Hunted Sorcery (Jon Oklar Book 2) by B.T. Narro (best book series to read txt) 📗

was an odd feeling, almost as if we were being protected, though the opposite was closer to the truth. It was up to us to defend the rest of them.

It was the first time I had felt young since coming here.

I asked, “Couldn’t Pearson have put the callring in Kataleya’s room? If he found his way into the keep through a window, he probably could’ve found his way into the apartments.”

“He broke a window today in order to get into the keep. Just like the windows in the apartments, they do not open from the outside. Someone would’ve had to let him in if he did not break it.”

The king took a long glance at us, holding his gaze on one of us at a time.

“Another mystery surrounds Pearson,” Nykal said when he was done. “I ask you, Barrett. How could a fire mage like Pearson train with dteria long enough to become more powerful than Cason without anyone finding out? I’m sure there are hundreds of people in Newhaven who have hired Pearson throughout the years. We’ve received more false reports of dteria than real ones, but not one false report about Pearson that I recall. Is this correct?”

“It is correct, your majesty. I don’t know how this could be possible, but it seems to be the case.”

The princess and queen were absent from this meal, most likely eating in their own quarters like Remi. I hoped they were all right after everything that had happened, especially Callie. I was certain it was her scream that I’d heard from high in the keep before Pearson had emerged with the king’s chest.

“There’s something else at play here,” the king said.

“Are you implying what I think?” Barrett asked.

What was the king implying? The hearty supper hadn’t helped me recover as much as I’d hoped it would, my mind a jumble.

I was still sometimes gripped by sudden panic, remembering the voices of my peers calling out for me to heal someone quickly. I kept hearing them from the courtyard. Internal alarm bells drew my attention away. My mind thought there still might be injured lying out there, waiting for me to save them, someone we missed among the many dead bodies.

The king did not answer Barrett, though it looked like he wanted to.

I thought next about the bloodstain Calvin’s head had left on the wall of the keep.

There hadn’t even been many dark mages who’d gotten over the castle walls. The guards had pieced together that there were probably about six in the courtyard, including Cason and Pearson, and only two had been killed. Most of the men the king had paid to defend the castle hadn’t even seen an enemy until after the smoke cleared.

“No matter what the explanation is for Pearson’s powerful sorcery,” the king said, “he cannot get the gold to Rohaer on horse and carriage because the only road to Rohaer is snowed in. If Byron’s team does not find Pearson and recover what he stole, Pearson will likely divide the kingdom’s riches to the dark mages he trusts the most. They will help him carry these riches through the forest. It is a long trip to Rohaer, but the forest is vast. I do not expect them to be caught, though I’m doing everything I can to increase the odds.

“I want all of you to know, if these riches are not retrieved, I will have to impose a crisis tax. I no longer believe my taxmen will be walking into an ambush, as it has become clear that the enemies of this kingdom were primarily interested in coin which they have now obtained. We have expected them to retreat to Rohaer for quite some time, and I have no doubt that this is what they will do next.”

“I’m sure my family will do everything we can to help,” Kataleya said.

The king gave her a small smile. “I appreciate all the support from the Yorns. I always have. I hope you understand I was only doing what I had to when you came under suspicion.”

“I do, sire. It was difficult for a time, but I always understood. Does this mean I will be given the same freedoms as the others now?”

“Unfortunately, it means the opposite. Everyone is to be monitored as you have been. I believe there’s still a traitor within this castle, and they are now more dangerous than ever. If they were done with their plans, they would’ve left during the chaos. There is still something they wish to accomplish.”

“Sire, I hope you will not think this disrespectful,” Kataleya said, “but it seems to me that it should be quite clear that my family has only helped you. Luther is the one who has been working against you.”

Aliana looked down at her empty plate, her cheeks red.

“Yes, it does seem to be the case, but no one will be given the same freedom as before until after I am completely sure. It shouldn’t be much longer now. No one is to leave the castle without permission. If you’re seen doing so, it will be an admission of guilt. All of you keep an eye on each other and report any suspicious behavior. You will all be locked in your rooms during the night.”

I didn’t much like that idea. I never left my room during the night, but what if one of my peers was attacked? It didn’t seem wise.

“Sire,” I said. “I would like the freedom to leave my room during the night in case my assistance might be needed during an emergency. I don’t believe the rest of my peers would take offense to it.”

I seemed to be right, as no one argued against the idea.

The king curled his lips inward and had a breath. “All right, the lock on your door will not be altered.”

It was comforting to know I had earned everyone’s trust, including the king’s. I hoped soon they could feel the same comfort I did.

“That is all for now,” the king