The Allseer Trilogy Page 2

  “When you’re ready,” Nyson finished, stepping back into the shadows. Bottles were arranged, the white-haired men preparing for the process. Garild glanced nervously as one of the bottles was shaken, the thick liquid sloshing around in the glass confinement.

  “I’m ready,” Kirheen announced, sounding more eager than she felt. It was false confidence to mask her nerves, but it had the intended effect. Garild scrunched up his face, staring at her in disbelief.

  “You’re actually going to let them put that in your skin?” Garild asked.

  Kirheen rolled her eyes. “Yes. You’re going to have to as well. It’s part of the ritual.” She smirked, raising a solitary brow as she challenged his bravery. “Unless you’re too scared?”

  “I’m not scared!” he retorted quickly, but it didn’t mask the way his voice trembled.

  “Then prove it.”

  The man in front of Kirheen caught her eye and motioned for her to move closer. She slid towards him and he reached out, gently grabbing her left hand. The sudden closeness, the unexpected warmth of his skin, alarmed her and she drew her hand back as if she’d been bitten. He smirked, raising a brow in the same challenging expression she’d given Garild, brown eyes dancing with mischief. He’s taunting me. She narrowed her eyes, hoping he could feel her scathing displeasure as she let him take her wrist. He flipped her hand over so her palm faced upwards and pushed back her sleeve.

  He picked up a vial filled with a clear liquid and upended it onto a clean cloth. The smell made her wrinkle her nose, sharp and acidic. He used the cloth to wipe down her arm, the liquid tingling as it coated her skin. It wasn’t an unpleasant sensation, and she savored it, knowing that what would follow would be anything but pleasant. That strange contraption with the needle-sharp point was hoisted into a steady hand, the tip dipped into a vial of dark ink. He took hold of her wrist, long fingers locking her in place. Quick as a snake, he descended, the sharp point striking into the soft flesh of her wrist. She yelped and tried to pull away, but he held her tightly, dark eyes warning her against such foolishness. Inhaling sharply, she steadied herself, feeling a wave of irritation as the man smiled, white teeth flashing in the gloom. She gritted her teeth and let him continue his work, feeling the slip of the sharp point as it dove in and out of her wrist.

  Garild watched in silence, mouth gaping open. He shuddered as blood welled to the surface where her skin had been punctured, injected with shadowy ink. Her bond mate looked faint, and she wondered how he’d possibly make it through getting his symbol.

  Kirheen watched as the man seated in front of Garild reached forward, tugging on his sleeve impatiently. Unlike the man working on Kirheen, his twin looked irritated and more than a little unhappy to be attending their ritual, let alone having to be a central part of it. Garild pulled back sharply, a look of horror on his face.

  “Oh, stop! It really isn’t that bad,” she scolded, trying not to wince as the needle dove back into her wrist. “At least we only have to do this once.” She smiled at him sheepishly and he glared. With a trembling hand, he reached out and let his wrist be grasped by the angry man sitting across from him.

  He tensed as the tingling liquid was spread over his skin, his eyes growing larger as the needle was dipped in dark ink and raised above his wrist. Whatever brave thoughts he’d had of surviving the experience seemed to vanish like a puff of smoke, escaping him in a rush of escaped breath as the needle touched his skin.

  His eyes rolled back, and he slumped to the ground. Kirheen gasped, unsure of what to do. She looked to the white-haired man holding her wrist and he glanced at Garild. His face contorted, and then he burst with laughter, the sound startling in the silent chamber.

  Garild had passed out in front of the Council, in front of Nyson. She felt embarrassed and ashamed knowing that this was the boy she’d been bound to and, for better or worse, she was stuck with him.

  CHAPTER 2

  Garild woke with a start, feeling disoriented as he glanced around an unfamiliar room. Wraith wood walls, common to Sanctuary, surrounded him, but he had no idea where he was. He vaguely remembered waking in the middle of the night, but it had been dark, and he’d been too exhausted to investigate further. The last thing he could remember was being at the ritual. They’d been getting their symbols. He could remember a sharp smell, the tingle of liquid on his skin and then things had gone blank. “Oh, Allseer…”

  His stomach twisted, a hot flash of embarrassment warming his cheeks. He’d passed out in front of the Council, in front of Kirheen, and in front of the Union Master himself. He was a fool, sure to be laughed out of Sanctuary by the rest of the Bonded.

  Groaning, he lifted his head, taking a moment to look around the room. It was small and simply furnished. Two beds took up most of the room. A small desk sat against the wall to his right beneath a large window allowing a pleasant view of the surrounding forest. Vibrant purple flowers filled a large vase in the corner, clouding the room with a scent he might have found agreeable if not for the dull throbbing in his temples.

  As he propped himself up, pain flashed across his right wrist. At some point, bandages had been wrapped loosely around his wrist, no doubt there to protect the symbol that had been poked into his skin. He had no desire to look at it. Doing so was likely to make him pass out again.

  Soft footsteps echoed on the other side of a blue curtain separating one room from the next, and Kirheen pushed it aside, stepping into the room and glancing in his direction. Her face was rigid, but her eyes twinkled as she looked at him. He knew she was suppressing laughter, and the realization made him angry. He didn’t want to see anyone, especially not the one person he’d been hoping to impress.

  “Ah, you’re finally awake,” Kirheen remarked as she moved to the edge of his bed. “You gave everyone quite the laugh passing out like that. Guess it’s normally the girls that have that reaction.”

  Garild looked away from her, anger and embarrassment fighting for dominance. He’d need more bandages, but this time for his wounded pride. “Good to know.”

  “Oh, Garild, I’m just messing with you. Don’t be angry.” She took a seat on the edge of the bed. “If you want to know the truth, it did hurt. A lot. Have you looked at it yet? It’s really interesting!”

  He shrugged in response. “I really don’t want to look at it right now.”

  “Stop! Just look.”

  Kirheen removed the bandages from her left wrist and held it out towards him. Though her wrist was red and puffy, he could see the design that had been put into her skin. A sun held the delicate crescent of the moon, stars dotting the surface around it. It was interesting, but the sight of it also made his stomach churn.

  “It’s nice,” he said, glancing away. Seeing the enflamed skin around the mark just made his own wrist throb. “Where are we?”

  “Once they finished up the symbol, we were brought here. It’s…our new home. They’ve gathered our things from the Temple of Growth, so there won’t be any reason to go back.”

  The temple was where they’d been raised. Two long, narrow buildings had served as their home throughout their childhood. It was where they had learned of the world, of the struggles they’d face, the duties that were expected of them, and the powers they possessed that would one day be used to fight back against the Darkness.

  It felt strange knowing he’d never go back. Those they’d grown up with would be bonded soon. Things were about to change for them all, and the full responsibilities of being an adult were starting to settle on unsteady shoulders.

  Kirheen sighed, seemingly lost in the same thoughts he was having. She glanced at him, a sadness dimming eyes the color of storm clouds. “We’ll be meeting our instructor today. They should be here soon.”

  “Oh? Do you know who it is?”

  Kirheen shook her head. “It’s supposed to be one of the council members. Most of them are instructors.”

  “Not surprising. They’re supposed to be the best of the best,” he said. While
he’d seen a few of the council members, his interactions with them had been sparse. Much like the Union Master, the Bondless didn’t interact with the Council that often until they’d gone through the Ritual of Union.

  “I’m sure it’ll be great. Nothing like having someone here every day to force us to learn about each other,” she grumbled. “I think having us in such close proximity will take care of that just fine.” She rose from the bed and strode into the other room, leaving him to his thoughts.

  Garild winced at her words. It was hard to tell when she was being serious or just being sarcastic. She’d always been outspoken, often openly challenging or questioning anything she deemed odd or interesting. She had no self-control when it came to voicing her thoughts, and he found himself envying how easily she expressed herself.

  It had never been that easy for him. Bottling everything up seemed like a much better alternative. It also made him well liked, something Kirheen had never had the luxury of. Her attitude hadn’t earned her many friends over the years.

  He hadn’t missed how often her comments were aimed at him, words carefully chosen to wound, and she knew just how to hurt his feelings. It had never been a secret that she wasn’t happy about being bonded. He’d heard her rant on more than one occasion about the delicate nature of her thoughts and feelings, how she’d never share that space with anyone. She’d vowed to keep her mind strong, and if someone truly wanted in, they’d have to have the strength to break through her barriers. She’d been quick to assure him such a thing wasn’t possible.

  Despite her sour attitude, he’d wouldn’t have wanted to be bonded with anyone else. He’d always liked Kirheen and felt drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He doubted she even realized it, and she certainly wouldn’t accept his feelings even if she did. For now, just getting to spend each day with her would be enough, even if her comments made it perfectly clear he was a fool for enjoying it.

  Though he wanted to remain in bed, curiosity was getting the better of him. With a grunt, he swung his legs onto the floor, favoring his wrist as he stood and walked to the other room. It felt like he’d been burned, that tight, crusted feeling of having stood in the sun too long. Down a short hallway, he found himself in a simple seating area. To his right were several cushioned wraith wood chairs forming a small semi-circle around a fireplace. It was empty now, the season still too warm for fires. The rest of the room was filled with a few large plants, large green leaves shooting out in all directions. Light blue tapestries hung from the walls, bearing the symbol of the Allseer; a white eye with a jagged line through the center.

  Kirheen was sitting in one of the chairs, staring down at an intricately carved table he’d failed to notice at first glance. As he approached, he realized the center had been carved out and filled with water. Two colorful fish were at its center, swimming lazy circles around each other. He plopped down in a chair next to Kirheen, accidentally bumping the table with his knee as he sat, startling the fish. Kirheen glanced at him with a sigh, chin cupped in her hands.

  “Sorry,” he said sheepishly. She shrugged, eyes wandering back to the fish. She was unusually quiet, and he wondered what might be floating through that mind of hers. He was about to ask when a knock at the front door interrupted him. He rose quickly, crossing the expanse of the room in a few strides. When he opened the door, he found himself looking up at an older woman. She was tall and thin, dull gray hair pulled back into a meticulous bun. Her sharp green eyes regarded him over an upturned nose, lips drawn into a disapproving frown. He had to wonder if the woman had ever had a happy thought in her entire life.

  “H-hello,” Garild forced himself to say, feeling uncomfortable under her scrutinizing gaze. “Can I help you?”

  “Yes, by getting out of the way. And in the future, if you could show restraint over your own body by not fainting in front of the Council, that would be preferable.”

  Garild felt like he’d been slapped upside the head, her words turning his cheeks as red as apples. He stepped out of the way, allowing the bitter old woman to enter the room. She surveyed the room, eyes inspecting every surface as if she were committing it to memory. As her gaze fell on Kirheen, her frown deepened. As expected, Kirheen caught on to the expression and stared back at the woman menacingly, one brow arched high, ready for the challenge being presented to her. Their eyes locked and Garild suppressed a shiver.

  “And just who are you?” Kirheen spat.

  “I could ask the same of you, but I find it unnecessary. Your ill manners speak for you, Kirheen. I was told my students would be a surprise. What an intriguing jest.”

  Kirheen forced a smile. “I’m glad you’ve heard of me. Saves me some effort.”

  “Still that flapping tongue of yours, girl. You have a reputation around here, and it isn’t one I respect. That is something you’ll have to earn, and right now you’re making a very poor case for yourself.”

  “My apologies,” Kirheen replied sweetly.

  The woman ignored her. “Very well. Garild, go take a seat next to your companion so we can get started.”

  Not wanting to test her patience any further, he did as he was told. He darted to the closest chair and took a seat, keeping his eyes on the floor as the woman stepped around the table to stand before them. Avoiding eye contact seemed a safe bet, and he sunk down in his chair in hopes he might become less noticeable. He felt afraid to move, to speak, as if a whisper might cause the room to explode.

  “I’m glad someone can follow instructions. My name is Herzin. So far, you’ve both been fortunate enough to have never stepped foot in my halls, but I’m sure you’ve heard stories. I am the Judge of Trials, and now your instructor.

  Garild’s heart skipped a beat. He’d heard about the Temple of Trials, and none of what he’d heard was good. For the Bonded that strayed from their path, a trial was held to decide their punishment. Herzin alone held the keys to their fate and, from what he’d heard, her punishments weren’t exactly fair. What was truth and what had been grossly exaggerated was a mystery, but the fact that she was their instructor sent a chill of fear racing up his spine.

  “We'll try to avoid getting into any trouble. We wouldn't want to see more of you than we have to,” Kirheen snapped.

  Herzin regarded her the way one would a bug they’d just squashed under their heel. “The feeling is quite mutual, dear. Do pray you never end up in my hall. I think your opinion of me would sour even further. Now, shooting down your insults is entertaining and all, but we have work to do. I expect your full attention. I assume that won’t be a problem?”

  Before Kirheen could shoot back with a snide remark, Garild spoke. “Of course not,” he said quickly. “Not a problem at all.” Kirheen shot him an annoyed glance.

  “Very good. Now, I’m going to ask you some questions to get a grasp of your knowledge. Answer as best you can. It will dictate the training you receive from here on out. First off, I’d like to hear your opinion on something. Garild, tell me what you know of what it means to be bonded?”

  All his life, he’d been told being bonded was the greatest honor one could ever be gifted. To be granted such a connection with another was beautiful and special, something to be deeply cherished and respected. In his heart, he truly believed that.

  He also knew that their bond was meant to strengthen their powers. It was meant to help them learn, to guide them and shape them until they became strong enough to face the Darkness. Though he believed in his bond so strongly, he found it difficult to put those feelings into words, especially with Kirheen sitting right next to him. Their bond meant so much to him and, though she didn’t feel the same, he hoped there would come a time when her feelings would change. As long as he didn’t give up on her, she’d come around eventually.

  “It’s a great honor. It’s the truest connection one can have with another person. It’s quite a gift, being able to develop a connection so deep that you can know the heart and mind of another as well as you know your own. It’s also the best w
ay to strengthen the powers we are blessed with.” He felt flushed as he spoke, the words revealing a glimpse of what he felt in his heart. Those feelings were dashed against the rocks as Kirheen rolled her eyes, obviously at odds with his opinion on the subject.

  “How very eloquent, Garild. It is a gift, and one that should not be squandered,” Herzin said, making a point to glare at Kirheen as she said it. “And what of you, girl? Care to tell me how you feel about being bonded?”

  Kirheen sighed. “It’s not a gift, so much as a curse. It allows our minds and hearts to be known by another, regardless of whether we desire such an intrusion. Using our gifts to battle the Darkness is one thing but using it to invade the minds and hearts of others is quite another.”

  “An interesting perspective.”

  Garild felt sick. He really was a fool. “Kirheen, you can’t really feel that way. Do you?”

  “And why shouldn’t I?” she snapped. “Should you be allowed access to my thoughts and my heart simply because you desire it, because it is expected of me?”

  He was at a loss for words, unable to comprehend how she could feel that way.

  Herzin spoke, calming the situation before it could escalate. “Strange that you two have been bound when you share such differing opinions on the matter. Perhaps you can find some common ground here. Neither of you are wrong in your assessments. Our power, bestowed upon us by the Allseer herself, is a gift. To say otherwise is a slight against the Goddess herself, Kirheen. However, your bond, regardless of how you feel about it, is a means to an end. All this training will lead you to one thing; stopping the Darkness. Do tell me though, how can you expect to block out the Darkness if you’ve never experienced the sensation before? How would you know it was happening? You’d fall under its corruption without this, without submitting yourself to this bond and allowing your powers to grow through it.”