ArcKnight (The ArcKnight Chronicles #1)

  Ephrem

  The council’s conference room in the MarkTier palace was stifling. It was a place I did not frequent often. Banishment included exclusion from all political matters unless it had to do with the security and protection of the royal palace. Yet, here I was, facing my brother Etan, with the elders surrounding us. Their suspicious eyes bore down upon us as they observed our discussion from their seats. The table was U-shaped and every one of them had their glares fixed upon us.

  Never was I more relieved that it wasn’t my job to appease them and inform them of all matters concerning House MarkTier. Poor Etan. Being the first born brought with it an incredible number of disadvantages. I wasn’t one bit envious of him.

  Alderan, one of the council’s youngest but most outspoken members, waved his hands in the air, perturbed. “You’re speculating. The KelHan pack has not been seen around these parts in over a century. They are most likely all dead out in the forests of California or up in Oregon. This is insanity to believe they’ve come back.”

  “We’ve presented as witnesses to what we saw. It’s possible they are planning something malicious, but we can’t approach them without backup. The park is on MarkTier territory, but I need permission to engage so as not to break any agreements in place between the packs.” They were trying my patience, but I held my tongue as I waited for their response. It wasn’t a matter of if the pack was back. They were. So what was the issue here?

  “Request denied. You will not engage in any kind of contact with these strangers. I am not convinced they are the KelHans. More evidence is needed.”

  “And if we are wrong about this, Alderan?” Marianne, one of the oldest women on the council, leaned forward, her face hardened and concerned.

  “Marianne, if they dare return, they would suffer grave consequences. Their lives would be forfeited for breaking the terms of their banishment. I’d like to think they wouldn’t risk such a thing.”

  “But what of the slim chance they do risk it?” Jason asked. “What if they no longer have anything to lose?” He was standing next to me, and it looked like he was grinding his teeth down to nubs as he listened to the council.

  “And what do they have to gain?” Alderan asked. “It’s all speculation. If they do return, then so help us all. They are demonic and cursed. They were in their infancy when banished from our lands. The extent of their powers is unknown. It wouldn’t be a pleasant reunion, to say the least.”

  “Then we can’t risk not taking action now,” I demanded. Glancing around to the council, I could tell I wasn’t the only one feeling this way. But Alderan, despite his relative youth, had risen as the leader of the council. Nothing got approved without him saying so. It was downright annoying when he was obviously wrong.

  “That is not up to you to decide.” His eyes bore into me, daring me to keep arguing.

  There was nothing more to say. I backed off and lowered my head as he dismissed the court and the elders. It would earn me a night in the brig to continue, so I yielded.

  “Come on, man. Time to hit the road.” Jason placed his hand on my shoulder, urging me out. I shook my head, not believing the council could be so naïve. Well, not all of them. Many held a reserved concern in their eyes as they emptied their seats. The good it did me.

  I spotted my brother waiting on the sidelines for me, sympathy ebbing from his eyes.

  “Etan?”

  “I can’t help you. You know that.”

  “I know. But the KelHans are here. I swear to it. This could be bad. They’ll come for you. They could destroy everything before we can be ready to fight back.” I glowered at the last of the elders leaving their seats. “They’ll come for us all, and when they’re done, they’ll go after the ArcKnights too. Then what?”

  Etan’s silence and somber expression were answer enough.

  I shook my head. It was useless to plead my case.

  “What happened? You were always so gung-ho to get shit done and do it your way when we were younger. Now you’re an empty shell taking orders from everyone but yourself. Where’s the brother I sacrificed myself for? I bled for you and here you stand, a coward still.”

  “I can’t help you!” Etan snapped. “Even if I wanted to!” His own frustration swam across his face. I loved my brother, but I knew he had his hands tied. His lack of fight reignited my anger in ways I’d never expected. It tasted like acid on my tongue.

  “You never wanted to help me,” I snarled.

  I couldn’t hold back the pent-up rage which I’d kept locked up tight, deep in the crevices of my mind. Maybe I’d avoided facing these feelings for so long because I hadn’t quite forgiven Etan for what happened in the Pit. His immaturity and impulsive ways were the reason I’d been a slave for so many years. Now, when I needed him to fight with me, he cowered in the corner like a dog for its master’s command.

  Pathetic.

  Still shaking my head, I marched out of the room. The council could kiss my ass for all I cared. If they weren’t going to help me, I had my own band of loyal soldiers who would, no matter what happened. There was one thing I’d gained from my time in the Pit, and it was the respect of every fighter, soldier and veteran in the MarkTier stronghold and in the streets of Temple. No one messed with Ephrem.

  It was time to call in some favors.