The Marenon Chronicles Collection - By Jason D. Morrow Page 0,20

Julian and placed a hand on his shoulder. Before getting a disapproving look from Nalani, Julian followed Ward out of the room.

When they were out of earshot, Ward spoke first.

“First of all, you should know better than to try and interrupt a council meeting in such a manner,” he said. “Second, I told Dublin not to contact you because I didn't want to compromise your mission.”

Julian rolled his eyes. “Compromise the mission?” He pulled up his sleeve to reveal a silver chained wristband with a green emerald at its center. “It glows when I am being contacted, Ward. I don't think it would have raised too many questions.”

“Could you have come sooner if we had called you?”

“It doesn't matter! As a member of the council I have a right to know when it is meeting. I've earned that right!”

“I'm sorry Julian.”

“What's the real reason, Ward?”

“What?”

“I said, what's the real reason you didn't contact me?”

“I don't know what you're talking abo-”

“Who's in Kaden’s seat?” he said pointing to the chamber.

Ward smirked. “The man you just embarrassed yourself in front of is none other than Barton Teague.”

“What?” That couldn't be possible.

“He's back,” Ward said. “And you have shown your true colors today, my friend.”

Julian ignored him and walked back into the chamber, all eyes falling back on him as he entered. Holden stood alone in the doorway.

Julian approached the table slowly. “Sir Barton Teague?”

The man nodded. “A name I am having to grow accustomed to again, I see,” Teague said. “Who are you?”

“How do we know you are who you say you are? No one on this council has ever seen Barton Teague, but Kaden and …” He stopped for a moment scanning the council members. “Where is Kaden?”

“You forget, dear boy,” said Ward Holden, “that I too knew Barton Teague for a very long time. This is surely he.”

Teague spoke next. “I sent Kaden on a mission yesterday.”

“What gives you the power to do that?” Julian could feel the warning stares of the council members.

“He is Barton Teague,” Ward said from the door. “He is the author and finisher of The Reckoning.”

“I don't claim to have any power over anyone,” Teague said. “It was an emergency and the best needed to be sent.”

“What's the emergency?”

Teague sighed, but he was patient. “The barrier between Marenon and Earth has been lifted and the Meshulan is in danger. If I could have gone myself, I would have, but it was forbidden by the Gatekeeper.”

“You mean Garland Ainsley is dead? That’s the only reason the barrier could be broken, right?” Julian asked.

Teague nodded solemnly. “That and the passing of time,” he answered. “The longer the magic went on, the weaker it became. The Gatekeeper’s power is failing him, I’m afraid.”

Julian was beginning to feel a bit foolish for the way he had acted, but he was not going to back down. He should have been informed of the meeting.

“That's just what I was trying to explain to the council when you started kicking the door,” Teague said.

Julian nodded, staring down at the table then back to Teague. “We need to send someone to Canor to find Garland Ainsley,” he said. “I can't do it because I have to be off to Farlaweer for the next part of my mission.”

“I just got back from Canor,” Teague said. “Have a seat, Julian,” he motioned to Julian’s open chair next to Nalani. His cheeks flushed red and he did what he was told, avoiding eye contact with anyone, especially Nalani. Ward Holden remained standing, stroking his gray, short beard, probably discerning how he looked in front of their new leadership. Julian boiled at the thought of Holden gaining prestige with anyone of importance. It made him sick.

“The truth, per my instruction, has been kept from you all,” Teague said. “Only Kaden Osric knew exactly what happened. At the time, he was the only person I could trust.”

Julian noticed Holden look down at the floor, almost in shame. He wondered what might have happened between the two.

“I was once a knight under the king of Marenon. With that honor comes a new name. My new name was Sir Barton Teague. What you should know is that my birth name is Garland Ainsley.”

Teague waited a moment to allow the words to sink in. Several council members exchanged looks with one another, but remained silent. Ward kept his eyes on the floor.

“When the Dunarians were gaining power and renown in Marenon, when our voice was becoming stronger, I decided to keep