was controversial, but I see your point. Since he was once one of us, perhaps Darius finds it easier to punish him.”
“He is the king, not some common criminal,” Silas added.
“And he has no ill intention,” Inga said. “I’ve seen him when he didn’t know I was listening. He only wants to defeat our enemies.”
“You’re trying to convince someone who already agrees with you,” Kaden sighed. “I think Julian has been foolish, and his mistake was perilous, but we can’t just forget what he did to save us last night.” He reached for a cup and took a sip of something and swallowed hard, staring at Silas with contemplative eyes.
“Many Dunarians have no idea what Julian did to the council members, but it won’t take long for them to figure it out,” Kaden continued. “Personally, I think he should be made to face the consequences of his actions. But I also know that we need him alive. We must have his army. The people of Jekyll Rock should ultimately decide what happens to Julian, but they will listen to their Meshulan.”
“You think so?”
“I do. You are their hero.”
“More like their mascot.”
“Not true,” Kaden said sternly. “You now possess the power to finish The Reckoning, but you know as well as I that you can’t do it alone. You need a big army. That will include armies from the Erellen king and the Human king. You can rally support for Julian before word gets out about what he did. I know him well. He’ll reciprocate with his army from Farlaweer.”
“And the Erellens?” Silas asked. “They aren’t going to be happy that we have their medallion and plan to destroy their gate.”
“Well,” Inga said, “they can blame their prince for giving up the medallion. Daewyn led us to it willingly.”
Kaden smiled widely. “Silas, you not only have a new magical power, but also the title that people will follow. Even if kings want nothing to do with you, the people will be inspired by you. They’ve been waiting for you for so long.”
Kaden was right. Silas would go straight to the ones he was born to deliver. The people had grown tired of waiting for him and now he was ready to make good on a prophecy despite how misleading it had been.
Kaden led them to a balcony to point out where the citizens had gathered near the north wall, waiting to hear from Silas.
“They want you,” Kaden said. “They are ready for their Deliverer.”
The three of them walked through the city and to the north side where everyone was waiting patiently. At the first sight of Silas, the crowd began to cheer and clap as some added whistles and shouts to the mix.
Silas could feel their eyes watching him. How could he let them know that he had barely done anything to help them? They only cheered for him because he was the Meshulan, not because of what they had seen him do in battle.
The crowd’s applause continued until Silas stood alone at the top of the wall, then a heavy silence fell over them. What was there to tell them? What did they want to hear? The future was so uncertain for all of them.
Silas looked down toward the front of the crowd to see Lorcan standing next to Inga, giving her a long embrace. It had probably felt like a lifetime since they had seen each other. Nalani, Alric and Coffman stood near them, as well as Dink and Emma. Kaden stood off to Silas’ left and nodded with encouragement.
Silas’ hands began to shake, and he gripped the staff of Uriah to steady himself. For a brief second he closed his eyes, letting his new magic calm his nerves. Like a drug, the relief flooded through his veins, and he smiled, not believing how easy it was.
With the realization that he had no more to fear, he began to laugh. As he laughed, he held out his hands and let out a blast of light that sparkled through the air like fireworks. The crowd’s cheers instantly erupted again at the sight of their beloved Deliverer.
“Dunarians!” Silas said, using his magic to amplify his voice. “Today we have shown the enemy that we are no small nuisance. We have shown them that we cannot be defeated so easily.
This caused the crowd to shout out again.
“Now it’s time we show Anithistor and his pitiful army that they aren’t welcome here in Marenon. They never have been and never will be!”
The crowd’s