By the Sword - By Sara Flower Page 0,62

not quite,” Seline muttered.

Edandir went to grab a slab of salted pork for breakfast. The soldiers and knights were already emerging out of their tents. In mere hours, they would all be in battle.

Despite his desire to take out as many enemy combatants as possible, he had to first make sure that Talya was back on the right side. His highest priority was to get her out of that cursed castle alive.

*****

Jalarn joined Ittonifer on his balcony. They watched in silence as their army assembled.

“A marvelous sight,” said Ittonifer.

“Indeed, my lord. I shall take pleasure in finishing off those weak-minded fools from Sanctus.”

“Will you?” asked Ittonifer.

His uncle was glaring at him now.

“You kept the scroll.”

“I wanted to taunt Talya with it.”

“I don’t believe you. Aterun found it in your room early this morning – after you’d had a rather heartfelt conversation with the sword maiden. You did not kill her as I asked.”

“He was out of line to spy on me and to trespass on my private quarters. I ought to kill him.”

“As correct as that may be, you have been quite an unfaithful Malinorian yourself. I had no idea you could be so easily swayed. After everything I have done for you and given you.”

“My full allegiance is to you and to the prince!” Jalarn shouted.

Ittonifer’s mouth curved into a wicked grin.

“Prove it,” he said.

“I will!”

“Then follow me, boy.”

Jalarn decided that the old warlock would have to be eliminated after the war. He would arrange for some of his men to do the dirty work. Ittonifer put way too much faith in Aterun. The magician could not be trusted. Jalarn hated sneaky rats like him the most.

When they entered Jalarn’s wing, Aterun was there waiting for them. The magician scowled at Jalarn.

Jalarn ignored him.

The scroll was still unraveled on his bed.

Angry with Talya for her stubbornness, he had tossed it there. He hadn’t been able to bring himself to burn it just yet.

Why is that?

Ittonifer’s glare pierced into Jalarn as Aterun began to chant. Where it had seemed beautiful and deep to Jalarn before, a darkness had now been cast over it. It was different this time.

Jalarn tried to shake off the feeling and tried to see it as he had originally.

The familiar plume of fog emerged around them. This time it showed Jalarn. He was bent on the floor reading Talya’s scroll in the library.

Jalarn bristled.

Aterun was trying to ruin everything for him by twisting what had actually happened.

The image switched to Jalarn speaking with Talya back in the prison cell. It was when she had placed her hand on his arm.

Jalarn swallowed. His uncle was going to kill him. Literally, perhaps.

“How touching,” scoffed Ittonifer.

Jalarn shook his head and closed his eyes. It was too painful just to think about Talya.

But I’m not supposed to feel pain. What’s happened to me?

He had to forget about her. He had given in to emotions that he never even knew existed, but in the end, he had done the right thing. He had turned his back on her for Malinor. For the prince. He had chosen the right way. His uncle had to see that.

The image faded away, leaving Jalarn with the judgmental stares of Ittonifer and Aterun.

Chapter Sixteen

“My lord,” said Jalarn. “You know how important the prince is to me. I was just curious about why the God followers believe what they do. I wanted to win the girl’s trust so that it would be easier to sway her allegiance.”

“I don’t buy it. Your recent actions have led me to mistrust you, Jalarn. I should have known better than to allow a child to lead my army.”

“Did you not see me out there training the men this morning, ready to lead my – your army? That is exactly what I intend to do.”

“Maybe. I will have to decide if I believe you, but not today. I am going to strip you of your rank for now. Naeshi will take your place as general. I am very disappointed in you, Jalarn.”

“No!” Jalarn shouted.

Jalarn lunged at Aterun, but an invisible hand clenched his neck. Jalarn angrily fought with both of his hands, but the grip did not lessen. He couldn’t breathe.

Help me, prince!

The prince was allowing it to happen. Jalarn was being punished for dabbling in an absurd belief. Jalarn glared hatefully at the warlock that had betrayed him.

“Enough,” said Ittonifer.

Aterun withdrew his magical strangle.

Jalarn caught his breath.

“I want you to prove to me that you haven’t joined the side of the