The Path of Giants by B.T. Narro (year 7 reading list .TXT) 📗

that Oquin sent me down the path of corruption. I don’t blame him, though. I could’ve done something to stop it, yet I never did. I know I have to make amends for the actions I took, and I believe his majesty is the man who will guide me to redemption. I am an asset, my lord, and I’m sure his majesty knows that as well. There’s no one better than me at military strategy. If all I have to do is sign a contract to regain the trust of the king, that is a small price to pay.”

“Very well. You will ride back with Jon in the morning.”

I thought about voicing a complaint, but Whitley was already raising his glass.

“This calls for another toast. To new beginnings.”

“To new beginnings,” we all echoed.

I seemed to be the only one who still felt the old tension as everyone else held a little smile.

CHAPTER SEVEN

By the time we finished the meal, I felt like I was the only one who still didn’t trust Endell. I didn’t know if it was because Endell was family to them, or if I really didn’t know him as well as I thought I did, but I didn’t want to believe he had changed. I thought it was too dangerous to trust him.

On the other hand, if we had Endell’s loyalty, he could be useful. As far as I knew, the king didn’t have a military strategist who knew the dark mages like Endell did. Time and time again, my peers and I had faced danger because we weren’t prepared enough. Leon was a fine sorcerer and a decent instructor, but I couldn’t tell how much he knew of battle and warfare. Upon meeting the king, I had figured Nykal was the most knowledgeable on those subjects, but over time I had begun to see that even he had trouble figuring out the right approach to stopping Cason and the dark mages.

The Yorns didn’t want to believe Endell only because he was family. It would also be a relief to have him on our side. That, I understood.

I didn’t like the idea that I would be riding with him, however. Not without someone else with us. I didn’t care who Whitley Yorn was. He couldn’t command me to take Endell to the castle alone, if that’s what he was thinking. I’m sure the king would understand.

“How about a toke out in the garden?” Endell proposed to Whitley.

“A splendid idea.”

No, it isn’t. I tried to think of an excuse to join them. I wanted to be out there in case Endell tried something, but as it turned out, I didn’t have to say a word.

“Jon, I invite you to join us as well,” Endell said. “We should get to know each other better before we ride to the castle.”

I didn’t care how well I got to know him; I still wasn’t going to be doing that. “Thank you. I gladly accept the invitation.”

Whitley didn’t seem too pleased about me coming with them, but I didn’t care.

I stayed behind for just a moment as the older men went out to the garden, coming up on Kataleya as she helped the servants clear the table.

“Hey,” she said. “You don’t have to smoke with them.”

“I want to be there,” I told her quietly. “I don’t trust Endell. I think he’s planning something. I want you to be nearby and ready in case something happens.”

“You are too suspicious,” she said with a light smile. “But I will be nearby if it will make you feel better.”

“It would.”

I joined the two of them in the garden. The night was cold and dark, with no moon in sight, but there was enough light coming from the windows of the house for us to see well enough. I thought about asking Endell if I could search him for weapons. No one had yet. Yes, I should.

Whitley wasn’t going to like it.

I steeled my nerves and approached Endell. “Do you mind if I search you for weapons?”

“My my, what a suspicious young man you are.”

“Jon, you not only insult Endell but me as well,” Whitley scolded. “If anyone is to search my cousin it would be upon my orders.”

“It’s fine,” Endell said as he lifted his arms from his sides. “He clearly just wants to keep you safe, my lord. You shouldn’t be so hard on him for that. I give you permission. Go ahead.”

I was a little surprised, but I patted him down to search for any hidden holsters that might be containing a dagger.

There was nothing. While I searched him, however, I casted the ordia spell Identify to see if he might have anything enchanted on him. For example, one of the rings on his fingers might’ve been a callring that he could use to signal someone.

But he had nothing on him that was enchanted.

“My apologies,” I said.

There were no chairs in the garden. We stood in a close circle as Endell prepared the pipe. When he was done, he asked Whitley, “Would you like me to go first because you still don’t trust me?”

“Nonsense.” Whitley put his hand on his cousin’s shoulder. “I know how difficult it’s been for you to come all this way and apologize. I trust you now.”

Endell smiled. “I look forward to us finally working together.” He handed Whitley the pipe, then lit a match.

I looked around for any signs of an ambush. I even looked toward the sky. Valinox could practically fly. Nothing could stop him from coming down here to ambush us.

Soon Whitley was taking a few puffs, then handing the pipe off to Endell, who took a few himself. Eventually, Endell handed it to me.

I put up my hand. “I shouldn’t.”

Whitley appeared offended. “Why did you come out here if you are not going to accept the pipe?”

“I’m wondering the same thing,” Endell said.

“It’s just that I’ve never smoked before. I’m not sure I want to.”

Whitley and Endell had a mocking look as they