed, throwing my hands in the air. “I didn’t let her kiss me. What does it matter anyway you broke up with me.”

She shook her head, frowning. “It was a break until after the war. It’s our duty.”

“After the war? That could take forever. I don’t even know if I can trust you anymore,” I said.

She looked away, pouting, and I felt bad for what I’d said.

I felt the bolder slip under me as I kicked off it. “Let’s go.” I didn’t know what else to say, or how to make it right. I wouldn’t be happy, though, until we were together again.

She nodded and slid off the bolder, without a word. We mounted our bikes and pedaled down old crumbing roads, our dark green cloaks trailing behind us. Weeds sprouted from cracks and branches encroached on the sides, occasionally whipping at our bodies. Still, the roads were the quickest route to Liberty, even if they weren’t the safest.

After traveling for several hours, we were forced to stop. The road was completely overgrown with vines and bushes. We leapt off our bikes and laid them on the path. At the sound of footsteps, my eyes jerked up and to the left. I gasped. A shirtless man, with an untamed beard, darted out from behind a tree and grabbed my pack. Just before he disappeared into the woods, I flicked my wrist. My pack wrenched from the man’s hands and returned to our feet. He took a step forward, baring his teeth and hissing. My talent thumped him in the chest, knocking him back a few inches. He stared wide-eyed at me before darting away.

“Should we go after him?” asked Lilly.

I shook my head. “I don’t think he’ll be back. Let’s let him go.”

I removed my mace from its holster and laid it on the ground. The weight didn’t put much of a strain on my talent reserves, but I didn’t want it getting caught on branches as we cleared the path. We took out our machetes and hacked through the over growth.

After several more hours of bike riding, we set up camp for the night. I took first watch. Throughout the night, dirty Wilders in ragged clothes howled and broke sticks as they circled our camp, like hyenas waiting for a chance to attack. Eventually, when they saw that I wasn’t going anywhere, they melted back into the woods, but they never fell silent.

In the morning, I was still exhausted. Despite being given a turn in the tent, sleep eluded me. Surrounded by howling wolves, shouting Wilders, and yipping coyotes, my body wouldn’t relax. I saw bags under Lilly’s eyes as we hopped back on our bikes. Apparently, she couldn’t sleep either.