The Fourteenth Key (The Chronicles of Terah Book 3) (39 page)

Landis nodded.

“Hasn’t it crossed your mind that, if I wanted to kill you, I could do it in less time than it takes you to blink? And that there’s not a thing in the world you could do to prevent it?”

Landis’s eyes darted over to Rhianna.

“And there’s nothing she could do to stop me either.” Kevin stared at her for a moment and then shook his head. “Look, all I’m trying to do is keep you safe. If you can’t accept that, we need to call a halt to this whole thing right now. I’ll take you back to Crinsor Run and tell Hayden to find someone else. Just say the word and it’s done.”

Landis chewed her lip, but she didn’t say anything.

Rhianna had had enough. She stepped over to Landis, pointed towards the cave entrance, and gave her a quick shove in the back. “Go on.”

Kevin picked up one of the glowstone torches they had left near the entrance and led them through the front chamber and on to the room that had been set up as a kitchen. The table and chairs were still there, so Kevin set the basket Ashni had handed him down on the table. Then he led them deeper into the mountain to the sitting room where Chris was waiting. There were three armchairs in the room, each with a small table and glowstone lamp beside it.

Chris nodded at Landis and Rhianna as they walked in and then looked at Kevin. “Everything okay?”

Kevin nodded and motioned Landis and Rhianna towards the chairs. “I’ll go get Robyn,” he said as he took out his key. “Back in a minute.”

While Kevin was gone, Chris told Rhianna the two of them were going for a walk around the valley while Landis and Robyn talked.

“Is Myron going with you, or is he planning to stay here with us?” Landis asked.

Chris shook his head. “Neither one. He’ll be somewhere outside keeping an eye on things.”

“We went through a room that looked like it was meant to be a kitchen at one point. Are any more rooms set up?” Rhianna asked.

Chris nodded. “If you follow the hall a little bit farther, you’ll come to a room that’s set up as a bedroom. You’ll see it later this evening.”

Landis frowned. “Any particular reason?”

“We’re spending the night here,” Chris answered. “You and Rhianna will stay here and Kevin and I will be in a nearby cave.”

“Why aren’t we going to the castle?” Landis asked.

“Kevin thinks you’re safer here.”

“Why?”

“You’d have to ask him,” Chris said.

At that point, Kevin and Robyn stepped into the room. As soon as Robyn saw Landis, he stopped and stared.

Landis slowly stood up. Her eyes widened and her hands rose to her face. The tips of her fingers brushed her lips as a slow smile softened her face and settled in her eyes. “Robyn? Is it really you?”

“Landis? My little Landis?” Robyn whispered. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her as he walked towards her. As soon as he reached her, he clasped her in a big hug and whispered, “Landis” over and over as tears made their way down his cheeks.

After a moment, he pushed her back and they both laughed. Then they both asked “How are you?” at the same time and laughed again.

Kevin motioned to Chris and Rhianna and the three of them made their way out of the room, leaving the brother and sister some privacy to get reacquainted.

After a couple of minutes, Landis sat back down on her chair and patted the chair beside her for Robyn.

“So, what have you been doing since I last saw you?” Landis asked. “Are you married? Do you have any children?”

Robyn laughed. “No and no, but let’s leave all of that for later. I have to be back in an hour and I understand you have some questions, specific questions. Let’s tackle those first and then, if there’s time, we’ll catch up on each other’s lives. So, what do you need to know?”

“Where do you live? Are you still in Trendon?”

“No, I left Trendon eight years ago. I live in Mapleton now.”

“Why?”

“Why do I live in Mapleton? I like it there. It’s a nice little town.”

“No, why did you leave Trendon?”

“I didn’t have a lot of choice,” Robyn said. “None of us did.”

“Why not?”

“Once our father died and Rolan took over, he made it clear we weren’t welcome anymore. Let’s just say it was in our best interest to move away.”

“Why did he want you to leave? That doesn’t make sense to me.”

“He sees us as threats. He sees every sorcerer as a threat. He doesn’t allow any sorcerers in Trendon at all.”

“Why?”

“He thinks every sorcerer wants to be a seated sorcerer, and since he was willing to do whatever it took to get that seat, he figures we are, too. He’s wrong, but he’ll never believe it,” Robyn explained. “The thing he will never understand is most sorcerers don’t have any desire to be on the council. I know I don’t. I don’t want the responsibility, but that’s one of the differences between me and Rolan. I see responsibility. He sees power.”

“I don’t know what a sorcerer does, much less what a seated sorcerer does. Why does he want it so much? You say he sees power. What kind of power? Magical power?”

“In a way, but not the way you mean. Just because he’s the seated sorcerer doesn’t mean his magic’s any stronger. The power I’m talking about is the power of the position. You’re in charge of the whole province. You live in a castle. Your meals are cooked and served whenever you want them. Your clothes are washed and put away. Your bath is drawn anytime you want one. People are standing by to answer your every wish, day or night. To a lot of people, that’s power. But there is one thing that’s sort of magical. Each seated sorcerer has a key to Terah, and that’s a powerful key. You traveled through the energy field to get here, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Well, a seated sorcerer can use that key to open the energy field and go anywhere he pleases, any time he wants to, and to someone like Rolan, that would be hard to resist.”

Landis frowned. “What do you mean, someone like Rolan? Why would he want a key?”

Robyn hesitated. “Let’s just say he enjoys the company of women, but not the obligations that come with the pleasure, and if he uses the key, they won’t ever know who he is.”

“Oh.” Landis felt her face grow warm. “You must know him pretty well if you know that.”

“Not really. The day he moved into the castle, the day before our father died, was the first time he’d set foot in Trendon in years. But I have friends who still live in the area, and some are still involved with the castle. They let me know what’s going on there.”

“How can you be sure they’re telling you the truth?”

“Because I have more than one source, and since none of them know about the others, I know they’re not comparing notes,” Robyn said. “Landis, this isn’t a game. Rolan is a dangerous man. He’s dangerous to me, you, the rest of our family, and everyone he comes in contact with. A few months ago he lost his temper and accidentally killed one of his guards. He didn’t even blink an eye. He has no conscience. If he even thought someone was sending me information, he’d kill them. No questions asked, no nothing.”

“Then why do they write to you? Aren’t they afraid he’ll find out?”

“Let’s just say there are some people who are still loyal enough to the House of Gergin to take the risk.”

“But he’s a member of the House of Gergin.”

“Maybe I should have said those people are still loyal to Tsareth.”

“You said Rolan killed a guard. And I know Myron killed a sorcerer a couple of months ago. Is that what sorcerers do? Kill other people?”

“Of course not! I’ve never killed anyone in my life. And neither did Tsareth. Most sorcerers go through their entire lives and never use an energy bolt for anything more destructive than blowing up an old tree trunk or a big boulder. Magic’s meant to help, not harm, but as with everything, there are people who abuse their power, and Rolan’s one of them.”

“Did Rolan kill my father?”

Robyn hesitated. “I can’t say for certain because I wasn’t there, but I do believe he did. I never, not for one minute, believed what Rolan said about Tsareth dying in his sleep. The man was fine the day before, and I know sometimes people die with no warning, but I don’t think so, not in this case. And that story about Tsareth wanting to have his ashes in an urn was utter nonsense. He wanted to be buried with the rest of his family. No. Rolan wanted to be the seated sorcerer, Tsareth wouldn’t hand it over, so Rolan took it. I was convinced Rolan had killed him before anyone told me what Taelor said about the duel, and I have to say Taelor’s story makes a lot more sense than Rolan’s, especially if you knew Tsareth.”

Landis looked at Robyn for a moment and then said, “Taelor says Rolan wants to kill me.”

Robyn nodded. “He does.”

“But why? What have I ever done to him?”

“It’s not about what you’ve done or haven’t done. It’s who you are, and what you might become.”

“What do you mean?”

“Landis, you haven’t spent much time around sorcerers …”

“Try none, unless you count Myron.”

“So you can’t tell how strong another sorcerer’s magic is, but I can. And Tsareth could, too. He knew you would be the strongest of all of us. He told everyone who would listen about his youngest daughter and what a powerful sorcerer she would be one day. He intended to pass his seat on to you when the time came, and he didn’t make any secret of that either. If Rolan didn’t know before he took over, I’m sure he does now. And that’s why he wants to get rid of you before you have a chance to train, before you’re a threat to him.”

“But that’s the thing. I’m not a threat to him, and if I decide not to train, I won’t ever be one. If we could just talk, I could explain that to him.”

“It wouldn’t matter. He’d sense the magic in you like I do. And he’d never believe you’d ignore it. He’d assume you want the seat, and that one day, you’ll go after it, just like he did. If you went to talk to him, you’d never make it out of the room alive. He sent assassins out with orders to kill you over a year ago. He’s not going to change his mind and call them off. I don’t know where Myron has you training, but wherever it is, I hope you’re well-protected.”

“I am. It’s…” Landis said, but before she could say more, Robyn held up his hand for her to stop.

“No, don’t tell me. I don’t want that information in my head. It’s best if no one knows where you are. At least no one Rolan can get his hands on.”

“Why don’t you come stay with me? I’m sure I can get Myron to let you. You’d be safe there.”

“Life’s not always about being safe, Landis. Sometimes there are things that are worth a little risk.”

“Do you think he would hurt you? Are you in any danger?”

“I don’t know. I’m sure he knows where I am. I haven’t made any effort to hide. If he knew Myron and I had talked a few times, he might, but we’re careful, and so far he hasn’t figured it out. Although I do think he has someone watching me in case you try to contact me, which explains why we’re on this island in the middle of nowhere, and why I’ve got to get back before I’m missed,” Robyn said as he stood up.

“But there’s so much more I need to know,” Landis said, standing up.

“Maybe we can do this again, but I have to go now.”

“Just tell me this. Years ago, we were in a meadow watching a storm and you told me I’d be a powerful sorcerer one day and do great things for Brendolanth. Do you remember?”

Robyn smiled. “I think I said exceptional sorcerer, but yes, I remember.”

“Why did you say that? What made you even think that? I was a child.”

“I’m not sure how I knew, but I knew. And I still believe it, even if you don’t. You’ll be a very powerful sorcerer one day, one of the best, and I have no doubt you’ll be good for our province. So go back to wherever you’re staying and work hard. It’ll be worth it in the long run.”

“But what if I don’t want to be a sorcerer?”

“I’m not sure you have a choice. It’s who you are.” Robyn hugged her. “And now, I really must go. I’m sure Myron’s waiting for me outside. Come on. Walk with me.”

A few minutes later, they stepped out of the cave into the bright sunshine where Kevin was waiting. “Ready to go?” he asked Robyn.

Robyn nodded and placed his hand on Kevin’s arm. “Take care of yourself, little sister,” Robyn said as Kevin turned the key and they vanished from the island.

~ ~ ~ ~

Although it was still early by Milhaven time, and even earlier by Wildcat Mountain time, everyone drifted off to bed after Kevin took Robyn home.

As he was getting ready for bed, Kevin said, “I should go back and let Darrell know we won’t be in the castle tonight. All I need is for Rupert to tell him I’m missing, and you know he will.”

“That’s his job, but Darrell knows. I told him this morning.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. After all, that’s my job.”

“How did you convince him we didn’t need one of the bodyguards?”

Chris laughed. “I stretched the truth a little. I told him it was connected to your role as mentor, and I reminded him you don’t need a bodyguard if Glendymere’s around. Oh, and I told Marcus you wouldn’t be around tonight, so if anything comes up, he’s on call. Ariel knows to wake him if there’s an emergency.”

“Anyone else know we’re not in the castle tonight?”

“Laryn, Steve, Karl, Miranda, Neiven, Cryslyn, Isak, and Gen. Crandal. And those are just the ones I told. I have no idea how many others know by now.”

“Then no one will be looking for us. We’re officially off duty.”

Chapter 36

Landis Visits Milhaven

Landis was the only one on the island who didn’t fall asleep right after Robyn went home. She was awake half the night, thinking about things Robyn had said and questions she hadn’t had time to ask. Her future seemed as unclear now as it had before she’d talked to him. She tossed and turned as she tried to quiet her mind.

She felt like she had just managed to drop off when Rhianna shook her shoulder and told her it was time to get up. While Landis dressed and tried to wake up, Rhianna made the beds and packed the bags. A few minutes later, they joined Kevin and Chris on the ledge in front of the cave. The sun was sinking in the western sky. It would be nightfall on the island before long.